Patent Application
20170251843
The present invention generally relates to the field of bibs and napkins, and more particularly to devices that include elements of both and can be used as either a napkin or a bib.
A variety of bibs have been designed and produced to keep debris off the bib user and his or her clothing during such activities as eating and drinking, or while receiving dental or cosmetic services. Bibs are made in a variety of shapes and sizes to typically cover a user anywhere from the user's neck to the user's lap. Typically, the bib is secured behind the user's neck using devices such as ties, snaps, and the like. The present invention provides a variety of improvements on bibs known in the art.
In exemplary versions, a bib assembly includes a bib body, and a bib drawstring protruding out from a drawstring housing secured to the bib body, wherein the drawstring is made from material that stretches no more than substantially 5% when pulled by a user to transform the bib assembly from a napkin configuration to a bib configuration.
In other exemplary versions, a bib assembly includes a bib body, a bib drawstring situated at least partly in a drawstring housing secured to the bib body, and a cavity (such as a pocket, utility pouch, carrying pouch, or any partially or wholly enclosed space) formed at least in part by the bib body.
A first aspect of the invention is a bib assembly that includes a bib body, a bib drawstring passing through a portion of a drawstring housing attached to the bib body, and a pouch attached to the bib body and, optionally, a flap/pocket.
A second aspect of the invention is a bib assembly that includes a bib body, and a bib drawstring passing through a portion of a drawstring housing attached to the bib body, wherein the drawstring is made from material that stretches less than 5% when pulled by a user.
A third aspect of the invention is a bib assembly that includes a bib body, a bib drawstring passing through a portion of a drawstring housing attached to the bib body, and a crumb catcher.
A fourth aspect of the invention is a bib assembly in which two or more bibs are combined to form a bag.
A fifth aspect of the invention is a bib assembly that includes a bib body, and a bib drawstring passing through a portion of a drawstring housing attached to the bib body, wherein the drawstring includes a toggle cord type fastener.
A sixth aspect of the invention is a bib assembly that includes a bib body, and a bib drawstring passing through a portion of a drawstring housing attached to the bib body, wherein the drawstring emerges from the drawstring housing between two edges of the bib body.
A seventh aspect of the invention is a bib assembly that includes a bib body, and a bib drawstring passing through a portion of a drawstring housing attached to the bib body wherein the ends of the drawstring butt against the drawstring housing.
An eighth aspect of the invention is a bib assembly that includes a bib body, a bib drawstring passing through a portion of a drawstring housing attached to the bib body, and a pole attached to the bib body.
A ninth aspect of the invention is a bib assembly that includes a bib body, and a bib drawstring passing through a portion of a drawstring housing attached to the bib body wherein drawstrings can be any length to facilitate fastening around the neck.
Further advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the remainder of this document in conjunction with the associated drawings.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or similar parts:
Construction of a preferred embodiment of the napkin/bib device is illustrated in
When worn as a bib, the bib device 1000 can be adjusted to fit comfortably on a user, in particular by selecting how tightly the drawstrings 1008A, 1008B are pulled so that the top of the bib body 1002 generally conforms to the size and shape of a front portion of the user's neck. In addition, the drawstring(s) can be any suitable length, thus making the bib device 1000 easier for users to tie.
Additionally, the ends of the drawstrings 1008A, 1008B can be tied or otherwise secured using various devices such as buttons, snaps, Velcro, hook and loop, hook and eye, peel and stick adhesive, etc. (or any combination thereof) about the user's neck to hold the top of the bib device 1000 in place while the bib body 1002 hangs down and spreads across a portion of the user's torso. When worn by the user, such bib devices 1000 are useful for preventing crumbs, liquids, food, and other debris from getting on the user or his clothing.
When a user is finished using the device 1000 as a bib, it can be converted back to its napkin form by stretching out the bib body 1002 by grasping portions of the bib body near the drawstrings 1008A, 1008B, and pulling, so that one or more of the drawstrings 1008A, 1008B is drawn back into the bib housing 1006. Such a device 1000 can optionally be laundered and/or reused if desired. Optionally, the bib may be converted back to its napkin form prior to laundering. In embodiments where the napkin/bib device 1000 is to be laundered and or reused, it is advantageous to construct the bib body 1002 using materials that are durable enough for reuse and aesthetically suitable to the user, such as cotton, organic cotton, polyester, fire-retardant polyester, silk, silk blends, linen, nylon, water resistant fabric, stain resistant fabric, quilted fabrics, or hemp (or any suitable combination thereof). Optimally, the device with be laundered with similar fabrics to avoid shrinkage and help extend the life of the device 1000. In addition, the edges of the bib body 1002 can be frayed, ruffled, pleated, embroidered, blanket stitched, etc. for a fancier look. For embodiments in which reuse is not desired, less expensive/less durable materials that are easily discarded or recycled, such as plastic, paper, or synthetic paper, can be advantageous.
While it can be advantageous to make the drawstrings 1008A, 1008B of a length that will butt the pull tab ends 1004A, 1004B against the drawstring housing 1006 when the device 1000 is in the napkin configuration, other lengths of drawstrings 1008A, 1008B can be used for other functions, such as accommodating larger users.
The drawstrings can be made with various materials, such as grosgrain ribbon, stretch ribbon, satin ribbon (one or two sided), tight weave elastic, a self-fabric spaghetti (¼ inch to ⅜ inch diameter, for example, may be advantageous), rope, cotton, shoe string material, holiday trim, and/or materials suitable for use with toggle cable type fasteners (further discussed below).
During assembly, the bib body 1002 can be matched with the two drawstrings 1008A, 1008B (bands, ribbons, strips, etc.) of substantially equal length and having a minimum width of the bib body 1002 plus sufficient additional length to form the pull tabs 1004A, 1004B (by folding over the drawstrings 1008A, 1008B three or more times). The drawstrings 1008A, 1008B are preferably sewn (reinforced stitching) to opposite ends of the top of a bib body 1002. The pull tabs 1004A, 1004B are preferably thick enough to help ensure they do not slip into the drawstring housing 1006. The drawstring fabric preferably has a suitable width and fabric to pull easily, not stretch, and be durable for multiple pulling. In certain preferred configurations, the drawstrings 1008A, 1008B are grosgrain ribbons with ⅜ inch widths. The top of the bib body 1002 may be folded over to form a drawstring housing 1006 of suitable width to contain the two drawstrings 1008A, 1008B to facilitate pulling back and forth (and to aesthetically match the other bib body borders and designs as desired).
It is noted that the drawstring(s) can be lengthened to provide longer pull strings. Such longer pull strings may hang freely, or be sewn on a toggle as shown in
Further embodiments of the present invention are discussed in the following examples.
In some embodiments, a napkin/bib device includes an integral or “sewn-in” pouch that some or all of the bib body and/or drawstrings can be folded or bunched into, to facilitate easy carrying, storage, or transportation of the bib device. One such embodiment is shown in
Optionally, the folded bib device can be secured with Velcro fasteners, flaps, snaps, zippers, ties, “zip-lock” fasteners, or other closure devices in or around the pouch.
In some embodiments, a napkin/bib device includes a crumb-catcher, or “utility pouch” which can also operate as a holder for makeup, combs etc. depending on the use of the bib. A crumb-catcher/utility pouch can be formed as a horizontal fold, an extra fabric layer, or a rail across a length of the bib device, preferably near the bottom of the bib device to catch crumbs, liquids, or other debris to keep it from falling onto the wearer or his clothing, or to hold makeup combs, art supplies, etc. The sides can be stitched to hold the crumb-catcher/tool holder in place. One such embodiment is shown in
As an alternative, a large top stitched pocket could be added in the middle of the bib body as a crumb catcher or utility pouch. As another alternative, a longer napkin can allow a user to make his own crumb catcher or utility pouch by folding the bottom of the bib body to any desired length, such as 3 to 5 inches from the bottom, and securing the flap with a Velcro strip or other fastening device, such as one or more buttons or snaps.
Such embodiments can give a user the option of having a longer bib which can rest on his or her lap, or having a crumb catcher or utility pouch.
In some embodiments, a napkin/bib device can also be used as a bag to carry other articles within a cavity formed by the device. One such embodiment is shown in
In some embodiments, the bib/bag combination can be used as a reversible napkin, bib or a bag. Further, a napkin/bib/bag combination can be assembled by combining napkins/bibs of different colors or different patterns to provide more than one choice of style when using the device as either a napkin, bib or a bag. In some embodiments, one or more of the drawstrings on the device is long enough to serve as a hand or shoulder strap to make it easier to carry the device as a bag whether the drawstrings are cinched or not.
Optionally, the drawstring can include a drawstring fastener, such as a toggle cord type fastener or any other suitable fastener, to secure two portions of the drawstring(s) together, and thus secure the bib device to a user without tying ends of the drawstring(s). One such embodiment is depicted in
It has been discovered that some materials, such as cotton, when used to form a drawstring can stretch when pulled during normal use. Stretching of this kind can have several drawbacks. For example, a stretched drawstring may be less attractive than fresh, unstretched material. Also, knotting or clumping may occur, which prevents the drawstring from sliding smoothly from one position to another. Additionally, the drawstrings may become longer than the width of the bib body, so that the ends of the drawstring are no longer flush with the edge of the bib body when retracted to the “napkin” position. Accordingly, the use of materials less prone to stretching is advantageous in some embodiments. Advantageous materials stretch less than 20%, 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0.1% when pulled by a user to convert a bib device from the napkin configuration to the bib configuration.
Plain weave or corded fabric such as grosgrain ribbon are an advantageous material for making a drawstring that will retain its length and shape, even after several uses.
Other natural or synthetic fibers can also be used to construct drawstrings, although ones with minimal stretching and deformation are preferred for the reasons discussed above. Other advantageous materials with limited stretch are silk, double-sided silk, other grosgrain materials, and hemp. Alternatively, elastic materials can be used for drawstrings to achieve similar results, since elastic materials will stretch when pulled, but can return to their original length afterwards.
In some embodiments, a drawstring can emerge from a drawstring housing in the middle of the top of the bib body, instead of at the sides.
In some embodiments, a napkin/bib device can also be used as a flag or banner.
Further, some users may choose to forego a pole, and still wave the flag/banner manually.
Embodiments utilizing such a flag or banner function can also be combined with other embodiments disclosed herein, such as the crumb catcher or utility pouch discussed with reference to
In addition to protecting a user and his or her clothing from food and beverage debris, napkin/bib devices of the present invention can also be used in connection with other activities, such as cosmetic services (such as applying makeup or styling hair), art work or dentistry services. In addition, the napkin/bib device can be used as a flag as stated earlier, or as pocket handkerchief, neckerchief or bandana. In such embodiments, the size of the bib and material of the bib can be modified to suit those applications.
Optionally, pockets, sleeves, or special materials can be positioned on a bib device to hold tools, such as cosmetic tools, combs, brushes, art supplies (brushes, charcoals, pastels, ceramic tools, sculpting tools etc.), or to clean tools or catch debris.
Larger napkin/bibs (with various drawstring lengths) can also be used as aprons (around the neck or waist), and can include additional drawstrings or other fasteners to secure such a device to a user, such as a waist tie or belt, or additional drawstrings near the middle or bottom of the bib body.
In some embodiments, napkin/bib devices of the present invention are sized or equipped for users with special needs. For example, the size of a bib or the length of one or more drawstrings can be matched to a user who is particularly large or small, a child, elderly, or disabled. For users who cannot easily reach their own neck to tie or untie drawstrings, a Velcro fastener can be used to make it easy for an assistant to attach and detach the device, or for the user to detach the device himself. Alternatively, a button and loop attachment can be used. Additionally, an extra-long drawstring or pull cord can also be incorporated to make it easier for a user with limited mobility to detach his or her own bib and/or made with a fabric such as polyester for more ease in pulling. Also, like with Example 4 discussed above, a toggle cord type (or other) fastener can be used to loop over a person's head and then adjust to fit comfortably. If used, a bottom crumb catcher/utility pouch can also be of varying widths, depending on user needs.
In some embodiments, napkins/bibs/flags of the present invention are decorated with designs, logos, or messages to enhance the user's experience. Such decoration can include corporate, promotional, university, or sports logos (NFL, MLB, Nascar, NHRA, NBA, NHL, other sports brands, US/Olympic, World Soccer, etc.), cartoon characters, holiday themes and messages, or personalized designs.
Such decorations can be affixed using various techniques known in the art, such as embroidery, custom embroidery, patches, embossed or raised designs, stitching, tacking, appliqués, stuffed attachments, printing, silk screening, pic stitching, two- or three-dimensional designs, iron-ons, and the like. Designs incorporating bead or jewelry work can also be used. In some embodiments, decorations can be incorporated into other features of the device, such as printing on a pocket or crumb-catcher/utility pouch on a napkin/bib/flag device.
Additionally, since some napkin/bib/flag devices of the present invention allow a configuration change from napkin to bib to flag, and thus result in at least two possible shapes of the bib body, a design affixed on the bib body may change in shape or content as well. Designs can be selected because they have a desired appearance when the device is in its napkin configuration, or its bib configuration, or its flag configuration, or because they take on a surprising or unexpected appearance when the device changes shape. For example, a design may look unfamiliar or unintelligible in the napkin form, but take on a familiar or humorous meaning when the drawstrings are pulled to convert the device into its bib form, or used as a flag to fly at various sporting events.
Some embodiments of the present invention utilize special construction for durability or unusual applications. For example, some napkin/bib devices can be constructed using a breakaway device that releases the bib from a user with one sharp tug, using (for example) a button, snap, Velcro fastener, hook and eye, tiger eye fastener, D ring, pull down, or the like, to make the devices safer in case of an emergency, such as on an airplane. Some bib devices can be made of material or treated to make them stain, water, or oil repellant, wrinkle resistant, non-flammable, or hypoallergenic. Additionally, drawstrings can be constructed using double or triple ends to make them easier to locate and pull, or for increased durability. The drawstrings can be stitched in the drawstring housing using multi top stitching to make it stronger so any fabric can be used.
Drawstrings can also be constructed using elastic, stretch plastic, decorative braids, nylon rope, soft fabric, spaghetti ties, or soutache. In some embodiments, bibs can include attached tools for eating or performing other tasks, such as utensils, a toothpick, or a writing device such as a pen, crayon, or markers etc. The writing device can be used to design a user's own pattern on the bib body.
The present invention has been described in terms of one or more preferred embodiments, and it should be appreciated that many equivalents, alternatives, variations, additions, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, and apart from combining the different features of the foregoing versions in varying ways, can be made and are within the scope of the invention. The various features of the napkin/bib/flag/bag devices disclosed herein can be used in any combination.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/301,951, filed Mar. 1, 2016. The disclosure of the above-cited application is hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62301951 | Mar 2016 | US |
