CIGAR AND CIGARETTE ASH COLLECTING BIB

Abstract

An ash collecting bib according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an upper panel including an attachment clip panel, and a lower panel including a collecting pouch. A connecting joint connects the upper panel and the lower panel. An attachment clip is coupled to the attachment clip panel of the upper panel. The attachment clip is rotatably coupled to the attachment clip panel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/331,357, filed on May 3, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an ash collecting bib. More particular, exemplary embodiments of the present invention related to an ash collecting bib for collecting cigar and cigarette ash. One or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to collecting cigar and cigarette ash dropped by an operator or a passenger in an automobile or other motorized vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Individuals smoking cigars or cigarettes in a vehicle, such as an automobile may drop ashes onto their lap, clothing or elsewhere in the vehicle. This may result in damage to the individual's clothing, or to the interior of the automobile. Additionally, a driver of an automobile may be burned by hot ashes falling from their cigar or cigarette, or they may be distracted if hot ash contacts the individual's skin, or otherwise distracts them.

An effort may be made to discard the ash of cigars or cigarettes out of a window of an automobile, however, such efforts may still result in damage to clothing, or safety risks if the hot ash contact's an individual's skin.

Thus, it may be desirable to have a comfortable and easy to use separation device between an individual's skin and clothing. Such a device may prevent damage to an individual's clothing or to an interior of a vehicle. Additionally, such a device may safely prevent hot ash from contacting an individual's skin.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide an ash collecting bib. The ash collecting bib includes an upper panel including an attachment clip panel, and a lower panel including a collecting pouch. A connecting joint connects the upper panel and the lower panel. An attachment clip is coupled to the attachment clip panel of the upper panel. The attachment clip is rotatably coupled to the attachment clip panel.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the collecting pouch may be formed by folding a lower portion of the lower panel.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the folded lower portion of the lower panel forming the collecting pouch may be secured by at least one pouch bolt.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the folded lower portion of the lower portion forming the collecting pouch may be secured by at least one rivet.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the attachment clip panel may include two or more layers.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the attachment clip panel may include three or more layers.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the collecting pouch may have a substantially elliptical shape.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the collecting pouch may have a substantially rectangular shape.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the collecting pouch may include a front portion and a rear portion, and the front portion may be heat fused to the rear portion.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the attachment clip may be rotatably coupled to a rear of the upper panel.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the attachment clip may be coupled to a rotating attachment clip mount.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rotating attachment clip mount may include a rotating attachment clip mount stop.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connecting joint may have a bend of between 5 and 30 degrees with respect to the upper and lower panels.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a center opening of the collecting pouch may be from about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches wide.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a center opening of the collecting pouch may be about 1 inch wide.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the attachment clip may be rotatable 360 degrees.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the attachment clip may be coupled to the attachment panel at an angle of plus or minus about 45 degrees with respect to a center line that is perpendicular to the connecting joint.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the attachment clip may be configured to be coupled to a safety belt of a vehicle.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle may be a motorized vehicle.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the motorized vehicle may be an automobile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an ash collecting bib coupled to a seat belt in a motor vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an ash collecting bib according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an attachment clip panel of an ash collecting bib according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a collecting pouch of an ash collecting bib pouch having a center dimension according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a collecting pouch of an ash collecting bib according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an attachment clip panel of an ash collecting bib according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates rear view of an ash collecting bib according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an attachment clip of an ash collecting bib according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an attachment clip of an ash collecting bib according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a connection joint of an ash collecting bib according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a connection joint of an ash collecting bib according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of an ash collecting bib according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of an ash collecting bib coupled to a seat belt in a motor vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may provide an ash collecting bib catching falling ash of a cigar or cigarette of a user (e.g., a driver or passenger) of a vehicle, such as an automobile.

FIG. 1 illustrates an ash collecting bib coupled to a seat belt in a motor vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, an ash collecting bib 100 may be coupled to a seat belt 110 with a front of the ash collecting bib 120 facing away from the user's chest. For example, the ash collecting bib 100 may be coupled to a shoulder belt.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an ash collecting bib according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates an attachment clip panel of an ash collecting bib according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates a collecting pouch of an ash collecting bib pouch having a center dimension according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a collecting pouch of an ash collecting bib according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an attachment clip panel of an ash collecting bib according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 illustrates rear view of an ash collecting bib according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 illustrates an attachment clip of an ash collecting bib according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 illustrates an attachment clip of an ash collecting bib according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2-9, the ash collecting bib 100 may include an upper panel 201 including an attachment clip panel 301, and a lower panel 203 including a collecting pouch 206. A connecting joint 202 connects the upper panel 201 and the lower panel 203. An attachment clip 701 is coupled to the attachment clip panel 301 of the upper panel 201. The attachment clip 701 is rotatably coupled to the attachment clip panel 301. The attachment clip 701 may be secured to the attachment clip panel 301 by at least one attachment clip bolt 210, which may pass through the attachment clip panel 301 and may be coupled to one or more washers and one or more nuts to rotatably secure the attachment clip 701 to the attachment clip panel 301.

The attachment clip 701 may be configured to be coupled to the seat belt 110; however, the attachment clip 701 may also be configured to be coupled to a user's shirt or to another garment worn by the user.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the collecting pouch 206 may be formed by folding a lower portion of the lower panel 203. For example, a bottom 1 to 2 inches of the lower panel 203 may be folded along a line that is parallel to the connection joint 202.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the folded lower portion of the lower portion forming the collecting pouch may be secured by at least one pouch bolt (e.g., a first pouch bolt 204 and/or a second pouch bolt 205). The at least one pouch bolt may pass through one or more outer ends of the collecting pouch 206 and may be coupled to one or more washers and one or more nuts to secure the outer ends of the collecting pouch 206.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the folded lower portion of the lower panel 203 forming the collecting pouch 206 may be secured by at least one rivet. The at least one rivet may secure corners or outer ends of the collecting pouch 206.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the attachment clip panel 301 may include two or more layers. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the attachment clip panel 301 may include three or more layers. The multiple layers of the attachment clip panel 301 may provide a secure point of attachment for the attachment clip 701. The attachment clip panel 301 may be substantially as wide as the as collecting bib 100; however the attachment clip panel 301 may also be relatively narrower than the collecting bib 100. For example, the attachment clip panel 301 may only be disposed at a center region of the upper end of the upper panel 201 to provide a secure attachment point for the attachment clip 701.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the collecting pouch 206 may have a substantially elliptical shape. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the collecting pouch 206 may have a substantially rectangular shape. However, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the collecting pouch 206 may have any desired shape.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the collecting pouch 206 may include a front portion 402 and a rear portion 403. A center opening 401 having a width dimension may be defined by the front portion 402 and the rear portion 403. The front portion 402 may be heat fused to the rear portion 403, which may form a collecting pouch seam 501 along an outer edge of the collecting pouch 501. Thus, the collecting pouch 206 may be sealed on 3 sides.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the attachment clip 701 may be rotatably coupled to a rear of the ash collecting bib 702 (e.g., at the upper panel 201).

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the attachment clip 701 may be coupled to a rotating attachment clip mount 801.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rotating attachment clip mount 801 may include a rotating attachment clip mount stop 802. However, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the rotating attachment clip mount stop 802 may be disengaged or omitted to allow the ash collecting bib 100 to rotate freely with gravity about the attachment clip 701.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the attachment clip 701 may be rotatable 360 degrees. Thus, the ash collecting bib 100 may be adjusted to be attached at virtually any angle in substantially any vehicle. The ash collecting bib 100 may be adjusted to be used by either a driver or a passenger of the vehicle.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the attachment clip 701 may be coupled to the attachment clip panel 301 at an angle of plus or minus about 45 degrees with respect to a center line that is perpendicular to the connecting joint 202. The angle of the attachment clip 701 may allow the ash collecting bib 100 to hang in a substantially straight up and down configuration with the collecting pouch 206 in a substantially horizontal state.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the attachment clip 701 may be configured to be coupled to a safety belt of any vehicle. The vehicle may be a motorized vehicle, such as an automobile.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the ash collecting bib 100 may be fire retardant or fire proof. The ash collecting bib 100 may include one or more fire retardant or fire proof materials. For example, the ash collecting bib 100 may include a plastic, silicon, or a cooking grade polymer. Each of the bolts, washers, screws, rivets, washers, attachment implements and the like described herein may include metal and/or plastic. However, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto and the ash collecting bib 100 and/or the bolts, washers, screws, rivets, washers, attachment implements and the like described herein may include any desired material.

The ash collecting bib 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be about 11 inches wide and about 17 inches long. However, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the ash collecting bib 100 may have any desired dimensions.

FIG. 10 illustrates a connection joint of an ash collecting bib according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 illustrates a connection joint of an ash collecting bib according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connecting joint 202 may have a bend of between 5 and 30 degrees with respect to the upper panel 201 and the lower panel 203. That is, the lower panel 203 may be bent forward from a user's chest to better collect ash falling from above in the collecting pouch 206. Additionally, a back of the upper panel 1001 and a back of the lower panel 1002 may be spaced apart from each other by about 185 to about 210 degrees when the connecting joint 202 has the bend of between 5 and 30 degrees.

FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of an ash collecting bib according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of an ash collecting bib coupled to a seat belt in a motor vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the center opening 401 of the collecting pouch 206 may be from about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches wide. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the center opening 401 of the collecting pouch 206 may be about 1 inch wide. However, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the center opening 401 of the collecting pouch 206 may be any desired width.

The disclosures of each of the references, patents and published patent applications disclosed herein are each hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

In the event of a conflict between a definition herein and a definition incorporated by reference, the definition provided herein is intended.

Having described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is further noted that it is readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ash collecting bib, comprising:

an upper panel comprising an attachment clip panel;

a lower panel comprising a collecting pouch;

a connecting joint connecting the upper panel and the lower panel;

an attachment clip coupled to the attachment clip panel of the upper panel, wherein the attachment clip is rotatably coupled to the attachment clip panel.

2. The ash collecting bib of claim 1, wherein the collecting pouch is formed by folding a lower portion of the lower panel.

3. The ash collecting bib of claim 2, wherein the folded lower portion of the lower portion forming the collecting pouch is secured by at least one pouch bolt.

4. The ash collecting bib of claim 2, wherein the folded lower portion of the lower portion forming the collecting pouch is secured by at least one rivet.

5. The ash collecting bib of claim 1, wherein the attachment clip panel comprises two or more layers.

6. The ash collecting bib of claim 1, wherein the attachment clip panel comprises three or more layers.

7. The ash collecting bib of claim 1, wherein the collecting pouch has a substantially elliptical shape.

8. The ash collecting bib of claim 1, wherein the collecting pouch has a substantially rectangular shape.

9. The ash collecting bib of claim 1, wherein the collecting pouch comprises a front portion and a rear portion, and wherein the front portion is heat fused to the rear portion.

10. The ash collecting bib of claim 1, wherein the attachment clip is rotatably coupled to a rear of the upper panel.

11. The ash collecting bib of claim 1, wherein the attachment clip is coupled to a rotating attachment clip mount.

12. The ash collecting bib of claim 11, wherein the rotating attachment clip mount comprises a rotating attachment clip mount stop.

13. The ash collecting bib of claim 1, wherein the connecting joint has a bend of between 5 and 30 degrees with respect to the upper and lower panels.

14. The ash collecting bib of claim 1, wherein a center opening of the collecting pouch is from about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches.

15. The ash collecting bib of claim 1, wherein a center opening of the collecting pouch is about 1 inch.

16. The ash collecting bib of claim 1, wherein the attachment clip is rotatable 360 degrees.

17. The ash collecting bib of claim 1, wherein the attachment clip is coupled to the attachment panel at an angle of plus or minus about 45 degrees with respect to a center line that is perpendicular to the connecting joint.

18. The ash collecting bib of claim 1, wherein the attachment clip is configured to be coupled to a safety belt of a vehicle.

19. The ash collecting bib of claim 18, wherein the vehicle is a motorized vehicle.

20. The ash collecting bib of claim 19, wherein the motorized vehicle is an automobile.