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[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an improved bib, and more particularly to an improved aesthetically pleasing bib worn by adults. Specifically, the present invention relates to a bib formed from a durable material designed to resemble a normal shirt or other article of clothing which disguises its use.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] Many adults must wear bibs when eating to protect their clothing from spilled food. These individuals typically include the elderly and other infirm individuals with poor motor coordination who easily spill their food and drink. While bibs can protect the wearer's clothes they have several drawbacks. The most notable drawback for adult wearer's is the embarrassment and humiliation many adults suffer when forced to wear a bib. Since bibs are also worn by babies and small children, adults who are forced to wear bibs may loose their dignity.
[0005] Additionally, many bibs do not adequately protect the wearer's clothing. Most prior art bibs only cover the wearer's front torso leaving their shoulders and upper back completely exposed to food spills.
[0006] For example, U.S. Pending Patent application 2002/0069449 published on Jun. 13, 2002 to Pinckney et al. discloses a bib that is highly visible to others. It is easily apparent that one is wearing a bib since it bears no resemblance to normal clothing what-so-over. This bib even includes a cloth member which is awkwardly attached to the front of the bib and is designed to be used to “clean up” the wearer after meals.
[0007] Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,241 to Widemann discloses a bib that includes a clear plastic sheet with a rigid lip member along the bottom edge to catch loose food items that may fall during eating. While the use of this bib is more discrete than the bib disclosed by Pickney due to its transparent nature it still suffers from drawbacks. Since this bib must be attached to the wearer by use of adhesive regions located along the bib it would appear to be difficult to take on and off. It would especially be difficult if not impossible for the elderly and other infirm adults who already suffer from a lack of motor control to attach this bib to their clothing by use of the adhesive regions. Also, this bib does not cover the wearer's shoulders and upper back leaving these areas vulnerable to spills.
[0008] Therefore, there appears a need in the art for a bib that would be easy to put on and remove that would preserve the adult wearer's dignity by simulating the appearance of a normal piece of clothing while covering their entire front torso, shoulders and upper back while also covering a substantial portion of the wearer's lap.
[0009] Accordingly, the primary object of the present invention is to provide an aesthetically pleasing bib which is easy to take on and off while covering the wearer's front torso, shoulders, lap, and upper back.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a bib that resembles normal clothing as to minimize its true function.
[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide a bib that is easy for an elderly wearer to put on and take off.
[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a bib that when worn covers both the wearer's front torso, shoulders, lap, and upper back.
[0013] These and other objects of the present invention are realized in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, described by way of example, and not by way of limitation, which provides for a bib constructed from a durable material that drapes over the wearer's shoulders and completely covers their front torso, shoulder, and upper back while having a decorative indicia and design to simulate the likeness of an actual shirt or blouse.
[0014] In brief summary, the present invention overcomes and substantially alleviates the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a bib that resembles normal clothing as to disguise its use when worn. The present invention features a bib large enough to cover the wearer's front torso and drape over their shoulders. Additionally, the bib is large enough to cover the wearer's lap when they are sitting down. In the preferred embodiment of the invention a series of pocket members are affixed to the bottom edge to catch loose food items which fall during eating. A decorative collar is attached along the top edge which surrounds the wearer's neck to give this bib the appearance of a normal shirt which further disguises its use.
[0015] The present invention also includes decorative indicia that allow the bib to resemble normal clothing. In one embodiment a collar and buttons are attached to the bib giving it the resemblance of a man's dress shirt. In another embodiment, a different style of collar is attached and the buttons removed to allow the bib to feature the likeness of a woman's blouse.
[0016] This new bib is beneficial as it both protects the wearer's clothing and is not noticeable when worn. Therefore, adults who must wear bibs while eating do not have to suffer the embarrassment of doing so as this bib is effectively disguised by the decoration. Adult wearer's of this bib are afforded greater dignity and their clothes are better protected from spills that occur while eating than they were with prior art bibs.
[0017]
[0018]
[0019]
[0020]
[0021]
[0022] Referring to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the improved bib of the present invention is illustrated and generally indicated as
[0023] Referring to
[0024]
[0025] Both of these preferred embodiments of bib
[0026] Other features common to both embodiments of bib
[0027] Specifically, as can be seen in
[0028] After the bib
[0029] Pocket
[0030] The last decorative indicia placed on this embodiment for men is collar
[0031]
[0032] The type and amount of decorative indicia that can be used in the present invention is endless. Any type of decorative indicia to allow bib
[0033] Additional decorative indicia may include college logos (not shown) or various sports logos (not shown) that could be used with different collar designs to allow bib
[0034] Thus, improved bib
[0035] It should be understood from the foregoing that, while particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is not intended that the invention be limited by the specification; instead, the scope of the present invention is intended to be limited only by the appended claims.