WO2004060085A1

WO2004060085A1 - Absorbent bib overlay

Info

Publication number: WO2004060085A1
Application number: PCT/US2003/013356
Authority: WO
Inventors: Caroline Yu
Original assignee: Caroline Yu
Priority date: 2002-12-31
Filing date: 2003-04-30
Publication date: 2004-07-22
Also published as: AU2003245249A1

Abstract

A bib overlay (1) has a flexible web (5) and one or more pads (3) joined to the flexible web (5). The pads (3) are arranged on the web (5) so that the overlay can be arranged on the bib by folding the web to sandwich the bib material. The pads (3) are arranged proximate to, and in conformance with, the wearer's neck. Further, a bib (121) can have a curved neck portion and a pad (103) located at the neck portion. The pad (103) has a concave region corresponding to and overlapping the curved neck portion.

Description

ABSORBENT BIB OVERLAY BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention relates generally to an overlay, preferably, absorbent, for use with a bib. More specifically, this invention concerns a removable and washable bib neck overlay having absorbent pads. These pads increase the overall effectiveness of the bib by positioning an absorbent surface closer to toward the wearer's mouth than conventional bibs, thereby catching or deflecting more of the debris that falls on the bib.

[002] The present invention is described in connection with an infant's bib. It should be understood, however, that this is by way of example and not limitation; this invention is applicable to any type of bib or apron.

Description of Related Art

[003] Bibs are commonly used to help protect a wearer's garments from spills.

[004] One of the most common types of bibs is an infant's bib. Such a bib can be used to protect the infant's clothing from food spills, and from food or saliva which may fall from the infant's mouth. Bibs can be made from either absorbent or non-absorbent material, or even a combination thereof; absorbent material offers as a benefit the ability to soak up liquid spilled thereon. Non-absorbent bibs can be more easily cleaned, although it will be appreciated that liquid falling on such bibs may run off the bib and soak other parts of the infant's clothing.

[005] One continuing problem with conventional bibs is that they do not always do a good job of protecting the wearer. For a bib to do a good job of protecting the wearer from spills, the bib should fit close to the wearer's neck. If, however, the bib is held too tightly, the wearer will be uncomfortable and their neck may even chafe.

[006] A further problem with conventional bibs is that, when dirty, the entire bib must be cleaned, even if just a portion of the bib is soiled.

[007] Although the prior art discloses a variety of bibs, none satisfy all of the above- mentioned needs.

[008] U.S. Patent No. 5,666,665 teaches a dribble roll which is attached to a flat baby bib. A square of absorbent material is rolled and then attached by three sets of snaps to a baby bib.

[009] U.S. Patent No. 2,552,462 teaches folding a ploth over the bottom of the bib neck opening, and bib structure for securing that cloth. The cloth does not necessarily conform closely to the wearer's neck, and so care must be taken to insure that the bib and cloth are properly fitted.

[0010] U.S. Patent Nos. 5,490,289 and 5,661,851 teach bibs which incorporate absorbent material. Like other prior art bibs, these bibs do not conform closely to the wearer. [0011] Accordingly, there exists a need for a bib assembly which fits close to the wearer's neck, which is secure, which is easy to put on, and which is easy to clean. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention is meant to solve the foregoing deficiencies in the art.

[0013] Accordingly, this invention involves a bib overlay having a flexible web which can be folded over the neck portion of the bib; the bib overlay thereby sandwiches the bib. [0014] A further aspect of this invention relates to a bib overlay having a flexible web and a pair of pads joined to the flexible web. These pads can be crescent-shaped and arranged on opposite sides of the flexible web so that the horns of the pads face one other. Again, the bib overlay can be arranged on the bib by folding the web so that the pads sandwich the bib material therebetween. The crescent-shaped pads are arranged so that their concave regions are proximate to, and conform to, the wearer's neck.

[0015] Still another aspect of this invention concerns a bib having a curved neck portion and a pad located at the neck portion. The pad, which is joined to the bib, has a concave region corresponding to and overlapping the curved neck portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0016] The following drawing figures, which form a part of this application, are illustrative of embodiments of the present invention and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention in any manner, which scope shall be based on the claims appended hereto. [0017] Figure 1 is a top plan view showing one embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view taken along lines 2-2' of Figure 1;

[0019] Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the embodiment depicted in Figure 1 in a first configuration;

[0020] Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the embodiment of Figure 1 mounted on a bib in another configuration;

[0021] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a person wearing the embodiment of

Figure 1;

[0022] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7' of Figure 6;

[0024] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a bib overlay being placed on a bib in accordance with the present invention; and [0025] Figure 9 is a cutaway perspective view of still another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0026] Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the aforementioned figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components.

[0027] Turning first to Figs. 1-5 and 8, a first embodiment of a bib overlay 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0028] In the depicted embodiment, bib overlay 1 is formed by affixing two crescent- shaped absorbent pads 3 to opposite edges of a cloth web 5. By way of non-limiting example, the cloth web 5 is a rectangular piece of cloth. These components will now be discussed in turn.

[0029] Cloth web 5 serves to hold the crescent-shaped pads 3 together. The web 5 can be made from any suitable material. Presently, cotton terrycloth is preferred. If desired, the cloth used may have elastic properties, such as by providing an elastic edge or using a cloth material that is itself elastic. The surface of the web can be decorated so as to have a pleasing appearance.

[0030] Crescent-shaped absorbent pads 3 are preferably constructed with an outer layer 11 surrounding at least one inner layer 13. Both the outer 11 and inner 13 layers are preferably made of absorbent material. As shown in Fig. 1, the outer 11 and inner. 13 layers are joined together by a line of stitching 7 running around the crescent's perimeter. Alternatively, the layers 11, 13, could be joined together by any other suitable fabrication technique, whether now known or hereafter developed, such as heat-bonding, adhesive, crimping and so forth.

[0031] As shown seen in Figs. 1 and 2, each pad 3 has two outer layer portions 11 disposed on opposite sides of inner layer portion 13, all of which are joined together by stitching 7. Pad 3 has a maximum thickness t, and it will be understood that the thickness of the pad need not be constant, but rather, could change. The perimeter portions of the inner 13 and outer 11 layers can be compressed by the stitching 7. If desired, stitching also could be

' applied in the central portions of the pad (not shown). The exposed sections of the outer layer portions 11 can have decorative printing thereon.

[0032] It will be appreciated that, as an alternative mode of construction, a single, suitably shaped outer layer portion 11 can be folded over the inner layer 13, and only the overlapped edges of the outer layer portion 11 need be joined together, again, preferably by stitching'.

[0033] If desired, a decorative trim piece (not shown) could be positioned around at least a portion of the perimeter of each pad 3. Such a trim piece prevents fraying of the pad edges, and provides a pleasing appearance.

[0034] Optionally, each pad 3 can have more than one inner layer 13; this way, the pad 3 can be built up in thickness from several layers of material. The material(s) used in the inner layer 13 can be chosen in order to determine the absorbent properties of the pad 3. By way of non-limiting example, a highly absorbent core can be surrounded by less absorbent layers, so that the core serves to "lock in" any trapped liquid.

[0035] The absorbent pads 3 are preferably crescent-shaped; the concave portion 19 of each pad 3 allows the pad 3 to conform closely to the wearer's neck. It will be appreciated that other shapes, such as a rectangle, also can be used. It is preferable that, whatever shape pad is used, that pad 3 will have a concave curved portion 19 corresponding to and fitting against the wearer's neck.

[0036] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the two absorbent pads 3 are themselves attached to the facing sides of a cloth web 5 by a line of stitching 9 running through each pad 3 into the web 5. More than one line of stitching could be used. The stitching 9 need not be continuous, spot stitching at, for example, just the ends and center of the pad 3 could be employed. The stitching can run just from the web 5 into just part of the pad 3. It also will be appreciated that any other suitable attachment technique, whether permanent or temporary, such as buttons or snaps, could be used.

[0037] The absorbent pads 3 are arranged so that the each pad's horns 21 extend inward and the concave regions 19 of the pads 3 face one another across a portion of the web

5.

[0038] The absorbent pads 3 are each preferably about 4 1/2 " long, 1 3/4" across at their widest point, and 1/4" in thickness. These sizes are provided only by way of example, and not limitation, and other sized pads 3 also could be used.

[0039] Owing to the inherent flexibility of the web 5, the two absorbent pads 3 can be folded about the midpoint of the web 5 with the neck portion of the bib material 15 therebetween. This sandwiches the neck portion of the bib between the two absorbent pads 3.

As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, by virtue of the orientation of the crescent-shaped pads 3 affixed to the web 5, the crescent-shaped pads 3 fold over the bib material 15 with the same orientation, and the concave portion 19 of each absorbent pad 3 can conform to the wearer's neck. Fig. 3 shows the pads 3 and web 5 in an orientation where the pads sandwich the web therebetween, whereas Fig. 4 shows the web 5 lying outside of the ends of the pads 3, this configuration being presently preferred. It also will be understood that a mixed arrangement could be used, wherein one pad 3 is joined to the web 5 in the manner of Fig. 3, and the other pad 3 is joined to web 5 in the manner of Fig. 4.

[0040] If desired, web 5 could be made somewhat larger than the pads 3, in which case the pads 3 would lie on a generally ellipsoidal web 5 (not shown).

[0041] Still another embodiment of this invention is shown in Fig. 9. Here, the bib overlay 201 has a pair of crescent-shaped pads 203 sandwiched between lower and upper layers 202, 204. A line of stitching 209 runs around the edge of the overlay 201, joining the lower and upper layers 202, 204 together. Stitching 207 secures each pad 203 to at least one of the upper layer 204 and lower layer 202. It will be appreciated that the pads could be secured using any other suitable technique, such as adhesives. This arrangement will have a particularly uniform appearance, and can be positioned on a wearer's bib in the manner already described .

[0042] With reference now to Fig. 8, bib overlay 1 is placed on bib 21 as follows. The bib overlay 1 is shaped by bending the web portion 5 so that the two crescent-shaped pads 3 are arranged on either side of bib material 15. Web portion 5 is oriented so as to lie outside of and atop pads 3. The bib overlay 1 is then moved toward the bib 21 in the direction of arrow

A until the crescent-shaped pads 3 overlap the neck region of the bib 21. Friction between the outer layer portion 11 and the bib material 15 serves to hold the bib overlay 1 in place relative to bib 21.

[0043] The overlapped crescent-shaped pads 3 are substantially thicker than the bib.

The pads 3 thereby raise the bib 21 closer to the wearer's neck, and the top surface of the upper pad 3 is close to the wearer's mouth. These arrangements, taken together with the close conformance of the concave portions 19 of the pads 3 to the wearer's neck, all result in an arrangement which better shields the wearer from spilled material. [0044] More specifically, the components of bib overlay 1 provide the following different benefits. First, the lower pad 3, which is the pad 3 closer to the wearer's chest, protects the wearer's chest from spills. The lower pad 3 also provides lift to the bib 21, raising the bib 21 closer to the wearer's mouth. The upper pad 3 provides a protective surface that helps to shield underlying portions of the bib 21 and overlay 1 from spills. Owing to the web 5 lying outside of pads 3, web 5 fits closely and comfortably to the wearer's neck, and helps absorb any spilled material. It will be appreciated that, as best seen in Fig. 4, because web 5 lies atop the upper pad 3, spilled material will run down off the web 5, and will not pool where the web 5 and pad 3 meet.

[0045] A further benefit to the present invention is that the bib overlay 1 is both easily mounted upon and removed from the bib 21. The bib overlay 1 is easily and quickly arranged through folding over the neck portion of the bib 21. When it becomes necessary to remove the bib overlay 1, say, because it has been soiled and so must be cleaned, it is simply removed from the bib 21. The bib need not itself be cleaned unless it too has become dirty. [0046] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, if desired, the bib overlay

1 also could be secured, in temporary fashion, directly to the bib 21. This arrangement may be particularly useful if movement of the wearer tend to cause make the bib overlay 1 shift in position. By way of non-limiting example, the bib overlay 1 and bib 21 could be joined using any of a snap and grommet fitting, a button and button hole, or patches of hook-and-loop fastener material (not shown). More than one such fastener could be provided. Any other suitable connection system now known or hereafter developed also could be employed. [0047] In a further embodiment of this invention (not shown), the bib overlay can have only a single crescent-shaped pad 3 is joined to web 5. This configuration can be arranged with the pad 3 either above or below bib material 15. Such a bib overlay is placed on the bib 21 in the same manner as the previous embodiment.

[0048] Another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 6, provides a pad 103 that is permanently affixed to the bib 121 itself. The pad 103 is preferably crescent shaped, with the concave portion 119 of the crescent being dimensioned to conform to the neck portion of the bib 121 itself.

[0049] With reference now to Fig. 7, the pad 103 is preferably made from absorbent material, with an inner layer 113 and a cover layer 111. By way of non-limiting example, for comfort and washability, the cover layer 111 is preferably made of cotton terrycloth material. The inner layer 113 core is likewise made of washable material. The inner 113 and outer layers 111 can be joined to the bib material 11 in known fashion, for example, by a line of stitchmg 107 running around the perimeter of the pad 103. Web 105, which is optional, is joined to pad 103 by stitching 109. Stitching 107 and 109 can be arranged in the same manner as the embodiment depicted in Figs. 1-4. Web 105 has a length and width sufficient so that the web 105 can be passed, in the direction of arrow B, through the neck portion of a bib (not shown) and reversed to lie under the bib, further helping to protect the bib's neck portion. [0050] As with the first embodiment, the cover layer 111 can be decorated, and inner layer 113 can consist of multiple layers, which may be chosen to have specific absorbent properties.

[0051] Again, it will be appreciated that the pad 103 can be formed from upper and lower portions joined to the inner layer 113, or the outer layer 111 can be made from a single piece of material that is folded over the irmer layer 113. In each case, it is presently preferable to join the inner 113 and outer 111 layers by a line of stitching 107 running around the perimeter of the pad 103.

[0052] In the same manner as the previous embodiment, the pad 103 conforms closely to the wearer's neck and mouth, and so better protects the wearer. [0053] In yet another embodiment of this invention, the bib overlay 1 of the first embodiment is used together with the bib 121 and pad 103 combination of the second embodiment. In this arrangement (not shown), the bib overlay 1 can be sandwiched about the neck portion of the bib 121 having the permanently-affixed pad 103. The' permanently- affixed pad 103 provides the bib overlay 1 with greater lift, and helps position the crescent- shaped pads 3 of the bib overlay 1 close to the wearer's neck and mouth. This arrangement can provide particularly effective protection for the wearer.

[0054] It will be further appreciated that the pads 3 and 103 discussed above also could be made from a single piece of material (not shown). [0055] Still another embodiment of this invention relates to a

[0056] Although the foregoing embodiments of this invention are described as being made, in part, from cotton terrycloth material, it should be understood that this is only by way of example and not limitation. Other materials, whether absorbent or non-absorbent, could be used. It will be further appreciated that the materials used can be chosen in view of the debris to be caught or deflected by the bib. Furthermore, the bib material can be treated or coated with a stain-resistant finish. If desired, the bib overlay and/or bib in accordance with this invention can be provided with matching or contrasting surface patterns or images. [0057] As is apparent to one skilled in the art, the present invention can be employed in applications other than infant bibs, such as with dental bibs, smocks for use in hospitals and nursing homes to protect persons having difficulty feeding themselves, and in industrial applications. Again, such uses are set out only by way of example, and not limitation. [0058] Although the present invention has been described and shown, in detail, it will be understood that such description is by way of illustration and example only and is not. to be taken by way of limitation. The spirit and scope of the present invention are limited only by the terms of the following claims.

Claims

I CLAIM:

1. A bib overlay, comprising: a flexible web; and a pad connected to the web.

2. A bib overlay according to claim 1, wherein the pad has a concave portion.

3. A bib overlay according to claim 1, wherein the pad is crescent-shaped.

4. A bib overlay according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible web and the pad are connected by stitching.

5. A bib overlay, comprising: a flexible web; and a pair of pads, each said pad being joined to the flexible web.

6. A bib overlay according to claim 5, wherein at least one said pad has a concave portion.

7. A bib overlay according to claim 5, wherein at least one said pad is crescent-shaped.

8. A bib overlay according to claim 5, wherein at least one said pad is crescent-shaped, and said pads is arranged on opposite sides of the flexible web so that the horns of said crescent-shaped pad faces toward the other said pad.

9. A bib overlay according to claim 5, wherein the flexible web and the pads are connected by stitching.

10. A bib overlay according to claim 5, further comprising a connector for attachment of the bib overlay to a bib.

11. A bib, comprising: a bib body having a curved neck portion; and a first pad disposed at the neck portion, the pad having a concave region corresponding to and overlapping the curved neck portion, the pad being joined to the bib body.

12. A bib according to claim 11, wherein the pad is crescent-shaped.

13. A bib according to claim 11 , wherein the bib body and the pad are connected by stitching.

14. A bib according to claim 11 , further comprising a web attached to at least one of the pad and the bib body, the pad being sized so that, when the bib is worn by a wearer, the web extends through the neck opening and is positioned between the bib body and the wearer.

15. A bib according to claim 11 , further comprising a bib overlay, the bib overlay including: a flexible web; and a pair of second pads, each said second pad being joined to the flexible web, wherein at least one said second pad is crescent-shaped.

16. A bib according to claim 15, wherein at least one of said second pads is crescent-shaped, and said second pads are arranged on opposite sides of the flexible web so that the horns of said crescent-shaped second pad faces toward the other second pad.

17. A bib overlay according to claim 11, further comprising a connector for joining the bib body to the bib overlay.

18. A bib overlay, comprising: a flexible lower web; a flexible upper web; and a pair of crescent-shaped pads disposed between the lower and the upper webs, wherein the lower and the upper webs cover at least a portion of each of the pads.

19. A bib overlay according to claim 18, wherein the lower and the upper webs are joined together.

20. A bib overlay according to claim 18, wherein the pads are joined to at least one of the upper and the lower webs.