US20120185990A1

US20120185990A1 - Protective bib

Info

Publication number: US20120185990A1
Application number: US13/393,893
Authority: US
Inventors: Paul A. Jewison
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-09-03
Filing date: 2010-09-02
Publication date: 2012-07-26
Also published as: WO2011028911A1

Abstract

A protective bib includes a body portion, a neck portion that extends from the body portion and defines a minimum neck width, and a head portion that extends from the neck portion and defines a maximum head width. The maximum head width is greater than the minimum neck width, such that the protective bib may be easily attached to a user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 61/239,610 filed Sep. 3, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to bibs, and more particularly to protective bibs that are contoured to be easily attached to a user while providing a dignified appearance to the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bibs are used by people of different ages and sizes, and are used in a variety of settings, such as in homes, restaurants, hospitals, assisted care facilities, and nursing homes. Regardless of who uses them or where they are used, bibs may help to prevent clothes from being soiled. Bibs exist in a variety of sizes to cover a user anywhere between the user's chin to the user's lap, and below. Some bibs are reusable, being made from cloth or plastic, while others are disposable, being made from inexpensive materials such as a plastic coated paper or thin plastic.
Regardless of the bib's size or the bib's material, most bibs require a securing means for retaining the bib in the desired location on the user. When the bib is positioned on the user, the securing means, e.g., ties, snaps, hook and loop (e.g., Velcro), etc., is normally disposed behind the user's neck and therefore requires the user to reach behind their neck to secure the bib. Though this configuration poses no problems for most people, young children, elderly, and/or disabled individuals who still maintain some degree of independence may find it difficult to reach behind their necks to secure the bib. Further, elderly or disabled adults who resent any intrusion on their independence may refuse to wear a “bib” solely because it is a traditional “bib.”
However, elderly and/or disabled individuals who may require the use of a bib are more cooperative with bibs that appear less like a bib and more akin to a napkin. Therefore, a more dignified “bib” such as one that appears more similar to a napkin worn by a business person at an upscale restaurant is better accepted by an elderly or disabled individual than a cheap, plastic bib such as those commonly worn by infants. In fact, some states now require bibs used in nursing homes have a more “dignified” appearance.
Accordingly, there is a long-felt, unmet need for a bib that can be easily attached to and retained on the user without requiring a securing means that is difficult to secure, while also providing a dignified appearance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a protective bib comprises a body portion, a neck portion extending from the body portion and defining a minimum neck width, and a head portion extending from the neck portion and defining a maximum head width. The maximum head width is greater than the minimum neck width, such that the protective bib may be easily attached to a user.
In another aspect, a protective bib comprises a front layer and a back layer that is adjacent and attached to the front layer. At least one of the front layer and the back layer define a body portion, a neck portion extending from the body portion, and a head portion extending from the neck portion. The neck portion defines a minimum neck width and the head portion defines a maximum head width. The maximum head width is greater than the minimum neck width, such that the protective bib may be easily attached to a user.
In yet another aspect, a method of manufacturing a protective bib comprises providing a first sheet of material, and shaping the first sheet of material into a first layer having a first body portion, a first neck portion adjacent the first body portion, and a first head portion adjacent the first neck portion, wherein a first maximum width of the first head portion is greater than a first minimum width of the first neck portion.
These and still other aspects will be apparent from the description that follows. In the detailed description, example embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments do not represent the full scope; rather, the invention may be employed in other embodiments. Reference should therefore be made to the claims for interpreting the breadth of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of a protective bib.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the example protective bib shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the front.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the example protective bib shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the back.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the example protective bib shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the side.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the example protective bib shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the top.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the example protective bib shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the bottom.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a second example protective bib as viewed from the front.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a third example protective bib as viewed from the front.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a fourth example protective bib as viewed from the front.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a fifth example protective bib as viewed from the front.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a sixth example protective bib as viewed from the front.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the specification and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended terms and should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . .” These terms encompass the more restrictive terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of.” As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As well, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “characterized by” and “having” can be used interchangeably.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. As used herein, the term “facing surface” refers generally to either side of a piece of material, such as a fabric. As is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, a piece of fabric has a front and a back. The front and the back of any piece of fabric may have the same or different finishes, which may, for example, be smooth or textured. The terms “front” and “back” refer to the front and back of a sheet of fabric as it is made on the knitting machine, and do not necessarily correspond to a front and back, respectively, of the fabric as it is incorporated in a fabric laminate. Where only one side of the piece of fabric is smooth, and the other is textured, the smooth side is generally referred to as the front (which may or may not be the same as the front of the fabric as it is made on the knitting machine) and the textured side is generally referred to as the back (which may or may not be the same as the back of the fabric as it is made on the knitting machine). In a fabric with a smooth face, the fabric may have a gloss or sheen on that side. In a fabric with a relatively rough or textured back, the fabric may have a dull or “porous” appearance on that side. Where one side of the piece of fabric has a design or pattern therein, or has a bright or colored surface, while the other side is matte, plain, monotone, or uncolored, the former side is generally referred to as the front and the latter as the back.
Several example embodiments of protective bibs will be described with reference to the accompanying figures. In one form, the protective bib encompasses a reusable, absorbent bib that projects a dignified appearance that may be easily attached to a user. A first example embodiment of a protective bib (10) is shown in FIGS. 1 through 6. The protective bib (10) comprises a first layer in the form of a front layer (12) attached adjacent to a second layer in the form of a back layer (14). The term “adjacent” is intended to encompass overlapping, abutting, tangent, and the like. The protective bib (10) includes a body portion (16), a neck portion (18) that extends away from the body portion (16) along a plane generally defined by the front layer (12) and the back layer (14), and a head portion (20) that further extends away from the neck portion (18).
The front layer (12) and the back layer (14) are shown to define one example form factor of the protective bib (10) in which both the front layer (12) and the back layer (14) define respective front and back body portions, neck portions, and head portions. The respective front and back body portions, neck portions, and head portions are aligned and overlapped to form the two-layer protective bib (10) and are attached, for instance, by one or more threads (not shown) sewn about a perimeter (24) of the protective bib (10). In one form, an edge member (26) (e.g., bias tape) is wrapped over the front layer (12) and the back layer (14) about the perimeter (24) to provide a secure, finished appearance. Alternatively, the front layer (12) and the back layer (14) may be glued together, affixed by hooks and loops (e.g., Velcro), snaps, buttons, and the like, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill when given the benefit of this disclosure.
As shown best in FIGS. 1 and 2, the body portion (16) of the first example embodiment is formed from a combination of a front layer body portion (28) and a back layer body portion (30). The front layer body portion (28) is sized smaller than the back layer body portion (30) such that a bottom edge (32) of the front layer body portion (28) is spaced apart from a bottom edge (34) of the back layer body portion (30). As a result, the front layer body portion (28) does not completely cover or overlap the back layer body portion (30), thus leaving an exposed area (33) of the back layer (14). As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the amount and form factor of the exposed area (33) may take on a variety of shapes and sizes depending upon the specific application requirements (e.g., the overall length of the protective bib (10) (i.e., the distance from the bottom of the body portion (16) through the head portion (20)), the required absorption qualities of the protective bib (10), and the like). In addition to being secured or attached about the perimeter (24), the front layer (12) and the back layer (14) are preferably affixed together (e.g., sewn) proximate the bottom edge (32) of the front layer body portion (28), thus keeping the front layer (12) and the back layer (14) in close proximity.
The body portion (16) of the protective bib (10), as generally viewed from the front (shown in FIG. 2), generally is rectangular in shape, but may be of any other form factor within the understanding of one of ordinary skill. In the example shown, the neck portion (18) is integral with the body portion (16) (i.e., the neck portion (18) and the body portion (16) are formed from a single layer of continuous material that has not been joined, such as by sewing) and the body portion (16) tapers generally linearly inward (as viewed in FIG. 2) toward the head portion (20), which then flares outward (as viewed in FIG. 2). As best shown in FIG. 2, the neck portion (18) defines a minimum neck width (36) (i.e., a distance defined left-right as shown in FIG. 2) that is less than a maximum head width (38) (i.e., a distance defined left-right as shown in FIG. 2). The relative form factors of the neck portion (18) and the head portion (20) easily allow the head portion (20) to be, for instance, tucked into or folded over a collar or other clothing worn by a user, thereby releasably securing the protective bib (10) without the need for ties, snaps, clips, and the like. The neck portion (18) and the head portion (20) generally establish a taper lock construction that releasably and easily secures the protective bib (10) to a user.
The shape of the head portion (20) may also be configured to help secure or attach the protective bib (10) between a user and a user's clothing. For example, the head portion (20) is configured to provide additional material bulk, surface area, wedging-action, deformation, friction, and/or general interference between the user's clothing, the user, and the protective bib (10) to inhibit the protective bib (10) from being easily removed (e.g., by gravity or inadvertent pulling). The head portion (20) may become partially captured between the user and the user's clothing to inhibit unwanted removal of the protective bib (10) from the user. For instance, in some circumstances, the larger maximum width of the head portion (20) (as compared to the minimum width of the neck portion (18)) results in the head portion (20) being deformed generally inward from the larger width toward the smaller width as a user (or another) attempts to pull the protective bib (10) generally downward or outward (or gravity urges the protective bib (10) downward) when the protective bib (10) is secured to the user. This deformation of the head portion (20) further inhibits undesired removal of the protective bib (10). As shown in the first example protective bib (10), the head portion (20) is substantially in the form of an inverted triangle with the apex pointing down (as viewed in FIG. 2) and leading integrally into the neck portion (18). The form factor of the protective bib (10), and specifically, the neck portion (18) and the head portion (20), may be varied provided the maximum width of the head portion (20) is greater than the minimum width of the neck portion (18).
In the first example embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, the front layer (12) may comprise a decorative, napkin-like material and/or an absorbent material, and the back layer (14) may comprise an absorbent, quick-drying material. As shown best in FIGS. 1 and 2, the example protective bib (10) is highly absorbent/quick drying and includes the front layer (12) secured to the back layer (14). The front layer (12) faces outward, away from the user's clothing, and may be fast drying and may include a sophisticated finish or pattern to the facing surface of the material to lend a more dignified appearance to the user. In some forms, the front layer (12) may be of any suitable washable or permanent press fabric products known to one of skill in the art, including, for instance, cotton or a blend of cotton and synthetic materials such as polyester-type material. The front layer (12) may be relatively thin and of light weight, and may include a silk screen, decal, monograms or initials for personalization.
With continued reference to the first example embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, the back layer (14) faces inward, toward the user's clothing. The back layer (14) serves to absorb moisture that may pass through the front layer (12) and may provide body and strength to the protective bib (10). The back layer (14) further inhibits staining of the user's clothing and provides an easily cleanable surface (as compared to the user's clothing) that can be wiped off as spills or food is dropped onto the protective bib (10), and specifically the back layer body portion (30). The back layer (14) may be an absorbent material such as 100% cotton, terry-cloth, microfiber, rayon, nylon, fleece, chenille, polyester/cotton blend, or any other absorbent material known to one of skill in the art. Alternatively, the protective bib (10) may be made of a non-fabric material, such as plastic or paper, or any combination of materials as may be beneficial for a particular application.
In one alternative embodiment, while not shown, the protective bib may comprise a single layer that includes more than one material type secured together at an adjacent seam, such as abutting or overlapping (e.g., one-half inch) a bottom edge of a polyester material to a top edge of an absorbent material to define a body portion. In addition, the material(s) may be folded over upon itself one or more times to provide additional material at the seam. In this manner, the polyester material provides the quick drying, dignified appearance of a napkin (from, for example, the user's chin to mid-chest area) while the absorbent material (e.g., cotton) provides an absorbent surface (for, for instance, the user's lower chest and lap). As the lower portion of the body portion will typically be hidden by a table, it will not lessen the dignified appearance of the protective bib. Furthermore, having an absorbent material accessible from the front provides an absorbable surface for wiping a user's hands or mouth, and for absorbing any spillage that may dribble downward from the polyester material.
The protective bib may be sized and configured to protect adults and children of all shapes and sizes. In one form, the protective bib ranges from approximately twenty-four inches to forty-eight inches in length so as to protect an individual user from approximately his or her chin to his or her lap. In other forms, the protective bib may range from approximately fifteen inches to thirty inches in width for similar reasons. The protective bib may be of any desired thickness, and of any color or combination of colors. In one form, the protective bib (10) has an overall length (i.e., top to bottom, as best illustrated in FIG. 4) of approximately thirty-six inches, an overall width (i.e., left to right, as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) of approximately twenty inches, a maximum head width (38) of approximately seven inches, and a minimum neck width (36) of approximately three inches. In other forms, the maximum head width may range approximately from five inches to ten inches and the minimum neck width may range approximately from two inches to five inches. One skilled in the art will appreciate the variety of different sizes available depending upon the specific application requirements. In one configuration, while again not required, the maximum head width is approximately twice the minimum neck width. In another form, the bottom edge (32) of the front layer body portion (28) is uniformly spaced apart from the bottom edge (34) of the back layer body portion (30) by approximately eight inches. In some forms, the body portion (16), neck portion (18), and head portion (20) are substantially symmetric about a plane (40) that is oriented perpendicular to the plane of the protective bib (10) and extending along a length of the protective bib (10), as best shown in FIG. 2.
Turning to FIGS. 7 through 11, several additional example embodiments of alternative protective bibs are illustrated. A multi-layer, laminate protective bib (210) is illustrated in FIG. 7. The protective bib (210) includes a front layer (212) adjacent a back layer (214). A generally rectangular body portion (216) is defined by a combination of a front layer body portion (228) and a back layer body portion (230). A neck portion (218) extends upward from the body portion (216) and tapers toward a T-shaped head portion (220). As with the first example embodiment, the protective bib (210) defines a minimum neck width (236) that is less than a maximum head width (238), such that the protective bib (210) may be easily secured to a user. Again, the head portion (220) is configured to provide additional material bulk, surface area, wedging-action, deformation, friction, and/or general interference between the user's clothing, the user, and the protective bib (210) to inhibit the protective bib (210) from being easily or inadvertently removed. An exposed area (233), as shown in FIG. 7, is larger due to a bottom edge (232) of the front layer (212) being further spaced apart from a bottom edge (234) of the back layer (214), as compared to that illustrated in FIG. 2. One skilled in the art will appreciate, given the benefit of this disclosure, the various configurations available.
Another example protective bib (310) is illustrated in FIG. 8. The protective bib (310) includes a front layer (312) adjacent a back layer (314). A generally rectangular body portion (316) is defined by a combination of a front layer body portion (328) and a back layer body portion (330). A neck portion (318) extends upward from the body portion (316) and tapers toward a Y-shaped head portion (320). Again, despite the varying form factors, the protective bib (310) defines a minimum neck width (336) that is less than a maximum head width (338), such that the protective bib (310) may be easily secured to a user. The taper of the neck portion (318) is approximately horizontal (as viewed in FIG. 8) with arcuate segments (340) that transition between the body portion (316) and the neck portion (318). The Y-shaped head portion (320) includes opposed ears (342) that further help secure the head portion (320) and neck portion (318) to a user (e.g., by being tucked between a user's upper chest and clothing). Similar to the previous embodiments, the head portion (320) is configured to provide additional material bulk, surface area, wedging-action, deformation, friction, and/or general interference between the user's clothing, the user, and the protective bib (310) to inhibit the protective bib (310) from being easily or inadvertently removed. Again, given the benefit of this disclosure, one skilled in the art will appreciate the various configurations available.
Another example protective bib (410) is illustrated in FIG. 9. The protective bib (410) includes a front layer (412) adjacent a back layer (414). A generally flared body portion (416) is defined by a combination of a front layer body portion (428) and a back layer body portion (430). The back layer (414) defines opposed wings (442) and a central protrusion (444) to increase the coverage area of the protective bib (410) while easily draping over the lap and legs of a user. A neck portion (418) extends upward from the body portion (416) and tapers toward a quadrant-shaped head portion (420) (i.e., generally in the shape of a quarter circle). The protective bib (410) defines a minimum neck width (436) that is less than a maximum head width (438), such that the protective bib (410) may be easily secured to a user. Moreover, the head portion (420) is also configured to provide additional material bulk, surface area, wedging-action, deformation, friction, and/or general interference between the user's clothing, the user, and the protective bib (410) to inhibit the protective bib (410) from being easily or inadvertently removed. A bottom edge (432) of the front layer body portion (428) is generally arcuate and defines a more contoured exposed area (433) as compared, for instance, with the exposed area (33) shown in FIG. 2. As with the previous variations, one skilled in the art will appreciate the additional alternative configurations available.
While the protective bibs have been described as either comprising a single layer with multiple materials or as a multi-layer, overlapping laminate, the protective bib may alternatively be formed of a single, continuous layer or from three or more layers. In a single-layer embodiment, the single layer may be of a uniform material type, or a second type of material may be attached (as discussed above). Turning to FIG. 10, another example protective bib (510) is illustrated having a body portion (516), a neck portion (518) extending from the body portion (516), and a head portion (520) extending from the neck portion (518). The diamond shape of the protective bib (510) highlights that the body portion (516), the neck portion (518), and the head portion (520) need not be discretely delineated, and may transition without distinct markers. In any event, the protective bib (510) still defines a minimum neck width (536) that is less than a maximum head width (538) of the triangularly-shaped head portion (520). In one variation, the protective bib (510) is made from a single sheet of material, such as a fabric or a plastic, and in further forms may comprise a cotton and/or a polyester material. In any event, the head portion (520) is preferably configured to provide additional material bulk, surface area, wedging-action, deformation, friction, and/or general interference between the user's clothing, the user, and the protective bib (510) to inhibit the protective bib (510) from being easily or inadvertently removed.
Another alternative protective bib (610) is illustrated in FIG. 11. The protective bib (610) is shown as a single layer shaped from a single sheet of material (e.g., a polyester fabric). The protective bib (610) defines a body portion (616), a neck portion (618) extending from the body portion (616) and defining a minimum neck width (636). A head portion (620) extends from the neck portion (618) and defines a maximum head width (638). As with the other example embodiments, the maximum head width (638) is greater than the minimum neck width (636), such that the protective bib (610) may be easily attached to a user. The head portion (620) is again preferably configured to provide additional material bulk, surface area, wedging-action, deformation, friction, and/or general interference between the user's clothing, the user, and the protective bib (610) to inhibit the protective bib (610) from being easily or inadvertently removed. Despite being a single layer protective bib (610), an edge member (626) may be secured (i.e., sewn) about a perimeter (624) of the protective bib (610) to provide a more durable protective bib (610) with a more finished appearance.
In general, the protective bibs incorporating multiple layers are prepared by securing the layers at least partially over each other and then joining together the overlapping edges, such as by sewing in some forms. Assembly of the layers and pieces of the protective bibs may be done as a manual operation, or assembly on a batch basis can be automated, with machines arranging the layers in sequence and placing the inserted pieces in position as required.
With continued reference to FIG. 11, one possible method for manufacturing an example protective bib comprises shaping a sheet of material into the body portion (616), the neck portion (618), and the head portion (620), such as by cutting (e.g., die cutting, laser cutting, scissor cutting, water-jet cutting, and the like) the sheet material (e.g., fabric material unwound from a roll or a spool of fabric) into the overall form factor. Shaping the sheet material results in the maximum head width (638) being greater than the minimum neck width (636). The shaping may be accomplished in a single operation or may be comprised of two or more shaping operations (e.g., first shaping the body portion (616), then shaping the neck portion (618), and finally shaping the head portion (620)). In some forms the sheet material is a fabric material, such as cotton and/or polyester, but may be any other suitable material, such as plastic shaped by molding and the like.
When the protective bib comprises two or more layers or sheets (i.e., either fully overlapping, slightly overlapping, abutting, and the like) the other layers or sheets are manufactured similar to the above with the additional portions being shaped from additional sheets of material. For instance, as shown in FIG. 2, a back layer (14) is shaped from a second sheet. Where a two or more layer protective bib (10) is being manufactured, the front layer (12) and the back layer (14) are attached by at least partially overlapping the front layer (12) and the back layer (14), and in one form, sewing one or more threads near the perimeter (24) of the protective bib (10). In some forms, the edge member (26) is sewn about the perimeter (24) and the bottom edge (32) of the front layer (12) is sewn to the back layer (14). As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the layers may be attached by other techniques, such as by gluing, bonding (e.g., ultrasonic welding of plastics), and the like. Further, as noted above, where a single layer protective bib is being manufactured to include two or more discrete materials, the materials (i.e., “sheets”) may be slightly overlapped (e.g., by overlapping one inch of the body portions) and attaching the materials.
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, with the protective bib worn with its front layer of polyester facing out, spillage can be absorbed, but the quick drying properties of the back layer reduce possible penetration to the clothing being worn by the user. In use, the protective bib is secured to or engaged with a user by folding the head portion (e.g., the T-shaped protrusion) of the protective bib around the user's clothing (e.g., collar) near the user's neck. With the front layer facing out, and the back layer facing in, the user appears to be wearing a napkin tucked under their chin, and not a bib secured around their neck. In this manner, a more dignified appearance is projected while continuing to protect the user's clothes.
In one form, the disclosed protective bib design both absorbs moisture and dries quickly. Such characteristics minimize the tendency for spillage to flow off the protective bib onto clothing. By quickly drying, the protective bib can be reused throughout the day, enabling it to be simply washed (if necessary) before being used again. The protective bib of the present invention may be configured in multiple sizes to accommodate individuals of all heights and weights, as well as to accommodate individuals in wheel chairs or those who may be bed-ridden.
The protective bib in accordance with the description has many advantages and benefits. For instance, the contoured head portion of the protective bib easily attaches at a user's neck (such as by being folded around the user's collar) without the need for additional support or securing around the user's neck. In this manner, the protective bib appears more akin to a napkin than a bib, lending a more dignified appearance to the user. Further, where employed, the combination of materials of the protective bib are both decorative and highly absorbent. For instance, having a first, napkin-like material protecting the upper chest attached to a second, absorbent material protecting the lower chest and upper lap area of the user provides the user an efficient design to protect the user's clothes as well as allow wiping the user's hands, if necessary. Further still, the protective bib in some forms has certain economical efficiencies since it can be washed and reused, or manufactured from inexpensive plastics, thus substantially reducing the costs associated with of the protective bib.
It should be noted that the above description and accompanying figures are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Many themes and variations of the example embodiments will be suggested to one skilled in the art in light of the disclosure. All such themes and variations are within the contemplation of the claims. For instance, while this invention has been described in conjunction with the various exemplary embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are, or may be presently unforeseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or later-developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents of these exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. A protective bib, comprising:

a body portion;

a neck portion extending from the body portion and defining a minimum neck width; and

a head portion extending from the neck portion and defining a maximum head width;

wherein the maximum head width is greater than the minimum neck width, such that the protective bib may be easily attached to a user.

2. The protective bib of claim 1, wherein:

the head portion is substantially T-shaped, substantially triangularly-shaped, substantially quadrant-shaped, or substantially Y-shaped; and

the body portion is substantially rectangular in shape.

3. The protective bib of claim 1, wherein the body portion, the neck portion, and the head portion are substantially symmetric about a plane oriented perpendicular to the protective bib and extending along a length of the protective bib.

4. The protective bib of claim 1, further comprising:

a first layer attached to a second layer;

wherein at least one of the first layer and the second layer define the body portion, the neck portion, and the head portion.

5. The protective bib of claim 4, wherein:

at least one of the first layer and the second layer comprises a fabric material made of at least one of cotton and polyester; and

at least a portion of the first layer overlaps with at least a portion of the second layer.

6. The protective bib of claim 4, wherein the first layer is attached to the second layer by one or more threads sewn substantially about a periphery of the protective bib.

7. The protective bib of claim 4, further comprising an edge member wrapped over the first layer and the second layer about at least a portion of a periphery of the protective bib.

8. The protective bib of claim 1, wherein:

the neck portion and the head portion are integral; and

the neck portion tapers linearly toward the head portion.

9. The protective bib of claim 1, further comprising:

a first layer defining a first layer body portion, a first layer neck portion, and a first layer head portion, wherein the first layer body portion defines a first layer bottom edge; and

a second layer defining a second layer body portion, a second layer neck portion, and a second layer head portion, wherein the second body portion defines a second layer bottom edge;

wherein the first layer bottom edge is spaced apart from the second layer bottom edge such that the first layer body portion does not completely overlap the second layer body portion.

10. A protective bib, comprising:

a front layer; and

a back layer adjacent the front layer and attached to the front layer;

wherein at least one of the front layer and the back layer define a body portion, a neck portion extending from the body portion, and a head portion extending from the neck portion;

wherein the neck portion defines a minimum neck width and the head portion defines a maximum head width; and

11. The protective bib of claim 10, wherein:

the body portion is substantially rectangular in shape.

12. The protective bib of claim 10, wherein the body portion, the neck portion, and the head portion are substantially symmetric about a plane oriented perpendicular to the protective bib and extending along a length of the protective bib.

13. The protective bib of claim 10, wherein:

at least one of the front layer and the back layer comprises a fabric material made of at least one of cotton and polyester; and

at least a portion of the front layer overlaps with at least a portion of the back layer.

14. The protective bib of claim 10, wherein the front layer is attached to the back layer by one or more threads sewn substantially about a periphery of the protective bib or interlocking hooks and loops formed in the back layer and the front layer.

15. The protective bib of claim 10, further comprising an edge member wrapped over the front layer and the back layer about at least a portion of a periphery of the protective bib.

16. The protective bib of claim 10, wherein:

the body portion includes a front layer body portion defined by the front layer and a back layer body portion defined by the back layer;

the front layer body portion defines a front layer bottom edge;

the back layer body portion defines a back layer bottom edge; and

the front layer bottom edge is spaced apart from the back layer bottom edge such that the front layer body portion does not completely overlap the back layer body portion.

17. A method of manufacturing a protective bib, comprising:

providing a first sheet of material; and

shaping the first sheet of material into a first layer having a first body portion, a first neck portion adjacent the first body portion, and a first head portion adjacent the first neck portion, wherein a first maximum width of the first head portion is greater than a first minimum width of the first neck portion.

18. The method of manufacturing the protective bib of claim 17, further comprising:

providing a second sheet of material;

shaping the second sheet of material into at least one of a second body portion, a second neck portion, and a second head portion; and

attaching the first layer to the at least one of the second body portion, the second neck portion, and the second head portion to form one of a single-layer protective bib and a two-layer protective bib.

19. The method of manufacturing the protective bib of claim 18, wherein attaching the first layer includes at least one of sewing one or more threads and gluing near a first perimeter of the first layer and a second perimeter of the at least one of the second body portion, the second neck portion, and the second head portion.

20. The method of manufacturing the protective bib of claim 18, wherein:

the first sheet of material comprises a first fabric material made of at least one of cotton and polyester; and

the second sheet of material comprises a second fabric material made of at least one of cotton and polyester.