MXPA00010051A - Disposable bib having stretchable shoulder extensions - Google Patents

Abstract

A bib (20) having an area (500) on each shoulder extension (24, 26) which is permanently elongated to provide extensibility and elasticity which minimizes distortion of the bib body as the shoulder extensions are fastened around a wearer's neck. The area (500) on each shoulder extension can include a strainable network. The network can be formed in a laminate of a paper layer and a plastic film layer. The strainable network can have at least two visually distinct regions.

Description

DISPOSABLE BIB THAT HAS ESTIRABLE SHOULDER EXTENSIONS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to disposable bibs, and more particularly, to a disposable bib that has a pair of shoulder extensions, each of which includes a permanently elongated area providing stretchable shoulder extensions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Disposable bibs are well known in the art These disposable bibs may be provided for use in infants during feeding Disposable bibs may have a laminated construction comprising multiple layers For example, disposable bibs may include a top sheet of absorbent paper to receive the material spilled food and a back sheet of plastic film to prevent the penetration of spilled liquids through the bib and onto baby garments. Other multi-layer bib constructions are also known. In order to be effective, a bib must fit snugly against a user's body adequately covering the front area, including the shoulders, as well as parts of the user's sides Laminated structures may be relatively stiff A relatively stiff bib has a tendency to separate away from the wearer's body as extensions The shoulders are wrapped around the shoulders and fastened around the neck. The separation exposes the surfaces of the wearer's garment to foods and liquids that may be spilled by the wearer during use. A bib that is relatively flexible, having particularly stretchable shoulder extensions, can eliminate separation by allowing the shoulder extensions to stretch around the neck of the wearer. user and conform to the contour of the shoulders of the user One way to produce stretchable shoulder extensions is by including the elastic material in the laminate that forms the shoulder extension. Although said combination is effective in providing flexible shoulder extensions, the additional cost associated with including the elastic material makes the practical application for a disposable bib product BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a disposable bib comprising a bib body, a pair of shoulder extensions extending from the bib body to provide a generally flat neck opening. Each shoulder extension includes a permanently elongated area which is stretched beyond its elastic limit The permanent elongation provides the shoulder extensions with the capacity of extension and elasticity that allows them to wrap around the neck of the user and conform to the contour of the shoulders without distorting the body of the bib. In one embodiment, the permanently elongated area comprises a tensable network including at least a first region and at least two second regions The first region is subjected to deformation substantially at the molecular level and the second region is subjected iniaialy to a substantially geometric deformation as the shoulder extensions are wrapped around the neck of the neck. user The first region and the second regions are visually distinct from one another The first region is substantially planar while the second regions include a plurality of rib-like enhancement elements The orientation of the two different regions can adopt a number of different arrangements to provide shoulder extensions having elastic behavior A preferred arrangement includes a first planar region extending parallel to the longitudinal center line of the bib and the rib-like enhancement elements of the second regions positioned orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline A preferred embodiment includes a tensable network in each shoulder extension extending between a lateral edge of the shoulder extension and the neck opening where the extension capacity of the tensionable net increases as the lateral edge approaches in the transverse direction of the neck opening. Another embodiment includes a tensionable network on each shoulder extension designed to form cavities when placed on a user's shoulder The cavity increases the protection of the shoulder extension and minimizes the movement of the shoulder extension relative to the shoulder as the user moves around BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the description concludes with the claims singling out and claiming the present invention differently, the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which similar designations are used to designate elements substantially identical, and in which Figure 1 is a front plan view of the disposable bib of the present invention wherein the bib is held in a flat, generally planar orientation. Figure 2 is a perspective view in use of the disposable bib according to the present invention. 3 is an enlarged view of the tensable network presented graphically in Figure 1; Figure 4 is an alternative embodiment of the tensable network represented in Figure 1 showing a tensable network that is triangular in shape; Figure 5 is an alternate mode of the network; tpangularly formed tensable network shown in Figure 4, showing the first planar curvilinear regions that are concave towards the central line. Figure 6 is an alternate embodiment of the tpangularly shaped tensable network shown in Figure 4, showing the first planar regions extending laterally between the lateral bank extending longitudinally and neck opening and converging to The neck opening Figure 7 is an alternative embodiment of the tensionable network shown in Figure 1, illustrating that the available laterally extending capacity can be increased by increasing the surface trajectory lengths of the second adjacent regions within the network tensable Figure 8 is an alternative modality of the tensable network represented in the Figure 1, illustrating a non-permanently elongated portion interposed between the tensionable network and the lateral edge extending longitudinally. In addition, Figure 8 illustrates a tensionable network wherein the length of the surface trajectory within each second region varies Figure 9 is a cross-sectional illustration of a portion of a toothed apparatus used to form the tensionable networks shown in Figure 1; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional illustration of an apparatus showing the engagement of the teeth used to form the Tensable network shown in Figure 1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a disposable bib 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bib is useful for babies or adults to protect garments against spilled food material. The present invention provides a disposable bib 20, wherein when a part of the bib 20 is permanently elongated to provide the improved extension capacity of that part of the bib during the subsequently applied load, such as the subsequently applied forces and / or elongations In particular, the present invention provides a disposable bib having a pair of shoulder extensions 24 and 26, each of which includes a permanently elongated area 500 that is stretched beyond its elastic limit. Permanent elongation provides extensions of shoulder with capacity of extension and elasticity allowing them to wrap around the neck of the user and conform to the contour of the shoulders without distorting the neck of the bib By "permanently elongated" it is implied that a part of the bib is stretched beyond its elastic limit, and upon removing the mechanism causing the stretching, the bib part retains a deformed configuration having a length that is greater than the corresponding initial length of that bib part before stretching By "improved extension capacity" is meant that the part that has previously been permanently elongated has the characteristic that it extends (or lengthens) within the bib plane, under a load subsequently applied in the bib plane, up to a degree greater than the part that would extend if the same level of load were applied to the bib part before the bib portion is permanently elongated. The plane of the bib is parallel to the plane of Figure 1 In addition to providing the extension capacity, the permanently elongated portions result in the volume increase in the Z-direction of the bib (the Z-direction is perpendicular to the plane of Figure 1), such that the surface of the bib is textured in shape. of relatively raised regions and relatively hollowed regions, such as in the form of corrugations, rib-shaped elements, peaks and valleys, and the like In addition, this texture and volume increase in the Z direction is provided without the use of elastic elements or methods of elastic gathering or gathering This surface texture not only provides an elastic fit, but may also be useful in creating a perception of providing a comfortable fit. Referring to Figures 1-2, the bib 20 comprises a bib body 22 having longitudinally extending sides 32 and 34, a longitudinal length, a longitudinal central line 21, a lower edge that ex lateral tends 36, and a lateral width W The term "longitudinal" refers to an axis or direction measured along the length of the bib body 22, whose direction or axis is generally parallel to a line extending from the head of the user and up to the user's waist, as the bib is worn The terms "lateral" and "transverse" refer to a direction or axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal center line 21, and which is generally parallel to a line extending through the user's chest as the bib is worn The term "inside" refers to an address that extends to the longitudinal center line 21 The term "outside" refers to a direction extending away from the longitudinal center line 21 The shoulder extensions 24, 26 extend from the bib body 22 from their proximal ends to their distal ends to provide a generally flat neck opening 200 when the bib is supported on a flat, horizontal surface The bib can comprise a laminate of at least two layers Referring to Figure 1, the bib body 22 comprises a laminated construction The laminate includes a first paper layer 40 and a second layer of plastic film 80 In Figure 1, a portion of the paper layer 40 is shown cut away to reveal the layer of plastic film 80 The outer surface 42 of the paper layer 0 gives the observer Figure 1 The surface that gives the body of the second layer of the plastic film 80 is not shown The bib 20 can also inc a cavity 100 substantially extending the total lateral width of the bib 20 to trap and receive the food particles Referring to Figure 2, the bib body 22 may comprise a body panel 70, a cavity panel 105, a cover panel 150 Body panel 70 may be separated from cavity panel 105 by a fold extending laterally into the bib body, and cavity panel 105 may be separated from cover panel 150 by another parallel fold extending laterally in the bib body 22 U.S. Patent No. 4,445,231"Bib with a gravitationally abbreviated cavity" issued on May 1, 1984 to Noel is incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of showing a bib construction to form a bib having a cavity and a cover panel Referring to the components of the bib 20 in greater detail, the bib 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a composite construction having multiple sheets The bib body 22 comprises a laminate of a first layer, such as an outer top absorbent sheet layer 0, and a second layer, such as a back sheet layer that gives the body 80 which is liquid impermeable relative to the supepor sheet 40 The topsheet 40 has an external surface 42 for receiving the spilled food material The back sheet 80 has a body-facing surface (not shown) Layer 40 and layer 80 can be joined together, such as with an adhesive, to form a laminate In one embodiment, the shoulder extensions 24, 26, the bib body panel 70, the cavity panel 105, and the cover panel 105 are formed from a sheet simple, continuous laminate of the topsheet 40 and the backsheet 80 The topsheet 40 may comprise a paper web having a basis weight of about 10 to about 50 pounds per 3000 square feet The following United States patents are incorporated by reference for the purpose of disclosing how to make a tissue paper suitable for use in making a top sheet <; 40 United States Patents Nos. 4,191, 609, 4,529,480, 4,637,859, 5,223,096, and 5,240,562 A suitable top sheet 40 can be formed from a paper towel of a single layer or multiple layer In one embodiment, the top sheet 40 comprises a two-layer Bounty paper towel manufactured by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cinannati, Ohio The backsheet 80 may comprise a liquid impermeable polymer film, such as a polyolefin film. In one embodiment the backsheet 80 may comprise a polyethylene film having a thickness of between about 0 3 mils. and about 4 0, one thousandths of an inch In one embodiment the backsheet may comprise an enhanced FS-II polyethylene film having a thickness of about 2.0 mils and which is manufactured under the designation CPC-2 by Tredegar Film Products of Richmond, VA b - * & The topsheet 40 can be attached to the backsheet 80 in any suitable manner, including but not limited to methods such as adhesive bonding, mechanical bonding and ultrasonic bonding. An adhesive suitable for bonding the top sheet 40 and the back sheet 80 is an adhesive of thermal fusion such as a pressure sensitive thermal melt adhesive Suitable adhesives include HL-1258 adhesives and HL 1262 manufactured by HB Fuller Co of St Paul, MN In an alternate embodiment, an upper portion 43 of the bib 20, including the shoulder extensions 24, 26, may include an upper surface 350 comprising a weft of non-woven fibers directly bonded to the backsheet 80 A suitable nonwoven web is manufactured by Fiberweb Corp of Simpsonville, SC under the designation Celestra Unicom. Prior to the time the bib 20 is to be used, the shoulder extensions 24 and 26 can be joined together, as in their distant ends, along a selective weakening line 270 When the bib is to be used, the shoulder extensions are able to separate along the line of selective weakening 270, such that the shoulder extensions can be separated without ripping or otherwise damaging other parts of the bib 20, and releasably joining together in an overlapping manner by the clamping assembly In one embodiment, the selective line of weakness 270 is aligned with the longitudinal centerline 21, and comprises a plurality of perforations spaced apart on one side 271 The perforations 271 may extend partially or completely through the thickness of the bib 20 The perforations may be formed with a piercing blade, and can extend through each of the backsheet 80, the topsheet 40, and the non-woven web In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the area 500 of each shoulder extension is permanently elongated to provide a tensionable web. view The enlarged network of the tensable network is shown in Figure 3. Such a tensable network is described in United States Patent No. 5,518,801 issued May 21, 1996 to Chappell et al., whose patent is incorporated by reference herein. The tentable network provides the behavior in the form of elastic laminate along at least one axis, as described in the aforementioned patent of the States No. 5,518,801 The tensionable network can be formed by permanently lengthening portions of the bib using the apparatus shown in Figures 9 and 10, as described more fully below. The term "tensable network" refers to an interconnected and interrelated group of regions that are capable to extend to some useful degree in a predetermined direction to provide a component with an elastic behavior The tensable network includes one or more first regions and one or more second regions The first regions may be subjected to a deformation substantially at the molecular level, or a combination of deformation at the molecular level and geometric deformation in response to a subsequently applied elongation, such as an elongation applied to each shoulder extension once the tension network is formed. The second regions are initially subjected to a substantially geometric deformation in response to a subsequently applied elongation, such as an elongation applied to each shoulder extension once that the tensable network is formed The term "deformation at the molecular level" refers to the deformation that occurs at a molecular level and is not dispassible to the naked eye, so that even when one may be able to discern the effect of deformation At the molecular level (for example, elongation of a component), one is not able to discern the deformation that occurs or that allows for elongation. This is in contrast to the "geometric deformation" The term "geometric deformation" refers to deformations that are discernible to the naked eye "Geometric deformation" includes, but is not limited to, bending, unfolding and rotating Referring to Figure 3, the tendable network 1062 includes a plurality of first regions 1064 and a plurality of second regions 1066 First regions 1064 have a first axis 1068 and a second axis 1069, wherein first axis 1068 is longer than second axis 1069 First axis 1068 is substantially parallel with with respect to a longitudinal axis I of the network, and the second axis 1069 is substantially parallel to a transverse axis t of the network The second regions 1066 have a first axis 1070 and a second axis 1071 The first axis 1070 is substantially parallel to the axis I of the network, and the second axis 1071 is substantially parallel to the t-axis of the network. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the first 1064 regions are substantially planar. second regions 1066 include a plurality of rib-shaped elements 1074 Rib-shaped elements 1074 have a first major axis 1076 that is substantially parallel to the t-axis of the network, and a second minor axis 1077 that is substantially parallel to the axis I of the network The rib-shaped elements 1074 extend outward from the surrounding portions of the tensionable network (towards the observer in Figure 3) to form the shoulders 1072 The corresponding valleys in the shoulders 1072 form depressions within the laminated surface of the bib With reference to Figure 3, when an elongation is applied (indicated by arrows 1080) to the tensionable net generally parallel to the axis I, the rib-shaped elements 1074 are capable of unfolding or deforming geometrically in a direction substantially perpendicular to their first axis 1076, thus allowing the elastic extension of the tensionable network generally parallel to the axis I The first region 1064 and the second region 1066 each have a projected path length and a surface path length The elastic extension or stretch available of the tensable network is determined by the surface path length of the second region 1066 related to the surface path length of the first region 1064 for a given projected path length. The projected path length refers to the length of a shadow of a region measured parallel to the longitudinal axis I that would be traced by the parallel light The projected trajectory length of the first region is equal to the projected trajectory length of a second adjacent region The surface path length is the length of the outermost region measured topographically in one direction parallel to the longitudinal axis I of the stretchable network Since the second region is typically composed of rib-shaped elements where as the first region is typically planar, the surface path length of the second region exceeds the surface path length of the first region for each corresponding projected surface path length The surface path length of the second region is determined at least in part by the spacing of the rib-shaped elements, the frequency of the rib-shaped element, and the depth of the formation of the rib-shaped elements measured in a Z-direction of the bib In general, the largest of the surface path length of the second region, the largest available stretch of the weft material The stretch available within the second region can be varied along the longitudinal axis I of the tensionable network by dividing a second region into zones and providing each zone with rib-shaped elements having different surface path lengths. Similarly, the available stretch can be traversed along the transverse axis t of the tensionable network by providing second adjacent regions with rib-shaped elements having different surface trajectory lengths. In Figure 1, the tensionable network 500 is disposed at each extension of shoulder 24 and 26 between the neck opening 200 and each corresponding longitudinal side edge 32 and 34 in the laminate of the layers 350 and 80 As shown in Figure 3, the orientation is such that the major axis 1076 of each element in rib shape 1074 is generally orthogonal to longitudinal center line 21 and first axis 1068 of planar region ppmera is parallel to longitudinal center line 21 Accordingly, the tension network provides the elastic behavior of the laminate of layers 350 and 80 forming the expandable shoulder extension in at least the longitudinal direction The elastic behavior of the tensionable network as applied to the laminated structure shown in Figure 3, it results in an elasticity of at least about 10 percent elongation, preferably from about 10 to about 50 percent elongation, and most preferably from about 15 percent. percent and about 35 percent elongation Because shoulder extensions 24 and 26 are made to wrap around the wearer's neck and drape over the shoulders, a preferred embodiment includes shoulder extensions having a stretchable network that provides components that have extension capacity in both longitudinal directions and transverse This is achieved by providing a stretchable network that has extension capacity that increases laterally outside the neck opening. In a modality illustrated in Figure 4, the tensionable networks 500 are triangular in shape where the bases of the triangles are arranged contiguous with, and preferably parallel to, the longitudinally extending lateral edges 32 and 34 The vertices of the tpangularly shaped portions converge at points (not shown) located within the lateral edges Although the apex of each tpangularly shaped network may be arranged in any location within the corresponding side edge, the preferred point of convergence is within the neck opening 200. The result is a stretchable network comprising a permanently elongated area that continuously increases outside the neck opening 200. Accordingly , the extension capacity of each of the shoulder extensions increases laterally outside the neck opening, providing the extension capacity in a direction having both transverse and longitudinal components. An alternative embodiment shown in Figure 5, provides a similarly shaped tensile network 500 similarly as shown. in Figure 4, having first curvilinear, planar regions 1064 oriented concave toward the longitudinal center line 21 The first planar curvilinear regions increase or improve the transverse component of the extension capacity and furthermore, create an appearance that forms the outline of the shoulders of the body. user An alternative embodiment shown in Figure 6, provides a similar tensile network tnangularly configured as shown in Figure 4, which has linear, planar 1064 regions extending laterally between the neck opening and the longitudinal side edge, inclined towards the axis transvers al, converging towards the apex Similar to the first planar curvilinear regions shown in Figure 5, the first inclined planar regions improve the transverse component of the extension capacity and create an appearance that conforms to the contour of the user's shoulders. An alternate modality shown in Figure 7 , provides shoulder extensions including tensionable nets 500 which are rectilinear For this configuration, each second adjacent region 1066 disposed outside the neck opening has a surface path length greater than its predecessor. The result is a stretchable network which has extension capacity that increases in the lateral direction outside the neck opening 200 providing the extension capacity in a direction that has both the lateral and longitudinal components In order to ensure that the bib adequately protects the shoulders of the user of food or drink spilled, tensab networks they can be arranged over the shoulder extensions to create cavities, which form in the Z direction by enclosing the upper parts of the user's shoulders. The cavities not only provide the increased protection of the shoulders but also minimize the movement of the extensions. of shoulder in relation to the shoulders as the user moves In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 8, the tensionable net 500 in each shoulder extension 24, 26 is made to form a cavity that encloses the upper shoulder of the shoulder. Tensile in each shoulder extension is disposed laterally inside the longitudinally extending side edge providing a portion 600 that is not permanently elongated interposed between the tensionable net 500 and the lateral edge extending longitudinally Since the non-elongated portion 600 does not it is extendable, the disposition of the non-elongated part 600 adjacent to the tensable network allows the tensionable net to warp and form a cavity as each shoulder extension is placed over the user's shoulderIn order to provide a stretchable network that has the extension capacity needed to form a cavity that is large enough to cover the upper part of a shoulder, the extensibility of the stretchable network can be designed according to the outline of a shoulder typical One option includes a stretchable network that provides maximum extension capacity at the peak or upper shoulder In an alternate embodiment shown in Figure 8, the tensionable network at each shoulder extension includes a lateral center line 225 that is approximately contiguous with the tip of a shoulder typical of the user The lateral center line separates the network into an upper area 501 in a lower area 502 by varying the surface path lengths within each of the second regions such that the surface path lengths increase in accordance with the center line 225 is approximated longitudinally of either the upper area or the area i At the bottom, a stretchable network is created that has a maximum extension capacity on the lateral centerline 225. One skilled in the art can appreciate that the tensable network shown in FIG.

Figure 8 can be coupled with other previously described embodiments. These combinations can also provide a tensionable network having the ability to form cavities together with the extension capacity in a direction having both longitudinal and transverse components. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional illustration of a portion of a serrated tooth 401 that can be used to permanently lengthen portions of the bib and thereby form the tensionable network. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional illustration of an apparatus showing the engagement of the teeth 403 and 404 used to form the network. TENSABLE Referring to Figure 10, the apparatus 400 includes internal gear plates 401 and 02 The plates 401 and 402 include a plurality of gear teeth internal 403, 404, respectively The tensionable net is formed by placing the bib laminate between the plates 401 and 402, and bringing the plates 401, 402 together under load to form the tensionable network. Preferably, the upper sheet of paper 40 is placed against the plate 402 and backsheet 80 is placed against plate 401 Plate 402 includes notched regions 407 and notched regions (not shown). Within the tooth regions 407 there is a plurality of teeth 404. The plate 401 includes teeth 403 that mesh with the teeth 404 of the plate 402 When a substrate, such as a laminate of the top sheet 40 and the postepor 80 sheet, is formed between the plates 401, 402, the parts of the substrate that are placed between the grooved regions of the plate 402 and the teeth 403 in the plate 401 remain undeformed These regions correspond to the regions 1064 The parts of the substrate placed between the toothed regions of the plate 402 and the teeth 403 of the plate 401 are permanently elongated, creating rib-shaped elements 1072 in the second regions 1066 The plate 401 is shown in cross section in Figure 9 The teeth 401 (and the teeth 404 in the plate 402) may have the following characteristics to form a tensionable network in the laminate comprising the paper top sheet 40 and the plastic film post sheet 80 The height d the tooth TH may be approximately 0 0800 inches, the tooth spacing TP may be approximately 0 0400 inches, the angle of the tooth TA may be approximately 11 31 degrees, the radius of the tooth tip TTR may be approximately 0 0040 inch, and the base radius of the TBR tooth can be about 0.0093 inch. Figure 10 shows the internal gear of the plates 401 and 402 without a substrate placed between the plates. The plates 401 and 402 can mesh internally to have a TSG tooth side space of approximately 0.0048 inch, as shown in Figure 10. Although the above embodiments are described in terms of a bib 20 having shoulder extensions 24, 26 with an integral tentent network 500 the invention is thus limited, For example, the tensable network 500 can be formed separately outside the line. These tensionable networks are then joined to the shoulder extensions 24, 26 using adhesive, ultrasonic welding, heat sealing, etc. as is well known in the art. Although the particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

It is intended to protect all these changes and modifications within the scope of the invention in the appended claims.

Claims (2)

1. A disposable bib having a longitudinal centerline, a lateral width and lateral edges extending longitudinally, said bib comprising a bib body, a pair of shoulder extensions extending from the bib body to provide a generally planar neck opening, wherein each shoulder extension includes a permanently elongated part interposed between the neck opening and a longitudinally extending side edge, the permanently elongated portion providing extension and elasticity to the shoulder extension

2. The disposable bib according to claim 1, in wherein the permanently elongated part is disposed contiguous with the longitudinally extending side edge 3 The disposable bib according to claim 1, wherein the permanently elongated part is disposed spaced apart from the longitudinally extending side edge in such a way as to interpose a p art that is not permanently elongated between the longitudinally extending side edge and the permanently elongated part 4 A disposable bib according to claim 1, wherein the permanently elongated part of each shoulder extension includes a tensionable network comprising at least one region and at least two second regions, the first region being subjected to deformation substantially at the molecular level and the second regions initially subjected to a substantially geometric deformation. The disposable bib according to claim 4, wherein each first region is substantially planar and each second region comprises a plurality of rib-like enhancement elements. The disposable bib according to claim 5, wherein each first planar region extends parallel to the longitudinal centerline and wherein rib-like enhancement elements run between the first planar regions, orthogonal to the longitudinal center line 7 The disposable bib according to claim 5, wherein each planar region is concave toward the neck opening, and wherein the elements Rib-like enhancement run between the first planar regions, orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline. The disposable bib according to claim 4, wherein the stretchability of the stretchable network increases as the lateral edge extends longitudinally. It approaches laterally from the neck opening 9 The disposable bib according to claim 8, wherein the tensionable network is triangular in shape including a base extending parallel to the lateral edge extending longitudinally and two sides converging towards a vertex, the vertex being laterally separated from inside the lateral edge A disposable bib having a longitudinal centerline, a lateral width and lateral edges extending longitudinally, the bib comprising a bib body, and a pair of shoulder extensions extending from the bib body to provide a bib opening. generally planar neck, wherein each shoulder extension includes an extensible region, wherein the extension capacity of the extensible region increases as the lateral edge extending longitudinally is approximated laterally from the neck opening