Patent Application
20230189759
The present invention relates generally to the field of pet accessories. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel cloth bib system for dogs and other pets. The bib system is secured to a pet collar or harness and provides an accessory when not being used for wiping away excess drool and saliva from a pet's mouth or wiping down a pet coming in from a rain or from other spills. The bib system has one or more folded cloth bibs secured to a collar, harness, leashes, belts, or other accessories which may be used for managing pets by using carabiner clips. In use, one of the bibs may be unfolded and used for wiping away saliva, food, wetness or simply for grooming purposes. The bibs are machine washable and can be produced in various sizes, patterns, configurations and designs. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, pets drool occasionally, and certain breeds drool excessively due to the presence of jowls or other flaps or folds around the mouth of the pet. Drool or ptyalism, is an excessive flow of saliva that has accumulated in the mouth/oral cavity. Drooling is very common in breeds such as Saint Bernard, Dogue de Bordeaux, Bloodhound, Bulldog, Newfoundland, Neapolitan Mastiff, Bernese Mountain Dog and others. Even pets such as dogs that don't slobber or drool all the time can drip a bit of drool when they anticipate something delicious.
Slobbering can be caused by a variety of issues. Stomach distress, toxic substances, carsickness, heat stroke, infections and more can cause drooling. Liver diseases, kidney diseases and more can also cause drooling. Oral diseases like tooth decay, gum inflammation, tartar buildup, and oral tumors in the mouth and/or throat can cause dogs to drool more than normal. However, sometimes, even without an issue or disease, dogs drool and may slobber excessively.
Excessive drool by pets such as dogs, can be slimy and gross and people, including the pet or dog owner or caretaker, may be disgusted and annoyed by excessive drooling. In many public places like malls, shopping centers, restaurants and more, pets are welcomed but excessive drooling can be unpleasing and unappetizing for people.
Generally, pet owners use wipes or clothes for wiping up their dog's saliva, cleaning around the pet's mouth, and for general grooming purposes. Reusing wipes or clothes without regular washing is unsafe for pets and may cause infection due to the buildup of bacteria and germs. Further, wipes or clothes may not always be available when needed and also create waste when thrown away. Therefore, pet owners and caretakers desire bibs that can be easily and safely used to clean excess drool from their dog's mouth and for general grooming and cleaning of the pet. People desire bibs and cleaning clothes that can be attached to a collar, harness, leash, or other pet accessory thereby eliminating the need for pet owners to remember to carry wipes or bibs.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a lightweight fabric or other material to create a bib for pets, such as dogs, which can be easily used for cleaning and drying excess drool from a pet's mouth as well as to perform other grooming needs. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a pet bib that can be firmly secured to an accessory used with the pet, such as a collar or harness. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for fabric or other material bib for dogs that can be washed and dried in conventional laundry machines for reuse. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for pet bibs that are safe and convenient to use. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for fabric bibs that maintain cleanliness and hygiene of the pets. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a fabric bib that can function as an accessory for pets when not in use. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for lightweight cloth bib for pets that can be used for wiping excess drool and saliva and is secured to an accessory for the pet, such as collar, harness, leash, strap or another item used with a pet.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a bib system for grooming, such as wiping away excess saliva from the mouth of a pet. The bib system has one or more washable bibs and enables pet owners to accessorize their pets with several different colors, patterns, and styles of the bibs. The bib system further includes at least one individual cloth bib, with each bib in one embodiment being generally rectangular in shape and having a pair of longitudinal sides and a pair of lateral or transverse sides. Each bib has a bib design and a hole near a top lateral edge, a carabiner clip for each bib and the carabiner clip is configured to pass through the hole in the bib for securing the bib to a collar or other accessory. A clip is provided for each bib to secure the bib in a folded position, and when the clip of a bib is removed, the bib is unfolded and can be used for grooming, cleaning or another task such as wiping away excess drool and saliva from a dog's mouth.
In this manner, the reusable cloth bib of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides pet owners and caretakers with lightweight fabric bibs designed to clean and dry excess drool from a pet's mouth. Having two or more bibs available allows users to groom, such as wiping up drool over a prolonged period of time. The bibs are secured to collar or other pet accessory when not used and can be easily unfolded for wiping and removing drool or other grooming activity. The bibs are configured to be easily removable from the collar or other pet accessory and can be easily replaced or washed for reuse.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a bib or towel system for grooming activities, such as wiping away excess saliva from a pet's or dog's mouth. The bib or towel system further includes a pair of individual cloth bibs or towels, and each bib, in one embodiment, is generally rectangular in shape and has a pair of longitudinal sides and a pair of lateral or transverse sides. Each bib or towel has a design or other indicia and a hole near a top lateral or transverse edge. A first clip, such as a carabiner clip, is provided with each bib or towel, and the carabiner clip is configured to pass through the hole of the bib or for securing the bib or towel to a collar, harness, leash, lead, strap or other pet accessory. A second clip, such as a paper or binder clip, is provided with each bib or towel to secure the bib or towel in a folded position. The second clip is removed and allows for unfolding of the bib or towel to wipe away excess drool and saliva from the pet's or dog's mouth or to engage in other grooming related activities or functions.
In yet another embodiment, each bib or towel has a length ranging from about 10 inches to about 20 inches.
In yet another embodiment, each bib or towel is made from one of terry, cotton, cellulosic material, nylon, or combinations thereof.
In yet another embodiment, the width of both the lateral sides is equal.
In yet another embodiment, any one of the bibs or towels is used at a time for wiping away saliva or performing any other needed grooming or care for the pet.
In yet another embodiment, a grooming bib or towel system is disclosed. The bib or towel grooming system includes one or more of shaped towels or bibs, and each of the towels or bibs are removably secured to a first clip, such as a carabiner clip, and the first or carabiner clip goes through a hole disposed in each of the towels/bibs. The first clip is secured to a pet collar or other accessory allowing a pet, such as a dog, to wear the bib or towel system. The bib or towel has a snap button, and the other bib has a snap button receiver for securing the bib or towel in a folded or first position. The towel or bib may be used for any number of grooming activities such as wiping away saliva or otherwise cleaning around the mouth of a pet such as a dog. A bib or towel is in a second position when it is unfolded and in an extended length and used for the grooming activity such as wiping the saliva.
In yet another embodiment, a method of performing a grooming activity such as wiping away excess saliva from the mouth of a pet, such as a dog is described. The method includes the steps of initially providing a stack of bibs or towels and then either individually attaching at least one bib or towel held in a first position to a collar or other pet accessory using at least one of a first clip type or attaching the entire stack to the collar. Then unfolding the bib or towel into its second position. Then performing a grooming activity, such as wiping excess saliva away from the mouth of the pet, and finally removing the used bib or towel from the system and interchanging the used bib or towel with a new bib or towel.
In yet another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of unfolding a second bib or towel from a stack of bibs or towels for performing a grooming activity such as wiping excess saliva away.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a lightweight fabric bib or towel system for pets that can be easily used for performing grooming and care related activities such as cleaning and drying excess drool from around a dog's mouth. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a bib or towel system that can be firmly secured to a pet accessory such as a collar, harness, lead, leash, strap or other pet management device. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a fabric system for pets that can be readily replaceable and washed and dried in laundry machines for reuse. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a pet grooming system that uses one or more towels, cloths or other sheets of material that are safe and convenient to use. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for pet fabric bibs that help maintain cleanliness and hygiene of the pets. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a pet fabric grooming system that can function as an accessory for pets when not used. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for lightweight cloth bib system for pets that can be used for wiping up excess drool and saliva and is secured to the pet accessory such as a collar.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a method of performing a grooming activity such as the wiping away of excess saliva. The method includes the steps of initially providing a stack or set of towels, cloths, bibs or other sheets of individual material and then attaching the set or stack to a pet accessory such as a collar, using at least one of a first type of clip. Then unfolding one of the stacks or set of bibs, towels, or clothes from a first folded position to a second unfolded position. Then performing at least, a first grooming exercise, such as the wiping of saliva from the mouth of the pet. Finally, removing the used bib, towel or cloth from the system, stack or set and unfolding a second towel, cloth, or bib to conduct a grooming activity.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The front bib or towel 102 and the rear bib or towel 104 are configured to be individually and separately accessed for performing the grooming activity such as wiping away saliva and drool. The front bib, towel, or cloth 102 is secured to a pet accessory, such as a collar, 110 using a first type of clip such as a carabiner clip 112 fastened to a grommet 114 in the pet accessory 110. The front bib or towel 102 can be removed from the first or carabiner clip 112 for washing and for interchanging with another bib, cloth, or towel. The rear bib or towel 104 is also secured to the dog collar 110 using a second carabiner clip 116 and fastened to a second grommet 118 in the pet accessory 110.
The towels, cloths, or bibs 102, 104 are preferably made from easy-to-clean and machine washable terry cloth and are also ideal for groomers and vets to use while grooming and treating the dogs. Other materials may be used, such as a cellulosic based material that when in a dry state has a first size and then in a wet state is a second size larger than the first size. In this way, the system 100 may be more compact making transport easier. The front towel, cloth, or bib 102 is unfolded from the first position when the clip 106 is removed and is used for conducting the grooming activity such as wiping away drool when the towel, bib or cloth is in the unfolded or second position. Once used, the front bib 102 can be folded again, returning to its original configuration, and then secured in the folded position using the clip 106. Similarly, the rear or next bib, towel or cloth 104 in the set unfolds when the clip 108 is removed and is used for conducting the grooming activity. Once used, the rear bib 104 can be folded again and secured in a folded position using the clip 108.
In one exemplary embodiment, the bibs, towels, or cloths 102, 104 have a bow design 120 positioned on the front surface thereof providing a bow tie look to the collar of a dog. The bibs, towels, or cloths 102, 104 are ideal for everyday wear, photoshoots, parties, weddings and more, in addition to being used for grooming and care activities. In some embodiments, the bibs, towels or cloths 102, 104 can be attached to any dog collar or other pet accessory using a first type of clip, such as carabiner clips, and thereby eliminating the use of a bandana or other clothes or wipes for wiping away drool and saliva. Other indicia may be provided on each of the towels, cloths, or bibs, such as the name of the pet. The indicia 120 may be applied by a removable fastener 121 such as a hook and loop system, snaps, magnets or the like so that when the first towel 102 is used, the indica can be removed and placed on the next bib or towel 104 so as not to lose use of the indicia.
The bibs 202, 204 are folded when not used and are used as an accessory for the pet wearing the system 200. A second type of clip, such as a paper or binder clip 212, may be used for securing the individual bibs, towels, or cloths 202, 204 in a folded orientation when not in use. When needed, the clip 212 is removed to use one of the bibs, towels, or cloths 202, 204 for performing the grooming activity as illustrated in
In the present embodiment, one bib of the stack or set of bibs may have a button and the another bib of the stack or set of bibs may have a slot for receiving the button to secure the bibs together in a folded orientation as illustrated in
The second bib, towel, or cloth 204 is configured to be positioned behind the first bib 202, in substantial alignment with the first bib, towel or cloth 202 and has a snap button 312 positioned on the first surface 310 near the bow design 314. The snap button 312 is configured to secure to the slot 306 for securing both the bibs 202, 204 in a folded position and the snap connection is released for using one of the bibs 202, 204 for wiping up excessive drool. The bibs, towels, or cloths of the system 200 in one embodiment, are all of the same general dimensions to form a neat package or set. In an alternative embodiment, each of the bibs, towels, or cloths 202, 204 and 207 may be of different sizes in order to accommodate different grooming activities. Also as shown in
In some embodiments, the bib may have folding lines 418 disposed laterally along length of the bib 400, at substantially equal positions along the length of the towel or bib allowing the bib to be easily folded. The folding lines 418 are provided perpendicularly to the longitudinal side edges and parallel to the transverse end edges. The bib, cloth or towel is soft, skin-friendly, free of parabens, machine-washable and lightweight.
Other shapes, designs and configurations of the drool wiping bib system 100, 200 are contemplated and fall within the scope of the invention without affecting the utility of the device. Since the a washable fabric is used for bibs in various embodiments, no trash is generated and also a user is not required to carry wipes or clothes for wiping away excess drool or saliva.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “drool wiping bib system”, “bib system”, “slobber cloth bib system”, “dog saliva wiping bib system” and “system” are interchangeable and refer to the dog saliva wiping bib system 100, 200 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the dog saliva wiping bib system 100, 200 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the dog saliva wiping bib system 100, 200 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the dog saliva wiping bib system 100, 200 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the dog saliva wiping bib system 100, 200 are important design parameters for user convenience, the dog saliva wiping bib system 100, 200 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/291,972, which was filed on December 21st, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63291972 | Dec 2021 | US |
