Bib for infant or child

Abstract

A bib suitable for infants has improved absorbent and/or wiping elements. Additional feature of the inventive bib includes a strap that allows for easy removal of a bib body. A protective structure for the fastener on a baby bib is also provided

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

There are no utility patent applications related to this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERAL SPONSORSHIP

No invention claimed in this application was made under Federally sponsored research or development

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a protective bib for infants and children.

2. Description of the Related Art

A number of prior bibs that improve the seal and/or fit between the wearer's neck and bib (U.S. Pat. Nos.: 7,526,815; 6,934,968; 6,859,938; and 6,125,471). Other bibs are provided with additional absorbent element (U.S. Pat. Nos.: 7,269,856; and 5,666,665).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The bib of the present invention has enhanced softness and comfort while providing enhanced protection against spillage as well improved wiping and cleaning. These properties are especially useful for an infant or child. This is accomplished by use of absorbent element(s) and/or structural element(s), which facilitates capture of drool, spilled liquid and/or solids. The absorbent element and structural element for enhanced capture can be used singly or in combination in the present invention. The present invention also provides embodiments that allow the absorbent material or stuffing of the absorbent element to be easily removed for replacement by new or cleaned absorbent material. The providential and strategic use of elastic or elastic-like element allows for stretching and thus, improves fit and comfort. The use of ruffle, pleat, or corrugated structure in the present bib serves to increase the surface area of the bib for absorption, cleaning and/or wiping as well as capturing solids. Another feature of the present bib allows for easy and firm attachment to the infant's or child's garment and yet provides a snug fit. Yet in other embodiments, the inventive bib is provided with uniquely improved means for deploying the bib on the wearer.

The present invention also provides for a bib with improved holding ability on the wearer's clothing and also protective structure for a bib's fastener.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1(a) is a front perspective view showing the bib of the first embodiment deployed on an infant's or child's garment.

FIG. 1(b) is a front plan view of the bib of the first embodiment deployed over a strap.

FIG. 1 (c) is a front plan view of a strap that can be used for the bib of the first embodiment as well as other bib material.

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 (a) is a side perspective view of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of a third embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a front plan view of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 4 (a) is a partial view showing the bib of FIG. 4 in a stretched state.

FIG. 5 shows a front plan view of fifth embodiment in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5(a) is a close-up partial view showing the structure of the bib shown in FIG. 5 when stretched.

FIG. 5 (b) shows a partial view of the bib shown in FIG. 5

FIG. 6 is a front plan view of a sixth embodiment of the inventive bib.

FIG. 6(a) is a perspective view showing the structure of bib of FIG. 6 when opened.

FIG. 7 is a front plan view of a seventh embodiment of the present inventive bib.

FIG. 8 is a front plan view of an eighth embodiment of the inventive bib.

FIG. 8 (a) is a rear view of the bib shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is a front plan view of the loop protector for the fastener on a bib of the present invention.

FIG. 9(a) shows fastener on the bib without the loop protector overarching and protecting the fastener.

FIG. 10 is a front plan view of another embodiment of the present inventive bib.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present inventive bib can be used by people of all age groups and is particularly suited for infants and young children. The inventive bib relies in part on the use of elastically stretchable ruffles or pleats, undulations or corrugations that increase the surface area for absorption and wiping as well as more positive wiping action and increased trapping action of solids. The undulations in the form of ruffles and/or pleats further enhance the softness and comfort of the bib against the neck and other exposed areas of the wearer. Its elastic property helps maintains the seal of the bib against movement of the wearer without having to further tighten and thereby increase discomfort to the wearer. Other advantages of the inventive bib are noted below. The inventive bib can be made of any suitable material that have been used for bibs and include known absorptive cloth or cloth-like non-woven material or paper, and plastics.

Creped material is especially desirable as the base material for the inventive bib as it imparts additional stretchability and softness, which contributes to enhanced comfort. It is also especially desirable for the inventive bib not to be limited to a single ply or layer but to have at least two plies, or multiply structure. This can be easily made by appropriately folding over a sheet of the bib material to produce the number of desired plies. Elastic element can be used to hold the plies together in a multiply bib. The elastic element can take the form of elongated elements like thread or band material; it can be continuous or discontinuous. The elastic elements can be in the form discontinuous form such as dots, ovals stars or other geometric shapes. Elastic element can be used simultaneously to create the ruffle or pleat structure adding to the softness and comfort level of the bib, an important attribute when the inventive bib is used on infants and young children.

FIG. 1 shows bib 1 in open, pre-deployed condition. This embodiment features means that allow the bib to be temporarily attached or fixed to the wearer's sleeveless garment 11 as shown in FIG. 1(a). Pleated section 124 is folded over the neckline opening 9 and secured by fasteners 4 and 3 to pleated section 123 through arm hole 10 of garment 11 forming neckline 126 and loops at each end that secure the bib to the wearer's garment. Fasteners 4 and 3 and fasteners in all the other embodiments of my invention can be snaps or any other fastener suitable for the purpose such as hook and loop fasteners (e.g. VELCRO), buttons, or magnets,. Elastic elements 6, 7 and 8, as well as the elastic elements mentioned in the following description of the various embodiments of the present invention, are elastic thread, strip, band or suitable material or structure imparting elastic property. They are incorporated by any suitable means known to those in the art and may be, as non-limiting examples, by stitching/sewing, or adhesive or melt bonding or combinations thereof. The terms elastic and elastic-like as used herein and through out the specification refers to the ability of a material to stretch upon application of tensile force and upon release of the applied force, return to its original or nearly original dimensions, e.g., behaving like rubber. Elastic element 5 not only creates and maintains pleated structure 123, and 124 but also advantageously allows stretching of the bib to more easily fit and adjust the bib around the user's neck, chest and/or shoulders. Elastic element 5 also creates and maintains ruffle portions 122 and 125.

FIG. 1(b) shows bib 12, which comprises a bib body having a pleated loop section or portion 49 joined with ruffle portion 59, the bib body being deployed on strap 15. The strap can be hollow and filled with absorbent material to extent desired. Elastic element 58, as previously defined, helps to maintain ruffle section 59 and closes the bottom of pleated open ended loop section 49. Loop section 49 can be of sufficiently large dimension to accept or receive baby implements. The bib body can be the same as bib 1 shown in FIG. 1 with exception that elastic element 58 is used make the closed pleated loop portion instead of fasteners 3 and 4 in bib 1

FIG. 1 (c) shows a strap that can be used as the strap 60 for deploying bib 1. The main body of the strap 61 can be made of flexible plastic, rubber or rubber like material. The term “rubber-like” is construe to mean both natural and synthetic materials that possess physical characteristics of rubber such as elasticity, flexibility or pliability. The main body 61 is overlaid by a shorter detachable strap 62, which is fixed at one end 69 to the main strap 60. The ends of straps 60 and 62 are removably fastened by any conventional fasteners such as snaps, buttons, hook and loop as mentioned above. FIG. 1 (c) show another type of fastener that may be used in the instant invention: stud 65 and slotted hole 68 for receiving stud 65. The surface of strap 62 is covered by pleated or creped material 64, which can be conveniently a pleated or creped cloth. An area on strap 60 opposite and corresponding to the area covered by pleated material 64 is covered by a pleated or creped material 63. The pleated or creped surface provides a more positive fixing of the bib body on the strap. The strap is not limited to holding the bib body as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 1 (b) or FIG. 10 around the wearer's neck, as it is also contemplated to use any type of toweling, cloth, non-woven sheet, paper, paper-like sheet or paper towel that would be suitable to serve a bib material.

FIGS. 2 and 2(a) show bib 16 with pleated pocket structure 17 and pleated open ended sleeve or pocket 21. The pleated pocket 17 not only catches liquid and solid foods but also any dropped eating utensil such as a spoon. It can be also advantageously used to hold or store items such as a baby pacifier or other baby implements, which can placed unattached or tethered to the pocket. This bib reduces the amount of food, utensils and other items that would otherwise reach the floor and thus, reduce the amount time for cleaning and searching. Sleeve or open ended pocket is shown in FIGS. 2 and 2(a) as a pleated hollow member 21. The tube-like hollow member 21 allows for a better seal of the bib against the wearer's neck. Hollow member 21 can loop over the top of the bib body 18 as shown in FIG. 2 (a) or one longitudinal edge can be attached or extend continuously from the neckline edge of the bib body. When additional absorbency is needed such as when a baby is teething and excessive drool is produced, supplemental absorbents such as cotton, cheese cloth, gauze or tulle or cloth having properties has tulle can easily be placed inside the hollow member 21 and easily removed when needed or desired. Tulle is especially effective since it maintains its shape and resists sagging and slumping when wet. Pleated hollow element 21 can be attached to bib body 18 using elastic element 24 which may be elastic thread, strip or other suitable elastic material. In the case of the elastic thread, it may be incorporated when sewing hollow element 21 to bib body 18. Fasteners 22 and 23 are positioned on extensions or arms 19 of the bib. While these fasteners are illustrated as hook and loop type fastener (VELCRO) any suitable types can be used as mentioned above. The bib, with the exception of hollow element 21, can be made from a single sheet of material such as cloth and can be of double ply. A double ply bib can be made from a single sheet by folding one end over the other and making the appropriate cuts, not necessary in the order described. Any open ends desired to be closed can be accomplished by conventional means such as but not limited to, stitching or adhesive bonding.

FIG. 3 shows a bib 27 with raised upper pleated or ruffle elements 30 and lower downwardly extending pleated or ruffle elements 34. The lower end of the bib terminates in a pleated lower pocket 28 that can be dimensioned to catch food and to hold baby utensils or toys. The bib has extensions or arms 31 with fasteners 33 for securing the bib around the wearer's neck.

FIGS. 4 and 4(a) show another embodiment in which bib 35 has a bib body topped by ruffle section 37 at the neckline and joined below by pleated section 36. Ruffle section 37 as shown in FIG. 4 comprises two ruffles 38 and 39. Ruffle 39 projects above the plane of lower pleat section or portion 36. The pleat section forms a portion of the neckline 126 of the bib. The ruffles and pleats held in place by elastic element 40 of the type described above. The elastic element allows ruffle section 37 and pleat section 36 to stretch out as shown in the partial view, FIG. 4(a). Bib 35 is secured around the neck with fasteners 43 and 44 located on arms or extensions 41 and 42.

FIGS. 5, 5(a) and 5(b) show a bib 45 having 4 ruffle sections or portions: outer ruffles 51 and 54 and inner ruffles 52 and 53. FIG. 5(b) shows the interior structure of the bib with the ruffles pairs 51 and 52, and 53 and 54 pushed apart. Elastic element 55 is attached to the bottom or base area of both ruffles 51 and 52 such that both ruffles are elastically stretchable. Likewise, elastic elements 55 and 56 are attached to bottom area or base of ruffles 53 and 54 rendering the ruffles elastically stretchable. Elastic element 55 and 56 can be an elastic band, elastic thread or advantageously a combination of both, i.e. one elastic element is an elastic band and the other, an elastic thread. Pleated area or portion 57 between elastic elements 55 and 56 represents the fold area where ruffles 51 and 52 can be folded over ruffles 53 and 54 thereby forming the neckline of the bib. Fasteners 50 for fastening the bib around the wearer's neck are shown on end portions 46 of the bib. Placement of the elastic elements in the bib in the manner shown not only helps to create the ruffles but also naturally creates the curved neck section as seen in FIG. 5, which makes the bib especially suited for placing around the neck of the wearer. While ruffles are shown in FIG. 5 as extending through a portion of the length, it is understood that the ruffles can entire length of the bib if so desired. While bib 45 has been shown with a partially curved neckline, it can be fully curved to such an extent to have a substantially circular or oval neckline.

FIG. 5(a) shows bib 45 horizontally stretched and straightened to the extent of substantially releasing or pulling out the ruffles. The elastic elements when allowed to contract to its unstretched state will gather the bib material to help to create the curved neckline portion of the bib as shown in FIG. 5.

Bib 45, by way of non-limiting example, may be conveniently constructed of two plies or layers of cloth or cloth-like material and elastic elements 55 and 56 are shown in FIG. 5 (b) elastic bands are positioned between the plies or layers and sewn into place with elastic thread thereby reducing visibility of the elastic bands. It is noted that one of the elastic elements can be an elastic thread instead of an elastic band.

In another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 6 and 6 (a), a multilayered bib 78 have strategically placed elastic element to improve fit and comfort. Bib 78 is comprised of four major basic structural elements: horizontal fold member 79, open multilayer section or flap portion (80 and 81), elastic element (shown as dotted lines 86 and 87) and pleated section 88. Pleats 89 and 90 into the area between the elastic members 86 and 87 and extend above member 87 and below member 86. FIG. 6(a), shows the bib with flap member 79 moved up and away from layers 80 and 81, to reveal elastic members 86 and 87 and associated pleats. Flap member 79 overlies or drapes over layers 80 and 81 at their top portion. The elastic element and pleats improves stretchability and comfort of the bib. Elastic members 86 and 87 in FIG. 6 (a), is shown as stitching that serve to unite flaps 80 and 81.

Ends 100 and 101 of the flap are secured or fixed to prevent unraveling by sewing or any other suitable attachment means such as the use of loops 82 and 83 to bind end portions 100 and 101. The loops after attachment to the end portions must have sufficient open space to allow a person's finger to pass under the loop, between the loop and the end portion of the bib. This feature advantageously allows for a person to accurately locate and positively engage fasteners 84; an especially useful feature when putting a bib on a baby or other recalcitrant individuals.

Another embodiment of the present invention utilizes the combination of pleats, elastic elements and soft absorbent material, and is illustrated in FIG. 7. Bib 91 has a pleated hollow section 92 that bulges out from the plane of the bib and whose upper portion adjoins and forms a portion of the bib's neckline. The hollow section is filled with absorbent material of the kind mentioned above. The lower end of section 92 is bounded and defined by elastic element 93, which allows stretching of hollow section 92 and thereby rendering the neckline upper or top portion of the hollow section elastically stretchable. The elastic element may be of the type specified above or elastic thread shown in the FIG. This creates a bib neckline that automatically adjusts to the movement of the neck and shoulder and thereby maintains the seal of the bib against the neck. The bib is secured on the wearer's neck by fasteners 96 and 97 located on arms 94 and 95 of the bib. The lower portion 98 may be longer than the standard bib, being of a length that the bib can serve as a burp cloth for an infant. A burp cloth must have sufficient length and width to lap over the shoulder of the person “burping” the infant on his or her shoulder.

Bib 102 provides advantage that other bibs do not have and that is the ability to be deployed without bumbling to connect fasteners and or adjust the bib to the correct size to fit the wearer's neck, this is especially advantageous for infants. The objective is accomplished by tab 106 of bib 102, which is made preferably of a soft material, one end is attached to the bib body and the free end is inserted behind the front of article of clothing of the wearer thereby temporarily securing or clipping the bib on the article of clothing and against the wearer's neck. The bib itself can be of any suitable design and one shape that can be used is the shape and form of bib 102 in FIG. 8. Bib 102 has inwardly curved or concave neckline portion 103. To improve absorbency, an absorbent containing portion 104 is provided. Absorbent portion 104 is a hollow area or pocket in the bib that is filled with absorbent material positioned at the neckline 103. This portion can be pleated, which can expand the volume of absorbent that can be used and thus allow more absorbent than a non-pleated structure to be used. The lower end of absorbent portion is defined and formed by elastic thread stitching 93. The elastic element in its unstretched and partially stretched state creates the curved neckline portion. As mentioned before, the elastic element can be other suitable elastic material other than elastic thread. It is also further advantageous that the dimensions of the bib be sufficient such that end portion 107 and 108 lap over the shoulder of the wear thereby providing additional protection and more positive securing of the bib on the neck of the wearer. In the case of an infant, the end portion can advantageously serve as a burp cloth.

One problem that occurs after laundering and/or sorting a bib from other article of clothing has been the property of certain fasteners on the bib to cling to other articles of clothing. This is especially true for bibs using hook and loop type fasteners like VELCRO. This problem is solved by the loop protector of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows a loop protector covering a fastener on a bib 109. Loop 110 loops over and covers fastener 112, which is typically a hook and loop type fastener and the bib. With loop 110 in this position, the bib is ready for laundering or ready to be put away. When the bib is to be ready for use, loop 110 is simply flipped or twisted over end 111 of bib 109. Loop 110 can be an elastic loop that can be pleated as illustrated in the drawing. The loop can also serve as finger guide that more quickly, positively and accurately connect the fasteners of the bib.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the present invention. Bib 113 is formed by two independent parts, bib body 120 and strap 115. Bib body 120 is a curved or lunate shaped hollow cloth or cloth-like body open at each end 121. The bib body has two ruffles, 117 and 118 forming a part of the neckline of the bib that contacts the wearer's neck. The ruffles are created by the use of elastic element 119, which advantageously is elastic thread. The elastic thread also helps to create the curved neckline in the manner described above. Strap 115 is inserted through open ends 121 to form the bib. It is advantageous to place or fill the open space between strap 115 and body 120 with absorbent material. Since body 120 is not permanently attached to strap 115, it can be easily slid off strap 115 for cleaning or replacement. Strap 60 can be conveniently in place of strap 115. It is also contemplated that body 120 can be permanently attached to strap 115.

It is noted that the absorbent material used and described above can be any organic or inorganic absorbent suitable for the purpose and includes cellulose, cotton, protein or super absorbents in the form of fiber, batting, cloth, non-woven, pellet or granule. Tulle is especially useful as it maintains its shape and resists sagging when wet.

It is further noted the dimensions of the bib of the present invention can be such that the bib lies above and laps onto the table surface. This can be useful for an infant or small child's bib.

Pockets can be added to bibs currently shown in the drawing figures without pockets. The pocket can be of the size and shape shown in FIGS. 2, and 3. Any pocket used in the present invention can be smaller in size or dimensions than that shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, e.g., a width that is less than width of the bib. Width, with reference to the drawings, which show the bibs in vertical orientation, is the dimension that is horizontal and generally parallel to the neckline or the lowest point of the neckline, length being vertical dimension. The pocket can be located in any position below the neckline of the bib. The pocket can have any shape and preferably a size, i.e., dimensions to be to hold or store a baby implement such as a baby nipple or toy.

The ruffles can be of hollow construction containing absorbent. Tulle is especially useful and it can be sewn into the hollow space of the ruffle. Thus, it is contemplated that one or more ruffles of the inventive bib can be of this type of hollow construction and contain absorbent.

The pocket of the present bib can contain at least one baby nipple, implement or toy tethered to the interior of the pocket. They can be permanently or detachably attached to the pocket.

Tab 106 can be used in any of the bibs of the present invention. It is advantageously hollow or a pocket structure having at least an opening to allow for a thumb or finger to pass into it. The tab with its flap-like structure is inserted inside the wearer's clothing such as at the neckline or at the shoulder area to removably attach or hold the bib to the wearer's clothing.

It is understood that modifications and alterations that are within the spirit, teaching or scope of the present invention are included herein and within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bib comprising a bib body of a predetermined size, said bib body has at least one undulated portion and means for fastening said bib on a wearer.

2. The bib of claim 1, wherein said undulated portion is elastic.

3. The bib of claim 1 wherein said undulated portion comprises an upper portion having at least one pleated section and an adjoining lower portion having at least one ruffle section, said ruffle section extend from said pleated section, said pleated section having a neckline part, said pleated section having fastening means for forming said pleated section with said ruffle section into at least one loop.

4. The bib of claim 3, wherein said loop is dimensioned to allow at least a portion of a wearer garment to pass there through to secure said bib to said wearer's garment.

5. The bib of claim 3, further comprising a strap for securing said bib on the wearer, passing through said loop, said strap dimensioned to fit around a wearer's neck.

6. The bib of claim 3, wherein at least one ruffle is at least partly hollow containing an absorbent.

7. The bib of claim 6, wherein said strap further comprises a detachable strap for securing said bib to said strap.

8. The bib of claim 7, further comprising a creped or pleated material covering at least one of said strap or detachable strap

9. The bib of claim 8, wherein said creped or pleated material covers both strap and detachable strap

10. A bib comprising a bib body of predetermined size and a strap dimensioned to secure said bib body to a wearer, said strap having a detachable strap for securing said bib body to said strap.

11. The bib of claim 10, further comprising a creped or pleated material covering at least one of said strap and detachable strap.

12. The bib of claim 1 wherein said bib body comprises an upper neckline portion and a front facing lower bib portion, said neckline portion overlaid at least in part by said undulated portion, said front facing lower bib portion having a lower end terminating in a front opening pocket.

13. The bib of claim 12 wherein said undulated portion is at least one material selected from the group consisting of pleats and ruffles.

14. The bib of claim 13, wherein at least one ruffle is at least partly hollow containing an absorbent.

15. The bib of claim 12, wherein said pocket is pleated.

16. The bib of claim 12, wherein said undulated material section is shaped to have a hollow space.

17. The bib of claim 16, wherein said hollow space is at least partly filled with absorbent.

18. The bib of claim 17, wherein said absorbent is tulle.

19. The bib of claim 1, wherein said bib body comprises a curved neckline portion, and a plurality of overlapping ruffles, at least one of said ruffles is anchored and stretchably held in place, said ruffles having a pleated section defining at least a part of said neckline portion.

20. The bib of claim 19, wherein at least one ruffle is at least partly hollow containing an absorbent.

21. The bib of claim 19, wherein at least one of said ruffle is anchored and held in place by an elastic element, said elastic element is positioned such that said ruffles and said curved neckline portion is created when said elastic element is in at least partially relaxed state.

22. The bib of claim 1, wherein said bib body comprises a neckline fold portion, a flap portion positioned below said fold portion and having at least one flap, said undulated portion comprises at least one flap with a stretchable pleat section located proximate to said neckline fold section.

23. The bib of claim 1, wherein said bib body comprises an elongated bib body, said body having an upper neckline portion and a lower portion adjoining said neckline portion, said undulated portion comprises at least a part of said neckline portion, having at least one area containing a plurality of ruffles, said lower section contains one area of pleats, at least one said ruffle or pleat is stretchably fixed to said bib body.

24. The bib of claim 23, wherein at least one ruffle is at least partly hollow containing an absorbent.

25. The bib of claim 1, wherein said bib body comprises a neckline portion, said neckline portion having at least a part of a length of said neckline portion covered by said undulated portion, said undulated portion comprises stretchable hollow elongated element containing an absorbent.

26. The bib of claim 25, wherein said bib body has a front and a back side, said front side having a pocket.

27. The bib of claim 25, wherein said bib body has a front side and a back side, said back side having tab means for securing said bib to a wearer's clothing.

28. The bib of claim 25, wherein said bib body has a length or width suitable for a burp cloth or towel.

29. The bib of claim 1, further comprising a strap means for securing said bib body around a wearer's neck, said bib body is removably mounted on said strap means, said bib body having a front facing hollow portion at least partially filled with absorbent, said bib body having a neckline part, said undulated portion forms at least a part of said neckline.

30. The bib of claim 29, wherein said undulated portion is a ruffle.

31. The bib of claim 30, wherein at least one ruffle is at least partly hollow containing an absorbent.

32. A bib having a bib body and extensions, at least one of said extensions have at least one fastener, a protective cover for said fastener, said protective cover being sufficiently flexible to move said cover over said fastener or away from said fastener.