U.S. patent application number 09/921962 was filed with the patent office on 2001-12-06 for disposable bib.
Invention is credited to Marrero, A. Leslie.
Application Number | 20010047532 09/921962 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23712911 |
Filed Date | 2001-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010047532 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marrero, A. Leslie |
December 6, 2001 |
Disposable bib
Abstract
A disposable bib, comprising a liquid-permeable top layer (18),
an absorbent inner-core (20), a waterproof, air-permeable back
layer (22). Each layer is configured to provide an apron (10),
While the top and back layers continue to flow in continues format
to provide a C shaped collar (12). An adhesive bond (24) is
provided throughout the bib to adhere each layer, one to another,
and configured within the apron (10) to provide a cross-stitch
pattern equivalent to quilting, to aid in controlling the expansion
of the absorbent inner-core. The bib is preferably constructed from
bio-degradable materials.
Inventors: |
Marrero, A. Leslie; (Austin,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
A. LESLIE MARRERO
1841 FRIARS TALE LN.
AUSTIN
TX
78748
US
|
Family ID: |
23712911 |
Appl. No.: |
09/921962 |
Filed: |
August 3, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09921962 |
Aug 3, 2001 |
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09431664 |
Oct 30, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/49.1 ;
2/49.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 13/10 20130101;
A41B 2400/52 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/49.1 ;
2/49.4 |
International
Class: |
A41B 013/10 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A disposable bib of biodegradable materials, comprising: a
liquid permeable top layer; an inner core comprised of hydro-gel;
an air permeable, water-proof back layer; said top layer, inner
core, and back layer being configured to provide an apron, while
said top layer and back layer continue to flow in a c-shaped format
to provide a collar extending from one side of the apron, and
terminating in a free end, adjacent to a second side of the apron,
and being adapted for surrounding a baby's neck, when the apron
generally overlies the baby's chest; and means for securing the
free end of said collar in overlapping relationship to the second
side of the apron at a location equivalent to a baby's shoulder,
after said collar has been placed around the back of a baby's neck;
and means for securing said top layer, inner core, and back layer
together in overlapping relationship, including a quantity of
non-toxic adhesive along the outer boundaries of the apron, and the
outer boundaries of the collar and round neck opening, while also
providing a cross-stitch pattern through-out the apron portion of
said bib.
2. A disposable bib of biodegradable materials, according to claim
1 wherein the top layer is made of a liquid-permeable, non-toxic,
flexible material.
3. A disposable bib of biodegradable materials, according to claim
1 wherein the inner core is made of an absorbing, non-toxic
hydro-gel.
4. A disposable bib of bio-degradable materials, according to claim
1 wherein the back layer is made of a water-proof, air-permeable
material allowing for a cloth-like feel, said material being
non-toxic and flexible.
Description
[0001] This is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No.
09/431,664, submitted Oct. 30, 19/99.
BACKGROUND--FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to disposable bibs,
specifically to baby bibs for the collection and retention of
bodily fluids, liquid matter, the protection of clothing, &
most importantly healthier, drier skin. This disposable bib is of
novel construction and concepts.
[0003] A variety of bibs exist in the prior art, whose primary
object is to provide a means for protecting the clothing of
infants, and the aged from saliva running from their mouths
(dribble). There are many United States patents which describe
disposable bib construction. These include U.S. Pat. No. 3,654,629
to Crisman et al. (1972), U.S. Pat. No 4,733,411 to Foti (1988),
U.S. Pat. No. 4,780,911 (1988), U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,099 (1988) both
to Mack. Each of these patents contain one or more of the following
disadvantages; an absorbent top layer which keeps moisture at the
surface of the bib. Bibs that contain an absorbent material top
layer which is thin, have very little absorbent qualities, allowing
for quick saturation. In both instances, moisture is collected and
retained in the top layer, resulting in damp skin around the neck
and chin area, and possible irritation.
[0004] Other disadvantages to the prior art are, little if any
absorbing properties within the bib to redirect moisture from the
surface of the bib away from the top layer, and the individuals
neck and chin area.
BACKGROUND--FIELD OF INVENTION CONT.
[0005] Further disadvantages to prior disposable bibs are the use
of vinyl, plastic, or coated back layers. While these backings
provide waterproofing, they lack air-permeability. This can result
in dampness to the underside of the bib due to moisture build-up on
the front side, and lack of ventilation on the back. This along
with the saturation of the top layer can produce damp skin and
clothing around the chest area and again, possible irritation.
[0006] In addition to the above disadvantages, these disposable
bibs lack biodegradability, while convenient, they have a negative
impact on the environment. It is my position, while previous
inventors tried to solve the issue of sanitary use and convenience,
little emphasis directed was towards the health of a babies skin.
It is also evident that society, in the past, unaware of the long
term effects of waste disposal on the environment, has now entered
an age where we see the need for better disposal of our
products.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention suggest a disposable bib, in which a
liquid-permeable top layer is combined with a liquid absorbent
inner-core comprised of hydro-gel, and a waterproof back layer, all
made preferably with bio-degradable materials. When used in
combination, exhibit softness, feel of touch and waterproofness, as
well as high productivity. The bio-degradable disposable bib also
provides air-permeability without reducing waterproofness. This
novel concept for a disposable bib allows for sanitary usage,
convenience of use and an environmentally safe product.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0008] It is therefore the primary object of the present invention,
to provide an improved bib which overcomes the disadvantages of the
prior art.
[0009] (a) It is another object of the present invention, to
provide a disposable bib with a liquid-permeable top layer. This
will allow moisture to penetrate the surface and flow into the
bib.
[0010] (b) It is another object of the present invention, to
provide a disposable bib with an absorbent inner-core comprised of
hydro-gel, which will draw moisture into the center of the bib.
Drawing moisture away from the top layer, and babies neck and chin
area, will keep the top layer of the bib and babies skin dryer.
[0011] (c) It is another object of the present invention, to
provide a disposable bib whose absorbent inner-core allows for
slower saturation of the bib, resulting in less frequent
changes.
[0012] (d) It is another object of the present invention, to
provide a disposable bib with a waterproof back layer which is also
air-permeable, creating a cloth-like feel, similar to disposable
diapers on the market today. The air-permeability will allow for
ventilation, thus reducing moisture build up on the underside of
the bib where it comes into contact with baby's chest. The result
being, dryer skin and clothing within and around the chest
area.
[0013] (e) It is another object of the present invention, to
provide a disposable bib with a side snap closure, being secured at
the shoulder to allow for easier maneuvering on and off the
baby.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES CONT.
[0014] (i) It is another object of the present invention, to
provide a disposable bib whose liquid permeable top layer,
absorbent inner-core and waterproof, air-permeable back layer are
constructed from bio-degradable materials. This provides an
environmentally safe product which is also sanitary and convenient
to use.
[0015] (g) It is another object of the present invention, to
provide adhesive bonding within the bib to control expansion of the
absorbent hydro-gel inner-core as it expands to contain fluids, and
to secure the various layers, one to another.
[0016] (h) Furthermore, not only it is our attempt to protect the
clothing of the user, but to specifically address the need for the
retention of bodily fluid and liquid within the bib, as well as
keeping the skin dryer.
[0017] Further objects and advantages, are to provide a bib which
is not only healthier and easier to use, but also bio-degradable,
providing an environmentally safe product. The proposed disposable
bib is conceptually similar to disposable diapers on the market
today. The disposable bib can be manufactured in coordination with
disposable diapers, in size, color and printed design, to allow a
consumer to purchase a disposable diaper and it's coordinating
disposable bib. While it is my intent to specifically address the
needs of babies, the utilization of this bib has a wider market
base than my preferred focus, such as hospitals, dental facilities,
nursing homes, eating establishments etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES
[0018] FIG. 1 Shows a plan view of a disposable bib according to
the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 Shows a frontal view detailing a means of attaching
the disposable bib to the user.
[0020] FIG. 3 Shows a layered view, taken across the apron in FIG.
1
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
[0021] 10 apron
[0022] 12 collar
[0023] 14 round neck opening
[0024] 16a snap cap
[0025] 16b snap base
[0026] 18 liquid-permeable top layer
[0027] 20 absorbent hydro-gel inner-core
[0028] 22 waterproof, air-permeable back layer
[0029] 24 adhesive bond
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, the illustrated embodiment of the bib
includes a generally square shaped apron 10 suitably dimensioned to
overlie a baby's chest, and a generally C-shaped collar 12
continuing from the apron and suitably dimensioned to surround a
baby's neck. The collar 12 extends from a first side of the apron
and terminates in a free end, adjacent to a second side of the
apron at the shoulder. The apron 10 and collar 12 define a round
neck opening 14. The bib can be manufactured in various sizes,
extra-small, small, medium, large, and extra-large.
[0031] Referring still to FIG. 1, the overall shape of the bib is
designed for comfort and functionality. The round neck opening 14
provides a comfortable fit. The collar 12 consisting of a
liquid-permeable top layer 18 and a waterproof, air-permeable back
layer 22 continue around the neck for attachment over a baby's
shoulder. It is much more convenient to attach or detach the collar
12 over the shoulder than behind the neck, as is the case with
conventional bibs. Thus in the event the baby falls asleep, this
bib may be easily detached without disturbing the child. As in the
use of this bib with those suffering infirmities, they need not be
subjected to the discomfort often accompanied with the raising and
lowering of the head, neck and shoulder area for the removal of the
bib. A printed design can placed on the bib, which may denote a
picture, slogan, or logo, etc . . . of a non-toxic color media. If
manufacturing this bib as a coordinated set with disposable
diapers, like designs may be printed on both the bib and
diaper.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT CONT.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, a small plastic snap provides a closure
for securing the free end of the collar 12 to the second side of
the apron 10 at the shoulder. The free end of the collar can be
connected and disconnected to the apron 10 quickly and easily.
Specifically, a snap cap 16a is permanently attached to the free
end of the collar 12. A snap base 16b is permanently attached to
the apron 10 at the shoulder, adjacent to the free side of the
collar 12. The small plastic snap is attached during the
manufacturing of the bib.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, the apron 10 has a three-ply
construction, including a liquid-permeable top layer 18, an
absorbent inner-core comprised of hydro-gel 20, and a waterproof,
air-permeable back layer 22 held together in overlapping
relationship by a non-toxic adhesive bond 24. The adhesive bonding
connects all three layers around the outer boundaries of the apron
10, collar 12, and round neck opening 14.
[0034] The adhesive bond 24 (FIG. 1) throughout the apron 10 is
achieved by spaced lines of non-toxic adhesive, running both
horizontally and vertically, or otherwise, at suitable angles to
each other, so as to form a cross-stitch pattern throughout the
apron 10 equivalent to quilting. The adhesive bond 24 will also aid
in controlling expansion of the absorbent inner-core 20 upon
absorption and retention of fluids. The adhesive bond also adds to
the integral strength of the bib, and reduces the likelihood of the
bib tearing apart during normal usage. It is also our desire that
the above materials be made with bio-degradable properties, similar
to bio-degradable, disposable diapers on the market today.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT CONT.
[0035] The functionality of this bib is conceptually similar to
disposable diapers currently on the market today. The bib is placed
over the user's chest, while the collar is placed around the back
of the neck and secured at the shoulder preferably with a small
plastic snap. At the point when liquid is introduced to the bib, it
flows through the liquid-permeable top layer 18 and into the
absorbent inner-core 20, where it is retained, allowing the top
layer to remain dryer. The water-proof, air permeable back layer 22
additionally insures that there will be no leakage through the bib
onto the user's clothing. The cloth-like feel provides a healthy
alternative by preventing moisture build up and perspiration on the
underside of the bib (FIG. 3).
SUMMARY, RAMIFICATION AND SCOPE
[0036] As previously stated, my disposable bib is conceptually
similar to disposable diapers in material and manufacture, thereby
allowing for an economical product. New technology has provided us
with thinner more absorbent diapers, and while not sacrificing
waterproofness, the outer shell has become more suitable to touch
in establishing air-permeability and cloth-likeness. It is my
intent to produce a bib of these same properties and strengths,
with the added benefit of bio-degradability.
[0037] Having illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of
my invention which contains many specificity's, these should not be
construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather
as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof.
SUMMARY, RAMIFICATION AND SCOPE CONT.
[0038] It will be appreciated that other embodiments can be derived
by changes in material, shape, size, types of closures, placement
of closures, and other details by those skilled in the art, without
departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the
subsequent claims.
* * * * *