Abstract:
A bib having a first panel and a storage container. The first panel has a collar constructed in a first end. The storage container has a first and a second side, an upper opening and a lower closed end. The first panel also has a second end which is attached to an upper end of the second side of the storage container in order to capture spillage while the bib is in use. The first panel can also be folded down into the storage container and secured by a fastener about the upper opening of the storage container.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/775,425 filed Mar. 8, 2013; the contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety into this disclosure. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The subject disclosure relates to a bib, and in particular a combined bib and storage device. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Conventionally, an infant bib is worn hanging from the neck and extends over the chest to protect clothing from the spilling of food or drink. Traditionally, a caregiver has various items to transport when taking an infant away from the home. A few examples carried for a feeding time may include a bib, formula and snacks, etc. Because of the special needs of a young infant, a caregiver oftentimes has to carry a bag or the like to transport the various items around during the day. 
         [0004]    Thus, there is a long-standing need to have a bib configured to address these needs. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components or steps, with reference to the following figures, wherein: 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of an exemplary convertible bib according to the subject disclosure. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  shows a rear view of an exemplary convertible bib according to the subject disclosure. 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  shows an adjustable fastener attached to the bib. 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  depicts a full side cross section view of the bib. 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  illustrates the bib position in use during meal time. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 6-11  show the folding down and storage of the first panel of the bib. 
           [0012]      FIG. 12  illustrates a partial cross section view of the storage container of the bib. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 13-14  depict the storage container including another item for storage in addition to the first panel 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the figures. 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary convertible bib  10  having a combined bib and storage container  20  with an adjustable fastener  40  attached thereto. As described in more detail later, the convertible bib  10  is foldable and can be collapsed down and stored in the storage container  20 . 
         [0016]    Various items can also be conveniently stored in the storage container  20  according to this subject disclosure. The convertible bib  10  can be portably stored in a small bag and conveniently carried by a caregiver. Various items can be secured in the storage container  20 , such as, but not limited to, a spoon, travel size wet wipes, squeezable baby food containers, hand sanitizer, etc., for use while dining away from home. 
         [0017]    The convertible bib  10  includes a first panel  12  having a collar  13  disposed at a first end adapted to extend around the neck of a user. The collar  13  may include two sub-collar portions  13   a,    13   b  that extend around the neck of the infant and are adapted to secure the convertible bib  10  to the infant. 
         [0018]    A first closure device  14  including at least two mating fastening portions  14   a,    14   b  may be disposed at the top end of the collar portions  13   a,    13   b  to connect the collar  13  around the neck of the user. The closure device  14  provides an adjustable means by which the collar portions  13   a,    13   b  can be incrementally adjusted and secured to the first collar portion  13   a  to the second collar portion  13   b  around the neck of the wearer and to remain securely on the neck. The closure device  14  can be one or more metal snaps, plastic snaps, buttons and button holes, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g. VELCRO®), zippers, magnets sewn into the collar with polarities arranged for magnetic attraction and closure, and/or any other suitable closure mechanism in accordance with this subject disclosure. 
         [0019]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first panel  12  extends from the collar  13  portion downward and attaches to a top edge  24   a  of a rear panel  24  in the storage container  20 . The storage container  20  includes a front panel  22  and a rear panel  24 . 
         [0020]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-2  and  4 , the front panel  22  and the rear panel  24  of the storage container  20  include an unattached open mouth  26  portion. The remainder of the sides  22   b  of the front panel  22 , and the remainder of the sides  24   b  of the rear panel  24  are attached to each other along their respective sides  22   b,    24   b  and define an open pocket  21  into which various items may be stored. The pocket  21  is designed to catch various items during feeding, such as capturing food particles, liquids, and/or other items during the feeding process. 
         [0021]    The various panels of the convertible bib  10  are comprised of a material that can be easily cleaned and washed after use. That is, the convertible bib  10  can be comprised of a polymer, fabric and/or any other suitable material according to this subject disclosure. The material of the convertible bib  10  can be protective water-repellant and stain-resistant layer. The protective water-repellant and stain-resistant layer can cover, or make up, each surface of the convertible bib  10  and/or selected surfaces of the convertible bib  10 . 
         [0022]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the top edge  22   a  of the front panel of the storage container  20 , and the top edge  24   a  of the rear panel  24  of the storage container  20  can include mating closure elements of a second closure device  30 . A first closure element  30   a  of the second closure device  30  may be disposed on the inside of the seam disposed at the top of the front panel  22 . A second closure element  30   b  of the second closure device  30  may be disposed on the inside of the seam disposed at the top of the rear panel  24 . The first closure element  30   a  faces the second closure element  30   b.  When the storage container  20  is to be secured closed, the first closure element  30   a  is matingly secured to the second closure element  30   b.    
         [0023]    As before, the second closure device  30  can be one or more metal snaps, plastic snaps, buttons and button holes, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g. VELCRO®), zippers, magnets sewn into the collar with polarities arranged for magnetic attraction and closure, and/or any other suitable closure mechanism in accordance with this subject disclosure. 
         [0024]    Various seams  50  can be sewn by various stitches  60  into the edges of the bib to reinforce the edges from tear. Likewise, the edges of the bib can be folded over or built up to provide added rigidity to the edges of the bib  10 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 5  shows an adjustable fastener  40 . The adjustable fastener  40  can be attached to the convertible bib  10  at any suitable location. The adjustable fastener  40  can be composed of a first closure element  40   a  and a second closure element  40   b.  In use, the first closure element  40   a  faces the second closure element  40   b  for adjustable attachment purposes. The adjustable fastener  40  can securely attach the convertible bib  10  to another object, such as an infant carrier, a stroller, a belt loop and/or any other object intended to carry the convertible bib  10 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 5  shows an exemplary configuration of use for the convertible bib  10 . That is, the convertible bib  10  is secured around the infant&#39;s neck such that the pocket  21  opens outwardly from the front of the convertible bib  10  and acts as a tap to catch any spillage of food or liquid or during mealtime that would otherwise fall into the infants lap during meal time. As shown, the front panel  22  is slightly opened forward. 
         [0027]    After mealtime has been completed, the convertible bib  10  can be folded downward and placed into the storage container  20 . Although not shown, it is contemplated that the storage container  20  can include one or more dividers. 
         [0028]      FIGS. 6-12  depict the folding and storage of the first panel  12  of the convertible bib  10  into the storage container  20 . In more detail, in  FIGS. 6-9 , the first panel  12  of the convertible bib  10  is shown incrementally folded over and placed into the storage container  20  of the convertible bib  10 . 
         [0029]    In  FIGS. 10-12 , the storage container  20  is shown secured closed. That is, the first and second closure elements  30   a  and  30   b  of the second closure device  30  are shown secured closed thereby preventing the contents within the pocket  21  from falling out of the storage container  20 .  FIG. 12  shows a partial cross section of the first panel  12  folded and stored within the storage container  20 . 
         [0030]      FIGS. 13-14  further demonstrate that various other items  70  may be conveniently stored and secured within the pocket  21  in addition to the first panel  12 , such as spoons, snacks, toys, juices or the like. 
         [0031]    The bib is constructed to be easily cleaned. At a suitable location, such as a wash basin, the convertible bib  10  can be opened and conveniently washed and made ready for its next use. The advantage of the convertible bib  10  is in its ability to catch spillage and to keep the infant&#39;s clothing clean and protected. The convertible bib  10  may designed aesthetically pleasing and fashionable. 
         [0032]    The illustrations and examples provided herein are for explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above described embodiment without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It is understood therefore that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment which is described, but is intended to cover all modifications and changes within the scope and spirit of the invention.