Apron for one person to wear when consuming food and / or drinks, and method for making such an apron

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an apron for a person to wear when consuming food and / or beverages, in particular an apron according to the preamble of claim 1, and a method for manufacturing such an apron according to the preamble of the dependent claim.

[0002] There are numerous types of aprons that protect people from getting dirty, including disposable aprons or bibs made of plastic film. Bibs are used particularly when eating and / or drinking, but they only protect the upper part of the torso from soiling. Standard aprons are often very long and cumbersome to use. Therefore, there are several situations where the use of conventional aprons is not recommended: Occupants of vehicles (cars, commercial vehicles, but also ships, boats, etc.) or aircraft are frequently occupied with eating during their journey; this also applies to drivers who consume (or need to consume) drinks, meals, snacks, etc. while driving. Therefore, the problem arises that the occupant or their clothing gets dirty, sometimes considerably. The same applies to participants or...Spectators at an event, such as baseball or American football, who would like to consume food and drinks during the game. This problem actually exists for anyone who is seated while eating and / or drinking and is therefore at risk of getting food and / or drinks dirty; examples include wheelchair users, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

[0003] US Patent 5,530,968 discloses such an apron, designed to protect a driver from soiling while consuming food and / or beverages. The apron has an upper section with a cutout for attaching it to the wearer's neck and a lower section to cover at least the upper body of the wearer. The cutout is smaller than the wearer's head, and the apron is made of a flat plastic (PE) material with a certain thickness that necessitates a slit with a closure ("slit 24" and "adhesive tape 26") at the cutout. Fig. 1 ) must be provided so that the wearer can put the apron on around their neck. Furthermore, the lower part of the apron can be folded upwards to form a pocket-shaped collection area ("lower front pocket 30") for falling food scraps (solid or liquid). For this to work, however, the lower part of the apron that is folded upwards must have a concave cutout ("28" in Fig. 1 ) and its edges must be joined to the opposite edges ("32" and "34") after folding, namely glued or hemmed (see column 5, lines 26-41). Thus, the construction and use of this apron are quite complicated.

[0004] Another, more complexly designed apron is disclosed in US Patent 5,220,692. Further publications relating to the background of the invention include: DE 20 2013 009 525 U1, DE 76 14 288 U1, US 5 740 552 A and US 3 815 153 A. The object of the invention is to further develop an apron for a person to wear while consuming food and / or beverages in such a way that the aforementioned disadvantages are overcome. In particular, an apron of the type mentioned above is to be further developed so that it is easy to manufacture and reliably protects the wearer from soiling while consuming food and / or beverages. The apron is intended to be particularly suitable for a vehicle or aircraft occupant or event participant to protect them from soiling while consuming food and / or beverages.

[0005] US patent 5,056,159 discloses the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] The problem is solved by an apron with the features of claim 1.

[0007] Accordingly, the apron according to the invention is characterized in that the apron is made from a foil bag or similar structure, which consists of a first and a second substantially rectangular foil, wherein the two foils are arranged in two layers and are connected to each other at a lower edge and two side edges and are not connected to each other at an upper edge, thereby forming an opening in the foil bag, wherein the upper area of ​​the apron extends from the opening of the foil bag and at least one of the two foils has a partial or full cutout for the neck of the person or wearer in the upper area, and wherein the lower area of ​​the apron extends from the lower edge of the foil bag and only one foil of the two foils has a prepared partial cutout in the lower area, which is formed by a fold-over zone running parallel to the lower edge towards the thigh area of ​​the person or wearer.The carrier can be folded down.

[0008] Thus, the apron can be easily made from an existing plastic bag or larger plastic pouch. By cutting or creating a partial or full opening in at least one layer of the apron (especially the back layer) in the upper part of the apron, the opening rests against the wearer's neck or can even completely enclose it. This allows the apron to be worn immediately by simply placing the partial opening against the neck or by putting the head through the full opening. Furthermore, by cutting or perforating a partial opening in the lower part of the apron, specifically in only one of the two layers of the apron (the one facing forward), the apron can be made even more comfortable.The front film incorporates a section that folds forward over the wearer's lap and thighs, thus significantly increasing the overall surface area of ​​the apron in a simple way, particularly to protect the wearer's lower body. When cutting out the openings, it is crucial that the prepared section (either a continuous cut or perforated) is located in the lower area, i.e., the part of the film bag that extends from the closed bottom of the bag, not from its opening. This allows the lower edge to be used as a catcher for food and / or drink spills when the apron is worn. The invention offers effective protection against food and / or drink spills. The apron is particularly suitable for wearers at greater risk of getting dirty, such as...Elderly or disabled persons, as well as drivers or other occupants traveling in a vehicle or aircraft, who wish to consume food and / or beverages safely and securely. The term "vehicle" also includes any type of watercraft, although the invention is likely to be used primarily in land vehicles. The apron according to the invention is also suitable as an advertising medium and / or as a promotional accessory for customers of a restaurant, particularly a drive-in, or for airline passengers, or for spectators at an event. The apron can also be made from environmentally friendly, preferably compostable, material.

[0009] Furthermore, a method for manufacturing such an apron is disclosed.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims.

[0011] Accordingly, the prepared cutout in the lower part of the apron will be formed by three incisions (through or perforated), two of which run parallel to one of the side edges of the foil bag, specifically at a distance of 3-15 cm from the respective edge. This will also create elongated, vertically oriented collection pockets in the two side edge areas to catch food and / or beverage residue and drain it downwards into the collection pocket located at the bottom.

[0012] Preferably, the collection bags can be lined with an absorbent material, such as paper kitchen towels, by inserting a filling material, in particular a liquid-absorbent filling material, at the lower edge and / or at the side edges between the films.

[0013] To determine the dimensions of the lower collection pocket, the folding zone or crease area that forms the upper edge of the lower collection pocket preferably runs parallel to the lower edge of the film bag at a distance of 5-25 cm. Furthermore, to determine the dimensions of the lower collection pocket, the two slits running parallel to each of the side edges preferably have a length of 20-60 cm.

[0014] To dimension and position the opening for the wearer's head, the full cutout has an elliptical, in particular round, shape, the edge of which runs at a minimum distance of 5-10 cm from the upper edge and at a minimum distance of 10-25 cm from the respective lateral edge.

[0015] The partial opening of the apron can also be formed by an arched cut.

[0016] The foil bag is preferably made of a bio-based plastic, in particular bio-polyethylene (bio-PE) or polyethylene furanoate (PEF), or of a biodegradable plastic, in particular polylactic acid (PLA) or polybutylene succinate (PBS). Furthermore, the foil bag can also be made of a compostable film material, whereby the term "foil bag" is to be understood generally and also includes, for example, a paper bag. Materials particularly suitable are those made from renewable raw materials such as lactic acid, cornstarch, potato starch, sugar cane, sugar beets, or cellulose. For example, a paper bag can be used that is lined on the inside with beeswax or another sustainable, biodegradable substance to make the apron as watertight as possible.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment, the fold-over section is printed with information on its surface facing the inside of the foil bag, in an orientation that is easily readable for the wearer when wearing the apron. This allows for the printing of advertising materials, as well as instructions for use, menus, drink lists, or price lists, which the wearer can read very easily while using the apron.

[0018] The invention is described in detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which depict the following schematic representations: Fig. 1 shows the apron (first embodiment) in a front view (top view); Fig. 2 shows the apron after Fig. 1 in a three-dimensional view; Fig. 3 illustrates wearing the apron according to Fig. 1 Fig. 4 shows the apron in one variant (second embodiment); Fig. 5 shows the apron in another variant (third embodiment); Figs. 6a)-c) show detailed views of a corner in the lower area of ​​the apron. Fig. 5 ; Fig. 7 shows the apron in yet another variant (fourth embodiment); and Fig. 8 shows a flowchart for a method for manufacturing such an apron.

[0019] A first embodiment will be shown using the Figuren 1-3 As described in the figures, the apron S is made from a foil bag 100, which is essentially rectangular and consists of two layers of foil 110 and 120. Three of its edges are joined (welded) together, namely the two side edges 102 and 103, and the bottom edge 101. At the top, the edges 104 are not joined together, forming the opening 140 of the foil bag 100. The upper area OB extends downwards from the opening 140 of the foil bag, and the lower area UB extends upwards from the bottom edge 101.

[0020] In the upper area OB a full cutout 150 is now formed, namely on both foils, i.e. both foils 110 and 120 have a round, here elliptical cutout, through which the carrier, i.e. vehicle occupant, puts his head through in order to put on the apron.

[0021] In the lower area UB, a foldable partial cutout 111 is formed on only one of the two sheets, namely the front sheet 110. The three cutouts E2, E3 and E4 are dimensioned such that a folding zone or edge K1 is formed near the lower edge 101 and parallel to it, around which the partial cutout 111 can be folded downwards (see figure). Fig. 1 and 2 ). Thus, the folded-over section 111 of the front foil 110 forms a protective layer for the lap and thighs of the wearer P (see Fig. 2 and 3 The inside of the upper foil 110 is now openly visible to the wearer P, so that text or other information can be printed or attached there, such as advertising, instructions for use of the apron, etc. The text on the fold-over part of the inside is aligned so that it is easily legible when the apron is worn (see figure). Fig. 3 ).

[0022] The apron, for example, has the dimensions of a normal garbage bag, meaning that when folded it is approximately 40-70 cm wide and 60-110 cm long. When the section 111 is folded out, it has a length of approximately 50 cm, thus increasing the overall length of the apron by about 50%.

[0023] The folding zone or edge K1 runs parallel to the lower edge 101 of the foil bag 110 at a distance DA of approximately 5-20 cm (here approx. 15 cm) (see dashed line K1 in Fig. 1 ), forming a lower collection pocket. The incisions E2 and E3 run parallel to the side edges 102 and 103, respectively, at a distance DB of approximately 3-15 cm (here approximately 4-5 cm), thus also forming side collection pockets. These collection pockets can reliably catch falling food or drink residue and prevent it from getting onto the wearer's clothing P (see figure). Fig. 2 and 3The collection bags can optionally be lined with a filling material, in particular a liquid-absorbent filling material F.

[0024] The full cutout 150, intended for the wearer's head or neck, has, for example, an elliptical shape, the edge of which runs at a minimum distance DD of 5-10 cm from the upper edge 104 and at a minimum distance DC of 10-25 cm from the respective lateral edges 102, 103. The cutout 150 can also be circular and should have a diameter of approximately 22 cm.

[0025] The apron P can therefore simply be slipped over the head of the wearer P and is immediately ready for use (see illustration). Fig. 3 ).

[0026] In the Fig. 4 An alternative embodiment is shown, in which this apron S has a slightly differently designed, foldable partial cutout 111' in its lower area, formed only by an arc-shaped incision E*, the incision being perforated rather than continuous. Furthermore, at least one strip-shaped partial cutout 112 was cut out of the foil that does not have the partial cutout 111', i.e., the rear foil 120, running parallel to the side edges and extending from the opening 140. In the example shown, the Fig. 4 Two strips 112 are cut out, which can be folded upwards and thus serve as additional fastening strips with which the wearer P can tie the apron S' even more firmly to his body (shoulder, neck), so that the apron is secured against slipping and the lower area of ​​the full neckline 150 lies as close as possible to the neck of the wearer P.

[0027] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows another embodiment of an apron in which only the rear foil 120 has a cutout for the person's neck, here a full cutout 150, where a partial cutout or a recess, as in Figure 2, is also shown. Fig. 7 shown, which would be possible. The front film 110 has the downwardly foldable partial cutout 111; since both films 110 and 120 are the same length, the foldable area 111 is particularly long and can cover the person's thighs and knees especially well when the apron is used, thus protecting them from contamination. The partial cutout 111, which folds around the crease K1, is conical, so that the edge areas widen downwards, which improves the collection function of the lower area. In addition, the lower corners of the film bag are folded inwards in the form of a triangle, which causes the front film 110 to stand out from the rear film 120 in these corner areas 105, thus automatically creating an effective collection area. This is shown by the Fig. 6a)-c) Illustrated: Fig. 6a) shows a partial view of the corner area 105 of the right corner, i.e. the area at the lower end of the right edge 103 (cf. Fig. 5 ), where the folding in of the corner flap is indicated by arrows. After folding, the corner flap is located between the two sheets, creating a gap between them that widens the collection area. This effectively prevents the two sheets from lying directly on top of each other and eliminates the need for the user to create the collection area by widening the gap between the sheets. Fig. 6b) shows a view of the side of the right edge 103 and the folded-over foil section 111 (essentially as a protective flap for the thighs), specifically before the corner is folded in; therefore, both foils are still close together. Fig. 6c) The diagram shows the situation after the corner flap has been folded in, creating a gap of 105 between the sheets in the respective corner area. This automatically creates a collection area.

[0028] The Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows another embodiment of an apron which has only a partial cutout 150* or a recess for the person's neck in the rear film. Here, the rear film 120 is longer than the front film 110; that is, the apron is not a conventional film bag, but a bag-shaped structure with a longer rear film 120 and a shorter front film 110, i.e., with films of unequal length.

[0029] The Fig. 8 Figure 1 shows a flowchart for a method M for manufacturing an apron according to the invention (see also the preceding figures), i.e., an apron S for a person P to wear when consuming food and / or beverages, wherein the apron has an upper section OB with a cutout for attaching the apron S to the neck of the person P and a lower section UB for covering at least the upper body of the person P. The method M comprises at least the following steps (S1 to S3):(S1) Manufacturing or using a foil bag (100) consisting of a first and second rectangular foil (110, 120), wherein the two foils (110, 120) are arranged in two layers and are joined together at a lower edge (101) and two side edges (102, 103) and are not joined together at any upper edge (104), forming an opening (140) of the foil bag (100), (S2) introducing a partial cutout (150*) or full cutout (150) into at least one of the two foils (110, 120) the neck of the person (P) into the upper area (OB) of the apron (S), extending from the opening (140) of the foil bag (100);and (S3) on only one film (110) of the two films, inserting a prepared partial cutout (111) in the lower area (UB) of the apron (S), which extends from the lower edge (101) of the film bag (100), wherein the partial cutout (111) is designed to be foldable around a folding zone (K1) running parallel to the lower edge (101) towards the thigh area of ​​the person (P).

[0030] Numerous other variations are conceivable. As the description reveals, the apron is very inexpensive to produce and ready for immediate use (full neckline for slipping on); it can also be easily lengthened by folding over the partial neckline; moreover, it effectively prevents the wearer from getting soiled, not least because of the integrated collection pockets. Therefore, the apron is particularly suitable for wearers who, due to circumstances (eating during a journey, flight, or at an event), do not wish to or cannot consume food and / or drinks at a table or similar setting. In this sense, the apron is also suitable for patients in hospitals, residents of nursing homes, or visitors to daycare centers.

Claims

1. An apron (S) for a person (P) to wear when consuming food and / or drinks, the apron (S) having an upper region (OB) with a cut-out for attaching the apron (S) to the neck of the person (P) and a lower region (UB) for covering at least the upper body of the person (P), the apron (S) being made of a foil bag (100) which consists of a first and second rectangular foil (HO, 120), the two foils (110, 120) being arranged in two layers and being connected to one another at a lower edge (101), characterized in that the two layers being connected to one another at two lateral edges (102, 103) and are not being connected to one another at any upper edge (104), whereby an opening (140) of the foil bag (100) is formed, wherein the upper region (OB) of the apron (S) extends from the opening (140) of the foil bag (100) and at least one of the two foils (110, 120) in the upper region (OB) has a partial cut-out (150*) or full cut-out (150) for the neck of the person (P), and wherein the lower region (UB) of the apron (S) extends from the lower edge (101) of the foil bag (100) and only one foil (HO) of the two foils in the lower region (UB) has a prepared partial cut-out (111) which can be folded down towards the thigh region of the person (P) by a fold-down zone (K1) extending parallel to the lower edge (101).

2. Apron (S) according to claim 1, characterized in that the prepared, foldable partial cut-out (111) is formed by: three perforated or continuous incisions (E1, E2, E3), of which two incisions (E2, E3) each run parallel to one of the lateral edges (102, 103) of the foil bag (100), in particular run at a distance (DB) of 5-15 cm from the respective edge; or by an arcuate, perforated incision (E*) or continuous incision.

3. Apron (S) according to claim 2, characterized in that the two incisions (E2, E3) running parallel to one of the lateral edges (102, 103) in each case have a length of 20-60 cm.

4. Apron (S') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that only the rear (120) of the two foils in the upper region (OB) has the partial cut-out (150*) in the form of a recess for fitting to the neck of the person (P), the apron having at least one strip-shaped structure (113) which encloses the neck when the apron is used.

5. Apron (S') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one strip-shaped partial cut-out (112), which runs parallel to the lateral edges and extends from the opening (140), is cut out of that foil (120) which does not have the partial cut-out (111').

6. Apron (S) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fold-over zone (K1) runs parallel to the lower edge (101) of the foil bag (100) at a distance (DA) of 5-20 cm.

7. Apron (S) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the full cut-out (150) has an elliptical, in particular round, shape, the edge of which extends at a minimum distance (DD) of 5-10 cm from the upper edge (104) and at a minimum distance (DC) of 10-25 cm from the respective lateral edge (102, 103).

8. Apron (S) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a filling material (F), in particular a liquid-absorbent filling material (F), is introduced at the lower edge (101) and / or at the lateral edges (102, 103) between the foils (110, 120).

9. Apron (S) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foil bag (100) is made of a bio-based plastic, in particular of bio- polyethylene (bio-PE) or polyethylene furanoate (PEF), or of a biodegradable plastic, in particular of polylactide (PLA) or polybutylene succinate (PBS).

10. Apron (S) according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that the foil bag (100) is made of a compostable foil material, in particular by means of renewable raw materials comprising lactic acid, corn starch, potato starch, sugar cane, sugar beet or cellulose.

11. Apron (S) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fold-down partial cut-out (111) provides information (I) printed on its surface facing the interior of the foil bag (100) in an orientation that is legible for the wearer (P) when wearing the apron (S).

12. Use of an apron (S) according to any of the preceding claims for protecting a vehicle or aircraft occupant or event participant.

13. Method (M) for producing an apron (S) for a person (P) to wear when consuming food and / or drinks, the apron (S) having an upper region (OB) with a cut-out for attaching the apron (S) to the neck of the person (P) and a lower region (UB) for covering at least the upper body of the person (P), characterized by the following steps: (S1) making or using a foil bag (100) consisting of a first and second rectangular foil (HO, 120), the two foils (110, 120) being arranged in two layers and being joined together at a lower edge (101) and two lateral edges (102, 103) and not being joined together at any upper edge (104), thereby forming an opening (140) of the foil bag (100), (S2) on at least one of the two foils (110, 120), inserting a partial cut-out (150*) or full cut-out (150) for the neck of the person (P) into the upper region (OB) of the apron (S) extending from the opening (140) of the foil bag (100); and (S3) on only one foil (110) of the two foils, inserting a prepared partial cut-out (111) in the lower region (UB) of the apron (S), which extends from the lower edge (101) of the foil bag (100), the partial cut-out (111) being designed to be folded down towards the thigh region of the person (P) by a fold-down zone (K1) running parallel to the lower edge (101).