US20140020148A1

US20140020148A1 - Baby bibs

Info

Publication number: US20140020148A1
Application number: US13/553,720
Authority: US
Inventors: Kelly Alison YAEP
Original assignee: Wee Drool LLC
Current assignee: Wee Drool LLC
Priority date: 2012-07-19
Filing date: 2012-07-19
Publication date: 2014-01-23

Abstract

A bib includes a front sheet having a top portion, a bottom portion, a first side, and a second side, a first shoulder strap extending from, and integrally formed with, the top portion of the front sheet, a second shoulder strap extending from, and integrally formed with, the top portion of the front sheet, a first side portion extending from the first side of the front sheet, and a second side portion extending from the second side of the front sheet, wherein the first side portion and the first shoulder strap at least partially define a first arm opening, and wherein the second side portion and the second shoulder strap at least partially define a second arm opening.

Description

FIELD

This application relates generally to baby products, and more specifically, to baby bibs.

BACKGROUND

Baby bibs are worn by babies to shield clothing from drool, food, and drink. Applicant of the subject application determines that existing baby bibs may flip around like capes, or may flip over a baby's face when lying down. Also, Applicant of the subject application determines that a baby may not like to wear an existing bib because it is generally not comfortable to wear, and it stands out as not being a part of a normal outfit for the baby. Applicant of the subject application further determines that a baby may easily rip the bib off.

SUMMARY

In accordance with some embodiments, a bib includes a front sheet having a top portion, a bottom portion, a first side, and a second side, a first shoulder strap extending from, and integrally formed with, the top portion of the front sheet, a second shoulder strap extending from, and integrally formed with, the top portion of the front sheet, a first side portion extending from the first side of the front sheet, and a second side portion extending from the second side of the front sheet, wherein the first side portion and the first shoulder strap at least partially define a first arm opening, and wherein the second side portion and the second shoulder strap at least partially define a second arm opening.
In accordance with other embodiments, a bib includes: a front sheet having a top portion, a bottom portion, a first side, and a second side, wherein the front sheet is configured to cover a front of a user of the bib; a first shoulder strap extending from the top portion of the front sheet; a second shoulder strap extending from the top portion of the front sheet; a first side portion extending from the first side of the front sheet; a second side portion extending from the second side of the front sheet; and a back sheet configured to cover a back of the user of the bib, the back sheet having a vertical length that is shorter than a vertical length of the front sheet so that the back sheet covers a portion of the back and not an entirety of the back, when the bib is worn by the user; wherein the first side portion and the first shoulder strap at least partially define a first arm opening; wherein the second side portion and the second shoulder strap at least partially define a second arm opening.
In accordance with other embodiments, a bib includes a front sheet having a top portion, a bottom portion, a first side, and a second side, wherein the front sheet comprises a waterproof liner and an exterior surface that is made at least partially from cotton, a first shoulder strap extending from the top portion of the front sheet, a second shoulder strap extending from the top portion of the front sheet, a first side portion extending from the first side of the front sheet, and a second side portion extending from the second side of the front sheet, wherein the first side portion and the first shoulder strap at least partially define a first arm opening; and wherein the second side portion and the second shoulder strap at least partially define a second arm opening.
Other and further aspects and features will be evident from reading the following detailed description of the embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate the design and utility of embodiments, in which similar elements are referred to by common reference numerals. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In order to better appreciate how the above-recited and other advantages and objects are obtained, a more particular description of the embodiments will be rendered, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only typical embodiments and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope.

FIG. 1 illustrates a bib in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a back of the bib of FIG. 1 in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates another bib in accordance with other embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a back of the bib of FIG. 3 in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates another bib in accordance with other embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a back of the bib of FIG. 5 in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates another bib in accordance with other embodiments; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a back of the bib of FIG. 7 in accordance with some embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments are described hereinafter with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention or as a limitation on the scope of the invention. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.
FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a baby bib 10 in accordance with some embodiments. The bib 10 includes a front sheet 12 having a top portion 14, a bottom portion 16, a first side 18, and a second side 20. The bib 10 also includes a first shoulder strap 30 extending from the top portion 14 of the front sheet 12, and a second shoulder strap 32 extending from the top portion 14 of the front sheet 12. As used in this specification, the term “shoulder strap” may be any material with any size and/or shape that extends over a shoulder of a wearer of the bib 10, and therefore, such term should not be limited to any particular shape of the material. In the illustrated embodiments, the shoulder straps 30, 32 are integrally formed with the front sheet 12. In other embodiments, the shoulder straps 30, 32 may be detachably coupled to the front sheet 12. The bib 10 further includes a first side portion 40 extending from the first side 18 of the front sheet 12, and a second side portion 42 extending from the second side 20 of the front sheet 12. As shown in the figure, the first side portion 40 and the first shoulder strap 30 at least partially define a first arm opening 50, and the second side portion 42 and the second shoulder strap 32 at least partially define a second arm opening 52. In the illustrated embodiments, the first side portion 40 and the second side portion 42 are integrally formed with the front sheet 12. In other embodiments, one or both of the side portions 40, 42 may be detachably coupled to the front sheet 12.
In the illustrated embodiments, the first side portion 40 comprises a first strap extending from a first location at the front sheet 12 that is away from the bottom portion 16, and the second side portion 42 comprises a second strap extending from a second location at the front sheet 12 that is away from the bottom portion 16. The first side portion 40 is connected to the first shoulder strap 30 to form a first loop 54 that at least partially defines the first arm opening 50, and the second side portion 42 is connected to the second should strap 32 to form a second loop 56 that at least partially defines the second arm opening 52.
As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the first loop 54 and the second loop 56 are advantageous because, when the wearer of the bib 10 extends his/her arms through the respective openings 50, 52, the first and second loops 54, 56 prevent the bib 10 from turning around the neck of the wearer. Also, the first and second side portions 40, 42 are advantageous because when they are wrapped around the wearer's body, they reduce the amount of front sheet 12 that may flap over the wearer's face. Also, the armholes are advantageous because they prevent the baby from being able to rip off the bib, and also may prevent strangulation if the baby falls asleep wearing the bib.
As shown in FIG. 2, the bib 10 further includes a first back portion 60 extending from the first loop 54 (or from the first shoulder strap 30 and the first side portion 40), and a second back portion 62 extending from the second loop 56 (or from the second shoulder strap 32 and the second side portion 42). The first back portion 60 and the second back portion 62 may be detachably coupled to each other via a securing mechanism 70. When the first back portion 60 and the second back portion 62 are detachably coupled to each other via the securing mechanism 70, they collectively form a back portion that extends across a back of a user of the bib 10.
The securing mechanism 70 may be a snap button that includes a first button portion 72 a located at the first back portion 60 for detachably coupling with a mating button portion 74 at the second back portion 62. The securing mechanism 70 may optionally include additional button portion(s) (e.g., button portion 72 b), each of which may be selectively chosen for coupling against the mating button portion 74 to thereby allow a width of the back portion (and therefore the circumferential length of the bib 10) to be adjusted. In other embodiments, the securing mechanism 70 may include a Velcro®, in which case, the bib 10 includes a loop secured to one of the first and second back portions 60, 62, and a hook secured to another one of the first and second back portions 60, 62. In other embodiments, the securing mechanism 70 may have other components (e.g., button(s) at the first back portion 60 and matching hole(s) at the second back portion 62, first zipper portion at the first back portion 60 and second mating zipper portion at the second back portion 62, tie strings at respective first and second back portions 60, 62, etc.).
The first back portion 60 and the second back portion 62 with the securing mechanism 70 are advantageous because they allow the bib 10 be securely worn by the wearer, and prevent the wearer from undressing the bib 10.
The bib 10 may be made from different materials in different embodiments. In some embodiments, the bib 10 may be made from a combination of Bamboo Viscose and cotton (e.g., organic cotton). For example, in some embodiments, the front sheet 12 (as well as the rest) of the bib 10 may have a layer made from 70% Bamboo Viscose and 30% cotton. The combination of bamboo and cotton is advantageous because it creates a fabric that is machine washable and maintains a soft feel against a baby's skin wash after wash. Also, the bamboo material allows for maximum absorption. In some embodiments, the Bamboo Viscose may be a certified Bamboo, and the cotton may be certified organic cotton by OEKO. In some embodiments, the certification may be by GOTS. The layer may be a fabric that is made by knitting the Bamboo Viscose and the cotton together. Also, in some embodiments, the front sheet 12 may include an inner waterproof liner made from any waterproof material. For example, in some embodiments, the waterproof liner may be a polyurethane laminated fabric. Also, in some embodiments, the liner may be eco-friendly. In some embodiments, the bib 10 may be reversible so that the baby can wear the bib 10 at either side of the bib 10. In such cases, the bib 10 may have a first exterior layer made from Bamboo and cotton, a second exterior layer made from Bamboo and cotton, and an inner waterproof liner located between the first and second exterior layers. Also, in some embodiments, the bib 10 is made from a material that is machine washable.
As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the bib 10 may also include a neck collar 80 coupled to the shoulder straps 30, 32 and to the top portion 14 of the front sheet 12. The neck collar 80 may be made from a soft material, such as cotton, to thereby provide comfort for the wearer of the bib 10. In some embodiments, the collar 80 may be a raw edge collar.
Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the bib 10 may optionally further include a front pocket 90 for holding objects, such as food, and/or fluid. In some embodiments, the bib 10 may be reversibly worn, in which cases, the pocket 90 may be flipped inside out so that when the bib 10 is reversed for wear, the bib 10 will also have a front pocket 90.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the bib 10 may optionally also include a graphic 94 at the front sheet 12. In some embodiments, the graphic 94 may be printed with durable, lead-free, and phthalate free inks.
In the above embodiments, the first and second back portions 60, 62 extend only across a top part of the back of the wearer of the bib 10. Such configuration is advantageous in that it allows the bib 10 to be easily removed from the baby by a caretaker of the baby. Also, such configuration is advantageous because it allows the wearer to feel less constrained and may prevent the wearer from feeling hot. In other embodiments, as shown in the example of FIGS. 3-4, the first and second back portions 60, 62 may extend to the bottom of the bib 10 to thereby cover the lower back of the wearer. Such configuration is advantageous because it provides a vest configuration for the bib 10, and may allow the wearer to wear the bib 10 like a regular clothing fashionably. Also, such configuration may keep the wearer of the bib 10 more warm, both in the front and in the back, and therefore may be more suitable for wear during cold weather.
In the above embodiments, the bib 10 resembles a tank-top or a vest that has no sleeves. In other embodiments, the bib 10 may optionally further include first sleeve 200 and second sleeve 202 (FIGS. 5-6). The first sleeve 200 extends from the loop 54 that is partially defined by the first shoulder strap 30 and by the first side portion 40. Similarly, the second sleeve 202 extends from the loop 56 that is partially defined by the second shoulder strap 32 and by the second side portion 42. Such configuration allows the bib 10 to resemble a short-sleeve T-shirt. Also, in further embodiments, the bib 10 of FIGS. 5-6 may alternatively have first and second portions 60, 62 extending to the bottom to thereby cover the lower back of the wearer (like that shown in FIG. 4).
In other embodiments, the first and second sleeves 200, 202 may be long sleeves (FIGS. 7-8). The first sleeve 200 extends from the loop 54 that is partially defined by the first shoulder strap 30 and by the first side portion 40. Similarly, the second sleeve 202 extends from the loop 56 that is partially defined by the second shoulder strap 32 and by the second side portion 42. Such configuration allows the bib 10 to resemble a long-sleeve T-shirt. Also, in further embodiments, the bib 10 of FIGS. 7-8 may alternatively have first and second portions 60, 62 extending to the bottom to thereby cover the lower back of the wearer (like that shown in FIG. 4).
It should be noted that the bib 10 is not limited to the examples discussed, and that the bib 10 may have other configurations in other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, the bib 10 may have the securing mechanism 70 being located at a side of the bib 10 (instead of at the back of the bib 10). The securing mechanism 70 may have extra securing portions (e.g., button portions) for allowing a user to selectively adjust a size of the bib 10. Also, in other embodiments, one or both of the shoulder straps 30, 32 may be detachably coupled to the front sheet 12 or to the respective back portions 60, 62. The shoulder strap may be selectively coupled to one of a plurality of locations to thereby allow a size of the bib 10 to be adjusted.
Although particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present inventions, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed inventions. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The claimed inventions are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A bib, comprising:

a front sheet having a top portion, a bottom portion, a first side, and a second side;

a first shoulder strap extending from, and integrally formed with, the top portion of the front sheet;

a second shoulder strap extending from, and integrally formed with, the top portion of the front sheet;

a first side portion extending from the first side of the front sheet; and

a second side portion extending from the second side of the front sheet;

wherein the first side portion and the first shoulder strap at least partially define a first arm opening; and

wherein the second side portion and the second shoulder strap at least partially define a second arm opening.

2. The bib of claim 1, wherein the first side portion comprises a first strap extending from a first location at the front sheet that is away from the bottom portion, and the second side portion comprises a second strap extending from a second location at the front sheet that is away from the bottom portion.

3. The bib of claim 1, wherein the first side portion comprises a first side panel, the second side portion comprises a second side panel; and

wherein the bib further comprises a first back portion extending from the first side panel, and a second back portion extending from the second side panel, the first back portion and the second back portion detachably coupled to each other, and collectively cover an entire lower back of a user of the bib.

4. The bib of claim 1, wherein the first side portion is connected to the first shoulder strap to form a first loop, and the second side portion is connected to the second should strap to form a second loop.

5. The bib of claim 4, further comprising a first back portion extending from the first loop, and a second back portion extending from the second loop.

6. The bib of claim 5, further comprising a securing mechanism located at one or both of the first back portion and the second back portion for detachably securing the first back portion to the second back portion.

7. The bib of claim 6, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a snap button having a first button portion secured to the first back portion, and a second button portion secured to the second back portion.

8. The bib of claim 6, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a hook secured to the first back portion, and a loop secured to the second back portion.

9. The bib of claim 6, wherein the securing mechanism is selectively configurable to vary a width of a back portion defined by the first back portion and the second back portion.

10. The bib of claim 5, wherein the first back portion and the second portion have a total combined area that is less than an area of the front sheet.

11. The bib of claim 5, further comprising a back pocket coupled to the first back portion.

12. The bib of claim 1, wherein the front sheet has a width measured from the first side to the second side that is wider than a width of a body of a user of the bib.

13. The bib of claim 1, wherein the front sheet is configured to resemble a clothing for a user of the bib.

14. The bib of claim 1, wherein the front sheet comprises Bamboo Viscose and cotton.

15. The bib of claim 14, wherein the front sheet comprises a layer having 70% Bamboo Viscose and 30% cotton.

16. The bib of claim 1, further comprising a collar made from cotton, wherein the collar is coupled to the top portion of the front sheet, and to the first and second shoulder straps.

17. The bib of claim 1, further comprising a front pocket secured to the front sheet.

18. The bib of claim 1, wherein the first side portion is a part of a first sleeve that is coupled to the first shoulder strap, and the second side portion is a part of a second sleeve that is coupled to the second shoulder strap.

19. A bib, comprising:

a front sheet having a top portion, a bottom portion, a first side, and a second side, wherein the front sheet is configured to cover a front of a user of the bib;

a first shoulder strap extending from the top portion of the front sheet;

a second shoulder strap extending from the top portion of the front sheet;

a first side portion extending from the first side of the front sheet;

a second side portion extending from the second side of the front sheet; and

a back sheet configured to cover a back of the user of the bib, the back sheet having a vertical length that is shorter than a vertical length of the front sheet so that the back sheet covers a portion of the back and not an entirety of the back, when the bib is worn by the user;

wherein the first side portion and the first shoulder strap at least partially define a first arm opening;

20. A bib, comprising:

a front sheet having a top portion, a bottom portion, a first side, and a second side, wherein the front sheet comprises a waterproof liner and an exterior surface that is made at least partially from cotton;

a first shoulder strap extending from the top portion of the front sheet;

a second shoulder strap extending from the top portion of the front sheet;

a first side portion extending from the first side of the front sheet; and

a second side portion extending from the second side of the front sheet;