BIB

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to clothing and, more specifically, a bib is described.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional bibs are useful to protect clothing. However, conventional bibs are problematic in that placement and securing are often difficult, are easily extracted, pulled, or otherwise removed, and have limited surfaces for protection.

Conventional bibs are difficult to place and secure around the neck of the wearer (e.g., adult, child, infant, toddler, or the like). Conventional bibs are generally secured to a wearer by approaching the wearer from the front, wrapping a strap or clasp around the neck of the wearer and engaging a fastening device behind the neck of the wearer. Often, when attempting to place and secure a conventional bib as described, the wearer typically offers resistance to the placement of the bib, or the wearer begins to wrestle or play resulting in placement of the bib becoming very difficult and time consuming. Additionally, conventional bibs do not prevent self-removal by a wearer. Because a conventional bib is secured behind a wearer, the wearer may easily pull downward on the bib, which may exert a force sufficient to release the fastener. When a conventional bib is easily removed by the wearer, the result can be tedious and time-consuming labor to clean clothing, the wearer, surrounding areas, and, in many cases, the bib. Finally, conventional bibs offer limited surfaces to prevent soiling of clothing. Once a conventional bib has been used once, it typically requires cleaning or wiping before it can be used effectively again.

Thus, a solution for protecting clothing without the limitations of conventional techniques is needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various examples are disclosed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an exemplary bib;

FIG. 2A illustrates an alternative view of an exemplary bib;

FIG. 2B illustrates another alternative view of an exemplary bib;

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of an exemplary bib in an alternative configuration;

FIG. 4 illustrates another alternative view of an exemplary bib;

FIG. 5 illustrates an edge of an exemplary bib;

FIG. 6 illustrates a view of a flap of an exemplary bib;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary bib;

FIG. 8A illustrates a view of an exemplary bib in an alternative configuration;

FIG. 8B illustrates a view of an exemplary bib in another alternative configuration;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary bib;

FIG. 10 illustrates another cross-sectional view of an exemplary bib;

FIG. 11 illustrates another perspective view of an exemplary bib;

FIG. 12A illustrates another view of an exemplary bib in an alternative configuration; and

FIG. 12B illustrates another view of an exemplary bib in another alternative configuration.

FIG. 13 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a bib;

FIG. 14 is a process flow diagram illustrating another method of manufacturing a bib including two panels of fabric; and

FIG. 15 is a process flow diagram illustrating another method of manufacturing a bib as shown and described in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments or examples of the invention may be implemented in numerous ways, including as an apparatus, system, or process. A detailed description of one or more examples is provided below along with accompanying figures. The detailed description is provided in connection with such examples, but is not limited to any particular example. The scope is limited by the claims, but numerous alternatives, modifications, and equivalents are encompassed. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding. These details are provided for the purpose of example and the descriptions provided may be used for implementation according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the examples has not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description.

A bib is described, including one or more flaps or panels (“flaps”) coupled together with a neck bridge or collar (“neck bridge”), each flap having a magnet or other fastener to secure one flap to another. In some examples, magnets may be placed within one or more interior pockets or spaces of each flap and, when placed adjacent to another magnet's opposite pole, magnetic force causes the flaps to bind to each other, allowing a bib to be secured about the neck of a wearer. In other examples, multiple magnets may be placed to provide multiple points of contact and securing flaps to each other. Further, a bib, such as those described herein, may be draped about the collar or neck region of a wearer, initiating placement from behind a wearer, resulting in placement of the flaps on the front or chest region of a wearer. In other examples, the described bibs may be varied in design, function, structure, or implementation and are not limited to the techniques described below.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an exemplary bib. Here, bib 100 is shown in an exploded view with flaps 102-105, magnets 106-112, neck bridges 114-116, outer surface 118, reverse surface 120, and fabric 122. As shown here, outer surface 118 comprises flaps 102-103 and neck bridge 114. In some examples, outer surface 118 and reverse surface 120 may be reversible. For example, when outer surface 118 is placed over magnets 106-112 and coupled to reverse surface 120, bib 100 may be used in different configurations to provide up to four surfaces (e.g., flaps 102-105) to protect the wearer from coming into contact with unwanted material (e.g., food, liquids, and the like). Still further, bib 100 may be reversed entirely, allowing the use of the reverse surfaces of outer surface 100 and reverse surface 120. Further, reverse surface 120 includes flaps 104-105 and neck bridge 116, and, as an example, is the “back” side of bib 100 when worn.

As shown here, flaps 102-105 may be a substantially rounded shape. In other examples, flaps 102-105 may be implemented using a circular, square, rectangular, triangular, parabolic or other geometric shape or design. As shown here, flap 102 may be symmetrical with flap 103 and flap 104 may be symmetrical with flap 105. In other examples, flap 102 may be asymmetrical with flap 103 and flap 104 may be asymmetrical with flap 105. In still other examples, flaps 102-105 may be designed and implemented differently than as shown and described. As shown here, neck bridges 114-116 are implemented to connect, couple or attach flap 102 to flap 103 and flap 104 to flap 105. Neck bridges 114-116 may be separate components from flaps 102-105, or may be integrated as one singular member. For example, flap 102, flap 103 and neck bridge 114 may be formed from one piece of material, such as a piece of fabric. As another example, flap 102, flap 103 and neck bridge 114 may be formed from separate materials and attached or coupled together by sewing, stitching, tying, knitting, knotting, gluing or other method of connection. In some examples, neck bridges 114-116 may be tapered. In other examples, the shape and configuration of flaps 102-105 and neck bridges 114-116 may be implemented differently and are not limited to the examples shown and described.

As shown here, magnets 106-112 may be composed of any material configured to produce a magnetic field or magnetically attractive force. Magnets 106-112 may have any magnetic field strength or intensity. In some examples, magnets 106-112 may be rounded, circular, square, rectangular, triangular, or implemented using any other geometric shape or design. In other examples, magnets 106-112 may be any size, dimension or shape and are not limited to the examples shown and described. In some examples, magnets 106-112 may be directly attached or coupled to outer surface 118 or reverse surface 120 (as indicated by the dashed lines) by sewing, stitching, tying, knitting, knotting, gluing or using any other type or method of connection, coupling, or adhesion. In some examples, magnets 106-112 may be placed between outer surface 118 and reverse surface 120, enabling the magnets to remain protected from exposure from food or other materials that may come into contact with bib 100. When washed, magnets 106-112 may be configured to provide a magnetically attractive force to couple one or more of flaps 102-105 to each other. Further, the placement of magnets 106-112 may be varied and are not limited to the examples shown. For example, magnets 106-112 may be positioned at the upper or lower corners of each of flaps 102-105. As another example, magnets 106-112 may be positioned in the center, along the outer, top, bottom, or inner edges of flaps 102-105. Still further, magnets 106-112 may be positioned differently than as shown and described. In other examples, magnets 106-112 may be disposed in an interior pocket (not shown) formed between outer surface 118 and reverse surface 120, the interior pocket being bounded by stitches or otherwise enclosed. In some examples, magnets 106-112 may be replaced with another fastener such as buttons, snaps, Velcro, or other mating device implemented to detachably couple and secure flaps 102-105. In other examples, magnets 106-112 may be implemented differently and are not limited to the examples shown and described.

In some examples, outer surface 118, reverse surface 120, flaps 102-105 and neck bridges 114-116 may be implemented using any type of fabric made from natural or synthetic fibers, including cotton, terry cloth, wool, silk, denim, polyester, nylon, various types of blends, or others. Materials used for outer surface 118, reverse surface 120, flaps 102-105 and neck bridges 114-116 may be magnetic, waterproof, water resistant, water repellant or absorbent. Further, outer surface 118, reverse surface 120, flaps 102-105 and neck bridges 114-116 may be covered with a coating or finish that is magnetic, waterproof, water resistant, or water repelling. As an example, terry cloth may be used for reverse surface 118 to provide a soft or non-abrading surface against the wearer's skin, and absorbency to assist with cleaning up liquids or other substances. Further, various types of designs may be placed on outer surface 118, reverse surface 120, flaps 102-105 and neck bridges 114-116 using any type of technique such as silk-screening, embroidery, or forming patterns or designs within a weave of the fabric. In some examples, the “front” side (i.e., outer surface 118) and the “back” side (i.e., reverse surface 120) of the bib may be implemented using the same material. In other examples, the “front” side and the “back” side of the bib may be implemented using different, similar, or a combination of materials. Other types of fabrics and designs may be used and are not limited to the examples provided.

As shown here, fabric 122 is wrapped around outer surface 118 and reverse surface 120, to couple flaps 102-103 to flaps 104-105 and neck bridge 114 to neck bridge 116. In some examples, fabric 122 may be any type of fabric made from any natural or synthetic fiber, including cotton, terry cloth, wool, silk, denim, polyester, nylon, and various types of blends. In some examples, fabric 122 may be a decorative material. In other examples, fabric 122 may cover ragged edges and provide bib 100 with a border around the outside perimeter of bib 100. In still other examples, fabric 122 may be an absorbent material configured to serve as a burp cloth or to assist with cleaning up spilled food, drinks, paints or otherwise. In some examples, fabric 122 may be a rigid, semi-rigid or shape retaining material configured to provide the perimeter of flaps 102-105 or neck bridges 114-116 with support to maintain a shape. In other examples, fabric 122 may enclose a stiffener (not shown), configured to also maintain or retain the shape of flaps 102-105 and neck bridges 114-116. In other examples, fabric 122 may be configured differently, and may serve a different purpose and is not limited to the configurations and implementations described.

In some examples, fabric 122 may be implemented using similar or substantially similar material as used for flaps 102-105 and neck bridges 114-116 or, alternatively, different material may be used apart from that used for flaps 102-105. As shown here, fabric 122 is attached to flap 102-105 or neck bridges 114-116 by sewing, stitching, tying, knitting, knotting, gluing or other method of connection. In other examples, the above-described elements may be implemented differently and are not limited to the examples shown and described.

FIG. 2A illustrates an alternative view of an exemplary bib. Here, bib 200 may include flaps 102-103, magnets 106-112, neck bridge 202, and label 204 (e.g., use and care label). In some examples, flaps 102-103 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to flaps 102-103 as shown and described in FIG. 1. Further, magnets 106-112 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to magnets 106-112 as shown and described in FIG. 1. Still further, neck bridge 202 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to neck bridges 114-116 as shown and described in FIG. 1

As shown here, label 204 is located on flap 102 and may be positioned in any location on bib 200. In other examples, label 204 may be located or placed on neck bridge 202, flap 103, outer surface 100, reverse surface 101, flaps 104-105 (as shown in FIG. 1), or any other location on bib 200. In some examples, label 204 may be attached, connected, or coupled to bib 200 by sewing, stitching, tying, knitting, knotting, gluing or using any other method or type of connection, coupling, or adhesion. Label 204 may be implemented using any fabric (e.g., natural or synthetic fibers, including cotton, terry cloth, wool, silk, denim, polyester, nylon, and various types of blends) and may be implemented using any size, shape or color. In some examples, label 204 may be imprinted with instructions, directions, intellectual property notices, or any other type of information in any language. In other examples, label 204 may be implemented and configured differently and is not limited to the descriptions provided.

In some examples, bib 200 may be used to prevent a wearer from soiling, dirtying, staining, contaminating or otherwise ruining their clothing or other garments. The wearer (e.g., adult, child, infant, toddler, or the like), may use bib 200 while eating, drinking, painting, drawing, or the like. Bib 200 may be used to protect clothing from stains that may be caused by foods, drinks, spit-up, saliva, vomit, or the like while the user is eating or drinking. Bib 200 may be used to protect clothing from stains that may be caused by paint, markers, crayons, pens, pencils, ink, or the like, while the user is painting or drawing. As an example, bib 200 may be placed on a child while eating dinner to cover the child's clothing and prevent baby food from contacting and possibly staining the clothing. In other examples, bib 200 may be used differently and is not limited to the descriptions provided.

In some examples, bib 200 may be placed to cover the upper torso of the wearer by wrapping bib 200 around the neck of the wearer. Neck bridge 202 may be placed behind the back of wearer's neck while flaps 102-103 may be overlapped and placed upon the upper torso of the wearer. In some examples, magnets 106-112 may be used to secure placement of bib 200 by fastening flap 102 to flap 103. When placed as described above, a wearer cannot remove, take-off, extract, pull, or otherwise remove bib 200 by pulling flaps 102-103 downward.

In some examples, bib 200 may be placed on a wearer in, for example, four (4) different configurations to provide different protective surfaces. For example, bib 200 may be placed on wearer with outer surface 100 (as shown in FIG. 1) facing “out” by overlapping flap 103 on top of flap 102 or by overlapping flap 102 on top of flap 103. As another example, bib 200 may be placed on wearer with reverse surface 101 (as shown in FIG. 1) facing “out” by overlapping flap 104 (as shown in FIG. 1) on top of flap 105 (as shown in FIG. 1) or by overlapping flap 105 on top of flap 104. In each of the examples provided, magnets 106-112 may be used to secure placement of bib 200. In other examples, magnets 106-112 may be replaced by another fastening mechanism or technique (e.g., snaps, buttons, Velcro or the like) that may be used to secure flaps 102-105 as described above in the exemplary configurations.

As shown here, magnets 106-112 may be used to fasten and secure bib 200 as described above. As an example, flap 103 may be placed in front of and overlapping flap 102, while magnet 106 may be lined up and mated, paired, or otherwise coupled (“coupled”) with magnet 110, and magnet 108 may be lined up and coupled with magnet 112 to secure flap 103 to flap 102. In some examples, magnets 106-112 may be located on bib 200 substantially as shown in FIG. 2A. In other examples, magnets 106-112 may be located on bib 200 in other locations and using other configurations and are not limited to the locations and configurations as shown and described. In other examples, bib 200 and the above-described elements may be implemented differently and are not limited to the examples shown and described.

FIG. 2B illustrates another alternative view of an exemplary bib. Here, bib 210 may include flaps 102-103, magnets 106-112, neck bridge 202, and label 204 (e.g., use and care label). Bib 210 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to bib 200 as shown and described in FIG. 2A. As an example, bib 210 depicts an alternative configuration and location of magnets 106-112. In some examples, flaps 102-103 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to flaps 102-103 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A. Further, magnets 106-112 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to magnets 106-112 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A. Still further, neck bridge 202 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to neck bridges 114-116 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and neck bridge 202 as shown and described in FIG. 2A. Still further, label 204 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to label 204 as shown and described in FIG. 2A.

As shown here, magnets 106-112 may be used to fasten and secure bib 210 as described above in FIG. 2A. As an example, flap 103 may be placed in front of and overlapping flap 102, while magnet 106 may be lined up and coupled with magnet 110, and magnet 108 may be lined up and coupled with magnet 112 to secure flap 103 to flap 102. In some examples, magnets 106-112 may be located on bib 210 substantially as shown in FIG. 2B. In other examples, magnets 106-112 may be located on bib 210 in other locations and other configurations and are not limited to the locations and configurations as shown and described. In other examples, bib 210 and the above-described elements may be implemented differently and are not limited to the examples shown and described.

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of an exemplary bib in an alternative configuration. Here, bib 300 may include flaps 301-302, neck bridge 202, label 204 and magnets 304-306. In some examples, label 204 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to label 204 as shown and described in FIG. 2A. Further, magnets 304-306 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to magnets 106-112 as previously shown and described in FIGS. 1-2B.

As shown here, bib 300 is depicted in an engaged configuration, or its position when being used or worn by wearer. Here, flap 302 is shown in front of flap 301, and magnets 304-306 are coupled with other respective magnets (not shown) to secure flap 302 to flap 301. Alternatively, flap 301 may be placed in front of flap 302, and secured with pairs of magnets 304-306 when worn or otherwise used. When worn, neck bridge 202 may be placed behind the neck of a wearer, and flaps 301-302 may be wrapped around the neck of the wearer until they are placed upon the upper torso of the wearer. When worn or placed in the described configuration, an opening or void is formed and surrounded or enclosed by neck bridge 202 and flaps 301-302. When bib 300 is worn, a wearer's neck may pass through or project through the opening. Bib 300 is secured or fitted upon a wearer by placing the opening around the wearer's neck. In other examples, bib 300 and the above-described elements may be implemented differently and are not limited to the examples shown and described.

FIG. 4 illustrates another alternative view of an exemplary bib. Here, bib 400 may include flaps 402-403 and magnets 404-410. Bib 400 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to bib 200-210 and bib 300 as shown and described in FIGS. 2A-3. In some examples, flaps 402-403 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to flaps 102-103 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-B. Further, magnets 404-410 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to magnets 106-112 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-B. Alternatively, magnets 404-410 may be positioned, configured, designed, formed, or otherwise implemented differently. For example, magnets 404 and 408 may be positioned to prevent an edge of flap 402 from folding over due to extended wear or washing resulting in fabric weakness or structural stress of fabric 300. In other examples, bib 400 and the above-described elements may be implemented differently and are not limited to the examples shown and described.

FIG. 5 illustrates an edge of an exemplary bib. As shown here, edge 500 includes fabric 501, distance 502, and stitch 504. In some examples, fabric 501 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to fabric 122 as shown and described in FIG. 1. Edge 500 illustrates an exterior edge or border of a bib (e.g., bib 100 (FIG. 1), 200 (FIG. 2A), 210 (FIG. 2B), 300 (FIG. 3), 400 (FIG. 4), or the like). In some examples, edge 500 may be located around the entire perimeter of flaps 102-105 (as shown and described in FIG. 1) and neck bridges 114-116 (as shown and described in FIG. 1). In other examples, edge 500 may be located in limited locations around the perimeter of flaps 102-105 and neck bridges 114-116. In other examples, edge 500 may not be included around a bib (e.g., bib 100 (FIG. 1), 200 (FIG. 2A), 210 (FIG. 2B), 300 (FIG. 3), 400 (FIG. 4), or the like) and another material, structure, or implement may be used around the perimeter of a bib (e.g., bib 100 (FIG. 1), 200 (FIG. 2A), 210 (FIG. 2B), 300 (FIG. 3), 400 (FIG. 4), or the like) to provide aesthetic, functional, protective, or finishing qualities to the bib. In still other examples, edge 500 may be removed from the border or outer perimeter of a bib, instead using stitching to couple, for example, flap 602 together.

As shown here, fabric 501 is attached to flaps 102-105 or neck bridges 114-116 by sewing, stitching, tying, knitting, knotting, gluing or other method of connection. Here, stitch 504 attaches and secures fabric 501 to the outside perimeter of the bib. In some examples, stitch 504 may be disposed distance 502 from the edge of fabric 501. In other examples, distance 502 may be 1.2 centimeters. In still other examples, distance 502 may be varied and is not limited to any specific length, distance, or other dimension. In some examples, stitch 504 may be implemented using a thread of any natural or synthetic fiber, including cotton, wool, silk, polyester, nylon, and various types of blends. In other examples, stitch 504 may be configured differently or provided at a different distance from the edge of fabric 501. In still other examples, stitch 504 may be excluded and fabric 501 may be attached, connected, or otherwise coupled (“coupled”) to bib (e.g., bib 100 (FIG. 1), 200 (FIG. 2A), 210 (FIG. 2B), 300 (FIG. 3), 400 (FIG. 4), or the like) by a different means or method. In other examples, the above-described elements may be implemented differently and are not limited to the examples shown and described.

FIG. 6 illustrates a view of a flap of an exemplary bib. Here, flap 602 may include magnets 604-606 and stitch 608. In some examples, flap 602 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to flaps 102-103 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-B. Further, magnets 604-606 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to magnets 106-112 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-B. Still further, stitch 608 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to stitch 502 as shown and described in FIG. 5. In other examples, more, fewer, or different elements (e.g., magnets 604-606) may be provided and laid out differently and are not limited to the examples shown.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary bib. Here, bib 700 is shown in a perspective view with flaps 102-103, magnets 106-112, neck bridge 114, and fabric 122. In some examples, flaps 102-103 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to flaps 102-103 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-B, magnets 106-112 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to magnets 106-112 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-B, neck bridge 114 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to neck bridge 114 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and fabric 122 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to fabric 122 as shown and described in FIG. 1. In other examples, the above-described elements may be implemented differently and are not limited to the examples shown and described.

FIG. 8A illustrates a view of an exemplary bib in an alternative configuration. Here, bib 800 may include flap 103, magnets 106-112 and neck bridge 202. In some examples, flap 103 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to flap 103 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-2B, magnets 106-112 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to magnets 106-112 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-2B and neck bridge 202 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to neck bridge 202 as shown and described in FIG. 2A-2B.

As shown here, bib 800 is depicted in an engaged configuration (i.e., being worn), or its position when being used or worn by wearer. Here, flap 103 is shown in “front” magnet 106 is mated (i.e., coupled) with magnet 110 and magnet 108 is mated with magnet 112. When worn, neck bridge 202 may be placed behind the neck of the wear, and flap 103 may be wrapped around the neck of the wearer until bib 800 is secured upon the upper torso of the wearer. In other examples, bib 800 and the above-described elements may be implemented differently and are not limited to the examples shown and described.

FIG. 8B illustrates a view of an exemplary bib in another alternative configuration. Here, bib 801 may include flap 102, magnets 106-112 and neck bridge 202. In some examples, flap 102 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to flap 102 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-2B, magnets 106-112 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to magnets 106-112 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-2B and neck bridge 202 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to neck bridge 202 as shown and described in FIG. 2A-2B.

As shown here, bib 801 is depicted in an alternative engaged configuration, or its position when being used or worn by wearer. Here, flap 102 is shown in “front,” magnet 106 is mated with magnet 110 and magnet 108 is mated with magnet 112. In other examples, bib 801 and the above-described elements may be implemented differently and are not limited to the examples shown and described.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary bib. As shown here, cross-sectional view 900 includes magnet 112, outer surface 118, reverse surface 120, fabric 122 and stitch 504. In some examples, magnet 112 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to magnet 112 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-2B. Further, outer surface 118 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to outer surface 118 as shown and described in FIG. 1, reverse surface 120 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to reverse surface 120 as shown and described in FIG. 1, fabric 122 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to fabric 122 as shown and described in FIG. 1. Still further, stitch 504 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to stitch 504 as shown and described in FIG. 5. As shown here, magnet 112 may be placed between outer surface 118 and reverse surface 120, enabling the magnet to remain protected from exposure from food or other materials that may come into contact with outer surface 118 or reverse surface 120. In other examples, the above-described elements may be implemented differently and are not limited to the examples shown and described.

FIG. 10 illustrates another cross-sectional view of an exemplary bib. As shown here, cross-sectional view 1000 includes magnet 108, magnet 112, outer surface 118a, outer surface 118b, reverse surface 120a, reverse surface 120b, fabric 122a, fabric 122b stitch 504a and stitch 504b. In some examples, magnet 108 and magnet 112 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to magnet 108 and magnet 112 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-2B. Further, outer surface 118a and outer surface 118b may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to outer surface 118 as shown and described in FIG. 1, reverse surface 120a and reverse surface 120b may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to reverse surface 120 as shown and described in FIG. 1, fabric 122a and fabric 122b may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to fabric 122 as shown and described in FIG. 1. Still further, stitch 504a and fabric 504b may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to stitch 504 as shown and described in FIG. 5.

As shown here, magnet 108 may be placed between outer surface 118b and reverse surface 120b, and magnet 112 may be placed between outer surface 118a and reverse surface 120a. In some examples, magnet 108 may be disposed in an interior pocket (not shown) formed between outer surface 118b and reverse surface 120b, and magnet 112 may be disposed in an interior pocket formed between outer surface 118a and reverse surface 120a, the interior pocket being bounded by stitches or otherwise enclosed. In other examples, magnet 108 may be directly or indirectly attached or coupled to outer surface 118b or reverse surface 120b and magnet 112 may be directly or indirectly attached or coupled to outer surface 118a or reverse surface 120a by sewing, stitching, tying, knitting, knotting, gluing or using any other type or method of connection, coupling, or adhesion. In other examples, the above-described elements may be implemented differently and are not limited to the examples shown and described.

FIG. 11 illustrates another perspective view of an exemplary bib. Here, bib 1100 is shown in a perspective view with flaps 1102-1103, magnets 106-112, neck bridge 114, and fabric 122. In some examples, flaps 102-103 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to flaps 102-103 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-B, magnets 106-112 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to magnets 106-112 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-B, neck bridge 114 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to neck bridge 114 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and fabric 122 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to fabric 122 as shown and described in FIG. 1. As shown here, flaps 102-103 may be a substantially rectangular shape. In other examples, flaps 102-103 may be implemented using a circular, square, rectangular, triangular, parabolic or other geometric shape or design. In other examples, the above-described elements may be implemented differently and are not limited to the examples shown and described.

FIG. 12A illustrates another view of an exemplary bib in an alternative configuration. Here, bib 1200 may include flap 103, magnets 106-112 and neck bridge 202. In some examples, flap 103 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to flap 103 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-2B, magnets 106-112 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to magnets 106-112 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-2B and neck bridge 202 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to neck bridge 202 as shown and described in FIG. 2A-2B.

As shown here, bib 1200 is depicted in an engaged configuration, or its position when being used or worn by wearer. Here, flaps 1202-1203 are shown as a substantially rectangular shape. Further, flap 1203 is shown disposed in “front” of another flap (e.g., flap 1202) magnet 106 is mated with magnet 110 and magnet 108 is mated with magnet 112. When worn, neck bridge 202 may be placed behind the neck of the wear, and flap 103 may be wrapped around the neck of the wearer until bib 1200 is secured upon the upper torso of the wearer. In other examples, bib 1200 and the above-described elements may be implemented differently and are not limited to the examples shown and described.

FIG. 12B illustrates another view of an exemplary bib in another alternative configuration. Here, bib 1201 may include flap 1202, magnets 106-112 and neck bridge 202. In some examples, flap 1202 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to flap 1202 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-2B, magnets 106-112 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to magnets 106-112 as shown and described in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-2B and neck bridge 202 may be implemented similarly or substantially similar in function and structure to neck bridge 202 as shown and described in FIG. 2A-2B.

As shown here, bib 1201 is depicted in an alternative engaged configuration, or its position when being used or worn by wearer. Here, flap 1202 is shown in “front,” magnet 106 is mated with magnet 110 and magnet 108 is mated with magnet 112. In other examples, bib 1201 and the above-described elements may be implemented differently and are not limited to the examples shown and described.

FIG. 13 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a bib. Process flow 1300 begins at step 1310 by forming a panel of fabric. The panel of fabric may comprise of a first flap, a second flap, and a neck bridge portion coupling the first flap with the second flap. In an example, the panel of fabric is similar or substantially similar in function and structure to outer surface 118 as shown and described in FIG. 1. In another example, the panel of fabric may be formed by overlaying a stencil of the desired shape over a piece of fabric and hand cutting the fabric. As an example, the stencil includes a neck bridge portion that is 3.5 cm in width and a first flap and a second flap that are both 22 cm in width and 21 cm in height. The piece of fabric may be any type of fabric as described in FIG. 1. To improve productivity, multiple pieces fabric may be stacked and cut at the same time to produce multiple panels of fabric. In another example, a machine with a stamp of the desired shape may be used to automatically form the panel of fabric. In yet another example, multiple pieces of fabric may be attached or coupled together by sewing, stitching, tying, knitting, knotting, gluing, or other methods of connection to form the panel of fabric.

In an example, the desired shape for the panel of fabric may be symmetrical where the line of symmetry occurs within the neck bridge portion. If a line of symmetry exists, the piece of fabric may be folded in half and a stencil of half of the desired shape along the line of symmetry may be used to cut the piece of fabric to form the panel of fabric with the desired shape. The resulting panel of fabric may have a fold substantially located at the line of symmetry.

Once the panel of fabric is formed, one or more fastening mechanisms are positioned onto the panel of fabric at step 1320. The fastening mechanisms are configured to fasten the first flap with the second flap. Various examples of fastening mechanisms include snaps, slits and buttons, Velcro, magnets, and other mechanisms that allow the first flap and second flap to be fastened and unfastened an unlimited number of times.

In another example, the fastening mechanisms are positioned such that a portion of the edge of the first flap is substantially aligned with a portion of the edge of the second flap when the first flap is fastened to the second flap. An example of this is illustrated and described in FIG. 3. The alignment may cause a portion of the first flap to overlap a portion of the second flap when the bib is in the fastened state. This configuration may not only be aesthetically pleasing, but may also protect the surface of the underlying flap from contacting unwanted materials during use. In an example, the fastening mechanisms may be further positioned such that the portion of the edge of the first flap and the portion of the edge of the second flap remain substantially aligned during use of the bib. For instance, the fastening mechanisms may be placed near the edges of the first flap and the edges of the second flap to prevent the edges of the flaps from flipping or curling during use, thereby undesirably exposing the surface of the underlying flap to possible contact with unwanted materials. In another example, the fastening mechanisms are placed 7 cm across and 10, cm down from the center point of the bib.

Once the one or more fastening mechanisms are in position, they are secured in step 1330. Securing methods may include sewing, stitching, typing, knitting, knotting, and gluing, to name a few.

FIG. 14 is a process flow diagram illustrating another method of manufacturing a bib including two panels of fabric. Process flow 1400 begins at step 1410 by forming a first panel of fabric and a second panel of fabric. The first panel of fabric and the second panel of fabric may both comprise of a first flap, a second flap, and a neck bridge portion coupling the first flap with the second flap. In some examples, forming the first panel of fabric and the second panel of fabric may be implemented similarly or substantially similar to the forming of a panel of fabric as shown and described in step 1310 of FIG. 13.

In an example, the first panel of fabric and the second panel of fabric may have substantially the same dimensions. This may offer advantages such as simplifying the step of attaching the first panel of fabric to the second panel of fabric as described in step 1440 hereinafter. In another example, the first panel of fabric may be a different type of fabric than the second panel of fabric. As described in FIG. 1, the first and second panel of fabric may be any type of fabric made from any natural or synthetic fiber, including cotton, terry cloth, wool, silk, denim, polyester, nylon, and various types of blends. Each type of fabric may contain different attributes such as texture, absorbency, or water-resistance. Depending upon the desired attributes of the bib, different types of fabric may be used for the first and second panel of fabric.

After forming the first panel of fabric and the second panel of fabric, one or more fastening mechanisms are positioned at step 1420. In some examples, positioning the one or more fastening mechanisms may be implemented similarly or substantially similar to step 1320 of FIG. 13. The fastening mechanism may also be positioned substantially in between the first panel of fabric and the second panel of fabric. Placing the fastening mechanism substantially in between the two panels of fabric may protect the user from the fastening mechanism. Placing the fastening mechanism substantially in between the two panels of fabric may also protect the fastening mechanism from unwanted materials which may otherwise come in contact with the fastening mechanism.

After positioning the fastening mechanisms, the first panel of fabric is attached to the second panel of fabric in step 1430. The first panel of fabric may be attached to the second panel of fabric by various means including sewing, stitching, typing, knitting, knotting, and gluing, to name a few. As described below in steps 1550 and 1560 of FIG. 15, piping may be used to secure the first panel of fabric to the second panel of fabric.

After the first panel of fabric is attached to the second panel of fabric, the position of the fastening mechanisms are secured in step 1440. In some examples securing the position of the one or more fastening mechanisms may be implemented similarly or substantially similar to step 1330 of FIG. 13. The fastening mechanisms may also be secured substantially in between the first piece of fabric and the second piece of fabric.

In an example, the fastening mechanisms are secured in position by stitching the first panel of fabric to the second panel of fabric such that the position of each fastening mechanism is secured substantially in between the first panel of fabric and the second panel of fabric by the stitching. For instance, a line of stitching may be applied in a shape larger than the perimeter of the fastening mechanism, thereby holding the fastening mechanism in the desired position. In other examples, additional lines of stitching may be applied in a shape larger than the perimeter of the first line of stitching. These additional lines of stitching may improve the safety of the bib by providing a safeguard to keep the fastening mechanism substantially in position if the first line of stitching were to fail.

FIG. 15 is a process flow diagram illustrating another method of manufacturing a bib as shown and described in FIG. 1. More particularly, process flow 1500 illustrates a method of manufacturing a bib with at least one magnet set as a fastening mechanism. Process flow 1500 begins at step 1510 by forming a first panel of fabric and a second panel of fabric. The first panel of fabric and the second panel of fabric may both comprise of a first flap, a second flap, and a neck bridge portion coupling the first flap with the second flap. In some examples, forming the first panel of fabric and the second panel of fabric may be implemented similarly or substantially similar to step 1410 of FIG. 14. For instance, the first panel of fabric and the second panel of fabric may both contain a line of symmetry along the neck bridge portion and may substantially have the same dimensions as illustrated in FIG. 1.

After forming the first panel of fabric and the second panel of fabric, a first magnet is positioned substantially in between the first flap of the first panel of fabric and the first flap of the second panel of fabric in step 1520. In some examples, positioning the first magnet may be implemented similarly or substantially similar to step 1420 of FIG. 14. For instance, the first magnet may be positioned such that a portion of the edge of the first flap is substantially aligned with a portion of the edge of the second flap when the first flap is fastened to the second flap.

After the first magnet is positioned, a second magnet is positioned substantially in between the second flap of the first panel of fabric and the second flap of the second panel of fabric in step 1530. In some examples, positioning the second magnet may be implemented similarly or substantially similar to step 1420 of FIG. 14. In an example, the first magnet and the second magnet are attracted to one another. The magnetic forces may cause the first flap to fasten to the second flap when the first magnet substantially overlaps second magnet. In another example, the magnets are double sided circular magnets that are 12.70 mm in diameter with a thickness of 1.59 mm and a pull force of 2.69 lb/1220 g.

Once the second magnet is positioned, the position of the first magnet and the second magnet are secured in step 1540. In some examples, securing the position of the first magnet may be implemented similarly or substantially similar to step 1430 of FIG. 14.

After the position of the first magnet and the second magnet are secured, a piping is cut in step 1550. In some examples, the piping may be implemented similarly or substantially similar to fabric 122 of FIG. 1 and fabric 501 of FIG. 5. The piping may be of any fabric or material. In an example, the piping may be cut to a length that is substantially similar to the perimeter of the first panel of fabric. In another example, the piping may be cut to a width that results in approximately a 1 cm border along the front and back edge of the first panel of fabric.

After the piping is cut, the piping is stitched along the edge of the first panel of fabric and the second panel of fabric in step 1560. In some examples, the stitching may be implemented similarly or substantially similar to stitching 608 of FIG. 6 and stitching 504 of FIG. 5.

Alternative embodiments may include additional panels of fabric that are positioned in between the first panel of fabric and second panel of fabric to alter the attributes of the bib. For example, a third water resistant panel of fabric may be formed and positioned substantially in between the first panel of fabric and the second panel of fabric to prevent unwanted materials which come in contact with the first panel of fabric to affect the second panel of fabric. The third panel of fabric may be secured substantially in between the first panel of fabric and the second panel of fabric through a variety of methods including sewing, stitching, typing, knitting, knotting, and gluing. In an example, a piping as discussed above may be stitched along the edge of the first panel, second panel, and third panel of fabric to secure the three panels of fabric together.

As set forth above, measurements, dimensions, or other specifications may be varied and are not limited to those previously described. Variations in sizes, shapes, and processes may also be implemented and the above-described examples are also not intended to be limiting.

The foregoing examples have been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, but are not limited to the details provided. There are many alternative ways and techniques for implementation. The disclosed examples are illustrative and not restrictive.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	12502995	Jul 2009	US
Child	12848083		US

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