U.S. patent application number 12/969993 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-01 for convertible bib system.
Invention is credited to Toni Lyons Phillips.
Application Number | 20120047618 12/969993 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45695146 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120047618 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Phillips; Toni Lyons |
March 1, 2012 |
CONVERTIBLE BIB SYSTEM
Abstract
A convertible bib system is disclosed. The bib system includes a
substrate base with a front side and a rear side, a catch-all
pocket, an adjustable bib clip strap, collar bands, recesses,
storage compartments, and various fastening devices. The bib system
is configured for storage of small items and for conversion from a
bib to a clutch/wallet. The bib system is configured as a bib for
secure attachment around the neck of a child, the capturing of food
particles and liquids, the subsequent cleaning of the bib and the
transport of the folded bib in a clutch/wallet state. The bib
system also is utilized for the storage of a multiplicity of
items.
Inventors: |
Phillips; Toni Lyons;
(Marietta, GA) |
Family ID: |
45695146 |
Appl. No.: |
12/969993 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61377093 |
Aug 26, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/49.2 ;
224/577 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 13/106 20130101;
A41B 13/103 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/49.2 ;
224/577 |
International
Class: |
A41B 13/10 20060101
A41B013/10; A45F 4/02 20060101 A45F004/02 |
Claims
1. A bib comprising: a substrate base comprised of a washable
material and having a front side and a rear side; a left top and a
right top defined within the substrate base to form a collar to
encompass the near of the wearer; at least one closure device
disposed at the distal end of each of the left top and right top of
the substrate base; a first collar band disposed upon the substrate
base; a second collar band disposed upon the substrate base; and a
catch-all pocket disposed upon the front side of the substrate base
and configured to capture food particles and liquids during the
feeding process.
2. The bib of claim 1, further comprising: a first recess defined
within the rear side of the substrate base and configured and
positioned to receive and conceal the top left of the substrate
base; and a second recess defined within the rear side of the
substrate and configured and positioned to receive and conceal the
top right of the substrate base.
3. The bib of claim 2, further comprising: an adjustable bib clip
strap having a first end and a second end and having a clip at each
end of the strap and an adjustment buckle to adjust the length of
the strap and configured to secure the bib around the neck of the
wearer with the first and second collar bands when the top left of
the substrate base is stored within the first recess and when the
top right of the substrate base is stored within the second
recess.
4. The bib of claim 1, further comprising: at least one storage
compartment defined with the rear side of the substrate base.
5. The bib of claim 4, further comprising: at least one closure
mechanism disposed upon the at least one storage compartment and
configured to close the at least one storage compartment to secure
at least one item stored within.
6. The bib of claim 5, wherein the at least one closure mechanism
is selected from the group consisting of: buttons, metal snaps,
plastic snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, and magnets.
7. The bib of claim 1, wherein the bib is configured such that the
bib folds into the catch-all pocket disposed upon the front side of
the substrate base.
8. The bib of claim 1, wherein the at least one closure device is
selected from the group consisting of: buttons, metal snaps,
plastic snaps, buttons and button holes, hook-and-loop fasteners,
zippers, and magnets sewn into the collar with polarities arranged
for magnetic attraction and closure.
9. The bib of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of magnets
disposed internally within the substrate base and configured to
facilitate the folding and securing of the bib into a
clutch/wallet.
10. The bib of claim 9, further comprising: an adjustable bib clip
strap having a first end and a second end and having a clip at each
end of the strap and an adjustment buckle to adjust the length of
the strap and configured as a strap with which to carry the
clutch/wallet.
11. The bib of claim 1, further comprising: a border defined within
a periphery of the substrate base and configured to provide
structural integrity during the use and cleaning of the bib.
12. The bib of claim 1, wherein the substrate base comprises a
plastic material.
13. The bib of claim 1, further comprising: a protective
water-repellant and stain-resistant layer affixed to the front side
of the substrate base.
14. The bib of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of storage
compartments defined with the rear side of the substrate base, each
compartment formed of a varied size relative to one another.
15. A combined bib and closable storage device comprising: a
substrate base comprised of a washable material and having a front
side and a rear side; a left top and a right top defined within the
substrate base to form a collar to encompass the near of the
wearer; at least one closure device disposed at the distal end of
each of the left top and right top of the substrate base; a first
collar band disposed upon the substrate base; a second collar band
disposed upon the substrate base; a catch-all pocket disposed upon
the front side of the substrate base and configured to capture food
particles and liquids during the feeding process, wherein the bib
is configured such that the bib is operably folded into the
catch-all pocket disposed upon the front side of the substrate
base; at least one storage compartment defined with the rear side
of the substrate base; and at least one closure mechanism disposed
upon the at least one storage compartment and configured to close
the at least one storage compartment to secure at least one item
stored within.
16. The combined bib and storage device of claim 15, further
comprising: a first recess defined within the rear side of the
substrate base and configured and positioned to receive and conceal
the top left of the substrate base; a second recess defined within
the rear side of the substrate and configured and positioned to
receive and conceal the top right of the substrate base; and a
protective water-repellant and stain-resistant layer affixed to the
front side of the substrate base.
17. The combined bib and storage device of claim 15, further
comprising: a plurality of storage compartments defined with the
rear side of the substrate base, each compartment formed of a
varied size relative to one another.
18. The combined bib and storage device of claim 16, further
comprising: an adjustable bib clip strap having a first end and a
second end and having a clip at each end of the strap and an
adjustment buckle to adjust the length of the strap and configured
to secure the bib around the neck of the wearer when the top left
of the substrate base is stored within the first recess and when
the top right of the substrate base is stored within the second
recess.
19. A convertible bib system comprising: a substrate base comprised
of a washable material and having a front side and a rear side; a
left top and a right top defined within the substrate base to form
a collar to encompass the near of the wearer; at least one closure
device disposed at the distal end of each of the left top and right
top of the substrate base; a first collar band disposed upon the
substrate base and configured for receipt of the left top of the
substrate base; a second collar band disposed upon the substrate
base and configured for receipt of the right top of the substrate
base; a catch-all pocket disposed upon the front side of the
substrate base and configured to capture food particles and liquids
during the feeding process, wherein the bib is configured such that
the bib is operably folded into the catch-all pocket disposed upon
the front side of the substrate base; a plurality of magnets
disposed internally within the substrate base and configured to
facilitate the folding and securing of the bib into a
clutch/wallet; and an adjustable bib clip strap having a first end
and a second end and having a clip at each end of the strap and an
adjustment buckle to adjust the length of the strap and configured
to secure the bib around the neck of the wearer when the top left
of the substrate base is stored within the first recess and when
the top right of the substrate base is stored within the second
recess, and wherein the adjustable bib clip strap is adapted for
use as a strap with which to carry the clutch/wallet.
20. The convertible bib system of claim 19, further comprising: a
first recess defined within the rear side of the substrate base and
configured and positioned to receive and conceal the top left of
the substrate base; a second recess defined within the rear side of
the substrate and configured and positioned to receive and conceal
the top right of the substrate base; a protective water-repellant
and stain-resistant layer affixed to the front side of the
substrate base; a plurality of storage compartments defined with
the rear side of the substrate base, each compartment formed of a
varied size relative to one another; and at least one closure
mechanism disposed upon at least one of the plurality of storage
compartments and configured to close the at least one of the
plurality of storage compartments to secure at least one item
stored within.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] The present non-provisional patent application claims the
benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/377,093, which is entitled "CONVERTIBLE BIB SYSTEM", which was
filed on Aug. 26, 2010, and which is incorporated in full by
reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The technology described herein relates generally to bibs.
More specifically, the technology relates to a bib, a combined bib
and storage device, and a convertible bib system that are each
foldable, collapsible, and configured to convert from a
clutch/wallet to a bib and back to a clutch/wallet as well as store
items within storage compartments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Bibs are well known in the background art. Typically, a bib
is a garment worn hanging from the neck on the chest to protect
clothing from the spilling of food or drink. Bibs are particularly
useful for children and infants. Additionally, bibs can be used in
other circumstances such as for adults dining on lobster or other
messy foods, persons with special needs that require help in
eating, for patients in the dentist chair, for wear as an apron
while engaged in crafts, and so forth.
[0004] Existing bibs known in the background art are particularly
frustrating to caregivers of infants in several areas: inadequate
coverage of areas susceptible to spills, neck closure arrangements
that are easily pulled apart by the wearer (such as hook-and-loop
or snap fasteners), no storage areas for items used in the feeding
process, difficult to clean, not aesthetically pleasing, not
multi-functional, not easily stored and transported, short useful
life, useful only for feeding, etc. Thus, there is a long-standing
need to have a bib configured to address these and other needs.
[0005] Related patents known in the background art include the
following:
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,897, issued to Pistiolis et al. on Jun.
24, 2008, discloses a baby bag that is convertible to a baby
carrier.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 7,418,739, issued to Chan on Sep. 2, 2008,
discloses an article of clothing which has multi-purpose and
function.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,140, issued to Benjamin et al. on Dec.
31, 2002, discloses a bib having an improved pocket.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,745,399, issued to Austin on Jun. 8, 2004,
discloses an integrated baby bottle holder, bib, and pillow to aid
infant care givers in conveniently and comfortably feeding suckling
infants in any number of environments.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 7,444,685, issued to Rose on Nov. 4, 2008,
discloses a re-configurable mealtime accessory tote, comprising a
thin, pliant bib-shaped structure that has a first pocket on the
bib-shaped structure with a side opening to receive mealtime
utensils (e.g. fork and spoon) in a horizontal direction, and a
second pocket with a top opening to receive a drinking cup in the
horizontal opening.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,141, issued to Saltzman on Apr. 23, 1996
discloses a baby bib apparatus includes a bib member that has front
and rear panels with respective front and rear surfaces that are
preferably water resistant or water repellant.
[0012] The foregoing patent information reflects the state of the
art of which the inventor is aware and is tendered with a view
toward discharging the inventor's acknowledged duty of candor in
disclosing information that may be pertinent to the patentability
of the technology described herein. It is respectfully stipulated,
however, that the foregoing patent and other information do not
teach or render obvious, singly or when considered in combination,
the inventor's claimed invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described
herein provides a bib, a combined bib and storage device, and a
convertible bib system that are each foldable, collapsible, and
configured to convert from a clutch/wallet to a bib and back to a
clutch/wallet as well as store items within storage
compartments.
[0014] In one exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein
provides a bib. The bib includes: a substrate base comprised of a
washable material and having a front side and a rear side; a left
top and a right top defined within the substrate base to form a
collar to encompass the near of the wearer; at least one closure
device disposed at the distal end of each of the left top and right
top of the substrate base; a first collar band disposed upon the
substrate base; a second collar band disposed upon the substrate
base; and a catch-all pocket disposed upon the front side of the
substrate base and configured to capture food particles and liquids
during the feeding process. The bib is configured such that the bib
folds into the catch-all pocket disposed upon the front side of the
substrate base. The at least one closure device is selected from
the group consisting of: buttons, metal snaps, plastic snaps,
buttons and button holes, hook-and-loop fasteners
(e.g.VELCRO.RTM.), zippers, and magnets sewn into the collar with
polarities arranged for magnetic attraction and closure. The
substrate can be a washable material.
[0015] The bib also can include: a first recess defined within the
rear side of the substrate and configured and positioned to receive
and conceal the top left of the substrate base; and a second recess
defined within the rear side of the substrate and configured and
positioned to receive and conceal the top right of the substrate
base.
[0016] The bib further can include: an adjustable bib clip strap
having a first end and a second end and having a clip at each end
of the strap and an adjustment buckle to adjust the length of the
strap and configured to secure the bib around the neck of the
wearer when the top left of the substrate base is stored within the
first recess and when the top right of the substrate base is stored
within the second recess.
[0017] The bib also can include: at least one storage compartment
defined with the rear side of the substrate base; and at least one
closure mechanism disposed upon the at least one storage
compartment and configured to close the at least one storage
compartment to secure at least one item stored within. The one
closure mechanism can be selected from the group consisting of:
buttons, metal snaps, plastic snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g.
VELCRO.RTM.), zippers, and magnets.
[0018] The bib further can include: a plurality of magnets disposed
internally within the substrate base and configured to facilitate
the folding and securing of the bib into a clutch/wallet; and an
adjustable bib clip strap having a first end and a second end and
having a clip at each end of the strap and an adjustment buckle to
adjust the length of the strap and configured as a strap with which
to carry the clutch/wallet.
[0019] The bib also can include a border defined within a periphery
of the substrate base and configured to provide structural
integrity during the use and cleaning of the bib.
[0020] The bib further can include a protective water-repellant and
stain-resistant layer affixed to the front side of the substrate
base.
[0021] The bib also can include multiple storage compartments
defined with the rear side of the substrate base, each compartment
formed of a varied size relative to one another.
[0022] In another exemplary embodiment, the technology described
herein provides a combined bib and closable storage device. The
combined bib and closable storage device includes: a substrate base
comprised of a washable material and having a front side and a rear
side; a left top and a right top defined within the substrate base
to form a collar to encompass the near of the wearer; at least one
closure device disposed at the distal end of each of the left top
and right top of the substrate base; a first collar band disposed
upon the substrate base; a second collar band disposed upon the
substrate base; a catch-all pocket disposed upon the front side of
the substrate base and configured to capture food particles and
liquids during the feeding process, wherein the bib is configured
such that the bib is operably folded into the catch-all pocket
disposed upon the front side of the substrate base; at least one
storage compartment defined with the rear side of the substrate
base; and at least one closure mechanism disposed upon the at least
one storage compartment and configured to close the at least one
storage compartment to secure at least one item stored within.
[0023] The combined bib and closable storage device also can
include: a first recess defined within the rear side of the
substrate and configured and positioned to receive and conceal the
top left of the substrate base; a second recess defined within the
rear side of the substrate and configured and positioned to receive
and conceal the top right of the substrate base; and a protective
water-repellant and stain-resistant layer affixed to the front side
of the substrate base.
[0024] The combined bib and closable storage device further can
include: a plurality of storage compartments defined with the rear
side of the substrate base, each compartment formed of a varied
size relative to one another.
[0025] The combined bib and closable storage device also can
include: an adjustable bib clip strap having a first end and a
second end and having a clip at each end of the strap and an
adjustment buckle to adjust the length of the strap and configured
to secure the bib around the neck of the wearer when the top left
of the substrate base is stored within the first recess and when
the top right of the substrate base is stored within the second
recess.
[0026] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the technology
described herein provides convertible bib system. The convertible
bib system includes: a substrate base comprised of a washable
material and having a front side and a rear side; a left top and a
right top defined within the substrate base to form a collar to
encompass the near of the wearer; at least one closure device
disposed at the distal end of each of the left top and right top of
the substrate base; a first collar band disposed upon the substrate
base and configured for receipt of the left top of the substrate
base; a second collar band disposed upon the substrate base and
configured for receipt of the right top of the substrate base; a
catch-all pocket disposed upon the front side of the substrate base
and configured to capture food particles and liquids during the
feeding process, wherein the bib is configured such that the bib is
operably folded into the catch-all pocket disposed upon the front
side of the substrate base; a plurality of magnets disposed
internally within the substrate base and configured to facilitate
the folding and securing of the bib into a clutch/wallet; and an
adjustable bib clip strap having a first end and a second end and
having a clip at each end of the strap and an adjustment buckle to
adjust the length of the strap and configured to secure the bib
around the neck of the wearer when the top left of the substrate
base is stored within the first recess and when the top right of
the substrate base is stored within the second recess, and wherein
the adjustable bib clip strap is adapted for use as a strap with
which to carry the clutch/wallet.
[0027] The convertible bib system also can include: a first recess
defined within the rear side of the substrate and configured and
positioned to receive and conceal the top left of the substrate
base; a second recess defined within the rear side of the substrate
and configured and positioned to receive and conceal the top right
of the substrate base; a protective water-repellant and
stain-resistant layer affixed to the front side of the substrate
base; a plurality of storage compartments defined with the rear
side of the substrate base, each compartment formed of a varied
size relative to one another; and at least one closure mechanism
disposed upon at least one of the plurality of storage compartments
and configured to close the at least one of the plurality of
storage compartments to secure at least one item stored within.
[0028] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the technology in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated. There are additional features of the technology that
will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject
matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before
explaining at least one embodiment of the technology in detail, it
is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of construction and to the arrangements
of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The technology described herein is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0029] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the technology
described herein. It is important, therefore, that the claims be
regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they
do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technology described
herein.
[0030] Further objects and advantages of the technology described
herein will be apparent from the following detailed description of
a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically
in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The technology described herein is illustrated with
reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers
denote like device components and/or method steps, respectively,
and in which:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a convertible bib
system, illustrating, in particular, the catch-all front pocket,
collar bands, and collar closure devices, according to an
embodiment of the technology described herein;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a front planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a rear planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, multiple pocket
zones, according to an embodiment of the technology described
herein;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a rear planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, how the collar
left and right top portions are tucked within recesses when not in
use, according to an embodiment of the technology described
herein;
[0036] FIG. 5 is a front planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, how the collar
left and right top portions are tucked within recesses when not in
use, according to an embodiment of the technology described
herein;
[0037] FIG. 6 is a front planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, how the
convertible bib is folded when not in use, according to an
embodiment of the technology described herein;
[0038] FIG. 7 is a rear planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, how the
convertible bib is folded when not in use, according to an
embodiment of the technology described herein;
[0039] FIG. 8 is a front planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, how the
convertible bib is folded when not in use, according to an
embodiment of the technology described herein;
[0040] FIG. 9 is a rear planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, how the
convertible bib is folded when not in use, according to an
embodiment of the technology described herein;
[0041] FIG. 10 is a front planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, a collapsed,
folded bib and an adjustable bib clip strap that can be used to
carry the collapsed, folded bib as a clutch or wallet, according to
an embodiment of the technology described herein;
[0042] FIG. 11 is a rear planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, a collapsed,
folded bib and an adjustable bib clip strap that can be used to
carry the collapsed, folded bib as a clutch or wallet, according to
an embodiment of the technology described herein;
[0043] FIG. 12 is a rear planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, the use of magnets
for closure, according to an embodiment of the technology described
herein;
[0044] FIG. 13 is a front planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, the use of magnets
for closure, according to an embodiment of the technology described
herein;
[0045] FIG. 14 is a rear planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, how the
convertible bib is folded when not in use and utilizing closure
magnets, according to an embodiment of the technology described
herein;
[0046] FIG. 15 is a front planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, how the
convertible bib is folded when not in use and utilizing closure
magnets, according to an embodiment of the technology described
herein;
[0047] FIG. 16 is a rear planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, how the
convertible bib is folded when not in use and utilizing closure
magnets, according to an embodiment of the technology described
herein;
[0048] FIG. 17 is a front planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, how the
convertible bib is folded when not in use and utilizing closure
magnets, according to an embodiment of the technology described
herein;
[0049] FIG. 18 is a rear planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, a collapsed,
folded bib, secured with magnets, and an adjustable bib clip strap
that can be used to carry the collapsed, folded bib as a clutch or
wallet, according to an embodiment of the technology described
herein;
[0050] FIG. 19 is a front planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, a collapsed,
folded bib, secured with magnets, and an adjustable bib clip strap
that can be used to carry the collapsed, folded bib as a clutch or
wallet, according to an embodiment of the technology described
herein;
[0051] FIG. 20 is a rear planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, multiple pocket
zones, and shown in use with a spoon and towelette, according to an
embodiment of the technology described herein;
[0052] FIG. 21 is a rear planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, multiple pocket
zones, and shown in use with a spoon and towelette, according to an
embodiment of the technology described herein;
[0053] FIG. 22 is a rear planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, multiple pocket
zones, and shown in use with a spoon and towelette, according to an
embodiment of the technology described herein;
[0054] FIG. 23 is a rear planar view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, multiple pocket
zones, and shown in use with a spoon and towelette, according to an
embodiment of the technology described herein; and
[0055] FIG. 24 is a front view of the convertible bib system
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, the collar left
and right tops folded forwardly to show the recesses on the rear
side of the convertible bib, according to an embodiment of the
technology described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0056] Before describing the disclosed embodiments of this
technology in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is
not limited in its application to the details of the particular
arrangement shown here since the technology described is capable of
other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the
purpose of description and not of limitation.
[0057] In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described
herein provides a bib, a combined bib and storage device, and a
convertible bib system that are each foldable, collapsible, and
configured to convert from a clutch/wallet to a bib and back to a
clutch/wallet as well as store items within storage compartments.
Each device serves as a bib while at the same time serves as
convenient storage for small items while dining away from home. The
bib is configured to have small item storage for items such as, but
not limited to, a spoon, travel size wet wipes, squeezable baby
food containers, hand sanitizer, and the like. The bib is
configured to accommodate an adjustable bib clip strap that
attaches securely to the bib such that it resists being pulled off
by and infant. The bib is configured to be cleaned easily. The bib
is aesthetically pleasing and fashionable. The collar of the bib is
configured to disappear into correspondingly dimensioned
pockets/slits, thus allowing an adjustable bib clip strap to be
used so that the bib does not have to be discarded after several of
months because it no longer fits a child. The bib is configured to
be extended to allow coverage for several years of use by an infant
or child. The storage areas can have internal sewn-in magnets to
facilitate closure, yet preventing accidental swallowing by a
child. The bib can fold into its own front catch-all pocket.
[0058] Additionally, and by way of example, the convertible bib
device can serve as a toddler art bib for crafts, paints, and other
similar activities wherein the underlying clothing is to be
protected from spills and the like. The convertible bib can be used
to provide protective coverage of clothing during toddler arts and
crafts sessions. The bib has storage areas, e.g. closable pockets,
for small craft items such as crayons, paint brushes, paint
etc.
[0059] Referring now to the Figures, in various exemplary
embodiments, the technology described herein provides a convertible
bib 10. The convertible bib 10 includes a substrate base 100. The
substrate base has a front side 102 (such as shown in FIG. 2) and a
rear side 104 (such as shown in FIG. 3). The substrate base 100 is
manufactured of a washable, easily cleaned material. By way of
example, the substrate base 100 can be a plastic material. The
substrate base 100 also can include a protective water-repellant
and stain-resistant layer affixed to the front side 102 of the
substrate base 100. The substrate base 100 can include a border 500
defined within a periphery of the substrate base 100. The border
500 is configured to provide structural integrity during the use
and cleaning of the convertible bib 10.
[0060] The convertible bib 10 includes a left top 210 and a right
top 220 defined within the substrate base 100 to form a collar to
encompass the neck of the wearer. At least one closure device 230
is disposed at the distal end of each of the left top 210 and right
top 220 of the substrate base 100. The closure device 230 provides
a means by which the left top 210 and the right top 220 are secured
one to another to encompass the neck of the wearer and to remain
securely on the neck. The closure device 230 can be one or more
metal snaps, plastic snaps, buttons and button holes, hook-and-loop
fasteners (e.g. VELCRO.RTM.), zippers, or magnets sewn into the
collar with polarities arranged for magnetic attraction and
closure.
[0061] The convertible bib 10 includes collar bands 240 placed upon
the substrate base 100. The collar bands 240 are located on the
front side 102 of the substrate base 100. The collar bands 240 each
are configured for receipt of clips 304 from the adjustable bib
clip strap 300. The collar bands 240 can be manufactured of various
materials; however, the material used must be suitable for the clip
action of the clips 304 such that the adjustable bib clip strap 300
remains secured to the convertible bib 10. This enables use of the
convertible bib 10 for a period of time longer than if the bib were
only secured to the wearer, a growing child for example, by the
collar closure device 230.
[0062] The convertible bib 10 includes a catch-all pocket 250, as
depicted in FIG. 1, for example. The catch-all pocket 250 is
located upon the front side 102 of the substrate base 100 near a
bottom portion of the substrate base 100 and is configured to
capture food particles, liquids, or the like during the feeding
process. The convertible bib 10 is configured to collapse easily
and be folded by a user into the catch-all pocket 250 disposed upon
the front side of the substrate base 100. The catch-all pocket 250
is designed to be easily emptied and cleaned. The catch-all pocket
250 can be manufactured of a water resistant material. The
catch-all pocket 250 can include one or more dividers.
[0063] The convertible bib 10 includes at least two recesses 260
defined within the rear side 104 of the substrate base 100. A first
recess 260 is defined within the rear side 104 of the substrate
base 100 and is configured and positioned to receive and conceal
the top left 210 of the substrate base 100. A second recess 260 is
defined within the rear side 104 of the substrate base 100 and is
configured and positioned to receive and conceal the top right 220
of the substrate base 100. As depicted in FIG. 3, the top left 210
and the top right 220 remain outside of (or un-tucked) from the
recesses 260. As depicted in FIG. 4, the top left 210 and the top
right 220 of the substrate base 100 are shown tucked into the
recesses 260. In this concealed arrangement, the convertible bib 10
can be used with the adjustable bib clip strap 300.
[0064] The convertible bib 10 includes an adjustable bib clip strap
300 having a first end and a second end and having a clip 304 at
each end of the strap. The adjustable bib clip strap 300 includes
an adjustment buckle 302 to adjust the length of the strap 300. The
adjustable bib clip strap 300 is configured to secure the bib 10
around the neck of the wearer with the first and second collar
bands 240 when the top left 210 of the substrate base 100 is stored
within the first recess 260 and when the top right 220 of the
substrate base 100 is stored within the second recess 260. Use of
the adjustable bib clip strap 300 on the convertible bib 10 in this
manner enables prolonged use of the convertible bib 10 when an
infant or child might have otherwise outgrown the garment. The
adjustable bib clip strap 300 also can be used to carry the
convertible bib 10 when it is in a collapsed, folded position. The
adjustable bib clip strap 300 is shown in FIG. 10 (front view) and
FIG. 11 (rear view). An alternative embodiment of the convertible
bib 10 includes the adjustable bib clip strap 300 of FIG. 18 (rear
view) and FIG. 19 (front view), wherein the convertible bib 10 is
shown closed and secured with multiple magnets 400.
[0065] The convertible bib 10 includes at least one storage
compartment 270, 272, 274 defined with the rear side 104 of the
substrate base 100. As illustrated in the drawings figures, an
upper storage compartment 270, a middle storage compartment 272,
and a lower storage compartment 274 are shown. The number,
location, and size of the storage compartments shown can vary in
alternative embodiments. Entry into one or more of the storage
compartments 270, 272, 274 can include insertion through pocket top
border 600 or pocket side edge 276. Entry into each storage
compartment can be from the top, bottom, side or mid-section of the
storage compartment, depending on a storage compartment's
configuration. By way of example, and as depicted in FIGS. 20, 21,
22, and 23, the storage compartments 270, 272, 274 are used to
contain a utensil, a towelette, and so forth.
[0066] The storage compartments 270, 272, 274 can be made secure,
such that items contained within remain there, by a closure
mechanism 280. One or more closure mechanism 280 is located upon
the storage compartment 270, 272, 274 to secure at least one item
stored within. The closure mechanism 280 can be one or more of
buttons and button holes, metal snaps, plastic snaps, hook-and-loop
fasteners, zippers, and magnets with polarities arranged for
magnetic attraction and closure. Additionally, the storage
compartments 270, 272, 274 can include a border (such as the border
500 on the substrate base 100) to provide structural integrity
during the use and cleaning of the storage compartments 270, 272,
274.
[0067] The convertible bib 10 includes multiple magnets 400
disposed internally within the substrate base 100. The magnets 400
are configured to facilitate the folding and securing of the
convertible bib 100 into a clutch/wallet. As the convertible bib 10
is folded into the catch-all pocket 250, or otherwise folded into a
collapsed shape, the magnets 400, with polarities arranged for
magnetic attraction and closure, secure the convertible bib 10 is a
clutch/wallet.
[0068] By way of example, the various closure mechanisms 280, or
the multiple magnets 400, are be used to secure the convertible bib
10 in the form of a clutch/wallet. FIG. 5 depicts an initial fold
of the top left 210 and top right 220 of the substrate base 100.
FIGS. 6 and 7, the front and back views, respectively, show the
next downward fold of the convertible bib 10. FIGS. 8 and 9, the
front and back views, respectively, show the next downward fold of
the convertible bib 10. Ultimately, and after an additional fold,
the convertible bib 10 has converted from a bib format to a
clutch/wallet format as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the front and
back views, respectively.
[0069] In at least one embodiment of this technology, the first
recess 260 and the second recess 260 are replaced by a band, e.g.
elastic or cloth, configured to hold down the left top 210 and the
right top 220, respectively, during the folding and securing of the
convertible bib 100 into a clutch/wallet.
[0070] Although this technology has been illustrated and described
herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific
examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform
similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent
embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the
technology described herein and are intended to be covered by the
following claims.
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