CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/278,819, filed on November 12, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to bibs to protect clothing from spilled food or drinks. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a self-storing bib with a spring-loaded pocket.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Eating while in a vehicle or on the road is prevalent in today’s society. Indeed, fastfood restaurants cater to the idea of eating on-the-go. However, eating while seated in a vehicle is precarious as there is typically not a table or tray to lean over. Additionally, the positioning of the seat often ensures that dropped food will land either on the user’s clothes or fall into cracks or crevices that are difficult to clean, such as between the seat and armrest. This results in stained clothing and unpleasant smells from a vehicle if the food is not properly retrieved. The experience becomes even more of a nuisance and embarrassment when one is working and must then present to a customer or business associate with stained clothing. This problem is not limited to vehicles, but may be present for individuals eating from a table or desk as well. Additionally, some foods are more likely to create messes than others, leading a user to stain or otherwise soil their clothing, even if a careful eater.

[0004] Further, individuals with diminished capacity or mobility, including elderly individuals, often struggle to each and drink without spilling. This can often result in the need to change clothing, which can be difficult for individuals and caregivers. [0005] While bibs and aprons are commonly worn while cooking in the kitchen or used when spoon feeding infants and toddlers, such bibs are designed only to deflect the food from the user’s clothes, often then falling to the floor. The additional mess is a hassle indoors, but the problem is compounded when food is deflected to the floor or seats of the user’s vehicle or to an office floor or other area. Additionally, bibs in the prior art have no mechanism for storage, or for remaining self-contained for storage.

[0006] As a result, there is a need for a bib that is capable of protecting clothing, particularly for adults, preventing food from falling onto a floor, vehicle, or other unwanted surface, and that is easily cleaned and stored. The present disclosure seeks to solve these and other problems.

SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0007] In some embodiments, a spring-loaded self-storing bib comprises a hydrophobic, liquid-repelling material having a neck aperture, a pocket configured to catch inadvertently dropped food and drink, and a spring member sewn into at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the bib. The hydrophobic, liquid-repelling material may comprise two ends that fasten together to form the neck aperture, allowing a user to easily wear and remove the bib. In some embodiments, the neck aperture is fully enclosed by being cut into the material, but may have a flexible circumference sewn on (e.g., elastic) so as to easily stretch around a user’s head. The spring member (e.g., wire, plastic, or other spring material) may comprise a memory whereby the spring member resists deformation and returns to the extended shape when removed from a pouch.

[0008] In some embodiments, a spring-loaded self-storing bib may further comprise a pouch coupled thereto wherein the liquid-repelling material may be folded and stored when not in use. [0009] In some embodiments, a spring-loaded self-storing bib may further comprise a deodorizer or scented coating whereby the odor of any food or drink spilled on the spring- loaded self-storing bib during use may be neutralized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Fig. 1 illustrates a front elevation view of a spring-loaded self-storing bib;

[0011] Fig. 2 illustrates a rear elevation view of a spring-loaded self-storing bib;

[0012] Fig. 3 illustrates a top, front perspective view of a spring-loaded self-storing bib;

[0013] Fig. 4 illustrates a left side perspective view of a spring-loaded self-storing bib, the right side being a mirror image thereof;

[0014] Fig. 5. illustrates a spring-loaded self-storing bib folded into its self-storage pouch;

[0015] Fig. 6 illustrates a rear elevation view of a spring-loaded self-storing bib;

[0016] Fig. 7 illustrates a top, front perspective view of a spring-loaded self-storing bib;

[0017] Fig. 8 illustrates a side elevation view of a spring-loaded self-storing bib folded into its self-storage pouch; and

[0018] Fig. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of a spring-loaded self-storing bib in use on a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

[0020] Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafter only and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.

[0021] Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.

[0022] It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention. [0023] The term “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0024] The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).

[0025] As previously discussed, there is a need for a bib that is capable of protecting clothing, particularly for adults, preventing food from falling onto a floor, vehicle, or other unwanted surface, and that is easily cleaned and stored. The spring-loaded self-storing bib disclosed herein solves these and other problems.

[0026] In some embodiments, as shown in Figs. 1-5, a spring-loaded self-storing bib 100 comprises a liquid-repelling material 102 having a neck aperture 104, a pocket 106 configured to catch inadvertently dropped food and drink, and a spring member 108 (e.g., wire, plastic, or other spring-like material) sewn into at least a portion of an outer perimeter and/or the pocket 106 of the spring-loaded self-storing bib 100. The liquid-repelling material 102 may comprise a first member 110 and a second member 112 that fasten together via a fastener 114 (e.g., hook and loop, snaps, buckle, magnets, etc.) to form the neck aperture 104, allowing a user to wear and remove the spring-loaded self-storing bib easily. In one example, a button 115 may be located on the first member 110 with a hoop 117 coupled to the second member 112, the hoop configured to loop around the button 115 to couple the first member 110 to the second member 112. However, other coupling mechanisms may be used. While two members 110, 112 are shown as fastening together to form the neck aperture 104 in Fig.

1 A, it will be appreciated that, instead, the aperture 104 may be cut from one continuous piece of material 102, as shown in Fig. IB. In some embodiments, the aperture 104 may comprise an elastic perimeter 105, allowing the aperture 104 to stretch around a user’s head while retracting to a smaller diameter when around the neck.

[0027] It will be appreciated that the liquid-repelling material 102 may be inherently liquidrepelling, such as polyurethane laminate, nylon taffeta, polyester composites, other polymers, silicones, etc., or may be any standard textile (e.g., cotton) with a liquid-repellant coating applied thereon. The liquid-repelling material may be hydrophobic or omniphobic, resisting interaction with most kinds of liquids. While a liquid-repelling property of the material 102 is preferred, it is not required, and other materials may be used without departing herefrom. Furthermore, the liquid-repelling material 102 may comprise a deodorizer or scented application whereby the odor of any food or drink spilled on the spring-loaded self-storing bib 100 during use may be neutralized.

[0028] Additionally, the spring-loaded self-storing bib 100 may further comprise a storage pouch 116 (Figs. 2 and 5) coupled thereto (e.g., sewn, snaps, hook and loop, magnets, etc.) wherein the liquid-repelling material 102 may be folded and stored when not in use, as shown in Fig. 5. This makes the spring-loaded self-storing bib 100 easy to store and transport for use. For example, a user may store the spring-loaded self-storing bib 100 in the vehicle glove box, armrest console, cupboard, drawer, or even a work bag without taking up space and appearing unsightly. Likewise, on business, trips, a user may pack the spring-loaded selfstoring bib 100 in luggage. Additionally, if food or drink was spilled on the spring-loaded self-storing bib 100 during use, particularly during travel away from home, the spring-loaded self-storing bib 100 may be folded and stored within the pouch 116 to ensure that any mess may be contained within the pouch 116 and not come into contact with other surfaces, such as the car, clothing, documents, etc. The user may then easily open and clean the spring- loaded self-storing bib 100 when convenient. [0029] The spring member 108 may have memory whereby the spring member 108 resists deformation and returns to its extended shape when removed from the pouch 116 (or otherwise not under pressure). Due to the spring member 108 sewn into at least a portion of the pocket 106, the spring-loaded self-storing bib 100 is ready for use very quickly (once removed from the pouch 116, the spring member 108 extends), expanding the pocket 106 and/or the body portion 111, ensuring not only adequate protection from spills, but that any dropped food or drink is caught within the pocket 106. In other words, as best shown in Fig.

3, the pocket 106 may comprise a top edge 107 that comprises the spring member 108 therein, allowing the pocket opening 109 to extend generally arcuate from the body portion 111 to ensure that any spilled food or drink is captured by the pocket opening 109. When a user is finished using the spring-loaded self-storing bib 100, the user may coil or bend the spring member 108 so that the material 102 with the pocket 106 is received entirely within the pouch 116. Accordingly, when removed from the pouch 116, the spring member 108 uncoils or naturally extends, expanding the body portion 111 and the pocket opening 109 to ensure it is ready for use or cleaning. It will be appreciated that the spring member 108 may be in the top edge 107 of the pocket, in the outer periphery of the body portion 111, or both. [0030] In some embodiments, as shown in Figs. 6-9, a spring-loaded self-storing bib 200 comprises a liquid-repelling material 202 having a neck aperture 204, a pocket 206 configured to catch inadvertently dropped food and drink, and, as best seen in Fig. 7, a spring member 208 sewn into at least a portion of a top edge 207 of the pocket 206 of the spring- loaded self-storing bib 200, allowing the pocket opening 210 to extend generally arcuate from the body portion 212 to ensure that any spilled food or drink is captured by the pocket 206 via pocket opening 210. In some embodiments, the spring member 208 is a flat spring made from flat metal stock or other metal, such as 301 stainless steel or high-carbon steel. In some embodiments, the spring member 208 comprises metal, plastic, epoxy composites, carbon fibers, or other materials with spring characteristics (e.g., has memory to return to preconfigured, extended position) or other spring materials known in the art of springs. The spring member 208 may be flexible enough to bend during storage (i.e., compress when a load is applied), but rigid enough to extend during use (i.e., release when the load is removed), where it may be constrained into an arcuate shape via the top edge 207. Top edge 207 extends substantially perpendicularly and arcuate in relation to the body portion 212. In other words, the top edge 207 is coupled to a first side of the body portion 212 and to a second side of the body portion 212, with the spring member 208 forming the top edge 207 into a pocket opening 210. The body portion 212 may comprise a first member 214 and a second member 216 that fasten together via magnets 218A-B or other fastening mechanism (e.g., hook and loop, snaps, buckle, etc.) to form the neck aperture 204, allowing a user to wear and remove the spring-loaded self-storing bib 200 easily.

[0031] Returning to Fig. 6, the body portion 212 may further comprise a storage pouch 220, wherein the storage pouch is sewn or otherwise coupled to the body portion 212 on a first side 222, a second side 224, and a bottom 226. A top edge 228 creates an opening wherein the body portion 212 and the pocket 206 may be folded and stored. To effectuate proper storage, the spring member 208, within the top edge 207, is coiled and inserted into the storage pouch 220, allowing the pocket 206 and body portion 212 to be stored within the storage pouch 220, as illustrated in Fig. 8. To ensure that the front surface 213 (Fig. 7), which is subject to receiving spills, is not left exposed to contaminate other surfaces, the storage pouch 220 is inverted to receive the body portion 212 and pocket 206, thereby ensuring that any portions left exposed during storage, as shown in Fig. 8, have not come into contact with food or drink. In other words, only the back surface 215 and pouch 220 are exposed. This solves a need not currently solved by the prior art. In other words, bibs of the prior art do not have storage pouch to allow them to be folded and stored when not in use — or, more importantly, after use. In other words, if a user has spilled food and drink on the spring- loaded self-storing bib 200 while in a vehicle, chair, desk, table, or other location where it cannot be washed, the spring-loaded self-storing bib 200 may be folded such that the spilled food and drink are enclosed within the storage pouch 220, ensuring that the food and drink do not come into contact with clothes, seats, or other surfaces, maintaining a clean space. Once the user is able, such as when they return home if used elsewhere, the spring-loaded selfstoring bib 200 may be withdrawn from the storage pouch 220 and washed.

[0032] Referring to Fig. 9, when desired for the next use, a user will withdraw the body portion 212 and pocket 206 from the storage pouch 220. Once released, and due to the spring characteristics, the spring member 208 will extend to form the pocket opening 210 and will remain generally extended arcuate in relation to a user. This ensures that the pocket 206 is ready to catch any spilled food or drink through the pocket opening 210, which likewise overcomes the prior art (which lacks a spring member to ensure any pocket opening is open and ready to receive spilled food and drink). This can be important when a user is seated without a table, and is unable to hold the pocket opening with either hand — a common issue with the prior art. Further, for bibs in the art that have pockets for catching food/drink, they are incapable of being coiled into a storage pouch due to the materials of manufacture and a lack of a pouch. Further, the prior art has focused on bibs for children and has failed to produce a bib of adequate size and features to accommodate an adult, which is solved by the present disclosure. In order to remain small and easily storable, the spring-loaded self-storing bib 200 may be manufactured from thin textiles with hydrophobic qualities or with hydrophobic compositions adhered thereto, or from other hydrophobic materials that are capable of being folded into a storage pouch 220.

[0033] Therefore, the spring-loaded self-storing bib 100, 200 disclosed herein solves the need in the art for a spring-loaded self-storing bib that is capable of protecting clothing, particularly for adults, preventing food from falling onto a floor, vehicle, or other unwanted surface, and that is easily cleaned and stored, by comprising liquid-repelling material 102, 202 a pocket 116, 206, spring member 108, 208 to ensure adequate coverage and that the pocket 116, 206 remains open, and a self-storing pouch 116, 220 when not in use or to store soiled surfaces from spills.

[0034] It will be appreciated that systems and methods according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment unless so stated. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, methods, apparatus, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.

[0036] Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.