Combination wearable article and bib, and methods of using same

Abstract

A wearable article in the form of a cape having a length extending between opposite first and second ends. The first end is adapted for securement to a wearer. The cape includes opposite first and second surfaces. At least one pocket is formed at the second end of the cape and extends along a width of the cape, the at least one pocket opening toward the first end of the cape. The at least one pocket is selectively positionable between a first, default configuration in which the at least one pocket opens onto the second surface of the cape, and a second configuration in which the at least one pocket is turned inside out so that the at least one pocket opens onto the first surface of the cape

The invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed is defined as follows: 
     
         1 . A wearable article, comprising a cape having a length extending between opposite first and second ends, the first end adapted for securement to a wearer, the cape including opposite first and second surfaces, at least one pocket formed at the second end of the cape and extending along a width of the cape, the at least one pocket opening toward the first end of the cape, and wherein the at least one pocket is selectively positionable between a first, default configuration in which the at least one pocket opens onto the second surface of the cape, and a second configuration in which the at least one pocket is turned inside out so that the at least one pocket opens onto the first surface of the cape. 
     
     
         2 . The wearable article of  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the cape includes an opening for positioning the cape about the neck of a wearer. 
     
     
         3 . The wearable article of  claim 1 , wherein the first surface is substantially formed of a first material and the second surface is substantially formed of a second material. 
     
     
         4 . The wearable article of  claim 3 , wherein the second material is different than the first material. 
     
     
         5 . The wearable article of  claim 4 , wherein the first material is resistant to food stains and/or is liquid repellant. 
     
     
         6 . The wearable article of  claim 5 , wherein the first material is a textile material and the second material is a textile material. 
     
     
         7 . The wearable article of  claim 1 , wherein the first surface displays decorative matter. 
     
     
         8 . The wearable article of  claim 1 , further including a flap of material provided on the second surface and positioned proximate the first end, the flap of material adapted to be selectively folded over so as to lay over the first surface. 
     
     
         9 . The wearable article of  claim 8 , wherein the flap of material is formed of a third material that is different than the first material and second material. 
     
     
         10 . The wearable article of  claim 9 , wherein the third material is a textile material. 
     
     
         11 . A method of selectively using a wearable article as one of a fashion accessory or a bib, comprising the steps of:
 providing a cape having a length extending between opposite first and second ends, the first end adapted for securement to a wearer, the cape including opposite first and second surfaces, at least one pocket formed at the second end of the cape and extending along a width of the cape, the at least one pocket opening toward the first end of the cape, and wherein the at least one pocket is selectively positionable between a first, default configuration in which the at least one pocket opens onto the second surface of the cape, and a second configuration in which the at least one pocket is turned inside out so that the at least one pocket opens onto the first surface of the cape;   selectively wearing the wearable article as a fashion accessory by securing the cape to a wearer with the cape arranged so that the cape is draped over the wearer's back and the first side of the cape faces outwardly away from the wearer's back; and   selectively wearing the wearable article as a bib by arranging the cape so that the cape is draped over the front of the wearer and the first side of the cape faces outwardly away from the front of the wearer, and turning the at least one pocket inside out so that the at least pocket opens onto the first surface of the cape so as to catch food or liquid that may be spilled by the wearer while wearing the wearable article as a bib and eating or drinking.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the first end of the cape includes an opening for positioning the cape about the neck of a wearer, and wherein the step of arranging the cape so that the cape is draped over the front of the wearer comprises moving the cape from the back to the front of the wearer without removing the cape from about the neck of the wearer. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the first surface is substantially formed of a first material and the second surface is substantially formed of a second material. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the second material is different than the first material. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the first material is resistant to food stains and/or is liquid repellant. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the first material is a textile material and the second material is a textile material. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the first surface displays decorative matter. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11 , further including a flap of material provided on the second surface and positioned proximate the first end, the flap of material adapted to be selectively folded over so as to lay over the first surface, and wherein the step of arranging the cape so that the cape is draped over the front of the wearer further comprises folding the flap over the first end of the cape so as to be substantially disposed on the first surface. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the flap of material is formed of a third material that is different than the first material and second material. 
     
     
         20 . The wearable article of  claim 19 , wherein the third material is a textile material.