US20170251843A1

US20170251843A1 - Combination napkin and bib

Info

Publication number: US20170251843A1
Application number: US15/445,442
Authority: US
Inventors: Patricia Kennedy; Muncie Reitknecht
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-03-01
Filing date: 2017-02-28
Publication date: 2017-09-07

Abstract

A multi-purpose napkin and bib device is disclosed. The device can convert from a napkin configuration to a bib configuration by pulling one or more drawstrings and from a bib configuration back to a napkin configuration by stretching out the bib body by grasping a portion of the bib body near the drawstrings and pulling so that one or more of the drawstrings is drawn back into a bib housing. The device can be worn and secured to a user using the drawstrings. The device can include an integral pouch, a crumb catcher, can be converted into a flag, or can be assembled using other specialized features or materials as discussed herein.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/301,951, filed Mar. 1, 2016. The disclosure of the above-cited application is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of bibs and napkins, and more particularly to devices that include elements of both and can be used as either a napkin or a bib.

BACKGROUND

A variety of bibs have been designed and produced to keep debris off the bib user and his or her clothing during such activities as eating and drinking, or while receiving dental or cosmetic services. Bibs are made in a variety of shapes and sizes to typically cover a user anywhere from the user's neck to the user's lap. Typically, the bib is secured behind the user's neck using devices such as ties, snaps, and the like. The present invention provides a variety of improvements on bibs known in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In exemplary versions, a bib assembly includes a bib body, and a bib drawstring protruding out from a drawstring housing secured to the bib body, wherein the drawstring is made from material that stretches no more than substantially 5% when pulled by a user to transform the bib assembly from a napkin configuration to a bib configuration.
In other exemplary versions, a bib assembly includes a bib body, a bib drawstring situated at least partly in a drawstring housing secured to the bib body, and a cavity (such as a pocket, utility pouch, carrying pouch, or any partially or wholly enclosed space) formed at least in part by the bib body.
A first aspect of the invention is a bib assembly that includes a bib body, a bib drawstring passing through a portion of a drawstring housing attached to the bib body, and a pouch attached to the bib body and, optionally, a flap/pocket.
A second aspect of the invention is a bib assembly that includes a bib body, and a bib drawstring passing through a portion of a drawstring housing attached to the bib body, wherein the drawstring is made from material that stretches less than 5% when pulled by a user.
A third aspect of the invention is a bib assembly that includes a bib body, a bib drawstring passing through a portion of a drawstring housing attached to the bib body, and a crumb catcher.
A fourth aspect of the invention is a bib assembly in which two or more bibs are combined to form a bag.
A fifth aspect of the invention is a bib assembly that includes a bib body, and a bib drawstring passing through a portion of a drawstring housing attached to the bib body, wherein the drawstring includes a toggle cord type fastener.
A sixth aspect of the invention is a bib assembly that includes a bib body, and a bib drawstring passing through a portion of a drawstring housing attached to the bib body, wherein the drawstring emerges from the drawstring housing between two edges of the bib body.
A seventh aspect of the invention is a bib assembly that includes a bib body, and a bib drawstring passing through a portion of a drawstring housing attached to the bib body wherein the ends of the drawstring butt against the drawstring housing.
An eighth aspect of the invention is a bib assembly that includes a bib body, a bib drawstring passing through a portion of a drawstring housing attached to the bib body, and a pole attached to the bib body.
A ninth aspect of the invention is a bib assembly that includes a bib body, and a bib drawstring passing through a portion of a drawstring housing attached to the bib body wherein drawstrings can be any length to facilitate fastening around the neck.
Further advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the remainder of this document in conjunction with the associated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or similar parts:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the front of a combination napkin and bib device shown in the extended (napkin) configuration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a combination napkin and bib device shown in the gathered (bib) configuration.

FIG. 3 shows a combination napkin and bib device in the gathered configuration in use as a bib tied around the neck of a user.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view from the front of a combination napkin and bib device shown in the extended (napkin) configuration with a sewn-on pouch in a lower corner, and also shows the bib body folded up and stored inside of the pouch.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view from the front of a combination napkin and bib device shown in the gathered (bib) configuration with a sewn-on pouch in the lower center, and also shows the bib body folded up and stored inside of the pouch.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view from the front of a combination napkin and bib device shown in the gathered (bib) configuration with an alternative sewn-on pouch in a lower corner.

FIG. 5A is a perspective front view of a combination napkin and bib device shown in the extended (napkin) configuration that includes a bottom flap that can operate as a crumb catcher, flap to hold cosmetics/combs etc., or as an integral pouch for storing or carrying the device, and also shows the bib body folded into the bottom flap for storage.

FIG. 5B is a perspective front view of a combination napkin and bib device shown in the gathered (bib) configuration that includes a bottom flap that can operate as a crumb catcher, flap to hold cosmetics/combs etc., or as an integral pouch for storing or carrying the device.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view from the front of a combination napkin and bib device shown in the extended (napkin) configuration in which two bib devices are sewn or otherwise joined together to form a bag.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view from the front of a combination napkin and bib device shown in the gathered (bib) configuration in which two bib devices are sewn or otherwise joined together to form a bag.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a combination napkin and bib device shown in the extended (napkin) configuration that includes a “toggle cord type fastener.”

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a combination napkin and bib device in the gathered (bib) configuration that includes a “toggle cord type fastener.”

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a combination napkin and bib device shown in the extended (napkin) configuration in which the drawstring emerges from the center of the top of the bib as well as from the edges.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a combination napkin and bib device shown in the gathered (bib) configuration in which the drawstring emerges from the center of the top of the bib as well as from the edges, giving a user the option to slip the device over the head or fasten the device around the neck.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a combination napkin and bib device shown in the extended (napkin) configuration in which the device operates as a flag by being secured to a pole. The user has the option to use the device as a regular napkin, bib, and/or flag (such as for sporting events).

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a combination napkin and bib device shown in the extended (napkin) configuration in which the device operates as a flag by receiving a pole.

FIG. 10A is a front view of a combination napkin and bib device during assembly, in which a bib body is matched with two drawstrings (bands, ribbons, strips, etc.) of equal length. The drawstrings can be any suitable length.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view a combination napkin and bib device during assembly, in which two drawstrings have been sewn (using, e.g., reinforced stitching) to opposite ends of the top of a bib body. The pull tabs may be folded over three or more times to resist slipping into the drawstring housing.

FIG. 10C is a front view a combination napkin and bib device during assembly, in which the top of a bib body is folded over to form a drawstring housing containing the two drawstrings.

FIG. 10D is a front view of a combination napkin and bib device shown in the gathered (bib) configuration illustrating the effect of pulling on the drawstrings based on the specific assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts a starting napkin configuration for a bib assembly capable of transforming into a bib configuration depicted in FIG. 2. As shown, a bib device 1 features a bib body 2 and drawstring(s) 8 ending in pull tabs 4, wherein the drawstring(s) 8 pass through a portion of a drawstring housing 6 that is secured to the bib body 2. The drawstring housing 6 has a pair of housing openings at opposing ends, and a portion of the drawstring(s) 8 (such as pull tabs 4) may protrude from the housing openings in the napkin configuration. In this embodiment, two opposing drawstrings 8 extend past each other, and through the drawstring housing 6, so that when the drawstrings 8 are pulled apart (such as by grasping the pull tabs 4), they cinch the top of the bib body 2 together. A specific construction is discussed below, with reference to FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C. FIG. 1 shows the extended or “napkin” configuration of the device before the drawstrings are pulled. FIG. 2 shows the gathered, or “bib” configuration, in which the drawstrings 8 have been pulled to cinch the drawstring housing 6 so that the top of the bib body 2 fits more comfortably on a user. FIG. 3 shows the device 1 being worn by a user. When worn, the bib body 2 may spread out over a portion of the user and/or his clothing, preferably covering and protecting a portion of the user from his or her neck to at least partway down his torso.
Construction of a preferred embodiment of the napkin/bib device is illustrated in FIGS. 10A through 10D. Two opposing drawstrings 1008A, 1008B pass through a drawstring housing 1006 that may be formed as a fold of fabric at a top end of a bib body 1002 so that when the drawstrings 1008A, 1008B are pulled away from each other, the bib body 1002 bunches in the middle to make it convenient and comfortable to be worn by a user. In other embodiments, a single drawstring extends through the drawstring housing so that when pulled, it can be tied or otherwise fastened to the opposite end of the top of the bib, or otherwise secured to the bib user. Alternatively, more than two drawstrings can be used, optionally to secure a bib device to a user in more than one position on the user or form a bag. The drawstring housing 1006 can be formed as a fold of fabric in the bib body 1002 that holds the drawstrings 1008A, 1008B inside, or can be made of a different material. Drawstrings 1008A, 1008B can be made from a variety of fabrics or other material such as plastic, satin, double sided satin, elastic, rope, cotton, polyester, or rubber (or any suitable combination thereof), although it may be advantageous if the material is easily flexed and bunched to conform to both the napkin configuration and the bib configuration, and resilient enough to endure repeated use. A preferred drawstring configuration is grosgrain ribbon having a width of ⅜ inches. The drawstring housing 1006 can be closed or open, or formed as a series of loops across a portion of the bib body 1002.
When worn as a bib, the bib device 1000 can be adjusted to fit comfortably on a user, in particular by selecting how tightly the drawstrings 1008A, 1008B are pulled so that the top of the bib body 1002 generally conforms to the size and shape of a front portion of the user's neck. In addition, the drawstring(s) can be any suitable length, thus making the bib device 1000 easier for users to tie.
Additionally, the ends of the drawstrings 1008A, 1008B can be tied or otherwise secured using various devices such as buttons, snaps, Velcro, hook and loop, hook and eye, peel and stick adhesive, etc. (or any combination thereof) about the user's neck to hold the top of the bib device 1000 in place while the bib body 1002 hangs down and spreads across a portion of the user's torso. When worn by the user, such bib devices 1000 are useful for preventing crumbs, liquids, food, and other debris from getting on the user or his clothing.
When a user is finished using the device 1000 as a bib, it can be converted back to its napkin form by stretching out the bib body 1002 by grasping portions of the bib body near the drawstrings 1008A, 1008B, and pulling, so that one or more of the drawstrings 1008A, 1008B is drawn back into the bib housing 1006. Such a device 1000 can optionally be laundered and/or reused if desired. Optionally, the bib may be converted back to its napkin form prior to laundering. In embodiments where the napkin/bib device 1000 is to be laundered and or reused, it is advantageous to construct the bib body 1002 using materials that are durable enough for reuse and aesthetically suitable to the user, such as cotton, organic cotton, polyester, fire-retardant polyester, silk, silk blends, linen, nylon, water resistant fabric, stain resistant fabric, quilted fabrics, or hemp (or any suitable combination thereof). Optimally, the device with be laundered with similar fabrics to avoid shrinkage and help extend the life of the device 1000. In addition, the edges of the bib body 1002 can be frayed, ruffled, pleated, embroidered, blanket stitched, etc. for a fancier look. For embodiments in which reuse is not desired, less expensive/less durable materials that are easily discarded or recycled, such as plastic, paper, or synthetic paper, can be advantageous.
FIG. 10A is a front view of a combination napkin and bib device 1000 during assembly, in which a bib body 1002 is matched with two drawstrings 1008A, 1008B of substantially equal length. As shown, the drawstrings 1008A, 1008B are two parallel, overlapping ribbons/bands/strips that are as long as the extended napkin is wide. One ribbon 1008A may be sewn into the left hem of the napkin with the right end folded several times to form a pull tab end 1004A (that can avoid slipping into drawstring housing 1006). The other ribbon 1008B may be sewn into the right hem of the napkin with the left end folded over to form a second pull tab end 1004B.
FIG. 10B is a perspective view a combination napkin and bib device 1000 during assembly, in which two drawstrings 1008A, 1008B have been sewn to opposite ends of the top of a bib body 1002.
FIG. 10C is a front view a combination napkin and bib device 1000 during assembly, in which the top of a bib body 1002 is folded over to form a drawstring housing 1006 containing the two drawstrings 1008A, 1008B. As shown the folded pull tab ends 1004A, 1004B of the drawstrings 1008A, 1008B butt against the drawstring housing 1006 in the napkin configuration, and can be pulled against each other to cinch the device 1000 into the bib configuration.
FIG. 10D is a front view of a combination napkin and bib device shown in the gathered (bib) configuration illustrating the effect of pulling on the pull tab ends 1004A, 1004B of drawstrings 1008A, 1008B based on the specific assembly.
While it can be advantageous to make the drawstrings 1008A, 1008B of a length that will butt the pull tab ends 1004A, 1004B against the drawstring housing 1006 when the device 1000 is in the napkin configuration, other lengths of drawstrings 1008A, 1008B can be used for other functions, such as accommodating larger users.
The drawstrings can be made with various materials, such as grosgrain ribbon, stretch ribbon, satin ribbon (one or two sided), tight weave elastic, a self-fabric spaghetti (¼ inch to ⅜ inch diameter, for example, may be advantageous), rope, cotton, shoe string material, holiday trim, and/or materials suitable for use with toggle cable type fasteners (further discussed below).
During assembly, the bib body 1002 can be matched with the two drawstrings 1008A, 1008B (bands, ribbons, strips, etc.) of substantially equal length and having a minimum width of the bib body 1002 plus sufficient additional length to form the pull tabs 1004A, 1004B (by folding over the drawstrings 1008A, 1008B three or more times). The drawstrings 1008A, 1008B are preferably sewn (reinforced stitching) to opposite ends of the top of a bib body 1002. The pull tabs 1004A, 1004B are preferably thick enough to help ensure they do not slip into the drawstring housing 1006. The drawstring fabric preferably has a suitable width and fabric to pull easily, not stretch, and be durable for multiple pulling. In certain preferred configurations, the drawstrings 1008A, 1008B are grosgrain ribbons with ⅜ inch widths. The top of the bib body 1002 may be folded over to form a drawstring housing 1006 of suitable width to contain the two drawstrings 1008A, 1008B to facilitate pulling back and forth (and to aesthetically match the other bib body borders and designs as desired).
It is noted that the drawstring(s) can be lengthened to provide longer pull strings. Such longer pull strings may hang freely, or be sewn on a toggle as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. It is also noted that in certain implementations, the manufacturing costs for adding the drawstring feature to a napkin to obtain a napkin/bib combination device can be substantially less than the cost of manufacturing the napkin.
Further embodiments of the present invention are discussed in the following examples.

Example 1: Napkin/Bib with Self-Contained Carrying Pouch

In some embodiments, a napkin/bib device includes an integral or “sewn-in” pouch that some or all of the bib body and/or drawstrings can be folded or bunched into, to facilitate easy carrying, storage, or transportation of the bib device. One such embodiment is shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4A is a perspective view from the front of a combination napkin and bib device 100 shown in the extended (napkin) configuration with a sewn-on pouch 110 in a lower corner. Such a pouch 110 can be anywhere on the bib body 102, but is advantageously located along an edge of the bib body. As shown, the bib body 102 can be folded down into the pouch 110, and then folded sideways to reduce the size and bulkiness of the bib to make it easier to manage. In the lower left corner of FIG. 4A, the bib device is shown folded and tucked 115 into the pouch for easy storage and/or transportation. To form a pouch 110 on a bib body 102, a flap (such as a suitable piece of fabric) may be sewn or otherwise secured to the bib body 102 such that a portion of the bib body 102 and the flap define (enclose/surround) a pocket or other cavity. The pouch 110 can be constructed of a similar material as the bib body 102, although it is advantageously constructed of an elastic or stretchable material to make it easier to insert and constrain the folded bib body 102 inside of it. Such advantageous materials include spandex and stretchable nylon.
FIGS. 4B and 4C show devices 200, 300 with alternative positions and configurations for a carrying pouch 210, 310, such as a central bottom position in FIG. 4B, and a larger lower corner configuration in FIG. 4C.
FIGS. 4A and 4B also show advantageous positions of logos or designs that are visible whether the bib body 202, 302 is folded and tucked into the pouch 210, 310 or not.
Optionally, the folded bib device can be secured with Velcro fasteners, flaps, snaps, zippers, ties, “zip-lock” fasteners, or other closure devices in or around the pouch.

Example 2: Napkin/Bib with Crumb-Catcher

In some embodiments, a napkin/bib device includes a crumb-catcher, or “utility pouch” which can also operate as a holder for makeup, combs etc. depending on the use of the bib. A crumb-catcher/utility pouch can be formed as a horizontal fold, an extra fabric layer, or a rail across a length of the bib device, preferably near the bottom of the bib device to catch crumbs, liquids, or other debris to keep it from falling onto the wearer or his clothing, or to hold makeup combs, art supplies, etc. The sides can be stitched to hold the crumb-catcher/tool holder in place. One such embodiment is shown in FIG. 5A.
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a combination napkin and bib device 400 shown in the extended (napkin) configuration that includes a bottom flap 410 that can operate as a crumb catcher/utility pouch and as an integral pouch for storing or carrying the device. FIG. 5A also depicts a folded and pouched bib device in the lower left corner. If not used to store the device, the bottom flap can be stitched to divide it into separate pockets to hold various tools as noted above.
FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a combination napkin and bib device 500 shown in the gathered (bib) configuration that includes a bottom flap 510 that can operate as a crumb catcher/utility pouch and as an integral pouch for storing or carrying the device. The flap 510 can be partitioned 524 to compartmentalize the cavity defined or formed by the bib body 502 and the flap 510.
As an alternative, a large top stitched pocket could be added in the middle of the bib body as a crumb catcher or utility pouch. As another alternative, a longer napkin can allow a user to make his own crumb catcher or utility pouch by folding the bottom of the bib body to any desired length, such as 3 to 5 inches from the bottom, and securing the flap with a Velcro strip or other fastening device, such as one or more buttons or snaps.
Such embodiments can give a user the option of having a longer bib which can rest on his or her lap, or having a crumb catcher or utility pouch.

Example 3: Napkin, Bib and Bag Combination

In some embodiments, a napkin/bib device can also be used as a bag to carry other articles within a cavity formed by the device. One such embodiment is shown in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a combination napkin and bib device 600 shown in the extended (napkin) configuration in which two bib devices 600A, 600B are sewn or otherwise joined together to form a bag. Two bib devices 600A, 600B of approximately equal size may be lined up and secured to each other at the bottom and sides of the bib bodies 602A, 602B, while leaving the top portion open to serve as the opening of a bag. Additionally, the drawstrings of the bibs can be drawn to narrow and/or close the top of the bag (see FIG. 6B). The bibs can be secured together permanently, such as by stitching, or temporarily, as with Velcro fasteners or snaps, or by being stitched together with large basting stitches that can be pulled out easily. When pulled apart each can be used as a napkin or bib. Such an embodiment can be used as a napkin, a bib or a bag, and can additionally include another cavity, such as the pouches/flaps depicted in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, and 5B.
FIG. 6B is a perspective view that shows the device of FIG. 6A in the gathered (bib) configuration.
In some embodiments, the bib/bag combination can be used as a reversible napkin, bib or a bag. Further, a napkin/bib/bag combination can be assembled by combining napkins/bibs of different colors or different patterns to provide more than one choice of style when using the device as either a napkin, bib or a bag. In some embodiments, one or more of the drawstrings on the device is long enough to serve as a hand or shoulder strap to make it easier to carry the device as a bag whether the drawstrings are cinched or not.

Example 4: “Toggle Cord Type Fastener” or Other Fastener/Connector

Optionally, the drawstring can include a drawstring fastener, such as a toggle cord type fastener or any other suitable fastener, to secure two portions of the drawstring(s) together, and thus secure the bib device to a user without tying ends of the drawstring(s). One such embodiment is depicted in FIG. 7A. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a combination napkin and bib device 700 shown in the extended (napkin) configuration with a toggle cord type fastener 730. In such embodiments, the drawstring 708 can be pulled through the drawstring housing 706 to cinch the device 700 into the bib configuration, and the drawstrings 708, which are connected at their ends by a cable connector 730, can be looped over a user's head. Once in place on the user, the drawstrings 708 can be pulled through the toggle cord type fastener 730 to adjust the fit and secure the bib device 700 to the user. FIG. 7B shows the same device in the gathered (bib) configuration. The toggle cord type fasteners can be fabric, plastic, wood, metal, a slide clasp, a large bead, a spring-loaded fastener, or other suitable structures and materials.

Example 5: Selection of Drawstring Material to Inhibit Stretching

It has been discovered that some materials, such as cotton, when used to form a drawstring can stretch when pulled during normal use. Stretching of this kind can have several drawbacks. For example, a stretched drawstring may be less attractive than fresh, unstretched material. Also, knotting or clumping may occur, which prevents the drawstring from sliding smoothly from one position to another. Additionally, the drawstrings may become longer than the width of the bib body, so that the ends of the drawstring are no longer flush with the edge of the bib body when retracted to the “napkin” position. Accordingly, the use of materials less prone to stretching is advantageous in some embodiments. Advantageous materials stretch less than 20%, 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0.1% when pulled by a user to convert a bib device from the napkin configuration to the bib configuration.
Plain weave or corded fabric such as grosgrain ribbon are an advantageous material for making a drawstring that will retain its length and shape, even after several uses.
Other natural or synthetic fibers can also be used to construct drawstrings, although ones with minimal stretching and deformation are preferred for the reasons discussed above. Other advantageous materials with limited stretch are silk, double-sided silk, other grosgrain materials, and hemp. Alternatively, elastic materials can be used for drawstrings to achieve similar results, since elastic materials will stretch when pulled, but can return to their original length afterwards.

Example 6: Central Opening for Drawstring

In some embodiments, a drawstring can emerge from a drawstring housing in the middle of the top of the bib body, instead of at the sides. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a combination napkin and bib device 800 shown in the extended napkin in which the drawstring(s) 808 emerge from a central opening 835 at the top of the bib body 802. Once pulled to cinch the device into the bib configuration, as shown in FIG. 8B, the center drawstring loop 840 should be long enough to go over the head of a user. This embodiment provides a different user experience that some users may prefer because of their size, the clothing they are wearing, or simply personal preference. When sizing the bib and drawstring, care should be taken so that the drawstring is large enough to fit over the head of most users. Once the bib is positioned on a user, one or more drawstrings 808 on the device 800 can be adjusted to give the user a secure and comfortable fit.
FIGS. 8A and 8B depict a single drawstring 808, but two or more drawstrings 808 with a center head loop 840 configuration may be used.

Example 7: Napkin, Bib, and Flag Combination

In some embodiments, a napkin/bib device can also be used as a flag or banner. FIGS. 9A and 9B show a napkin/bib device 900 in the extended (napkin) configuration in combination with a pole 950. Referring to FIG. 9A, the bib body 902 can be attached to the pole 950 using a fastener 945A, 945B (e.g., Velcro, snaps, loops, string ties, or other devices). Alternatively or additionally, referring to FIG. 9B, the pole 950 may be passed through the drawstring housing 906 to secure the bib body 902 to the pole 950. Once attached, a user can display or wave the device 900 as a flag or banner. Alternatively, a dedicated sleeve for the pole can be constructed to avoid interfering with the operation of the drawstrings within the drawstring housing (not shown). The sleeve may, for example, be secured to the drawstring housing or another portion of the bib body.
Further, some users may choose to forego a pole, and still wave the flag/banner manually.
Embodiments utilizing such a flag or banner function can also be combined with other embodiments disclosed herein, such as the crumb catcher or utility pouch discussed with reference to FIG. 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, or 5B, for example, or in combination with the bag embodiments discussed with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B.

Example 8: Uses Other than Food and Beverage

In addition to protecting a user and his or her clothing from food and beverage debris, napkin/bib devices of the present invention can also be used in connection with other activities, such as cosmetic services (such as applying makeup or styling hair), art work or dentistry services. In addition, the napkin/bib device can be used as a flag as stated earlier, or as pocket handkerchief, neckerchief or bandana. In such embodiments, the size of the bib and material of the bib can be modified to suit those applications.
Optionally, pockets, sleeves, or special materials can be positioned on a bib device to hold tools, such as cosmetic tools, combs, brushes, art supplies (brushes, charcoals, pastels, ceramic tools, sculpting tools etc.), or to clean tools or catch debris.
Larger napkin/bibs (with various drawstring lengths) can also be used as aprons (around the neck or waist), and can include additional drawstrings or other fasteners to secure such a device to a user, such as a waist tie or belt, or additional drawstrings near the middle or bottom of the bib body.

Example 9: Specialized Bib for Wearers with Special Needs

In some embodiments, napkin/bib devices of the present invention are sized or equipped for users with special needs. For example, the size of a bib or the length of one or more drawstrings can be matched to a user who is particularly large or small, a child, elderly, or disabled. For users who cannot easily reach their own neck to tie or untie drawstrings, a Velcro fastener can be used to make it easy for an assistant to attach and detach the device, or for the user to detach the device himself. Alternatively, a button and loop attachment can be used. Additionally, an extra-long drawstring or pull cord can also be incorporated to make it easier for a user with limited mobility to detach his or her own bib and/or made with a fabric such as polyester for more ease in pulling. Also, like with Example 4 discussed above, a toggle cord type (or other) fastener can be used to loop over a person's head and then adjust to fit comfortably. If used, a bottom crumb catcher/utility pouch can also be of varying widths, depending on user needs.

Example 10: Designs, Logos, and Promotional Use

In some embodiments, napkins/bibs/flags of the present invention are decorated with designs, logos, or messages to enhance the user's experience. Such decoration can include corporate, promotional, university, or sports logos (NFL, MLB, Nascar, NHRA, NBA, NHL, other sports brands, US/Olympic, World Soccer, etc.), cartoon characters, holiday themes and messages, or personalized designs.
Such decorations can be affixed using various techniques known in the art, such as embroidery, custom embroidery, patches, embossed or raised designs, stitching, tacking, appliqués, stuffed attachments, printing, silk screening, pic stitching, two- or three-dimensional designs, iron-ons, and the like. Designs incorporating bead or jewelry work can also be used. In some embodiments, decorations can be incorporated into other features of the device, such as printing on a pocket or crumb-catcher/utility pouch on a napkin/bib/flag device.
Additionally, since some napkin/bib/flag devices of the present invention allow a configuration change from napkin to bib to flag, and thus result in at least two possible shapes of the bib body, a design affixed on the bib body may change in shape or content as well. Designs can be selected because they have a desired appearance when the device is in its napkin configuration, or its bib configuration, or its flag configuration, or because they take on a surprising or unexpected appearance when the device changes shape. For example, a design may look unfamiliar or unintelligible in the napkin form, but take on a familiar or humorous meaning when the drawstrings are pulled to convert the device into its bib form, or used as a flag to fly at various sporting events.

Example 11: Alternate Constructions

Some embodiments of the present invention utilize special construction for durability or unusual applications. For example, some napkin/bib devices can be constructed using a breakaway device that releases the bib from a user with one sharp tug, using (for example) a button, snap, Velcro fastener, hook and eye, tiger eye fastener, D ring, pull down, or the like, to make the devices safer in case of an emergency, such as on an airplane. Some bib devices can be made of material or treated to make them stain, water, or oil repellant, wrinkle resistant, non-flammable, or hypoallergenic. Additionally, drawstrings can be constructed using double or triple ends to make them easier to locate and pull, or for increased durability. The drawstrings can be stitched in the drawstring housing using multi top stitching to make it stronger so any fabric can be used.
Drawstrings can also be constructed using elastic, stretch plastic, decorative braids, nylon rope, soft fabric, spaghetti ties, or soutache. In some embodiments, bibs can include attached tools for eating or performing other tasks, such as utensils, a toothpick, or a writing device such as a pen, crayon, or markers etc. The writing device can be used to design a user's own pattern on the bib body.
The present invention has been described in terms of one or more preferred embodiments, and it should be appreciated that many equivalents, alternatives, variations, additions, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, and apart from combining the different features of the foregoing versions in varying ways, can be made and are within the scope of the invention. The various features of the napkin/bib/flag/bag devices disclosed herein can be used in any combination.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A bib assembly comprising:

a bib body;

a drawstring housing secured to the bib body, the drawstring housing having a housing opening;

a bib drawstring situated at least partly within the drawstring housing and having a drawstring portion extending out from the housing opening; and

a cavity formed at least in part by the bib body.

2. The bib assembly of claim 1, wherein the bib drawstring is grosgrain with a width of approximately ⅜ inches.

3. The bib assembly of claim 1, wherein opposing ends of the bib drawstring terminate in pull tabs, wherein each pull tab is formed by folding over the bib drawstring at least three times over itself such that it has a thickness sufficient to resist entering the drawstring housing.

4. The bib assembly of claim 1, wherein:

the housing opening is a first housing opening, and the drawstring housing includes a second housing opening;

the bib drawstring includes a first band and a second band, each of the first and second bands extending from a first end to a second end;

the first ends of the first and second bands are secured to the bib body;

the second ends of the first and second bands extend out from the first and second housing openings, respectively; and

the drawstring housing is situated at a top end of the bib body, and wherein when the first and second bands are pulled out of the drawstring housing, the top end of the bib body is bunched together such that the top end is narrowed relative to a bottom end of the bib body.

5. The bib assembly of claim 4, wherein the first ends of the first and second bands are secured to opposing ends of the bib body by being sewn thereto with reinforced stitching.

6. The bib assembly of claim 1, further including a flap extending from the bib body, wherein a majority of the cavity is defined by the bib body and the flap.

7. The bib assembly of claim 1, wherein the cavity is a carrying pouch configured such that a majority of the bib body, when folded, is receivable therein.

8. The bib assembly of claim 1, wherein the cavity is at least one of:

a crumb catcher configured such that food falling downwards from the drawstring housing is caught in the cavity; and

a utility pouch for holding items.

9. The bib assembly of claim 1, wherein the cavity is situated at a bottom end of the bib body, wherein the cavity extends across a portion, or substantially all, of the bottom end of the bib body.

10. The bib assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing opening is situated centrally at a top end of the bib body, and wherein the drawstring defines a drawstring loop when pulled out through the housing opening.

11. The bib assembly of claim 10, wherein the drawstring loop is sizable to fit about a head of a user.

12. The bib assembly of claim 1, further including a drawstring fastener, wherein:

opposing ends of the drawstring extend out from the first and second housing openings; and

the drawstring fastener is configured to secure the opposing ends of the drawstring together.

13. The bib assembly of claim 1, wherein:

the bib body is a first bib body, and the bib assembly further includes a second bib body; and

the first and second bib bodies are secured to each other to form the cavity.

14. The bib assembly of claim 1, wherein the drawstring is made from material that stretches no more than substantially 5% when pulled by a user to transform the bib assembly from a napkin configuration to a bib configuration.

15. The bib assembly of claim 1, further including a pole extending through the drawstring housing.

16. A bib assembly comprising:

a bib body;

a drawstring housing secured to the bib body, the drawstring housing having a housing opening; and

a bib drawstring situated at least partly within the drawstring housing and having a drawstring portion extending out from the housing opening;

wherein the drawstring is made from material that stretches no more than substantially 5% when pulled by a user to transform the bib assembly from a napkin configuration to a bib configuration.

17. The bib assembly of claim 16, wherein:

the housing opening is situated centrally at a top end of the bib body;

the drawstring extends through the housing opening to define a drawstring loop sizable to fit over a head of a user.

18. The bib assembly of claim 16, further including a cavity formed at least in part by the bib body.

19. The bib assembly of claim 18, wherein the cavity is a carrying pouch configured such that a majority of the bib body, when folded, is receivable therein.

20. The bib assembly of claim 16, further including a drawstring fastener, wherein:

21. The bib assembly of claim 20, wherein drawstring fastener is a toggle cord type fastener that is repositionable to tighten the drawstring.

22. The bib assembly of claim 16, further including a pole extending through the drawstring housing.

23. The bib assembly of claim 16, further including a pole having a fastener for securing the bib body thereto.