INFANT BIB

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a bib, comprising a front portion coupled to a collar and two sleeves; a cup portion coupled to the front portion; and a fastener disposed on at least one of a first shoulder extension and a second shoulder extension, the fastener configured to couple at least one of a first shoulder extension and a second shoulder extension to a portion of the bib.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/620,872, entitled “INFANT BIB,” filed on Jan. 23, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to bibs, and in particular relates to bibs having extended collars and/or sleeves.

BACKGROUND

Bibs are commonly used to protect the chest and clothing of infants and adults from foods spills while feeding. Such bibs are typically formed of an absorbent material to ensure maximum food retention so that any food that does not make it into the bib wearer's mouth does not land on his or her lap. However, such materials are capable of absorbing only a certain amount, and may not absorb fast enough, still allowing for some food to bypass the bib. Furthermore, bibs on the market generally do not prevent food from touching the neck or shoulders of the wearer, causing skin breakouts as well as ruining the neckline and sleeves of the wearer's clothes.

SUMMARY

A bib may comprise a front portion coupled to a collar and two sleeves; a cup portion coupled to the front portion; and a fastener disposed on at least one of a first shoulder extension and a second shoulder extension, the fastener may be configured to couple at least one of a first shoulder extension and a second shoulder extension to a portion of the bib. The collar may comprise an extended collar extending above the front portion. The cup portion may comprise a front edge. The cup portion may comprise a food-grade material. The front portion may comprise a water-repellant material. The sleeves may be at least one of capped sleeves or three-quarter length sleeves. The bib may further comprise an attachment mechanism configured to couple the cup portion to the front portion. The first shoulder extension and the second shoulder extension may comprise the same length. The first shoulder extension may comprise a different length than the second shoulder extension. The fastener may comprise a hook and loop material. The fastener may comprise a first magnet coupled to the first shoulder extension and a second magnet coupled to the second shoulder extension, the first magnet and the second magnet comprising oppositely aligning magnetic poles. The bib may further comprise a securing mechanism, the securing mechanism comprising a first securing portion disposed on an inner, forward face of the cup portion and the second securing portion may be disposed on an outer, back face of the cup portion. The first securing portion and the second securing portion may be complementary and configured to couple the inner, forward face of the cup portion to the outer, back face of the cup portion.

A method may comprise placing the collar, the sleeves, and the front portion towards the opening defined by the cup portion; and securing the collar, the sleeves, and the front portion inside the cup portion with a securing mechanism. The method further may comprise rolling the collar, the sleeves, and the front portion. The securing may comprise coupling a first securing portion to a second securing portion. The first securing portion may comprise at least one aperture, and the second securing portion may comprise at least one stud. The first securing portion may be disposed on an inner, forward face of the cup portion and the second securing portion may be disposed on an outer, back face of the cup portion. The first securing portion may be disposed on an outer, back face of the cup portion, and the second securing portion may be disposed on an inner, forward face of the cup portion.

A bib may comprise two shirt sleeves coupled to a front portion, the two shirt sleeves configured to extend over a wearer's shoulders, wherein the two shirt sleeves are capped and the front portion is configured to extend over at least a portion of the wearer's chest. The bib may further comprise a collar coupled to the front portion, the collar configured to extend over at least a portion of the wearer's neck. The bib may further comprise a cup portion coupled to the front portion opposite the collar, wherein the cup portion comprises a lateral width greater than a lateral width of the front portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in, and constitute a part of, this specification, illustrate various embodiments, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of an exemplary bib of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B illustrates a back view of an exemplary bib of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1C illustrates a front view of an exemplary bib of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1D illustrates a back view of an exemplary bib of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of an exemplary bib of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B illustrates a back view of an exemplary bib of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of an exemplary bib of the present disclosure, as may be worn by a wearer;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial side view of an exemplary bib of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method of using an exemplary bib of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of various embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various embodiments by way of illustration. While these various embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation.

For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Moreover, any of the functions or steps may be outsourced to or performed by one or more third parties. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step.

For example, in the context of the present disclosure, devices may find particular use in connection with bibs. However, various aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be adapted for use in smocks, aprons, or any wearable product configured to absorb or catch solid or liquid messes. As such, numerous applications of the present disclosure may be realized.

The bib of the present disclosure was created with comfort in mind for the wearer and easy clean-up for parents and caregivers. In various embodiments, the bib comprises a high neckline and sleeves so as to coverage a larger area of the wearer's body and to thereby protect it from messy food spills. In various embodiments, the bib comprises a cup portion to catch food that may fall or be dropped from near the wearer's mouth. The cup portion may comprise an oblong bowl-shaped container coupled to a front portion. The front portion of the bib may refer to the material configured to generally be disposed adjacent to the wearer's chest. In various embodiments, the front portion is coupled to sleeves, a collar, and a cup portion. In various embodiments, the bib comprises capped sleeves. As used herein, the term capped sleeves refers to shirt sleeves approximately covering the wearer's deltoid muscles and tapering underneath the arm. In various embodiments, the front portion, collar, and sleeves can be placed and/or rolled into the cup portion to contain food and/or increase portability before and/or after use.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a bib comprising a front portion coupled to a collar and two sleeves, a cup portion coupled to the front portion, and a fastener configured to position the bib around a wearer's neck. The fastener may be disposed at or near the end of one or more shoulder extensions and may be configured to coupling the collar around a wearer's neck. Shoulder extensions may be configured to wrap around a wearer's neck such that a fastener is disposed at the back of the wearer's neck or at the side of the wearer's neck. In various embodiments, the collar is an extended collar that rises above (when oriented on a wearer's person) the front portion to protect the wearer's neck. The extended collar may comprise a length configured to cover the bottom half of the wearer's neck. The extended collar may comprise a length configured to cover the wearer's entire neck. However, in various embodiments, the extended collar comprises any suitable length configured to cover a portion of the wearer's neck.

In various embodiments, the cup portion further comprises a front edge. The front edge may comprise a curved ending or lip of the cup portion. Utensils may be placed in the cup portion and/or be rested on the front edge. In various embodiments, the cup portion comprises a food-grade material. In various embodiments, the front portion comprises a water-repellant material. In various embodiments, the collar is made of a stretchable material. In various embodiments, two sleeves are capped sleeves. In various embodiments, the sleeves comprise a length of at least three-quarter length. As used herein, the term three-quarter length refers to shirt sleeves extending past the wearer's elbows and ending between the wearer's elbow and wrist. In various embodiments, the sleeves comprise full-length sleeves. Full-length sleeves refer to shirt sleeves extending the length of the wearer's shoulders to at or about the wearer's wrists.

With reference to FIGS. 1A through 1D, a bib 100 is disclosed, according to various embodiments. The bib 100 may comprise a collar 102, a front portion 104, a cup portion 106, sleeves 108, shoulder extensions 111, and/or a fastener 110.

The collar 102 of the bib 100 may be made of a stretchable material that allows for a comfort fit on the neck of the infant. In an example embodiment, the collar 102 may comprise a fabric made of nylon. In another example embodiment, the collar 102 may comprise a fabric made of polyester. In another example embodiment, the collar 102 may comprise spandex. Additionally, in another example embodiment, the collar 102 may comprise a knit fabric. The collar 102 may comprise a fabric made of any combination of nylon, polyester, spandex, and/or knit material desired. It should be appreciated that the collar 102 may comprise any other kind of fabric that is capable of some stretch to allow for comfortable wear by a wearer with any neck size.

In various embodiments, the collar 102 is configured to sit against the wearer's neck without irritating or abrading the wearer's skin. In various embodiments, the collar 102 wraps around the full circumference of the wearer's neck. However, in various embodiments, the collar 102 wraps only partially around the front and/or sides of the wearer's neck. In various embodiments, the collar 102 is configured as a physical barrier between the wearer's neck and foreign substances such as food, drink, or other liquids or solids that could soil the wearer's skin and/or clothing. In various embodiments, the collar 102 is configured to repel and/or absorb liquids. In various embodiments, the collar 102 is configured to wick moisture away from the wearer's skin.

The front portion 104 of the bib 100 may be made of a water-repellant material, a water-resistant material, or a material that has been made to be water-repellant or water-resistant through any method known in the art. In an example embodiment, the front portion 104 may be made of nylon fabric. In another example embodiment, the front portion 104 may be made of polyester fabric. In an additional example embodiment, the front portion 104 may be made of a knit fabric. In some example embodiments, the front portion 104 may be made of a laminated cotton fabric. However, in various embodiments, the front portion 104 may be made of any combination of two or more fabrics that, when combined, are water-repellant, water-resistant, heat-resistant, or can be made to be water-repellant, water-resistant, or heat-resistant through any method known in the art.

The cup portion 106 of the bib 100 may be formed from a food-grade quality plastic, rubber, or polymer. In an example embodiment, the cup portion 106 may be made of 100% food-grade silicone. In various embodiments the cup portion 106 may be free of latex, polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), and/or bisphenol A (“BPA”). However, it should be appreciated that the cup portion 106 may comprise any plastic, rubber, or polymer capable of being formed into a cup shape.

In various embodiments, the cup portion 106 is configured to receive food, drink, or other liquids or solids that are dropped on or near the wearer's face, neck, and/or chest. In various embodiments, the cup portion 106 comprises a concave shape having an upward-facing opening such that dropped substances are readily received and retained in the cup portion 106. However, the cup portion 106 may comprise any shape suitable for use in the bib 100.

In various embodiments, the cup portion 106 comprises a lateral width greater than a lateral width of the front portion 104. As used herein, the term “lateral width” refers to a length generally perpendicular to the medial line of a wearer's body extending generally from left to right or from right to left. In various embodiments, greater lateral width of the cup portion 106 increases the area and/or size of the opening defined by the cup portion 106. Greater lateral width of the cup portion may improve the bib's suitability for catching dropped or falling substances. In various embodiments, front portion 104 comprises a lateral width smaller than a lateral width of the cup portion 106. Smaller lateral width of the front portion 104 relative to the cup portion 106 may allow and/or encourage a wearer's arms to rest and/or be held above the cup portion 106 without disruption and/or displacement of the bib 100.

In various embodiments, the cup portion 106 further comprises a front edge 107. The front edge 107 may be configured to receive the ends of utensils, such that utensil handles rest on the front edge 107 when utensils are placed in the cup portion 106. In various embodiments, the front edge 107 comprises a shape and/or surface texture configured to generate sufficient friction between a utensil or other object and the front edge 107 so as to prevent the utensils from sliding down or falling into the cup portion 106.

In various embodiments, the cup portion 106 is attached to the front portion 104 by an attachment mechanism 112. Attachment mechanism 112 may be configured to securely couple the cup portion 106 to the front portion 104. In various embodiments, the attachment mechanism 112 permanently couples the cup portion 106 to the front portion 104. In various embodiments, the attachment mechanism 112 removably couples the cup portion 106 to the front portion 104. Removal of the front portion 104 from the cup portion 106 may allow separate laundering and/or washing of various portions of the bib 100. The attachment mechanism 112 may comprise stitching, hook and loop attachment, adhesive, snaps, ties, buckles, buttons, toggles, magnets, and/or any other mechanism suitable for use in the bib 100.

In various embodiments and with momentary reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the attachment mechanism comprises one or more first attachments 212 disposed along a bottom edge of a forward face of the front portion 204. In various embodiments, the attachment mechanism comprises one or more second attachments 213 disposed along a top edge of an inner, back face of the cup portion 206. In various embodiments, the first attachments 212 may be positionally aligned with, and complementary to, the second attachments 213 such that coupling of the first attachments 212 to the second attachments 213 couples the front portion 204 to the cup portion 206. In various embodiments, the first attachments 212 and the second attachments 213 comprise snaps. In various embodiments, at least one of the first attachments 212 and the second attachments 213 comprises a receiving aperture and at least one of the first attachments 212 and the second attachments 213 comprises a stud, boss, rivet, nub, pin, and/or the like.

With reference again to FIGS. 1A through 1D, in various embodiments, the bib 100 further comprises sleeves 108. The sleeves 108 serve to protect more of the wearer's body and/or clothing from potential food spills and messes. The sleeves 108 may be any length desired. For example, the sleeves 108 may be capped sleeves. In another example embodiment, the sleeves 108 may be three-quarter length sleeves. In additional example embodiments, the sleeves 108 may be full-length sleeves. However, in various embodiments, the sleeves 108 may be any length suitable for use in the bib 100. The sleeves 108 of the bib 100 may be made of the same material that comprises the front portion 104 or any other suitable material. The sleeves 108 may be attached to the front portion 104 by any method known in the art for attaching sleeves to a garment. For example, the sleeves 108 may be attached to the front portion 104 by stitching, hook and loop attachment, adhesive, one or more snaps, ties, buckles, toggles, and/or buttons, and/or any other mechanism suitable for use in bib 100.

The bib 100 may further comprise at least one shoulder extension 111. The shoulder extensions 111 may be coupled to the front portion 104 and may extend laterally outward from the collar 102 and/or the front portion 104. Shoulder extensions 111 may be configured to rest on each of the wearer's shoulders and wrap at least partially around the back of the wearer's neck. Shoulder extensions 111 may be configured to wrap around a wearer's neck and overlap so as to place and optimally position the bib 100 on the wearer. In various embodiments, and with momentary reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, shoulder extensions 211 may comprise generally equal lengths such that the shoulder extensions 211 couple, connect, and/or overlap at the back of the wearer's neck at or near the wearer's medial line. In various embodiments, a first shoulder extension comprises a length different than a second should extension such that the shoulder extensions couple, connect, and/or overlap to the right or left of the wearer's medial line. As used herein, the medial line refers to a wearer's central axis, dividing the body into equal right and left halves. In various embodiments, extensions of different lengths may be configured to allow a third party to ergonomically position the bib while facing the wearer and/or to see the fastener 110 while positioning the bib 100. In various embodiments, the bib comprises a single shoulder extension having a length suitable to wrap around a wearer's neck and at least partially overlap the front portion of the bib.

In various embodiments and with reference again to FIGS. 1A through 1D, the bib 100 may further comprise a fastener 110 disposed on at least one shoulder extension 111. The fastener 110 may be configured to connect the bib 100 to itself around the neck of the wearer. In an example embodiment, the fastener may be part of the collar and used to connect two ends of the collar to one another around the wearer's neck. In another example embodiment, the fastener may be part of the front portion that extends around behind the wearer, used to connect extensions of the front portion around the wearer's neck. It should be appreciated that the fastener 110 may be located at any point along the shoulder extensions 111, collar 102, the front portion 104, or the cup portion 106, as long as it secures the bib around the wearer's body.

The fastener 110 may be a hook and loop type fastener (for example, Velcro®) with hooks on one side and loops on the other side that interlock when contacting one another. In another example embodiment, the fastener 110 may be a buckle. In another example embodiment, the fastener 110 may be magnets. Additionally, in an example embodiment, the fastener 110 may be a button. The fastener 110 may also be a toggle fastener, hook and eye, adhesive, and/or snap. It should be appreciated that the fastener 110 may be any type of fastener known in the art to connect two pieces together.

In various embodiments and with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a bib 200 is configured to capture and contain solid and liquid messes after the bib 200 is removed. In various embodiments, shoulder extensions 211 may be coupled to a front portion 204 and may extend laterally outward from the front portion 204. The front portion 204 of the bib 200 may be rolled downward towards the cup portion 206. The sleeves 208 and/or collar 202 may also be rolled downward towards the cup portion 206. The rolled front portion 204, sleeves 208, and/or collar 202 may be placed and/or tucked into the cup portion 206, such that the bib 200 comprises a collapsed configuration, wherein the surfaces of the bib 200 exposed to solid and liquid messes during use are no longer outwardly-exposed. The collapsed configuration may allow users of bib 200 to carry and/or transport the bib 200 after use without touching and/or transferring solid and liquid messes to other surfaces.

In various embodiments, the bib 200 may be secured in the collapsed configuration by a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism may comprise hook and loop portions, adhesive, snaps, ties, buckles, buttons, toggles, magnets, and/or any other mechanism suitable for securing the bib 200 in the collapsed configuration. In various embodiments, one or more first securing portions 214 may be disposed on an inner, forward face of the cup portion 106. In various embodiments, one or more second securing portions 215 may be disposed on an outer, back face of the cup portion 106. In various embodiments, the first securing portions 214 may be positionally aligned with, and complementary to, the second securing portions 215 such that coupling of the first securing portions 214 to the second securing portions 215 encloses the front portion 204, sleeves 208, and/or collar 202 within the cup portion 206. In various embodiments, at least one of the first securing portions 214 and the second securing portions 215 comprises a receiving aperture and at least one of the first securing portions 214 and the second securing portions 215 comprises a stud configured to be placed in the receiving aperture. In various embodiments, the stud comprises a flange at its forward end such that, once the stud is placed in the receiving aperture, it resists falling out of the receiving aperture.

In various embodiments and with reference to FIG. 3, the bib 300 may be worn by a wearer. In various embodiments, the sleeves 308 are capped and are made of material that allows for a flexible range of motion for the wearer's arms and shoulders. In various embodiments, the collar 302 sits approximately midway up the wearer's neck. In various embodiments, the attachment mechanism 312 removably couples the cup portion 306 to the front portion 304. Removal of the front portion 304 from the cup portion 306 may allow separate laundering and/or washing of various portions of the bib 300. The attachment mechanism 312 may comprise stitching, hook and loop attachment, adhesive, snaps, ties, buckles, buttons, toggles, and/or any other mechanism suitable for use in the bib 300. In various embodiments, the cup portion 306 sits approximately midway down the wearer's chest. Additionally, in an example embodiment, the front edge 307 of the cup portion 306 extends the width between the sleeves 308 to catch spills.

In various embodiments and with reference to FIG. 4, a side view of a bib 400 comprises a front portion 404 coupled to a sleeve 408. A collar 402 is coupled to the front portion 404. In various embodiments, the collar 402 length may comprise a short, medium or longer length, depending on the protection sought by the wearer, parent, or caregiver. In various embodiments, the collar 402 is comprised of heat-resistant material to protect the wearer from hot soups or other liquids upon spillage. In various embodiments, the collar 402 is comprised of supportive material to assist the wearer in holding up his or her neck.

In various embodiments and with reference to FIG. 5, the bib may be stored by a user in a collapsed configuration. A method of storing the bib may comprise rolling the collar, the sleeves, and the front portion (Step 502). The method comprises placing and/or tucking at least one of the collar, the sleeves, and the front portion in the opening defined by the cup portion (Step 504). The method further comprises securing the collar, the sleeves, and the front portion inside the cup portion with at least one securing mechanism (Step 506). The securing mechanism may comprise a first securing portion and a second securing portion. The first securing portion may be disposed on the inner, forward face of the cup portion. The second securing portion may be disposed on an outer, back face of the cup portion. At least one securing portion may comprise an aperture defined by and disposed on a face of the cup portion. At least one securing portion may comprise a stud and/or nub. At least one securing portion may be disposed on the inner, forward face of the cup portion, and at least one securing portion may be disposed on the outer, back face of the cup portion. In various embodiments, the first securing portion and the second securing portion are complementary and configured to couple the outer, back face of the cup portion to the inner, forward face of the cup portion. In various embodiments, the securing mechanism comprises one or more apertures and studs. In various embodiments, the securing mechanism comprises at least one of snaps, hook and eye, hook and loop, buttons, adhesive, magnets, toggles, or buckles. However, any suitable form of securing mechanism may be utilized to enclose the contents of the cup portion for the bib's ease of use and travel.

Claims

1. A bib, comprising:

a front portion coupled to a collar and two sleeves;

a cup portion coupled to the front portion; and

a fastener disposed on at least one of a first shoulder extension and a second shoulder extension, the fastener configured to couple at least one of a first shoulder extension and a second shoulder extension to a portion of the bib.

2. The bib of claim 1, wherein the collar comprises an extended collar extending above the front portion.

3. The bib of claim 1, wherein the cup portion comprises a front edge.

4. The bib of claim 1, wherein the cup portion comprises a food-grade material.

5. The bib of claim 1, wherein the front portion comprises a water-repellant material.

6. The bib of claim 1, wherein the sleeves are at least one of capped sleeves or three-quarter length sleeves.

7. The bib of claim 1, further comprising an attachment mechanism configured to couple the cup portion to the front portion.

8. The bib of claim 1, wherein the first shoulder extension and the second shoulder extension comprise the same length.

9. The bib of claim 1, wherein the first shoulder extension comprises a different length than the second shoulder extension.

10. The bib of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a hook and loop material.

11. The bib of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises first magnet coupled to the first should extension and a second magnet coupled to the second shoulder extension, the first magnet and the second magnet comprising oppositely aligning magnetic poles.

12. The bib of claim 1, further comprising a securing mechanism, the securing mechanism comprising a first securing portion disposed on an inner, forward face of the cup portion and the second securing portion is disposed on an outer, back face of the cup portion.

13. The bib of claim 12, wherein the first securing portion and the second securing portion are complementary and configured to couple the inner, forward face of the cup portion to the outer, back face of the cup portion.

14. A method comprising:

placing the collar, the sleeves, and the front portion towards the opening defined by the cup portion; and

securing the collar, the sleeves, and the front portion inside the cup portion with a securing mechanism.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising rolling the collar, the sleeves, and the front portion.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the securing comprises coupling a first securing portion to a second securing portion.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first securing portion comprises at least one aperture, and the second securing portion comprises at least one stud.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first securing portion is disposed on an inner, forward face of the cup portion and the second securing portion is disposed on an outer, back face of the cup portion.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the first securing portion is disposed on an outer, back face of the cup portion, and the second securing portion is disposed on an inner, forward face of the cup portion.

20. A bib, comprising:

two shirt sleeves coupled to a front portion, the two shirt sleeves configured to extend over a wearer's shoulders, wherein the two shirt sleeves are capped and the front portion is configured to extend over at least a portion of the wearer's chest;

a collar coupled to the front portion, the collar configured to extend over at least a portion of the wearer's neck; and

a cup portion coupled to the front portion opposite the collar, wherein the cup portion comprises a lateral width greater than a lateral width of the front portion.