GB2420068A - An apron - Google Patents

Abstract

An apron 5 with a single waist belt 3 that is attached to one side of the apron, the belt has one side of a releasable fastener attached to it which engages with the opposing side of the releasable fastener 4, the releasable fasteners is attached to the inner surface of the apron on the opposing side of the apron. When in use any surplus belt is safely retained inside the apron. Preferably the fastening means is Velcro (RTM) that may be attached to the full length of the belt 3 and to a pad 4 on the inner surface of the apron. Alternative fastening means may be used such as a button, hook or press fastener with joining components fitted along the belt.

Description

Work Apron Situation This invention concerns a protective apron garment

typically rn by children in school practical areas or by adults in a food preparation or workshop environment A simple apron is typically fastened to the wearer using a tape halter around the neck and two side tapes, or strings, tied in a bow behind the wearer's back. Common problems with this method of fastening are that wearers, particularly children, have difficulty tying a bow behind their back. In a working situation, a loose bow can become unfastened and the apron can unexpectedly fall open. This is a recognised safety hazard, particularly where machinery is in use. In secondary schools, where the simple apron is in common use, smaller children may have lengths of surplus tape hanging behind their legs: the tapes being, necessarily, of a length to accommodate a broad age and size range of users. Also, in a school situation, an attempt at tying a bow often results in a knot. Typically, an apron is rendered unserviceable by tapes becoming knotted and then torn at their fastenings.

An existing design that attempts to overcome the above problems uses an elasticised belt joined at both ends to the apron sides. Similar to the halter neck, the user is required to place the belt over the head and then pull it down to the waist. The disadvantages of this, and similar methods, are that in continued use the belt may not retain its elasticity. Also, users with long hair can become entangled when removing the apron. Typically, the belt may not be of an appropriate length, especially in secondary schools, where economy demands that one size of apron must fit a broad range of users.

The proposed invention overcomes the above problems by using the existing halter neck, but a single waist tape that is permanently attached to the apron side at one end only. The tape is of a sufficient length to fit the anticipated of waist sizes. Along the length of the waipt tpe, by preference, is attached Velcrae. The combined waist tape and Velcr1?frm a soft belt with a desirable level of rigidity and strength.

When in u,Lthe belt is passed around the back and fastened at any suitable position to a Velcroad: this is permanently attached to the inner surface on the other side of the apron. The means of fastening, therefore, is at the side' of the apron, whichis more accessible to the user and particularly children. Importantly, the Velcri is on the inner' surface so, for smaller users, any surplus belt is restrained automatically' and safely' inside the apron.

Drawings The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings: * Figure 1 shows an existing work apron with long tapes, or strings, including an additional allowance for the largest wearer to tie a bow.

* Figure 2 shows an existing work apron using an elasticised belt attached at both ends and fitting a limited range of waist sizes only.

* Figure 3 shows the inside surface of a work apron according to the invention.

Description

With reference to figure 3, the apron body I may be made in a small or large size, with both sizes being suitable to a broad range of waist sizes. The body may be made from existing materials, such as cotton or plastics, appropriate to the working situation.

Existing construction methods, e.g. sewn seams and fastenings, may be used. The halter neck 2 may be made from a standard tape, of a length appropriate to the size of apron and user, and permanently attached under the top seam. The apron belt 3 may be made from the same tape as is used for 2 and attached igimilar fashion. The tape is of a sufficient width for the attachment of standard VelcrThe (as preferred.) With no length allowance necessary for the tyirloj a bow, the belt is approximately the same length as existing tapes. The VelcroAae may be attached along the full length of the belt adding strength, a desirable level of rigidity and a bronge of fastening sizes appropriate to the size of apron. The eye' section of Velcró,çotild be used to prevent attachmentq the wearer's clothing, etc. The pad 4 may be made from double width hook' Velcrae, permanently attached to the inner surface, under the side seam for strength and around its edges. The pad is of sufficient width and length for ease and security in fastening. Importantly, when the belt is fastened, any surplus length is restrained, automatically', inside the apron at 5: this being an essential safety feature for the working environment. The adjustable but safely restrained belt and side fastening are particularly suitable for children.

Claims (3)

1. Claims 1. A work apron with a single attached belt, allowing adjustment in

   fastening to a broad range of waist sizes, with a side fastener on the inner surface, and any surplus belt being safely restrained inside the apron.
2. 2. A work apron according to claim I, th a Velcrofaced belt and pad as the method of fastening.
3. 3. A work apron according to claim 1, where the preferred Velcro4astener is replaced by an alternative method such as a button, hook, or press fastener, with joining components fitted to the belt, possibly including an elastic section. * .* * I * I I las * I I.. * *1 * I

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   III II. * SI I. I. *

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   3. A work apron according to claim 1, where the preferred Velcrqfastener is replaced by an alternative method such as a button, hook, or press fastener, with joining components fitted along the belt.

   Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A work apron with a singleattached belt, allowing adjustment in fastening to a broad range of waist sizes, with a side fastener on the inner surface, and any surplus belt being safely restrained inside the apron.

   2. A rk apron according to claim 1, with a Velcr%faced belt and pad as the method of fastening.