CONVERTIBLE APRON

Abstract

A convertible apron includes an apron body, at least one tie attached to the apron body, and a plurality of fasteners. The apron body can fold along a fold line to transition the convertible apron between a full length configuration and a short configuration. The at least one tie can secure the convertible apron to a waste of a wearer. The plurality of fasteners are securely positioned on the apron body and include at least one bottom fastener associated with a bottom edge of the apron body, and at least one complementary fastener located vertically above the at least one bottom fastener. Each bottom fastener of the at least one bottom fastener can selectively couple with a respective complementary fastener of the at least one complementary fastener to releasably retain the convertible apron in the short configuration.

Claims

1. A convertible apron, comprising: (a) an apron body configured to fold along a fold line to transition the convertible apron between a full length configuration and a short configuration, wherein the apron body comprises: (i) a first face, (ii) a second face, (iii) a bottom edge, (iv) a first side edge, and (v) a second side edge located opposite the first side edge; (b) at least one tie attached to the apron body, wherein the at least one tie extends laterally away from the apron body, and wherein the at least one tie is configured to secure the convertible apron to a waste of a wearer; and (c) a plurality of fasteners securely positioned on the second face of the apron body, wherein the plurality of fasteners comprises: (i) at least one bottom fastener associated with the bottom edge of the apron body, (ii) at least one complementary fastener located vertically above the at least one bottom fastener, wherein each bottom fastener of the at least one bottom fastener is configured to selectively couple with a respective complementary fastener of the at least one complementary fastener to releasably retain the convertible apron in the short configuration.

2. The convertible apron of claim 1, wherein the at least one bottom fastener comprises a plurality of bottom fasteners extending along a first array, and wherein the at least one complementary fastener comprises a plurality of complementary fasteners extending along a second array.

3. The convertible apron of claim 2, wherein the fold line extends parallel to both the first array and the second array.

4. The convertible apron of claim 3, wherein the plurality of bottom fasteners comprises a first snap located adjacent to the first side edge and a second snap located adjacent to the second side edge, and wherein the plurality of complementary fasteners comprises a first complementary snap located adjacent to the first side edge and a second complementary snap located adjacent to the second side edge.

5. The convertible apron of claim 4, wherein the plurality of bottom fasteners comprises an interior snap, and wherein the plurality of complementary fasteners comprises an interior complementary snap.

6. The convertible apron of claim 5, wherein the interior snap and the interior complementary snap are located at a lateral center of the apron body.

7. The convertible apron of claim 5, wherein the interior snap and the interior complementary snap are located away from the lateral center of the apron body.

8. The convertible apron of claim 7, wherein the lateral center of the apron body does not include any fasteners.

9. The convertible apron of claim 7, wherein the plurality of bottom fasteners comprises a second interior snap, and wherein the plurality of complementary fasteners comprises a second interior complementary snap.

10. The convertible apron of claim 1, wherein a lower portion of the second face and a median portion of the second face are in face-to-face juxtaposition when the convertible apron is in the short configuration.

11. The convertible apron of claim 1, wherein the bottom edge of the apron body comprises a hem.

12. The convertible apron of claim 11, wherein the at least one bottom fastener is located adjacent to the hem.

13. The convertible apron of claim 1, wherein the apron body comprises at least one pocket located on the first face.

14. The convertible apron of claim 13, wherein the at least one pocket comprises a square pocket.

15. The convertible apron of claim 14, wherein the at least one pocket further comprises a rectangular pocket extending at least partially within the square pocket.

16. The convertible apron of claim 1, wherein the apron body further comprises a top edge, and wherein the at least one tie extends from the top edge of the apron body.

17. The convertible apron of claim 16, wherein the at least one top edge comprises a hem.

18. The convertible apron of claim 1, wherein the apron body further comprises a top edge, and wherein the bottom edge is further away from the top edge while the convertible apron is in the full length configuration as compared to while the convertible apron is in the short configuration.

19. The convertible apron of claim 1, wherein each fastener of the at least one bottom fastener forms a pair with a respective complementary fastener of the at least one complementary fastener.

20. The convertible apron of claim 1, further comprising a pocket, wherein the fold line is located either below or level with a lower edge of the pocket.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] It is believed that certain embodiments will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0005] FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a prior art normal size bistro apron being worn by a user;

[0006] FIG. 2 depicts a front view of a prior art short apron being worn by a user;

[0007] FIG. 3 depicts a front elevational view of an illustrative convertible apron in a full length configuration;

[0008] FIG. 4 depicts a rear elevational view of the convertible apron of FIG. 3 in the full length configuration;

[0009] FIG. 5 depicts a front elevational view of the convertible apron of FIG. 3 in a folded configuration;

[0010] FIG. 6 depicts a rear elevational view of the convertible apron of FIG. 3 in the folded configuration;

[0011] FIG. 7 depicts a front view of the convertible apron of FIG. 3 in the full length configuration being worn by a user;

[0012] FIG. 8 depicts a front view of the convertible apron of FIG. 3 in the folded configuration being worn by a user;

[0013] FIG. 9A depicts a rear elevational view of another illustrative convertible apron in a full length configuration;

[0014] FIG. 9B depicts a rear elevational view of the convertible apron of FIG. 9A, where a bottom hem of the convertible apron is partially folded above a fold line of the convertible apron at a first side edge such that a first pair of fasteners are connected to each other;

[0015] FIG. 9C depicts a rear elevational view of the convertible apron of FIG. 9A, where the bottom hem of FIG. 9B is further folded above the fold line of the convertible apron at a second side edge such that a second pair of fasteners are connected to each other;

[0016] FIG. 9D depicts a rear elevational view of the convertible apron of FIG. 9A, where a third pair of fasteners are connected to each other and a fourth pair of fasteners are connected to each other such that the convertible apron is in a folded configuration;

[0017] FIG. 9E depicts a front elevational view of the convertible apron of FIG. 9A in the folded configuration; and

[0018] FIG. 10 depicts a rear elevational view of another illustrative convertible apron.

[0019] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following description of certain examples should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0021] For clarity of disclosure, to the extent that spatial terms such as top, bottom, upper, lower, vertical, horizontal, or the like are used herein with reference to the drawings, it will be appreciated that such terms are used for illustrative description purposes only and are not intended to be limiting or absolute. In that regard, it will be understood that aprons such as those disclosed herein may be used in a variety of orientations and positions not limited to those shown and described herein.

[0022] Furthermore, the terms about, approximately, and the like as used herein in connection with any numerical values or ranges of values are intended to encompass the exact value(s) referenced as well as a suitable tolerance that enables the referenced feature or combination of features to function for the intended purpose described herein.

I. Illustrative Convertible Apron

[0023] As mentioned above, many commercial establishments use vendors to both (A) provide the commercial establishment with clean launderable items, and (B) remove dirty launderable items from the commercial establishment. Such vendors can subsequently launder and categorize the removed items for re-use (e.g., redelivering the recently laundered items back to the same or different commercial establishment).

[0024] Vendors of launderable items (e.g., garments, linens, aprons, towels, etc.) can supply a range of clients such that vendors carry a variety of launderable items to meet client demands. For example, a vendor may stock launderable items in a full range of desired colors, styles, sizes, or any other suitable category as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Therefore, each general category of launderable item can have a multiplicity of sub-categories that require a large inventory and tracking system.

[0025] As also mentioned above, and as shown in FIGS. 1-2, two common styles of conventional server aprons include a normal size bistro apron (1) and a short apron (3). The particular apron (1, 3) used in a given setting can be determined by a number of factors (e.g., user preference, establishment preference, etc.). In some instances, it may be desirable to provide a single apron that may easily convert between a normal size bistro apron and a short apron.

[0026] For example, demand exists for both normal size bistro aprons (1) and short aprons (3) such that vendors of aprons may be required to carry both normal size bistro aprons (1) and short aprons (3), potentially doubling a vendor's apron inventory in order to meet client demands. Therefore, it may be desirable to have a convertible apron that easily transitions between a normal size bistro apron configuration and a short apron configuration. Such a convertible apron can be adaptable and customizable for users to efficiently change the appearance and functionality of the apron to suit their specific needs or preferences. Providing a single convertible apron that can be used for at least two types of aprons traditionally offered by a vendor can significantly reduce the apron inventory requirements of a vendor. Such a reduction in inventory requirements may increase vendor efficiency and profitability.

[0027] FIGS. 3-8 show an illustrative convertible apron (10). As will be described in greater detail below, convertible apron (10) can be configured to easily transition between a full length configuration (24) (see FIGS. 3-4 and 7) and a short length configuration (28) (see FIGS. 5-6 and 8). In some instances, the convertible apron (10) can be converted into either the full length configuration (24) or the short length configuration (28) by the customer and/or end user (e.g., wearer (8)). Further, in some instances, the convertible apron (10) can be configured to be converted into either the full length configuration (24) or the short length configuration (28) by the wearer (8) while wearing the convertible apron (10). Therefore, in instances where the convertible apron (10) is supplied by a vendor in accordance with the description herein, vendor inventory of separate full length aprons and short aprons may be reduced to a single type of apron (e.g., convertible apron (10)) while still meeting the needs of the industry and apron wearers.

[0028] The convertible apron (10) can include an apron body (12) and at least one tie (23) attached to apron body (12). In the current example, a pair of ties (23) are present. The apron body (12) may be formed of any suitable material and/or materials as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. The apron body (12) is shown to include a first face (14), a second face (16) (see FIG. 4), a top edge (18), a bottom edge or hem (20), and a pair of lateral side edges (22). While the convertible apron (10) is in the full length configuration (24) (see FIGS. 3-4), the first and second faces (14, 16) generally face away from each other. The edges (18, 20, 22) can define the outer perimeter of the convertible apron (10). In the current example, the apron body (12) is shown to have a general rectangle shape which can measure about 28 inches in width and about 18.5 inches in height. However, the apron body (12) may form any suitable shape with any suitable dimensions as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0029] The ties (23) are shown to be located near the top edge (18) of the apron body (12) and can extend laterally away from the respective side edge (22) of the apron body (12). The ties (23) can be utilized in order to secure the convertible apron (10) to the waist of the wearer (8). In the current illustrative examples, the ties (23) are shown to be formed by strings (i.e., tie strings), but any other suitable structures may be used as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0030] In the current example, four pockets (32) are shown to be located on the first face (14) of the apron body (12). In particular, these are shown to include two large square pockets and two small rectangular pockets. In this example, each of the small rectangular pockets in the current illustrative example are shown to extend into the respective large square pocket. However, any suitable number of pockets may be utilized as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Further, the pockets may have any suitable shape(s) as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Further, the pockets may be arranged relative to each other in any suitable configuration as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, in some instances, two or three square pockets may be present without any rectangular pockets. While the pockets (32) are shown to be included in the current illustrative example, it should be understood that the pockets (32) are entirely optional. Therefore, in some instances, a convertible apron may not include any pockets.

[0031] As seen in FIG. 4, one or more fasteners (e.g., 26) are securely positioned on the second face (16) of the apron body (12). The fasteners may be securely positioned on the second face (16) of the apron body (12) using any suitable techniques as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. As will be described in greater detail below, the fasteners can be utilized in order to facilitate transition of the convertible apron (10) between the full length configuration (24) and the short length configuration (28).

[0032] In the current example, the fasteners can include a first group of bottom fasteners (e.g., 26a) and a complementary second group of fasteners (e.g., 26b) disposed above the bottom fasteners. The bottom fasteners (e.g., 26a) are shown to be arranged in a first array extending laterally between the side edges (22), while the second group of fasteners (e.g., 26b) are shown to be arranged in a second array also extending laterally between the side edges (22). The bottom fasteners (e.g., 26a) are shown to be located on and/or near the hem (20), while the second group of fasteners (e.g., 26b) are shown to be located vertically above the bottom fasteners (e.g., 26a) between the top edge (18) and the hem (20).

[0033] Each of the bottom fasteners (e.g., 26a) in the first array is shown to include a corresponding fastener (e.g., 26b) in the second array, thereby forming a respective pair of fasteners. A user may selectively couple and decouple individual fasteners (e.g., 26a) of the first array with the corresponding complementary fasteners (e.g., 26b) of the second array.

[0034] In the example of FIG. 4, a first pair of fasteners is shown to be located proximate a first side edge (22), while a second pair of fasteners is shown to be located proximate a second side edge (22). Further, in the current example, a third pair of fasteners (identified as 26a and 26b) is shown to be located laterally in the middle of the apron body (12). In other embodiments, an apron might not include a pair of fasteners in the middle of the apron body.

[0035] In the current example, the third pair of fasteners (26a, 26b) is shown to be spaced equidistant to each of the first and second pairs of fasteners. However, in other embodiments, the third pair of fasteners may be spaced at any other suitable distance(s) relative to the first and second pairs of fasteners as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Further, while three pairs of fasteners are used in the current illustrative example, any other suitable number of fastener pairs may be utilized as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0036] The fasteners may include any suitable structures that allow pair(s) of fasteners (e.g., 26a, 26b) to selectively couple to each other as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of teachings herein. In some embodiments, the fasteners (26) are a plurality of snaps which are configured to mate by pressure and click together. Other suitable fasteners include hook and loop fasteners, buttons and button holes, string ties, etc. In some alternative embodiments, a single pair of fasteners can extend along an entire lateral length of the apron body. For example, a first zipper track can extend along the bottom hem and a matching zipper track can extend laterally above and parallel with the first zipper track. In such instances, the first zipper track may be considered a first fastener, while the second zipper track may be considered a second fastener configured to selectivity engage the first fastener.

[0037] While the convertible apron (10) is in the full length configuration (24) (see FIG. 7), the bottom hem (20) of the convertible apron (10) can drape just above the knees of the typical wearer (8) in an equivalent manner as a conventional normal size bistro apron (see FIG. 1). When the convertible apron (10) is in the full length configuration (24), the individual pairs of fasteners (e.g., 26a, 26b) are decoupled from each other, thereby allowing the hem (20) to drape just above the knees of the typical wearer (8). While worn in the full length configuration (24) (see FIG. 7), the first face (14) generally faces outwardly from the wearer (8) while the second face (16) generally faces toward the wearer (8).

[0038] As mentioned above, the convertible apron (10) may be converted from the full length configuration (24) shown in FIG. 7 into the short length configuration (28) shown in FIG. 8. While worn in the short length configuration (28), a modified bottom edge (20a) of the convertible apron (10) can fall at about midthigh of the typical wearer (8) in an equivalent manner as the conventional short apron (see FIG. 2). To convert the convertible apron (10) from the first, full length configuration (24) into the second, short length configuration (28), the apron body (12) can be folded inwardly along a fold line (30) (see FIG. 4). The fold line (30) traverses the width of the apron body (12) at a predetermined location. The fold line (30) is located vertically about midway between the bottom fasteners (e.g., 26a) and the second group of fasteners (e.g., 26b). Further, the fold line (30) extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the first array formed by the bottom fasteners (e.g., 26a) and the second array formed by second group of fasteners (e.g., 26b). In some instances, the vertical distance between suitable pairs of fasteners (e.g., 26a, 26b) is about 5.5 inches. However, any suitable vertical distance may be used as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. The bottom fasteners (e.g., 26a) in the first array can be mated with their respective complementary fasteners (e.g., 26b) of the second array to releasably retain the convertible apron (10) in the second, short length configuration (28) as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0039] Therefore, while worn in the short length configuration (28) (see FIG. 8), a top portion of the first face (14) faces outwardly from the wearer (8) while a bottom portion of the first face (14) faces inward toward the wearer (8) A lower portion (16a in FIG. 4) of the second face (16) of the apron body (12) is folded upwardly at about the fold line (30) so as to be in face-to-face juxtaposition of a median portion (16b in FIG. 4) of the back face (16) in order to position the bottom fasteners (e.g., 26a) in a mating position with the respective complementary fasteners (e.g., 26b). When the apron body (12) is in the second, short configuration (28), the fold line (30) can define the modified bottom edge (20a) of the apron (10). Since the apron body (12) is folded inwardly to form the second, short configuration (28), the top portion of the first face (14) of the convertible apron (10) remains unobstructed and presentable, with the lower portion of the first face (14) can be concealed behind a remainder of the apron body (12) as will be appreciated with reference to FIG. 6.

[0040] In instances where the pockets (32) are present, the fold line (30) can be vertically aligned with the lower edge of the lowest pocket (32). Therefore, it will be appreciated that the pockets (32) can function in a substantially similar manner if the convertible apron (10) is in either the full length configuration (24) or the short length confirmation (28). Alternately, in other embodiments, a fold line can be lower than the lower edge of a lower pocket.

[0041] It should be understood that since the pairs of fasteners (e.g., 26a, 26b) are configured to selectively secure to each other, the convertible apron (10) may be converted to and from the full length configuration (24) (see FIG. 7) and the short configuration (28) (see FIG. 8) as desired. Therefore, the plurality of fasteners (e.g., 26a, 26b) may be utilized in order to enable the convertible apron (10) to transition bewteen the full length configuration (24) and the short configuration (28).

[0042] As mentioned above, any suitable number of fastener pairs may be utilized as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. In some instances, it may be desirable to ensure that a pair of fasteners is not located in the lateral center of the apron body (12) (e.g., the lateral midway point between the side edges (22)). FIGS. 9A-9E show a modified convertible apron (10) that is substantially similar to the convertible apron (10) described above, with differences elaborated herein.

[0043] In particular, the modified convertible apron (10) includes fasteners (26) that form four pairs of fasteners (e.g., 26a, 26b) rather than the three pairs of fasteners of the convertible apron (10). Therefore, individual fasteners (26) of the modified convertible apron (10) are substantially similar to the fasteners (26) of the convertible apron (10) described above, such that pairs of fasteners (26a, 26b) may selectively couple and decouple from each other in accordance with the description herein. However, the spacing between the individual fasteners in the first array of fasteners (e.g., 26a) and the spacing between the individual fasteners in the second array of fasteners (e.g., 26b) of the modified convertible apron (10) is different compared to the convertible apron (10).

[0044] The modified convertible apron (10) has a first pair of fasteners located proximate a first side edge (22) and a second pair of fasteners located proximate a second side edge (22). Further, the modified convertible apron (10) includes a third and fourth pair of fasteners (26a, 26b) located laterally between the side edges (22) and which may be referenced as interior pairs of fasteners. The interior pairs of fasteners (26a, 26b) are spaced away from the lateral center of an apron body (12). Therefore, in the current example, the modified convertible apron (10) is shown not to include any fastener located at the lateral center between the side edges (22).

[0045] The interior pairs of fasteners (26a, 26b) may be spaced a first lateral distance from each other and also spaced a second lateral distance from an adjacent lateral pair of fasteners (i.e., a pair of fasteners located proximal to a respective side edge (22)). In some instances, the first and second lateral distances may be the same such that the pairs of fasteners directly adjacent to each other are laterally equidistant. In other instances, the first and second lateral distances may be different. Yet in other instances, the lateral distance between all adjacent pairs of fasteners may be different.

[0046] While the current example includes two interior pairs of fasteners (26a, 26b), any other suitable number of interior pairs of fasteners may be used as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0047] FIGS. 9A-9E show an illustrative conversion of modified convertible apron (10) from the full length configuration (see FIG. 9A) into the short length configuration (see FIGS. 9D-9E). First, as shown between FIGS. 9A-9B, a user may begin to fold the apron body (12) along a fold line (30) such that the first bottom fastener is coupled with its corresponding complementary fastener. As such, a first lateral end of a lower portion (16a) of a second face (16) of the apron body (12) is folded upwardly about the fold line (30) to be in face-to-face juxtaposition of a corresponding end of a median portion (16b) of a back face (16).

[0048] Next, as shown in FIGS. 9C-9D, a user may then couple the remaining fastener pairs (e.g., interior fastener pairs (26a, 26b)) with each other in order to complete the conversion as shown in FIG. 9E. As such, a second lateral end of the lower portion (16a) of the second face (16) of the apron body (12) is folded upwardly about the fold line (30) to be in face-to-face juxtaposition of a corresponding end of a median portion (16b) of a back face (16). It should be understood that the fastener pairs may be coupled in any suitable order as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. It should also be understood that if a user wants to transition the modified convertible apron (10) from the short configuration into the full length configuration, the user may simply decouple the fastener pairs.

[0049] In some instances, when the convertible apron (10, 10) is in the short configuration, the portion of apron body (12) that drapes below the fasteners (26a, 26b) may define an opening of a certain size at the side edges (22). In some circumstances, it may be desirable to ensure the portion of the apron body (12) draping below the fasteners (26a, 26b) while the apron (10, 10) is in the short configuration does not define an opening of such size at the side edges. FIG. 10 shows another modified convertible apron (10) that is substantially similar to the modified convertible apron (10) described above, with differences elaborated herein. In particular, the modified convertible apron (10) is shown to include two additional pairs of fasteners (100), where each such pair is located at a respective side edge (22). Each pair of the fasteners (100) can be configured substantially similar to the other fasteners of the apron (e.g., 26). Therefore, each pair of fasteners (100) may selectively couple together.

[0050] The fasteners (100) can be vertically spaced from a fold line (30) such that each fastener (100) forming a pair are located substantially equidistant from the fold line (30). When the modified convertible apron (10) is in the short configuration, pairs of fasteners (100) may couple with each other, which each pair of fasteners (100) being located below the other fasteners (e.g., 26a, 26b) of the apron. As such, when the fasteners (100) of a pair of fasteners are suitably coupled and the modified convertible apron (10) is in the short configuration, the fasteners (100) may help close any opening defined by the portion of the side edges (22) draping below the fasteners (e.g., 26a,26b)

II. Illustrative Combinations

[0051] The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage of any claims that may be presented at any time in this application or in subsequent filings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. The following examples are being provided for nothing more than merely illustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is also contemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred to in the below examples. Therefore, none of the features referred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitly indicated as such at a later date by the inventors or by a successor in interest to the inventors. If any claims are presented in this application or in subsequent filings related to this application that include additional features beyond those referred to below, those additional features shall not be presumed to have been added for any reason relating to patentability.

EXAMPLE 1

[0052] A convertible apron, comprising: (a) an apron body configured to fold along a fold line to transition the convertible apron between a full length configuration and a short configuration, wherein the apron body comprises: (i) a first face, (ii) a second face, (iii) a bottom edge, (iv) a first side edge, and (v) a second side edge located opposite the first side edge; (b) at least one tie attached to the apron body, wherein the at least one tie extends laterally away from the apron body, and wherein the at least one tie is configured to secure the convertible apron to a waste of a wearer; and (c) a plurality of fasteners securely positioned on the second face of the apron body, wherein the plurality of fasteners comprises: (i) at least one bottom fastener associated with the bottom edge of the apron body, (ii) at least one complementary fastener located vertically above the at least one bottom fastener, wherein each bottom fastener of the at least one bottom fastener is configured to selectively couple with a respective complementary fastener of the at least one complementary fastener to releasably retain the convertible apron in the short configuration.

EXAMPLE 2

[0053] The convertible apron of Example 1, wherein the at least one bottom fastener comprises a plurality of bottom fasteners extending along a first array, and wherein the at least one complementary fastener comprises a plurality of complementary fasteners extending along a second array.

EXAMPLE 3

[0054] The convertible apron of Example 2, wherein the fold line extends parallel to both the first array and the second array.

EXAMPLE 4

[0055] The convertible apron of Example 3, wherein the plurality of bottom fasteners comprises a first snap located adjacent to the first side edge and a second snap located adjacent to the second side edge, and wherein the plurality of complementary fasteners comprises a first complementary snap located adjacent to the first side edge and a second complementary snap located adjacent to the second side edge.

EXAMPLE 5

[0056] The convertible apron of Example 4, wherein the plurality of bottom fasteners comprises an interior snap, and wherein the plurality of complementary fasteners comprises an interior complementary snap.

EXAMPLE 6

[0057] The convertible apron of Example 5, wherein the interior snap and the interior complementary snap are located at a lateral center of the apron body.

EXAMPLE 7

[0058] The convertible apron of Example 5, wherein the interior snap and the interior complementary snap are located away from the lateral center of the apron body.

EXAMPLE 8

[0059] The convertible apron of Example 7, wherein the lateral center of the apron body does not include any fasteners.

EXAMPLE 9

[0060] The convertible apron of Example 7, wherein the plurality of bottom fasteners comprises a second interior snap, and wherein the plurality of complementary fasteners comprises a second interior complementary snap.

EXAMPLE 10

[0061] The convertible apron of any one or more of the preceding Examples, wherein a lower portion of the second faces and a median portion of the second face are in face-to-face juxtaposition when the convertible apron is in the short configuration.

EXAMPLE 11

[0062] The convertible apron of any one or more of the preceding Examples, wherein the bottom edge of the apron body comprises a hem.

EXAMPLE 12

[0063] The convertible apron of Example 11, wherein the at least one bottom fastener is located adjacent to the hem.

EXAMPLE 13

[0064] The convertible apron of any one or more of the preceding Examples, wherein the apron body comprises at least one pocket located on the first face.

EXAMPLE 14

[0065] The convertible apron of Example 13, wherein the at least one pocket comprises a square pocket.

EXAMPLE 15

[0066] The convertible apron of Example 14, wherein the at least one pocket further comprises a rectangular pocket extending at least partially within the square pocket.

EXAMPLE 16

[0067] The convertible apron of any one or more of the preceding Examples, wherein the apron body further comprises a top edge, wherein the at least one tie extends from the top edge of the apron body.

EXAMPLE 17

[0068] The convertible apron of Example 16, wherein the at least one top edge comprises a hem.

EXAMPLE 18

[0069] The convertible apron of any one or more of the preceding Examples, wherein the apron body further comprises a top edge, and wherein the bottom edge is further away from the top edge while the convertible apron is in the full length configuration as compared to while the convertible apron is in the short configuration.

EXAMPLE 19

[0070] The convertible apron of any one or more of the preceding Examples, wherein each fastener of the at least one bottom fastener forms a pair with a respective complementary fastener of the at least one complementary fastener.

EXAMPLE 20

[0071] The convertible apron of any one or more of the preceding Examples, further comprising a pocket, wherein the fold line is located either below or level with a lower edge of the pocket.

III. Miscellaneous

[0072] It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The above-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0073] It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

[0074] Having shown and described various embodiments, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope hereof. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.