Protective dining garment

Abstract

A dining garment includes a covering panel, a napkin and a neck strap. The covering panel includes an opening. The tether includes a first end and a second end. The neck strap is configured to connect the first end to the first top comer of the napkin and the second end to the first top corner of the covering panel. When the covering panel is worn by a diner who is seated, the first panel can lay flat atop a front of the torso of the diner with the top edge located proximate a neck of the diner and the bottom edge located at a lap of the diner. The opening is sized and configured to receive the napkin as the napkin is fed through the opening from a rear of the covering panel to then be placed atop the covering panel.

Description

Attorney Docket No. G2021-7001WOPROTECTIVE DINING GARMENTBACKGROUND OF INVENTION1. Field of Invention

[0001] This invention relates generally to dining garments. More specifically, at least one embodiment relates to a protective garment and associated method for a multipart protective dining garment.2. Discussion of Related Art

[0002] For centuries, diners have employed various styles of protective coverings to prevent the staining of their attire with spilled food or drink. The traditional napkin has not had an upgrade in over 500 years. Incapable of being secured in a fixed position, the traditional napkin regularly ends up on the floor during the dining experience. The traditional napkin cannot provide adequate coverage to protect clothing from food and drink transfer, nor does it efficiently clean the hands and face. Napkin use brings with it the constant distraction and manipulation required to maintain it on the lap and prevent it from falling on the floor. Modern alternatives to the napkin are adult bibs and aprons. However, neither bibs nor aprons have widespread appeal. Modem diners are put off by the aesthetics of these options, because they associate them with the aging process, and because clips, VELCRO, snaps, magnets and other fasteners that may be required to use these options are clunky and unattractive.

[0003] Prior attempts to create an alternative dining garment do not adequately address the issues that diners have with adult bibs or aprons. For example, diners and dining establishments expect any such solution to be provided in the material traditionally used for table linens and napkins. This is a specialized and relatively heavy material that can be difficult to configure with detailed features. It can also make it difficult to achieve a desired drape of the dining garment when in use. That is, products manufactured from this material do not provide a finished appearance in-use as is otherwise expected by diners.

[0004] Further, because a napkin is a one-piece solution, food or liquid that ends up on the napkin can be easily transferred to the diner’s clothing. The result is soiling clothing with stains that may never be completely removed.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a protective dining garment that combines the performance advantages found in an apron or bib and a napkin in a stylish fashion accessory that securely and comfortably stays in place throughout the dining experience.

[0006] According to various embodiments, a dining garment is provided that is designed such that it can be worn comfortably, be employed effectively to pick up food while preventing a diner’s clothing from getting soiled when eating, and provide a neat and finished appearance when it is worn. In these embodiments, the design of the dining garment allows it to stay in place when it is worn without the need for any clips, fasteners or other fastening hardware. The dining garment can be manufactured from a heavier fabric with greater absorbency while still presenting a finished and stylish appearance and drape when worn. A stylish construction is achieved using basic shapes that eliminate the need to include arcuate shaped edges for receiving the diner’s neck. Further, in some embodiments, the dining garment includes a streamlined neck wrap, for example, a strap and does not rely on any support from the diner’s shoulders to keep the garment properly positioned in front of the torso. This also provides for a more comfortable dining experience by reducing the amount of fabric adjacent to the shoulders and neck.

[0007] According to one aspect, a dining garment includes a covering panel defined by a first piece of fabric including a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge extending from a first top corner formed where the first side edge meets the top edge to a lower comer formed where the first side edge meets the bottom edge, and a second side edge extending from a second top corner formed where the second side edge meets the top edge to a second lower comer formed where the second side edge meets the bottom edge, the covering panel also including a plurality of slits including a first slit located horizontally in an upper region of the covering panel and a second slit positioned at an angle adjacent the first top corner of the covering panel. The dining garment also includes a napkin defined by a second piece of fabric that when spread flat has an overall length that is less than a distance between the top edge of the covering panel and a bottom edge of the covering panel with the covering panel spread flat and an overall width that is less than a maximum distance separating the first side edge of the covering panel and the second side edge of covering panel with the covering panel spread flat, the napkin including a first top corner and a second top comer. Further, the dining garment includes a neck strap defined by a third piece of fabric including a first end and a second end, the neck strap configured to connect the first end to the first top comer of the napkin and the second end to the first top comer of the covering panel. The covering panel issized and configured such that, with the dining garment fully assembled and being worn by a diner who is seated, the first panel can lay flat atop a front of the torso of the diner with the top edge located proximate a neck of the diner and the bottom edge located at a lap of the diner. In various embodiments, the first slit is sized and configured to receive the napkin as the napkin is fed through the first slit from a rear of the covering panel to then be placed atop the covering panel.

[0008] In another aspect, a configurable dining garment is provided. The configurable dining garment includes a covering panel having an upper edge including a first comer formed at a first end of the upper edge and a second corner formed at a second end of the upper edge, the second end located opposite the first end, the covering panel including a front side, a back side and a plurality of slits accessible from either the front side of the covering panel or the back side of the covering panel, the plurality of slits including a first slit located in an upper region of the covering panel and a second slit located adjacent the first comer of the covering panel. The configurable dining garment also includes a napkin having a top edge including a first top comer located at a first end of the top edge and a second top comer located at a second end of the top edge, the second end of the top edge located opposite the first end of the top edge; and a tether attached to both the first comer of the covering panel and the first top corner of the napkin. According to embodiments, the configurable dining garment is configured to be worn by a diner in each of a first configuration and a second configuration. Further, in each of the first configuration and second configuration, the covering panel is placed in front of a torso of the diner, the tether is wrapped around a backside of a neck of the diner, the napkin is fed through the first slit from the back side of the covering panel such that the top edge is located on the front side of the covering panel. In the first configuration, the second top corner can be freely moved about atop the covering panel, and in the second configuration, the second top corner is fed through the second slit from the front side of the covering panel to fix a position of the second top corner relative to a position of the covering panel. In one embodiment, this also fixes a position of the top edge relative to a position of the covering panel.

[0009] In still another aspect, a method of configuring a protective dining garment suitable for wear by a diner in at least a first configuration and a second configuration is provided where the second configuration is different than the first configuration. In various embodiments, the method includes an act of providing a first panel including a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge extending from a first top corner formed where the first side edge meets the top edge to a lower corner formed where the first side edge meets the bottomedge, and a second side edge extending from a second top comer formed where the second side edge meets the top edge to a second lower corner formed where the second side edge meets the bottom edge, the covering panel also including a plurality of slits including a first slit located in a central location in an upper region of the covering panel and a second slit located adjacent the first top comer of the covering panel. The method also includes an act of providing a second panel that when spread flat has an overall length that is less than a first maximum distance between the top edge of the first panel and a bottom edge of the first panel with the first panel spread flat and an overall width that is less than a second maximum distance separating the first side edge of the first panel and the second side edge of first panel with the first panel spread flat, the second panel including a first top corner and a second top comer. The method further includes providing a strap including a first end and a second end, the strap configured to connect the first end to the first top corner of the second panel and the second end to the first top comer of the first panel.

[0010] According to some embodiments, in each of a first configuration and a second configuration, the first panel is placed in front of a torso of the diner, the strap is wrapped around a backside of a neck of the diner, the second panel is fed through the first slit from the back side of the first panel such that the top edge is located on the front side of the first panel. In these embodiments, when in the first configuration, the second top corner can be freely moved about atop the first panel, and in the second configuration, the second top comer is fed through the second slit from the front side of the first panel to fix a position of the second top comer relative to a position of the first panel. In one embodiment, this also fixes a position of the top edge relative to a position of the first panel.

[0011] According to another aspect, a dining garment includes a covering panel defined by a first piece of fabric including a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge extending from a first top corner formed where the first side edge meets the top edge to a lower comer formed where the first side edge meets the bottom edge, and a second side edge extending from a second top corner formed where the second side edge meets the top edge to a second lower corner formed where the second side edge meets the bottom edge. The covering panel also includes an opening defined within an upper region of the covering panel. The dining garment includes a napkin defined by a second piece of fabric that when spread flat has an overall length that is less than a distance between the top edge of the covering panel and a bottom edge of the covering panel with the covering panel spread flat. The second piece of fabric has an overall width that is less than a maximum distance separating the first side edge of the covering panel and the second side edge of covering panel with the covering panel spread flat.The napkin includes a first top comer and a second top comer. The dining garment also includes a neck strap defined by a third piece of fabric including a first end and a second end, the neck strap configured to connect the first end to the first top corner of the napkin and the second end to the first top corner of the covering panel. In various embodiments, the covering panel is sized and configured such that, with the dining garment fully assembled and being worn by a diner who is seated, the first panel can be positioned in front of the torso of the diner with the top edge located proximate a neck of the diner and the bottom edge located at a lap of the diner. The opening is sized and configured to receive the napkin as the napkin is fed through the opening from a rear of the covering panel to then be placed in front of the covering panel.

[0012] According to yet another aspect, a configurable dining garment includes a covering panel having an upper edge including a first corner formed at a first end of the upper edge and a second comer formed at a second end of the upper edge, the second end located opposite the first end. The covering panel also including a front side, a back side and a slit located in an upper region of the covering panel accessible from either the front side of the covering panel or the back side of the covering panel. The configurable dining garment also includes a napkin having a top edge and including a first top comer located at a first end of the top edge and a second top corner located at a second end of the top edge, the second end of the top edge located opposite the first end of the top edge. In addition, the configurable dining garment includes a tether attached to both the first comer of the covering panel and the first top corner of the napkin. In various embodiments, the configurable dining garment is configured to be worn by a diner with the covering panel placed in front of a torso of the diner, the tether is wrapped around a backside of a neck of the diner, the napkin is fed through the slit from the back side of the covering panel such that the top edge is located on the front side of the covering panel with the napkin being free to move about atop the covering panel.

[0013] According to still another aspect, a method is provided to configure a protective dining garment suitable for wear by a diner in a plurality of configurations being different from one another. In various embodiments, the method includes providing a first panel including a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge extending from a first top corner formed where the first side edge meets the top edge to a lower comer formed where the first side edge meets the bottom edge, and a second side edge extending from a second top comer formed where the second side edge meets the top edge to a second lower corner formed where the second side edge meets the bottom edge. The first panel also includes an opening defined within a central location in an upper region of the first panel. The method also includesproviding a second panel that when spread flat has an overall length that is less than a first maximum distance between the top edge of the first panel and a bottom edge of the first panel with the first panel spread flat, and an overall width that is less than a second maximum distance separating the first side edge of the first panel and the second side edge of first panel with the first panel spread flat. The second panel includes a first top corner, a second top comer, and an upper edge extending from the first top corner to the second top corner. The method further includes providing a strap including a first end and a second end, the strap configured to connect the first end to the first top comer of the second panel and the second end to the first top corner of the first panel. In some embodiments, in each of a first configuration and a second configuration, the first panel is placed in front of a torso of the diner, the strap is wrapped around a backside of a neck of the diner, the second panel is fed through the opening from the back side of the first panel such that the top edge is located on the front side of the first panel. In these embodiments, in each of the plurality of configurations, the napkin is free to move about atop the first panel to allow the upper edge of the napkin to be moved through a range of positions including a first position in which the upper edge is parallel to the top edge of the first panel to a second position in which the upper edge is perpendicular to the top edge.

[0014] As used herein, the term “tether” refers to an object that connects a first object to a second object with a structure having a length that is much greater than the width. One of ordinary skill in the art in view of the disclosure provided herein, will recognize that a strap, line, or string, as some examples of a general form that can provide a tether when they are provided with a length that is much longer than it is wide. In practice and in the embodiments described herein, Applicant finds that a tether should have sufficient width to provide an adequate surface area to comfortably support and distribute the weight of elements of the dining garments on a back of a diner’s neck. In some embodiments, the tether referred to herein is at least five times longer than it is wide. According to other embodiments, a tether is provided in a form that is at least ten times longer than it is wide. Applicant finds that, in various embodiments of the dining garments described herein, the structure provided by a tether is advantageous because it provides a strong connection between objects using less material while providing a diner with greater comfort.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a dining garment in accordance with a first embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the dining garment of FIG. 1 with the dining garment in a different position than illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the dining garment of FIG. 1 in a first position with the dining garment worn by a diner in a first configuration in accordance with an embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the dining garment of FIG. 1 in a second position with the dining garment worn by a diner in the first configuration in accordance with an embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the dining garment of FIG. 1 worn by a diner in a second configuration in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a dining garment in accordance with a second embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] This invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a dining garment 100 in accordance with a first embodiment. The dining garment 100 includes a first panel 102, a second panel 104 and a tether 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the first panel 102 and the second panel 104 are connected to one another by the tether 106. In general, the dining garment 100 is employed as a combination bib (or “apron”) and napkin that are provided as distinct features of the garment 100. That is the first panel 102 provides a covering panel for the diner and the second panel 104 provides a napkin for the diner. As is described herein, the dining garment 100 isemployed because it protects a diner’ s clothing from being soiled during a meal while also providing the added benefit of including a napkin securely located but free to move about while in use atop (or in front of) the first panel 102. Because of this functionality the dining garment 100 can also be referred to as a “protective dining garment.”

[0024] According to the illustrated embodiment, the first panel 102 includes a first opening 108 and a second opening 110. Further, the first panel 102 has an overall shape that includes a first top corner 115, a second top corner 116, a first bottom comer 117, and a second bottom comer 1 18. A top edge 120 extends from the first top comer 1 15 to the second top comer 1 16. A bottom edge 121 extends from the first bottom corner 117 to the second bottom corner 118. A first side edge 123 extends from the second top comer 116 to the first bottom comer 117. A second side edge 124 extends from the first top comer 115 to the second bottom corner 1 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the first panel 102 includes an overall shape that is a trapezoid with the side edges 123, 124 being of equal length and the top edge 120 being shorter in length than the bottom edge 121. However, other shapes can be employed depending on the embodiment. According to some embodiments, the first panel 102 has a parallelogram shape where the top edge 120 and the bottom edge 121 are of equal length to one another, and the side edges 123, 124 are of equal length and parallel to one another. While other shapes can be employed for the first panel 102, Applicant finds that a trapezoid shape is advantageous because it tailors closely to the shape of many diners who may need more material (and a greater coverage area) at their waist and lap.

[0025] The first panel 102 has an overall length A that is defined as a distance between the top edge 120 and the bottom edge 121 with the first panel 102 laid flat and fully spread out. In this orientation, the first panel 102 has an overall width B that is defined as a distance between the first side edge 123 and the second side edge 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the overall trapezoid shape of the first panel 102 results in the width B having a maximum value along the bottom edge 121 and a minimum value along the top edge 120.

[0026] According to the illustrated embodiment, the second panel 104 includes a solid panel that has an overall shape that includes a first top corner 125, a second top corner 126, a first bottom corner 127, and a second bottom comer 128. A top edge 130 extends from the first top corner 125 to the second top comer 126. A bottom edge 131 extends from the first bottom comer 127 to the second bottom corner 128. A first side edge 133 extends from the second top corner 126 to the first bottom corner 127. A second side edge 134 extends from the first top corner 125 to the second bottom corner 128. The second panel 104 includes an overall shape that is a parallelogram with the side edges 133, 134 having equal lengths and the topedge 130 and the bottom edge 131 having equal lengths. However, other shapes can be employed depending on the embodiment and may include trapezoidal shapes with parallel edges having lengths that differ from one another. The second panel 104 has an overall length C that is defined as a distance between the top edge 130 and the bottom edge 131 with the second panel 104 laid flat and fully spread out. In this orientation, the second panel 104 has an overall width D that is defined as a distance between the first side edge 133 and the second side edge 134. Because the second panel is a parallelogram in the illustrated embodiment, the overall width D does not vary from the top to the bottom of the second panel 104.

[0027] While the terms “top” and “bottom” are employed herein with reference to some panel edges and comers, the terms “upper” and “lower,” respectively, may also be used to describe those respective edges in various embodiments. In addition, while the terms “front” and “back” are employed herein with reference to panel surfaces, the terms “forward” and “rear,” respectively, may also be used to describe those respective surfaces in various embodiments.

[0028] According to the illustrated embodiment, the tether 106 has a first end 112 and a second end 114. As illustrated, the first end 1 12 is attached to the second top corner 126 of the second panel 104, and the second end 114 is attached to the first top corner 115 of the first panel 102. The tether 106 has a length that is measured from the first end 112 to the second end 114. In various embodiments, the tether 106 is constructed of material and with a thickness that provides it with flexibility even with the two ends 112, 114 connected to other items. As is described in greater detail below, the flexible connection provided by the tether 106 provides a diner with an increased freedom of movement of the two panels 102, 104. That is, the tether 106 allows a wide degree of variation and customization by the diner of the location of the two panels 102, 104 relative to one another, and relative to the diner’s body. The freedom of movement provided with this design permits an individual diner to locate the first panel 102 atop the torso adjusted higher or lower relative to the neck and the waistline to suit that diner. Further, as is described below, the individual diner is also free to move the second panel 104, to wrap the tether around the back of their neck and deploy the second panel in combination with the first panel in any of multiple configurations available to the diner.

[0029] According to the illustrated embodiment, the term “tether” is employed to describe the element that connects the first panel 102 to the second panel 104. While illustrated and described with reference to a “strap,” other configurations can be employed in various embodiments, for example a “ribbon.” An even thinner, lighter tether can be provided by astring. However, Applicant finds that a strap is advantageous because it provides a smooth, comfortable surface to rest on the back of the neck to support the weight of two panels 102, 104 while also minimizing an amount of material located around the diner’s neck.

[0030] According to various embodiments, each of the first panel 102, the second panel 104 and tether 106 are manufactured from a fabric material. In some embodiments, the panels 102, 104 and the tether 106 are manufactured from a spun polyester fabric, for example, COTT’N EZE brand fabric as is frequently used in the restaurant industry for napkins. According to one embodiment, distinct pieces of fabric are employed to provide the first panel 102, the second panel 104 and the tether 106. In these embodiments, the first panel 102 includes a first piece of fabric, the second panel 104 includes a second piece of fabric that is a different piece of fabric than the first piece of fabric, and the tether 106 includes a third piece of fabric that is a different piece of fabric than the first piece of fabric and also a different piece of fabric than the second piece of fabric. In these embodiments, the first end 112 of the tether 106 is attached to the second panel 104, for example, stitched to second panel 104 at the second top comer 126. The second end 114 of the tether 106 is attached to the first panel 102, for example, stitched to first panel 102 at the first top corner 115. In various embodiments, other forms of attachment including adhesive, or fasteners can be employed to attach the ends 112, 114 of the tether 106 to the first panel 102 and the second panel 104, respectively.

[0031] According to an alternate embodiment, the entire dining garment 100 is cut from a single sheet of fabric. That is, a pattern including the first panel 102, the second panel 104 and the tether 106 can be provided on a sheet of fabric. In this type of alternate embodiment, the pattern is then cut out (for example, die cut) to provide a unitary one-piece dining garment 100 in the form illustrated in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, an attachment of the tether 106 to the panels 102, 104 via stitching, or otherwise, is not required. According to still other embodiments, the tether 106 and one of the two panels 102, 104 is formed as a unitary piece of material to which the second of the two panels 102, 104 is attached as an independent item.

[0032] In various embodiments, the dining garment 100 can be provided as a disposable garment. According to these embodiments, the dining garment can be manufactured from paper, plastic, a combination of both paper and plastic (for example, a paper front surface with a plastic liner), or another lightweight fabric. Here too, the elements of the dining garment 100 can be provided as distinct and separate pieces of material that are attached to one another. The attachment mechanism can vary depending on the embodiment and can include stitching, adhesive or other attachment mechanisms. For example, where plastic is employed, the pieces can be fused together using heat or a chemical reaction.

[0033] According to other embodiments of a disposable dining garment, the entire dining garment 100 is cut from a single sheet of material. These embodiments can provide a unitary one-piece disposable dining garment that does not require any separate attachment mechanisms.

[0034] Regardless of the materials of manufacture, the overall design including the combination of panels 102, 104 and tether 106 as configured in FIG. 1 allow all of the various embodiments of the dining garment 100 described herein to stay in place for use throughout the dining experience without the aid of clips, fasteners or other means of fixing the panels in a desired location relative to the diner, and in some embodiments relative to each other. In particular, Applicant finds that embodiments of the dining garment 100 manufactured from fabric allows the first panel 102 to lay like an apron against the front of the diner’s torso with the tether 106 comfortably encircling the neck while the rectangular shaped second panel 104 can be fully pulled through the first opening 108 to free the second panel 104 for use as a napkin.

[0035] According to the illustrated embodiment, the first opening 108 is provided in the form of a slit or a slotted opening located in a central location in an upper region of the covering panel. In the illustrated embodiment, the second opening 110 is also provided in the form of a slit or a slotted opening located adjacent the first top comer 115 of the covering panel. Applicant finds that the such slits or slotted shaped openings provide improved performance because their relative narrow openings provide a better friction fit with portions of the first panel 102. The two openings 108, 110 are also sized relative to the amount of material and the width of the portion of the first panel 102 that is retained within them, respectively, during use.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates the freedom of movement of the elements of the dining garment 100 relative to one another. For example, in FIG. 2, the first panel 102 remains flat in the same orientation as illustrated in FIG. 1. However, with the two panels 102, 104 connected to one another by the tether 106, the second panel 104 has been moved atop the first panel 102. Here, the tether 106 also lays atop the first panel 102. The second panel 104 is free to place in any orientation or at any angle relative to the first panel 102.

[0037] FIG. 2 also illustrates a dimension E which is a distance between the top of the first opening 108 and the top edge 120 of the first panel 102. Applicant finds that a control of this distance is important to provide the proper drape for the dining garment 100 when in use. In particular, Applicant finds that the dimension E corresponds to a “lever arm” for the region between the first opening 108 and the second comer 116. The lower the first opening 108 islocated, the greater the dimension E and the longer the lever arm. The longer the lever arm the more likely that gravity will pull the second corner 116 downward in front of the first panel 102. That is, the second comer 116 will flop forward and present the diner with a disheveled appearance. In practice, Applicant finds that the dimension E is preferably less than or equal to approximately two inches. The dimension E can vary depending on the weight and the stiffness of the material of the first panel 102. However, according to one embodiment manufactured from a fabric employed for napkins in the restaurant industry such as COTT’N EZE brand fabric, the dimension E is substantially equal to one inch. These embodiments are found to limit the mass of material that can be pulled forward by gravitational force. In use, this allows the dining garment 100 to maintain the second corner 116 in the upright position shown in FIGS. 3-5, that is, to prevent the second comer 116 from folding on itself and flopping forward. Prior dining garments fail to appreciate or address the design problem described immediately above.

[0038] In FIG. 2, the second panel 104 is tilted at an angle relative to the first panel 102 which places the second bottom comer 128 lower than the bottom edge 121 of the first panel 102 and lower than the remainder of the second panel 104. With the tether 106 looped around to place the second panel 104 in front of the first panel 102, a loop 136 is formed by tether. FIGS. 3-5 illustrate the dining garment 100 worn in multiple different configurations. To wear the garment 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 with the front of each of the panels 102, 104 facing forward, a diner places the first panel 102 over the torso, passes the second panel 104 around the back of their neck, and feeds at least a portion of the second panel 104 through the first opening 108 from the rear of the first panel 102. In some configurations with the panels 102, 104 in certain positions, the dining garment 100 is worn with only a portion of the second panel 104 fed through the first opening 108. In some configurations with the panels 102, 104 in certain positions, an entirety of the second panel 104 fed through the first opening 108 to locate the entire second panel 104 in front of the first panel 102. These configuration and positions can vary, for example, where a portion of the tether 106 is also fed through the first opening 108 beginning with the first end 112.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 3, the dining garment 100 is illustrated in use by a diner 140 in a first configuration with the panel 104 in a first position. A portion of the diner 140 is illustrated in phantom in FIG. 3 including a head 142, a neck 144, a torso 146 and a waist 148. In this configuration, the first panel 102 is in front of and atop the torso 146 of the diner 140 with the top edge 120 located proximate the diner’s neck 144 and the bottom edge 121 located proximate the diner’s waist 148. In the illustrated embodiment, the first panel 102 is in asubstantially flat orientation atop the torso with the second corner 116 and the regions immediately proximate the second corner 116 in an upright position. The second panel 104 and a portion of the tether 106 are wrapped around the back of the diner’s neck 144. In the position illustrated in FIG. 3, a portion of the second panel 104 remains on the rear side of the first panel 102. That is, an entirety of the second panel 104, except for a region proximate the second comer 126 is fed through the first opening 108 from the rear side of the first panel 102. In this configuration, the second panel 104 drapes on the front surface of the first panel 102 and may include folds 138.

[0040] When the diner is seated, the diner’s lap is located at a location just below the waist 148. While the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 illustrate the bottom edge 121 located proximate the diner’s waist 148, these embodiments can extend the first panel onto the diner’s lap when worn in the illustrated configurations. This can be achieved by sizing the dining garment to suit the size of the diner 140. For example, the overall length A of the covering panel 102 can be established to provide a garment size that extends from proximate the neck 144 to atop the diner’s lap for certain size diners. That is, the dining garment can be provided in multiple sizes such as adult small, medium and large sizes, respectively, where the overall length A is greatest in an adult large and least in an adult small.

[0041] The benefits of the details of the design illustrated and described herein include the fact that the drape of the first panel 102 including the second comer 116 present a neat, flat appearance without the use of any fastening hardware. In addition, a width of the first opening 108 is selected to be wide enough to allow the diner 140 to easily feed the second panel 104 through the opening 108 from the rear. However, this dimension is also determined by maintaining the width of the first opening 108 narrow enough to allow a portion of the second panel 104 (for example, the second corner 116) to be securely retained by the first opening 108 without aid of any fastening hardware and with the second panel free to use by the diner in the manner of a napkin.

[0042] The use of a relatively narrow strip of fabric for the tether 106 also provides benefits. Applicant finds that a construction of the tether 106 in the form of a strap allows the dining garment 100 to comfortably encircle the neck while reducing the amount of material located around the neck when compared with some prior approaches. These embodiments reduce the amount of material that connects the two panels to provide a neater appearance with an additional benefit of keeping a diner cooler when dining by limiting the amount of fabric that is located around the neck 144. Further, the dining garment 100 does not require support from the diner’s shoulders. Instead, these embodiments only rely on support by the diner’s neck144 to keep the first panel 102 at an elevation desired by the diner. This further reduces the amount of material required for the dining garment 100 and keeps the diner cooler when the garment is worn.

[0043] As mentioned above, the configuration worn by the diner 140 in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 places the first panel 102 above the torso 146 in the manner of an apron while also providing a freedom of movement of the second panel 104. This freedom of movement permits the diner 140 to grasp most any portion of the second panel 104 and move it atop the first panel 102. For example, the diner 140 is free to raise the second panel 104 to their face and their mouth to remove misplaced food or drink that may be left there while dining. When the diner 140 is not deploying the second panel 104 it remains draped neatly on the front side of the first panel 102.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 4, the first configuration is shown in accordance with an embodiment in which the second panel 104 is in a different position than that illustrated in FIG. 3. According to this embodiment, the first panel 102 remains positioned atop the torso of 146 of the diner 140. However, an entirety of the second panel 104 is now fed through the first opening 108 along with the first end 112 of the tether 106. In this configuration, the second panel 104 can remain tilted at an angle relative to the first panel 102 which places the second bottom comer 128 lower than the bottom edge 121 of the first panel 102 and lower than the remainder of the second panel 104. The freedom of movement of the second panel 104 relative to the first panel 102 remains. Further, the reach of the second panel 104 is increased because it is no longer tucked within the first opening 108. This may assist the diner, for example, by allowing them to dab up spilled food or drink from the top of a table or from a diner (a child) seated adjacent to them. The dimensions of the covering panel 102 (the overall length A and the overall width B) are selected to provide a relatively large panel suitable for covering the torso 146. The size and configuration of the first panel 102 directly protects the diner’s clothing while also adding a wide protective surface between the second panel 104 and the diner’s clothing. This eliminates the possibility that any food or drink left on the second panel 104, while in use, will be transferred to the diner’s attire.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 5, a second configuration is shown in accordance with one embodiment. According to this embodiment, the first panel 102 remains positioned atop the torso of 146 of the diner 140 with the entirety of the second panel fed through the first opening 108. However, in this second configuration, the second opening 110 is employed to receive a portion of the second panel 104. As illustrated, a first top comer 125 is fed through the second opening 110 from the front side of the first panel 102. This configuration fixes a location ofthe first top comer 125 and the immediately adjacent portions of the second panel 104 relative to the first panel 102. The top edge 130 of the first panel is oriented substantially horizontally and the second side edge 134 is located substantially vertically with the second panel 104 draped in front of and atop the first panel 102. By squaring up the second panel 104 atop the first panel 102, a neater, more formal appearance can be achieved when the dining garment 100 is worn.

[0046] Because it is still only one comer of the second panel 104 that is in a fixed location relative to the first panel 102 in the second configuration, a significant amount of freedom of movement remains. That is, the diner 140 can grasp any of the lower region, or even the second top comer 126, of the second panel 104 to freely move the second panel 104 as needed to wipe their hands or face. The design of the dining garment 100 also allows the diner 140 to easily move from the first configuration to the second configuration by taking hold of the first top comer 125 and inserting it within the second opening 110. Further, the fastener-less design allows the diner to quickly switch from the second configuration to the second configuration (and back again, if desired) without the need to fumble with any loose hardware that might be dropped beneath the dining table.

[0047] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the dining garment 100 can be worn by a diner in one or more configurations in which the second opening 110 is not employed. Consequently, some embodiments of a protective dining garment do not include a second opening. Referring now to FIG. 6, a front view of a dining garment 200 is illustrated in accordance with a second embodiment in which a first panel only includes a single opening. The dining garment 200 includes a first panel 202, a second panel 204 and a tether 206. In the illustrated embodiment, the first panel 202 and the second panel 204 are connected to one another by the tether 206. In general, the dining garment 200 is employed as a combination bib (or “apron”) and napkin that are provided as distinct features of the garment 200. That is, the first panel 202 provides a covering panel for the diner and the second panel 204 provides a napkin for the diner. As is described herein, the dining garment 200 is employed because it protects a diner’s clothing from being soiled during a meal while also providing the added benefit of including a napkin securely located but free to move about while in use atop (or in front of) the first panel 202.

[0048] According to the illustrated embodiment, the first panel 202 includes an opening 208. Further, the first panel 202 has an overall shape that includes a first top corner 215, a second top comer 216, a first bottom comer 217, and a second bottom corner 218. A top edge 220 extends from the first top corner 215 to the second top comer 216. A bottom edge 221 extends from the first bottom corner 217 to the second bottom comer 218. A first side edge223 extends from the second top corner 216 to the first bottom comer 217. A second side edge224 extends from the first top corner 215 to the second bottom corner 218. In the illustrated embodiment, the first panel 202 includes an overall shape that is a trapezoid with the side edges 223, 224 being of equal length and the top edge 220 being shorter in length than the bottom edge 221. However, other shapes can be employed depending on the embodiment. According to some embodiments, the first panel 202 has a parallelogram shape where the top edge 220 and the bottom edge 221 are of equal length to one another, and the side edges 223, 224 are of equal length and parallel to one another. While other shapes can be employed for the first panel 202, Applicant finds that a trapezoid shape is advantageous because it tailors closely to the shape of many diners who may need more material (and a greater coverage area) at their waist and lap.

[0049] The first panel 202 has an overall length L that is defined as a distance between the top edge 220 and the bottom edge 221 with the first panel 202 laid flat and fully spread out. In this orientation, the first panel 202 has an overall width M that is defined as a distance between the first side edge 223 and the second side edge 224. In the illustrated embodiment, the overall trapezoid shape of the first panel 202 results in the width M having a maximum value along the bottom edge 221 and a minimum value along the top edge 220.

[0050] According to the illustrated embodiment, the second panel 204 includes a solid panel that has an overall shape that includes a first top comer 225, a second top corner 226, a first bottom corner 227, and a second bottom comer 228. A top edge 230 extends from the first top corner 225 to the second top comer 226. A bottom edge 231 extends from the first bottom comer 227 to the second bottom corner 228. A first side edge 233 extends from the second top corner 226 to the first bottom corner 227. A second side edge 234 extends from the first top corner 225 to the second bottom corner 228. The second panel 204 includes an overall shape that is a parallelogram with the side edges 233, 234 having equal lengths and the top edge 230 and the bottom edge 231 having equal lengths. However, other shapes can be employed depending on the embodiment and may include trapezoidal shapes with parallel edges having lengths that differ from one another. The second panel 204 has an overall length N that is defined as a distance between the top edge 230 and the bottom edge 231 with the second panel 204 laid flat and fully spread out. In this orientation, the second panel 204 has an overall width O that is defined as a distance between the first side edge 233 and the second side edge 234. Because the second panel is a parallelogram in the illustrated embodiment, the overall width D does not vary from the top to the bottom of the second panel 204.

[0051] According to the illustrated embodiment, the tether 206 has a first end 212 and asecond end 214. As illustrated, the first end 212 is attached to the second top corner 226 of the second panel 204, and the second end 214 is attached to the first top corner 215 of the first panel 202. The tether 206 has a length that is measured from the first end 212 to the second end 214. In various embodiments, the tether 206 is constructed of material and with a thickness that provides it with flexibility even with the two ends 212, 214 connected to other items. As is described in greater detail below, the flexible connection provided by the tether 206 provides a diner with an increased freedom of movement of the two panels 202, 204. That is, the tether 206 allows a wide degree of variation and customization by the diner of the location of the two panels 202, 204 relative to one another, and relative to the diner’s body. The freedom of movement provided with this design permits an individual diner to locate the first panel 202 atop the torso adjusted higher or lower relative to the neck and the waistline to suit that diner. Further, as is described below, the individual diner is also free to move the second panel 204, to wrap the tether around the back of their neck and deploy the second panel in combination with the first panel in any of multiple configurations available to the diner.

[0052] According to various embodiments, each of the first panel 202, the second panel 204 and tether 206 are manufactured from a fabric material. In some embodiments, the panels 202, 204 and the tether 206 are manufactured from a spun polyester fabric, for example, COTT’N EZE brand fabric as is frequently used in the restaurant industry for napkins. According to one embodiment, distinct pieces of fabric are employed to provide the first panel 202, the second panel 204 and the tether 206. In these embodiments, the first panel 202 includes a first piece of fabric, the second panel 204 includes a second piece of fabric that is a different piece of fabric than the first piece of fabric, and the tether 206 includes a third piece of fabric that is a different piece of fabric than the first piece of fabric and also a different piece of fabric than the second piece of fabric. In these embodiments, the first end 212 of the tether 206 is attached to the second panel 204, for example, stitched to second panel 204 at the second top comer 226. The second end 214 of the tether 206 is attached to the first panel 202, for example, stitched to first panel 202 at the first top corner 215. In various embodiments, other forms of attachment including adhesive, or fasteners can be employed to attach the ends 212, 214 of the tether 206 to the first panel 202 and the second panel 204, respectively.

[0053] According to an alternate embodiment, the entire dining garment 200 is cut from a single sheet of fabric. That is, a pattern including the first panel 202, the second panel 204 and the tether 206 can be provided on a sheet of fabric. In this type of alternate embodiment, the pattern is then cut out (for example, die cut) to provide a unitary one-piece dining garment200 in the form illustrated in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, an attachment of the tether 206 to the panels 202, 204 via stitching, or otherwise, is not required. According to still other embodiments, the tether 206 and one of the two panels 202, 204 is formed as a unitary piece of material to which the second of the two panels 202, 204 is attached as an independent item.

[0054] In various embodiments, the dining garment 200 can be provided as a disposable garment. According to these embodiments, the dining garment can be manufactured from paper, plastic, a combination of both paper and plastic (for example, a paper front surface with a plastic liner), or another lightweight fabric. Here too, the elements of the dining garment 200 can be provided as distinct and separate pieces of material that are attached to one another. The attachment mechanism can vary depending on the embodiment and can include stitching, adhesive or other attachment mechanisms. For example, where plastic is employed, the pieces can be fused together using heat or a chemical reaction.

[0055] According to other embodiments of a disposable dining garment, the entire dining garment 200 is cut from a single sheet of material. These embodiments can provide a unitary one-piece disposable dining garment that does not require any separate attachment mechanisms.

[0056] Regardless of the materials of manufacture, the overall design including the combination of panels 202, 204 and tether 206 as configured in FIG. 6 allow all of the various embodiments of the dining garment 200 described herein to stay in place for use throughout the dining experience without the aid of clips, fasteners or other means of fixing the panels in a desired location relative to the diner, and in some embodiments relative to each other. In particular, Applicant finds that embodiments of the dining garment 200 manufactured from fabric allows the first panel 202 to lay like an apron against the front of the diner’s torso with the tether 206 comfortably encircling the neck while the rectangular shaped second panel 204 can be fully or partially pulled through the opening 208 to free the second panel 204 for use as a napkin.

[0057] FIG. 6 also illustrates a dimension F which is a distance between the top of the opening 208 and the top edge 220 of the first panel 202. The dimension F corresponds to the dimension E illustrated and described with reference to FIG. 2 and the first embodiment. Here in the second embodiment, Applicant also finds that a control of this distance is important to provide the proper drape for the dining garment 200 when in use as explained in detail above with reference to FIG. 2.

[0058] To wear the garment 200, a diner places the first panel 202 over the torso, passes the second panel 204 around the back of their neck, and feeds at least a portion of the secondpanel 204 through the opening 208 from the rear of the first panel 202. In some configurations with the panels 202, 204 in certain positions, the dining garment 200 is worn with only a portion of the second panel 204 fed through the opening 208. In some configurations with the panels 202, 204 in certain positions, an entirety of the second panel 204 fed through the opening 208 to locate the entire second panel 204 in front of the first panel 202. These configuration and positions can vary, for example, where a portion of the tether 206 is also fed through the opening 208 beginning with the first end 212.

[0059] The second embodiment of the dining garment 200 illustrated in FIG. 6 can be worn as described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. For example, in a first configuration, the first panel 202 is located in front of and atop the torso of the diner with the top edge 220 located proximate the diner’s neck and the bottom edge 221 located proximate the diner’s waist. This places the first panel 202 is in a substantially flat orientation atop the torso with the second comer 216 and the regions immediately proximate the second corner 216 in an upright position. The second panel 204 and a portion of the tether 206 are wrapped around the back of the diner’s neck 244. In the first configuration, a portion of the second panel 204 remains on the rear side of the first panel 202. That is, an entirety of the second panel 204, except for a region proximate the second corner 226 is fed through the opening 208 from the rear side of the first panel 202. In this configuration, the second panel 204 drapes on the front surface of the first panel 202 and may include folds.

[0060] When the diner is seated, the diner’s lap is located at a location just below the waist. As described above with reference to the first embodiment, the dining garment 200 illustrated in the second embodiment can be positioned to locate the bottom edge 221 proximate the diner’s waste or draped onto the diner’s waste depending on the size of the dining garment relative to the size of the diner. Further, a diner can feed a greater amount of the second panel 204, and in some configurations, a greater amount of tether 206 through the opening 208 to control the vertical position of the first panel 202. That is, the size of the loop (for example, the loop 136 described with reference to the first embodiment) will decrease as more material is fed through the opening 208. This acts to raise the first panel 202 higher up on the diner’s torso.

[0061] The details of the design illustrated and described with reference to the second embodiment of the dining garment 200 also allow the garment 200 to have a drape where the second corner 216 presents a neat, flat appearance without the use of any fastening hardware. Here too, a width of the opening 208 is selected to be wide enough to allow the diner to easily feed the second panel 204 through the opening 208 from the rear. However, this dimension isalso determined by maintaining the width of the opening 208 narrow enough to allow a portion of the second panel 204 (for example, the second comer 216) to be securely retained by the opening 208 without aid of any fastening hardware and with the second panel free to use by the diner in the manner of a napkin. As also described with reference to the first embodiment, the use of a relatively narrow strip of fabric for the tether 206 in the second embodiment also provides benefits. For example, the design allows the dining garment 200 to comfortably encircle the neck while reducing the amount of material located around the neck when compared with some prior approaches. These embodiments reduce the amount of material that connects the two panels to provide a neater appearance with an additional benefit of keeping a diner cooler when dining by limiting the amount of fabric that is located around the diner’ s neck. Further, the second embodiment of the dining garment 200 also does not require support by the diner’s shoulders. Instead, the second embodiment also only relies on support by the diner’ s neck to keep the first panel 202 at an elevation desired by the diner. This further reduces the amount of material required for the dining garment 200 and keeps the diner cooler when the garment is worn.

[0062] In a first configuration, the dining garment 200 is worn by the diner in the same manner as illustrated in FIG. 3 and the first embodiment. This places the first panel 202 above the torso in the form of an apron while also providing a freedom of movement of the second panel 204. The freedom of movement permits the diner to grasp most any portion of the second panel 204 and move it atop the first panel 202. For example, the diner is free to raise the second panel 204 to their face and their mouth to remove misplaced food or drink that may be left there while dining. When the diner is not deploying the second panel 204 it remains draped neatly on the front side of the first panel 202.

[0063] In a second configuration, the dining garment 200 is worn by the diner in the same manner as illustrated in FIG. 4 described above with reference to the first embodiment. In this second configuration, the dining garment 200 is worn by the diner with the first panel 202 remaining positioned atop the torso of 246 of the diner 240. In this second configuration, an entirety of the second panel 204 is now fed through the opening 208 along with the first end 212 of the tether 206. In this configuration, the second panel 204 can remain tilted at an angle relative to the first panel 202 which places the second bottom corner 228 lower than the bottom edge 221 of the first panel 202 and lower than the remainder of the second panel 204. However, a full freedom of movement of the second panel 204 relative to the first panel 202 is available in the second configuration. This permits the second panel 204 to be positioned atop the first panel 202 laying at almost any angle. For example, the top edge 230 of thesecond panel 204 can be raised to place it horizontally across the torso near the opening 208. Also, the reach of the second panel 204 is increased because it is no longer tucked within the opening 208. This may assist the diner, for example, by allowing them to dab up spilled food or drink from the top of a table or from a diner (a child) seated adjacent to them. The dimensions of the covering panel 202 (the overall length L and the overall width M) are selected to provide a relatively large panel suitable for covering the diner’s torso. The size and configuration of the first panel 202 directly protects the diner’ s clothing while also adding a wide protective surface between the second panel 204 and the diner’s clothing. This eliminates the possibility that any food or drink left on the second panel 204, while in use, will be transferred to the diner’s attire.

[0064] While embodiments illustrated and described herein include a napkin that is smaller in size than the covering panel, larger napkins can be employed depending on the embodiment. For example, in one embodiment, a protective dining garment can include a napkin that is equal in size to the covering panel included in the garment. In some other embodiments, the napkin may be larger than the covering panel included with it in a protective dining garment.

[0065] Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A dining garment comprising: a covering panel defined by a first piece of fabric including a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge extending from a first top corner formed where the first side edge meets the top edge to a lower comer formed where the first side edge meets the bottom edge, and a second side edge extending from a second top comer formed where the second side edge meets the top edge to a second lower comer formed where the second side edge meets the bottom edge, the covering panel also including an opening defined within an upper region of the covering panel; a napkin defined by a second piece of fabric that when spread flat has an overall length that is less than a distance between the top edge of the covering panel and a bottom edge of the covering panel with the covering panel spread flat and an overall width that is less than a maximum distance separating the first side edge of the covering panel and the second side edge of covering panel with the covering panel spread flat, the napkin including a first top comer and a second top comer; and a neck strap defined by a third piece of fabric including a first end and a second end, the neck strap configured to connect the first end to the first top corner of the napkin and the second end to the first top comer of the covering panel, wherein the covering panel is sized and configured such that, with the dining garment fully assembled and being worn by a diner who is seated, the first panel can be positioned in front of the torso of the diner with the top edge located proximate a neck of the diner and the bottom edge located at a lap of the diner, and wherein the opening is sized and configured to receive the napkin as the napkin is fed through the opening from a rear of the covering panel to then be placed in front of the covering panel.

2. The dining garment of claim 1 , wherein the neck strap has a length that is sufficient to allow an entirety of the napkin to be fed through the opening and placed atop the covering panel with the neck strap wrapped around a back of the neck of the diner when the dining garment is being worn by the diner.

3. The dining garment of claim 1 , wherein the covering panel has an overall trapezoidal shape.

4. The dining garment of claim 3, wherein the napkin has an overall rectangular shape.

5. The dining garment of claim 1 , wherein the first piece of fabric is different piece of fabric than either the second piece of fabric or the third piece of fabric, and wherein the second piece of fabric is a different piece of fabric than the third piece of fabric.

6. The dining garment of claim 1 , wherein the covering panel has an overall trapezoidal shape, and wherein the napkin has an overall rectangular shape.

7. The dining garment of claim 1 , wherein the opening includes a slit that is positioned horizontally in the upper region of the covering panel.

8. The dining garment of claim 7, wherein a distance from the slit to the top edge of the covering panel is less than or equal to one and one-half inches.

9. The dining garment of claim 8, wherein the distance from the slit to the top edge of the covering panel is substantially equal to one inch.

10. A configurable dining garment, comprising: a covering panel having an upper edge including a first comer formed at a first end of the upper edge and a second comer formed at a second end of the upper edge, the second end located opposite the first end, the covering panel including a front side, a back side and a slit located in an upper region of the covering panel accessible from either the front side of the covering panel or the back side of the covering panel; a napkin having a top edge and including a first top corner located at a first end of the top edge and a second top comer located at a second end of the top edge, the second end of the top edge located opposite the first end of the top edge; and a tether attached to both the first comer of the covering panel and the first top corner of the napkin, wherein the configurable dining garment is configured to be worn by a diner with the covering panel placed in front of a torso of the diner, the tether is wrapped around abackside of a neck of the diner, the napkin is fed through the slit from the back side of the covering panel such that the top edge is located on the front side of the covering panel with the napkin being free to move about atop the covering panel.

11. The configurable dining garment of claim 10, wherein the tether has a length that is sufficient to allow an entirety of the napkin to be fed through the slit and placed atop the covering panel when the dining garment is worn by the diner with the tether wrapped around a back of the neck of the diner.

12. The configurable dining garment of claim 11, wherein the tether includes a strap.

13. The configurable dining garment of claim 12, wherein the covering panel includes a first piece of fabric and the napkin includes a second piece of fabric being different than the first piece of fabric.

14. The configurable dining garment of 13, wherein the covering panel has an overall trapezoidal shape, and wherein the napkin has an overall rectangular shape.

15. The configurable dining garment of claim 13, wherein the tether includes a third piece of fabric being different than both the first piece of fabric and the second piece of fabric, the third piece of fabric including a first end and a second end.

16. The configurable dining garment of claim 15, wherein the first end of the third piece of fabric is stitched to the first corner of the covering panel, and wherein the second end of the third piece of fabric is stitched to the first top comer of the napkin.

17. The configurable dining garment of claim 10, wherein the covering panel, the napkin, and the tether are manufactured from a single sheet of material to provide a unitary configurable dining garment.

18. A method of configuring a protective dining garment suitable for wear by a diner in a plurality of configurations being different from one another, the method comprising:providing a first panel including a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge extending from a first top corner formed where the first side edge meets the top edge to a lower corner formed where the first side edge meets the bottom edge, and a second side edge extending from a second top corner formed where the second side edge meets the top edge to a second lower comer formed where the second side edge meets the bottom edge, the first panel also including an opening defined within a central location in an upper region of the first panel; providing a second panel that when spread flat has an overall length that is less than a first maximum distance between the top edge of the first panel and a bottom edge of the first panel with the first panel spread flat and an overall width that is less than a second maximum distance separating the first side edge of the first panel and the second side edge of first panel with the first panel spread flat, the second panel including a first top comer, a second top comer, and an upper edge extending from the first top corner to the second top comer; and providing a strap including a first end and a second end, the strap configured to connect the first end to the first top comer of the second panel and the second end to the first top comer of the first panel, wherein, in each of a first configuration and a second configuration, the first panel is placed in front of a torso of the diner, the strap is wrapped around a backside of a neck of the diner, the second panel is fed through the opening from the back side of the first panel such that the top edge is located on the front side of the first panel, and wherein in each of the plurality of configurations the napkin is free to move about atop the first panel to allow the upper edge of the napkin to be moved through a range of positions including a first position in which the upper edge is parallel to the top edge of the first panel to a second position in which the upper edge is perpendicular to the top edge.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: sizing the first panel to function as bib that protects clothing from being soiled when the protective dining garment is worn by the diner in any of the plurality of configurations, respectively; and sizing the second panel to function as a napkin when the protective dining garment is worn by the diner in any of the plurality of configurations, respectively.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:providing the first panel in a first piece of fabric; providing the second panel in a second piece of fabric that is a different piece of fabric than the first piece of fabric; stitching a first end of the strap to a first comer defined by the first piece of fabric; and stitching a second end of the strap to a second comer defined by the second piece of fabric.

21. The method of claim 18, further comprising forming the first panel, the second panel and the strap from a single sheet of material top provide a unitary protective dining garment.

22. The method of claim 18, further comprising providing the opening in a form of a slit that is positioned horizontally in the upper region of the first panel.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising locating the slit within a distance less than or equal to one and one-half inches from the top edge of the first panel.

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