Bib with replaceable or disposable absorbent layer

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a bib includes at least one removable top layer of absorbent material and a base layer of durable material. The base layer has a fastening mechanism for placing the bib around the neck of a user. The base layer further has a mounting mechanism, which is different from the fastening mechanism, for attaching the removable top layer to the base layer.

1 . A bib, comprising:
 at least one removable top layer of absorbent material; and   a base layer of durable material, the base layer having a fastening mechanism for placing the bib around the neck of a user and further having a mounting mechanism that is different than the fastening mechanism for attaching the at least one removable top layer to the base layer.   
     
     
         2 . The bib of  claim 1  wherein the base layer further having a built-in pocket that is located in the bottom portion of one side of the base layer when the bib is worn by the user. 
     
     
         3 . The bib of  claim 1  wherein the base layer further having a sewn-in pocket that is located in the bottom portion of one side of the base layer when the bib is worn by the user. 
     
     
         4 . The bib of  claim 1  wherein the at least one removable top layer comprises a plurality of removable top layers of absorbent material, the plurality of removable top layers packaged in a container. 
     
     
         5 . The bib of  claim 1  wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a friction-fit post-and-hole mechanism employing a post that can be mated with one of a plurality of holes to fasten the base layer around the neck of the user. 
     
     
         6 . The bib of  claim 1  wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a hook-and-loop mechanism employing a plurality of loops and a plurality of hooks for hooking the loops to fasten the base layer around the neck of the user. 
     
     
         7 . The bib of  claim 1  wherein the mounting mechanism comprises one of a number of mechanisms including slots in the base layer, post-and-hole mechanism, button-and-hole mechanism, clasps, and clips. 
     
     
         8 . The bib of  claim 1  wherein the material of the base layer having at least one of a plurality of qualities, the plurality of qualities including water-resistant, stain-resistant, anti-bacteria, tear-proof, machine-washable, and foldable qualities. 
     
     
         9 . The bib of  claim 1  wherein the at least one removable top layer comprises at least one disposable layer of absorbent material. 
     
     
         10 . The bib of  claim 1  wherein the at least one removable top layer comprises at least one reusable layer that is washable. 
     
     
         11 . The bib of  claim 1  wherein the at least one removable top layer comprises at least one dry layer. 
     
     
         12 . The bib of  claim 1  wherein the at least one removable top layer comprises at least one semi-moist layer. 
     
     
         13 . A bib, comprising:
 at least one removable top layer of absorbent material; and   a base layer of silicone material, the base layer having a fastening mechanism for placing the bib around the neck of a user and further having a mounting mechanism for attaching the at least one removable top layer to the base layer.   
     
     
         14 . The bib of  claim 13  wherein the base layer further having a pocket that is located in the bottom portion of one side of the base layer when the bib is worn by the user. 
     
     
         15 . A bib, comprising:
 at least one removable top layer of absorbent material; and   a layer of nylon-based material, the base layer having a fastening mechanism for placing the bib around the neck of a user and further having a mounting mechanism for attaching the at least one removable top layer to the base layer.   
     
     
         16 . The bib of  claim 15  wherein the base layer further having a pocket that is located in the bottom portion of one side of the base layer when the bib is worn by the user. 
     
     
         17 . A bib, comprising:
 at least one removable top layer of absorbent material; and   a base layer of Teflon®-coated fabric, the base layer having a fastening mechanism for placing the bib around the neck of a user and further having a mounting mechanism for attaching the at least one removable top layer to the base layer.   
     
     
         18 . The bib of  claim 19  wherein the base layer further having a pocket that is located in the bottom portion of one side of the base layer when the bib is worn by the user. 
     
     
         19 . A bib, comprising:
 at least one removable top layer of absorbent material; and   a base layer of GORE-TEX® material, the base layer having a fastening mechanism for placing the bib around the neck of a user and further having a mounting mechanism for attaching the at least one removable top layer to the base layer.   
     
     
         20 . The bib of  claim 19  wherein the base layer further having a pocket that is located in the bottom portion of one side of the base layer when the bib is worn by the user.