Commuter apron
An apron for a commuter includes a protective front covering that has a top portion and a bottom portion. The covering includes a layer of waterproof material and preferably an outer decorative layer. Two straps are affixed to the top portion of the front covering. Each strap includes a weight located at the free end of the strap.
This application claims domestic priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to previously filed provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 60/516,449, filed Nov. 3, 2003, entitled COMMUTER APRON, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONEating or drinking in a moving vehicle is a long-standing problem for vehicle drivers and passengers. The problem arises because it is difficult to consume food or beverages in a truck or auto without spilling liquid or dropping crumbs of food. These crumbs or drops of liquid generally drop onto the lap or garments of the passenger that is eating or spill onto the clothing of adjacent passengers. The problem is particularly acute for individuals e.g. commuters, that often drive alone to their place of work, who attempt to drink coffee or consume food without soiling their work-clothes.
Aprons or bibs have been used in the past to prevent soiling of garments during consumption of food or beverages. However such protective coverings customarily require the wearer to affix them using strings or ties located behind the wearer's neck. Tying or joining such strings or ties can be difficult, and in some instances dangerous, for an individual to do alone, particularly while riding in or driving a vehicle. If the apron or bib is not secured by tying it is likely to slip from the wearers chest while the vehicle is moving and permit beverages or food particles to fall onto the wearers garments. Much the same problem arises for children who cannot fasten a bib or apron alone and therefore run the risk of soiling their garments while consuming food or beverages in a vehicle. Vehicle passengers and drivers have long sought a protective device that could be quickly donned, and would remain in place on the wearer's chest without the need for tying strings or fastening snaps or buttons to hold the device in place.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe commuter apron of the present invention solves the problem of rapid and easy donning of a protective bib or apron that will remain in place without the need to join strings or fastens snaps or buttons. The apron of the invention consists of a protective fabric covering that can be in the shape of a bib or apron and two weighted straps located at the top of the covering. The straps (which are weighted at the end located farthest from the protective covering) can easily be tossed over the shoulders by the wearer to don the apron or bib. The weights located at or near the ends of the straps are sufficiently heavy (usually 1-4 ounces) to hold the apron or bib in place while the wearer is driving or riding in a vehicle. Of course, the apron use is not limited to just consumers, but can be used by, for example, many other people, such as by the elderly and handicapped, or anyone who wants to protect their clothes while eating or drinking.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe commuter apron of the invention will be better understood by reference to the following drawings in which:
The commuter apron 100 of the invention is generally depicted in
The commuter apron 1 of the invention is worn as shown in
The construction of the apron 100 is can be seen in cross section in
Weights 11 are sewn or fastened in the straps 2 and 3. The weights can be drapery weights made of metal e.g. lead or iron, or sealed packets filled with sand or a similar material. The weights are sewn inside the straps 2 and 3 at or near the ends 5 and 6 that are farthest away from the protective covering 1. In one embodiment depicted in
Referring now to
Claims
1. An apron comprising:
- a protective front covering having a top portion and a bottom portion, said covering including a layer of waterproof material; and
- at least two straps affixed to the top portion of the covering, each of said at least two straps including a weight located at the free end of the strap.
2. The apron according to claim 1, wherein said covering includes an outer layering of decorative material.
3. The apron according to claim 1, wherein said covering includes at least one pocket connected to said covering adjacent to said bottom portion thereof.
4. The apron according to claim 2, wherein said covering includes at least one pocket connected to said outer layering adjacent to said bottom portion of said covering.
5. The apron according to claim 3, wherein the pocket includes a vertical seam.
6. The apron according to claim 3, wherein said pocket includes a stiffener to maintain the pocket in an open position.
7. The apron according to claim 3, wherein the covering has a bottom edge on said bottom portion, the pocket is spaced from a bottom edge of said covering.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 29, 2004
Publication Date: May 5, 2005
Inventor: Maureen Walsh (Cornish, NH)
Application Number: 10/977,972