Object wrapper and wearable protective cover apparatus and method

Abstract

One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to an apparatus and method for utilizing an object wrapper and wearable protective cover. An object wrapper and wearable protective cover an object to be wrapped inside of the apparatus wherein the apparatus may be later used as a wearable protective cover. In one or more embodiments of the invention pouches are integrated into the center portion of the object wrapper and wearable protective cover. This allows for each object inserted into the object wrapper and wearable protective cover to remain in a particular location when the object wrapper and wearable protective cover is unfolded and coupled with the wearer. In one or more embodiments of the invention the pouch or pouches may comprise insulating properties that may be utilizing in the pouch itself or may be integrated into the object wrapper and wearable protective cover as well. In one or more embodiments of the invention liquid absorbing material may be used in the construction of the object wrapper and wearable protective cover. This allows for liquids to be absorbed without making contact with or staining the clothing of the wearer of the apparatus. Embodiments comprising liquid absorbing material may also comprise a moisture barrier that holds the moisture and does not allow the moisture to pass through the apparatus. In one or more embodiments of the invention fire resistant or fire retarding material may be used in the construction of the object wrapper and wearable protective cover. This allows for defense against sparks and heat without allowing the thermal event to make contact with or burning the clothing of the wearer of the apparatus.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the field of object wrappers and wearable protective covers and is more particularly, but not by way of limitation, directed to an apparatus and method for wrapping an object wherein the object wrapper may also be used as a wearable protective cover.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are no known object wrappers that may be used as wearable protective covers. Existing protective covers such as bibs and aprons protect a user from the elements such as food, drinks, cleaning materials, or materials found in industrial settings.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,165, a pop-out baby/adult bib is disclosed wherein a flexible spring forms a circular bowl area for catching food and liquids, however there is no contemplation of using the baby/adult bib as a wrapper for objects in any way since an object of the invention is to minimize the packaging volume of the apparatus by compressing the bowl area down to a flat shape during storage.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,075,897, a multi-purpose protective garment is disclosed wherein the garment may also be used as a cushion device for sitting while commuting. This device does not allow for storing an object inside since the object of the invention is to allow for a cushioning effect from the material used in the construction of the garment.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,941, a bib is disclosed wherein the bib comprises a pouch for use in catching liquids and solids. This device does not allow for storing an object inside since the pouch of the apparatus since the object of the apparatus is to allow for catching spilt liquids and solids when the bib is worn.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,224, a bib-apron is disclosed wherein the bib-apron is supplied to consumers of fast food. This device does not allow for storing an object inside since the bib-apron of the apparatus since the object of the apparatus is to allow for inexpensively manufactured throw-away protection after the bib-apron is worn.

In summary, there are no known wrappers that allow for an object to be packaged inside the wrapper wherein the wrapper may be worn as a protective cover once the object is unwrapped.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to an apparatus and method for utilizing an object wrapper and a wearable protective cover. An object wrapper and wearable protective cover an object to be wrapped inside of the apparatus wherein the apparatus is easily converted into a wearable protective cover.

In one or more embodiments of the invention pouches are integrated into the center portion of the object wrapper and wearable protective cover. These pouches are configured to enable each object inserted into the object wrapper and wearable protective cover to remain in a particular location when the object wrapper and wearable protective cover is unfolded and coupled with the wearer. For example when a user orders a fast food item that is pre-wrapped into the enclosure apparatus the user may place the apparatus on their lap, unwrap the fast food item and then position the apparatus so that it may function as a wearable protective cover. In one or more embodiments of the invention the pouch or pouches may comprise insulating properties that allow for food items to be stored in the apparatus for a longer time before the apparatus is used as a wearable protective cover.

In one or more embodiments of the invention contemplates constructing the apparatus of a liquid absorbing material. Hence, it is possible for the apparatus to absorb liquids without making contact with or staining the clothing of the wearer of the apparatus. Embodiments of the invention comprising liquid absorbing material may also comprise a moisture barrier that holds the moisture and does not allow the moisture to pass through the apparatus.

In one or more embodiments of the invention fire resistant or fire retarding material may be used in the construction of the object wrapper and wearable protective cover. This allows for defense against sparks and heat without allowing the thermal event to make contact with or burn the clothing of the wearer. For example a supermarket may query a customer whether the customer intends to barbeque the purchased food immediately in which case the customer may opt for packaging the purchased food within an embodiment of the invention. The barbeque items may then be obtained from the apparatus once the apparatus is unfolded at which time the apparatus may be worn as a protective apron for example when grilling the purchased food.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention after unwrapping the embodiment thereby leaving an object inside the embodiment accessible and allowing for the embodiment to be used as a wearable protective cover.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the invention in the fully extended position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a sequence of images detailing wrapping an object in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sequence of images detailing unwrapping an object in an embodiment of the invention and use of the embodiment as a wearable protective cover.

FIG. 5 illustrates a stack of folded embodiments of the invention without wrapped objects inside.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to an apparatus and method for utilizing an object wrapper and a wearable protective cover. The following descriptions of the embodiment of the invention are exemplary, rather than limiting, and many variations and modifications are within the scope and spirit of the invention. Although numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to an apparatus and method for utilizing an object wrapper configured to convert into a wearable protective cover. Some examples of the various uses and benefits of the invention are provided below and followed by a description of the structural elements utilized to implement one or more embodiments of the invention.

Readers will note that although specific configurations and uses are described herein, various other configurations and uses are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention. As such any device configured to enable users to secure an object in place while the device is in the form of a carrying apparatus and then act as a protective bib once the device is unfolded properly falls within the scope of the invention described herein. For purposes of brevity the uses described herein relate mainly to the packaging and transport of food items. However readers should note that other uses are also possible and that the device may be designed to contain any object where users of that object are likely to desire a protective cover when using the object. As such the invention is not limited to the packaging of food items but may involve the packaging of any object where the intended use involves the need for a protective cover that is worn by the user of the object.

Although various configurations are possible, one or more embodiments of the invention are configured to protect an object using a sheet of material that comprises numerous sides. When folded around the object this sheet of material is able to function as a bag or package for transporting the object. In one or more embodiments of the invention, this sheet of material has one or more pouches affixed to the material. These pouches secure the object or items associated with the object into position. For instance, when food items are placed into one of the pouches items associated with the food such as napkins, utensils, or condiments may be placed in other pouches. Using a specific configuration the material can then be folded around the objects within the pouches. Once folded the material surrounds the objects so that the material may be used to transport the objects. It is possible to surround the object in numerous ways and although some examples of specific patterns are shown and described, the invention is not limited to the specific patterns shown.

Upon reaching the location where the object is to be used, the material is unfolded into a protective bib or cover. For instance, if the object is food the user may use the material as a bid that guards against drips and spills. In one or more embodiments of the invention the material contains a mechanism for affixing the material to the wearer or otherwise keep the material in its desired location. Although some specific examples of such mechanisms for affixing the material to the wearer are described below, the invention contemplates the use of any device that is able to secure the material into the position desired by the wearer. As such the mechanisms described herein are to be viewed as examples and are not to limit the scope of possible attachment mechanisms. Moreover, the shape, size and general design of the material when unfolded into a bib may vary while staying within the scope and spirit of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention after unwrapping the embodiment thereby leaving access to an object inside and allowing for the embodiment to be used as a wearable protective cover. In one or more embodiments of the invention pouches 101 are integrated into the center portion of panel 100 of the object wrapper and wearable protective cover. This allows for each object such as for example cheeseburger 102 and french fries 103 to be inserted into the object wrapper and wearable protective cover and to remain in a particular location when the object wrapper and wearable protective cover is unfolded and coupled with the wearer. For example when a user orders a fast food item that is pre-wrapped into the object wrapper the user may first unwrap the fast food item and then wear the apparatus as a wearable protective cover. The protective cover is configured to enable the user to access the fast food item while garnering protection from spills or dropped food. In one or more embodiments of the invention pouch 101 (or pouches) may comprise insulating properties utilized in pouch 101 itself or integrated into panel 100 of the object wrapper and wearable protective cover as well. This allows for food items to be stored in the apparatus for a longer time before the apparatus is used as a wearable protective cover.

In one or more embodiments of the invention the object wrapper and wearable protective cover is made of a liquid absorbing material. When configured in this manner the apparatus is able to absorb liquids without making contact with or staining the clothing of the user. Embodiments comprising liquid absorbing material may also utilize a moisture barrier that holds the moisture and does not allow the moisture to pass through the apparatus.

In one or more embodiments of the invention the object wrapper and wearable protective cover is constructed of fire resistant or fire retarding material. When constructed using a fire resistant or fire retarding material the apparatus is able to provide a defense against sparks and heat without allowing the thermal event to make contact with or burning the clothing of the user. For example a supermarket may query a customer whether the customer intends to barbeque the purchased food immediately in which case the customer may opt for packaging the purchased food within an embodiment of the invention. The barbeque items may then be obtained from the apparatus once the apparatus is unfolded at which time the apparatus may be worn as a protective apron for example when grilling the purchased food.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the invention in the fully extended position. Panel 200 comprises pouch 203 which is generally but not necessarily situated near or at the bottom portion of panel 200. In one embodiment of the invention, a top portion of panel 200 comprises a perforated left tie 201 and perforated right tie 202 for use in securing panel 200 to the neck of a user. Any other method of coupling panel 200 to a user is in keeping with the spirit of the invention. Panel 200 may be folded along fold line 204 and 205, or may be folded in any other manner in order to wrap an object stored in pouch 203. For example once the upper half of panel 200 is folded over the lower half, and once the left side of panel 200 is folded over the right side of panel 200 thereby leaving a folded panel of approximately one-quarter of the area of unfolded panel 200, then the lower right quadrant of folded again leaving only one visible hole 206. (See FIG. 5 for a stack of folded object wrapper and wearable protective covers). Hole 206 may be used to carry the folded object wrapper and wearable protective cover. Hole 206 may be replaced by a substance that requires force to separate folded portions of panel 200, such as adhesive, VELCRO, magnets or any other type of device that is capable of allowing panel 200 to remain folded.

FIG. 3 illustrates a sequence of images detailing wrapping an object in an embodiment of the invention. A stack of object wrapper and wearable protective covers 300 is provided to a user at 301. The user unfolds the apparatus once at 302. The user continues to unfold the apparatus at 303. The user places an object in the apparatus at 304. The user folds the apparatus again at 305 and completes the folding at 306. The apparatus is now in the loaded configuration.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sequence of images detailing unwrapping an object in an embodiment of the invention and use of the embodiment as a wearable protective cover. A user is given a loaded apparatus at 400. The user begins to unwrap the object at 401 and unfolds the apparatus at 402 and 403 and ties the apparatus around the neck of the user and wears the apparatus at 404. At this point the object or objects originally wrapped in the apparatus as shown at 400 is then accessible and the apparatus is thereafter used as a wearable protective cover. The mechanism for attaching the apparatus to the wearer depicted is a strap. However, it is important to note that the position of the strap and the general shape of the apparatus may widely vary while still staying within the scope and spirit of the invention. It is also possible to use other mechanisms to properly position the device in a location desired by the wearer. Thus, straps should not be viewed as the only mechanism for accomplishing such attachments and any mechanism that secure the device into position when it is in the form of a bib or protective cover will suffice.

FIG. 5 illustrates a stack of folded embodiments of the invention 500 without wrapped objects inside. Hole 501 may be used to carry the embodiment. Hole 501 may be replaced by any material requiring force to separate successive folds as detailed in the discussion related to FIG. 2.

Thus an example of an object wrapper and wearable protective cover apparatus and method has been described. The claims however, and the full scope of their equivalents are what define the boundaries of the invention.

Claims

1. An object wrapper and wearable protective cover comprising:

a panel comprising a first side, a second side, an upper end, a lower end, a front side and a back side;

a strap portion coupled with said upper end of said panel, positioned approximately midway between said first side and said second side;

a pouch coupled with said front side of said panel wherein said pouch is disposed substantially orthogonal to said first side and said second side wherein said pouch comprises an upper edge which may be pulled away from the front side of said panel to form a repository configured to hold an object; and,

said panel wrapped around said pouch comprising said object to configure said panel as an object wrapper wherein said object is accessible from said pouch when said panel is unfolded from around said pouch to configure said panel as a wearable protective cover to protect a wearer of said panel.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said strap portion is in the form of a pair of cooperative ties that are coupled with one another to secure said panel to said wearer.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said strap portion forms a portion of said panel and is disengaged from said panel along perforations.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said strap portion is used to couple said panel to a neck.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said panel comprises a moisture barrier.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said panel comprises absorbent material that is configured to absorb moisture.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said panel comprises insulation.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said panel comprises a fire retarding material.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pouch comprises a moisture barrier.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pouch comprises absorbent material that is configured to absorb moisture.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pouch comprises insulation.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pouch comprises a fire retarding material.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pouch forms a potential well configured to trap liquids and solids that fall above said pouch from above.

14. A method for utilizing an object wrapper and wearable protective cover comprising:

placing an object in a panel comprising a first side, a second side, an upper end, a lower end, a front side, a back side and a neck strap portion coupled with said upper end of said panel positioned approximately midway between said first side and said second side wherein said front side of said panel comprises a pouch disposed substantially orthogonal to said first side and said second side wherein said pouch comprises an upper edge which may be pulled away from the front side of said panel to form a repository configured to hold an object;

wrapping said object in said pouch by folding said panel about said object; and,

providing said object wrapped in said panel to a wearer for use as a wearable protective cover.

15. The method of claim 14 further comprising:

securing said object in said pouch by closing said pouch before said wrapping said object.

16. The method of claim 14 further comprising:

unwrapping said object by unfolding said panel;

coupling said panel to said wearer; and,

removing said object from said panel.

17. A method for utilizing an object wrapper and wearable protective cover comprising:

unwrapping an object by unfolding a panel comprising a first side, a second side, an upper end, a lower end, a front side, a back side and a neck strap portion coupled with said upper end of said panel positioned approximately midway between said first side and said second side wherein said front side of said panel comprises a pouch disposed substantially orthogonal to said first side and said second side wherein said pouch comprises an upper edge which may be pulled away from the front side of said panel to form a repository configured to hold an object;

coupling said panel to said wearer; and,

removing said object from said panel.

18. An object wrapper and wearable protective cover comprising:

means for placing an object in a panel comprising a first side, a second side, an upper end, a lower end, a front side, a back side and a neck strap portion coupled with said upper end of said panel positioned approximately midway between said first side and said second side wherein said front side of said panel comprises a pouch disposed substantially orthogonal to said first side and said second side wherein said pouch comprises an upper edge which may be pulled away from the front side of said panel to form a repository configured to hold an object;

means for wrapping said object in said pouch by folding said panel about said object; and,

means for providing said object wrapped in said panel to a wearer for use as a wearable protective cover.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising:

means for securing said object in said pouch by closing said pouch before said wrapping said object.

20. The method of claim 18 further comprising:

means for unwrapping said object by unfolding said panel;

means for coupling said panel to said wearer; and,

means for removing said object from said panel.