WO2007101081A2

WO2007101081A2 - Bib with adhesive strip

Info

Publication number: WO2007101081A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/062638
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frank Friedland; Michael B. Chasan
Original assignee: Napkleen Llc
Priority date: 2006-02-24
Filing date: 2007-02-23
Publication date: 2007-09-07
Also published as: CA2643432C; KR20080106277A; EP1986512B1; WO2007101081A3; AU2007220800A1; ATE542443T1; EP1986512A4; MX2008010894A; EP1986512A2; IL193630A0; CA2643432A1; JP2009528452A

Abstract

A bib and method for making such a bib for protecting clothing worn by a wearer. According to the method, an elongated web of absorbent paper is laminated with an elongated web of plastic film to form a laminated web by embossing the absorbent paper and heat sealing the embossed area with the plastic film. The embossed areas are in the form of an array of spaced areas of a predetermined geometry. A stripe of an adhesive is applied along an edge of the laminated web of absorbent paper and plastic film on the plastic film side thereof. The stripe of adhesive is covered with a release tape. The laminated web is severed transversely at predetermined longitudinal intervals to form individual bibs.

Description

BIB WITH ADHESIVE STRIP

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to protective coverings for clothing, and more particularly to bibs for adults and children and methods for making.

Background of the Invention

One common definition of a bib is a small piece of material fastened under a chin to protect the clothing while eating. As a result, bibs have a connotation that typically associates their use with infants and toddlers. In tact, adults are generally much less apt to spill or splatter food onto their clothing compared to children. Nevertheless, there are certain situations in which it is appropriate or desirable for an adult to don a bib. Such a bib may either be a conventional bib or simply a tucked or otherwise secured napkin covering the chest.

Conventional bibs typically have two strings which tie around the neck to hold the bib in place. Other bibs use snaps, tics, strings, hook and loop fasteners, or the like to attach around the neck. More recently, some bibs have eliminated the strings and ties altogether and have instead used adhesive strips. These strips are located near the shoulder area on the backside of the bib and are used to adhere the bib to the wearer. Thus, bibs provided with an adhesive so they can be adhered to a wearer are known from the art. However, such known bibs have various drawbacks, particularly regarding how they are constructed and how they are made.

Although a wide variety of bib designs can be adequate to protect one's clothing, a bib, regardless of design, has no ability to clean and/or sanitize either a food contacting surface or any portion of the wearer's body. For such cleaning and/or sanitizing, one must separately utilize either an agent (e.g. antibacterial lotion) or item (cleansing wipe). In some situations, it would be beneficial if the agent or item formed a part of or was packaged with the bib.

A need therefore exists for an improved bib and methods for making same. Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method of making a self-sticking bib for protecting a wearer while eating or any other activity that could adversely affect the clothes of a wearer. The foregoing is accomplished by a method that consists of laminating a continuously running web of a plastic web, most preferably, a polyethylene film with a continuously running web of an absorbent paper web, most preferably, a cellular tissue paper, which previously has been printed with a printed decoration or motif. Alternatively, the motif can be applied after the lamination of the sheet.

The lamination is effected by a heat sealing technique. Optionally, the lamination can be assisted by the inclusion or an embossing technique as a step of the method. The embossing is carried out so that an array of spaced depressions are made in the tissue web while heating the polyethylene film, so that an array of tissue portions of the tissue web are pressed into the heated film and adhered to the film, but the portions of the tissue web surrounding the pressed tissue portions, i.e. the unpressed portions, are

[eft unaffected and therefore retain their original characteristics for absorption of liquids and other foods.

The lamination is next followed by a step of applying, preferably by continuously spraying to the moving webs, a biocompatible adhesive or glue to one edge of the exposed polyethylene web in a longitudinal direction, i.e. the direction of travel of the web. The adhesive chosen is one that will adhere to clothes or human skin and yet be easily removed with slight pulling with no adverse effects to the clothes or the skin. Such adhesives are well known in the art. Next, the adhesive stripe applied to the web is covered with a removable sealing tape, a strip of suitable material so that the adhesive is not exposed and is fully covered and yet is easily removed. Such materials are well known for several applications, such as. self-sealing envelops or Telfa^tm bandages. Finally, the moving laminated web is cut transversely at space intervals and the resulting cut pieces (now bibs) are stacked. In the preferred embodiment, the webs are 18 inches wide and cut at 13 inch intervals to produce bibs that are 13 inches wide and 18 inches long with the adhesive at the top edge of the bib on the polyethylene film side. Tn an improvement of the above described method, the end of the bib opposite the adhesive and cover is folded up with the polyethylene side on the outside of the fold and the paper on the inside of the fold, and the edges of the folded up portion of the bib is heat sealed along each of the folded up edges to form a pocket in the bottom of the bib to catch any food that falls down on or adjacent to the bib while being worn by a user. The folded up portion can be from 1 to 4 inches deep to form a suitable pocket to catch the spills or droppings. The folding up of the lower portions of the bibs can take place before the bibs are cut at the transversely spaced intervals with the cutting and the heat sealing of the folded up edges occurring simultaneously. However, it is preferred that the heat sealing of the edges of the pockets takes place before the cutting into individual bibs. Also, the folding up and heat sealing of the folded up edges can occur after the bibs have been cut to size in a separate steps.

A further improvement consists of using webs that are a multiple of the length of the bib to be made, i.e. 2X, 3X nX, and the adhesive sprayed onto the polyethylene web at appropriate transverse locations across the longitudinally moving web corresponding to the top edges of the finished bibs. After applying the adhesive stripes and covering with a sealing tape or a strip of suitable material, the webs are cut at predetermined transverse intervals, such as 18 inches to create longitudinal sections that are bib wide. Thereafter, the cut web sections are either cut at longitudinal intervals, such as 13 inches or the cut webs are finished by folding to form pockets as described in the foregoing, heat sealed to perfect the pockets and cut at predetermined longitudinal intervals, such as 13 inches. In either case, the cut bibs are then stacked.

The present invention also relates to a bib for protecting clothing worn by a wearer.

The bib comprises a sheet having front and back surfaces, an adhesive strip located on the back surface of the sheet and configured and dimensioned for adhering the sheet to the wearer, and a sealed package attached to the sheet. The sealed package includes a cleaning or sanitizing agent.

The cleaning or sanitizing agent can either be in the form of a towelette that includes the agent or a fluid alone that includes the agent A release strip can be adhered to the adhesive strip, with the release strip being removable to thereby expose adhesive on the adhesive strip. In one embodiment, the sheet includes a protective portion and a tear-away portion and the sealed package is positioned on the tear-away portion. The sheet can include perforations for separating the tear-away portion from the protective portion. The tear-away portion can also include a compartment separate from the sealed package.

The tear-away portion can be provided with vertical perforations for separating the sealed package from the compartment.

In one embodiment, the sealed package is attached to the release strip. The release strip includes first and second faces, with the first face adhered to the adhesive strip and the sealed package attached to the second face. In another embodiment, there is no release strip and the sealed package is attached to the adhesive strip so that the sealed package itself covers the adhesive on the adhesive strip until removal.

Other and further objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent form the following detailed descriptions of preferred embodiments of the invention when taken with the appended drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure Ia shows a back side of an embodiment of the bib according to the present invention;

Figure Ib shows the back side of the bib of Figure Ia with a release strip partially removed from an adhesive strip.

Figure I c shows a front side of the bib of Figure 1 a.

Figure 2 depicts a front side of a bib of the present invention. Figure 3 depicts a back side of the bib of the present invention.

Figure 4 depicts a partial side view of the two-layer bib of a present invention.

Figure 5 depicts a partial side view of the three-layer bib of a present invention.

Figure 6 shows the front side of a bib with the bottom edge folded up to form a pocket at the bottom of the bib.

Figure 7 shows a side view of the bib shown in Fig. 6.

Figure 8 depicts a back view of a closed pouch formed on the bib of the present invention.

Figure 9 depicts a front view of an open pouch formed on the bib of the present invention.

Figure 10 depicts an isometric view of the open pouch of Figure 9.

Figure 11 shows the back side of the bib of Figure 1 a with a first adhesive strip pattern.

Figure 12 shows the back side of the bib of Figure Ia with a second adhesive strip pattern.

Figure 13 shows the back side of the bib of Figure Ia with one embodiment of multiple adhesive strips.

Figure 14 shows the back side of the bib of Figure Ia with another embodiment of m u ltipl e adhes i ve stri ps .

Figure 15a shows a back side of another embodiment of the bib according to the present invention. Figure 15b shows a back side of an embodiment of the bib similar to the bib of Figure 15a.

Figure 16a shows a back side of another embodiment of the bib according to the present invention.

Figure 16b shows the back side of the bib of Figure 16a with an adhesive strip exposed and a sealed packet separated.

Figure 17a shows a box-type dispenser for the bib of the present invention.

Figure 17b shows a pouch-type dispenser for the bib of the present invention.

Figure 1 8 shows a dispenser that can be used either as a roll-type dispenser or a folded-sheet type dispenser for dispensing the bib of the present invention.

Figure 19 shows a continuous roll of bibs of the present invention.

Figure 20 shows the front side of a bib made according to the present invention.

Figure 21 shows the back side of the bib shown in Fig. 20.

Figure 22 shows in block diagram the method of making the bib of the present invention.

Figures 23a and 23b show schematically the method for making a two layer bib of the present invention.

Figure 24 shows a portion of the method of making the bib of the present invention.

Figure 25 shows a portion of an alternative method of making the bib of the present invention. Figures 26a and 26b show schematically the method for making a three layer bib of the present invention.

Figure 27 show a kit including the bib of the present invention

Detail Description of the Invention

Figures la-c show a first embodiment of a bib 10 according to the present invention.

Bib 10 can have many uses such as protecting the clothing worn by the wearer, providing a sterile barrier, etc. Although bib 10 is shown as a generally rectangular sheet 12, bib 10 could have any suitable shape. For example, bib 10 could be provided with a cutout at the upper edge to accommodate the neck of the wearer.

With respect to dimensions, bib 10 can be provided in a wide variety of sizes, designed for the intended use and/or targeted to the intended wearer. In this regard, bib 10 is shown longer than wider. However, bib 10 can be made wider than longer for individuals having a large chest area.

Bib 10 can be made of any suitable material, such as cloth, plastic, paper or combinations thereof. The present invention contemplates that sheet 12 can be composed of multiple layers. For example, a top layer can be made of an absorbent, flexible paper material so that the top layer absorbs and catches any spilled substance, such as food or drink, and prevents it from damaging the clothes of the wearer. A bottom layer can also be made of an absorbent, flexible paper material, which can be identical to the top layer, and thus provides an additional layer of protection. A middle layer is sandwiched in between the top and bottom layers and is made of moisture resistant material, such as a thermoplastic film designed to repel liquid or moisture.

A back surface or side 14 of sheet 12 includes an adhesive strip 16 that is configured and dimensioned for adhering sheet 12 to the wearer. Adhesive strip 16 is shown near the upper edge of sheet 12, but can be positioned anywhere that once the adhesive is pressed against the wearer or the wearer's clothing, sheet 12 will remain in place. Additionally, adhesive strip 16 can be provided in multiple strips or other shapes or sizes so long as sheet 12 remains in place. Until desired for use, a release strip 18 covers adhesive strip 16 and is removable to thereby expose the adhesive on adhesive strip 16. Release strip 18 can be provided in two halves, separated by a gap 20 to facilitate removal. Any other known mechanism to facilitate removal of release strip 18 from adhesive strip 16 can be used as an alternative or in conjunction with gap 20.

The adhesive used can be of the kind that do not become inactive but remain permanently active, and the adhesive capacity is adjusted depending on the strength properties of sheet 12. An example of a usable adhesive is the kind used for note pads of the type called POST-ΪT (trademark) which is a repositionable adhesive, wherein the note pad sheets can be temporarily adhered, removed and repositioned. For stronger adhesive capacity the adhesive used for self-adhesive tape can be used, However, the adhesive used is preferably of the kind that does not mark or otherwise permanently damage the surface to which it is adhered.

As best seen in Figure Ic, a front surface or side 22 of sheet 12 can include a pocket or pouch 24 for holding or collecting any crumbs or other debris that slides along or fall near front surface 22. Front 22 and/or back surface 14 can include advertising and/or decorative, promotional, or other images or text.

Referring to Figures 2-4 a multilayer bib 10 is provided. The bib 10 includes first and second layers 13, 15. The first layer 13 can be made of an absorbent, flexible paper material so that the first layer 13 absorbs and catches any spilled substance, such as food or drink, and prevents it from damaging the clothes of the wearer. The second layer 15 is bonded to the first layer 13 and can be made of moisture resistant material, such as a thermoplastic film designed to repel liquid or moisture, protecting the wearer's clothing. The adhesive strip 16 is provided on the second layer 15 for attachment to the wearer's clothing. In this embodiment the first layer 13 forms the front surface 22 of the bib 10 and the second layer 15 forms the back surface 14 of the bib 10.

The first and second layers 13 and 15 can be bonded together using an adhesive material. Alternatively, the first and second layers 13 and 15 can be heated bonded together, where the bonding temperature is sufficiently low so as not to damage the first and second layers 13 and 15. To aid in the bonding of the first and second layers 13 and 15, the first and second layers 13 and 15 can be embossed such that the first and second layers 13 and 15 are held together. The embossing can be along the entire surface of the bib 10, or in the alternative, can be along the edges or any other portion of the bib 10.

Referring to Figure 5, another multilayer bib 10 is provided. The bib 10 includes a first layer 13, second layer 15, and third layer 17 sandwiched between the first and second layers 13 and 15. The first and third layers 13 and 17 can be made of an absorbent, flexible paper material so that the first and third layers 13 and 17 absorbs and catches any spilled substance, such as food or drink, and prevents it from damaging the clothes of the wearer. The second layer 15 is bonded to and between the first and third layers 13 and 17 and can be made of moisture resistant material, such as a thermoplastic film designed to repel liquid or moisture, protecting the wearer's clothing. The adhesive strip 16 is provided on the third layer 17 for attachment to the wearer's clothing. In this embodiment the first layer 13 forms the front surface 22 of the bib 10 and the third layer 17 forms the back surface 14 of the bib 10.

The first, second, and third layers 13, 15, and 17 can be bonded together using an adhesive material. Alternatively, the first, second, and third layers 13, 15, and 17 can be heated bonded together, where the bonding temperature in sufficiently low so as not to damage the first, second, and third layers 13, 15, and 17. To aid in the bonding of the first, second, and third layers 13, 15, and 17, the first, second, and third layers

13, 15, and 17 can be embossed such that first, second, and third layers 13, 15, and 17 are held together. The embossing can be along the entire surface of the bib 10, or in the alternative, can be along the edges or any other portion of the bib 10.

The bib 10 includes a pouch 24 on the front side 22 tor holding or collecting any crumbs or other debris that slides along or fall near front surface 22. In Figures 6 and 7, a modified bib is provided with a pocket 24 at the bottom to aid in catching drippings. As shown the bib 10 has the same construction on front and back surfaces 22 and 14. At the bottom, the back surface 14 is folded up and heat sealed at 23 along its folded up edges 21 to form a pocket 24 to catch foods or liquids. The fold is designated as reference numeral 25. By folding up in this manner, the cellular tissue is inside the pockel 42 to assist in containing spills.

In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the pouch is formed on the back surface 14 of the bib 10 and inverted to the front surface 22, forming a biased open pouch 24. The pouch 24 is formed by folding over a bottom portion 19 of the bib 10 to the back surface 14, bonding the edges together 21. The top 27 of the non- inverted pouch 24 is left open. To form the pouch 24 on the front surface 22, the folded bottom portion 19 is inverted, such that a pouch 24 is formed on the front surface 22 of the bib 10. The inversion of the folded bottom portion 19 forms an open pouch 24, which is automaticatiy biased in an open position for collecting any crumbs or other debris that slides along or fall near front surface 22.

As previously discussed, the back surface 14 of the bib 10 includes an adhesive strip

16 that is configured and dimensioned to secure the bib 10 to the wearer. Referring to Figures 11-14, the adhesive strip 16 can be provided in any number of different configurations having a single strip or multiple strips. The strip(s) 16 can be formed by a continuous application of the adhesive material, or in the alternative, in intermittent or spectacled patterns.

Figure 15a shows another embodiment of a bib 26 according to the present invention. In general, most of the structure of bib 26 is like or comparable to the structure of bib 10. Accordingly, discussion of the like components is not believed necessary. Bib 26 has a sheet 28 that includes a back surface 30 and a front surface (not shown). Sealed package 32 is attached to sheet 28 and includes either a cleaning or sanitizing agent for cleaning and/or sanitizing a surface (for example the surface upon which food is to be placed) or a portion of the wearer (for example the hands of the wearer). The agent can be in the form of a wipe or towclette 34 that is pre-moistened or incorporates a fluid with cleaning or sanitizing properties. The agent could also be in the form of a fluid alone, such as a gel. Such a gel can include an anti-bacterial component

In the embodiment of Figure 15a, sheet 28 includes a protective portion 36 and a tear- away portion 38. Protective portion 36 is sized so that when a release strip 40 is removed to expose the adhesive, protective portion 36 is targe enough to cover the area to be protected. Sealed package 32 is located on tear-away portion 38 so that tear-away portion 38 can be separated from protective portion 36 and put aside until use of towelette 34 is desired. Perforations 42 can be provided to facilitate separation of tear-away portion 38 from protective portion 36. It should be noted that although sealed package 32 is shown attached to back surface 30 of sheet 28, sealed package 32 could also be attached to the front surface.

Figure 15b shows an embodiment of a bib 44 in which the sealed package is located on the front surface. In general, most of the structure of bib 44 is like or comparable to the structure of the bibs 10 and 26. Accordingly, discussion of the like components is not believed necessary. Bib 44 has a sheet 46 that includes a front surface 48 and a back surface (not shown). Sheet 46 includes a protective portion 50 and a tear-away portion 52, with perforations 54 provided to facilitate separation. Tear-away portion 52 includes a compartment 56 containing the sanitizing agent and a separate sealed package 58 containing towelette 60 with the cleaning agent. Vertical perforations 62 can be provided to separate the section of tear-away portion 52 that includes compartment 56 from the section of tear-away portion 52 that includes sealed package 58.

Figures 16a and 16b show another embodiment of a bib 64 according to the present invention. In general, most of the structure of bib 64 is like or comparable to the structure of bib 10, 26, and 44. Accordingly, discussion of lhe like components is not believed necessary. Bib 64 comprises a sheet 66 having front 68 and back 70 surfaces. An adhesive strip 72 is located on back surface 70 and is configured and dimensioned for adhering sheet 66 to the wearer. A sealed package 74 is attached Io sheet 66 and includes a cleaning or sanitizing agent, in this regard, sealed package 74 can be attached to a release strip 76 with the release strip 76 being removable to thereby expose adhesive on adhesive strip 72. Tn particular, release strip 76 includes first 78 and second 80 faces, with first face 78 adhered to adhesive strip 72 and sealed package 74 attached to second face 80. Alternatively, the outer surface of sealed package 74 can serve as the release strip, covering the adhesive on adhesive strip 72 until it is removed. As was the case for previous embodiments, sealed package 74 can contain a towelette with the cleaning or sanitizing agent or sealed package 74 can contain a fluid with the cleaning or sanitizing agent.

The present invention contemplates that it may be advantageous to package the bibs according to the present invention in easy-to-dispense containers. Such containers can be portable, conveniently sized to fit in a diaper bag, hand bag, purse, glove compartment of a vehicle, etc. Such containers can also be attached to a wall or otherwise sized to be located on a desktop, counter surface, or other similar location. The containers can be single use, i.e. disposable when all the bibs are used or refillable with bibs when the supply of bibs is all used.

Figure 17a shows a box-type dispenser 82 for a supply of bibs 84. Box-type dispenser 82 is akin to any desktop facial tissue box. Figure 17b shows a pouch-type dispenser 86 for a supply of bibs 84. Pouch-type dispenser 86 is akin to the travel size facial tissue packets.

Figure 18 shows a dispenser 88 that can be used either as a roll-type dispenser or a folded-sheet type dispenser for dispensing a supply of bibs 84. When dispenser 88 is a folded-sheet type dispenser, it operates analogous to well-known hand towel dispensers in which the hand towels are packaged such that removal of one towel results in the next towel being positioned for removal. When dispenser 88 is a roll- type dispenser, a continuous roll of bibs 90 as shown in Figure 19 can be used. If desired, perforations 92 can separate the bibs. Additionally or as an alternative, the dispenser can include an edge 94 to assist in separating the bib to be used.

Referring to Figures 20 and 2 ! , the bib 10 is shown consisting of a rectangular configuration composed of two overlying sheets, having a first layer 13 of gram cellular tissue on the front side and second layer 15 of polyethylene on the rear side. The tissue is imprinted with any suitable pattern or motif 96 and has been embossed with small rectangular depressions 98 that have been heat sealed to the polyethylene sheet. On the rear side of the bib 10, the polyethylene sheet has an adhesive 16 coated along its top edge 99 covered with a release tape in the form of a removable cover strip 18. e.g. glassine paper. To use the bib, the cover strip 18 is removed and the bib 10 attached or stuck to the user by the adhesive 16. The cellular tissue sheet is facing outwardly to catch and absorb any food or liquid that may spill.

Figure 22 shows a block diagram of the novel method of the present invention. In block 100 a web of polyethylene is fed to block 102 where it is laminated with a web of cellular tissue paper by a heated cylinder that impressed an array of spaced small rectangular depressions into the tissue paper to heat seal the tissue paper to the polyethylene web. The depressions may have other geometries. However, it is contemplated that a non-embossing heating cylinder can be used, where the heating cylinders use a sufficiently low temperature to laminate the polyethylene to the tissue paper without damaging the tissue paper.

The webs are a predetermined width, for example 18 inches. Next, the laminated web is fed to block 104 where a stripe of glue or adhesive is sprayed onto one edge of the laminated web on the polyethylene side as the web moves past the sprayer. Then, the stripe of glue is covered by a release tape as the web moves past the roll carrying the release tape in block 106. Next, in block 108, the laminated web is cut transversely at a predetermined longitudinal interval equivalent to the width of the finished bib. for example 13 inches. Finally, the cut bibs are then stacked in block 1 16. If a multiple of the bib length is used for a web, the longitudinal cutting into appropriate sections is done in block 120.

In a variation of the method, the cut bibs can then be folded up at their bottoms in a known way in block 110, as described in conjunction with Figures 20 and 21, to produce pockets, as described, and the edges of the pockets heat sealed, as described, in block 1 12. The bibs with pockets arc then collected or stacked in a known way, in block 114. Tn this variation, it is possible to do the folding before the cutting in block 108, as the mechanism for folding is known, and then to effect the transverse cutting simultaneously with the heat sealing of the edges, or alternatively, the heat sealing of the edges and then the transverse cutting.

Figures 23a, 23b, and 24 show the novel method in more detail and in a schematic manner for making a two layer bib. As shown, a web of polyethylene 138 is fed from roll of polyethylene 132, together with a web of cellular tissue paper 134 from a roll of tissue paper 136, to a laminator 138 that heat seals the paper to the polyethylene. The heat sealing can optionally include the application of an array of spaced rectangular depressions, or other geometry to assist in the bonding of the polyethylene 132 and the paper 136. The array of spaced rectangular depressions can be provided along the entire surface or just the edges.

The laminated web 140 is then turned counterclockwise 90 degrees, according to the drawing, by roll 142 to present the polyethylene side to a sprayer 144 so that suitable glue or adhesive may be sprayed onto the edge of the laminated web on the polyethylene side. Then, roll 146 turns the laminated web 130 counterclockwise 90 degrees, according to the drawing, so that the polyethylene side is facing upwardly. A suitable release tape 150 from roll 152 is then applied to the web 140 to cover the glue or adhesive. Next, the laminated web is passed onto a conveyor 154 and continued in its longitudinal direction and transversely cut, see Figure 25 reference 170, by transverse cutter 156 at predetermined longitudinal intervals, for example, a preferred

13 inches to form the finished bibs, which are then stacked on receiving platform 158.

The method shown in Fig. 23a can be used with webs having a predetermined width (equal to bib length), such as a preferred 18 inches, so that the finished bibs are 13 inches wide and 18 inches long. However, it is possible to use multiples of the finished length of the bibs and cut the webs longitudinally into longitudinal sections having widths that are the desired bib length. To this end, a longitudinal cutter 160 is provided to section the web into 2, 3 .... N sections, each having a width equivalent to the finished bib length. As 18 inches is a preferred length, the web can be 36, 54. 72, etc. inches wide. Figure 25 shows a 54 inch web that has been cut into three sections 200, 210 and 220. The longitudinal cut lines are referenced 190. The transverse cut lines are referenced 170.

As a further improvement, the finished bibs can be provided with pockets as previously described. To this end, a folder 362 needs to be added to the method and located either before or after the transverse cutter. Likewise, a heat sealer 164 needs to be added following the folder 162 to heat seal the edges of the pockets formed by the folding. Preferably, the heat sealing takes place before the transverse cutting. The addition of the folder 162 and the heat sealer 164 is shown in Figure 23b. However, if the bibs are first cut to size and then the pockets are formed, then the heat sealing of the edges will take place after the transverse cutting.

Figures 26a, 26b, and 24 show the novel method in more detail and in a schematic manner for making a three layer bib. As shown, a web of polyethylene 138 is fed from roll of polyethylene 132, together with a first and second web of cellular tissue paper 134a and 134b from a first and second roll of tissue paper 136a and !36b, where the polyethylene 132 is sandwiched between the tissue paper 136a and 136b. The sandwiched polyethylene 132 and tissue paper 136a and 136b are fed into a laminator 138 that heat seals the paper 136a and 1.36b to the polyethylene 132. The heat sealing can optionally include the application of an array of spaced rectangular depressions, or other geometry to assist in the bonding of the polyethylene 132 and the paper 136a and 136b. The array of spaced rectangular depressions can be provided along the entire surface or just the edges.

The laminated web 140 is then turned counterclockwise 90 degrees, according to the drawing, by roll 142 to present the polyethylene side to a sprayer 144 so that suitable glue or adhesive may be sprayed onto the edge of the laminated web on the polyethylene side. Then, roll 146 turns the laminated web 130 counterclockwise 90 degrees, according to the drawing, so that the polyethylene side is facing upwardly. A suitable release tape 150 from roll 152 is then applied to the web 140 to cover the glue or adhesive. Next, the laminated web is passed onto a conveyor 154 and continued in its longitudinal direction and transversely cut, see Figure 25 reference 170, by transverse cutter 156 at predetermined longitudinal intervals, for example, a preferred 13 inches to form the finished bibs, which are then stacked on receiving platform 158.

The method shown in Fig. 26a can be used with webs having a predetermined width (equal to bib length), such as a preferred 18 inches, so that the Finished bibs are 13 inches wide and 18 inches long. However, it is possible to use multiples of the finished length of the bibs and cut the webs longitudinally into longitudinal sections having widths that are the desired bib length. To this end, a longitudinal cutter 160 is provided to section the web into 2, 3 .... N sections, each having a width equivalent to the finished bib length. As 18 inches is a preferred length, the web can be 36, 54, 72, etc. inches wide. Figure 25 shows a 54 inch web that has been cut into three sections 200, 210 and 220. The longitudinal cut lines are referenced 190. The transverse cut lines are referenced 170.

As a further improvement, the finished bibs can be provided with pockets as previously described. To this end, a folder 162 needs to be added to the method and located either before or after the transverse cutter. Likewise, a heat sealer 164 needs to be added following the folder 162 to heat seal the edges of the pockets formed by the folding. Preferably, the heat sealing takes place before the transverse cutting. The addition of the folder 162 and the heat sealer 164 is shown in Figure 27b. However, if the bibs are first cut to size and then the pockets are formed, then the heat sealing of the edges will take place after the transverse cutting.

Referring to Figure 27. the bib 10 of the present invention can be provided in a kit 250. The kit 250 can include utensils, such as a fork, knife, and/or spoon. Additionally, the kit 250 can include condiments, such a salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, etc. The present invention also contemplates, as described above, a sanitary gel or wipe can be provided. The kit 250 can be provided at fast food restaurant, on airlines, trains, concession stands for sporting event, or used for outdoor events.

All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended Io cover all such modifications and embodiments which come within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

The ClaimsWhat ivS claimed is:

1. A bib for protecting clothing worn by a wearer, the bib comprising: a sheet having front and back surfaces, wherein the sheet includes a plurality of layers; an adhesive strip located on the back surface of the sheet and configured and dimensioned for adhering the sheet to the wearer; and a release strip adhered to the adhesive strip, the release strip being removable to thereby expose adhesive on the adhesive strip.

2. The bib of claim 1 wherein the plurality of layers includes a layer of absorbent material forming the front surface and a layer of a moisture resistant material forming the back surface.

3. The bib of claim 1 wherein the plurality of layers includes a first and a second layer of absorbent material forming the front and back surfaces and a layer of a moisture resistant material interposed between the first and second layers.

4. The bib of claim 1 wherein the plurality of layers is laminated together.

5 , The bib of claim 4 wherein the plurality of layers is laminated together using heat.

6. The bib of claim 4 wherein the plurality of layers is laminated together using embossing.

7. The bib of claim 1 further comprising a pouch located at a bottom portion.

8. The bib of claim 1 wherein the top front surface is imprinted with an image.

9. The bib of claim 1 further comprising a sealed package attached to the sheet, the sealed package including a cleaning or sanitizing agent.

10. The bib of claim 9 wherein the sheet includes a protective portion and a tear- away portion and the sealed package is positioned on the tear-away portion.

11. The bib of claim 10 wherein the sheet includes perforations for separating the tear-away portion from the protective portion.

12. The bib of claim 11 wherein the tear-away portion includes the sanitizing agent.

13. The bib of claim 12 wherein the sanitizing agent includes an anti-bacterial component.

14. The bib of claim 13 wherein the sanitizing agent is enclosed in a compartment separate from the sealed package.

15. The bib of claim 9 wherein the sealed package includes a towelette containing the cleaning agent.

16. The bib of claim 9 wherein the sealed package is attached to the adhesive strip.

17. The bib of claim 12 wherein the sealed package includes a towelette containing the cleaning agent.

18. The bib of claim 12 wherein the release strip includes first and second faces, with the first face adhered to the adhesive strip and the sealed package attached to the second face.

19. The bib of claim 18 wherein the sealed package includes a towelette containing the cleaning agent.

20. Λ method of making bibs comprising the steps of a. laminating an elongated web of absorbent paper with an elongated web of plastic film to form a laminated web by heat sealing the absorbent paper with the plastic film; b. applying a stripe of an adhesive along an edge of the laminated web of absorbent paper and plastic film on the plastic film side thereof; c. covering the stripe of adhesive with a release tape; d. severing the laminated web transversely at predetermined longitudinal intervals to form individual bibs; and e. collecting the severed individual bibs.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising laminating a second elongated web of absorbent paper with the elongated web of plastic film, opposite the elongated web of absorbent paper to form a laminated web by heat sealing the absorbent papers about the plastic film.

22. The method of claim 20 wherein the absorbent paper is a tissue paper.

23. The method of claim 20 wherein the plastic film is polyethylene.

24. The method of claim 20 wherein the bibs are individuated at 13 inch intervals.

25. The method of claim 20 wherein the webs are 18 inches wide.

26. The method of claim 20 wherein the laminated web is a multiple of a predetermined bib length, and includes the further steps of cutting the laminated web into longitudinal sections of a width equal to bib length, and applying the stripe of adhesive to the edge of each secrion.

27. The method of claim 20 including the further steps of folding the edge of the laminated web, opposite the edge to which the adhesive is applied, and heat sealing the edges of the folded laminated web to form a pocket.

28. The method of claim 27 wherein the heat sealing of the edges of the folded laminated web takes place before severing to individuate the bibs.

29. The method of claim 20 including the further steps of folding the bottom portion of the individuated bibs onto the main portion of the bibs and heat sealing the folded edges of the bottom portion to the main portion to form a pocket at the bottom of the bib.

30. The method of claim 20 wherein the absorbent paper is 19 gram tissue paper and the plastic film is polyethylene.

31. The method of claim 20 including imprinting the absorbent paper with a design or motif.

32. The method of claim 20 further comprising the step of imprinting an image a design on the absorbent paper.

33. A bib comprising a sheet of laminated material composed of absorbent paper laminated with a plastic film, the sheet having a predetermined shape with atop edge, a bottom edge, absorbent paper exposed on one side and the plastic film exposed on the other side, an adhesive received on the top edge of the plastic film side of the sheet, and a release tape covering the adhesive received on the top edge of the plastic film.

34. A bib according to claim 33 wherein the absorbent paper is imprinted with a design.

35. A bib according to claim 34 wherein the absorbent paper has an array of spaced depressions heat sealed to the plastic film.

36. A bib according to claim 35 wherein the depressions are rectangular.

37. A bib according to claim 34 wherein the sheet is rectangular 13 inches wide and 18 inches long.

38. A bib according to claim 34 wherein the bottom edge of the sheet is folded over the sheet and heat sealed along its edges to form a pocket.

39. A bib according to claim 34 further comprising a second absorbent paper laminated with a plastic film opposite the absorbent paper, the absorbent paper exposed on one side and the second absorbent paper exposed on the other side, wherein the adhesive is received on the top edge of the second absorbent paper side of the sheet.