CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional Application Number 18/111,546, filed February 18, 2023, and entitled DISPENSABLE BIBS AND METHODS OF FORMING SAME, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Number 63/311,680, filed February 18, 2022, with a title of METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVED BIB DISPENSING, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002]The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus provide a dispensable sanitary bib in a convenient and efficient manner. More specifically, the present invention discloses a continuum of dispensable bibs that may be separated along perforations and features may be created by separation along additional perforations.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003]Teething toddlers are known for their involuntary drooling, spills, and drips that accompany every meal. Bibs have become the standard solution for preventing soiled clothes and keeping baby neat and dry. Most bibs on the market today are washable and may be impermeable but are certainly designed to be fashionable, durable, washable, and reusable.

[0004]The unintended consequence, though, is that such bibs are heavier than necessary and would probably be described as irritating if baby could talk. This also makes transporting additional bibs unwieldy in some circumstances. Senior care of elderly adults who lack motor skills to feed themselves without some spillage of food and/or drinks presents similar concerns.

[0005] Reusable bibs of cloth and/or plastic type materials have been used in many forms, however, reusable bibs are difficult to efficiently transport and clean once used. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006]Accordingly, the present invention provides for a continuum of dispensable bibs that may be made available at a location of use and be dispensed, deployed, and disposed of, in an efficient and sustainable manner. A continuum of bib material is disclosed with strategically placed perforations for ease of separation portions of the roll into usable bibs and formation of bib features. In some embodiments, the dispensable bibs may have customizable openings based upon a desired size of the bib.

[0007]In some embodiments, the present invention includes a continuum of bib material having a first surface and a second surface. The continuum may include separation perforations formed into the bib material in a pattern defining a shape of a bib, the perforations permitting controlled tearing of the bib material along the pattern defining the shape of the bib. The continuum may additionally include head flap perforations formed into the continuum of bib material in a pattern defining a shape of a head flap and a head space within the pattern defining the shape of the bib, the head space sizeable for circumventing a head of a wearer, and the head space bordered at least in part by a neck collar portion, the neck collar portion configured to support the bib covering at least a portion of a torso of the wearer.

[0008]Implementations may include one or more of the following features: a continuum where the head flap is foldable over a portion of the bib material to a position that additionally covers at least a portion of a torso of the wearer. The Continuum may additionally have a super absorbent polymer on one or both of the first surface and the second surface. In some embodiments, the polymer is formed via fermentation of renewable biomass. A liquid impermeable material may be included on one or both of the first surface and the second surface, in some embodiments, the continuum where the liquid impermeable material may include a polyurethane and/or a wax.

[0009] Still further, in some embodiments, the continuum may additionally include a securing strap formed via tearing along a securing strap perforation. A leg contour portion may compliment a shape of a neck collar portion of an adjacent bib included in the continuum of dispensable bibs. In addition, a leg extension portion may be adjacent to a leg contour portion.

[0010]Methods may include tearing a continuum of bib material having a first surface and a second surface along a series of multiple bib separation perforations formed into the continuum of bib material in a pattern defining a shape of the bib. [0011]A head flap may be created via tearing a series of multiple head flap perforations additionally formed into the continuum of bib material in a pattern defining a shape of a head flap. The head flap may be folded to cause a portion of the second surface of the bib material having the head flap to cover a corresponding area of the first surface of the bib material, the folding of the head flap creating a head space bordered by a neck collar portion of the bib material within the pattern defining the shape of the bib, the head space sizeable for circumventing a head of a wearer, and the head space bordered at least in part by the neck collar portion.

[0012]Method may in addition include placing head of a wearer through the head space. Method may moreover include supporting the bib against a torso of a wearer via the neck collar portion resting on a neck of the wearer. Method may also include receiving a substance on one of the first surface and the second surface of the bib material as the bib is supported against the torso of the wearer. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

[0013]Methods may additionally include positioning the bib and/or the head flap over at least a portion of the torso of the wearer. A neck collar portion may be formed via tearing of a series of head flap perforations. The neck collar portion may be placed around a neck of the wearer to rest on the neck of the wearer.

[0014]A substance received on one of the first surface and the second surface, such as a food stuff, a drink, medicine or other material containing liquid. According to some aspects, the liquid may be absorbed into the bib material to prevent the liquid running off the bib and onto an item the bib wearer is attempting to protect, such as clothing. A super absorbent polymer may be used to absorb the liquid. In some embodiments, the polymer may be formed via fermentation of renewable biomass. A pattern defining a shape of the bib may include multiple series of head flap perforations, each series corresponding with a different head size, and the method may additionally include the step of selecting one of the multiple series of head flap perforations to tear.

[0015]In some embodiments, one or both of the first surface and the second surface may include a liquid impermeable material and a liquid placed on the bib may be repelled at least partially by the liquid impermeable material. In some embodiments, the liquid impermeable material may include a polyurethane, or a wax. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure:

[0017]FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of some embodiments of a perforated bib roll in accordance with the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a perforated bib roll according to some additional embodiments of the present invention; and

[0019]FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B illustrates a schematic view of a perforated bib roll including an arcuate shape of the bib, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 4 and FIG. 4A illustrate method steps related to improved bib dispensing.

[0021]The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless clearly indicated otherwise. Dimensions, where shown, are typical dimensions in units of inches.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022]In the following sections, detailed descriptions of examples and methods of the disclosure will be given. The description of both preferred and alternative examples though thorough, are exemplary only, and it is understood to those skilled in the art that variations, modifications, and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to be understood the examples do not limit the broadness of the aspects of the underlying disclosure.

[0023]Referring now to Fig. 1, a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a perforated bib continuum 100 illustrates a bib 102 as dispensed from the perforated bib continuum 100, in accordance with the present invention is shown. As illustrated, a perforated bib continuum 100 may include multiple bibs 102 formed via perforations 103 in a unitary length of bib material 101. The unitary length of bib material 101 may be arranged in a suitable manner for storage, such as, by way of non- limiting example, one or more of: folded, stacked, and rolled (e.g., wound around central cylinder 104, as illustrated).

[0024]The bib material may include one or more of: polyvinyl material, polyurethane laminate, terrycloth, flannel, bamboo, cotton, nylon, minky, cellulose (including waterproofed cellulose), or other material or fabric suitable for use in a bib, diaper, and super absorbent substance. In some exemplary embodiments, a constituent bib material 101 may include an eco-friendly material to allow for safe disposal.

[0025]In some preferred embodiments, a bib material 101 may include a composite of materials with multiple disparate properties (e.g., 108-110) that bring different physical characteristics to the bib 102. For example, as illustrated, a bib material 101, may include one or more of: a) a base material 108 that provides physical strength, modulus, weight, thickness, curl, compressibility, flammability, tear resistance, and other physical characteristics; b) an absorbent 109, such as, by way of non-limiting example a super absorbent polymer (SAP) that is non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant, and non-mutagenic, including nano-fiber SAPS, biopolymers via fermentation of renewable biomass (e.g. AzuraGel™) polyglutamate based biogel, starch based acrylate, bio-based acrylate, and/or oil based acrylate; and c) a liquid resistant and/or liquid impermeable material 110, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a polyurethane, thermoplastic, wax, polyvinyl, or other water resistant material. The disparate materials are illustrated as separate layers, but may also be combined such that multiple desired properties exist in a single material.

[0026]In some embodiments, the bibs 102 included in the bib continuum 100 may come in alternating distinguishing features, such as patterns or colors that assist a user dispensing a bib 102 in ascertaining between adjacent bibs 102 in the bib continuum 100.

[0027] A Bib continuum 100 includes multiple dispensed bibs 102. As illustrated, a bib continuum 100 is wound around a central cylinder 104. As a portion of the bib material 101 is unwound, one or more patterns of perforations 103 become accessible. A bib separation perforation 111 may be torn to ease a detachment of a bib 102 from the bib continuum 100 with minimal compromising of the structural integrity or shape of dispensed bib 102 (or the next dispensed bib in bib continuum 100).

[0028] As illustrated a Dispensed bib 102 may have an arc shape to mimic a shape of a wearer’s body around their neck (as illustrated), or it may have any other suitable shape, including a rectangular shape. A rectangular shape may be desirable to simplify a pattern of perforations cut into a length of bib material 101 with two parallel sides.

[0029]Perforations 103 may also facilitate folding down of a head flap 107, which when folded away from a neck strap 107A allows a wearer’s head to extend through the bib 102 and a wearer’s neck to support the bib 102. Shapes of patterns for bib 102 and associated perforations 103 may vary according to a purpose for a use of the bib 102, and associated features, such a bib 102 that extends down a torso and at least partially protects a top of the wearer’s legs and lap area.

[0030]In some embodiments, a dispensed bib 102 may include one or more adhesive areas 106 to allow for easy closure of the bib following use. Adhesive areas may include an application of glue (such as a non-toxic adhesive and/or a low volatile organic compound adhesive), acrylic foam. Velcro, or other material with sufficient tackiness or viscoelasticity to allow a used bib to be closed. In some embodiments, adhesive areas 106 may simply be an extended strip (which may be perforated) of bib material to allow the bib to be tied up after use.

[0031]In some embodiments, adhesive area 106 may further include a scent quality to mask the scent of a used bib. For example, this scent may be created through the use of one or more essential oils integral to the bib. In some embodiments, these oils may be surrounded by microcapsules that break easily when rubbed, allowing the scent to be preserved until needed.

[0032] As mentioned, dispensed bibs 102 may include perforations 103 to allow for easier detachment from bib continuum 100. Perforations 103 may be created using a perforating device, such as perforating scissors. Perforations 103 may have a perforation length 105; e.g., an amount of perforated material, which may be used to adjust a length of a bib 102 based on one or more of: physical characteristics of a bib user (e.g., larger neck, longer chest, special needs), or a particularized use for the bib (e.g., dining, crafts, painting).

[0033]In exemplary embodiments, bib continuum 100 may include a cavity extending through the central cylinder 104. In exemplary' embodiments, this cavity may be roughly tubular to allow for a greater variety of central cylinder 104 compatibilities. Central cylinder 104 may preferably include a biodegradable material, such as a cellulose fiber material or a material having synergistic or preservative qualities relative to the material of the bibs. For example, if bib continuum 100 includes bibs 102 that are designed to be disposable, the bib material may include, for example a polyurethane laminate with a child-safe wax coating to improve dispensing speed.

[0034] Similarly, if bib continuum 100 comprises one or more disposable bibs 102 made from an eco-friendly material, then it may be desirable to ensure central cylinder 104 is also made from an eco-friendly material to allow for safer disposal. [0035] Referring now to Fig. 2, alternative embodiments of a perforated bib continuum 200, together with a bib 202 dispensed therefrom, is illustrated. As illustrated, in some embodiments, a perforated bib roll 200 includes a bib continuum 200, which dispenses one or more dispensed bibs 202. The dispensed bibs 202 include perforations 203 defining a shape of the dispensed bib 202, and features included into the dispensed bib 202, such as an adjustable head cut out area 204. The bib continuum 200 may be deployed about central cylinder 208 to allow for ease of access to the bibs 202, or may be folded and stacked, or simply stacked.

[0036]As illustrated, a head cut-out area 204 may be fully cut through the bib material 201, or cut with perforations 203. In some embodiments, in addition to a first head cut-out area 204 defined via perforations in the bib material 201, one or more additional head cut-out areas 205 may be defined via additional perforations. A user may select a suitable size of a head cut-out area 204- 205 so that a size of a head cut-out area 204-205 may be adjusted based upon a physical characteristic of the user (e.g., larger head, larger neck) or the particularized need for the dispensed bib 202 (e.g., eating, painting).

[0037] Additionally, as illustrated in Figs. 2, some embodiments may include longer side perforations 203. The longer side perforations 203 provide for a tie area 206, which allows for strips of bib material 201 to be tied together to secure the dispensed bib 202 for one or both of securing the bib 202 to a wearer, and in a wrapped configuration in preparation for disposal once the bib 202 has been used and is ready for disposal. Ties 206 may be used in place of, or in addition to adhesive (adhesive may be included, for example, as shown in adhesive area 106 in Fig. 1).

[0038]Referring now to Figs. 3, 3A and 3B, alternative embodiments of a perforated bib continuum 300, and bibs 302 dispensed therefrom, are illustrated. The perforated bib continuum will include a continuum of multiple dispensable bibs 302 that are separable via tearing along a series of multiple bib separation perforations 303. In addition, features, such as a head flap 308 and/or a securing strap 311 may be created via tearing along feature perforations, such as head space perforations 307 and securing strap perforations 313, additional perforations may also be used to create additional features.

[0039] As illustrated, in some embodiments, bib separation perforations 303 may be associated with a shape of a bib 302 that is arcuate or in a shape other than that of a straight line. A chosen shape may be more ergonomic or otherwise more comfortable for the wearer. A chosen shape may be selected for a different length of bib 302 than that shown in previous embodiments, as an arcuate bib separation perforations 303 in a first bib may form an arcuate lap contour 305 and a leg extension 305A in a next dispensed bib 302. A length of a bib 202 may be sized to extend over a wearer’s torso and onto the wearer’s lap and the lap contour 305 may follow a curve that brings the leg extensions 305A over the wearer’s legs.

[0040]In some embodiments, a composite material used to form the perforated bib roll 300 may include a cavity with three sides essentially sealed and a fourth side sealable with an adhesive to form a pouch. The pouch may include a removable adhesive seal along the fourth side. In some designs, the pouch may be incorporated into the dispensable bib 302 or attached to the dispensable bib 302 and usable to fold up and store the dispensable bib 302 in. Before the bib 302 is used, the pouch 309 may be used to keep the bib 302 clean, and after the bib 302 is used and soiled, the bib 302 may be stored in the pouch 309 with the soiled portions contained until the soiled bib 302 may be properly discarded.

[0041]Referring now to Fig. 3 A, in some embodiments, a head space 306 may be created through head space perforations 307 in the bib 302 that create a head flap 308. Head flap 308 may include a roughly circular or stadium shape (e.g., a two-dimensional capsule-shape) whose base is not perforated, but the rest of head flap 308 may be defined by perforations along its boundary. In this way, the head flap 308 may simply open downwards from dispensed bib 302 and create an additional layer of protection to catch dropped liquid, food, paint, or other items. In some embodiments, a surface of the head flap 308A that becomes a top surface when folded down to open the head space 306 may include an absorbent and/or superabsorbent, or be a liquid impermeable material.

[0042]In some embodiments, a bib continuum 300 may include a sequence of head flap 308 sizes to accommodate different size wearers. For example, in some embodiments, a small head flap may be followed by a medium head flap which in turn is followed by a large head flap 308. A user may unwind a bib continuum 301 until a correct sized head flap is available. Any unused head flap 308 areas may become part of a larger bib.

[0043]In some embodiments, a bib 302 may include a base that includes a cellulose wood and fiber crop fibers base material with resins and/or other adhesives, other embodiments, may include a polyolefin, polyethylene, or other man-made material. [0044] A neck collar 310 may be formed by detaching the head flap along the head space perforations 307 leaving a strip of perforated bib roll 300 that may be situated on the neck behind a wearer’s head.

[0045]Referring now to Fig. 3B, in some embodiments, a securing strap 311 may be formed alongside the dispensable bib 302 and separable from the neck collar 310 via a securing strap perforation 313. The securing strap 311 may be used to tie the bib 302 onto a wearer and/or to tie the bib 302 in a compacted state that may be created by folding the bib 302 onto itself after the bib 302 is used.

[0046]Referring now to Fig. 4, a flowchart illustrates steps that may be performed in an exemplary process 400 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 4, process 400 may include tearing a continuum of bib material having a first surface and a second surface along a series of multiple bib separation perforations formed into the continuum of bib material in a pattern defining a shape of the bib (step 401).

[0048] At step 402, a head flap may be created via tearing a series of multiple head flap perforations additionally formed into the continuum of bib material in a pattern defining a shape of a head flap. [0049]At step 403 the head flap may be folded to cause a portion of the second surface of the bib material having the head flap to cover a corresponding area of the first surface of the bib material, the folding of the head flap creating a head space bordered by a neck collar portion of the bib material within the pattern defining the shape of the bib, the head space sizeable for circumventing a head of a wearer, and said head space bordered at least in part by the neck collar portion.

[0050] At step 404, a head of a wearer may be placed through the head space.

[0051]At step 405, the bib may be placed against a torso of a wearer via the neck collar portion resting on a neck of the wearer.

[0052]At step 406, a substance may be received on one of the first surface and the second surface of the bib material as the bib is supported against the torso of the wearer.

[0053] At step 407, the head flap may be positioned over at least a portion of the torso of the wearer. [0054]At step 408, a neck collar portion may be formed via tearing a series of head flap perforations. The neck collar portion may be placed around the neck of a wearer to rest on the neck of the wearer.

[0055] At step 409, a liquid received on one or both of the first surface and the second surface may be absorbed. [0056] At step 410, in some embodiments, the liquid may be absorbed with a super absorbent polymer.

[0057] At step 411, a user may select on of a series of multiple head perforations, and at step 412 the user may tear the selected head flap perforation.

[0058] At step 413, a liquid spilled onto one or both of the first surface and the second surface may be repelled, such as with a liquid impermeable substance.

[0059]A number of embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. While this specification contains many specific implementation details, there should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosures or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the present disclosure. While embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein by way of example using several illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or drawings described. It should be understood the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the form disclosed, but to the contrary, the present disclosure is to cover all modification, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060]The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

[0061]The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

[0062]The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably. [0063]Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in combination in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a subcombination.

[0064] Similarly, while method steps may be depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.

[0065]Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in combination in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a subcombination.

[0066] Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments.

[0067]Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order show, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.