MXPA98001114A - Bib that has a better bra - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a bib having an improved mechanical fastener assembly. The mechanical fastener comprises an extended target surface and an array of tip elements extending from a bib surface. The mechanical tip elements provide secure hold of the shoulder extensions of the bib, still soft to the touch

Description

BIB THAT HAS AN IMPROVED BRA FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to disposable bibs, and more particularly, to an improved fastener for securing the bib to the wearer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Disposable bibs are well known in the art. These bibs can be provided for use in babies 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 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 clothes. Other constructions of multi-layer bibs are also known. The state of the art also discloses bibs that have different mechanisms for securing a bib to the wearer. For example, a bib may include straps that are tied together behind the wearer's neck to secure the bib to the wearer. It is also known to use tweezers, tape type fasteners, and VELCRO type fasteners to secure a bib to a wearer. The following documents disclose various bibs, including bibs having fastening mechanisms: United States Patent No. 3,286,279 issued November 22, 1966; U.S. Patent No. 3,871,027 issued March 18, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 3,916,447 issued November 4, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 3,979,776 issued September 14, 1976; U.S. Patent No. 4,416,025 issued November 22, 1983; U.S. Patent No. 4,441, 212 issued April 10, 1984; U.S. Patent No. 4,445, 231 issued May 1, 1984; Patent of the States No. 4,495,658 issued January 29, 1985; U.S. Patent No. 4,523,333 issued June 18, 1985; and U.S. Patent No. 5,074,013 issued December 24, 1991. The following documents disclose various mechanical fastening devices: U.S. Patent No. 4,216,257 issued August 5, 1980; U.S. Patent No. 4,846,815 issued July 11, 1989; U.S. Patent No. 4,894,060 issued January 16, 1990; U.S. Patent No. 5,392,498 issued February 28, 1995; U.S. Patent No. 5,326,612 issued July 5, 1994; and U.S. Patent No. 5,407,439 issued April 18, 1995; and PCT Publication WO 94/23610 published October 27, 1994. Belts can be inconvenient to handle and tie. A problem associated with adhesive and mechanical fasteners is that fasteners can be uncomfortable and abrasive if they are in contact with the wearer's skin. In addition, a problem associated with securing a bib to the wearer is that, by attaching the bib to the user to adjust to the size of the wearer's neck, the part of the bib converging on the wearer's chest may become distorted, thus causing the bib to Cup away from the user's chest. This distortion is undesirable, because it can leave a part of the user without protection against spillage of food. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a disposable bib that can be conveniently secured to a wearer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable bib that has a fastener that is not irritating to the wearer's skin. Another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable bib that can fit a wide range of neck sizes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a disposable bib having a longitudinal center line, a lateral width and lateral edges extending longitudinally. The disposable bib comprises a bib body, first and second shoulder extensions extending from the bib body to provide a neck opening having a longitudinal length, and a mechanical fastener associated with the shoulder extensions to releasably join the shoulder extensions in an overlapping manner . Each shoulder extension has a front surface and a back surface, and each shoulder extension has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal and distal ends of the first shoulder extension are disposed on one side of the longitudinal center line , and wherein the proximal and distal ends of the second shoulder extension are disposed on the other side of the longitudinal center line. The mechanical fastener comprises a target surface disposed on a surface of at least one of the shoulder extensions, and an arrangement of target coupling elements extending from the opposite surface of the other shoulder extension. The target surface has a length that is at least 0.25 times, and in one embodiment, at least about 0.5 the longitudinal length of the neck opening.

The arrangement of coupling target elements may comprise a non-directional array of points. The objective surface may comprise a nonwoven web attached to the front surface of each of the shoulder extensions. The non-directional tip arrangement and non-woven weft provides a fastening system, which is relatively soft and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. The arrangement of the non-directional coupling target elements, coupled with the extended length of the target surface, allows the shoulder extensions to be secured together to different degrees of overlap, so that the bib can be secured to the users who They have a wide range of neck sizes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the description concludes with the claims pointing out in a particular manner and claiming differently from the present invention, the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in combination with the accompanying drawings, in which similar designations are used to designate elements substantially identical, and in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view in use of a disposable bib according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a front plan view of the disposable bib of the present invention, wherein the bib is held in an extended, generally planar orientation. Figure 3 is a rear plan view of a disposable bib of the present invention. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of Figure 2. Figure 5 is a partial schematic, amplified illustration of a neck opening having a closed shape, the Figure illustrating the measurements of the lateral asymmetric relationship and angle B, when holding the bib in an extended, generally flat orientation. Figure 6 is a partial schematic, amplified illustration of a neck opening having an open shape and a shape converging backwards. Figure 7 is a partial schematic illustration, amplified, of an open U-shaped neck opening, which is not convergent rearward. Figure 8A is a photomicrograph of an array of tips used in a fastener assembly. Figure 8B is a photomicrograph of another array of tips.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a disposable bib 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The bib 20 comprises a bib body 22 having longitudinally extending sides 32 and 34, a longitudinal length L, a longitudinal center line 21 and a lower edge laterally extending 36, and a side 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 wearer's head towards the user's waist, as the bib is used. The terms "lateral" and "transverse" refer to a direction or axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline 21, and which is generally parallel to a line extending through the wearer's chest as the bib is used.

The bib 20 also comprises a pair of shoulder extensions 24, 26, having proximal ends 24A, 26A, and distal ends 24B, 26B. The shoulder extensions 24, 26 extend from the bib body 22 from their proximal ends towards their distal ends, to provide a generally flat neck opening 200 when the bib is held on a flat, horizontal surface. Each shoulder extension has a front surface which faces out when the bib is worn, and a back surface that faces toward the wearer when the bib is worn. When the bib is held in a generally planar configuration on a horizontal, flat surface, the proximal end 24A and the distal end 24B are disposed on one side of the longitudinal centerline 21, and the proximal end 26A and the distal end 26B are disposed on the other side of the longitudinal center line. The generally flat neck opening 200 may have a neck front portion 210, a neck rear portion 230, and a maximum width portion 220 disposed intermediate the neck front portion 210 and the neck rear portion 230. The neck opening 230 neck 200 may also have a longitudinal length 240 measured along the longitudinal center line 21. (Figure 2) The generally flat neck opening 200 is generally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis, such as the longitudinal centerline 21, and is generally asymmetric about the lateral axis passing through the midpoint 242 of the longitudinal length 240 when the bib is held on a horizontal, flat surface. The general asymmetry of the neck opening 200 promotes adjustment around different shapes and sizes of non-slip neck, while reducing the tendency of the bib body 22 to separate away from the wearer's chest when the shoulder extensions overlap 24, 26 behind the user's neck to hold the bib to the user. The bib 20 may also include a pouch 100 substantially extending the full lateral width of the bib 20 to catch and receive the food particles. In one embodiment, the bib body 22 may comprise a body panel 70. A bag panel 105 and a cover panel 150. The body panel 70 may be separated from the bag panel 105 by a fold extending laterally in the body of the bib, and the bag panel 105 may be separated from the cover panel 150 by another fold extending laterally, parallel, in the body of the bib. The body panel 70 is disposed adjacent the user's body when the bib is secured to the wearer. The bag panel 105 may have a generally rectangular shape, and is adjacent to the body panel 70 to form an intermediate bag space to the body panel and the bag panel. The bag panel 105 extends longitudinally from the bottom edge of the bag 120 towards a bag edge 110, and the bag panel 105 extends laterally intermediate to the bib side edges 32 and 34. The bottom edge 120 and the top edge 110 , both can be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal center line 21 and substantially parallel to an imaginary lateral axis. The cover panel or apron 150 may extend from the open edge of the bag 110 to the lower edge of the bib 36. The cover panel 150 may hang in a slope manner from the open edge of the bag 110 to provide a gravitational opening of the bag. 100. The body panel 70, the bag panel 105 and the cover panel 150 can be formed from a sheet of continuous material, the material comprising one or more sheets. U.S. Patent 4,445,231"Bib with Gravitationally Capable Bag Opening" issued May 1, 1984 to Noel, is incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of showing a bib construction to form a bib having a bag and a cover panel. The bib 20 also comprises a mechanical fastener assembly associated with the shoulder extensions for releasably attaching the shoulder extensions 24 and 26 in an overlapping configuration. The mechanical fastener comprises a target surface 350 disposed on, at least one of the shoulder extensions, and an array 305 of target coupling elements, such as an array of projections 310, extending from the opposite surface of the other shoulder extension. .

The target surface 305 has a length 351 (FIG. 5) which is at least 0.25 times, and in one embodiment, at least about 0.5 times the longitudinal length 240 of the neck opening 200. In one embodiment, the fastener may comprise an array 305 of projections 310 extending from a substrate 312 attached to the shoulder extension 26.

The target surface 350 may comprise a surface 350 of a nonwoven web 352, disposed over at least a portion of the shoulder extension 24 (Figure 2 to 4). In the embodiments shown, the frame 352 is disposed on both shoulder extensions 24, 26 to provide a smooth, non-abrasive surface around the wearer's neck. Projection arrangement 305 is preferably non-directional, such that shoulder extensions 24, 26 can be secured together in any convenient angular orientation, to encompass a wide range of neck sizes and preferential fit, and take advantage of the surface 350 objective extended. A projection arrangement 305 can be placed over each of the shoulder extensions to allow restraint by overlapping any of the shoulder extensions on top of the other (i.e., the shoulder extension 24 on the 26, or alternately, shoulder extension 26 over 24). Referring to the components of the bib 20, in greater detail, the bib 20 according to the present invention may comprise a mixed construction having multiple laminations. For example, the bib 20, including the bib body 22 and the shoulder extensions 24, 26, may comprise a laminar unit of an outer layer 40 of absorbent top sheet, and a back sheet layer 80 that faces the garment , which is impermeable to the liquid in relation to the upper sheet 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 that gives towards the garment 82 and a second surface 84. The surface 84 of the backsheet 80 and the surface 44 of the topsheet 40 are opposite facing surfaces, and may be joined together, such as an adhesive to form a laminate. In one embodiment, the shoulder extensions 24, 26, the bib panel body panel, the bag panel 105, and the cover panel 150 are formed from a single continuous sheet of the laminate of the topsheet 40 and of the backsheet 80. The topsheet 40 may comprise a paper web having a basis weight of from about 10 to about 50 pounds by 3,000 feet2. 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 sheet. 40: United States Patent 4,191, 609; 4,440,597; 4,529,480; 4,637,859; 5,223,095; and 5,240,562. A suitable top sheet 40 can be formed from a single sheet or multiple sheets of paper towel, such as a Bounty paper towel, manufactured by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. The backsheet 80 may comprise a liquid impervious polymeric film such as a polyolefin film. In one embodiment, the backsheet 80 may comprise a polyethylene film having a thickness of between about 0.0076 mm and about 0.0508 mm. In one embodiment, the backsheet may comprise a raised polyethylene film FS-II having a thickness of about 1 mil and which is manufactured under the designation CPC-2 (P9703) by Tredegar Film Products Inc. of Cincinnati. Ohio. 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. A suitable adhesive for bonding the topsheet 40 and the backsheet 80 is a thermal melt adhesive such as a thermal melt pressure sensitive adhesive. A particular adhesive that is suitable for attaching the top sheet 40 to the backsheet 80 is an HL-1258 adhesive manufactured by H.B.Fuller Co., of St. Paul, MN. Other suitable adhesives include the Findley H203 and H2120 adhesives available from Findley Adhesives of Elmgrove, Wisconsin. The mechanical fastener may comprise an array 305 of polyolefin tips 310 extending from a polyolefin substrate 312. In one embodiment, the tips 310 comprise a tip rod 320 extending from a tip base proximate to the substrate 312 toward an end of the tip. tip 330 having a greater width of the tip rod. The array 305 may comprise between about 600 and about 3,600 spikes 310 per square inch, each having a tip end 330, having a edge extending radially outwardly from the spike rod about the total circumference of the shank of the spindle. tip, tip end 330 having a generally rounded edge. The end of the tip 330 may also comprise a rounded surface opposite the tip shank. In one embodiment, end 330 of the tip may have a generally concave shape opposite the tip shank, as shown in Figure 4. This tip arrangement 310 provides a relatively smooth, non-abrasive surface to reduce irritation of the tip. the skin of the user. This arrangement of tips is also non-directional, because the ability of the tip arrangement to couple the target surface 350 is not affected by the angular orientation of the tip arrangement 350 with respect to the target surface 350. In contrast, it can be oriented directionally an arrangement 305 of the hook-shaped coupling target elements. In one embodiment, the array 305 may include approximately 900 spikes 305 per square inch. A suitable fastener comprising a substrate 312 having a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on a first surface of the substrate and a spike arrangement 310 of extending from a second surface. Opposite of the substrate, it is manufactured by 3M Company of St. Paul, MN., under the designation XPH-4152. Figure 8A illustrates said arrangement. In another embodiment, the array 305 of the tips 310 may comprise approximately 2500 tips per square inch, and may comprise a fastener manufactured by 3M Co., under the designation XPH-4152. Figure 8B illustrates said arrangement. In an alternate embodiment, the array of 305 may comprise hook-shaped elements. A suitable fastener comprising elements in the form of a hook is manufactured by the company 3M under the designation KN0513. The following documents are incorporated by reference for the purpose of disclosing appropriate arrangements of binding elements of the target surface, including directional and non-directional arrangements, and including hook-shaped and non-hooked white binding elements: State patent United 4,216,257 issued August 5, 1980; U.S. Patent 4,846,815 issued July 11, 1989; U.S. Patent 4,894,060 issued January 16, 1990; U.S. Patent 5,392,498 issued February 28, 1995; U.S. Patent 5,326,612, issued July 5, 1994; and U.S. Patent 5,407,439 issued April 18, 1995; and PCT publication WO 94/23610 published October 27, 1994, 1994. The objective surface 350 may comprise the surface of a non-woven web of fibers 352 disposed over at least a portion of the shoulder extensions 24 and 26, to cover a portion superior to the surface 42 of the upper sheet 40. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the objective surface 350 extends over most of the outer surface of the shoulder extensions 24 and 26, and terminates at the lower edge 354. Edge 354 is located adjacent to the junction of the back portion of neck opening 230 with neck portion 220 of maximum width. Therefore, the extended target surface 350 cooperates with the non-directional array 305 of the projections to still ensure comfortable hold over a wide range of neck sizes and adjustment preferences. Accordingly, the nonwoven web extends over the portions of the shoulder extensions, which may come into contact with the wearer's skin, such as the portions of the shoulder extensions 24 and 26 that are joined by the back of the shoulder. neck opening 230, and present a smooth, non-irritating surface to the wearer's skin. In alternate mode, the non-woven web may extend below the perimeter of the neck to cover all or a portion of the body panel 70. The non-woven web 352 may have the characteristics that allow the liquid to pass through the absorbent layer of the web. upper sheet 40, while the surface 350 remains relatively dry to the user's touch. In addition, the non-woven web 352 can contribute to the bib absorbency by creating a hollow space intermediate the non-woven web 352 and the top web 40. The non-woven web 352 s is selected such that the prongs 310 can couple in a secure to the fibers of the weft 352. In one embodiment, the objective surface 350 may comprise the surface of a weft 352 of thermally bonded polypropylene fibers, placed by spinning, the weft having a basis weight of approximately 22 grams per square meter and fibers having an average denier of less than about 3.0 grams per 9,000 meters of fiber length. The suitable nonwoven web 352 is manufactured by Celestra Unicom Fiberweb Corp., of Simpsonville, S.C., under the designation Celestra Unicom. Said fiber web provides a target surface that can be securely linked by the tips 310 listed above, and which is soft and non-abrasive to the wearer's skin. The generally flat neck opening 200 may have a closed shape, as shown in Figure 5, or a converging, open backward shape, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. In Figures 5 and 6, the side width The maximum of the opening 200 is located in the maximum width part 220 disposed intermediate to the front and rear parts of the neck. The maximum lateral width located in the maximum width part 220 is greater than the lateral widths measured in the front and rear neck opening portions. The U-shaped opening shown in Figure 7 does not include a part of maximum width arranged intermediate to the neck front opening part and to a rear neck opening part. The maximum width part 220 of the opening 200 can have a finite longitudinal length 225, as shown in Figure 5 (for example, part 220 has a generally rectangular shape), or alternatively, the maximum width part 220 It can be a line of maximum width, as shown in Figure 6. The longitudinal length 225 of the maximum width part 220 may be less than the longitudinal length 215 of the neck front opening part 210, as measured along the longitudinal centerline 21 If the neck opening 200 has a closed shape, as shown in Figure 5, the length 240 is measured along the longitudinal center line 221 between the opposite points on the perimeter 201 of the opening 200. If the opening of neck 200 comprises a V-shape or a U-shape, the longitudinal length 240 is measured along the longitudinal center line as shown in Figure 7.

If the neck opening 200 has an open shape comprising a front neck opening part, a rear neck opening part, and an opening part of maximum neck width disposed between the front and rear neck opening portions, as shown in Figure 6, the minimum side width 246 separating the edges of the shoulder extensions 24 and 25 in the back neck opening part is first identified. The longitudinal length 240 is then measured along the longitudinal centerline 21, from the front neck opening portion to the midpoint of the side width 246. If there are multiple locations on the back of the neck 230 having the minimum side width 246, the length 240 is measured from the front neck opening to the midpoint of the minimum side width 246 placed closest to the front neck opening portion 210. The target surface 350 has a surface area that is substantially larger that of the arrangement 305 of the tips 310. In the embodiments shown, the target surface 350 covers at least about 50% of the area of the front surface of each of the shoulder extensions 24 and 26. The area of the target surface 350 has a length 351 (Figures 5, 6 and 7) that at least 0.25 times, and in one embodiment, at least about 0.5 times, the longitudinal length 24 0 of the neck opening 200. The length 351 is measured parallel to the longitudinal center line 21, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, between two longitudinally aligned, very distant points on the surface 350. Although the surface is shown Objective 350 As being continuous along the length 351, it will be understood that the objective surface 350 may be longitudinally aligned, discontinuous portions in the intermediate portion of the surface 350. For example, the objective surface 350 may comprise a plurality of segments vertically separated, extending horizontally, or a plurality of discrete segments in the form of circles or squares.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the front neck opening portion 210 may have a perimeter 201 that comprises a shape that is generally concave with respect to the center of the neck opening (i.e., concave upwards, while use the bib) as shown in Figure 5. The perimeter 201 of the neck front portion 210 may comprise any number of commonly recognized geometric shapes, including but not limited to oval, circular, parabolic or elliptical shapes. Alternatively, the perimeter of the neck front portion 2 0 may comprise one or more straight line segments, one or more curved segments, or a combination of straight line segments and bent segments. A plurality of groove 211 may extend in a generally radial manner from the perimeter 201 of the neck front opening part 210. The grooves 211 still provide a more conformable adjustment of the perimeter 210 of the neck front opening part 210 against the User's neck The grooves 211 allow the petal-shaped portions resulting from the intermediate bib of the groove 211 to slide on one another as the shoulder extensions 24, 26 overlap. The grooves 211 thus help reduce distortion and cupping of the body. bib as the neck opening 200 is made to conform to the neck of the user. Accordingly, the slots 211 cooperate with the shape of the neck opening 200 and the elongate target surface 350 to improve the fit of the bib around the wearer's neck, and reduce the distortion and cupping of the bib body as the extensions overlap. shoulder 24, 26 to encompass a particular neck size. These slots, or bifurcations, are generally disclosed in the United States patent 4, 416,025 of Moret which is incorporated herein by reference. The neck rear opening portion 230 can have a perimeter 201, comprising straight line segments, curved segments or a combination of straight line segments and curved segments. In Figures 5 and 6, the perimeter of the body back portion 230 generally comprises straight line segments defined by the inner edges of the shoulder extensions 24 and 26. These straight line segments are convergent, but not necessarily, intersect, as the neck rear opening part 230 extends from the maximum width part 220, such that the neck rear opening part 230 thins as it extends from the maximum width part 220. The concave perimeter of the part of neck front opening 210 and back thin neck opening part 230 provides a teardrop-shaped neck opening 200 as shown in Figure 5. Figure 6 shows a teardrop-shaped neck opening 200 which is truncated . The rear neck opening part 230 can have a longitudinal length 235 that is greater than the longitudinal length 215 of the neck front opening part 210, as shown in Figure 3. In one embodiment, the longitudinal length 235 is when less about 1.2 times, in another embodiment, at least about 1.5 times, and in yet another embodiment, at least about 2 times the longitudinal length 215. For example, in a non-limiting embodiment, the length 215 may be about 1.2 inches, the length 225 may be approximately 0.64 inches, the length 235 may be approximately 2.7 inches and the lateral width of the maximum width part 220 may be approximately 3.4 inches. The variable neck sizes and shapes having a side width less than that of the maximum width part 220 can be adjusted by overlapping the shoulder extensions 24 and 26 to different degrees. The overlap of the shoulder extensions 24 and 26 to releasably hold the shoulder extensions behind the wearer's neck will generally cause at least some distortion of the bib body 22, which may cause the bib body 22 to come to a stop away from the user's chest. This distortion will generally increase as the shoulder extensions overlap to a greater degree. In the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6, the bib of the present invention provides a neck opening 200 and a target surface, which combine to securely adjust a wide range of sizes and neck shapes, while minimizing distortion and cupping mentioned above. Bibs with shoulder extensions that define a circular neck opening when the bib is in a generally flat orientation will generally exhibit high distortion when the shoulder extensions overlap to adjust collars significantly smaller than the diameter of the circular aperture. Bibs that have a neck opening with a laterally elongated oval shape (the major axis oriented laterally) will also exhibit significant distortion as the shoulder extensions overlap to adjust to smaller neck sizes. Bibs with shoulder extensions that define a longitudinally elongated, oval-shaped neck opening (the longitudinally oriented major axis) when the bib is in a generally flat orientation may exhibit less distortion than bibs having laterally elongated openings. However, a neck opening shape can act as a groove, allowing the bib to deflect longitudinally relative to the user. Bibs that have shoulder extensions that define a U-shaped or V-shaped neck opening when the bib is in a generally flat orientation can deflect longitudinally, and may also exhibit excessive distortion when the shoulder extensions overlap. The bibs shown in Figures 5 and 6, have the advantage that the shoulder extensions 24 and 26 couple the back of the user's neck in varying degrees of overlap to adjust a wide range of neck sizes, while reducing the amount of bib body distortion 22, which would otherwise occur as the overlap is increased to fit the relatively smaller neck sizes. The generally planar neck opening 20 according to the present invention can have a side asymmetry ratio greater than 1.0. In some embodiments, the ratio can be at least about 1.15, in other modalities at least about 1.25, in still other modalities at least about 1.5. A bib opening 200 having longitudinal symmetry and an asymmetric ratio of greater than 1.0 provides the advantage that the perimeter 201 of the rear neck opening part can couple the back of the necks of different sizes with minimum distortion and cupping of the body of bib 22. Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the asymmetric lateral relationship is measured using the following procedure. The bib 20 is supported on a flat horizontal surface to provide a generally flat neck opening 200. A "generally flat neck opening 200" is provided when the shoulder extensions 24 and 26 and the body panel 70 are substantially the same flat and the shoulder extensions 24, 26 are in a non-overlapping configuration. The midpoint 242 of the length 240 is then located, such as with a ruler having its edge placed on the bib and along the centerline 21. The location of the midpoint can be marked on the flat horizontal surface. An imaginary line can then be projected which extends through the midpoint 242 of the longitudinal length 240 of the neck opening, and which intersects the perimeter 201 of the neck opening 200 at two points: a first point of intersection 261 located on the perimeter of the rear part of the neck 230 and a second intersection point 262 on an opposite part of the perimeter of the neck opening (points 261, 262, and 242 are collinear). The location of the point 261 is chosen in such a way that the distance ratio 264 (measured from the midpoint 242 to the second point 262) to the distance 263 (measured from the midpoint 242 to the first point 261) is maximum . This ratio, obtained by dividing the distance 264 between the distance 263, is the asymmetric relationship of the neck opening 200. In one embodiment, the generally flat neck opening 200 has a lateral asymmetry relationship within a particular angular portion of the neck opening 200, as defined by the angle B. It is desirable that the generally flat neck opening 200 have a lateral asymmetry ratio exceeding 1.0 within a particular angular portion of the neck opening, such that the opening The neck can securely attach to the back of the user's neck with a force component that prevents sliding or deflection of the bib relative to the wearer. Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the angle B is measured from the lateral axis passing through the midpoint 242. In one embodiment, the neck opening 200 has an asymmetry ratio of at least about 1.1, in another embodiment at least about 1.25, and in yet another embodiment at least about 1.5, wherein the asymmetry ratio is placed within an angular portion of the neck opening defined by: 15 degrees <; B < 80 degrees, more particularly, within an angular portion defined by 25 degrees < B < 75 degrees. Before the time the bib is to be used, the shoulder extensions 24 and 26 may be joined together, such as by their distal ends 24B, 26B, along a selective weakening line 270. When the bib is to be worn, the shoulder extensions are separable along the selective weakening line 270, such that the shoulder extensions can be separated without tearing or otherwise damaging other parts of the bib, and joining them together. removable manner in an overlapping manner by the clamping assembly. In one embodiment, the selective weakening line 270 is aligned with the longitudinal center line 21, and comprises a plurality of separate perforations 271.

The perforations 271 extend partially or completely through the thickness of the bib 200. The perforations can be formed with a piercing knife, and can extend through each of the backsheet 80, the topsheet 40 and the nonwoven web 352. The selective weakening line 270 provides the advantage that the distal ends of the shoulder extensions are interconnected rather than loose, before being used. The bib is, therefore, easier to handle before use. In addition, the use of a selective weakening line provides ease of fabrication. For example, the bibs 20 can be manufactured by joining together the continuous webs of the backsheet material 80, the top sheet material 40, and the non-woven material 352 to form a continuous, multiple laminated sheet. The multiple laminate sheet can then be perforated in predetermined positions, corresponding to the desired location of each bib to be cut from the sheet. 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. It is intended to cover all of these changes and modifications within the scope of the invention in the appended claims.

Claims (9)

1. CLAIMS 1. A disposable bib having a longitudinal center line, a lateral width, and lateral edges extending longitudinally, the disposable bib comprising: a bib body; first and second shoulder extensions extending from the bib body to provide a neck opening having a longitudinal length, each shoulder extension having a front surface and a back surface, and each shoulder extension having a proximal end and a distal end , wherein the proximal and distal ends of the first shoulder extension are disposed on one side of the longitudinal centerline and wherein the proximal and distal ends of the second shoulder extension are disposed on the other side of the longitudinal centerline; and a mechanical fastener associated with the shoulder extensions for releasably attaching the shoulder extensions in an overlapping configuration, wherein the mechanical fastener comprises: a target surface on a surface of one of the shoulder extensions, and an arrangement of target coupling elements extending from the opposite surface of the other shoulder extension; and where the target surface has a length that is at least 0. 25 times the longitudinal length of the neck opening. The bib according to claim 1, wherein the target surface has a length that is at least 0.5 times, approximately, the longitudinal length of the neck opening. The bib according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the arrangement of coupling target elements is non-directional. The bib according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the shoulder extensions extend from the bib body to provide a generally flat neck opening; wherein the generally flat neck opening has a front neck portion, a neck rear portion, and a maximum width portion disposed intermediate the neck front and the neck rear portion, and wherein the neck opening generally flat is generally symmetrical about a longitudinal axis and generally asymmetric about a lateral axis passing through the midpoint of the longitudinal length of the neck opening. The bib according to claims 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the arrangement of elements comprises an arrangement of elements in the form of a hook. The bib according to claims 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the array of elements comprises an array of tips having a tip base attached to a surface of a shoulder extension, one end of the tip for coupling the target surface, and a rod of the tip extending from the base of the tip to the end of the tip, and wherein the tip end is elongated relative to the tip rod; and wherein the end of the tip preferably has a border extending outwardly from the tip shank about the total circumference of the tip shank. The bib according to claim 6, wherein the tip arrangement comprises at least 600 elements per square inch, approximately. The bib according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the target surface is disposed on a front surface of one of the shoulder extensions to cover at least 50% of the area surface of the shoulder extension, wherein the arrangement of the coupling elements of the target surface is preferably arranged on the rear surface of the other shoulder extension; wherein the target surface preferably comprises a non-woven web of fibers; and the non-woven web of fibers is preferably disposed on the front surface of each of the shoulder extensions. 9. The bib according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, wherein the bib body comprises a plurality of slots extending from the neck opening.