WO1987006105A1

WO1987006105A1 - Bib

Info

Publication number: WO1987006105A1
Application number: PCT/US1987/000693
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marlys M. Quilling; Jeanette M. Mathews; Sherrie M. Edwards
Original assignee: Quilling Marlys M; Mathews Jeanette M
Priority date: 1986-04-11
Filing date: 1987-04-02
Publication date: 1987-10-22
Also published as: AU7282487A

Abstract

A disposable bib (10, 92) has an easily formed (50, 118) pocket defined by notches (60, 128, 130, 128A, 130A, 128B, 130B) on the sides of a pad used for forming so the pocket has a narrow bottom edge (16, 126, 126A, 126B). The bib includes a substantially rectangular pad (12, 90) with two layers (22, 24, 102, 104) bonded together; the first layer (22, 102) is absorbent and the second layer (24, 104) is waterproof. The bib (10, 92) also includes leg-like extensions (34, 36, 106, 108) with attached adhesive fasteners (62, 148) permitting the bib to be closely fitted about the neck of any wearer. The neck opening may have a cutout that forms a detachable napkin (94). An adhesive fastener (62, 174) is also centrally affixed to the bib surface for attachement to the wearer. The bib (10, 92) may be creased along crease lines and folded for storage. Areas of low adhesive property material (70, 184, 186) may be applied to the bib surface to allow the adhesive fasteners (62, 148) to be removable from the bib surface upon unfolding from storage.

Description

BIB The present invention pertains to the field of protective coverings for clothing, and more particularly, to the field of disposable bibs. Disposable bibs for babies, and even adults, are known. However, prior art bibs generally, have a circular neckline so their effective use is limited to a person with a certain neck size. If one of these circular neckline bibs is worn by a person with a different size neck than the neckline mandates, the bib will either not lie flat on the front of the wearer or the bib will not fit snugly around the wearer's neck.

Many prior art bibs also have pockets on the bottom to catch crumbs that fall while the wearer eats. To be effective, these pockets must be open; the disadvantage with these prior art pockets lies in their limited effectiveness. Known bib pockets fall into three general categories: pockets that do not stay open, pockets that stay open only because they are affixed to a distant object and pockets that stay open because of an elaborate and complex construction.

The invention relates to a disposable bib, and further comprises a bib with a pocket portion which has tapered edges formed by cutout notches extending inwardly from the sides of the bib. This construction provides a shape which tends to keep the pocket open. The bib comprises a substantially rectangular pad made of a material with two layers bonded together; the first layer is absorbent and the second layer is waterproof.

The bib also includes leg-like extensions with attached adhesive fasteners for closely fitting the bib about the neck of any wearer. An adhesive - 2 - fastener (a_^tummy tack) is also centrally affixed to the bib surface for attachment of the bib to the wearer. The adhesive fasteners may be covered with protective strips to prevent undesired adhesion. The extensions for fastening the bib around the neck are found by a cutout which can be removed for use on a napkin or wipe for the user.

The pocket situated at the bottom of the bib is constructed such that it normally remains "open" during use.

The bib may be folded along crease lines for storage. Areas of low adhesive property material may be applied to the bib surface to allow the adhesive fasteners to be removable from the bib surface upon unfolding from storage.

Reference is made to the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a front plan view of the present invention with a portion curled to show the back side thereof; Figure 2 is a partial plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with the crumb-catching trough unfolded;

Figure 3 is again a partial plan view of the bottom portion of a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a back plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a perspective schematic view of the present invention being worn by a child; Figure 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of the lower corner portion of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken generally along line 7-7 in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of the upper portion of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 as worn by a small person; Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 as worn by a medium-size person;

Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 as worn by a large person;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the invention of Figure 1 folded and shown on a reduced scale;

Figure 12 is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention with a portion curled to show the back side thereof;

Figure 13 is a partial perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 12 with a first alternative pocket embodiment shown unassembled; Figure 14 is partial perspective front view of the embodiment shown in Figure 13 after the pocket has been assembled;

Figure 15 is a partial perspective rear view of the embodiment shown in Figure 14; Figure 16 is a perspective view of the bib shown in Figure 12 showing a second alternative pocket embodiment formed in flat layout;

Figure 17 is a partial perspective view of the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 16 with the pocket embodiment assembled;

Figure 18 is a partial perspective rear view of the embodiment shown in Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a partial perspective view of the bib embodiment shown in Figure 12 with a third alternative pocket embodiment before assembly; Figure 20 is a partial perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 19 with the third alternative pocket embodiment assembled; Figure 21 is a back plan view of the alternative bib embodiment shown in Figure 12;

Figure 22 is a perspective schematic view of the bib being worn by a child and a removable napkin being used by a mother; and Figure 23 is a rear view of a bib, as shown in Figure 12 with the neck support shown in position when in use.

Throughout the following description, reference will be made to the drawings. Identical numerals will be used throughout the several views to indicate the same or like parts o the invention. The structure and use of the invention will be discussed.

Referring now to Figure 1, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. A disposable bib 10 including a substantially rectangular pad 12 with a top end 14 and a bottom end 16 is presented. The rectangular pad 12 also includes sides 18 and 20, respectively, which define the width of the pad 12. The pad 12 has a first or absorbent layer 22 bonded with adhesive to a second or waterproof layer 24. The absorbent layer may be spongy and soft, making it ideal for wiping and comfortable for wearing. Each layer has an inside surface 26 and 28, respectively, and an outside surface 30 and 32, respectively. (See Figure 7.)

The bib 10 includes a means for snugly fitting the bib around any size neck. The means for snugly fitting includes two leg-like extensions 34 and 36, respectively. The extensions 34 and 36 are configured to define a bib neckline. The extensions are adjacent the top end 14 of the pad 12. Each extension has a base 38 continuous with the top 14 of the pad 12, and defining the bottom of a lower portion 40 of each extension. The width of said bottom of said lower portion is approximately two-fifths of the width of the pad. The lower portion 40 of each leg-like extension narrows gradually at an angle between 30° and 60^β, and preferably 45^β from the base portion 38 toward the unattached end 39 of the leg-like extension.

The gradual narrowing of the lower portion of each leg-like extension ends aproximately one-half the distance from the base 38 to the unattached end 39 of the leg-like extension. From this point on toward the unattached end, the width of the leg-like extension is constant and equal to the narrowest width of the gradually narrowing lower portion 40. This width is approximately one-half the width of the base or lower portion of the leg-like extension.

Like the rectangular pad 12, the leg-like extensions 34 and 36 have a first or absorbent layer 22 bonded to a second or waterproof layer 24, each layer having an inside surface 26 and 28, respectively, and an outside surface 30 and 32, respectively. (See Figure 7).

As can perhaps best be seen in Figures 1 and 6, the bib 10 further includes a pocket 50 having an interior 52 and first and second pocket ends 54 and 56. The pocket 50 is located at the bottom end

16 of the pad 12. The pocket 50 is formed by folding a portion of the pad 12 over on itself with the absorbent layer 22 forming the interior of the pocket 50. The pocket ends 54 and 56, respectively, are secured to each other to form a crumb-catching trough or pocket. As will be described below, the construction of the pocket of the preferred embodiment creates a pocket which is generally open and far more effective than many types of superficially similar devices.

As can by seen in Figure 2 , a notch 60 is provided on each side 18 and 20 at the bottom 16 of the pad 12. The pocket ends 54 and 56 are secured with the second or waterproof layer 24 in face-to-face relation. (See also Figure 6). This unique construction biases the pocket 50 in an open position. The resiliency of the bilayer material allows the pocket lip 58 to lie spaced from the remainder of the bottom end 16 of the pad 12. This result is accomplished without the need for affixing the pocket to a distant object or with a complicated structure.

This construction can be achieved by folding the waterproof portion of the pocket in face-to-face relation with the back side of the bib, gluing the pocket ends 54 and 56 and turning the pocket 50 inside out so that the absorbent portions of the pocket are face-to-face. This technique will curl the pocket ends and help maintain the pocket in an "open" position.

The bib 10 also includes a means for removably attaching the bib to the wearer 74. The attachment means includes at least one pressure sensitive adhesive strip 62 affixed to the first and second extensions 34 and 36, respectively, on the outside surface 32 of the waterproof second layer 24. Another similar adhesive strip 62 is positioned near the bottom end 16 of the bib. A protective strip 64 covers each adhesive strip 62 prior to attachment of the bib 10 to the wearer 74. One or more of the protective strips 64 are removed to expose the adhesive 62, (see Figure 4) prior to application to the wearer.

Areas or patches of silicone 70 are positioned on the outside surface 32 of the waterproof layer 24 of the pad 12 in locations corresponding to the position of the adhesive strips 62 when the extensions 34 and 36, and the lower portion of the pad 12 are folded along the crease lines 66 and 68. When the protective strips 64 are removed from the adhesive strip 62, and the bib is folded along the crease lines, the silicone 70 contacts the adhesive strips and allows the bib to be unfolded for re-use as the silicone 70 will allow the adhesive 62 to be released from the waterproof layer

24. It is advisable to fold the upper portion of the bib along the upper crease line 66 before folding the lower portion along the lower crease line 68 so that the silicone patches 70 near the sides of the bib are not covered by the lower portion of the bib.

In reference now generally to Figures 8 through 10, the neckline design of the bib 10 will be described in more detail. As can be seen also in Figures 1 and 4, the neckline approximates five-eighths of a regular octagon. The neckline includes five line segments, evenly numbered 80 through 88 inclusive. The first line segment 80 runs generally parallel to the first side 18 of the pad 12, for a distance equal to approximately one-half the length of the first extension 34. The second neck segment 82 lies at an angle with respect to the first neck segment 80 of approximately 135' when the bib is lying in a single plane. The second neck segment 82 extends downwardly to the top end 14 of the pad 12, where it meets one end of the third line segment 84, again at an included angle of approximately 135". The third line segment 84 runs generally parallel to the bottom- edge of the bib. The fourth and fifth neck segments 86 and 88, respectively, lie in like relation along the second extension 36. The neck segments 80 through 88 allow the bib 10 to be comfortably yet snugly worn by any person regardless of the size of their neck. The included angles between the neck segments allow the leg-like extensions 34 and 36 to be positioned on the wearer for a snug fit which does not present gaps through which food or liquids can pass, yet does not bind or chafe around the neck 72 of the wearer 74. The angles between the line segment can be varied while affixing the bib about the neck and shoulders of the wearer while maintaining the main body of the pad in a flat smooth layer over the wearer.

As the bib is draped over the shoulders of the wearer 72, the included angles between the line segments 80-88 are varied to allow the bib to assume the compound shape of the wearer. The included angles can be increased or decreased about the three dimensions (horizontal, vertical and lateral) to comfortably fit the neck 72 of the wearer 74 while placing the main body of the bib flat against the body of the wearer 74 in a way which is not possible with typical bibs.

As can be seen from Figures 8 through 10, the leg-like extensions 34 and 36 can be attached together to snugly fit around a child or infant. (See Figure 8). The leg-like extensions can be spaced apart yet angled toward each other for applying the bib to a medium-size person. (See Figure 9). Further, for a large person, the leg-like extensions can be placed somewhat parallel to each other (see Figure 10) or angled away from each other as necessary to snugly fit the bib to the wearer. As described above the included angles between the line segments 80 through 88 can be varied in three dimensions as the extensions are fitted to the wearer. The structure described above can be advantageously used as will now be described. The bib 10 would normally be folded during transportation or storage before use. The protective coverings or strips 64 are affixed over the adhesive strips 62. The bib is first folded along the crease lines so that the first and second extensions 34 and 36 are folded along crease line 66 and rest against the mid-portion of the rectangular pad 12. The bottom portion of the rectangular pad 12 is then folded along crease line 68 to lie over the leg-like extensions and rest against the extensions and a portion of the mid-part of the rectangular pad 12. (See Figure 11) . The bib can then be unfolded, (by lifting the bottom portion, and then lifting the extensions) the pocket 50 can then be adjusted to ensure that it will remain open during use and to overcome any flattening which may have occurred during shipment or storage. (As described above, the pocket 50 should naturally remain open due to its construction). The adhesive strips can then be exposed by removing therefrom the protective coverings or strips 64. The bib can then be applied to the wearer and the leg-like extensions 34 and 36 can be positioned around the shoulders and neck of the wearer to provide a snug yet comfortable and leak-free fit. This can be accomplished by positioning leg-like extensions and varying (in three dimensions) the included angles between the line segments 80 through 88 inclusively.

After use, the bib can be folded for storage by folding the leg-like extensions 34 and 36 along crease line 66 and positioning the adhesive strip 62 in contacting relation with the areas of silicone 70 on the mid-portion of the rectangular pad 12. The bottom portion of the bib can then be folded along crease line 68 with the lowermost adhesive portion 62 positioned in contacting relation to the area of silicone 70 centrally located just below the neckline of the bib. The bib can then be unfolded for later use and application to the wearer as described above. Referring now to Figure 12, the preferred alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. The bib of the second form of the invention comprises substantially rectangular blank 90 forming a disposable bib 92 which has a removable die cut napkin 94 with connector tabs 96 left in place that connect the napkin 94 to the bib 92 is presented.

The blank 90 includes sides 98 and 100, respectively, which define the width of the blank 90. The blank 90 has a first absorbent layer 102 bonded with adhesive to a second waterproof layer 104. Each layer has an inside surface and an outside surface (not shown), similar to the inside surfaces 26 and 28 and the outside surfaces 30 and 32 of the bib 10 shown in Figure 7. The bib 92 includes two leg-like extensions 106 and 108, respectively, for snugly fitting the bib around any size neck. The extensions 106 and 108 are configured to define a bib neckline and provide neck straps. The extensions are adjacent a top end 110 of the bib 92. Each extension 106 and 108 has a base 112 continuous with the top 110 of the bib 92, and defining the base 112 of a lower portion 114 of each extension. The width of the base 112 of the lower portion 114 is approximately two-fifths of the width of the bib 92. The lower portion 114 of each extension narrows gradually at an angle between 30° and 60*, and preferably 45" from the base portion 112 toward an unattached end 116 of each extension.

The gradual narrowing of the lower portion of each extension ends approximately one-half the distance from the base 112 to the unattached end 116 of each extension. From this point on toward the unattached end 116, the width of the extension can be tapered slightly or constant. The base of the end 116 is equal to the width of the gradually narrowing lower portion 114. This width is approximately one-half the width of the base 112 of the lower portion of the extension. The taper of the outer ends 116 of the extension can be a few degrees for trimming purposes in manufacturing but is substantially less in angle than the taper of lines 114. For example, dotted lines 116A in Figure 12 show such taper and solid lines show such taper in Figure 21.

The extensions 106 and 108 also have a first or absorbent layer 102 bonded to a second or waterproof layer 104, each layer having an inside and an outside surface (not shown) similar to the inside surfaces 26 and 28 and outside surfaces 30 and 32 of the bib 10 shown in Figure 7.

The bib 92 further includes a pocket shown generally at at 118 having an interior 120 and first and second pocket sides 122 and 124. The pocket sides taper inwardly substantially from the top of the pocket to the bottom and are defined by notches that remove material from the pad.

For example, in the first form of the invention (Figures 1-11), the notches 60 taper upwardly on each side from the lower edge of the pad and inwardly to points on each side defining a substantially narrower width than the main pad. The notches then taper outwardly and upwardly from the narrow points. The line between the narrow points defines the fold line for making the pocket by folding up the bottom of the pad. The pocket edges are defined by the notch edges which taper because the material is removed from the notches. This tends to aid in keeping the pocket open without inverting the pocket after forming.

The pocket 118 is located at a bottom end 126 of the bib 92. Alternative pocket embodiments of the present invention are shown in Figures 13-20 and each has notches formed in the pad edges to form the tapered sides of the pockets. In the form of Figure 13-15, the bib 92 has notches 128 and 130 formed in the sides 98 and 100 by making cuts through the absorbent 102 and waterproof 104 layers. The notches 128 and 130 define tapered upper notch edges 132 and 134, and lower edges 136 and 138 to define inner 140 and outer 142 pocket panels, respectively. The pocket 118 is formed by folding the lower pocket section 142 over the upper pocket panel 140 (which is actually a continuation of the blank 90) and securing edge portions of the outer pocket panel that are folded around the back to form the pocket sides 122 and 124 which follow the notch edges 132 and 134. The absorbent layer 102 forms the interior 120 of the pocket 118 because the outer panel 142 is merely folded up along line 216 for forming. The construction of alternative pocket embodiments creates a pocket 118 which tends to remain open as will be described below.

In a first alternative pocket embodiment shown in Figure 13, the notches 128 and 130 are cut in respective sides 98 and 100 at the lower part of the pad from points 210 and 212 inwardly to points 206 and 208 to define a narrow width along line 216 and from points 206 and 208 upwardly and out to points 202 and 204. Thereby, the pocket side is defined by a diagonally cut edge. The outer pocket panel 142 is folded along the line 216 between points 206 and 208 toward the inner pocket panel 140. The crease or fold line 216 parallels the bottom edge 214 of the blank 90 which is the edge of the outer pocket panel 142 and defines the upper border of the outer pocket panel 142 when formed. Line 216 forms the lower border of the inner pocket panel 140. A line 218 drawn between points 202 and 204 defines the extent of the upper border of the inner pocket panel 140, which is parallel to the bottom edge 214 and the crease or fold line 216. Diagonal crease or fold lines 220 and 222 are formed in the edge portion of the outer pocket panel 142 from points 224 and 226 to points 206 and 208, respectively. The diagonal crease lines 220 and 222 define respective edge - 14 - portions or flaps 228 and 230 of the outer pocket panel 142.

The first alternative pocket embodiment is assembled by folding the outer pocket panel 142 over the inner pocket panel 140 along crease or fold line 216 such that respective absorbent layers 102 of inner and outer pocket panels 140 and 142 face each other, as shown in Figure 14. Flaps 228 and 230 are folded along respective diagonal fold lines 220 and 222 and wrapped around the edges formed by the notch edges 132 and 134 and then secured to the waterproof layer 104 at the back of the inner pocket panel 140, as shown in Figure 15. The absorbent layer 102 of flaps 228 and 230 is glued to the waterproof back layer of the bib 92 to form the fully assembled first alternative pocket embodiment.

A second (and preferred) alternative pocket embodiment is shown in Figures 16-18. The notches 128A and 130A are cut in respective sides 98A and 100A for approximately 1 1/2" measured along lines

252 and 254 drawn perpendicularly from the sides 98A and 100A to the points 206A and 208A, respectively. The notches extend from lower points 224A and 226A to points 206A and 208A, which are at the narrowest section. The notches then taper outwardly and upwardly from points 204A and 206A to points 206A and 208A, respectively. This pocket embodiment also has a bottom edge 214A of the outer pocket panel 142, and the fold or crease line 216A where the outer panel is folded. Line 218A defines the upper edge of the inner pocket panel 140A. The outer pocket panel 142A is approximately 2 1/2" deep as measured along a line 256 drawn perpendicularly between the bottom edge 214A and the crease line 216A. The second alternative pocket embodiment is partially assembled by folding the outer pocket panel 142A over the inner pocket panel 140A along the crease line 216A, as shown in Figure 17. Points 232 and 234 of the outer pocket panel 142, adjacent lower points 224A and 226A, respectively, are made to mate with points 236 and 238 partway up the edges 132A and 134A. The edges 132A and 134A form a smaller angle with respect to edges 98A and 100A than the angle of edges 136A and 138A. The dimension 256 is less than the distance from points 202A and 204A to fold line 216A measured perpendicular to line 216A. As a result, points 236 and 238 are located approximately 3/4" in from the edges as shown along lines 258 and 260 perpendicular from edges 98A and 100A to the points 236 and 238, respectively. Thus, edge 214A, which defines the upper edge of the outer pocket panel 140A, is longer than the distance along line 218A between points 236 and 238. This will cause the folded outer pocket panel 142A to bow out at the top (along edge 214A) when the tapered edges of the pocket are formed.

The second alternative pocket embodiment is fully assembled by folding the secured outer pocket panel 142 upwardly along fold line 216A, and joining or securing the side edge portions of panel 142A, defined by lines 136A and 138A to the edges of panel 140A along notch edges 132A and 134A. Because edge 214A is longer than the distance along line 218, edge 214A will bow outwardly from the main part of bib 92 and will stay open in use to catch food.

The absorbent layers of material on pocket panels 140A and 142A face each other, and the waterproof layer 104 faces the outside of the pocket as shown in Figure 17. The edges 122A and 124A of the pocket taper from the upper edges of the pocket to the lower edge along notch edges, where material is removed to form this taper. The notches, and the tapered edges, which narrow toward the bottom fold line 218A (and corresponding lines in the previous embodiments) aid in forming a pocket top that tends to stay open.

The edges of the pocket panels, along notch edges 132A,134A and 136A,138A, are formed in a narrow strip with adhesives or heat sealing. These strips are represented by bands 240A in Figures 17 and 18.

For storing or shipping the bibs, the edges of the pocket can be folded in so the outer pocket panel 142 lies in a flattened relationship relative to the bib 92. Compressibility of the pocket 118 allows convenient slipping and storage of the bib 92. For example, gussets can be formed by tucking in the outer panel ends to form folded gussets 244. The resilient nature of the bilayer material permits the pocket 118 to resume its normal, open configuration upon subsequent unfolding from storage. The notches 128A and 130A taper inwardly from points 224A and 226A to points 206A and 208A, which define a narrow line 218A for folding the pocket. The notches then taper outwardly at a different angle to form a smaller angle with respect to the edges 98A and 100A so edges 132A and 134A are longer than edges 136A and 138A, and when the panel 142A is folded, the lower edge 214A is longer than the line 218A between the points where the end points 224A and 226A contact the panel 140A adjacent the tapering edges 132A and 134A. This difference in length makes the pocket bulge open without spacers at the pocket ends. A third alternative pocket embodiment is shown in Figure 19. The notches 128B and 130B are similar to those described above for the second alternative pocket embodiment. The third alternative pocket embodiment also includes inner 140B and outer 142B pocket panels having a bottom edge 214B, and a horizontal fold or crease line 216B. The horizontal line 218B defines the top of inner pocket panel 140B, as previously described for the second alternative pocket embodiment. Additionally, portions 248B and 250B of the inner pocket panel 140B are inwardly foldable such that the absorbent layer 102 of portions 248B and 250B of the inner pocket panel 140B faces the absorbent layer 102 of the main part of bib 92.

Figure 20 shows the assembled third alternative pocket embodiment. The outer pocket panel 142B is folded up over the inner pocket panel 140B along fold or crease line 216B and secured by gluing the absorbent layers 102 of the respective outer pocket panel edges 136B and 138B to the waterproof layer 104 of respective inwardly folded areas 248B and 250B at the edges of inner pocket panel 140B. The pocket 118 is biased in an open position as in the other alternative pocket embodiments described previously. The section 248B and 250B form the ends of the pocket formed.

The resiliency of the bilayer material allows a pocket lip 144B to lie spaced from the remainder of the bottom end 126B of the bib 92. This result is accomplished without the need for a complicated structure, such as spacers or gussets. As shown in Figures 21 and 23, the bib 92 includes means for removably attaching the bib 92 to a wearer 146. The attachment means includes at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive strip 148 affixed to a back part 150 and 152 of an upper section 154 and 156 of each extension fastener 158 and 160, respectively. The adhesive strips 148 of the extension fasteners 158 and 160 are oriented in the same direction as the waterproof layer 104 of the bib 92 and are used for attachment to each other or to the wearer 146 (Figure 22). A lower section 162 and 164 of each extension fastener 158 and 160, respectively, includes a front flap 166 and 168 and a back flap 170 and 172, respectively. The front flaps 166 and 168 are bonded to the absorbent layer 102 of the extensions 106 and 108, respectively. The back flaps 170 and 172 are bonded to the waterproof layer 104 of the extensions 106 and 108, respectively.

The attachment means also includes at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive strip 174, positioned near the bottom end 126 of the bib 92 on the waterproof second layer 104, for removably attaching the bib 92 to the clothing of the wearer 146. This keeps the bib in place to catch food.

A first protective strip 176 covers each extension fastener adhesive strip 148 and a second protective strip 178 covers the adhesive strip 174 prior to attachment of the bib 92 to the wearer 146. One or more of the first 176 and second 178 protective strips are removed to expose the respective adhesive strips 148 and 174, respectively, prior to application to the wearer 146.

The bib 92 also may be folded for storage along an upper crease line 180 and a lower crease line 182 formed within the bib 92. The crease lines 180 and 182 are generally parallel to the top end 110 and bottom end 126 of the bib 92 and run perpendicular to the sides 98 and 100 of the bib 92. The crease lines 180 and 182 allow the bib 92 to be folded generally in thirds. Areas 184 and 186 of low adhesive property material such as patches of silicone are positioned on the waterproof layer 104 of the bib 92 in locations corresponding to the position of the adhesive strips 148 and 174, respectively, when the extensions 106 and 108, and the lower portion of the bib 92 are folded along the crease lines 180 and 182. When the protective strips 176 and 178 are removed from the adhesive strips 148 and 174, respectively, and the bib 92 is folded along the crease lines 180 and 182, the silicone 184 and 186 contacts the adhesive strips 148 and 174 and allows the bib 92 to be unfolded for re-use as the silicone 184 and 186 will allow the adhesive strips 148 and 174 to be released from the waterproof layer 104. In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the upper sections 154 and 156 of the extension fastners 158 and 160 are folded so that the adhesive strips 148 contact the back flaps 170 and 172 of respective lower sections 162 and 164. The bib 92 is then folded along the crease lines 180 and 182 with silicone patch 186 contacting adhesive strip 174. For re-use the upper sections 154 and 156 are detached and unfolded from the respective lower sections 162 and 164 of the extension fastners 158 and 160.

In reference to Figure 21, the neckline design of the bib 92 will be described in more detail. The neckline approximates five-eighths of a regular octagon. The neckline includes five line segments, evenly numbered 188 through 196 inclusive. The first line segment 188 as shown tapers with respect to the first side 98 of the bib 92, for a distance equal to approximately one-half the length of the first extension 106. The taper forms a narrower outer end for the extension 106. The second neck segment 190 lies at an angle with respect to the side of the bib of approximately 135" when the bib is lying in a single plane. The second neck segment 190 extends downwardly to the top end 110 of the bib 92, where it meets one end of the third line segment 192, again at an included angle of approximately 135" with respect to the side of the bib. The third line segment 192 runs generally parallel to the bottom edge 126 of the bib. The fourth and fifth neck segment lines 194 and 196, respectively, lie in like relation along the second extension 108. Line 196 tapers to narrow the extension 108 toward the outer end. The neck segments 188 through 196 allow the bib 92 to be comfortably yet snugly worn by any person within the design size of necks. The included angles between the neck segments allow the extensions 106 and 108 to be positioned on the wearer 146 for a snug fit which does not present gaps through which food or liquids can pass, yet does not bind or chafe around the neck 198 of the wearer 146. The angles between the line segment can be varied while affixing the bib about the neck and shoulders of the wearer 146 while maintaining the main body of the pad in a flat smooth layer over the wearer.

As the bib is draped over the shoulders of the wearer 146, the included angles between the line segments 188-196 are varied to allow the bib to assume the compound shape of the wearer. The included angles can be increased or decreased about the three dimensions (horizontal/ vertical and lateral) to comfortably fit the neck 198 of the wearer 146 while placing the main body of the bib 92 flat against the body of the wearer 146 in a way which is not possible with typical bibs.

As can be seen in Figure 22, a mother 200 can use the detached napkin 94 (which can be removed to form the neck opening) for wiping, thereby not having to use the bib 92 itself for this function.

As can be seen in Figure 23, the extension fasteners 158 and 160 can be attached together to snugly fit around a child or infant. The extensions 106 and 108, with bonded fasteners 158 and 160, can be spaced apart yet angled toward each other for applying the bib to a medium-size person in a suitable size. Further, for a large person, the extension fasteners 158 and 160 can be placed somewhat parallel to each other, or angled away from each other as necessary in order to snugly fit the bib to the wearer (not shown). As described above, the included angles between the line segments 188 through 196 can be varied in three dimensions as the extensions are fitted to the wearer 146.

The alternative embodiments described can be advantageously used as will now be described. The bib 92 would normally be folded during transportation or storage before use. The protective coverings or strips 176 and 178 are affixed over the adhesive strips 148 and 174, respectively. The bib is first folded along the crease lines so that the first and second extensions 158 and 160 are folded along crease line 180 and rest against the mid-portion of the bib 92. The bottom portion of the bib 92 is then folded along crease line 182 to lie over the extensions 106 and 108 and rest against the extensions 106 and 108 and a portion of the mid-part of the bib 92.

The bib 92 can then be unfolded, (by lifting the bottom portion, and then lifting the extensions 106 and 108) the pocket 118 can then be adjusted to ensure that it will remain open during use and to overcome any flattening which may have occurred during shipment or storage. (As described above, the pocket 118 should naturally remain open due to its construction, that is forming notches that remove material from the blank at the pocket ends.) The adhesive strips 148 and 174 can then be exposed by removing therefrom the protective coverings or strips 176 and 178, respectively. The bib 92 can then be applied to the wearer 146 and the extensions 106 and 108 can be positioned around the shoulders and neck of the wearer to provide a snug yet comfortable and leak-free fit. This can be accomplished by positioning extensions 106 and 108 and varying (in three dimensions) the included angles between the line segments 188 through 196 inclusively. After use, the bib 92 can be folded for storage by folding the extensions 106 and 108 along crease line 180 and positioning the adhesive strips in contacting relation with the areas of silicone 184 on the mid-portion of the bib 92. The bottom portion of the bib 92 can then be folded along crease line 182 with the lowermost adhesive portion 174 positioned in contacting relation to the area of silicone 186 centrally located just below the neckline of the bib 92. The bib 92 can then be unfolded for later use and application to the wearer as described above.

Certain materials are believed to be particularly well suited for use in constructing the embodiments of the present invention. Plastic sheeting is suitable for the waterproof layer, while quality paper stock such as Product Number 207-402 available from the Central Wisconsin Paper Company is suitable for the absorbent layer. Any spongy, absorbent cloth or paper would normally be suitable. The absorbent and waterproof layers can be adhered together with adhesives such as rubber cement or the aerosol spray adhesives commonly used to mount photographs. Those skilled in the art would recognize a wide range of suitable alternative materials including composite materials having an absorbent side and a waterproof side.

In light of the above teachings, it will be appreciated that several variations of the disclosed preferred embodiments are possible. A number of characteristics and advantages of the invention have been set forth together with the structure and method of use of the preferred embodiments. The novel features thereof are pointed out in the following claims. The above disclosures are merely illustrative, changes may be made in detail with respect to size, shape, and structural arrangement. The principles of the invention should not be limited to the above-described embodiment. The extent of the invention is defined by the general meaning of the terms set forth in the claims.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

- 25 - WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A disposable bib comprising: a pad of selected size having top and bottom ends and sides defining a width; adjustable means adjacent the top end of the pad for supporting the bib around a neck of a wearer; a notch on each of the sides adjacent the bottom of the pad, the notch being formed by removing material and forming a marginal edge of the pad and tapering inwardly from the side edge and back outwardly to the side edge; and a pocket having an interior, a folded bottom edge and pocket sides, the pocket being located a the bottom end of the pad, the pocket formed by folding a portion of the pad on itself, the pocket sides being formed by securing a lower portion of the pad which is folded upwardly and has sides fastened to the inwardly tapering marginal edge of the notch formed in the pad, the pocket sides thereby tapering inwardly in direction toward the bottom end of the pad, the inward taper of the notch causing the top of the folded portion to be substantially wider than the bottom.

2. The bib of Claim 1 wherein the adjustable means comprise two leg-like extensions on the sides of the bib, each having a base of width less than one-half of the pad width, a lower portion adjacent the top of the pad wherein the width narrows gradually, and an upper portion extending from the lower portion to the outer end, the upper portion not substantially changing in width.

3. The bib of Claim 1 wherein the notch on each side tapers from the bottom corners of the pad inwardly from the sides at a first angle to an inner point that defines a narrow width line with respect to the notch on the other side of the pad, and further has an edge that tapers outwardly at an angle different from the first angle with respect to the edges of the pad so that upon folding the bottom portion upwardly along a fold line between the inner points on opposite sides of the pad, the upper edge of the pocket formed is longer than the distance between the tapered edges where the bottom corners of the folded bottom portion are attached to the main portion of the pad.

4. The bib of Claim 1 wherein the notches on each side are defined by removing material from edge portions of the pad to define inwardly extending edges that define an outer pocket panel at the bottom of the pad, and taper from an inward point toward the top of the pad and toward the respective sides of the pad to define a cut edge that defines the taper of a pocket formed when the outer pocket panel is folded up along a line extending between the inner points of the notches and joined to the main portion of the pad at the sides of the pocket.

5. The bib of Claim 4 wherein the notch is defined by gusset panels at the sides of the outer pocket panel, which gussets are folded around the main portion of the pad along the lines of the notch that taper from the inner points upwardly to the sides of the pad, said gussets being attached to the back side of the pad to form the pocket.

6. The bib of Claim 4, wherein the outer pocket panel is joined to the main portion of the pad along the diagonal edges of the notches extending from the inner points upwardly toward the side edges, so that a portion of the pad is folded upon itself to form the pocket.

7. The bib of Claim 4, wherein a portion of each of the sides of the pad adjacent the tapered line forming the respective notch is folded outwardly from the pad, and the edges of the outer pocket panel at the lower end of the pad are folded around such portions and joined to the back side of the pad.

8. The bib of Claim 1 wherein said pad has first and second layers bonded together, the first layer being absorbent, and the second layer being waterproof, and wherein the pocket is formed by folding a lower portion of the panel upon itself so that the absorbent layers face each other, and the pocket ends are secured together along the tapering lines.

9. A disposable bib, comprising: a pad of selected size having top and bottom ends, sides and a width, the pad having a first and a second layer bonded together, the first layer being absorbent and the second layer being waterproof; means for snugly fitting the bib around any size neck, the means including two leg-like extensions configured to define a neckline adjacent the top end of the pad; means for removably attaching the bib to the weearer, the means including at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive strip fixedly attached to each extension; a notch on each of the sides adjacent the bottom of the pad, the notch forming tapered marginal edges of the pad at the lower end thereof; and a pocket having an interior, a folded bottom edge and pocket sides, the pocket located at the bottom end of the pad, the pocket being formed by folding a portion of the pad on itself with the absorbent layer forming the interior of the pocket, the pocket ends being formed by securing a folded portion of the pad to a respective tapered marginal edge of the pad, the pocket sides tapering inwardly toward the bottom end of the pad.

10. A disposable bib, comprising: a pad of selected size having top and bottom ends and side edges defining a width; adjustable means for fitting and supporting the bib around a neck of a wearer; means for removably attaching the bib to the wearer, the means including at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive strip affixed to the outside surface of the waterproof layer near the bottom end of the bib; a notch on each of the sides of the pad that removes matter from the pad adjacent the bottom of the pad, the notch forming a tapered marginal edge of the pad spaced upwardly from the bottom of the pad to define a narrow width line between inner points of the notches; and a pocket having an interior, a folded bottom edge and pocket sides, the pocket located adjacent the bottom end of the pad, the pocket being formed by folding a lower panel portion of the pad on itself along the narrow width line with the absorbent layer forming the interior of the pocket, the pocket sides being formed by securing the folded panel portion of the pad to the tapered marginal edge of the pad, the pocket sides tapering inwardly toward the narrow width line forming the folded bottom of the pad.

11. A disposable bib, comprising: a pad of selected size having top and bottom ends, sides and a width, the pad having first and second layers bonded together, the first layer being absorbent and the second layer being waterproof; adjustable and openable means integrated with the pad for fitting the bib around the neck of a wearer adjacent the top end of the pad; and a napkin formed in an opening defined by the adjustable and openable means, said napkin being removably attached to the bib when the bib is formed and removable for use as a wipe when the bib is place on a wearer.

12. The bib of Claim 11, including two leg-like extensions on the sides of the pad defining the adjustable and openable means, the extensions each having a width of approximately two-fifths of the width of the pad, a lower portion wherein the width narrows gradually at an angle between 30° to 60° with respect to a longitudinal axis extending from top to bottom, and then stops narrowing at a point half-way up the extension, and an. upper portion wherein the width at the point halfway up the extension is equal to approximately one-half of the width of the base of the extension, the extensions having a first and a second layer bonded together, the first layer being absorbent and the second layer being waterproof.