MXPA97004930A - Disposable bib resistant to rasg - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a bib (20) having a filamentary net (60) placed between a paper top sheet (40) and a back sheet (80) of plastic film. The filamentary network (60) may comprise a polymer network having openings sized to prevent tearing of the portions of the upper sheet or the back sheet of the bib. In one embodiment the filamentary network may comprise a nylon network having openings with a maximum width of less than about 0.25.

Description

DISPOSABLE BIB RESISTANT TO RIPPED FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to disposable bibs, and more particularly, to a bib that resists tearing or tearing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Disposable bibs are well known in the art. Such bibs may be provided for use in, for example, babies that are fed. 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 spilled food material and a back sheet of plastic film to prevent the penetration of spilled liquids through the bib and onto the baby's clothing. The technique also discloses bibs having three layers such as a layer of thermoplastic material in two layers of paper. Other designs of bibs shown in the art include bibs having a multi-layer construction, including a decorative gauze layer, also as bibs having a front panel formed from plastic film to have slots or openings to catch and hold the food. The technique also teaches that it is known to cover a paper bib with an open mesh or network material such that it is held together with the paper. The following references illustrate various bib constructions: U.S. Patent No. 3,286,279, issued April 1, 1965 to Brown; U.S. Patent 3,329,969 issued July 15, 1965 to Farber et al .; U.S. Patent 3,608,092 issued September 28, 1971 to Taranto; United States Patent 3,979,776 issued on September 14, 1976 to Gruenwald; U.S. Patent 4,416,025 issued November 22, 1983 to Moret et al .; U.S. Patent 4,441,212 issued to Ahr; patent of the States United 4,445,231 issued May 1, 1984 to Noel; and U.S. Patent 4,884,299 issued December 5, 1989 to Rose. A problem with known disposable bibs that have a paper and plastic wrap construction is that babies can tear pieces of the bib. The tearing of bibs is undesirable because it reduces the effective protection of the baby's clothing, and also creates additional pieces of waste that require disposal. Attempts to avoid tearing the bibs by designing a plastic film formed on the back sheet waterproof, alone, is not generally satisfactory. Such plastic films generally have an inherent inevitable exchange of strength and flexibility. For example, stronger polymers tend to be less flexible while resistance gained by increased thickness also compromises flexibility. Alternatively, the addition of a protective layer to the backing, which surface facing the bib garment, does not provide the desired support or support to the upper sheet of paper. The addition of a protective layer on the front surface of the bib does not provide support for the plastic backsheet, may affect the aesthetic characteristics of the outer front surface of the bib, and may also interfere with the absorption of spilled liquids on the outer front surface of the bib. bib. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a disposable bib that will resist tearing without adversely affecting any of the absorption, aesthetics or flexibility of the bib. Another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable bib that has a multi-layered construction. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable bib having a polymeric network layer disposed between and attached to the top sheet layer of paper and a back sheet layer of plastic film. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable bib that has a reinforcement net having openings dimensioned to prevent tearing or tearing of the bib while permitting the absorption of spilled liquids on the outer layer of the bib. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable bib that has a top sheet of absorbent paper, a back sheet of plastic film, and a measured reinforcement layer comprising a polymer network, wherein the reinforcement layer has a greater tensile strength than at least one of the layers of the upper sheet or the back sheet to conduct the layers. tearing loads exerted by the user, and where the openings in the network are dimensioned to prevent the user from tearing discrete pieces of the upper sheet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a disposable bib that has a construction of mixed material. In one embodiment, the bib may have an outer top sheet permeable to liquid, absorbent; a backsheet layer facing the garment, the backsheet layer being impermeable to the liquid in relation to the topsheet; and a load-bearing filamentary network disposed intermediate the upper sheet and the rear sheet. The filamentary network layer may be attached to the opposite facing surface of the topsheet and the backsheet, and may have a plurality of openings therethrough, wherein the filamentary network may have an open area ratio of less approximately 50%. The openings in the filamentary network are preferably dimensioned to prevent the baby's finger from passing through the openings in the net, and thereby preventing the baby from tearing the bib body bib into small pieces. The bib can comprise a topsheet of tissue paper having an outward facing surface and a second opposingly facing surface, and a polymeric network attached to the second surface of the topsheet. The polymeric network may comprise a first plurality of generally parallel filaments extending in a first direction and a second plurality of generally parallel filaments extending in a second angled direction with respect to the first direction. The maximum separation between the adjacent parallel filaments may be no more than about 2 cm, and in a mode not more than about 1 cm to prevent the user from inserting his finger between the filaments and tearing small pieces of the bib.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the description concludes with the claims particularly pointing out and clearly claiming the present invention, 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 substantially identical elements, and wherein: Figure is a front plan view of the disposable bib of the present invention, with a portion of the top sheet cut away to show a reinforcing filamentary network disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein the filaments of The filamentary network generally extend longitudinally and laterally. Figure 2 is a rear plan view of a disposable bib of the present invention, with a portion of the back sheet cut to show a reinforcing filamentary network disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the filaments of the network filamentary generally extend diagonally with respect to the longitudinal direction. Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view, taken along line 3-3 in Figure 1, and showing the filamentary network disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. Figure 4 is an enlarged schematic illustration of a portion of the filamentary network. Figure 5 is a perspective view of use of a disposable bib.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a disposable bib 20 according to the present invention. The bib 20 includes a bib portion 22 and a pair of shoulder extensions 24 and 26, which extend from the body portion 22 on either side of a longitudinal center line of bib 21. The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction or axis which is generally parallel to a line extending from the wearer's head towards the user's waist as the bib is used. The term "lateral" refers to an address or axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and which is generally parallel to a line extending through the wearer's chest as the bib is used. The bib 20 has a periphery which can include two side edges 32 and 34, which generally extend longitudinally, a lower edge generally extending laterally 36, and a neck opening 38. The neck opening 38 is disposed intermediate the shoulder extensions 24 and 26, and fits the neck of the neck. user how the bib is used. The neck opening 38 is a generally U-shaped opening in Figure 1, but it will be understood that other neck opening configurations, including several openings and closed shapes, can be used. The United States patents are hereby incorporated by reference for purposes of showing various forms of bibs: United States Patent 4,416,025 issued November 22, 1983 to Moret et al.; U.S. Patent 4,441,212 issued to Ahr; and U.S. Patent 4,445,231 issued May 1, 1984 to Noel. The bib 20 according to the present invention comprises a construction of mixed material having multiple sheets. In the Figures, the bib comprises an outer liquid-permeable, absorbent top sheet layer 40, a garment-facing backsheet layer 80 which is impervious to liquid in relation to the topsheet 40, and a filamentary network 60 load carrier arranged intermediate to the backsheet layer 80 and the upper layer 40. The upper sheet 40 has a first external surface 42 for receiving the spilled food material, and a second internal surface 44. The back sheet 80 has a first surface facing the garment 82 and a second surface 84. The surface 84 of the backsheet 80 and the surface 44 of the top sheet 40 are opposite facing surfaces. The filamentary network 60 has a plurality of aperture 70 extending therethrough, and may be attached to the opposing facing surfaces 44 and 84 of the topsheet 40 and the backsheet 80. The filament network 60 may have strength properties. tension and elongation to the tension that allows it to conduct the loads exerted on the bib 20, thereby imparting tear resistance to the bib 20. In one embodiment, the filamentary network 60 comprises a polymer network comprising a first plurality of filaments generally parallels 62 and a second plurality of generally parallel filaments 64. The filaments 62 may extend generally longitudinally, and the filaments 64 may extend generally laterally, as shown in Figure 1. However, it will be understood that the filaments 62 and 64 need not extend longitudinally and laterally, nor be generally parallel or mutually pedendicular. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the filaments 62 and 64 may extend diagonally with respect to the longitudinal axis 21, and may form an angle of approximately 45 ° with the axis 21. The disposable bib 20 may optionally have a pouch. 100 to capture and receive food particles. The cavity 100 may have an open edge 110 and a bottom edge 120 (Figure 2). U.S. Patent 4,445,231, listed above, is incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of teaching appropriate constructions for bag 100. Bib 20 may also have a fastener assembly for holding bib 20 in place on the wearer. Figure 5 shows the bib held in place on a user. In Figures 1 and 2, the fastener assembly includes fastening members 202 and 204 disposed on the garment facing surface 82 of the backsheet 80. the fastening members 202 and 204 are placed on the shoulder extensions 24 and 26 , and may comprise a plurality of fabric bonding projections 206, which may be in the shape of a tip or hook. The projections 206 extend from the plane of the bib 20. In one embodiment, the projections 206 on each of the shoulder extensions 24 and 26 can couple the garment fabric of the wearer to hold the bib in place. In another embodiment, the bib may also include one or more landing surfaces 206 engageable by the projections 206. A landing surface 210, which may comprise a non-woven fabric, is attached to the outer surface 42 of the backsheet 40, and is positioned over the shoulder extension 24. To secure the bib to the wearer, the shoulder extension 26 is positioned to overlap the shoulder extension 24 behind the wearer's neck, with the projections 206 on the holding member 202 which engages the surface Landing 210. Suitable fastening members 202 and 204 are manufactured by 3M Company of Minnesota under the designation MC-G, Code KN0513 / KN0514. A suitable landing surface 210 is a non-woven web of polypropylene fibers manufactured by Veratec Division of The International Paper Corporation of Walpole, Massachusetts under the designation P-14, Supplier Quality No. 9324369. The hook-and-loop type fasteners appropriate are also available from VELCRO USA of New Hampshire. Other suitable fastening members having projections are described in the following United States patents, which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patent 4,846,815 issued July 1, 1989 to Scripps; U.S. Patent 4,894,060 issued January 16, 1990 to Nestegard; U.S. Patent 4,946,527 issued August 7, 1990 to Battrell; 5,019,065 issued May 28, 1991 to Scripps; U.S. Patent 5,058,247 issued October 22, 1991 to Thomas et al .; U.S. Patent 5,116,563 issued May 26, 1992 to Thomas et al .; U.S. Patent 5,180,534 issued January 19, 1993 to Thomas et al .; U.S. Patent 5,318,741 issued June 7, 1994 to Thomas; U.S. Patent 5,325,569 issued July 5, 1994 to Goulait et al. and U.S. Patent 5,326,415 issued July 5, 1994 to Thomas et al. Alternatively, loops, tapes or other adhesive fasteners can be used to secure the bib to the wearer. Examining in more detail the laminar construction of the bib 20, the topsheet 40 may comprise a paper web having a basis weight from about 10 to about 59 pounds per 3,000 square feet. The following U.S. patents are incorporated by reference for the purpose of describing how to make an appropriate tissue paper for use in making an upper sheet 40: U.S. Patents 4,191,609, 4,440,597; 4,529,480; 4,637,859; 5,223,096; and 5,240,562. An appropriate top sheet 40 can be formed from a single layer or multiple layers of paper towel such as a paper towel Bounty manufactured by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. The backsheet 80 may comprise a liquid impervious film. In one embodiment of the backsheet 80, it may comprise a polyethylene film having a thickness of between about 0.007 mm and about 0.0508 mm. A polyethylene film from which backsheet 80 can be formed is manufactured by Tredegar Industries of Terre Haute, Indiana. The filamentary web 60 is attached to the surfaces 44 and 84 of the topsheet 40, and the backsheet 80 by any suitable means, including but not limited to mechanical joints, adhesive joints, and ultrasonic joints. The filamentary web 60 is preferably joined to the surfaces 44 and 84 along substantially the total longitudinal length and through substantially the total lateral width of the bib 20. An adhesive suitable for joining the filamentary network 60 to the topsheet 40 and the backsheet 80 is a hot melt adhesive such as the Findley H2031 adhesive available from Findley Adhesives of Elmgrove, Wisconsin. Approximately 3 milligrams of the H2031 adhesive per square inch of bib area can be used to join the filamentary web 60 on the topsheet 40 and the backsheet 80. The filamentary web 60 increases the strength of the bib 20, thereby providing the bib with resistance to tearing or tearing. The filamentary web 60 may have a maximum tensile strength (the tensile strength measured in the direction along which the tensile strength of the filamentary network 60 is maximum) greater than either of the topsheet 40 or the backsheet 80. The tensile strength can be measured by using a constant elongation value on the stress test machine as described below. The different network materials, such as the different polymeric materials, can be chosen to provide the bib with different strength, elongation and flexibility properties. Generally, higher levels of resistance result in lower levels of flexibility. The cross-sectional dimension of the filaments and the spacing between the adjacent filaments can be selected depending on the strength and flexibility of the material from which the filaments are made. For materials having relatively high strength and relatively low flexibility, filaments with a relatively small cross-sectional dimension can be used, and the spacing between the adjacent filaments can be relatively larger. For materials that have relatively low strength and relatively high flexibility. Filaments with relatively larger cross-sectional dimensions can be used, and the spacing between the adjacent filaments may be relatively small. The openings 70 between the adjacent filaments of the filamentary network 60 are dimensioned to prevent baby users from grasping the unreinformed areas of the topsheet 40 that lies on the openings 60 and tears such unreinforced areas of the topsheet 40 of the bib. The openings 60 can be preferably sized to be smaller than the tip of a user's finger to prevent the user from poking with a finger through the topsheet 40. Accordingly, the openings 70 can have a maximum width 74 (FIG. 4) of no more than about 2 cm. In a preferred embodiment, the openings 70 may have a maximum width 74 that is not greater than about 1 cm, preferably not more than about 0.05 cm, and most preferably not more than about 0.25 cm. The filamentary web preferably provides tear strength without substantially increasing the rigidity of the bib 20, without substantially affecting the ability of the topsheet to absorb the spilled food material, and without substantially increasing the amount of material required to build the bib. Some materials, such as thermoplastic materials exhibit both relatively high strength and relatively high flexibility. Accordingly, for the width scale 74 listed above, the filaments may have a relatively small cross-sectional dimension 72 (Figure 4). For example, the cross-sectional dimension 72 may be less than about 2 mm, and in one embodiment, the cross-sectional dimension 72 may be less than about 0.25 mm, thereby providing the filamentary network 60 with an open area ratio. relatively large The ratio of open area increases with the increase in the spacing between the adjacent filaments, and the ratio of open area decreases as the cross-sectional dimension 72 of the filaments increases. The ratio of the open area of the filamentary net 60 is calculated by measuring the area of the openings 70 in a square sample of 10 cm by 10 cm of the filamentary net 60, and dividing the area of the openings 70 in the sample by the size of the sample (100 cm2). For the scale of width 74 and dimension 72 listed above, the open area ratio of the filamentary network 60 may be at least about 50%, and in one embodiment it is at least 75%. Filamentary network 60 may comprise a network of thermoplastic material, wherein the thermoplastic material is selected from the group including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, nylon, polyesters, polyethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene methyl methacrylate, acid acrylic polyethylene, polypropylene methyl methacrylate, polypropylene acrylic, acid, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose acetate, cellulose butyrate, polycarbonate, and alkyl cellulosics, where the aforementioned thermoplastic polymers are considered to be illustrative but not restrictive Alternatively, the filamentary network may comprise a weft made from natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof. Suitable natural fibers include, but are not limited to, cotton, linen, wool and silk. Synthetic cellulose, modified synthetic cellulose or synthetic mineral fibers include, but are not limited to, rayon, acetate, lyocell, and fiberglass. Filamentary network 60, which is illustrated schematically in Figure 4, may be formed by a number of appropriate techniques, including but not limited to casting, molding, weaving, and interweaving. Each filament 62 and 64 may comprise a single filament, or one or more filaments twisted together. Essentials of Textiles, Third Edition by Marjory L. Joseph, (1984) page 237, describes the construction of the network, and is incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment, the filamentary network 60 may comprise an interwoven nylon network comprising a first plurality of generally parallel filaments 62 extending in a first direction and the second plurality of generally parallel filaments 64 extending in a second angled direction with respect to the first address. Each of the filaments 62 and 64 comprises two nylon yarns. The individual threads have a diameter of between about 0.02 mm and about 0.10 mm, and the filaments 62 and 64 have a maximum cross sectional width dimension 72 of between about 0.04 mm and about 0.020 mm (about 2 times the diameter of individual threads). The maximum width 74 of the openings 70 is between about 0.05 cm and about 0.20 cm. The adjacent filaments of the first plurality of generally parallel filaments 62 are spaced apart to provide between about 6 and about 14 filaments 62 per centimeter and the adjacent filaments of the second plurality of the generally parallel filaments 64 are separated apart to provide from about 6 and about 14 strands 64 per cm, such that the nylon net has between about 25 and about 200 openings 70 per cm2. The nylon net has a basis weight of 10.8 grams per m2 and a caliber of between 0.17 mm under a confining pressure of 0.1 psi. An appropriate nylon network is commercially available as nylon tulle from wholesale and retail cloth merchants. Such a nylon network is commercially available from Fabri-Centers of America of Hudson, Ohio under the designation SKU 040-1703. Figures 1, 2 and 4 show a filamentary network 60 comprising a generally uniform rectangular grid of filaments. In other embodiments, the filamentary network 60 may comprise filaments arranged in a non-uniform manner.

PROOF PROCEDURES The following methods are used to measure the tensile strength, flexural stiffness and impact resistance of a sample of a base bib having a top sheet and a back sheet. The same procedures are used to measure the comparable properties of a sample of a bib of the present invention having the same top sheet and back sheet construction as the base bib, but also incorporating a nylon net between the top sheet and the top sheet. back sheet.

The top sheet comprises a Bounty brand paper towel, the back sheet comprising a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.025 mm. Filamentary network 60 comprises the nylon network described above available from Fabri-Centers of America as SKU 040-1703. In as much the base bib as the bib having the nylon net according to the present invention, approximately 3 milligrams of the H2031 adhesive per square inch of the bib area between the top sheet and the back sheet was used to join the components of the bib together. In the bib having the nylon net according to the present invention, the filaments 62 and 64 were oriented diagonally approximately at an angle of 45 ° towards the longitudinal axis 21, as shown in Figure 2. The bib samples were conditioned at 50% relative humidity and 73 ° F for at least 2 hours before the test.

Tension Test The tensile strength of the bibs and the filamentary network is measured with reference to the standard test of INDA IST 110.1-92 of the Association of the Non-Woven Fabrics Industry, whose standard is incorporated herein by reference . The bib samples are cut into a one-inch wide sample strip. The front samples are placed in the jaws of an INSTRON 4201 model of a constant value of the elongation voltage tester. One-inch in-line contact staples are used to prevent any detachment of the sample. The samples are pre-tensioned at a load 0 at a test length of one inch. The force is measured with a 100 N load cell and recorded continuously as the sample is elongated at a crosshead speed of 12.0 inches per minute to complete the break. In all cases, a relative maximum occurs in the first inch of elongation. This peak or initial maximum is referred to as the tensile strength of the bib. This maximum peak typically coincides with the failure of the top sheet or filamentary network, if present. In some cases, the load on the polyethylene film just before it breaks the polyethylene film, exceeds the initial peak or maximum. The recorded resistance values are reported in grams per one inch wide strip (grams / inch). The properties are reported as an average of at least two measurements. Table 1 lists the results of the tension test of the base bib and the bib that has a nylon net oriented as shown in Figure 2. The properties are reported for the samples cut from a bib such that the length The test sample is generally perpendicular to the axis of the bib 21 (test length angled 45 ° with respect to the filaments in the bib having a nylon net), and also for cut samples having an angled test length approximately 45 ° with respect to the axis 21 of the bib (test length aligned parallel and perpendicular to the filaments in the bib having a nylon net). The results in Table 1 show that the tensile strength of the laminated bib having a nylon net exceeds the tensile strength of the bib bib. The laminated bib according to the present invention may have a tensile strength greater than about 2000 grams per inch, more particularly, greater than about 2,500 grams per inch and in the tested embodiment, greater than about 3,000 grams per inch.

Impact resistance test (projectile fall) Impact resistance provides a measure of the bib's resistance to perforation. The impact resistance of a bib sample is measured by dropping a projectile having a known weight from a known distance to impart on a circular sample of the bib. The bib sample is placed, then held tightly in an annular pneumatic jaw having an internal diameter of 3 inches to form a 3 inch diameter bib sample supported on its edges by the pneumatic jaw. A projectile having a specific mass and shape is allowed to fall freely over the center of the bib sample 3 inches in diameter from a height of 15 inches, where the distance of 15 inches from the surface is measured of the sample towards the center of the projectile mass. The stainless steel projectile weighs 100 grams, has a spherical end of 19 cm in diameter and has a total length of 67 mm, with the center of the mass of the projectile located approximately half the way along its length, such that the rounded tip of the spherical end is approximately 348 mm from the surface of the sample. Five samples were impacted for the construction of base bib and a bib according to the present invention. Each sample impacted by perforation was checked (any visible hole through the total thickness of the bib). A bib construction was considered to have an impact resistance equal to half the projectile mass multiplied by the square of the velocity of the projectile as it impacts the sample without any of the 5 impacted samples being pierced by the projectile. When the base bib is tested with this impact test, each of the 5 samples of the base bib is perforated. When testing a bib having a nylon net according to the present invention, none of the 5 samples was punctured. The projectile velocity is calculated using the projectile motion equations for a 15 inch drop distance and it is assumed that there is no air resistance. For a mass of 100 grams that falls 15 inches (38.1 cm), the impact resistance was reported as 1.86 mega grams / cm2 / second square or 186 grams-m2 / second square.Thus, the bib that has a nylon net according to the present invention it has an impact resistance of at least about 186 grams-square meter / second square.

RIGIDITY TO FLEXION (inversely proportional to flexibility) The relative flexibility of the samples of a base bib and samples of a bib according to the present invention are measured using the INDA IST 90.1-92 standard test as reference, whose standard test it is incorporated by reference. This test measures the flexural stiffness of a sample in terms of drapery rigidity. A sample measuring 2.54 cm by 20 cm from the bib is cut and slid manually at a rate of approximately 4.75 inches per minute in a direction parallel to its long dimension, such that its leading edge projects from the edge of a surface of horizontal platform. The length of the protruding part of the sample is measured when the tip of the sample is depressed under its own weight to the point where the line joining the tip of the sample to the edge of the platform makes an angle of 41.5 degrees with the horizontal The flexural rigidity of the sample is the cube of its cantilever length multiplied by the base weight of the sample. Flexural stiffness in grams per centimeter is reported as an average of at least two measurements. The flexibility of the sample is inversely proportional to the flexural rigidity reported. Table 2 lists the flexural stiffness results of the base bib and the bib that has a nylon net oriented as shown in Figure 2. Flexural stiffness is reported for the cut bib samples so that have a long dimension generally perpendicular to the axis 21 of the bib (the long axis angled at 45 degrees with respect to the filaments in the bib having a nylon net), and for the samples of a bib cut to have a long angled dimension about 45 degrees with respect to the axis 21 (long axis parallel and perpendicular to the filaments in the bib having a nylon net). The results in Table 1 and Table 2 show that the laminated bib of the present invention can have a flexural rigidity that is only slightly greater than that of the base bib, while at the same time providing the increase in the resistance to Stress and drilling resistance mentioned above. The laminated bib according to the present invention may have a flexural stiffness that is less than about 20 grams per cm, more particularly, less than about 15 grams per cm and in the tested embodiment less than about 12 grams per cm. Accordingly, the laminated bib according to the present invention has relatively greater tensile strength (to provide tear or tear resistance) with a relatively low level of flex stiffness (to provide soft and comfortable conformable bib ability to the body of the user). Table 1: Resistance to tension: Table 2: Flexural rigidity: Although 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 may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended to protect in the appended claim all of such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. - A disposable bib having a construction of mixed material and comprising: - an external upper sheet permeable to liquid, absorbent; - a backsheet layer facing the garment, the backsheet layer being impermeable to the liquid in relation to the topsheet; and - a filamentary network arranged intermediate to the back sheet and the top sheet.

2. The disposable bib according to claim 1, characterized in that the filamentary network layer is joined to a surface of the upper sheet.

3. The disposable bib according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the filamentary network is attached to a surface of the backsheet.

4. The disposable bib according to claims 1, 2 and 3 characterized in that the filamentary network comprises a plurality of openings therethrough, and wherein the filamentary network has an open area ratio of at least about 50%.

5. The disposable bib according to claims 1, 2, 3 and 4 characterized in that the filamentary network comprises a plurality of openings therethrough, and where the openings have a maximum width of no more than about 2 cm , more preferably not more than 1 cm, and most preferably not more than about 0.05 cm.

6. The disposable bib according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 characterized in that the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the filaments is less than about 0.25 mm.

7. The disposable bib according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, characterized in that the filamentary network comprises a polymeric material.

8. The disposable bib according to the claims, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 characterized in that the filamentary network comprises a weft made of fibers selected from the group consisting of natural fibers, synthetic cellulosic fibers, modified cellulosic synthetic fibers, synthetic mineral fibers and their mixtures.

9. The disposable bib according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 8 characterized in that the filamentary network comprises a first plurality of generally parallel filaments that extend in a first direction and a second plurality of filaments generally parallels extending in a second angled direction with respect to a first direction, wherein the maximum spacing between the adjacent parallel filaments is not greater than about 1 cm, and wherein the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the filaments is not greater than approximately 0.25 mm.

10. a disposable bib having a construction of mixed material and comprising: a layer of liquid-permeable, absorbent top sheet having a first surface facing outward and a second surface facing in an opposite manner; and - a polymeric network comprising a first plurality of generally parallel filaments extending in a first direction and a second plurality of generally parallel filaments extending in a second angled direction with respect to the first direction, wherein the filaments are joined to the second surface of the upper sheet layer, and wherein the maximum separation between the adjacent parallel filaments is not greater than about 1 cm.