CATCH ALL BABY BIB APPARATUS AND SYSTEM

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a debris-catching bib apparatus and method of using the same. The bib can include a body, which is a rectangularly shaped panel of water resistant material. The water resistance allows the bib to be a protectant shield, for example shielding a baby's clothes from being soiled during feeding. The bib can include a collar, a base, and a fastener. The collar can be an extended flap of material that is tucked underneath the body and underneath clothes around the neck of the baby, providing additional soil protection. The base can be a flexible and large flap of material that expands into a receptacle. The fastener securely attaches the expanded base to an object, such as a high chair. Fastening the bib forms a sealed barrier between the baby's chin and the object, allowing any debris to be caught in the receptacle at the bib's base.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to baby bibs.

BACKGROUND

In some situations, when babies eat, they make a huge mess. For example, a child may spill liquid, food, and refuse all over an eating area including their high chair. The child may also get food particles and waste on their clothes as well. Thus, the conventional strategy is to use a baby bib to capture any liquid, food particles or waste. This often causes problems because the conventional strategy does not fully prevent mess from liquid, food particles or waste from getting on an infant's clothing, eating area, and high chair not protected by the bib. For example, a child may spill liquid, food particles or waste down the collar of their garment and soil the interior of their clothing.

Additionally, standard baby bibs fail to solve the aforementioned problems. Water resistant baby bibs have been developed. Plastic baby bibs with pockets and table covers have been developed as well. However, none of these developments have solved the aforementioned problems in a comprehensive manner.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a more comprehensive and sanitary method of preventing messy eating areas as well as stained or soiled infant clothing sustained from a feeding.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A debris-catching or “catch all” baby bib apparatus, system, and method of using the same may be provided. This brief overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This brief overview is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this brief overview intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope. In some instances, the catch all baby bib can be considered a system.

The catch all baby bib apparatus may be configured to keep a child's clothing dry while he/she may be feeding or drinking. The catch all baby bib apparatus is an improvement over most bibs, which allow liquid to drip underneath a standard bib and wet the child's clothing when a child may be drinking. The result is that the child's clothing underneath the standard bib may get wet and soiled causing a child to wear at least a shirt that is damp and soiled.

The catch all baby bib apparatus and system may be a special bib configured to keep babies, infants, and toddler eating areas clean. The catch all baby bib apparatus may be configured to keep highchair seats nice and clean while babies, infants, and toddlers are feeding. This catch all baby bib apparatus may be made of a water-resistant material configured with a large pocket. The catch all baby bib apparatus may further be configured wherein the bottom comprises magnets sewn around the rim of a pocket which may connect to a magnetic strip that may be adhered to the bottom lip of a highchair. In this arrangement, the catch all baby bib may be considered as a system (e.g., including a stationary object, such as a highchair, having the magnetic strip installed thereon for attachment with the bib). The catch all baby bib apparatus may be configured such that the apparatus may create a complete seal around the baby ensuring that all the food falls into the pocket and not onto the baby's lap or surrounding seat. As such the catch all baby bib apparatus may be configured to keep the baby and highchair clean from food and stains.

The catch all baby bib apparatus may also be configured such that it comprises a unique collar. The so called “peter pan” collar may be made from a piece of water-resistant fabric that can be tucked into a baby's shirt under its chin to prevent food juices from dripping down and staining the collar of whatever clothing the baby may be wearing.

The catch all baby bib apparatus may be configured for use with adults, seniors, special needs patients, hospital patients, and/or nursing home patients. In certain embodiments, a larger adult-sized version of the catch all baby bib apparatus may be used in a manner similar to an infant sized version. The larger adult-sized version may perform all functions, similar functions, and additional functions for preventing the spilling of liquids, food particles, waste, and bodily fluids onto a patient's clothing or interior of the patient's clothing.

Both the foregoing brief overview and the following detailed description provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoing brief overview and the following detailed description should not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodiments may be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinations described in the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings contain representations of various trademarks and copyrights owned by the Applicants. In addition, the drawings may contain other marks owned by third parties and are being used for illustrative purposes only. All rights to various trademarks and copyrights represented herein, except those belonging to their respective owners, are vested in and the property of the Applicants. The Applicants retain and reserve all rights in their trademarks and copyrights included herein, and grant permission to reproduce the material only in connection with reproduction of the granted patent and for no other purpose.

Furthermore, the drawings may contain text or captions that may explain certain embodiments of the present disclosure. This text is included for illustrative, non-limiting, explanatory purposes of certain embodiments detailed in the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a depiction of a front view of a catch all baby bib apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a depiction of another front view of a catch all baby bib apparatus, including a collar extending over top of the bib, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a depiction of a yet another front view of a catch all baby bib apparatus, including a strap to attach the bib around the neck of a user, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a depiction of a side view of a catch all baby bib apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a depiction of a back view of a catch all baby bib apparatus and system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a depiction of an aerial view of a catch all baby bib apparatus and system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a depiction of a bottom view of a catch all baby bib apparatus and system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a depiction of a perspective view of a catch all baby bib apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows a depiction of another perspective view of a catch all baby bib apparatus and system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows a depiction of a method of using a catch all baby bib apparatus and system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures are not exhaustive and do not limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure and the examples included therein.

As briefly described above, the present disclosure relates, in various aspects, to a catch all baby bib apparatus, system, and method of using the same. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a catch all baby bib apparatus. In further aspects, the present disclosure provides for a catch all baby bib system.

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of an example of the catch all baby bib (CABB) apparatus 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. According to the disclosed embodiments, the CABB apparatus 100 is a bib, which can generally be described as a piece of fabric (or material) that can be fastened around a neck of a user. For purposes of illustration, the user of the CABB apparatus 100 is described through the disclosure as a baby, but it should be appreciated that the function and design of the CABB apparatus 100 can be practically used by others, such as adults, senior citizens, pets, and the like. By securely fastening the CABB apparatus 100 around a baby's neck, for example, a large section of fabric drapes over the body (e.g., chest and abdomen) of the baby. Accordingly, the CABB apparatus 100 can act as a protective barrier, having material that keeps the baby's clothes clean while eating. In FIG. 1, the CABB apparatus 100 is shown to include four principal portions (or elements), including: 1) a body 101; 2) a collar 102; 3) a base 103 and 4) fasteners 104 disposed along the base 103.

Referring particularly to the body 101, it can be described as a portion of the CABB apparatus 100 that is a flat, elongated, panel of material which primarily has a rectangularly shaped geometry. Accordingly, the body 101 can be further described as rectangle having multiple edges. As seen in FIG. 1, the body 101 can have two opposing edges that are elongated and have lengths that may run along the torso of the baby, and a top edge that runs along the baby's neckline (a bottom edge is described as a separate portion of the CABB apparatus 100, namely the base). In some cases, the top edge of the body 101 can be curved, or primarily circular, allowing the CABB apparatus 100 to be more form-fitting for positioning around a baby's neck. In comparison to the other portions of the CABB apparatus 100, the body 101 takes up a substantial amount of the length (with respect to a vertical axis) of the bib. As alluded to above, the dimensions (e.g., large size) and geometrical shape of the body 101 is particularly designed for it to be the section that covers the front of a baby's body. As such, the body 101 of the CABB apparatus 100 can server as a protective shield over the baby's chest and abdominal areas, which prevents food, liquid, or debris from coming into direct contact with clothes (or skin in those areas) during feeding.

In addition, the body 101 can be constructed using water-resistant fabric. For example, the body 101 can be a fabric with a plastic backing this is coated with a thin water-resistant coating, such as polyurethane laminate (PUL). By using water-resistant fabric, at least the body 101 of the CABB apparatus 100 can have a water-resistant layer that blocks liquids, or even wet food, from soiling the baby's clothes or making the baby's skin wet. In addition to keeping the baby's skin and clothes dry, using water-resistant fabric can realize other improvements, such providing for easy cleaning. For example, water-resistant fabric can repel liquid-based soiling and/or staining of the material, in a manner that cannot be achieved by simple cloth bibs. As a result, even if liquid spills onto the CABB apparatus 100 having water-resistant fabric, cleaning this spill may only require gently wiping the surface of the body 101. In comparison, a cloth bib being stained and/or soiled by liquid may need to be washed in order to clean its fabric. As an alternative to using water-resistant fabric specifically for the body 101, in some embodiments the CABB apparatus 100 can be made almost entirely using water-resistant fabric. As used herein, examples of water-resistant fabric can include, but is not limited to: plastic; vinyl; microfiber; nylon; polyester; PUL; thermoplastic polyurethane (PUL), oilcloth, and the like. Although the term water-resistant is used for purposes of discussion, it should be understood that other materials considered water-proof, or water-repellant can also be used.

Also, FIG. 1 shows a design feature of the CABB apparatus 100, namely collar 102. As disclosed herein, the collar 102 allows this bib to provide improved protection from staining and/or soiling over many existing bibs, specifically near the neck (or collar) area of the baby. The collar 102 can be described as an extended flap of material that is primality flat, and attached to the top of the body 101 at one end of the flap, and having a non-attached end of the flap so that the collar 102 can drop, extending downward over a portion of the bib. Also, the collar 102 can be curved or circular in shape (similar to the top edge of the body 101), so as to be form-fitting around the neckline of the baby when the CABB apparatus 100 is worn around the baby's neck. Particularly, in FIG. 1, the CABB apparatus 100 is depicted as having the collar 102 tucked-in, or placed underneath of the body 101. In some cases, the collar 102 being placed in the tucked-in position, as seen in FIG. 1, is the arrangement used for the CABB apparatus 100 that is most suitable for protecting the baby's neck and the collar of the baby's clothes.

Referring now to FIG. 2, another example of the CABB apparatus 200 is shown, wherein the collar 102 is in a tucked-out position. Being placed in the tucked-out position, as seen in FIG. 2, causes the collar 102 to be draped overtop of the body 101. Thus, FIG. 2 more prominently depicts the shape and dimensions of the collar (as it is not underneath and covered by the body 101). In some cases, the collar 102 can be in the tucked-out position, when the CABB apparatus 200 is not in use. The collar 102 can be small (in comparison to the body 101, and the base 103 portions of the CABB apparatus 100), made of soft material (e.g., preventing irritation or discomfort of the skin), with rounded corners. In some cases, the collar 102 may also be one of three basic collar types along with stand and roll collars. The collar 102 can be cut to have a the curve shape near the top of the collar 102, which allows it to fit around the neckline (follow the curve of the neckline), while the flat elongated part of the flap can lie flat upon the baby's torso. In other embodiments, the collar 102 may be made as one part, with a front-fastening bodice. In alternate embodiment, the collar 102 may comprise two parts. In the two-part configuration, illustrated in FIG. 2, the collar 102 may better accommodate a back fastening while retaining the front opening. Additionally, the collar 102 may be configured such that it may provide a protective neck strap which may be positioned under the baby's neck to ensure that the neckline may be adequately covered, and protected from food and liquid spilled or drooled out of the baby's mouth when feeding.

In yet another embodiment, the collar 102 may be configured such that it comprises multiple collar panels (not shown). For example, the collar 102 can include an outer collar which may be shaped as a split ring and/or coupled to the first collar panel at a top portion thereof about an outer annulus of the outer collar. The collar 102 may further comprise an inner collar, where the inner collar may be shaped as a split ring and/or coupled to the outer collar about an inner annulus of the outer collar. Moreover, in yet another embodiment, the collar 102 can include an inner collar having a protruding member that may be circumscribing the inner collar and/or protruding from a front portion thereof. The outer collar may include a coupling device to couple about the baby's neck and/or to couple to the first collar panel.

In other embodiment, the collar 102 may further be configured such that the aforementioned protruding member may be a bunched portion of fabric sewn about a base of the protruding member. Alternatively, other different types of coupling device may be used for the collar 102, including, but not limited to: mating hook; loop patches; ties; snaps; buttons; clips; pins; and the like.

In some embodiments, the collar 102 has the outer collar has a front panel of water-resistant material. This front panel can have an absorbent back panel, which allows the collar 102 to soak-up any liquid, being absorbed into the material and away from the baby's skin. In some cases, the inner collar is made of an absorbent material. In yet another embodiment, the inner collar can include a front fabric panel coupled to the protrusion and a back fabric panel coupled to the protrusion. The front fabric panel can have an annular width that is shorter than the back fabric panel. The inner collar can comprise a folded ring of fabric, wherein the protrusion is a tucked portion of that fabric that is coupled against itself. The outer collar can include a fastening system disposed about the outer annulus that repeatedly selectively couples and decouples to the bib. The fastening system can, including, but is not limited to: mating hooks; loop patches; ties; snaps; buttons; clips; pins; and the like. mating hook and loop patches, ties, snaps, buttons, clips, and pins.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a front view of another example of the CABB apparatus 300 is shown. In FIG. 3, a strap 305 that can be used to fasten the CABB apparatus 300 around the baby's neck is more prominently shown. As seen, the strap 305 can be a flat, long, strip of material having one end that is fixedly attached (sewn into) to one side of the body 101, and a distal end that is a loose, or not fixedly attached to the bib. The strap 305 can extend upward from its attached end at one side of the body 101, near the top of the bib (e.g., top edge of the body 101). The distal end of the strap 305 (the loose end) can then be attached to the body 101, by fastening that end of the strap 305 to a strap fastener 310 situated on the opposite side of the body 101. When initially placing the CABB apparatus 300 on the baby, the distal end of the strap 305 is loose and free to move, allowing the length of the strap 305 to be positioned around the circumference of the baby's neck. Then, securely attaching the distal end of the strap 305 to the strap fastener 310 at the opposing side of the body 101 closes the loop around the baby's neck, so the CABB apparatus 300 can hang downward from the strap, and lie flat against the baby's body. The strap fastener 310 can be Velcro (or another type of fastening mechanism) that is rigidly affixed to the CABB apparatus 300, at an opposite side of the bib (from the attached end of the strap 305) and generally near to the top of the bib which can correspond to a shoulder region of the baby. Another view of the strap 305 and strap fastener 310 is also shown in FIG. 5. In particular, FIG. 5 depicts a back view of the CABB apparatus 500, where the strap 305 is closed. As seen in FIG. 5, closing the strap 305 by attaching the distal end of the strap 305 to the strap fastener 310 that is on the front of the bib (indicated by dashed lines) forms a loop that can be around the baby's neck to secure the CABB apparatus 500 into position. FIG. 5 also prominently shows the collar 102 in its tucked-in position, resting underneath the body 101 of the CABB apparatus 500.

In FIG. 4, a side view of the CABB apparatus 400 is illustrated. In this perspective of the CABB apparatus 400, FIG. 4 more prominently displays the collar 102 in the tucked-in position (as described in detail above), and another feature, namely the base 103. The base 103 can be configured into a large pocket, or receptacle, which provides the “catch all” aspects of the CABB apparatus 400. For example, once the base 103 is expanded, the CABB apparatus 400 essentially has a large built-in pocket that remains opens, catching much of the falling food particles, liquid, and debris that may fall from the baby's mouth (and chin) during feeding. As a general description, the base 103 can be a large, flexible, flap of material that is an extension of the bib (from the bottom of the body 101). Flexibility of the base 103 allows this portion of the CABB apparatus 300 to expand outward, away from the body 101 (with respect to a Z-axis) of the bib, which lies flat against the body of the baby. Also, lateral sides of the base 103 can be described as expanding upward, away from the bottom of the body 101. Thus, the base 103 can be expanded from a flat body, and into dimensions having a depth, a width, and a height which forms a type of pocket. For instance, as seen in FIG. 4, the base 103 can be expanded to form a concave receptacle, having a rounded bottom surface that curves inward, like the interior of sphere. Thus, the CABB apparatus 400 is uniquely designed such that food, liquid, and debris falls into the large packet at its base 103. In contrast, with the use of many conventional baby bibs, spills, and falling food would land all around the baby, causing a large and undesirable mess.

Also, in FIG. 4, the fasteners 104 of the CABB apparatus 400 are shown. Fasteners 104 can be a mechanism (or device) that can be used to fasten, couple, attach, or secure item together, such as magnets. In one or more instances, fasteners 104 comprise at least one of the following including but not limited to: hook and loop fasteners, buttons, an interlocking button system, buckles, clasps, at least one adhesive, clips, closed loops, and other fastener. The fasteners 104 can be rigidly affixed to an exterior surface of the bib in a manner that allows the CABB apparatus 400 to be secured in a stationary position (e.g., preventing undesired movement or instability). In some cases, fasteners 104 can be used attached the CABB apparatus 400 to another object, for example a larger stationary object. The illustrated example of FIG. 4, shows fasteners 104 that are affixed (sewn into) to an upper edge of the base 104. In other words, a line of fasteners 104 are disposed around the rim of the pocket, or receptacle, of the bib's base 104.

As alluded to above, in an embodiment, the fasteners 104 can be magnets. The magnets may be constructed from known magnetic elements, such as neodymium, magnetic devices, or other types of high-strength magnets. As magnets, the fasteners 104, can be rigidly affixed to the CABB apparatus 400 (by sewing, glue, and the like), ensuring that the magnets remain secure, and stable at positions on the bib that come into contact with another object. For instance, the fasteners 104 may be positioned along an outward-facing surface of the base 103. Thus, by attaching the fasteners 104 after the base 103 is expanded, the CABB apparatus 400 can secure the CABB apparatus 400 in that expanded, stationary, position during use.

Also, as previously mentioned, fasteners 104 can attach the CABB apparatus 400 to a stationary object. In various practical uses, the stationary object can be an item that is commonly used (thus in the immediate vicinity) during feeding a baby, such as trays, and high table, eating surfaces, and the like. It should be appreciated that the CABB apparatus 400 can be attached to other types of objects that are primarily stationary as deemed appropriate, such as a wall, to secure the bib while in its expanded position. The fasteners 104, in the configuration seen in FIG. 4, are position on the exterior of the bib. In particular, magnets are lined along an edge of the pocket formed at the bib's base 103, which can be attached to a complimentary magnetic strip (e.g., having a polarity that creates a magnetic field that attracts fasteners 104 to attach thereto) that is installed on a highchair, for example. Upon attaching the magnets on the CABB apparatus 400, namely fasteners 104, to the magnetic strip that is positioned on the surface of the stationary object, the CABB apparatus 400 acts as a sealed barrier. For example, the sealed barrier that is formed can be described as stretching along the length of the CABB apparatus 400, starting from under the baby's chin (e.g., near collar 102), and reaching to an edge of the stationary object, such as the top of the highchair's tray. With convention bibs, open spaces near the edge of the stationary object where food or debris could potentially fall remained exposed. For instance, food may drop down into the free space between the baby's body while sitting and the highchair. However, such openings are covered by the sealed barrier that is formed from attaching the extended CABB apparatus 400 to a highchair, which mitigates these types of spills into the baby's lap (floor or chair) and improves the overall protection provided by the bib.

In another embodiment, the fasteners 104 can be suction cups. According to this embodiment, a complimentary element may not be needed at the stationary object for attaching the CABB apparatus thereto (as compared to magnets which also use a magnetic strip installed at the stationary object). That is, when suction cups are used as the fasteners 104 on the CABB apparatus 400, the suction cups can be attached directly to a surface of the stationary object. As a result, this embodiment may require no additional installation at the station object in this embodiment which further improves the ease of use. Even further, by using simple devices to implement the fasteners 104 (e.g., magnets and suction cups) assembling and disassembling the apparatus 400 in its expanded position remains simple, and does not degrade its ease of use. In one or more instances the surface of the stationary object may include at least one of a non-metallic material, non-magnetic material, an organic material, a synthetic compound, and other surface.

The above-mentioned embodiment, can be considered as the catch all baby bib system, as disclosed herein. The system can include the CABB apparatus 400 that is interoperable with an associated stationary object, such as a eating table or highchair. In the system, the stationary object is also magnetized. For instance, referring to the previous example, the CABB apparatus 400 can have magnets sewn into its material, and a complementary magnetic strip having an adhesive can be installed onto a surface of the stationary object (e.g., a bottom surface of a highchair). By installing the magnetic strip portion of the system at the stationary object, the CABB apparatus 400 can be securely attached thereto. Accordingly, the system forms a complete seal around the baby. The system acts as a sealed barrier that both guides falling food and debris into the bib's large pocket at the base 103 and ensures that food does not fall into open spaces around the eating area (e.g., between the baby's body and the front edge of the highchair tray). As alluded to above, many conventional baby bibs do not have the capability to be attached to a another object and form such a protective seal around the baby in the manner disclosed. Thus, when the baby sits a distance away from the tray in the highchair, these existing bibs allow food to fall into the baby's lap, in the seat, or on the floor.

In one or more instances, a non-magnetic metal strip may be used in place of the complementary magnetic strip. The non-magnetic metal strip may be used in conjunction with fasteners 104 wherein the fasteners 104 include at least one of a non-magnetic material, a non-metallic material, a combination of materials, and one or more other materials.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a flow chart setting forth steps in an example of a method of using the CABB apparatus (shown in FIG. 1) is depicted. Method 1000 may be implemented by a user, as described in more detail below, with respect to FIG. 10. Although method 1000 has been described to be performed by CABB apparatus 100 (shown in FIG. 1), it should be understood that various components of apparatus 100 may be used to perform the various stages of method 1000. Furthermore, in some embodiments, different operations may be performed by different components of apparatus 100. Similarly, apparatus 100 may be employed in the performance of some or all of the stages in method 1000.

Although the stages illustrated by the flow charts are disclosed in a particular order, it should be understood that the order is disclosed for illustrative purposes only. Stages may be combined, separated, reordered, and various intermediary stages may exist. Accordingly, it should be understood that the various stages illustrated within the flow chart may be, in various embodiments, performed in arrangements that differ from the ones illustrated. Moreover, various stages may be added or removed from the flow charts without altering or deterring from the fundamental scope of the depicted methods and systems disclosed herein. Ways to implement the stages of method 1000 will be described in greater detail below.

Method 1000 may begin at starting block 1005 and proceed to stage 1010 where a user may fasten the CABB apparatus around the user's neck. For example, securing the CABB around the neck of a baby (or infant). FIG. 8 shows the CABB apparatus 800 where the strap is in the closed position for fastening the CABB around the baby's neck. Thus, the body portion of CABB apparatus 800 can lay flat against the chest and abdomen of the baby when in use.

From stage 1010, where a user fastened an apparatus around the neck, method 1000 may advance to stage 1020 where a user may tuck in a collar of the CABB apparatus. For example, tucking the collar in at top of the CABB apparatus. FIG. 9 shows an example of the CABB apparatus 900, where the collar 102 is tucked-in for use.

Once a user tucks in a collar of the CABB apparatus in stage 1020, method 1000 may continue to stage 1030 where a user may secure the CABB apparatus to the bottom surface of an eating area. For example, the CABB apparatus can be secured to the base of a highchair table with suction cups. FIG. 7 shows an example of a bottom view a highchair, where the CABB apparatus 700 is securely attached thereto. In FIG. 7, the fasteners 104 of the CABB apparatus are illustrated as being pushed towards (indicated by arrows) an edge at the base of the highchair 705 to securely affix the CABB apparatus 700 to the highchair 705.

After a user secures the CABB apparatus to the bottom surface of an eating area in stage 1030, method 1000 may proceed to stage 1040. In stage 1040, a user may attach the CABB apparatus to the top surface of an eating area. For example, the CABB apparatus to the top can be attached to the top surface of a highchair table, by using one or more magnets. FIG. 6 shows a top view of an example of the CABB apparatus 600 that is attached to a highchair 705. As seen in FIG. 6, the CABB apparatus 600 can be attached to the top of a tray, or table, of the highchair 705. Further, FIG. 6 serves to illustrate that attaching the CABB apparatus 600 results in a forming a sealed barrier, which covers any open space near the edge of the highchair's 705 tray. Once a user attaches the apparatus to the top surface of an eating area in stage 1040, method 1000 may then end at stage 1050.

It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising” can include the aspects “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.” Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In this specification and in the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined herein.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an opening” can include two or more openings.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from one particular value, and/or to another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent ‘about,’ it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

As used herein, the terms “about” and “at or about” mean that the amount or value in question can be the value designated some other value approximately or about the same. It is generally understood, as used herein, that it is the nominal value indicated ±10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. The term is intended to convey that similar values promote equivalent results or effects recited in the claims. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about” or “approximate” whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where “about” is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.

The terms “first,” “second,” “first part,” “second part,” and the like, where used herein, do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, and are used to distinguish one element from another, unless specifically stated otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. For example, the phrase “optionally affixed to the surface” means that it can or cannot be fixed to a surface.

Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

Disclosed are the components to be used to manufacture the disclosed devices, systems, and articles of the disclosure as well as the devices themselves to be used within the methods disclosed herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these materials cannot be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a particular material is disclosed and discussed and a number of modifications that can be made to the materials are discussed, specifically contemplated is each and every combination and permutation of the material and the modifications that are possible unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, if a class of materials A, B, and C are disclosed as well as a class of materials D, E, and F and an example of a combination material, A-D is disclosed, then even if each is not individually recited each is individually and collectively contemplated meaning combinations, A-E, A-F, B-D, B-E, B-F, C-D, C-E, and C-F are considered disclosed. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also disclosed. Thus, for example, the sub-group of A-E, B-F, and C-E would be considered disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in methods of making and using the articles and devices of the disclosure. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the methods of the disclosure.

It is understood that the devices and systems disclosed herein have certain functions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions, and it is understood that there are a variety of structures that can perform the same function that are related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures will typically achieve the same result.

The invention includes at least the following aspects: Aspect 1 includes an apparatus, comprising: a body portion, wherein the body portion is a rectangularly shaped panel of material having two elongated edges and a top edge; a collar portion, wherein the collar portion is an extended flap of material attached to the top edge of the body portion; a base portion, wherein the base portion is a flexible flap of material expanding to extend outward from a bottom of the body portion and forming a receptacle as a base; and at least one fastener, wherein the at least one fastener is affixed to an upper edge of the base portion to secure the base portion in a stationary position.

Aspect 2 includes the apparatus of any preceding aspect, further comprising a strap portion to securely fasten the apparatus around a neck of a user, wherein the strap portion is a strip of material extending upward from a side of a top of the body portion and having a strap fastener on a distal end of the strap portion to attach the distal end of the strap portion to an opposing side of the top of the body portion.

Aspect 3 includes the apparatus of any preceding aspect, wherein the body portion comprises a top surface of water-resistant material such that the body portion extends from the strap portion under a chin of the user and forming a protectant shield over a chest area and abdominal area of the user.

Aspect 4 includes the apparatus of any preceding aspect, wherein the collar portion is a flap positioned under the body portion and tucked under a portion of clothing of worn by the user such that the flap extends downward from the top edge of the body portion and forms a sealed barrier over the portion of clothing around the neck of the user.

Aspect 5 includes the apparatus of any preceding aspect, wherein the at least one fastener is a suction cup.

Aspect 6 includes the apparatus of any preceding aspect, where the suction cup is attached to a surface of a stationary object such that the base portion is securely affixed to the surface of the stationary object and forming a sealed barrier between the apparatus and the stationary object to catch debris in the receptacle of the base portion.

Aspect 7 includes the apparatus of any preceding aspect, where the at least one fastener is a magnet.

Aspect 8 includes the apparatus of any preceding aspect, wherein the magnet can be attached to a complimentary magnetic strip positioned on a surface of a stationary object such that the base portion is securely affixed to the surface of the stationary object and forming a sealed barrier between the apparatus and the stationary object.

Aspect 9 includes the apparatus of any preceding aspect, wherein the stationary object comprises a table having an edge and the complimentary magnetic strip is mounted to a bottom of the edge of the table and securely attaching the forming a sealed barrier over the edge of the table.

Aspect 10 includes the apparatus of any preceding aspect, wherein the base portion affixed in the stationary position catches falling debris in the receptacle at the base of the apparatus.

Aspect 11 includes the apparatus of any preceding aspect, wherein the collar portion is a flap over the body portion by extending downward from the top edge of the body portion and forms a protective shield under the chin and neck of the user.

Aspect 12 includes a method, comprising fastening a debris-catching or “catch all” bib around a neck of a user; tucking in a collar of the catch all bib underneath a portion of clothing worn by the user; securing the catch all bib to a bottom surface of an eating area; and attaching the catch all bib to a top surface of the eating area.

Aspect 13 includes the method of any preceding aspect, wherein fastening the catch all bib further comprises attaching a strap of the catch all bib around the neck of the user such that a body of the catch all bib extending from the strap forms a protectant shield over a chest area of an abdominal area of the user.

Aspect 14 includes the method of any preceding aspect, wherein the body of the catch all bib comprises a top surface of water-resistant material.

Aspect 15 includes the method of any preceding aspect, wherein tucking in the collar of the catch all bib further comprises positioning the collar under the body of the catch all bib and tucking the collar under the portion of clothing of worn by the user such that the collar is a flap extending downward from the body and forming a sealed barrier over the portion of clothing around the neck of the user.

Aspect 16 includes the method of any preceding aspect, wherein securing the catch all bib further comprises attaching at least one suction cup affixed to a base of the catch all bib to the bottom surface of the eating area.

Aspect 17 includes the method of any preceding aspect, wherein securing the catch all bib further comprises attaching at least one magnet affixed to a base of the catch all bib to the bottom surface of the eating area.

Aspect 18 includes the method of any preceding aspect, wherein attaching the at least one magnet further comprises securely attaching the at least one magnet to a complimentary magnetic strip mounted to the bottom surface of the eating area such that the base of the catch all bib adheres to the bottom surface of the eating area.

Aspect 19 includes the method of any preceding aspect, wherein attaching the catch all bib to a top surface of the eating area further comprises expanding a base of the catch all bib such that a receptacle is formed.

Aspect 20 includes the method of any preceding aspect, wherein attaching the catch all bib to a top surface of the eating area further comprises securing the catch all bib in a stationary position such that the a sealed barrier between the catch all bib and the eating area is formed to catch falling debris in the receptacle.

While aspects of the present disclosure can be described and claimed in a particular statutory class, such as the system statutory class, this is for convenience only and one of skill in the art will understand that each aspect of the present disclosure can be described and claimed in any statutory class. Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method or aspect set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not specifically state in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way appreciably intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow, plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, or the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

Throughout this application, various publications can be referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this pertains. The references disclosed are also individually and specifically incorporated by reference herein for the material contained in them that is discussed in the sentence in which the reference is relied upon. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present disclosure is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior disclosure. Further, the dates of publication provided herein can be different from the actual publication dates, which can require independent confirmation.

The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a body portion comprising a rectangularly shaped panel of material having two elongated edges and a top edge;

a collar portion comprising an extended flap of material attached to the top edge of the body portion;

a base portion comprising a flexible flap of material expanding to extend outward from a bottom of the body portion and forming a receptacle as a base; and

at least one fastener affixed to an upper edge of the base portion to secure the base portion in a stationary position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a strap portion configured to securely fasten the apparatus around a neck of a user, the strap portion comprising a strip of material extending upward from a side of a top of the body portion and having a strap fastener on a distal end of the strap portion to attach the distal end of the strap portion to an opposing side of the top of the body portion.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the body portion comprises a top surface comprising a water-resistant material; and wherein the body portion extends from the strap portion under a chin of the user effective to form a protectant shield over a chest area and abdominal area of the user.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the collar portion is a flap positioned under the body portion and configured to tuck under a portion of clothing of worn by the user such that the flap extends downward from the top edge of the body portion and forms a sealed barrier over the portion of clothing around the neck of the user.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one fastener is a suction cup.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the suction cup is configured to attach to a surface of a stationary object such that the base portion is securely affixed to the surface of the stationary object and forms a sealed barrier between the apparatus and the stationary object to catch debris in the receptacle of the base portion.

7. The apparatus of claim 4, where the at least one fastener is a magnet.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the magnet is configured to attach to a complimentary magnetic strip positioned on a surface of a stationary object such that the base portion is securely affixed to the surface of the stationary object and forms a sealed barrier between the apparatus and the stationary object.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the stationary object comprises a table having an edge and the complimentary magnetic strip is mounted to a bottom of the edge of the table; and wherein the sealed barrier is formed over the edge of the table.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base portion affixed in the stationary position is configured to catch falling debris in the receptacle at the base of the apparatus.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the collar portion comprises a flap over the body portion extending downward from the top edge of the body portion and configured to form a protective shield under the chin and neck of the user.

12. A method, comprising:

fastening a debris-catching bib around a neck of a user;

tucking in a collar of the debris-catching bib underneath a portion of clothing worn by the user;

securing the debris-catching bib to a bottom surface of an eating area; and

attaching the debris-catching bib to a top surface of the eating area.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein fastening the debris-catching bib further comprises:

attaching a strap of the debris-catching bib around the neck of the user such that a body of the debris-catching bib extending from the strap forms a protectant shield over a chest area of an abdominal area of the user.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the body of the debris-catching bib comprises a top surface of a water-resistant material.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein tucking in the collar of the debris-catching bib further comprises:

positioning the collar under the body of the debris-catching bib and tucking the collar under the portion of clothing of worn by the user; and wherein the collar is a flap extending downward from the body and forms a sealed barrier over the portion of clothing around the neck of the user.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein securing the debris-catching bib further comprises:

attaching at least one suction cup affixed to a base of the debris-catching bib to the bottom surface of the eating area.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein securing the debris-catching bib further comprises:

attaching at least one magnet affixed to a base of the debris-catching bib to the bottom surface of the eating area.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein attaching the at least one magnet further comprises:

securely attaching the at least one magnet to a complimentary magnetic strip mounted to the bottom surface of the eating area such that the base of the debris-catching bib adheres to the bottom surface of the eating area.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein attaching the debris-catching bib to a top surface of the eating area further comprises:

expanding a base of the debris-catching bib such that a receptacle is formed.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein attaching the debris-catching bib to a top surface of the eating area further comprises:

securing the debris-catching bib in a stationary position such that the a sealed barrier if formed between the debris-catching bib and the eating area to catch falling debris in the receptacle.