DISPENSABLE BIBS AND METHODS OF FORMING SAME

A continuum of dispensable bibs includes a roll of bibs, wherein each bib has one or more perforated edges allowing the bibs to be dispensed from the continuum. The bibs may be eco-friendly and may include one of several types of cut-out areas for the head of the wearer. Each dispensed bib may include a pouch or an adhesive area or other means of binding up the bib after use to prevent spills or unwanted smells.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus provide a dispensable sanitary bib in a convenient and efficient manner. More specifically, the present invention discloses a continuum of dispensable bibs that may be separated along perforations and features may be created by separation along additional perforations.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Teething toddlers are known for their involuntary drooling, spills, and drips that accompany every meal. Bibs have become the standard solution for preventing soiled clothes and keeping baby neat and dry. Most bibs on the market today are washable and may be impermeable but are certainly designed to be fashionable, durable, washable, and reusable.

The unintended consequence, though, is that such bibs are heavier than necessary and would probably be described as irritating if baby could talk. This also makes transporting additional bibs unwieldy in some circumstances. Senior care of elderly adults who lack motor skills to feed themselves without some spillage of food and/or drinks presents similar concerns.

Reusable bibs of cloth and/or plastic type materials have been used in many forms, however, reusable bibs are difficult to efficiently transport and clean once used.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Accordingly, the present invention provides for a continuum of dispensable bibs that may be made available at a location of use and be dispensed, deployed, and disposed of, in an efficient and sustainable manner. A continuum of bib material is disclosed with strategically placed perforations for ease of separation portions of the roll into usable bibs and formation of bib features. In some embodiments, the dispensable bibs may have customizable openings based upon a desired size of the bib.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a continuum of bib material having a first surface and a second surface. The continuum may include separation perforations formed into the bib material in a pattern defining a shape of a bib, the perforations permitting controlled tearing of the bib material along the pattern defining the shape of the bib. The continuum may additionally include head flap perforations formed into the continuum of bib material in a pattern defining a shape of a head flap and a head space within the pattern defining the shape of the bib, the head space sizeable for circumventing a head of a wearer, and the head space bordered at least in part by a neck collar portion, the neck collar portion configured to support the bib covering at least a portion of a torso of the wearer.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features: a continuum where the head flap is foldable over a portion of the bib material to a position that additionally covers at least a portion of a torso of the wearer. The Continuum may additionally have a super absorbent polymer on one or both of the first surface and the second surface. In some embodiments, the polymer is formed via fermentation of renewable biomass. A liquid impermeable material may be included on one or both of the first surface and the second surface, in some embodiments, the continuum where the liquid impermeable material may include a polyurethane and/or a wax.

Still further, in some embodiments, the continuum may additionally include a securing strap formed via tearing along a securing strap perforation. A leg contour portion may compliment a shape of a neck collar portion of an adjacent bib included in the continuum of dispensable bibs. In addition, a leg extension portion may be adjacent to a leg contour portion.

Methods may include tearing a continuum of bib material having a first surface and a second surface along a series of multiple bib separation perforations formed into the continuum of bib material in a pattern defining a shape of the bib.

A head flap may be created via tearing a series of multiple head flap perforations additionally formed into the continuum of bib material in a pattern defining a shape of a head flap. The head flap may be folded to cause a portion of the second surface of the bib material having the head flap to cover a corresponding area of the first surface of the bib material, the folding of the head flap creating a head space bordered by a neck collar portion of the bib material within the pattern defining the shape of the bib, the head space sizeable for circumventing a head of a wearer, and the head space bordered at least in part by the neck collar portion.

Method may in addition include placing head of a wearer through the head space. Method may moreover include supporting the bib against a torso of a wearer via the neck collar portion resting on a neck of the wearer. Method may also include receiving a substance on one of the first surface and the second surface of the bib material as the bib is supported against the torso of the wearer. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

Methods may additionally include positioning the bib and/or the head flap over at least a portion of the torso of the wearer. A neck collar portion may be formed via tearing of a series of head flap perforations. The neck collar portion may be placed around a neck of the wearer to rest on the neck of the wearer.

A substance received on one of the first surface and the second surface, such as a food stuff, a drink, medicine or other material containing liquid. According to some aspects, the liquid may be absorbed into the bib material to prevent the liquid running off the bib and onto an item the bib wearer is attempting to protect, such as clothing. A super absorbent polymer may be used to absorb the liquid. In some embodiments, the polymer may be formed via fermentation of renewable biomass. A pattern defining a shape of the bib may include multiple series of head flap perforations, each series corresponding with a different head size, and the method may additionally include the step of selecting one of the multiple series of head flap perforations to tear.

In some embodiments, one or both of the first surface and the second surface may include a liquid impermeable material and a liquid placed on the bib may be repelled at least partially by the liquid impermeable material. In some embodiments, the liquid impermeable material may include a polyurethane, or a wax.

The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless clearly indicated otherwise. Dimensions, where shown, are typical dimensions in units of inches.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following sections, detailed descriptions of examples and methods of the disclosure will be given. The description of both preferred and alternative examples though thorough, are exemplary only, and it is understood to those skilled in the art that variations, modifications, and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to be understood the examples do not limit the broadness of the aspects of the underlying disclosure.

Referring now toFIG.1, a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a perforated bib continuum100illustrates a bib102as dispensed from the perforated bib continuum100, in accordance with the present invention is shown. As illustrated, a perforated bib continuum100may include multiple bibs102formed via perforations103in a unitary length of bib material101. The unitary length of bib material101may be arranged in a suitable manner for storage, such as, by way of non-limiting example, one or more of: folded, stacked, and rolled (e.g., wound around central cylinder104, as illustrated).

The bib material may include one or more of: polyvinyl material, polyurethane laminate, terrycloth, flannel, bamboo, cotton, nylon, minky, cellulose (including waterproofed cellulose), or other material or fabric suitable for use in a bib, diaper, and super absorbent substance. In some exemplary embodiments, a constituent bib material101may include an eco-friendly material to allow for safe disposal.

In some preferred embodiments, a bib material101may include a composite of materials with multiple disparate properties (e.g.,108-110) that bring different physical characteristics to the bib102. For example, as illustrated, a bib material101, may include one or more of a) a base material108that provides physical strength, modulus, weight, thickness, curl, compressibility, flammability, tear resistance, and other physical characteristics; b) an absorbent109, such as, by way of non-limiting example a super absorbent polymer (SAP) that is non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant, and non-mutagenic, including nano-fiber SAPS, biopolymers via fermentation of renewable biomass (e.g. AzuraGel™) polyglutamate based biogel, starch based acrylate, bio-based acrylate, and/or oil based acrylate; and c) a liquid resistant and/or liquid impermeable material110, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a polyurethane, thermoplastic, wax, polyvinyl, or other water resistant material. The disparate materials are illustrated as separate layers, but may also be combined such that multiple desired properties exist in a single material.

In some embodiments, the bibs102included in the bib continuum100may come in alternating distinguishing features, such as patterns or colors that assist a user dispensing a bib102in ascertaining between adjacent bibs102in the bib continuum100.

A Bib continuum100includes multiple dispensed bibs102. As illustrated, a bib continuum100is wound around a central cylinder104. As a portion of the bib material101is unwound, one or more patterns of perforations103become accessible. A bib separation perforation111may be torn to ease a detachment of a bib102from the bib continuum100with minimal compromising of the structural integrity or shape of dispensed bib102(or the next dispensed bib in bib continuum100).

As illustrated a Dispensed bib102may have an arc shape to mimic a shape of a wearer's body around their neck (as illustrated), or it may have any other suitable shape, including a rectangular shape. A rectangular shape may be desirable to simplify a pattern of perforations cut into a length of bib material101with two parallel sides.

Perforations103may also facilitate folding down of a head flap107, which when folded away from a neck strap107A allows a wearer's head to extend through the bib102and a wearer's neck to support the bib102. Shapes of patterns for bib102and associated perforations103may vary according to a purpose for a use of the bib102, and associated features, such a bib102that extends down a torso and at least partially protects a top of the wearer's legs and lap area.

In some embodiments, a dispensed bib102may include one or more adhesive areas106to allow for easy closure of the bib following use. Adhesive areas may include an application of glue (such as a non-toxic adhesive and/or a low volatile organic compound adhesive), acrylic foam, Velcro, or other material with sufficient tackiness or viscoelasticity to allow a used bib to be closed. In some embodiments, adhesive areas106may simply be an extended strip (which may be perforated) of bib material to allow the bib to be tied up after use.

In some embodiments, adhesive area106may further include a scent quality to mask the scent of a used bib. For example, this scent may be created through the use of one or more essential oils integral to the bib. In some embodiments, these oils may be surrounded by microcapsules that break easily when rubbed, allowing the scent to be preserved until needed.

As mentioned, dispensed bibs102may include perforations103to allow for easier detachment from bib continuum100. Perforations103may be created using a perforating device, such as perforating scissors. Perforations103may have a perforation length105; e.g., an amount of perforated material, which may be used to adjust a length of a bib102based on one or more of physical characteristics of a bib user (e.g., larger neck, longer chest, special needs), or a particularized use for the bib (e.g., dining, crafts, painting).

In exemplary embodiments, bib continuum100may include a cavity extending through the central cylinder104. In exemplary embodiments, this cavity may be roughly tubular to allow for a greater variety of central cylinder104compatibilities. Central cylinder104may preferably include a biodegradable material, such as a cellulose fiber material or a material having synergistic or preservative qualities relative to the material of the bibs. For example, if bib continuum100includes bibs102that are designed to be disposable, the bib material may include, for example a polyurethane laminate with a child-safe wax coating to improve dispensing speed.

Similarly, if bib continuum100comprises one or more disposable bibs102made from an eco-friendly material, then it may be desirable to ensure central cylinder104is also made from an eco-friendly material to allow for safer disposal.

Referring now toFIG.2, alternative embodiments of a perforated bib continuum200, together with a bib202dispensed therefrom, is illustrated. As illustrated, in some embodiments, a perforated bib roll200includes a bib continuum200, which dispenses one or more dispensed bibs202. The dispensed bibs202include perforations203defining a shape of the dispensed bib202, and features included into the dispensed bib202, such as an adjustable head cut out area204. The bib continuum200may be deployed about central cylinder208to allow for ease of access to the bibs202, or may be folded and stacked, or simply stacked.

As illustrated, a head cut-out area204may be fully cut through the bib material201, or cut with perforations203. In some embodiments, in addition to a first head cut-out area204defined via perforations in the bib material201, one or more additional head cut-out areas205may be defined via additional perforations. A user may select a suitable size of a head cut-out area204-205so that a size of a head cut-out area204-205may be adjusted based upon a physical characteristic of the user (e.g., larger head, larger neck) or the particularized need for the dispensed bib202(e.g., eating, painting).

Additionally, as illustrated inFIGS.2, some embodiments may include longer side perforations203. The longer side perforations203provide for a tie area206, which allows for strips of bib material201to be tied together to secure the dispensed bib202for one or both of securing the bib202to a wearer, and in a wrapped configuration in preparation for disposal once the bib202has been used and is ready for disposal. Ties206may be used in place of, or in addition to adhesive (adhesive may be included, for example, as shown in adhesive area106inFIG.1).

Referring now toFIGS.3,3A and3B, alternative embodiments of a perforated bib continuum300, and bibs302dispensed therefrom, are illustrated. The perforated bib continuum will include a continuum of multiple dispensable bibs302that are separable via tearing along a series of multiple bib separation perforations303. In addition, features, such as a head flap308and/or a securing strap311may be created via tearing along feature perforations, such as head space perforations307and securing strap perforations313, additional perforations may also be used to create additional features.

As illustrated, in some embodiments, bib separation perforations303may be associated with a shape of a bib302that is arcuate or in a shape other than that of a straight line. A chosen shape may be more ergonomic or otherwise more comfortable for the wearer. A chosen shape may be selected for a different length of bib302than that shown in previous embodiments, as an arcuate bib separation perforations303in a first bib may form an arcuate lap contour305and a leg extension305A in a next dispensed bib302. A length of a bib202may be sized to extend over a wearer's torso and onto the wearer's lap and the lap contour305may follow a curve that brings the leg extensions305A over the wearer's legs.

In some embodiments, a composite material used to form the perforated bib roll300may include a cavity with three sides essentially sealed and a fourth side sealable with an adhesive to form a pouch. The pouch may include a removable adhesive seal along the fourth side. In some designs, the pouch may be incorporated into the dispensable bib302or attached to the dispensable bib302and usable to fold up and store the dispensable bib302in. Before the bib302is used, the pouch309may be used to keep the bib302clean, and after the bib302is used and soiled, the bib302may be stored in the pouch309with the soiled portions contained until the soiled bib302may be properly discarded.

Referring now toFIG.3A, in some embodiments, a head space306may be created through head space perforations307in the bib302that create a head flap308. Head flap308may include a roughly circular or stadium shape (e.g., a two-dimensional capsule-shape) whose base is not perforated, but the rest of head flap308may be defined by perforations along its boundary. In this way, the head flap308may simply open downwards from dispensed bib302and create an additional layer of protection to catch dropped liquid, food, paint, or other items. In some embodiments, a surface of the head flap308A that becomes a top surface when folded down to open the head space306may include an absorbent and/or superabsorbent, or be a liquid impermeable material.

In some embodiments, a bib continuum300may include a sequence of head flap308sizes to accommodate different size wearers. For example, in some embodiments, a small head flap may be followed by a medium head flap which in turn is followed by a large head flap308. A user may unwind a bib continuum301until a correct sized head flap is available. Any unused head flap308areas may become part of a larger bib.

In some embodiments, a bib302may include a base that includes a cellulose wood and fiber crop fibers base material with resins and/or other adhesives, other embodiments, may include a polyolefin, polyethylene, or other man-made material.

A neck collar310may be formed by detaching the head flap along the head space perforations307leaving a strip of perforated bib roll300that may be situated on the neck behind a wearer's head.

Referring now toFIG.3B, in some embodiments, a securing strap311may be formed alongside the dispensable bib302and separable from the neck collar310via a securing strap perforation313. The securing strap311may be used to tie the bib302onto a wearer and/or to tie the bib302in a compacted state that may be created by folding the bib302onto itself after the bib302is used.

Referring now toFIG.4, a flowchart illustrates steps that may be performed in an exemplary process400according to some embodiments of the present invention.

As shown inFIG.4, process400may include tearing a continuum of bib material having a first surface and a second surface along a series of multiple bib separation perforations formed into the continuum of bib material in a pattern defining a shape of the bib (step401).

At step402, a head flap may be created via tearing a series of multiple head flap perforations additionally formed into the continuum of bib material in a pattern defining a shape of a head flap.

At step403the head flap may be folded to cause a portion of the second surface of the bib material having the head flap to cover a corresponding area of the first surface of the bib material, the folding of the head flap creating a head space bordered by a neck collar portion of the bib material within the pattern defining the shape of the bib, the head space sizeable for circumventing a head of a wearer, and said head space bordered at least in part by the neck collar portion.

At step404, a head of a wearer may be placed through the head space.

At step405, the bib may be placed against a torso of a wearer via the neck col lar portion resting on a neck of the wearer.

At step406, a substance may be received on one of the first surface and the second surface of the bib material as the bib is supported against the torso of the wearer.

At step407, the head flap may be positioned over at least a portion of the torso of the wearer.

At step408, a neck collar portion may be formed via tearing a series of head flap perforations. The neck collar portion may be placed around the neck of a wearer to rest on the neck of the wearer.

At step409, a liquid received on one or both of the first surface and the second surface may be absorbed.

At step410, in some embodiments, the liquid may be absorbed with a super absorbent polymer.

At step411, a user may select on of a series of multiple head perforations, and at step412the user may tear the selected head flap perforation.

At step413, a liquid spilled onto one or both of the first surface and the second surface may be repelled, such as with a liquid impermeable substance.

A number of embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. While this specification contains many specific implementation details, there should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosures or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the present disclosure. While embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein by way of example using several illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or drawings described. It should be understood the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the form disclosed, but to the contrary, the present disclosure is to cover all modification, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present disclosure.

Similarly, while method steps may be depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.

Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments.

Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order show, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.