WO2014039382A1 - Bib garment and method of manufacturing same - Google Patents

Abstract

A bib garment adapted to resist removal from a front torso of a wearer, and a method of manufacturing the garment is disclosed. The garment includes a front panel covering the front torso of an infant, and an optional "crumb catcher" protruding from the front panel to protect the infant's clothing from soiling by liquid and solid food falling from the infant's mouth. The garment is anchored to the infant by straps and anchor arrangements. Fastener arrangements inaccessible to the infant are provided for fastening the garment to the infant. Thus, the garment is configured to resist removal by the infant while being fed, even when the infant repeatedly pulls or tugs on the garment. An embodiment of the garment for adults, such as an adult suffering from dementia who may attempt to remove the garment, allows feeding without soiling the adult's clothing and resists removal by the adult.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

BIB GARMENT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention generally relates to garments, and more specifically to bibs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Typically, an infant is unable to feed himself because he lacks eye and hand coordination to manipulate eating utensils. Therefore, the infant is fed by a parent or caregiver capable of properly feeding the infant. However, even when being fed by the parent or caregiver, food will fall from the infant's mouth and possibly soil and stain the infant's clothing. This necessitates removing and washing the infant's clothing after the infant is fed.

[0003] For the reason mentioned hereinabove, it is known to cover the infant's chest with a "bib" to prevent food contacting the infant's clothing, so that soiling and staining of the infant's clothing are avoided. A "bib" is an item, usually cloth or plastic, secured under the chin and worn on the chest, especially by infants, to protect underlying clothing while eating. However, it has been observed that, in some cases, an infant will instinctively attempt to remove the bib, such as by repeatedly pulling on the bib. The infant may even be successful in detaching the bib from his chest. This behavior by the infant, in turn, causes the parent or caregiver to constantly work to prevent the infant from detaching the bib. Also, if the infant is successful in repeatedly detaching the bib, the parent or caregiver must constantly reattach the bib to the infant. Therefore, constantly attempting to prevent the infant from detaching the bib and constantly reattaching the bib to the infant unnecessarily prolongs the feeding process and distracts the parent's or caregiver's attention from communicating and interacting with the infant in a more nurturing manner during the feeding process.

[0004] In addition, some conventional bibs include tie strings that are used to secure the bib to the infant. However, such tie strings may loosen and become undone as the infant attempts to remove the bib. Free ends of the tie strings that are undone may thereafter become entangled with nearby objects, such as the structure of a high chair in which the infant may be sitting. In addition, snap buttons and Velcro^® brand fasteners can also become detached. This causes the parent or caregiver to attend to untangling the tie strings from the nearby structure and, at least momentarily, distracts the parent or caregiver from devoting full attention to feeding the infant.

[0005] In addition, some commercially available bibs include tie strings located about the neck of the infant. The infant might access the bib tie strings located about his neck. Due to this activity of the infant, the tie strings around the neck of the infant may loosen and become entangled with nearby structures, such as the frame of the high chair, and possibly tighten to choke or otherwise injure the infant. Moreover, if the bib having the tie-string configuration remains on the infant when the infant is put to bed or in a playpen, the tie strings located about the neck of the infant may present a strangulation risk, if the infant or nearby structure becomes entangled in the tie strings.

[0006] In addition to infants, bibs are also often used when feeding elderly individuals. Such "senior bibs" find particular use in nursing homes and senior care centers. More specifically, elderly individuals are at risk of developing ailments, such as Alzheimer's disease or other senile dementia, that impair cognitive functioning and motor skills. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurologic disease of the brain that leads to irreversible loss of neurons and loss of cognitive function and motor skills. An individual afflicted with this disease may eventually become apraxic, which is the total or partial loss of an ability to perform coordinated muscular movements or manipulate objects. An individual afflicted with Alzheimer's disease or other senile dementia may even refuse to open his mouth, chew, or swallow. This condition requires a caregiver to assist feeding the individual, and may result in food particles soiling and staining the individuals clothing and surroundings, including the clothing of the caregiver. Soiling and staining of the individual's clothing and surroundings, including the clothing of the caregiver, increases operating costs for the nursing home or senior care center because the clothing must be washed more frequently. Therefore, senior bibs are sometimes placed on the elderly individual to avoid soiling and staining clothing being worn by the elderly individual and caregiver. However, such bibs also typically use tie strings that may become inadvertently entangled with nearby structures (e.g., bed frames) and pose a health risk to the elderly individual. In addition, elderly individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease or other senile dementia may become combative and attempt to remove the bib. In this case, the caregiver's attention is distracted from the feeding process because the caregiver must constantly attend to preventing the elderly individual from detaching the bib, and attend to reattaching the bib if the elderly individual is successful in accessing the tie strings and detaching the bib. This results in more time required to feed the elderly individual. This situation arises in environments in addition to nursing homes and senior care centers. For example, this situation arises in psychiatric wards, or any environment where adults may be more apt to resist wearing of a bib. Such individuals may be mentally handicapped (e.g., brain damaged), but still have some mobility to remove the bib. In the case of nursing homes, senior care centers and psychiatric wards, the increase in feeding time increases operating costs.

[0007] Bibs are also useful when feeding invalid individuals of any age. For example, invalid adults of virtually any age may suffer from Parkinson's disease, which is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by death of brain neurons. Parkinson's disease adversely affects an individual's coordination and motor skills and, thus, an individual suffering from

Parkinson's disease will eventually require feeding assistance by a caregiver. However, the uncoordinated movements of the individual suffering from Parkinson's disease may cause a bib placed on the individual to become displaced and therefore cause the caregiver to constantly readjust the bib on the individual. Also, some conventional bibs use tie strings, including tie strings about the neck, to secure the bib to the individual. The uncoordinated movements of the individual suffering from Parkinson's disease or other similar affliction may cause the tie strings to become entangled with objects present on the individual's body, such as writing pens, buttons, jewelry, and other objects. These tie strings may even become entangled with other nearby objects, such as wheel chair structure. Such entanglement of tie strings with nearby objects and structure presents a health risk to the individual suffering from Parkinson's disease, or other similar affliction. This is particularly true in the case of tie strings that are accessible by the individual and located about his neck.

[0008] In home care and hospital environments, bibs are useful when feeding patients recovering from debilitating injuries, or who are partially or completely paralyzed. For example, an individual may have suffered a stroke, which is characterized by sudden non-functioning of brain cells in a localized area of the brain due to inadequate blood flow. A stroke may cause paralysis and other effects that impair an individual's ability to properly feed himself or herself. Thus, effects of a stroke may require a caregiver's assistance in feeding the stroke victim. Therefore, bibs are often used when feeding a stroke victim patient to avoid soiling and staining the patient's clothing and bedding. However, bibs are sometimes left on the patient even when the patient is not being fed a meal. That is, bibs are sometimes purposefully left on the patient to avoid soiling and staining of patient clothing and bedding when the patient is periodically administered oral medications, particularly oral medications in liquid form. However, common medical practice is to

periodically "turn" or rotate the patient after prolonged periods in bed to avoid development of bed sores on the patient. In this situation, conventional bibs left on the patient semi-permanently and having tie strings may present a health risk to the patient as the patient is rotated, if the tie strings were to become entangled with bed frame structure or caregiver clothing or adjacent medical apparatus, such as intravenous or tracheal breathing tube apparatus.

[0009] Attempts have been made to address the considerations mentioned hereinabove with respect to bibs worn by infants. For example, U.S. Patent No. 2,424,000 titled "Protecting And Restraining Garment" and issued July 15, 1947 in the name of Meyer W. Shanker, relates to a garment such as an apron or a bib so constructed as to retain a child in a desired position in a chair without uncomfortably binding or chocking the body of the child.

According to this patent, the garment is so constructed as to provide neck pieces which are positioned and which are secured comfortably about the neck of the child so that the restraining functions of the garment are completed. However, it appears that the neck pieces can be accessed by the child, who can unfasten or separate the neck pieces. The separated neck pieces can then injure the child if the neck pieces are caught in nearby structure, such as the high chair mentioned hereinabove.

[0010] Another attempt to address the considerations mentioned hereinabove with respect to bibs worn by infants is U.S. Patent No. 7,526,815 B1 titled "Baby Bib With Protective Neckline" and issued May 5, 2009 in the name of Shea Kelly. This patent discloses protective bibs worn around a baby's neck protecting the baby's skin and clothes from food and liquid during feeding. According to this patent, the bib has a body section with a protection panel for protecting the baby's clothes and skin from spilled food. The bib also has shoulder straps and a protective neck strap to secure the bib around the baby's neck. The protective neck strap scrunches under the child's neck to ensure that the neckline is adequately covered and protected from food and liquid spilled or drooled out of the baby's mouth when feeding. A free end of the protective neck strap is attachable to a Velcro^® brand fastening strip on the protection panel of the bib. The fastening strip allows tightness of the neck strap to adjust depending on the size of the baby's neck. However, the protective neck strap disclosed by this patent may present a risk that a parent or caregiver might over-tighten the protective neck strap, thereby resulting in discomfort for the baby. Also, it appears that the baby has access to the free end of the protective neck strap when the free end of the protective neck strap is attached to the fastening strip. This is so because the fastening strip is located on the front protection panel of the body of the bib and is therefore readily accessible by the baby. Thus, there is a risk that the baby can detach the free end of the neck strap from the fastening strip. When the free end of the protective neck strap is detached from the fastening strip, the free end of the protective neck strap may become inadvertently caught in nearby structure and tighten about the neck of the baby in a manner that risks injury to the baby.

[0011] Yet another attempt to address the considerations mentioned hereinabove with respect to bibs worn by infants and adults is U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2009/0172857 A1 titled "Bib With A Belt" and published July 9, 2009 in the name of Lorri-Anne Schneider. This patent application relates to a bib especially useful for teething and feeding infants, toddlers and adults. According to this patent application, a bib includes a head section which goes over the head of the user and around the neck of the user. Optionally, the head section may include an overlap section, where portions have a first portion of the head section that overlaps a second portion of the head section. The first portion of the head section is detachably connected to the second portion of the head section by a Velcro^® or buttons, or other suitable attachment devices. However, this bib configuration may present an increased risk that a caregiver could over-tighten the portions of the head section when overlapping the first portion of the head section onto the second portion of the head section. This, in turn, could lead to discomfort for the wearer of the bib. The wearer may be unable to communicate this discomfort to the caregiver if the wearer is an infant, an adult suffering from dementia, or anyone having difficulty speaking or who is otherwise afflicted with an ailment that interferes with effective communication with the caregiver. In addition, if the wearer successfully detaches the first portion of the head section from the second portion of the head section, either the first portion or the second portion of the head section may become caught in nearby structure and undesirably tighten about the neck of the wearer, thereby posing a health risk to the wearer of the bib. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention provides a bib garment adapted to resist removal from a front torso of a wearer thereof, and a method of manufacturing same.

[0013] The bib garment cannot be removed by the wearer due at least in part to the location of the fastened straps below the rib cage (i.e., at or near the mid-plane of the rear torso). Another benefit of this location of the fastened straps is that the wearer (child or adult) is thereby prevented from pulling the bib OVER his/her head.

[0014] In a first embodiment, the bib garment is configured to protect clothing worn by an infant from soiling and staining due to food spilling from the mouth of the infant while the infant is fed by a parent or caregiver. However, the infant may instinctively attempt to remove the bib garment, such as by repeatedly pulling on the bib garment, particularly the areas of the bib garment where the bib garment has fasteners. Removal of the bib garment by the infant would cause the parent or caregiver to interrupt the feeding process in order to reattach the bib garment to the infant. Interruption of the feeding process unnecessarily prolongs the feeding process.

[0015] The bib garment is configured to resist attempts by the infant to remove the bib garment. In this regard, the first embodiment of the bib garment includes a front panel for covering the front torso of the infant. The front panel includes a yoke portion that extends partially about the neck of the infant. The yoke portion defines a pair of oppositely-disposed, spaced-apart shoulder portions integrally formed with the yoke portion and that can be positioned on either side of the neck of the infant. The shoulder portions will lay on respective ones of the shoulders of the infant while the shoulder portions are positioned on either side of the neck of the infant. Attached to opposite vertical sides of the front panel are a first anchor arrangement and a second anchor arrangement. The first and second anchor arrangements are spaced-apart and laterally disposed opposite each other for reasons provided hereinbelow. The first embodiment bib garment further includes a "crumb catcher", pocket or pouch connected to the front panel for receiving food particles (e.g., food crumbs) or liquid falling or drooling from the mouth of the infant while the infant is being fed.

[0016] An elongate and flexible first strap has a first end portion attached to the first shoulder portion of the bib. The first strap also has a second end portion that is a free end. In addition, the first embodiment bib garment includes an elongate and flexible second strap having a first end portion attached to the second shoulder portion. The second strap also has a second end portion that is a free end. Affixed to the second end portion of the first strap is a male portion of a hook-and-loop fastener. Also, affixed to the second end portion of the second strap is a female portion of the hook-and- loop fastener. The female portion and the male portion cooperate to define a hook-and-loop first embodiment fastener arrangement for releasably securing the end portions of the first strap and the second strap together. However, the fastener arrangement may take various alternative forms, such as a button and button hole fastener, a snap-in fastener, a buckle fastener, or the like.

[0017] The first embodiment bib garment is releasably secured to the infant in a manner denying the infant access to the fastener arrangement mentioned hereinabove, so that the infant cannot unfasten the fastener arrangement and detach the bib garment. To obtain this result, the first strap is extended diagonally across a rear torso of the infant and through a medial region of the rear torso. The second end portion of the first strap is then manually passed slidably through a ring-shaped anchor member, so that the first strap may be securely anchored to the front panel at the location of the ring-shaped anchor member. The second end portion is thereafter folded inwardly from the first anchor arrangement to terminate at a vertical mid-plane of the rear torso at a lower portion of the rear torso. Inwardly folding the second end portion in this manner presents the male portion of the hook-and-loop fastener arrangement for engagement with the female portion of the hook-and-loop fastener arrangement.

[0018] The second strap is extended diagonally across the rear torso and through the medial region of the rear torso of the infant. The second end portion of the second strap is then manually passed through another ring- shaped anchor member, so that the second strap may be securely anchored to the front panel. The second end portion of the second strap is thereafter folded inwardly from the first anchor arrangement to terminate near a vertical mid-plane of the rear torso at a lower portion of the rear torso. Inwardly folding second end portion in this manner presents the female portion of the hook- and-loop fastener arrangement for releasable engagement with the male portion of the hook-and-loop fastener arrangement. In this manner, locating the hook-and-loop fastener arrangement near the mid-plane of the rear torso of the infant denies the infant access to the hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, so that the infant cannot remove the bib garment. This is so because the infant cannot reach the hook-and-loop fastener arrangement located at his rear torso.

[0019] A second embodiment bib garment is substantially similar to the first embodiment bib garment, except a first slit and an oppositely, laterally disposed second slit are cut in the front panel for receiving the second strap and the first strap, respectively. In other words, the first slit and the second slit are substituted for respective ones of the previously mentioned ring-shaped members. Use of slits rather than ring-shaped members may reduce material and labor costs associated with manufacture of the bib garment.

[0020] A third embodiment bib garment is configured to substantially cover an upper front torso of an adult for preventing soiling and staining of underlying clothing being worn on an upper front torso by the adult. The third

embodiment bib garment is also resistant to being removed by environmental protrusions that might catch or snag on the fabric comprising the upper torso front panel of the third embodiment bib garment. For example, such protrusions might outwardly project from cooking utensils and other equipment found in residential or industrial kitchens, machine shop tools, and other items. In any of these situations, the fastener arrangements will cause the bib garment to resist removal from the adult wearer of the bib garment. The bib garment will resist removal because such protrusions that catch or snag on the front panel will not have access to the fastener arrangements located on the upper rear torso of the adult wearer of the bib garment. In this manner, the adult wearer will save time that otherwise would be spent reattaching the bib garment. [0021] A fourth embodiment bib garment is substantially similar to the first embodiment bib garment, except the fourth embedment bib garment lacks the pouch of the first embodiment bib garment. Elimination of the pouch during manufacture of the fourth embodiment bib garment may reduce material and labor costs.

[0022] A fifth embodiment bib garment is substantially similar to the first embodiment bib garment, except the second end portion of the first strap and the second end portion of second strap each includes a strap elastic portion. The strap elastic portions allow the first strap and the second strap to elastically expand and contract for adjusting the straps to the size of the rear torso of the infant or the adult wearer, as the case may be. Any of the embodiments of the bib garments may include the strap elastic portions.

[0023] A sixth embodiment bib garment is substantially similar to the first embodiment bib garment, except the front panel includes a front panel elastic portion adapted to elastically expand and contract for adjusting the front panel to the size of the front torso of the infant.

[0024] A seventh embodiment bib garment is substantially similar to the first embodiment bib garment, except the front panel includes a neck-line elastic yoke portion integrally formed therewith in combination with the front panel elastic portion. The elastic yoke portion may be generally semi-circular in shape and circumferentially extends at least partially about the neck of the infant. The elastic yoke portion is adapted to elastically expand and contract for adjusting the elastic yoke portion to the size of the neck of the infant.

Alternatively, only the elastic yoke portion may be present and the front panel elastic portion may be absent, if desired, in order to reduce material and labor costs during manufacture.

[0025] An eighth embodiment bib garment is substantially similar to the third embodiment bib garment, except the pouch includes an elastic strip integrally formed therewith. The elastic strip is adapted to expand and contract to accommodate size and number of articles placed in the pouch.

[0026] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bib garment adapted to resist removal from a front torso of a wearer thereof, including: a front panel; a first anchor arrangement attached to the front panel; a second anchor arrangement attached to the front panel; a first strap attached to the front panel and adapted to diagonally extend across a medial region of a rear torso of the wearer, into engagement with the second anchor arrangement and therefrom to terminate near the medial region; a second strap attached to the front panel and adapted to diagonally extend across the medial region, into engagement with the first anchor arrangement and therefrom to terminate near the medial region; and a fastener arrangement attached to the first strap and the second strap.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bib garment adapted to resist removal from a front torso of a wearer thereof, including: a front panel for covering the front torso of the wearer, the front panel having a first shoulder portion and a second shoulder portion spaced- apart from the first shoulder portion; a first anchor arrangement attached to the front panel; a second anchor arrangement attached to the front panel and disposed laterally opposite the first anchor arrangement; a first strap attached to the first shoulder portion and adapted to diagonally extend across a medial region of a rear torso of the wearer, into sliding engagement with the second anchor arrangement and slidably therefrom to terminate near the medial region; a second strap attached to the second shoulder portion and adapted to diagonally extend across the medial region and cross the first strap, into sliding engagement with the first anchor arrangement and slidably therefrom to terminate near the medial region; and a fastener arrangement attached to the first strap and the second strap for releasably fastening the first strap to the second strap.

[0028] According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a bib garment adapted to resist removal from a front torso of a wearer thereof, including the steps of: providing a front panel; attaching a first anchor arrangement to the front panel; attaching a second anchor arrangement to the front panel; attaching a first strap to the front panel, the first strap being adapted to diagonally extend across a medial region of a rear torso of the wearer, into engagement with the second anchor arrangement and therefrom to terminate near the medial region; attaching a second strap to the front panel, the second strap being adapted to diagonally extend across the medial region, into engagement with the first anchor arrangement and therefrom to terminate near the medial region; and attaching a fastener arrangement to the first strap and the second strap.

[0029] A feature of the present invention is the provision of first and second straps connected to a front panel of a bib garment, the first and second straps being extendable diagonally across a medial region of the rear torso of the wearer to be attached to each other at the rear torso of the wearer.

[0030] Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a fastener arrangement for connecting the first strap and the second strap together near the medial region of the rear torso of the wearer after the first and second straps have diagonally crossed the medial region of the rear torso of the wearer.

[0031] An additional feature of the present invention is the provision of a first anchor arrangement attached to the front panel and an oppositely disposed second anchor arrangement attached to the front panel for anchoring the first strap and the second strap, respectively, to the front panel.

[0032] A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a pouch attached to the front panel for catching food that inadvertently spills from the wearer's mouth while the wearer is being fed.

[0033] In addition to the foregoing, various other method and/or device aspects and features are set forth and described in the teachings, such as text (e.g., claims and/or detailed description) and/or drawings of the present invention.

[0034] The foregoing is a summary and thus may contain simplifications, generalizations, inclusions, and/or omissions of detail. Consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described hereinabove, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the Detailed Description, in conjunction with the following figures, wherein:

[0036] FIG. 1 is a front view in perspective of an infant wearing a first embodiment bib garment configured in accordance with the invention;

[0037] FIG. 2 is a rear view in perspective of the infant wearing the first embodiment bib garment;

[0038] FIG. 3 is a front view in perspective of the first embodiment bib garment;

[0039] FIG. 4 is a rear view in perspective of the first embodiment bib garment;

[0040] FIG. 5 is a rear view in perspective of the first embodiment bib garment showing a plurality of straps extending through respective ones of a plurality of anchor arrangements attached to a front panel belonging to the bib garment;

[0041] FIG. 6 is a rear view in perspective of the first embodiment bib garment showing the plurality of straps extending through respective ones of the plurality of anchor arrangements attached to the front panel belonging to the bib garment, free ends of the straps having been manually inwardly folded for fastening to each other by means of a hook-and-loop first embodiment fastener arrangement;

[0042] FIG. 7 is a rear view in perspective of the first embodiment bib garment showing the plurality of straps extending through respective ones of the plurality of anchor arrangements attached to the front panel belonging to the bib garment, free ends of the straps having been manually inwardly folded for fastening to each other by means of a button and button hole second embodiment fastener arrangement;

[0043] FIG. 8 is a rear view in perspective of the first embodiment bib garment showing the plurality of straps extending through respective ones of the plurality of anchor arrangements attached to the front panel belonging to the bib garment, free ends of the straps having been manually inwardly folded for fastening to each other by means of a "popper", press stud or snap-in third embodiment fastener arrangement;

[0044] FIG. 9 is a rear view in perspective of the first embodiment bib garment showing the plurality of straps extending through respective ones of the plurality of anchor arrangements attached to the front panel belonging to the bib garment, free ends of the straps having been manually inwardly folded for fastening to each other by means of a buckle fourth embodiment fastener arrangement;

[0045] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view in perspective of the rear torso of the infant while wearing the first embodiment bib garment;

[0046] FIG. 1 1 is a front view in perspective of a second embodiment bib garment, the second embodiment bib garment having a plurality of slits cut in the front panel belonging to the bib garment;

[0047] FIG. 12 is a rear view in perspective of the second embodiment bib garment;

[0048] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the second embodiment bib garment showing the plurality of straps extending through respective ones of the plurality of slits cut in the front panel belonging to the bib garment;

[0049] FIG. 14 is a rear view in perspective of the second embodiment bib garment showing the plurality of straps extending through respective ones of the plurality of slits cut in the front panel belonging to the bib garment, free ends of the straps having been manually inwardly folded for fastening to each other by means of a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement;

[0050] FIG. 15 is a fragmentary view in vertical section of a liquid-impervious first embodiment bib garment material, this view also showing a ring-shaped first embodiment anchor arrangement connected to the material for anchoring a respective bib strap thereat, and further showing a pouch including a form- shaping member and receiving spilled food into the pouch;

[0051] FIG. 16 is a fragmentary view in vertical section of a laminated second embodiment bib garment material including a fabric first layer, a liquid- absorption second layer coupled to the fabric first layer, and a liquid- impervious third layer coupled to the liquid-absorption second layer, and further showing the ring-shaped first embodiment anchor arrangement connected to the material and further showing the pouch including the form- shaping member and receiving the spilled food into the pouch;

[0052] FIG. 17 is a fragmentary view in vertical section of the liquid- impervious first embodiment bib material including one of the plurality of slits cut in the material for anchoring a respective bib strap extending

therethrough, the slit having a seal disposed thereat and further showing the pouch including the form-shaping member and receiving the spilled food therein;

[0053] FIG. 18 is a fragmentary view in perspective illustrating the first embodiment bib garment being worn by an elderly individual while being fed;

[0054] FIG. 19 is a fragmentary front view in perspective of a third

embodiment bib garment configured in accordance with the invention, the third embodiment bib garment being shown worn by an adult;

[0055] FIG. 20 is a fragmentary rear view in perspective of the third embodiment bib garment, the third embodiment bib garment being shown worn by an adult;

[0056] FIG. 21 is a view in perspective of a fourth embodiment bib garment configured in accordance with the invention, the fourth embodiment bib garment lacking a pouch;

[0057] FIG. 22 is a fragmentary view in elevation of opposing end portions of two straps belonging to a fifth embodiment bib garment (parts of the fifth embodiment garment having been removed for clarity), the end portions of the straps having the hook-and-loop fastener arrangement thereon for fastening the two straps together and also having strap elastic portions for adjusting the straps to the size of the rear torso of the bib wearer;

[0058] FIG. 23 is a view in perspective of a sixth embodiment bib garment configured in accordance with the invention, the sixth embodiment bib garment having a front panel elastic portion;

[0059] FIG. 24 is a view in perspective of a seventh embodiment bib garment configured in accordance with the invention, the seventh embodiment bib garment having a neck area elastic portion in combination with the front panel elastic portion; [0060] FIG. 25 is a fragmentary view in perspective of an eighth embodiment bib garment configured in accordance with the invention, the eighth

embodiment bib garment including a pouch having a pouch elastic portion; and

[0061] FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an illustrative method of manufacturing a bib garment adapted to resist removal from a front torso of a wearer thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from either the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0063] In addition, the present patent specification uses formal outline headings for clarity of presentation. However, it is to be understood that the outline headings are for presentation purposes, and that different types of subject matter may be discussed throughout the application (e.g.,

device(s)/structure(s) may be described under process(es)/operations heading(s) and/or process(es)/operations may be discussed under

structure(s)/process(es) headings; and/or descriptions of single topics may span two or more topic headings). Hence, the use of the formal outline headings is not intended to be in any way limiting.

[0064] Therefore, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a first embodiment bib garment, generally referred to as 10, adapted to resist removal from a front torso 20 of a wearer thereof, such as an infant 30. Front torso 20 includes at least the chest and abdomen of infant 30. For purposes of illustration only, infant 30 is shown in a seated position on a cushion 35, which forms no part of the present invention. As described in detail hereinbelow, first embodiment bib garment 10 (hereinafter "bib garment 10") is configured to protect clothing 40 worn by infant 30 from soiling and staining due to food spilling from the mouth of infant 30 while infant 30 is fed by a parent (not shown) or caregiver (also not shown). However, infant 30 may instinctively attempt to remove bib garment 10 from front torso 20 of infant 30, such as by repeatedly pulling on bib garment 10, particularly the areas of bib garment 10 where bib garment 10 has fasteners. Removal of bib garment 10 by infant 30 would cause the parent or caregiver to interrupt the feeding process in order to reattach bib garment 10 to infant 30. Even if infant 30 were not successful in actually removing bib garment 10, but merely constantly attempted to remove bib garment 10, the parent or caregiver would nonetheless have to constantly interrupt the feeding process in order to contend with the attempts by infant 30 to remove bib garment 10. Interruption of the feeding process is undesirable. Interruption of the feeding process in this manner causes the parent or caregiver to divert her attention, at least momentarily, away from caring for infant 30 and unnecessarily prolongs the feeding process.

Therefore, as described in detail hereinbelow, bib garment 10 is configured to resist attempts by infant 30 to remove bib garment 10.

[0065] Referring to Figs. 1 , 2, 3 and 4, bib garment 10 includes a front panel 50 for covering front torso 20 of infant 30. Front panel 50 may have any convenient shape suitable for covering front torso 20, such as a square shape, rectangular shape, circular shape or oval shape. Front panel 50 further includes a yoke portion 60 that extends partially about the neck 70 of infant 30. Yoke portion 60 defines a pair of oppositely-disposed, spaced-apart shoulder portions 80a and 80b integrally formed with yoke portion 60 and that can be positioned on either side of neck 70 of infant 30. Shoulder portions 80a and 80b will lay on respective ones of shoulders 85a and 85b of infant 30 while shoulder portions 80a and 80b are positioned on either side of neck 70 of infant 30.

[0066] Referring again to FIGS. 1 , 2, 3 and 4, front panel 50, including yoke portion 60, is bounded by a border or marginal edge 90 therearound. Marginal edge 90 may be edge-stitched to prevent marginal edge 90 from stretching or rolling. For reasons disclosed hereinbelow, attached to opposite vertical sides of marginal edge 90 are a first anchor arrangement 100a and a second anchor arrangement 100b. The second anchor arrangement 100b is spaced- apart from first anchor arrangement 100a and is disposed laterally opposite first anchor arrangement 100a. First anchor arrangement 100a and second anchor arrangement 100b include a first looped tab 1 10a and a second looped tab 1 10b, respectively. Each of first looped tab 1 10a and second looped tab 1 10b is attached to marginal edge 90 so as to form a loop, for reasons disclosed momentarily. First looped tab 1 10a and second looped tab 1 10b are attached to marginal edge 90 by any convenient means, such as by sewing or by applying a suitable non-toxic fabric adhesive, such as a polyester resin adhesive. The previously mentioned loop formed by each of first looped tab 1 10a and second looped tab 1 10b is sized to receive and capture therein a first ring-shaped anchor member 120a and a second ring- shaped anchor member 120b, respectively. Each of ring-shaped anchor members 120a, 120b defines a central passageway or opening 125 therethrough (see FIGS. 15 and 16). As shown in FIGS. 1 , 2, 3 and 4, in this manner, first ring-shaped anchor member 120a and second ring-shaped anchor member 120b are affixed to marginal edge 90 for reasons provided hereinbelow.

[0067] As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, bib garment 10 further includes a "crumb catcher", pocket or pouch 130 connected to front panel 50, such as by sewing or by a suitable fabric adhesive (e.g., polyester resin adhesive). Pouch 130 may have edges thereof extending from one vertical side portion of marginal edge 90, along a bottom-most portion of marginal edge 90, and to another vertical side portion of marginal edge 90, so as to reside at a suitable location on front panel 50, such as below a horizontal mid-plane of front panel 50. In addition, pouch 130 outwardly protrudes from front panel 50 in a manner defining an open inner volume 140 (see FIG. 15) therein adapted to conveniently receive a plurality of food particles 145 (e.g., food crumbs) falling or drooling from the mouth of infant 30. Pouch 130 may be held in the outwardly protruding position by means of a removable rigid or semi-rigid form-shaping member 147 that extends the length of pouch 130. Form- shaping member 147, which may be generally arcuate-shaped in transverse cross section, may be made of any suitable, easily cleanable material, such as plastic. The plurality of food particles 145 may be emptied from form- shaping member 147 and form-shaping member 147 may be wiped clean after feeding infant 30. Therefore, presence of form-shaping member 147 assists in keeping the interior fabric material of pouch 130 free of soiling and staining as well as retaining pouch 130 in the outwardly protruding position.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, bib garment 10 includes an elongate and flexible first strap 150 having a first end portion 160 attached to first shoulder portion 80a, such as by sewing or by a suitable fabric adhesive for reasons disclosed hereinbelow. First strap 150 also has a second end portion 170 that is a free end. In addition, bib garment 10 includes an elongate and flexible second strap 180 having a first end portion 190 attached to second shoulder portion 80b, such as by sewing or by a suitable fabric adhesive for reasons disclosed hereinbelow. Second strap 190 also has a second end portion 200 that is a free end.

[0069] Still referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, affixed to second end portion 170 of first strap 150 is a male portion 210 of a hook-and-loop fastener. Also, affixed to second end portion 200 of second strap 180 is a female portion 220 of the hook-and-loop fastener. The hook-and-loop fastener may be a Velcro^® brand fastener available from Velcro Industries B.V. located in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. It should be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art of garment design that female portion 220 may be affixed to second end portion 170 and male portion 210 may be affixed to second end portion 200 instead, if desired. In either case, female portion 220 and male portion 210 cooperate to define a hook-and-loop first embodiment fastener arrangement 230 (hereinafter "fastener arrangement 230) for releasably securing end portions 170, 200 together. Releasably securing end portions 170, 200 together releasably secures first strap 150 and second strap 180 together in a manner described hereinbelow.

[0070] As best seen in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, bib garment 10 is releasably secured to infant 30 in a manner denying infant 30 access to fastener arrangement 230, so that infant 30 cannot unfasten fastener arrangement 230 and detach bib garment 10. To obtain this result, first strap 150 is extended diagonally across a rear torso 232 of infant 30 and through a medial region 235 (shown in phantom) defined by rear torso 232. Second end portion 170 of first strap 150 is then manually passed through passageway 125 defined by second ring-shaped anchor member 120b, so that first strap 150 may be anchored to front panel 50 at the location of second ring-shaped anchor member 120b. Second end portion 170 is thereafter folded inwardly from second ring-shaped anchor member 120b to terminate near medial region 235 of rear torso 232 at a lower portion of rear torso 232. Inwardly folding second end portion 170 in this manner presents male portion 210 of hook- and-loop fastener arrangement 230 for engagement with female portion 220 of hook-and-loop fastener arrangement 230.

[0071] Still referring to FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, second strap 180 is extended diagonally across rear torso 232 and through medial region 235 defined by rear torso 232. Second end portion 200 of second strap 180 is then manually passed through passageway 125 defined by first ring-shaped anchor member 120a, so that second strap 180 may be anchored to front panel 50 at the location of first ring-shaped anchor member 120a. Second end portion 200 is thereafter folded inwardly from first ring-shaped anchor member 120b to terminate below medial region 225 defined by rear torso 232. Inwardly folding second end portion 200 in this manner presents female portion 220 of hook- and-loop fastener arrangement 230 for releasable engagement with male portion 210 of hook-and-loop fastener arrangement 230. Releasably engaging male portion 210 with female portion 220 of hook-and-loop fastener arrangement 230 releasably secures hook-and-loop fastener arrangement 230 near medial region 225 defined by rear torso 232. In this manner, releasably securing hook-and-loop fastener arrangement 230 near medial region 235 denies infant 30 access to hook-and-loop fastener arrangement 230. Therefore, hook-and-loop fastener arrangement 230 can only be released or disengaged by the parent or caregiver feeding infant 30. Also, pulling second end portion 170 of first strap 150 through second ring-shaped member 120b and pulling second end portion 200 of second strap 180 through first ring-shaped anchor member 120a allows bib garment 10 to be sufficiently tightened on infant 30.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, bib garment 10 may include a button and button hole second embodiment fastener arrangement 240 rather than hook-and-loop first embodiment fastener arrangement 230, if desired. In this regard, a button 242 that is attached to second end portion 170 of first strap 150 releasably engages a button hole 240 formed in second end portion 200 of second strap 180. Alternatively, bib garment 10 may include a "popper", press stud or snap-in third embodiment fastener arrangement 250. In this regard, female member 252 that is attached to second end portion 170 of first strap 150 releasably engages a male member 255 attached to second end portion 200 of second strap 180. As another alternative, bib garment 10 may include a conventional, plastic, adjustable, side-release buckle fourth embodiment fastener arrangement 260. In this regard, a female part 270 that is attached to second end portion 170 of first strap 150 releasably engages a male part 280 attached to second end portion 200 of second strap 180. Use of either second embodiment fastener arrangement 240, third embodiment fastener 250 or fourth embodiment fastener arrangement 260 may be preferred to use of hook-and-loop first embodiment fastener arrangement 230 if infant 30 is particularly active, such as an infant 30 suffering from autism. Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by hyperactivity in addition to impaired social interaction and communication skills. Fastener arrangements 240, 250 and 260 may be preferred because fastener arrangements 240, 250 and 260 provide a more secure mechanical locking function compared to the hook-and-loop fastener arrangement 230.

Therefore, fastener arrangements 240, 250 and 260 find particular utility for use with hyperactive infants. Also, based on the teachings hereinabove, it should be appreciated that a multiplicity of embodiments for the fastener arrangement are possible for fastening first strap 150 to second strap 180, the embodiments mentioned immediately hereinabove being merely examples.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 1 , 2 and 10, a procedure for removably attaching bib garment 10 to infant 30 will now be described. However, for purposes of brevity, attachment of bib garment 10 to infant 30 only using hook-and-loop fastener arrangement 230 is described, it being understood that any of the other embodiments of fastener arrangements mentioned hereinabove may be used instead. Therefore, front panel 50 is first placed on front torso 20 of infant 30. The parent or caregiver then follows the process mentioned hereinabove for fastening first strap 150 to second strap 180 at a location on rear torso 232 that is inaccessible by infant 30, so that infant 30 cannot detach bib garment 10. More specifically, after front panel 50 is placed on front torso 20 of infant 30, first strap 150 and second strap 180 are extended over first shoulder 185a and second shoulder 185b of infant 30, respectively. First strap 150 is extended from first shoulder portion 80a, diagonally across medial region 235 and slidably through passageway 125 defined by second ring- shaped anchor member 120b. Second end portion 170 of first strap 150 is then inwardly folded, as shown, in order to present male portion 210 of hook- and-loop fastener arrangement 230 for engagement with female portion 220 of hook-and-loop fastener arrangement 230. Similarly, second strap 180 is extended from second shoulder portion 80b, diagonally across medial region 235 and through passageway 125 defined by first ring-shaped anchor member 120a. Second strap 180 and first strap 150 cross each other in medial region 235 as second strap 180 and first strap 150 diagonally extend across medial region 235. Second end portion 200 of second strap 180 is then inwardly folded, as shown, in order to present female portion 220 of hook-and-loop fastener arrangement 230 for engagement with male portion 210 of hook-and-loop fastener arrangement 230. Hook-and-loop male portion 210 is then engaged with hook-and-loop female portion 220 for releasably attaching first strap 150 to second strap 180 near medial region 235.

Attaching first strap 150 to second strap 180 near medial region 235 ensures that infant 30 cannot access fastener arrangement 230 and, therefore, cannot remove bib garment 10. This configuration of bib garment 10 assures that infant 30 is securely bound within bib garment 10 until released by the parent or caregiver and that bib garment 10 is securely attached to infant 30 until detached by the parent or caregiver.

[0074] With reference to FIGS. 1 1 , 12, 13 and 14, there is shown a second embodiment bib garment, generally referred to as 290, adapted to resist removal from front torso 20 of the wearer thereof, such as infant 30. Second embodiment bib garment 290 (hereinafter "bib garment 290") is substantially similar to bib garment 10, except a first slit 300a and an oppositely, laterally disposed second slit 300b are cut in front panel 50 for receiving second strap 180 and first strap 150, respectively. In other words, first slit 300a is substituted for ring-shaped first anchor member 120a and second slit 300b is substituted for ring-shaped second anchor member 120b. Use of first slit 300a and second slit 300b avoids manufacture and placement of first anchor member 120a and second anchor member 120b. Avoiding manufacture and placement of first anchor member 120a and second anchor member 120b reduces material and labor costs associated with manufacture of bib garment 290.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 15, front panel 50 and pouch 130 may be manufactured from a single layer 310 of liquid-repellant or liquid-impervious, woven or nonwoven fabric material, such as woven or nonwoven fabric coated with lacquer, varnish, rubber, plastic resin of polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene, or the like. When so coated, the inherent nature of layer 310 allows layer 310 to be conveniently cleaned by wiping with a water dampened cloth that may or may not include a mild, toxic-free cleaning agent. Layer 310 prevents "strike through" or penetration of liquids, such as substantially liquid food, falling from the mouth of infant 30 and passing through front panel 50. In this manner, the infant's clothing 40 underlying front panel 50 is protected from soiling and staining.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 16, front panel 50 and pouch 130 may be manufactured from a multi-layer laminate including an outer, non-coated first fabric layer 320. Layer 320 is manufactured from a relatively softer, woven fabric material, such as linen, cotton, wool, any microfiber, or the like. The woven fabric material of layer 320 also allows layer 320 to be readily quilted during manufacture thereof. The relatively softer fabric material and quilting for layer 320 may be preferred by some parents and caregivers. However, fabric layer 320 inherently allows "strike through" or penetration of liquids, such as substantially liquid food, falling from the mouth of infant 30.

Therefore, affixed to layer 320, such as by sewing or by a suitable adhesive, is a liquid-absorptive backing or second fabric layer 330, which may be cotton or the like. Alternatively, layer 330 may be a highly absorptive, anti-bacterial material, such as "bamboo terry toweling." Bamboo terry toweling is a natural textile made from the pulp of bamboo grass and is highly absorbent to water- based liquids and also may possess anti-bacterial properties. If desired, added assurance may be provided that liquid food will not contact clothing 40 of infant 30. In this regard, a liquid-repellant or liquid-impervious backing or third fabric layer 340 may be attached to second layer 330, such as by sewing or by a suitable adhesive, to prevent any liquid that may wick through second layer 330 from contacting clothing 40 of infant 30. The composition of third layer 340 includes any of the water-proof coatings mentioned hereinabove. In this manner, the infant's clothing 40 underlying front panel 50 is protected from soiling and staining. In all cases, it is desirable that the bib not contain parabens, the organic compound bisphenol A (BPA), or the synthetic polymer polyvinyl alchohol (PVA).

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 1 1 , 12 and 17, previously mentioned first slit 300a and second slit 300b may each have a seal 345 (only one of which is shown) surrounding each of slits 300a, 300b. Seal 345 intimately engages and conforms to the shape of straps 150, 180 as straps 150, 180 extend through slits 300a, 300b in the manner previously mentioned. A purpose of seal 345 is to prevent entry of liquid food and food particulate matter through slits 300a, 300b. Entry of liquid food and food particulate matter could otherwise soil and stain clothing 40 of infant 30. Seal 345 may be made of any suitable and pliable material, such as thin-gauge rubber or the like.

[0078] With reference to FIG. 18, it should be appreciated from the teachings hereinabove that either bib garment 10 or bib garment 290 can be used by a caregiver 350 to feed an adult, such as an invalid elderly person 360, as well as feeding infant 30. Elderly person 360 is shown wearing bib garment 10, it being understood that bib garment 290 may be used instead and that bib garment 10 is shown merely for purposes of illustration. Elderly person 360, who may be an invalid and bed-ridden in a bed 370, can wear bib garment 10 to prevent soiling or staining of her clothing 380 and bedding 390 with food as elderly person 360 is fed. Thus, bib garment 10 finds particularly utility in feeding elderly person 360, who may suffer from Alzheimer's disease or other senile dementia and who may become combative and attempt to remove bib garment 10. Elderly person 360 is generally prevented from removing bib garment 10 because previously mentioned fastener arrangements 230, 240, 250 or 260, as the case may be, are virtually inaccessible by elderly person 360. In addition, location of fastener arrangements 230, 240, 250 or 260 in the mid region of the rear torso makes it more difficult for such an adult to remove the bib, even though such an adult has a longer arm reach. Also, it should be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art of garment design that use of fastener arrangements 230, 240, 250 or 260 rather than tie strings reduces risk that bib garment 10, and thus elderly person 360, will become entangled with nearby structures, such as a bed frame (not shown).

[0079] FIGS. 19 and 20 show a third embodiment bib garment, generally referred to as 400, adapted to resist removal from an upper front torso 410 of a wearer thereof, such as an adult 420. Third embodiment bib garment 400 (hereinafter "bib garment 400") is configured to substantially cover upper front torso 410 of adult 420 for preventing soiling and staining of underlying clothing 430 being worn on upper front torso 410 of adult 420. Bib garment 400 has a substantially similar construction as bib garment 10. In this regard, bib garment 400 includes an upper torso front panel 440 having a neck yoke 450 defining a first shoulder portion 460a and a second shoulder portion 460b spaced-apart from first shoulder portion 460a. A first strap 480 has a first end portion 490 thereof attached to first shoulder portion 460a and also has a second end portion 500. First strap 480 diagonally extends across a medial region 495 (shown in phantom) of upper rear torso 470 and is slidably extended through a second anchor arrangement 510b that is disposed opposite a first anchor arrangement 510a. Thereafter, first strap 480 laterally extends to a position at a vertical mid-plane of upper rear torso 470. A second strap 520 has a first end portion 530 thereof attached to second shoulder portion 460b and also has a second end portion 540. Second strap 520 diagonally extends across the medial region 495 of upper rear torso 470 so as to cross first strap 480 and is slidably extended through the other anchor arrangement 510a. Thereafter, second strap 520 laterally extends to a position at the mid-plane of upper rear torso 470. Second end portion 500 of first strap 480 and second end portion 540 of second strap are releasably attached for releasably securing bib garment 400 to adult 420. Second end portion 500 of first strap 480 and second end portion 540 of second strap are releasably attached by any of the previously mentioned fastener

arrangements 230, 240, 250 or 260.

[0080] Referring again to FIGS. 19 and 20, bib garment 400 finds particular utility in environments wherein it is useful to restrict access to fastener arrangements 230, 240, 250 or 260, so that bib garment 400 resists removal or detachment from adult 420. For example, upper front torso 410 of adult 420 may face toward one or more environmental protrusions (not shown) that can catch on or snag on the fabric comprising upper torso front panel 440 of bib garment 400. By way example only, and not by way of limitation, such protrusions might outwardly project from cooking utensils and other equipment found in residential or industrial kitchens, machine shop tools found in manufacturing facilities, and other items. Therefore, even if such protrusions catch on or snag on the fabric comprising upper torso front panel 440, bib garment 400 will resist removal because such protrusions will not have had access to fastener arrangements 230, 240, 250 or 260 located on upper rear torso 470. In any of these situations, fastener arrangements 230, 240, 250 or 260 will cause bib garment 400 to resist removal from adult 410. In this manner, adult 410 will save time otherwise spent reattaching bib garment 400.

[0081] Turning now to FIG. 21 , there is shown a fourth embodiment bib garment, generally referred to as 550, adapted to resist removal from the front torso 20 of the wearer thereof, such as infant 30. Fourth embodiment bib garment 550 (hereinafter "bib garment 550") is substantially similar to bib garment 10, except bib garment 550 lacks pouch 130. It may be desirable to eliminate pouch 130 during manufacture of bib garment 550 in order to reduce material and labor costs.

[0082] With respect to FIG. 22, a fifth embodiment bib garment, generally referred to as 560, is there shown adapted to resist removal from the front torso 20/440 of the wearer thereof, such as infant 30 or adult 410. Fifth embodiment bib garment 560 (hereinafter "bib garment 560") is substantially similar to bib garment 10, except second end portion 170 of first strap 150 and second end portion 200 of second strap 180 each includes an integrally attached strap elastic portion 570, which may be rubber or the like. The strap elastic portions 570 allow first strap 150 and second strap 180 to elastically expand and contract for adjusting straps 150, 180 to the size of rear torso 232/470 of infant 30 or adult 410, as the case may be. Also, it should be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art of garment design that any of bib garments 10, 290, 400 may include strap elastic portion 570.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 23, a sixth embodiment bib garment, generally referred to as 580, is there shown adapted to resist removal from the front torso 20 of the wearer thereof, such as infant 30. Sixth embodiment bib garment 580 (hereinafter "bib garment 580") is substantially similar to bib garment 10, except front panel 50 includes a front panel elastic portion 590 integrally formed therewith. Front panel elastic portion 590, which may be rubber or the like, may be generally rectangular in shape and laterally extends across front panel 50, such as extending across a horizontal mid-plane of front panel 50. Front panel elastic portion 590 is adapted to elastically expand and contract for adjusting front panel 50 to the size of front torso 20 of infant 30.

[0084] As seen in FIG. 24, there is shown a seventh embodiment bib garment, generally referred to as 600, adapted to resist removal from the front torso 20 of the wearer thereof, such as infant 30. Seventh embodiment bib garment 600 (hereinafter "bib garment 600") is substantially similar to bib garment 10, except front panel 50 includes a neck-line elastic yoke portion 610 integrally formed therewith in combination with front panel elastic portion 590. Elastic yoke portion 610 may be generally semi-circular in shape and circumferentially extends at least partially about neck 70 of infant 30. Elastic yoke portion 610 is adapted to elastically expand and contract for adjusting elastic yoke portion 610 to the size of neck 70 of infant 30. However, it should be appreciated that only elastic yoke portion 610 may be present and front panel elastic portion 590 may be absent, if desired, in order to reduce material and labor costs during manufacture.

[0085] As best seen in FIG. 25, there is shown an eighth embodiment bib garment, generally referred to as 620, adapted to resist removal from upper front torso 410 of a wearer thereof, such as adult 420. Eighth embodiment bib garment 620 (hereinafter "bib garment 620") is substantially similar to bib garment 400, except pouch 130 includes an elastic strip 630 integrally formed therewith. Strip 630 extends laterally across pouch 130 and is adapted to expand and contract to accommodate size and number of articles (not shown) placed therein.

Illustrative methods:

[0086] An illustrative method associated with an exemplary embodiment for manufacturing a bib garment according to the invention will now be described.

[0087] Referring to Fig. 26, an illustrative method, generally referred to as 640, is provided for manufacturing a bib garment adapted to resist removal from a front torso of a wearer thereof. The method starts at a step 650. At a step 660, a front panel is provided. At a step 670, a first anchor arrangement is attached to the front panel. At a step 680, a second anchor arrangement is attached to the front panel. At a step 690, a first strap is attached to the front panel, the first strap being adapted to diagonally extend across a medial region of a rear torso of the wearer, into engagement with the second anchor arrangement and therefrom to terminate near the medial region. At a step 700, a second strap is attached to the front panel, the second strap being adapted to diagonally extend across the medial region, into engagement with the first anchor arrangement and therefrom to terminate near the medial region. At a step 710, a fastener arrangement is attached to the first strap and the second strap. The method stops at a step 720.

[0088] Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, a lap panel may be attached to a lowermost portion of front panel 50, the lap panel being outwardly extendable to cover the legs and pants of infant 30, so that food particles missing pouch 130 do not contact the legs and pants of infant 30 to soil the legs and pants of infant 30. As another example, any of embodiments of the bib garment disclosed herein may be fabricated from a disposable material, such as paper, so that a soiled bib garment may be merely discarded rather than require washing. In addition, the parent or caregiver is more apt to let the infant feed himself, if the parent or caregiver knows that the infant cannot detach the bib. Accordingly, the description hereinabove is not intended to limit the invention, except as indicated in the following claims.

[0089] The claims will be interpreted according to law. However, and notwithstanding the alleged or perceived ease or difficulty of interpreting any claim or portion thereof, under no circumstances may any adjustment or amendment of a claim or any portion thereof during prosecution of the application or applications leading to this patent be interpreted as having forfeited any right to any and all equivalents thereof that do not form a part of the prior art.

[0090] All of the features disclosed in this specification may be combined in any combination. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only an example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0091] It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Thus, from the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for the purpose of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims and the present invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

[0092] The specific methods and compositions described herein are representative of preferred embodiments and are exemplary and not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Other objects, aspects, and embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of this specification, and are encompassed within the spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the claims. The invention illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, or limitation or limitations, which is not specifically disclosed herein as essential. Thus, for example, in each instance herein, in embodiments or examples of the present invention, the terms "comprising", "including", "containing", etc. are to be read expansively and without limitation. The methods and processes illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in differing orders of steps, and that they are not necessarily restricted to the orders of steps indicated herein or in the claims.

[0093] The terms and expressions that have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intent in the use of such terms and expressions to exclude any equivalent of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various

modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as claimed. Thus, it will be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by various embodiments and/or preferred embodiments and optional features, any and all modifications and variations of the concepts herein disclosed that may be resorted to by those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0094] The invention has been described broadly and generically herein. Each of the narrower species and subgeneric groupings falling within the generic disclosure also form part of the invention. This includes the generic description of the invention with a proviso or negative limitation removing any subject matter from the genus, regardless of whether or not the excised material is specifically recited herein.

[0095] It is also to be understood that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the term "X and/or Y" means "X" or "Y" or both "X" and "Y", and the letter "s" following a noun designates both the plural and singular forms of that noun. In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, it is intended and those skilled in the art will recognize, that the invention embraces and is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

[0096] Other embodiments are within the following claims. The patent may not be interpreted to be limited to the specific examples or embodiments or methods specifically and/or expressly disclosed herein. Under no

circumstances may the patent be interpreted to be limited by any statement made by any Examiner or any other official or employee of the Patent and Trademark Office unless such statement is specifically and without qualification or reservation expressly adopted in a responsive writing by Applicant(s).

[0097] Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.

[0098] Therefore, provided herein are a bib garment adapted to resist removal from a front torso of a wearer thereof and a method of manufacturing same.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . A bib garment adapted to resist removal from a front torso of a wearer thereof, the bib garment including:

(a) a front panel;

(b) a first anchor arrangement attached to the front panel;

(c) a second anchor arrangement attached to the front panel;

(d) a first strap attached to the front panel and adapted to diagonally extend across a medial region of a rear torso of the wearer, into engagement with the second anchor arrangement and therefrom to terminate near the medial region;

(e) a second strap attached to the front panel and adapted to diagonally extend across the medial region, into engagement with the first anchor arrangement and therefrom to terminate near the medial region; and

(f) a fastener arrangement attached to the first strap and the second strap.

2. The bib garment of claim 1 , further including a pouch attached to the front panel.

3. The bib garment of claim 1 ,

(a) wherein the first strap has a first strap elastic portion ; and

(b) wherein the second strap has a second strap elastic portion.

4. The bib garment of claim 1 , wherein the front panel has a front panel elastic portion.

5. The bib garment of 1 , wherein the front panel is formed of a material impervious to liquid absorption.

6. The bib garment of claim 1 , further including a liquid-absorbing backing layer attached to the front panel.

7. A bib garment adapted to resist removal from a front torso of a wearer thereof, including:

(a) a front panel for covering the front torso of the wearer, the front panel having a first shoulder portion and a second shoulder portion spaced-apart from the first shoulder portion;

(b) a first anchor arrangement attached to the front panel;

(c) a second anchor arrangement attached to the front panel and disposed laterally opposite the first anchor arrangement;

(d) a first strap attached to the first shoulder portion and adapted to diagonally extend across a medial region of a rear torso of the wearer, into sliding engagement with the second anchor arrangement and slidably therefrom to terminate near the medial region;

(e) a second strap attached to the second shoulder portion and adapted to diagonally extend across the medial region and cross the first strap, into sliding engagement with the first anchor arrangement and slidably therefrom to terminate near the medial region; and

(f) a fastener arrangement attached to the first strap and the second strap for releasably fastening the first strap to the second strap.

8. The bib garment of claim 7, further including a pouch attached to the front panel for receiving an article thereinto.

9. The bib garment of claim 8, wherein the pouch has a pouch elastic portion for elastically expanding the pouch.

10. The bib garment of claim 7,

(a) wherein the first strap has a first strap elastic portion for adjustably conforming the first strap to the rear torso of the wearer; and (b) wherein the second strap has a second strap elastic portion for adjustably conforming the second strap to the rear torso of the wearer.

1 1 . The bib garment of claim 7, wherein the front panel has a front panel elastic portion for adjustably conforming to the front torso of the wearer.

12. The bib garment of claim 7, wherein the front panel is formed of a material impervious to liquid absorption.

13. The bib garment of claim 7, further including a liquid-absorbing backing layer attached to a back of the front panel for absorbing a liquid passing through the front panel.

14. The bib garment of claim 7, further including:

(a) a liquid-absorbing backing layer attached to a back of the front panel for absorbing a liquid passing through the front panel; and

(b) a liquid-impervious backing layer attached to a back of the liquid- absorbing backing layer for preventing the liquid from contacting the wearer.

15. The bib garment of claim 7,

(a) wherein the first anchor arrangement includes a first ring-shaped member; and

(b) wherein the second anchor arrangement includes a second ring- shaped.

16. The bib garment of claim 7,

(a) wherein the first anchor arrangement is a first loop defined by a first slit cut in the front panel; and

(b) wherein the second anchor arrangement is a second loop defined by a second slit cut in the front panel.

17. The bib garment of claim 7, wherein the fastener arrangement includes a hook-and-loop fastener.

18. The bib garment of claim 7, wherein the fastener arrangement includes a snap fastener.

19. The bib garment of claim 7, wherein the fastener arrangement includes a buckle fastener.

20. A method of manufacturing a bib garment adapted to resist removal from a front torso of a wearer thereof, the method including:

(a) providing a front panel;

(b) attaching a first anchor arrangement to the front panel;

(c) attaching a second anchor arrangement to the front panel;

(d) attaching a first strap to the front panel, the first strap being adapted to diagonally extend across a medial region of a rear torso of the wearer, into engagement with the second anchor arrangement and therefrom to terminate near the medial region;

(e) attaching a second strap to the front panel, the second strap being adapted to diagonally extend across the medial region, into engagement with the first anchor arrangement and therefrom to terminate near the medial region; and

(f) attaching a fastener arrangement to the first strap and the second strap.