Bib Pouch Structure That Stays Open to Catch Dropped Food
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bibs fail to effectively capture dropped food and liquids, leading to messes on the wearer's clothing and floor, are uncomfortable due to buckling and neck irritation, and pose challenges during cleanup.
Innovation Solution
A bib design featuring a trough-shaped pouch with folding or pleated structures and suction cups that securely attach to a surface, ensuring the pouch remains open and extends appropriately to collect food and liquids, with an optional extension section for added protection and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pouch is added at the base of the bib to capture dropped food, then food collection capability is improved, but the pouch closes when pushed against the table causing food to miss the pouch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent attaches the pouch to the table surface in advance before eating begins. This preliminary attachment ensures the pouch remains in a fixed, open position throughout the meal, preventing it from closing when pushed against the table. The pouch is secured to the table at multiple points (front and back attachments) to maintain its open configuration before food is dropped.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the pouch forward beyond the bib's lower edge, creating a three-dimensional configuration where the pouch protrudes in front of the wearer. This dimensional extension allows the pouch to be positioned in space where dropped food is more likely to land, while the table attachment maintains its open position regardless of bib movement or table contact.
2Area of stationary object
If the bib is made wider at the base to capture food dropped on sides, then food collection area is improved, but the bib buckles around the neck causing discomfort and gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protection system into separate functional components: the bib (for neck and chest protection) and the pouch (for food collection). The pouch is attached to the table rather than being integrated into the bib's body, allowing the bib to maintain an appropriate width for comfort while the separate pouch provides extended food collection area without causing buckling.
Solution Approach 2:
The table surface acts as an intermediary that supports the pouch independently of the bib. This mediator allows the pouch to extend the food collection area without requiring the bib itself to be wider, thus avoiding the buckling problem while still achieving comprehensive food capture on all sides.
3Length of stationary object
If the bib is made longer to reach lower torso, then protection area is improved, but the pouch closes when pushed against the table
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch is attached to the table in advance before the bib reaches it, ensuring the pouch is already in its open, ready-to-catch configuration. This preliminary attachment prevents the pouch from closing when the extended bib pushes against it during use.
4Strength
If rough material is used for the bib body, then durability is improved, but neck irritation occurs due to direct contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material qualities to different parts of the bib system. The bib body uses durable, rough material for protection, while the portion contacting the neck (the extension section) uses soft, comfortable material. This local differentiation allows the overall system to be durable while eliminating neck irritation from rough material contact.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design effectively captures food and liquids, prevents messes, enhances comfort by avoiding buckling and neck irritation, and simplifies cleanup by providing continuous protection even when removed.
Implementation Method 1
The pouch includes second connecting means for removably connecting the pouch to a connecting surface during use of the bib. The bib further comprises means for facilitating attachment of the pouch to the connecting surface by the second connecting means
Data Source
AI summary
A bib has a main body with a front surface and a pouch provided at a lower end of the main body contiguous with the front surface for collecting solids and/or liquids dropped by the user during use of the bib. The main body is provided with first connecting members at an upper end for removably connecting the bib around the user's neck. The pouch is provided with second connecting members for removably connecting the pouch to a connecting surface during use of the bib. The bib is provided with means for facilitating attachment of the pouch to the connecting surface by the second connecting members during use of the bib by allowing the pouch to extend out and be maintained open and in a proper orientation for collecting dropped solids and/or liquids.