WO2018029664A1

WO2018029664A1 - Multi-purpose apron

Info

Publication number: WO2018029664A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/056130
Authority: WO
Inventors: Claire JACOBS
Original assignee: Jacobs Claire
Priority date: 2016-08-09
Filing date: 2017-10-04
Publication date: 2018-02-15
Also published as: US20180042313A1; CA3033567A1

Abstract

A multi-purpose apron 100 includes a main apron portion 102 for protecting a user's clothes, the user, and/or any surfaces that the user is working on. For example, the main apron portion 102 may be a soft cloth for protecting furniture and cars being serviced by the user as well as protecting the user's clothes. The main apron portion 102 extends from the waist of the user to the user's knees. The apron 100 further includes an extension 104 having a material different from the main apron portion 102 and a pocket 136 for the user to place their hand in to use on the surface being worked on. For example, the extension 104 may have a material selected for dusting furniture, or a material selected to wipe surfaces dry and clean.

Description

DESCRIPTION

MULTI-PURPOSE APRON

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a multi-purpose apron. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for a multi-purpose apron that improves upon multitasking during various activities.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a multi-purpose apron. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for a multi-purpose apron that improves upon multitasking during various activities.

[0003] The multi-purpose apron of the present invention may be used, for example, during activities such as cleaning, performing house or automotive repairs, providing various medical services, caring for a child, caring for an elderly or disabled person, or working with hazardous materials.

[0004] Currently a person is unable to effectively and/or efficiently perform multiple tasks and maintain clean and dry apparel when both hands are occupied or where different fabrics or materials are necessary for completion of the tasks being performed.

[0005] On prior art solution is the use of a hands-free apron or towel designed to cover the user's apparel from the armpits to the knees or from the waist to the knees. These aprons are generally formed from a single material that keep the user's apparel or clothing clean.

[0006] One prior art solution that attempts to address the need for multiple materials while performing a given activity (e.g., cooking or automotive work) is attaching a towel to the user's belt or apron. Attachment is accomplished by tucking the towel into the belt or apron strings.

[0007] Accordingly, what is needed then are improvements to the utility and design of aprons.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [0008] Aspects of the present invention provide a multi-purpose apron including a main apron portion for protecting a user's clothes, the user, and/or any surfaces that the user is working on. For example, the main apron portion may be a soft cloth for protecting furniture and cars being serviced by the user as well as protecting the user's clothes. The main apron portion extends from the waist of the user to the user's knees. The apron further includes an extension having a material different from the main apron portion and a pocket for the user to place their hand in to use on the surface being worked on. For example, the extension may have a material selected for dusting furniture, or a material selected to wipe surfaces dry and clean.

[0009] In one aspect, an apron includes a main apron portion and an extension. The main apron portion is configured to wrap around a user and substantially cover the user from a waist of the user to a knee of the user. The main apron portion incudes a first material. The extension is connected to the main apron portion. The extension incudes a second material different from the first material of the main apron portion.

[0010] In one aspect, an apron includes a main apron portion and an extension. The main apron portion is configured to wrap around a user and substantially cover the user from a waist of the user to a knee of the user. The extension is connected to the main apron portion. The extension includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is attached to the main apron portion. The second layer is attached to the first layer at, at least a portion of an exterior edge of the first layer of the extension. The second layer is not attached to the first layer along an interior edge of the second layer such that the first and second layers cooperate to form a pocket along the extension.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a second face of an apron according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a first face of the apron of Fig. 1 .

[0013] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a user wearing the apron of Fig. 1 . [0014] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a second face of an apron according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0015] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a user wearing the apron of Fig. 4.

[0016] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a second face of an apron having various fasteners according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0017] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a second face of an apron according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0018] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a second face of an apron according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0019] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a second face of an apron having one or more pockets according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0020] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a plurality of apron extensions according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0021] Fig. 1 1 is a perspective view of a plurality of apron extensions according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an inner face of an apron according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0023] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an outer face of an apron according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0024] Reference will now be made in detail to optional embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawing and in the description referring to the same or like parts.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0025] While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention. [0026] To facilitate the understanding of the embodiments described herein, a number of terms are defined below. The terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as "a," "an," and "the" are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but rather include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not delimit the invention, except as set forth in the claims.

[0027] As described herein, an upright position is considered to be the position of apparatus components while in proper operation or in a natural resting position as described herein. Vertical, horizontal, above, below, side, top, bottom and other orientation terms are described with respect to this upright position during operation unless otherwise specified. The term "when" is used to specify orientation for relative positions of components, not as a temporal limitation of the claims or apparatus described and claimed herein unless otherwise specified. The terms "above", "below", "over", and "under" mean "having an elevation or vertical height greater or lesser than" and are not intended to imply that one object or component is directly over or under another object or component.

[0028] The phrase "in one embodiment," as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, "can," "might," "may," "e.g.," and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0029] In one embodiment, a multi-purpose apron 100 includes a main apron portion 102 that wraps around and covers the circumference of a portion of a user's body (e.g., from the waist to the knees). The main apron portion 102 serves to protect the user's apparel and/or the user when the apron 100 is to be worn in environments having substances dangerous to humans present (e.g., acids, bases, bleaches, poisons, etc.). The wraparound main apron portion 102 may be formed of nylon, polypropylene, polyester, PVC, or any various other known fabrics or materials. The main apron portion 102 may be formed of one or more fabrics. For example, the main apron portion 102 may be a sandwich of cotton, PVC, and cotton to provide an outer surface useful in house cleaning while providing a waterproof fabric that protects the user's clothes. The main apron portion 102 may comprise a plurality of portions comprising one or more fabrics or materials, such as first main apron portion 146 and second main apron portion 148 as shown in Fig. 4, The first main apron portion 146 and second main apron portion 148 may each comprise one or more fabrics. As shown in Fig. 8, the first main apron portion 146 has a top edge 150, a bottom edge 152, a first end 154, and a second end 156. The second main apron portion 148 has a top edge 158, a bottom edge 160, a first end 162, and a second end 164. The second end 156 of first main apron portion 146 and the first end 162 of second main apron portion may abut each other. The main apron portion 102 is sized to fit snugly and securely about a user's body, such as by fitting around the waist. The wraparound main apron portion 102 may further comprise a material useful for cleaning a user's hands, various objects, or various surfaces; an absorbent material; a durable material; a flexible material; an oil-resistant material; and/or a waterproof material. The wraparound main apron portion 102 may therefore, also comprise cotton, leather, wool, microfiber fabrics, polyurethane laminate, fleece, hemp, bamboo, modal, terry cloth, velour, oilcloth, or many other known fabrics. It is understand that references herein to fabrics also refer to the materials discussed herein.

[0030] The wraparound main apron portion 102 may further comprise a material useful for working with dangerous and hazardous chemicals, such as rubber. The wraparound main apron portion 102 may further comprise a material useful for preventing the transmission of radiation, such as lead. [0031] The wraparound main apron portion 102 of the apron 100 may also comprise a fastener, such as a hook-and-loop type fastener, release buckles, cam buckles, magnetic buckles, strap adjustors, a mechanical connector, buttons, a bungee cord with a stop designed to serve as a drawstring, or other known fasteners. The fastener (i.e., first portion 1 14 and second portion 1 16 of the fastener) of the wraparound main apron portion 102 may be designed or utilized in a manner such that a length of the wraparound main apron portion 102 is adjustable.

[0032] The wraparound main apron portion 102 may have an outer face 700 and an inner face 702 which may be comprised of different pieces of fabrics. The fabric(s) comprising the outer face 700 and the inner face 702 may be the same type of fabric or different types of fabric and may be sewn to each other or form one unitary piece. A wrap around main apron fastener 600 (e.g. a hook and loop type fastener strip, snap button fasteners, or any other kind of fastener) may be attached to the outer face 700 of the wraparound main apron portion 102 near a first end 704. One or more wraparound main apron portion fastener receiving pieces 606 (e.g. loops, corresponding snap button pieces, etc.) may be attached or formed in the fabric comprising the inner face 702 near a second end 706 of the wrap around main apron portion 102 to receive the wraparound main apron portion fastener 600. Two or more fastener receiving openings 608 may be formed in only the fabric comprising the inner face 702 or both the fabric comprising the inner face 702 and the fabric comprising the outer face 700 of the wrap around main apron 102.

[0033] In one embodiment, the wraparound main apron portion fastener 600 may be a hook and loop type fastener strip configured to have a hook type fastener portion 602 and a loop type fastener portion 604. The hook type fastener portion 602 or the loop type fastener portion 604 may be attached to the outer face 700. The corresponding hook and/or loop type fastener portion may be configured to be received in wraparound main apron portion fastener receiving loop 606 or in wraparound main apron portion fastener receiving openings 608, such that the fastener may be folded back towards the corresponding hook and/or loop type fastener portion attached to the outer face 700 of wrap around main apron 102, allowing a user to snugly wear wraparound main apron portion 102. [0034] The apron extension portion 104 may have an outer face 900 and an inner face 902 which may be comprised of different pieces of fabrics. The fabric(s) comprising the outer face 900 and the inner face 902 may be the same type of fabric or different types of fabric and may be sewn to each other or form one unitary piece. An apron extension portion fastener 800 (e.g. a hook and loop type fastener strip, snap button fasteners, or any other kind of fastener) may be attached to the outer face 700 of the wrap around main apron at a predetermined distance nearer the second end 706 of the outer face 700 of the wrap around main apron. One or more apron extension fastener receiving pieces 806 may be attached to the fabric comprising the inner face 902 of the apron extension 104 to receive the apron extension portion fastener 800. Two or more fastener receiving openings 808 may be formed in only the fabric comprising the inner face 902 or both the fabric comprising the inner face 902 and the fabric comprising the outer face 900 of the apron extension portion 104.

[0035] In one embodiment, the apron extension fastener 800 may be a hook and loop type fastener strip configured to have a hook type fastener portion 802 and a loop type fastener portion 804. The hook type fastener portion 802 or the loop type fastener portion 804 may be attached to the outer face 700 of the wrap around main apron portion 102. The corresponding hook and/or loop type fastener portion may be configured to be received in apron extension fastener receiving loop 806 or in apron extension fastener receiving openings 808, such that the fastener may be folded back towards the corresponding hook and/or loop type fastener portion attached to the outer face 700 of wrap around main apron portion 102, allowing the user to wrap the apron extension 104 around their waist.

[0036] In one embodiment, the apron 100 has one or more extensions 104 connected to or formed integrally with wraparound main apron portion 102. It is understood, therefore, that discussion of the apron extension 104 includes one or more apron extensions 104. The extensions may be attached to the same or different sections of a second end 1 12 of the main apron portion 102 such that the extensions 104 are overlapping and/or beside one another along the second end 1 12 of the main apron portion 102. The apron extension 104 may include the same fabric or material as the wraparound main apron portion 102 or may include another material. The apron extension 104 may include one or more fabrics or materials that are useful for drying and/or cleaning a user's hands and/or various objects or surfaces. The apron extension 104 may include one or more fabrics or materials useful for holding or gripping various objects or surfaces. For example, the apron extension 104 may comprise various polymers, such as natural polymeric materials like wool, silk, cellulose, or natural rubber; synthetic polymers such as synthetic rubber, neoprene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl butryal, silicone; or other materials such as sandpaper. The apron extension 104 may comprise a plurality of portions comprising one or more fabrics or materials, such as first apron extension portion 166 and second apron extension portion 168 as shown in Fig. 4, The first apron extension portion 166 and second apron extension portion 168 may each comprise one or more fabrics. As shown in Fig. 8, the first apron extension portion 166 has a top edge 170, a bottom edge 172, a first end 174, and a second end 176. The second apron extension portion 168 may have an inner edge 178 that abuts the second end 176 of the first apron extension portion 166. As shown in Fig. 8, the apron extension 104 may have an outer rounded edge 180 at one end. As shown in Fig. 8, the second apron extension portion 168 may have an outer rounded edge 180.

[0037] The apron extension 104 may include a fastener at one or both ends (i.e., first end 140 and/or second end 142) that is designed to fasten the extension 104 to the wraparound main apron portion 102 of the apron 100. The apron extension 104 may be fastened to the wraparound main apron portion 102 at multiple locations on the wraparound main apron portion 102, such as at a location where the apron extension 104, when so fastened, covers all or part of a front side of a user; or at a location where the apron extension 104, when so fastened, covers all or part of a back side of a user.

[0038] In one embodiment, one or more apron extensions 104 may connect to one location on the wraparound main apron portion 102 and one or more other apron extensions 104 may connect to a different location. The apron extension 104 may be connected at one end such that the apron extension 104 is not removable or the apron extension 104 may be releasably or removeably connected to one or more locations on the wraparound main extension. The apron extension may be configured, therefore, to hang loosely when not fastened at one end (e.g., the second end 142). The apron extension 104 may also be configured to only have a fastener on one end (e.g., the first end 140 attached to the main apron portion 102 at the second end 1 12 of the main apron portion 102). Use of a fastener on only one end of the apron extension 104 may be desirable where a fastener would interfere with use of the apron extension 104 to clean, grip items, etc.

[0039] In one embodiment, the apron extension 104 may include a hand pocket 136 for improved hand grasp assist. The hand pocket 136 may be located at one end of the apron extension 104 (e.g., second end 142) to allow for grasping the apron extension 104 to use it for various tasks, such as holding a hot, hazardous, or unclean item, cleaning a surface, etc.

[0040] In one embodiment, the apron extension 104 may be tapered on any one side. The apron extension 104 be also be otherwise sized and shaped for specific tasks.

[0041] In one embodiment, the apron 100 may have an attached pocket 1 18 to assist in holding objects useful for performing various tasks or for holding objects that are easily misplaced. For example, the pocket 1 18 may allow the user to carry additional tools for use in hard-to-reach places, such as when a user is lying on their back and performing a repair or cleaning. Additionally, other items such as small towels, wallets, keys, cell phones, etc. can be carried in the pocket 1 18. Pockets 1 18 can be of various number, sizes, and designed to be extendable and/or expandable. Pockets 1 18 may also be designed to hold an item in place (e.g., include a flap that is buttoned or hook and loop fastened). One or more pockets 1 18 may be located at various locations on the wraparound main apron portion 102.

[0042] In one embodiment, one or more loops 120 or other hanging means may serve as an item holder and may be provided on an outside face of the apron 100 to allow for hanging storage and/or the ability to carry small tools required to complete a task (i.e. a screwdriver, small paint brush, pens/pencils, etc.). The loops 120 may be located at various locations on the wraparound main apron portion 102 or on the one or more apron extensions 104. The loops 120 may be designed to be selectively sizeable, to allow various items to be held by the loops. The loops 120 also may be designed so that various items can hang from and/or be connected to them. The loops 120 or other hanging means provide a hanging storage option and may be formed of an elastic material that allows sufficient resiliency to hold basic cleaning tools or objects essential to job that the apron 100 is designed for while minimizing the gravitational pull of the object being held while the user is wearing the invention. The loops 120 may be formed of nylon, vinyl, polypropylene, polyester, various elastomers, and various other known fabrics or materials. In one embodiment, the multi-purpose apron 100 may comprise various other item holders 120. The item holders 120 may be designed to be detachable so as to facilitate cleaning of the multi-purpose apron 100.

[0043] In one embodiment, a plurality of item holders 120 may be located on the main apron portion 102, as shown in Fig. 6. The plurality of item holders may comprise one or more types of fasteners, such as one more hook fasteners 502, elastic loop fasteners 504, snap fasteners 506, or loop and button fasteners 508. As shown in Fig. 6, hook type fastener 502 may be configured to hold an item (e.g. tongs). As shown in Fig. 6, elastic loop fastener 504 may have a holding piece 505 which can configured to hold an item by inserting holding piece 505 into the end of the item (e.g., such as a spoon having a hole in the handle).

[0044] In another embodiment, one or more main apron hook or loop type fastener strips 510 may be attached or fastened to main apron portion 102 to allow items having either hook or loop type fastener strips to be fastened to main apron portion 102. For example, item hook or loop type fastener strip 514 may be sewn or attached to item 512 (e.g., a towel, potholder, etc.) so that item 512 may be be fastened to one or more main hook or loop type fasteners 510 attached or sewn to main apron portion 102. Similarly, one or more main apron magnetic strips 516 may be attached or sewn into main apron portion 102 to allow items having magnetic strips to be fastened to main apron portion 102. For example, an item magnetic strip 520 may be attached to item 518 (e.g., a phone, eyeglasses, eyeglass case, etc.) so that item 518 may be fastened to main apron portion 102. Item 518 may also be an item that is naturally attracted to a magnet, such as a metal utensil or metal measuring cup.

[0045] The apron 100 may be adapted for a number of different uses depending on the materials of the apron. For instance, features of the multi-purpose apron can be adapted for uses included, but not limited to, use by homemakers and do-it yourselfers for many household tasks or use by various other commercial workers (such as blacksmiths, carpenters, servers, mechanics, bartenders, car washers, and medical professionals) to protect themselves or their apparel from damage.

[0046] Referring to Figs. 1 -5, an apron 100 includes a main apron portion 102 and an extension 104. The main apron portion 102 is configured to wrap around a user and substantially cover the user from the user's waist to the user's knees (see Figs. 3 and 5). The main apron portion 102 includes a first material (e.g., terry cloth cotton). The main apron portion 102 has a top edge 106, a bottom edge 108, a first end 1 10, and a second end 1 12. In one embodiment, the main apron portion 102 further includes a first portion 1 14 of a fastener at the top edge 106 and first end 1 10 of the main apron portion 102. The main apron portion 102 has a corresponding second portion 1 16 of the fastener at the top edge 106 and second end 1 12 of the main apron portion 102 of the apron 100. The fastener may be a button and button hole, hook and loop fastener, snap, or other fastener. In one embodiment, the first portion 1 14 of the fastener is a button, and the second portion or the fastener 1 16 is a plurality of corresponding fastening elements (e.g., button holes) along the top edge 106 of the main apron portion 102 of the apron 100. The plurality of button holes allows the apron 100 to adjust to the waist size of the user for a proper fit. In another embodiment, The first portion 1 14 of the fastener is a plurality of button holes (or other fastener portion), and the second portion 1 16 of the fastener is a button (or other corresponding fastener portion). In one embodiment, the second material of the extension 104 extends past the second end 1 12 of the main apron portion 102 toward the first end 1 10 of the main apron portion 102. In one embodiment, a first face 130 of the extension 104 is the first material, and a second face 132 of the extension 104 opposite the first face 130 of the extension 104 is the second material. In another embodiment, both the first face 130 and the second face 132 of the extension 104 are the second material.

[0047] In one embodiment, the main apron portion 102 further includes a pocket 1 18. The pocket 1 18 may have a top opening 182 in an edge of the pocket 1 18 closest to the top edge 106 of the main apron portion 102. That is, the pocket 1 18 may be generally upright when the user is wearing the apron 100 such that the pocket 1 18 can hold a telephone or other items. The pocket 1 18 may have a plurality of openings. As shown in Fig. 7, the pocket 1 18 may have a top opening 182 and a bottom opening 184 such that the pocket 1 18 is operable to hold various items that are larger on one end, such as a spoon. The pocket 1 18 may have one or more side openings 186. Any opening of pocket 1 18 may be configured to vary in width. For example, the pocket 1 18 may have a bottom opening that has a width less than the width of the top opening to facilitate holding of variously shaped items. As shown in Fig. 9, the width of openings of pocket 1 18 may be be configured to vary in size by use of one or more fasteners positioned at openings 182, 184, or 186, such as one or more buttons 188 with corresponding button holes 190, one or more zip fasteners 192, one or more hook and loop type fasteners 194, or other fasteners. The fasteners positioned at top opening 182 may be separated by a top opening fastener gap 196 having a predetermined width 198 configured to hold a particular item. The fasteners positioned at bottom opening 184 may be separated by a bottom opening fastener gap 200 having a predetermined width 202 configured to hold a particular item. The predetermined width 198 of top opening fastener gap 196 may be greater than the predetermined width 202 of bottom opening fastener gap 200. The predetermined width 198 of top opening fastener gap 196 may be less than the predetermined width 202 of bottom opening fastener gap 200. The predetermined width 198 of top opening fastener gap 196 may be substantially the same width as the predetermined width 202 of bottom opening fastener gap 200.

[0048] In one embodiment, the main apron portion 102 further includes a loop 120 or ring at the top edge 106 and second end 1 12 of the main apron portion 102 of the apron 100. The loop 120 or ring may, for example, be attached to the back of the button 1 16. The loop or ring 120 can be used to hang cleaning products, keys, or other items used while performing the functions associated with the type of the apron 100. As discussed above, the apron 100 may be made of different materials for use in different functions.

[0049] The extension 104 is connected to the main apron portion 102. The extension 104 includes a second material (e.g., knit cotton) different from the first material of the main apron portion 102 of the apron 100. In one embodiment, the extension 104 includes a first layer making up the first face 130 of the extension 104 and a second layer making up the second face 132 of the extension 104. In one embodiment, the first layer is attached to the main apron portion 102, and the second layer is attached to the first layer at, at least a portion of an exterior edge of the first layer of the extension 104. The second layer is not attached to the first layer along an edge 134 of the second layer such that the first and second layers cooperate to form an opening or hand pocket 136 along the extension. The pocket 136 allows the user to insert their hand and use the extension to wipe surfaces clean or dry. One or more hand pockets 136 may be located at various locations on the one or more apron extensions 104. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, a first hand pocket 336 may be located on a first apron extension 304 and a second hand pocket 436 may be located on second apron extension 404. Hand pockets 336 and 436 may be comprised of various fabrics. For example, hand pockets 336 and 436 may be comprised of silicone or a thick fabric to facilitate use of both hand pockets 336 and 436 to grab an item, such as a pot or pan. Hand pocket 336 and 436 may also be comprised of different fabrics and configured to facilitate cleaning or polishing of various items where two separate fabrics may be required, such as a fabric used to apply a wax and another fabric used to remove the wax or where a wet and dry fabric is needed. The apron extension 104 may include materials other than cotton, as discussed above, such as sandpaper such that the extension can be used for sanding such as used in automotive painting or furniture finishing.

[0050] In one embodiment, the extension 104 has a first end 140, a second end 142, and a bottom edge 144. The first end 140 of the extension 104 is connected to the main apron portion 102 at the second end 1 12 of the main apron portion from the top edge 106 to the bottom edge 108 of the main apron portion. In one embodiment, the extension 104 tapers from the top edge 106 at the second end 1 12 of the main apron portion toward the second end 142 and bottom edge 144 of the extension 104. In one embodiment, the bottom edge 108 of the main apron portion 102 is coextensive with the bottom edge 144 of the extension 104.

[0051] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

[0052] It will be understood that the particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention may be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

[0053] All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein may be made and/or executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of the embodiments included herein, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims. [0054] Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of a new and useful MULTI-PURPOSE APRON it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention except as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . An apron comprising:

a main apron portion configured to wrap around a user and substantially cover the user from a waist of the user to a knee of the user, wherein the main apron portion comprises a first material; and

an extension connected to the main apron portion, said extension comprising a second material different from the first material of the main apron portion.

2. The apron of claim 1 , wherein:

the main apron portion has a top edge, a bottom edge, a first end, and a second end;

the main apron further comprises a first portion of a fastener at the top edge and first end of the main apron portion; and

the main apron further comprises a second portion of the fastener at the at the top edge and second end of the main apron portion.

3. The apron of claim 1 , wherein:

the main apron further comprises a first portion of a fastener at the top edge and first end of the main apron portion;

the main apron further comprises a second portion of the fastener at the at the top edge and second end of the main apron portion; and

at least one of the first portion or second portion of the fastener comprises a plurality of fastening elements spaced apart from one another along the top edge of the main apron portion.

4. The apron of claim 1 , wherein:

the second material of the extension extends past the second end of the main apron portion toward the first end of the main apron portion.

5. The apron of claim 1 , wherein:

a first face of the extension is the first material and a second face of the extension opposite the first face of the extension is the second material.

6. The apron of claim 1 , wherein:

a first face of the extension is the second material and a second face of the extension opposite the first face is the second material.

7. The apron of claim 1 , wherein:

the main apron portion has a top edge, a bottom edge, a first end, and a second end; and

the main apron portion further comprises a pocket having an opening in an edge of the pocket closest to the top edge of the main apron portion.

8. The apron of claim 1 , wherein:

the main apron portion further comprises a loop at the top edge and second end of the main apron portion.

9. The apron of claim 1 , wherein:

the extension comprises:

a first layer, wherein the first layer is attached to the main apron portion;

a second layer attached to the first layer at, at least a portion of an exterior edge of the first layer of the extension, and the second layer is not attached to the first layer along an interior edge of the second layer such that the first and second layers cooperate to form a pocket along the extension.

10. The apron of claim 1 , wherein:

the extension comprises:

a first layer, wherein the first layer is attached to the main apron portion;

a second layer attached to the first layer at, at least a portion of an exterior edge of the first layer of the extension, and the second layer is not attached to the first layer along an interior edge of the second layer such that the first and second layers cooperate to form a pocket along the extension, said pocket configured to receive a hand of the user; and

the second layer of the extension is the second material.

1 1 . An apron comprising:

a main apron portion configured to wrap around a user and substantially cover the user from a waist of the user to a knee of the user; and

an extension connected to the main apron portion, wherein the extension comprises:

a first layer, wherein the first layer is attached to the main apron portion;

12. The apron of claim 1 1 , wherein:

the extension is connected to the main apron portion at the second end of the main apron portion from the top edge to the bottom edge.

13. The apron of claim 1 1 , wherein:

the extension has a first end, a second end, and a bottom edge;

the first end of the extension is connected to the main apron portion at the second end of the main apron portion;

the extension tapers from the top edge at the second end of the main apron portion toward the second end and bottom edge of the extension.

14. The apron of claim 1 1 , wherein:

the main apron portion comprises a first material; and

the extension comprises a second material different from the first material of the main apron portion.

15. The apron of claim 1 , wherein:

the main apron portion comprises a first material;

the extension comprises a second material different from the first material of the main apron portion; and

the first layer of the extension is the first material and the second layer of the second material is the second material.

16. The apron of claim 1 , wherein:

17. The apron of claim 1 , wherein :

the main apron portion comprises a first material;

18. The apron of claim 1 , wherein:

the main apron portion comprises a first material;

both the first layer and the second layer of the extension are formed from the second material.

19. The apron of claim 1 , wherein: the main apron portion has a top edge, a bottom edge, a first end, and a second end;

the main apron portion further comprises a pocket having an opening in an edge of the pocket closest to the top edge of the main apron portion; and