BIB APPARATUS WITH FLUID CONTAINMENT POUCH

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application Serial No. 60/874,899 filed on March 14, 2007, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to protective apparel and receptacle type devices and more specifically to a bib apparatus with a fluid containment pouch.

Background of the Invention

[0003] Disposable motion sickness bags are generally used by people who are aware they are going to need one and have the capabilities of finding a bag, opening a bag, holding it to their mouth, getting sick into the bag and then closing the bag and disposing of the bag. Problems with such bags include whether they are readily available to their potential users and whether such users can open and hold the bag during use.

[0004] Alternatives to motion sickness bags include hard plastic or stainless steel kidney- shaped bowls, such as those used in hospitals. Similar issues exist with such bowls as exist with the motion sickness bags including whether they are readily available for use and whether they can be held during use. Furthermore, such bowls do not protect the caregiver or the user from the vomitus or other bodily fluids because they are not sealable. Finally, such bowls are not generally disposable and so they need to be continuously emptied and sanitized. [0005] Currently, bibs are available to prevent children or dysfunctional adults from spilling food or drool on themselves. Such bibs, for example the bib shown in US. Patent No. 4,663,779 to Bible, may have a "crumb catcher" of sorts, i.e., an open pocket at their bottom end. Such a pocket typically suffices for small quantities of food or drool (hence the term

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"crumb catcher") but may not be appropriate to catch a large amount of fluid like vomitus, for example.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] It is thus an object of this invention to provide a bib apparatus having a fluid-tight pouch for use as a receptacle for persons who regurgitate without much warning or forethought.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a bib having a pouch and having a neat, presentable appearance, that is not offensive or strange to users such as children or handicapped persons.

[0008] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a bib to be used primarily by people who are prone to motion sickness.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide a bib that assists in maintaining a cleaner, neater, and healthier environment for users, caregivers and others. [0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a bib apparatus that can be comfortably placed around a user's neck that is held in place by a fastener. [0011] A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a bib apparatus having detachable disposable pouches.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a bib having a re-sealable pouch that contains vomitus and/or other bodily fluids that minimizes exposure of the vomitus to the user and other persons, including caregivers.

[0013] A still further object of the present invention is to provide a bib having a fluid-tight pouch that can stand in a substantially upright position when the fluid-tight pouch contains a fluid.

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[0014] A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a bib apparatus having a transparent re-sealable pouch so that a caregiver can easily inspect the contents of the pouch while the pouch remains sealed.

[0015J Another object of the present invention is to provide a bib apparatus that can be secured about both a user's neck and the user's chest or waist

[0016] These and other object are met by the present invention which in one aspect can be a bib apparatus comprising: an apron panel comprising at least one wing for securing the apron panel around a user's neck; a second panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, and two lateral edges; a pleated panel connecting the bottom edge and at least a portion of the two lateral edges of the second panel to the apron panel so as to form a fluid-tight pouch having an open top end; and wherein the pleated panel is adapted to expand when fluid is introduced into the fluid-tight pouch so that the bib apparatus can stand in a substantially upright position atop the expanded pleated panel which forms a base.

[0017] In another aspect the invention can be a bib apparatus comprising: an apron panel having a top edge and two lateral edges; at least one wing extending from the top edge of the apron panel to form a neck line; a second panel having two lateral edges, the second panel connected to the apron panel so as to form a fluid-tight pouch having an open top end; and wherein the open top end of the fluid-tight pouch is at or near a lowermost portion of the neck line.

[0018] In a still further aspect the invention can be a bib apparatus comprising: an apron panel comprising at least one wing for securing the apron panel around a user's neck; a second panel connected to the apron panel so as to form a fluid-tight pouch having an open top end; a desiccant in the fluid-tight pouch for absorbing a fluid; and a means at or near the open top end of the fluid-tight pouch for alternately sealing and unsealing the open top end of the fluid-tight pouch.

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Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a bib apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the bib apparatus of FIG.1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 is a front view of the bib apparatus of FIG.l positioned around a user's neck according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 is a side view of the bib apparatus and user of FIG. 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 is a side perspective view of the bib apparatus and user of FIG. 3 wherein the bib apparatus is held in an open position by the user according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 is a front view of a bib apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0025] Referring first to FIG. 1 , a bib apparatus 100 is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention. The bib apparatus 100 is designed to be worn around a user's neck to protect clothing and to receive and contain food or bodily fluids, like vomitus. The bib apparatus 100 is especially useful for a small child that is prone to motion sickness when that child is riding in a vehicle. The bib apparatus 100 can also be used on small children suffering from stomach distress at home who cannot quickly find and get to a receptacle into which they can vomit, The invention is not limited to such uses, however, and the bib apparatus 100 may also be used in hospitals, pediatric wards, emergency rooms, airplanes, buses, or trains by anyone, regardless of age, with stomach distress and an inability to move quickly enough to a bathroom. Furthermore, while the bib apparatus 100 is described

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with respect to use in connection with receiving and containing vomitus, the bib apparatus 100 may be adapted for other uses such as, for example, discarding food or receiving and containing other bodily fluids.

[0026] All of the major components of the bib apparatus 100 are designed to be flexible so that the bib apparatus 100 can be folded. Thus, a plurality of the bib apparatus 100 could be conveniently packaged in a container that could be kept in a car, for example. If a child or any other person is prone to motion sickness, the bib apparatus 100 could simply be taken out of the container and easily put on the person needing a disposable container for vomitus. The bib apparatus 100 will provide peace of mind for both the parent, or caregiver, and the user in that the user and his environment can remain clean should the user regurgitate. [0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, concurrently, the bib apparatus 100 generally comprises an apron panel 10, a second panel 12, a pleated panel 14 and a pair of wings 16. The apron panel 10, second panel 12 and pleated panel 14 are connected to each other on three sides so as to form a fluid-tight pouch 20 having an open top end 42 and a cavity 33. As will be described in further detail below, the wings 16 are designed to comfortably secure the bib apparatus 100 around a user's neck. The wings 16 and the apron panel 12 form a neckline 40 defining an opening through which a user's neck extends. After the bib apparatus 100 is secured around a user's neck, the user can easily vomit into the fluid-tight pouch 20 via the open top end 42. The open top end of the fluid-tight pouch 20 is designed to be sealed easily, so that the vomitus will not spill out of the fluid-tight pouch 20 once it has been used. The bib apparatus 100 may then be discarded.

[0028] The apron panel 10 comprises a bottom edge 24, a first major surface 26, a second major surface 28, and two lateral edges 37. The first major surface 26 is adjacent a user when the bib apparatus 100 is secured about Hie user's neck, as shown in FIGS. 3-5. The apron panel 10 is substantially rectangular shaped. The shape of the apron panel 10 is not limited to

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rectangular, and other shapes may be used. More specifically, the apron panel 10 may be angled or contoured to correspond to a person's body shape. The apron panel has a length Ll that is the distance between a lowermost portion of the neck line 40 and the bottom edge 24 and is preferably between 10-20 inches, more preferably between 12 and 18 inches, and most preferably between 14 and 16 niches. The apron panel 10 preferably has a width between 10 and 14 inches. The invention is not so limited however, and the apron panel 10 may have larger or smaller width and/or length depending upon the intended user (Le. an infant, a toddler, a young child or an adult). Preferably, the apron panel 10 is made of a plastic, such as vinyl and is preferably colored and semi-transparent. Of course, the apron panel 10 may be made of various materials including, without limitation, thermoplastics, polymers like polyethylene, woven cloths, paper, spunbond materials, etc. Most preferably, a water-proof material is used. Additionally, the apron panel 10 may be a composite of materials, for example the first major surface 26 may be plastic while the second major surface 28 may be terry cloth. Furthermore, rather than the entirety of the apron panel 10 being made of a transparent material, the apron panel 10 may have a portion of transparent material, like a window, so that one can see into the cavity 33 of the fluid-tight pouch 20 through a section of the apron panel 10 that is transparent. Finally, the materials used will be non-toxic to children (i.e. not harmful to children should a child insert the bib apparatus into his mouth) and should also keep the vomitus or other fluid away from the user's clothing.

{0029] The second panel 12 comprises a top edge 30, a bottom edge 32, and two lateral edges 34. The second panel 12 is positioned adjacent to and in front of the apron panel 10 (i.e. away from the body of a user). The shape of the second panel 12 corresponds with the shape of the apron panel 10, which is generally rectangular shaped. Other shapes may be used, however. For example, the second panel 12 may be angled or contoured, like the apron panel 10, to correspond to a person's body shape. The second panel 12 has a length L2 that is preferably at

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least half of the length Ll of the apron panel 10, and most preferably over 80% of the length Ll. The second panel 12 is preferably made of plastic, such as vinyl, and is preferably transparent or colored and semi-transparent. Other materials may be used as well however, including, without limitation, thermoplastics, polymers like polyethylene, woven cloths, paper, spunbond materials, etc. Most preferably, a water-proof material is used. Additionally, while the second panel 12 and the first panel 10 may be made of the same material, they do not need to be made of the same material. Furthermore, the materials used to make the components of the bib apparatus 100 is not intended to be limiting of the invention, unless specifically claimed. Of course, the same considerations discussed above with reference to the apron panel 10 apply to the second panel 12. Thus, it is preferable that the second panel 12 be made of a non-toxic material. Like the apron panel 10, the second panel 12 may also be made from different materials. For example, rather than the entirety of the second panel 12 being made of a transparent material, the second panel 12 can have a section made of a transparent material so as to provide a window-like feature. The remainder of the second panel 12 can be made of a non-transparent material, like terry cloth or colored plastic. A person can look into the cavity

33 of the fluid-tight pouch 20 via the section of the second panel 12 that is made of transparent material. This allows a person, like a parent, to inspect the contents of the pouch 20 while it is sealed.

[0030] The pleated panel 14 connects the bottom edge 32 of the second panel 12 with the bottom edge 24 of the apron panel 10. The pleated panel 14 additionally connects the lateral edges 34 of the second panel 12 to the lateral edges 37 of the apron panel 10. The connections between the apron panel 10, the second panel 12 and the pleated panel 14 form the pouch 20 between the panels 10, 12, 14. More specifically, the pouch 20 comprises the internal fluid- tight cavity 33 that is formed by the inner surfaces of the panels 10, 12, 14. The lateral edges

34 of the pleated panel 14 are preferably connected to the lateral edges 37 of the apron panel 10

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so that the fluid-tight cavity 33 of the pouch 20 has a width substantially equal to the width of the apron panel 10. Preferably, the pleated panel 14 is made of plastic, such as vinyl. Other materials may be used as well however, including, without limitation, thermoplastics, polymers like polyethylene, woven cloths, paper, spunbond materials, etc. Most preferably, a waterproof material is used. The pleated panel 14 could be made of a transparent material so that the contents of the cavity 33 of the pouch 20 are visible through the pleated panel 14. Although the pleated panel 14 is shown as being separate from the apron panel 10 and the second panel 12, the pleated panel 14 may be made from the same piece of material as either the apron panel 10 and/or the second panel 12. Similarly, all three panels 10, 12, 14 could be made from one piece of material that is creased to form the pouch 20, In embodiments where separate pieces of material are used to form each of the panels 10, 12, 14, the connections between the panels can be formed by thermally welding the overlapping portions of each panel. Of course, other connection methods may be used including, adhesion, stitching, or thermal-welding. The connection methods described above for the bib apparatus 100 are illustrative and not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0031] The pleated panel 14 further comprises a pleat 36. The pleat 36 allows the bottom and the sides of the pouch 20 to expand when fluid is introduced into the cavity 33 of the pouch 20. The expansion of the pouch 20 allows the bib apparatus 100 to stand in a substantially upright position atop the expanded pleated panel 14 which forms a base 38. Designing the bib apparatus 100 so that it can stand in a substantially upright position when the pouch 20 is partially filled, allows for easier cleaning and disposal of the vomitus or contents within the pouch 20. This is because the bib apparatus 100 can be placed on a surface such as a table top, while the child (or user) is attended to without the contents of the pouch 20 spilling. Preferably, the pleat 36 is at least a 1 inch pleat when expanded. The invention is not so

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limited, however, and the dimensions of the pleat 36 will be dictated by the dimensions of the panels 10, 12, 14 and the desired dimensions of the pouch 20.

[0032] The bib apparatus 100 further comprises two wings 16 that extend from the top of the apron panel 10. The wings 16 of the bib apparatus 100 are used to secure the bib apparatus 100 around a person's neck when a need arises. Each of the wings 16 extend from the top of the apron panel 10, near the lateral edges 37 of the apron panel 10. The wings 16 are preferably integrally formed with the apron panel 10. Alternatively, the wings 16 could be a separate part, made from a different material than that of the apron panel 10. In such an embodiment, the wings 16 are attached to the top of the apron panel 10. The wings 16 are elongated and curved so as to have a horizontal cross-section that is par- spherical. Collectively, the wings 16 and the top of the apron panel 10 form a neck line 40. The neck line 40 is a generally circular shaped line defining the perimeter of the opening through which a person's neck extends. The lowermost portion of the neck line 40 is the point nearest the bottom edge 24. The neck line 40 is not limited to a circular shape, but rather could be elliptical, square or any other shape so long as the bib apparatus 100 fits comfortably around a user's neck. The wings 16 preferably extend 6 inches from the lower most portion of the neck line 40. The invention is not so limited however, and the dimensions of the wings 16 will be dictated by the intended user and the preferred size of the opening formed by the wings 16.

[0033] The wings 16 comprise a front surface 15, a back surface 17 and a fastener 38 at or near their distal ends 19 for attaching and securing the bib apparatus 100 around a user's neck. The fastener 38 is preferably a hook and loop type faster. The hook portion of the fastener 38 is positioned near the distal end ofone ofthetwo wings 16 on the front surface 15. The loop portion of the fastener 38 is positioned at the distal end of the other wing 16 on the back surface 17, or vice-versa. The front surface 15 of one wing 16 is attached to the back surface 17 of the

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other wing 16. The user's neck will be positioned in the opening that is formed when the wings 16 are fastened together. The wings 16 are fastened together at the rear of a user's neck, hi an alternative embodiment, a single wing can be used to secure the bib apparatus 100 around a user's neck. Such a wing would wrap around the back of a user's neck to be secured at the second major surface 28 of the apron panel 10. A hook and loop type fastener is used in such an embodiment. The hook portion is secured at the second major surface of the apron panel and the loop portion is secured at the distal end of the wing. In either embodiment, other fasteners may be used instead of a hook and loop type fastener, including snaps, buttons, ties, strings and the like. Where ties are used, the term "wing" is broad enough to encompass a strip of material, i.e. a tie.

[0034] The bib apparatus 100 is designed to appear to be much like a regular bib, except for the incorporation of the pouch 20 for receiving a fluid. When use of the bib apparatus 100 is required, the bib apparatus 100 can be opened to reveal a receptacle for receiving vomitus, i.e. the pouch 20. When the user starts vomiting, the vomit can be directed into the pouch 20 via the open top end 42. The open top end 42 allows the vomitus to fall into the fluid-tight cavity 33 formed by the pouch 20. The pouch 20 extends from a position below the lowermost portion of the neck line 40 down to the bottom of the apron panel 10 (i.e. the remaining portion of the bib apparatus 100). Preferably, the open top end 42 of the pouch 20 is at or near a lowermost portion of the neck line 40 so that a user can easily direct vomitus into the pouch 20. In one embodiment, the pouch 20 extends from approximately 1-1/2" below the lowermost portion of the neck line 40 down to the remaining portion of the bib apparatus 100.

[0035] The pouch 20 further comprises means for sealing and unsealing the open top end 42 of the pouch 20. The sealing means is designed so that the pouch 20 can be sealed such that fluids cannot leak out of the pouch 20. The sealing means comprises a zip-lock type closure.

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More specifically, on a first surface of the second panel 12 is a ridge 44. On the second major surface 28 of the apron panel 10 is a corresponding groove 46 formed between two protrusions 48. The groove 46 and the ridge 44 interlock to form a tight seal. A user will exert pressure on the second panel 12 and on the apron panel 10 so that the groove 46 and the ridge 44 interlock as a result of the pressure applied. The invention is not limited to a zip-lock type sealing means. Other sealing means include, for example, a fluid impermeable adhesive covered by a protective strip that could be provided at the inner surface of the second panel 12. The protective strip may be peeled off prior to sealing, thereby exposing the adhesive. The second panel 12 and the apron panel 10 would be pressed together manually to seal the top of the pouch 20. Other sealing means include snaps, posts, and the like which may be used in combination with the adhesive or the zip-lock type closure. The zip-lock type closure is preferred.

[0036] The bib apparatus 100 further comprises a tab 50. The tab 50 allows a user to pull the second panel 12 in a direction away from the apron panel 10. This allows the user to unseal or open the top end 42 of the pouch 20. The tab 50 is secured at the top of the second panel 12 {i.e, near the open top end 42 of the pouch 20). Only the top end of the tab 50 is secured to the second panel 12. This allows for the bottom section of the tab 50 to be free from the second panel 12. Thus, a user will grip the bottom half of the tab 50 in order to pull the second panel 12 away from the apron panel 10 and open the top end 42 of the pouch 20. The tab 50 is rectangular shaped, but could be a variety of shapes so long as it is easy for a person to grip the bottom section of the tab 50 between his or her fingers and pull the tab 50, thereby pulling the second panel 12. The tab 50 could be made of the same material as the second panel 12 or it could be a different material. Preferably, the tab 50 is either integrally formed with the second panel 12 or secured to the second panel 12 so as to not be easily removable. For example, the tab 50 could be stitched or thermally welded to the second panel 12. hi use, after the bib

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apparatus 100 has been secured around the user's neck, the user or another person can pull the tab 50 to open the top end 42 of the pouch 20, thereby revealing the fluid-tight cavity 33. Upon the fluid-tight cavity 33 of the pouch 20 receiving a fluid via the open top end 42, the pouch 20 is sealed closed using the zip-lock closure 44, 46 (or other sealing means). The bib apparatus 100 may be placed on a counter in an upright position (supported by the base 38 formed by the expanded pleated panel 14) and then removed for disposal. A new/fresh bib apparatus 100 can quickly and easily be secured around the user's neck. [0037] In another embodiment, the bib apparatus 100 comprises a desiccant (not illustrated) in the pouch 20. The desiccant may be in the form of a rectangular insert positioned in the bottom of the pouch 20, or it may be in the foim of a liner along the inner surfaces of the pouch 20. The desiccant could also be beads or other articles well known in the art Suitable materials for the desiccant include any material capable of drawing liquid into itself or of drying its environment. Such materials include, for example, silica gels, clay materials, tissue, cloth, and the like.

[0038] In another embodiment, the bib apparatus 100 comprises a pouch 20 that is formed by a bag attached to the apron panel 10, rather than the second panel 12. In such an embodiment, the rear surface of the bag (i.e. the surface closest to the user when the bag apparatus is positioned around a user's neck) is considered a part of the apron panel 10. Additionally, in such an embodiment, the bag can be detachable from the apron panel 10. Thereby allowing the bag to be disposed of separately from the apron panel 10. The apron panel 10 comprises means for attaching a new bag to the apron panel 12. Such means for attaching a new bag include for example posts, hook and loop fastener, adhesives positioned on the bag, and the like. [0039] In another embodiment, the bib apparatus 100 comprises a disposable liner (not illustrated) positioned in the cavity 33 of the pouch 20. In such an embodiment, the liner is positioned so that its outer surface is adjacent the inner surfaces of the panels 10, 12, 14. The

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disposable liner is secured to the panels 10, 12, 14 of the bib apparatus 100 via fasteners like snaps, hooks, hook and loop tape and the like. Such fasteners allow the liner to be held in the cavity 33 during use. After receiving vomitus, the liner is removed from the pouch 20 and disposed. The disposable liner is preferably made of a flexible waterproof material. [0040] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, the bib apparatus 100 secured around a user's neck and utilized to receive vomitus is illustrated FIG. 3 depicts the bib apparatus 100 positioned around a user's neck. FIG. 4 is a side view of the bib apparatus 100 secured around the user's neck. FIG. 5 illustrates the user using the bib apparatus to capture vomitus. As best seen in FIG. 3, with the open top end 42 of the pouch 20 sealed, the bib apparatus 100 looks much like a disposable bib. The pouch 20 can be unsealed and opened to provide a user of the bib apparatus 100 with a waterproof receptacle that receives vomitus. Upon receiving vomitus, the bottom of the pouch 20 expands along the pleat 36. The expansion allows the pouch 20 to open wider at its bottom end and stand hi a substantially upright position when placed upon a flat surface, like a tabletop. Once finished, the pouch 20 is sealed, thereby making it ready for disposal.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 6, a bib apparatus 200 is illustrated according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The structural components (and their functioning) of the bib apparatus 200 are substantially similar to those discussed above with respect to the bib apparatus 100. Therefore, in order to avoid redundancy, only those design aspects of the bib apparatus 200 that substantially differ from the bib apparatus 100 will be discussed. [0042] The bib apparatus 200 comprises a pair of bands 52. The bands 52 are attached to the lateral edges 37 of the apron panel 10 at or near the bottom edge 24 of the apron panel 10. Preferably, the bands 52 are attached within two to five inches of the bottom edge 24 of the apron panel 10. The bands 52 are designed to comfortably wrap around the body of a user at either the waist or the chest level of the user. The bib apparatus 200 is therefore held in place

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on a user by both the wings 16 and the bands 52. The bands 52 secme the bottom section of the bib apparatus 200 around the user while the wings 16 secure the top section of the bib apparatus 200 around the user. Each of the bands 52 comprises a fastener (not visible) at its distal end. The fasteners of the bands 52 cooperate with each other so that the distal end of each of the bands 52 can be secured together. When the distal ends of the bands 52 are secured together, an opening is formed through which a user's body extends. The faster could be a hook and loop type fastener, snaps, buttons, ties, hole and prong, etc. The length of the bands 52 will vary depending upon the intended user. More specifically, the bands 52 will be longer where the bib apparatus 200 is to be used with an adult and shorter where the bib apparatus 200 is to be used with a child. Additionally, the bands 52 could be made of a stretchable material so that the bands 52 can fit around persons of different sizes. Furthermore, the distal ends of the bands could comprise multiple festers spaced from each other. In such an embodiment, the bands 52 are capable of being attached at various points along their distal ends to create openings of various sizes depending on which of the multiple fasteners is used to secure the distal ends of the bands 52 with each other. Alternatively, the bib apparatus 200 can be secured around a user's body by a single band 52, rather than two bands 52. The single band 52 wraps around the back of a user's body to be secured at the lateral edge 37 or the major surface 26 of the apron panel 10.

[0043] While the invention has been described and illustrated in sufficient detail that those skilled in this art can readily make and use it, various alternatives, modifications, and improvements should become readily apparent without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

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