WO2008020197A1

WO2008020197A1 - Infant bib

Info

Publication number: WO2008020197A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/003098
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathan Morris Gold; Daniel Jason Tyler
Original assignee: Brother Max Limited
Priority date: 2006-08-18
Filing date: 2007-08-14
Publication date: 2008-02-21

Abstract

There is provided an infant bib for use when feeding an infant with foodstuffs comprising an upper portion defining a protective apron having an upper edge arranged for receipt of the neck of an infant, and a lower edge; provided to the upper portion, a connector for detachably connecting the flexible upper portion to the neck of the infant; a lower portion defining a receptacle having a forwardly and upwardly extending lower edge defining a trough, and an upper edge; and a fastener for fastening the upper portion to the lower portion such that in a use configuration, the trough is arranged for catching foodstuffs dropped by the infant. The lower portion is arranged such that in a storage configuration, the upper edge rolls up over at least part of the lower edge thereof to form a cover for the trough, thereby defining a storage pouch.

Description

Infant bib

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an infant bib of the type that is typically worn by an infant (e.g. a baby) during feeding and is suitable for use in protecting its clothing from soiling arising from spillage of food and drink.

Background to the Invention

Infant feeding bibs are well-known in the prior art. One well-known type of feeding bib comprises a protective apron arranged for receipt by the neck of an infant and a connector for detachably connecting the protective apron to the neck of the infant. Other well-known types of feeding bib incorporate a trough, which is arranged for catching foodstuffs that are inevitably dropped by the feeding infant.

The present invention provides an infant feeding bib in which an upper portion defining a protective apron is arranged to for detachable connection to a lower portion that includes a trough. The upper and lower portions are conveniently formed of different materials. For example, the upper portion may comprise a soft material that provides comfort to the infant wearer and the lower portion be formed of a more robust, liquid impermeable material for effective containment of dropped foodstuffs.

The infant feeding bib of the present invention is also arranged such that in a storage configuration, an upper edge of the lower portion rolls up over a lower edge thereof to form a cover for the trough, and to thereby define a storage pouch. Conveniently, the upper portion of the bib may then be stowed (e.g. in a rolled or folded up state) in this storage pouch. This makes the bib particularly convenient for storage during travel, and is therefore especially convenient when arranging for feeding of the infant when out and about and /or on the move. Applicant has found that the provision of one or more distinct lateral fold lines to the lower portion can make it more amenable to folding or rolling up into the storage configuration and can therefore enhance the use-ability of the infant bib.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an infant feeding bib, which is more convenient for use by the parent.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an infant bib for use when feeding an infant with foodstuffs comprising

an upper portion defining a protective apron having an upper edge arranged for receipt of the neck of an infant, and a lower edge;

provided to said upper portion, a connector for detachably connecting the flexible upper portion to the neck of said infant;

a lower portion defining a receptacle having a forwardly and upwardly extending lower edge defining a trough, and an upper edge; and

a fastener for fastening the upper portion to the lower portion such that in a use configuration, the trough is arranged for catching foodstuffs dropped by the infant,

wherein the lower portion is arranged such that in a storage configuration, the upper edge rolls up over at least part of the lower edge thereof to form a cover for said trough, thereby defining a storage pouch. There is described herein an infant bib. The bib for is arranged to be suitable for use when feeding an infant with foodstuffs, which term is used generally to encompass both solid and liquid foodstuffs.

The bib has an upper portion, which defines a protective apron. The upper portion has an upper edge arranged for receipt of the neck of an infant, and a lower edge.

The upper portion is typically formed from a flexible material, which is preferably soft to the touch to ensure comfort for the infant. The upper portion may be formed of a single material or it may be formed of composite materials, for example arranged as layers, which may in embodiments be laminated to each other.

The upper portion may in aspects, be arranged to be disposable and is in embodiments bio-degradable. Where the upper portion is arranged to be disposable (e.g. formed of paper) the infant bib might be supplied in a pack comprising multiple (e.g. 10 or 20) disposable upper portions and a durable lower portion.

In one aspect, the upper portion comprises a first, outwardly facing (i.e. away from the infant, in use), layer of liquid permeable (e.g. absorbent) material and a second, inwardly facing (i.e. towards the infant, in use), layer of liquid impermeable material.

In one particular aspect, the upper portion comprises cotton material. In another particular aspect, the upper portion comprises paper material. In a further particular aspect, the upper portion comprises a first layer of cotton or paper material and a second layer of plastic polymer (e.g. PVC) material.

There is provided to the upper portion, a connector for detachably connecting the flexible upper portion in use, to the neck of the infant. Any suitable connectors are envisaged. In one aspect, the connector comprises a tie for tying to the neck of the infant. In another aspect, the connector comprises a loop provided with a Velcro (trade name) fastener means. Other suitable connectors include poppers, clips, snap-fasteners, hook and loop fasteners and adhesives.

In embodiments, the connector is offset from the centre (i.e. to one or other side of the neck of the infant, in use) to make it easier for connecting / disconnecting by a carer (e.g. parent or guardian) of the infant.

The lower portion of the bib defines a receptacle having a lower edge that in use, extends forwardly and upwardly to define a trough, and an upper edge.

The lower portion is generally formed of a liquid impermeable material. In embodiments, the lower portion is formed of a plastic polymer material. In one aspect, the lower portion is an injection-moulded plastic polymer material (e.g. polypropylene).

The bib is further provided with a fastener for fastening the upper portion to the lower portion such that in a use configuration, the trough is arranged for catching foodstuffs dropped by the infant. Any suitable fasteners are envisaged. In embodiments, the fastener is selected from the group consisting of popper fasteners, clip fasteners, snap-fasteners, hook and loop fasteners and zip fasteners. The fastener may comprise a linear series of fastening elements (e.g. poppers).

The lower portion of the bib is arranged such that in a storage configuration, the upper edge rolls up over at least part of the lower edge thereof to form a cover for said trough, thereby defining a storage pouch.

In embodiments, the lower portion is provided with a pouch fastener for fastening thereof in the storage configuration, in which the storage pouch is defined.

In embodiments, the fastener elements provided to the lower portion for fastening to the upper portion also function as pouch fastener elements for fastening of the storage pouch. That is to say, the fastener for fastening the upper portion to the lower portion in whole or in part has a dual function as the pouch fastener.

In embodiments, the storage pouch is arranged for receipt of the upper portion of the bib (e.g. in a rolled-up or folded up state) in the storage configuration. The storage pouch thus, provides a convenient means of hygienically stowing away the upper portion (e.g. during travel).

In embodiments, the upper portion is arranged such that it may be rolled or folded up whilst still connected to the lower portion (i.e. from the upper edge thereof to the lower edge) and then placed into the trough of the lower portion, which cover is then applied to contain the rolled / folded up upper portion in the storage pouch.

In embodiments, the lower portion is provided with one or more distinct lateral fold lines arranged to assist the rolling or folding up thereof into a storage pouch configuration. In embodiments, each of the one or more lateral fold lines is defined by a scored line, groove or living hinge.

In embodiments, a first lateral fold line is provided just above the level of the lower edge of the lower portion, which defines the trough level. Folding (e.g. by about 90°) about that first lateral fold line therefore brings the upper edge of the upper portion down towards the lower edge (which defines the trough level) thereof.

In embodiments, a second lateral fold line is provided to the lower portion and this typically locates parallel to and above the first lateral fold line. Folding about this second lateral fold line (e.g. by about 90°) allows for definition of a flap, the leading edge of which is provided by the upper edge of the upper portion.

In embodiments, the pouch fastener comprises one or more first pouch fastening elements (e.g. poppers) provided to the upper edge of the upper portion (e.g. on the exterior face thereof, which faces away from the infant in the use configuration) arranged for fastening interaction with one or more second pouch fastening elements (e.g. poppers) provided to the lower edge of the upper portion (e.g. on the exterior face thereof, which faces away from the infant in the use configuration). In embodiments, the first pouch fastening elements are arranged in linear series and/or the second pouch fastening elements are arranged in linear series.

In embodiments, the first lateral fold line locates below and parallel to a linear series of first pouch fastening elements (which may in embodiments, correspond to the upper portion fastening elements) provided to the lower portion. In embodiments, the second lateral fold line locates above and parallel to the first lateral fold line. The lower portion may thus, now be thought of as being divided into trough, which lies below the first lateral fold line; an intermediate portion lying between the first and second lateral fold lines; and a higher portion lying above the second lateral fold line. In the storage pouch configuration the intermediate pouch forms the pouch cover and the higher portion forms a flap closure.

It will be appreciated that the upper (i.e. apron) and lower (i.e. trough) elements of the infant bib herein may be manufactured and supplied separately and /or supplied as a pre-assembly or a kit of parts. The present invention encompasses all of these separate component parts and any assemblies thereof.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 shows a first infant bib in accord with the present invention with the upper portion thereof detached from the lower portion thereof;

Figure 2 shows the first infant bib of Figure 1 in the use configuration; Figure 3 shows the first infant bib of Figure 1 in a configuration intermediate between the use and storage configurations thereof, and in which the upper portion is being rolled up in preparation for its storage in the trough defined by the lower portion;

Figure 4 shows the first infant bib of Figure 1 in the storage configuration, in which the upper portion is stowed in a storage pouch defined by the upper portion;

Figure 5 shows a second infant bib in accord with the present invention with the upper portion thereof detached from the lower portion thereof;

Figure 6 shows the second infant bib of Figure 5 in the use configuration;

Figure 7 shows the second infant bib of Figure 5 in a configuration intermediate between the use and storage configurations thereof, and in which the upper portion is being rolled up in preparation for its storage in the trough defined by the lower portion;

Figure 8 shows the second infant bib of Figure 5 in the storage configuration, in which the upper portion is stowed in a storage pouch defined by the upper portion;

Figure 9 shows a perspective view from the front of the lower portion only of a third infant bib herein;

Figure 10 shows a side view of the lower portion only of the third infant bib of Figure 9;

Figure 11 shows a side view of the lower portion of the third infant bib of Figure 9, but now in a folded up pouch configuration; and Figure 12 shows a perspective view from the front of the lower portion only of a fourth infant bib herein.

Referring now to the drawings, Figure 2 illustrates a first infant bib 1 herein when in the use configuration and Figure 1 shows that same infant bib with the upper portion 10 detached from the lower portion 20 thereof.

In more detail, the first infant bib 1 comprises an upper portion 10 formed of a flexible material (e.g. fabric such as cotton or poly-cotton) and defining a protective apron, which in use acts to prevent soiling of the front and neck part of an infant's clothing. The upper portion has an upper edge 12 arranged for receipt of the neck of an infant, and a lower edge 14. The upper portion 10 is provided with a connector in the form of a loop tie 16 for detachably connecting the flexible upper portion 10 to the neck of the infant. The lower edge 14 is provided with a Velcro fastener 18 for detachably fastening the end of the loop tie 16 thereto to thereby, define an infant neck-receiving loop. It will be noted that the Velcro fastener 18 is offset from the centre (i.e. to one side of the neck of the infant, in use) of the infant bib 1 to make it easier for fastening / unfastening by a carer of the infant.

The first infant bib 1 further comprises a lower portion 20 defining a receptacle having a forwardly and upwardly extending lower edge 22 defining a trough 24, and an upper edge 26. The trough 24 is arranged in use, for catching foodstuffs dropped by the infant.

The upper portion 10 is provided with a series of female popper fastening elements 30 (female elements facing towards the infant, in use) arranged for fastening interaction with a similar series of male popper fastening elements 32 (male elements facing away from the infant, in use) provided to the lower portion 20. Thus, the upper portion 10 may be detachably fastened to the lower portion 20. The lower portion 20 is provided along its upper edge 26 with a second series of male popper fastening elements 40 (male elements facing away from the infant, in use) arranged for interaction with a second series of female popper fastening elements 42 (female elements facing away from the infant, in use) arranged along its lower edge 22 and thus, on the exterior face of the trough 24. The purpose of these second series of fastening elements will become clear from the later description.

Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown the first infant bib 1 in a configuration intermediate between the use and storage configurations thereof, and in which the upper portion 10 is being rolled up in preparation for its storage in the trough 24 defined by the lower portion 20. In more detail, this intermediate configuration is achieved with the upper portion 10 still fastened to the lower portion 10 and by the action of rolling up the upper portion 10 from the upper edge 12 to the lower edge 14 thereof. The rolled-up upper portion 10 is then placed into the trough 24 of the lower portion 20.

As now seen in Figure 4, which shows the storage configuration, the upper portion 20 of the bib has been pulled down such that the upper edge 26 rolls up over part of the lower edge 22 thereof to form a cover for the trough 24, thereby defining a storage pouch. The rolled-up lower portion 10 (just visible in Figure 4) is stowed within that storage pouch. The pouch is fastened by means of the fastening interaction between the second series of male popper fastening elements 40 along the upper (now rolled over) edge 26 of the upper section 20 with the second series of female popper fastening elements 42 (not visible in Figure 4) along its lower edge 22 thereof. The fastened pouch thereby, provides a convenient storage and carrying configuration for the first infant bib 1.

Figure 6 illustrates a second infant bib 101 herein when in the use configuration and Figure 5 shows that same infant bib with the upper portion 110 detached from the lower portion 120 thereof. The second infant bib 101 herein may be appreciated to be identical to the first infant bib 1 herein other than in the provision of lateral fold lines 150, 152 as described hereinafter.

In more detail, the second infant bib 101 comprises an upper portion 110 formed of a flexible material (e.g. fabric such as cotton or poly-cotton) and defining a protective apron, which in use acts to prevent soiling of the front and neck part of an infant's clothing. The upper portion has an upper edge 112 arranged for receipt of the neck of an infant, and a lower edge 114. The upper portion 110 is provided with a connector in the form of a loop tie 116 for detachably connecting the flexible upper portion 110 to the neck of the infant. The lower edge 114 is provided with a Velcro fastener 118 for detachably fastening the end of the loop tie 116 thereto to thereby, define an infant neck-receiving loop. It will be noted that the Velcro fastener 118 is offset from the centre (i.e. to one side of the neck of the infant, in use) of the infant bib 101 to make it easier for fastening / unfastening by a carer of the infant.

The first infant bib 101 further comprises a lower portion 120 defining a receptacle having a forwardly and upwardly extending lower edge 122 defining a trough 124, and an upper edge 126. The trough 124 is arranged in use, for catching foodstuffs dropped by the infant. The lower portion 120 is typically formed of a plastic polymer material (e.g. polyethylene or polypropylene)

The upper portion 110 is provided with a linear series of female popper fastening elements 130 (female elements facing towards the infant, in use) arranged for fastening interaction with a similar linear series of male popper fastening elements 132 (male elements facing away from the infant, in use) provided to the lower portion 120. Thus, the upper portion 1 10 may be detachably fastened to the lower portion 120.

The lower portion 120 is provided along its upper edge 126 with a second linear series of male popper fastening elements 140 (male elements facing away from the infant, in use) arranged for interaction with a second linear series of female popper fastening elements 142 (female elements facing away from the infant, in use) arranged along its lower edge 122 and thus, on the exterior face of the trough 124. The purpose of these second series of fastening elements will become clear from the later description.

The lower portion 120 is further provided with a first lateral fold line 150 (which in embodiments, may have groove or living hinge form) locating just above the top level of the trough 124 and just below and alongside the first series of male popper fastening elements 132. The lower portion 120 is also further provided with a second lateral fold line 152 (which in embodiments, may have groove or living hinge form) locating above and parallel to the first lateral fold line 150 and just below and alongside the second series of male popper fastening elements 140. The lower portion 120 may thus, now be thought of as being divided into trough 124, which lies below the first lateral fold line 150; an intermediate portion 127 lying between the first 150 and second 152 lateral fold lines; and a higher portion 128 lying above the second lateral fold line 152.

Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown the second infant bib 1 in a configuration intermediate between the use and storage configurations thereof, and in which the upper portion 110 is being rolled up in preparation for its storage in the trough 124 defined by the lower portion 120. In more detail, this intermediate configuration is achieved with the upper portion 110 still fastened to the lower portion 110 and by the action of rolling up the upper portion 110 from the upper edge 112 to the lower edge 114 thereof. The rolled-up upper portion 110 is then placed into the trough 124 of the lower portion 120.

As now seen in Figure 8, which shows the storage configuration, the upper portion 120 of the bib 101 has been folded down about the first lateral fold line 150 and the second lateral fold line 152, thereby defining a storage pouch. Overall, when in that storage pouch form the intermediate portion 127 may be seen to comprise a cover for the trough 124. The higher portion 128, which may be seen to fold down (at about 90° angle) over part of the lower edge 122, may be seen to form a flap closure. As before, the rolled-up lower portion 110 (just visible in Figure 8) is stowed within that storage pouch form. The pouch is fastened by means of the fastening interaction between the second series of male popper fastening elements 140 along the upper (now rolled over) edge 126 of the upper section 120 with the second series of female popper fastening elements 142 (not visible in Figure 8) along its lower edge 122 thereof. The fastened pouch thereby, provides a convenient storage and carrying configuration for the second infant bib 1. Applicant has found that the presence of the lateral fold lines 150, 152 greatly improves the ease of folding up the upper portion 120 to form the storage pouch form.

Figures 9 to 11 show a lower portion 220 of a third infant bib herein, which may be appreciated to be a variation of the lower portion 120 of the second infant bib 101 herein. Thus, the lower portion 220 of the third infant bib herein may be used with the upper portion 110 of the second infant bib 101 and be folded up into a storage pouch configuration just as the second infant bib 101 may be so folded up. The lower portion 220 is typically formed of a plastic polymer material (e.g. polyethylene or polypropylene).

As before, the lower portion 220 is provided with a linear series of male popper fastening elements 232 (male elements facing away from the infant, in use) arranged for fastening interaction with a similar linear series of female popper fastening elements 130 (female elements facing towards the infant, in use) provided to the upper portion 110 (of the second bib 101). Thus, the upper portion 110 (of the second bib 101 ) may be detachably fastened to the lower portion 220 to form the third infant bib herein.

Again as before, the lower portion 220 is provided along its upper edge 226 with a second series of male popper fastening elements 240 (male elements facing away from the infant, in use) arranged for interaction with a second series of female popper fastening elements 242 (female elements facing away from the infant, in use) arranged along its lower edge 222 and thus, on the exterior face of the trough 224.

The lower portion 220 is further provided with a first lateral living hinge 250 locating just above the top level of the trough 224 and just below and alongside the first series of male popper fastening elements 232. The lower portion 220 is also further provided with a second lateral living hinge 252 locating above and parallel to the first lateral living hinge 250 and just below and alongside the second series of male popper fastening elements 240. The lower portion 220 may thus, now be thought of as being divided into trough 224, which lies below the first lateral living hinge 250; an intermediate portion 227 lying between the first 250 and second 252 lateral living hinges; and a higher portion 228 lying above the second lateral living hinge 252.

Referring now to Figure 11 , there is shown a configuration, in which the upper portion 220 of the third infant bib has been folded down about the first lateral living hinge 250 and the second lateral living hinge 252, thereby defining a storage pouch. Overall, when adopting that storage pouch form the intermediate portion 227 may be seen to comprise a cover for the trough 224. The higher portion 228, which may be seen to fold down (at about 90° angle) over part of the lower edge 222, may be seen to form a flap closure for the lower edge 222. As with the second infant bib 101 herein, the rolled-up lower portion 110 thereof would be stowed within that storage pouch form. The pouch is fastened by means of the fastening interaction between the second series of male popper fastening elements 240 along the upper (now rolled over) edge 226 of the upper section 220 with the second series of female popper fastening elements 242 along its lower edge 222 thereof. The fastened pouch thereby, provides a convenient storage and carrying configuration for the third infant bib. Applicant has found that the presence of the lateral living hinges 250, 252 greatly improves the ease of folding up the upper portion 220 to form the storage pouch form. Figure 12 shows a lower portion 320 of a fourth infant bib herein, which may be appreciated to be a slight variation of the lower portion 220 of the third infant bib herein. Thus, the lower portion 320 of the fourth infant bib herein may also be used with the upper portion 110 of the second infant bib 101 and be folded up into a storage pouch configuration just as the second infant bib 101 may be so folded up. The lower portion 320 is typically formed of a plastic polymer material (e.g. polyethylene or polypropylene).

The lower portion 320 of the fourth infant bib herein differs from the lower portion of the third infant bib herein only in that the first series of male popper fastening elements 232 of the third infant bib lower portion is absent. The upper portion 110 therefore instead attaches (by two popper connection only) to the second series of male popper fastening elements 340. All other elements and functional details of the lower portion 320 of the fourth infant bib herein correspond to that of the lower portion 220 of the third infant bib herein, and for succinctness are not described in detail.

The application of which this description and claims form part may be used as a basis for priority in respect of any subsequent application. The claims of such subsequent application may be directed to any feature or combination of features described therein. They may take the form of product, method or use claims and may include, by way of example and without limitation, one or more of the following claims:

Claims

1. An infant bib for use when feeding an infant with foodstuffs comprising

wherein the lower portion is arranged such that in a storage configuration, the upper edge rolls up over at least part of the lower edge thereof to form a cover for said trough, thereby defining a storage pouch.

2. An infant bib according to claim 1 , wherein said storage pouch is arranged for receipt of the upper portion therewithin.

3. An infant bib according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the upper portion is arranged for rolling or folding up whilst connected to the upper portion and placing in a rolled or folded up state into the trough of the upper portion, and wherein in said storage configuration said rolled or folded up upper portion is covered by said cover of the storage pouch.

4. An infant bib according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lower portion is provided with a pouch fastener for fastening the upper edge to the lower edge thereof in the storage pouch configuration.

5. An infant bib according to claim 4, wherein said pouch fastener corresponds in whole or in part to the fastener for fastening the upper portion to the lower portion.

6. An infant bib according to either of claims 4 or 5, wherein said pouch fastener comprises one or more first pouch fastening elements provided to the upper edge of the upper portion arranged for fastening interaction with one or more second pouch fastening elements provided to the lower edge of the upper portion.

7. An infant bib according to claim 6, wherein said one or more first pouch fastening elements are provided to the exterior face of the upper edge of the upper portion and said one or more second pouch fastening elements are provided to the exterior face of the lower edge of the upper portion.

8. An infant bib according to either of claims 6 or 7, wherein the one or more first pouch fastening elements and the one or more second pouch fastening elements comprise poppers.

9. An infant bib according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lower portion is provided with one or more distinct lateral fold lines arranged to assist the rolling or folding up thereof into a storage pouch configuration.

10. An infant bib according to claim 9, wherein each of the one or more lateral fold lines is defined by a scored line, groove or living hinge.

11. An infant bib according to either of claims 9 or 10, wherein a first lateral fold line is provided to the lower portion at a position just above the level of the lower edge of the lower portion.

12. An infant bib according to claim 11 , wherein a second lateral fold line is provided to the lower portion at a position parallel to and above the first lateral fold line.

13. An infant bib according to either of claims 11 or 12, wherein the first lateral fold line locates below and parallel to a linear series of first pouch fastening elements provided to the upper edge of the upper portion.

14. An infant bib according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the upper portion comprises a single material.

15. An infant bib according to claim 14, wherein said single material is arranged to be disposable, particularly bio-degradable.

16. An infant bib according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the upper portion comprises layers of different materials.

17. An infant bib according to claim 16, wherein the upper portion comprises a first, outwardly facing layer of liquid permeable material and a second, inwardly facing layer of liquid impermeable material.

18. An infant bib according to claim 17, wherein said liquid permeable material comprises cotton or paper material and said liquid impermeable material comprises a plastic polymer material.

19. An infant bib according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein said connector is offset from the centre.

20. An infant bib according to any of claims 1 to 19, wherein the lower portion comprises a liquid impermeable material.

21. An infant bib according to claim 20, wherein said liquid impermeable material is a plastic polymer material.

22. An infant bib according to claim 21 , wherein said plastic polymer material is an injection-moulded plastic polymer material.

23. An infant bib according to any of claims 1 to 22 in kit of parts form.