US20200397164A1

US20200397164A1 - Fitted Table Cover

Info

Publication number: US20200397164A1
Application number: US16/911,215
Authority: US
Inventors: Joanie Williams
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-06-24
Filing date: 2020-06-24
Publication date: 2020-12-24

Abstract

A fitted table cover is provided. The device includes a flexible base including at least one elastic member disposed about a perimeter edge of the flexible base. Each elastic member comprises an outwardly tapered configuration such that the elastic members are adapted to adjustably secure to different tabletops and table corners that have varying sizes and angles. Each elastic member is biased towards a compressed state. The compression of the elastic pulls the flexible base against the tabletop so that the device will not blow away in windy or inclement weather conditions.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/865,677 filed on Jun. 24, 2019. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to table covers and tablecloths. More particularly, the present invention provides for a covering with elastic members that enable a user to secure the covering to a tabletop in order to prevent the covering from being blown away by wind or in other inclement weather conditions.
Many people enjoy dining outside and in open spaces. Natural surroundings provide a calming space in which to eat and enables people to enjoy the outdoors without retreating inside to partake of a meal. People often use table coverings either to present a pleasing aesthetic, or to prevent the surface onto which they will place their foods, dishes, glasses, and the like. Often these table coverings are simple flat sheets that are loosely draped over the tabletop or similar surface. The flat sheets are prone to being caught by the wind and being blown away in inclement weather conditions. Often, it is a race to place the table covering down and quickly place heavy object on top thereof in an effort to hold the table covering in place. Even when weighted down, the table covering can be blown off given the right conditions. Additionally, as the table covering is not secured to the table, children or careless individuals may inadvertently pull the table covering from the surface, thereby spilling the food and drink stored thereon and making a mess.
Devices have been disclosed in the known art that relate to table covers and tablecloths. These include devices that have been patented and disclosed in patent application publications. However, the devices in the known art have several drawbacks. Some tablecloths are thin sheets of material that are loosely draped over the table. Other tablecloths must be taped in place, wherein the tape or adhesive used could damage the table surface. Some tablecloths are sized to fit over the table and hang down very low to provide weight to the cloth as well as prevent wind from sweeping underneath. However, these tablecloths must be specifically sized and shaped to a given table, and remain unsecured, relying merely on the shape of the cloth to keep them in place. Some tablecloths rely on a pull-string mechanism that must be pulled tight to secure the tablecloth to the table. These devices result in long strips dangling from the table which are not only unsightly but can also get caught and present a tripping hazard. Some tablecloths utilize a complex network of straps and fasteners which must be individually secured about the table resulting in excess time and aggravation while installing and removing the tablecloth.
The present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing table covers and tablecloths. In this regard the present invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of table covers and tablecloths now present in the art, the present invention provides a covering with elastic members that enable a user to secure the covering to a tabletop in order to prevent the covering from being blow away by wind or in other inclement weather conditions. The present fitted table cover comprises a flexible base including at least one elastic member disposed about a perimeter edge of the flexible base. Each elastic member comprises an outwardly tapered configuration such that the elastic members are adapted to adjustably secure to different tabletops and table corners that have varying sizes and angles. Each elastic member is biased towards a compressed state. The compression of the elastic pulls the flexible base against the tabletop so that the device will not blow away in windy or inclement weather conditions.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a rear view of an embodiment of the fitted table cover.

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of the fitted table cover, in use on a rectangular table.

FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the fitted table cover, with a focus on a display flap.

FIG. 4 shows a rear perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the fitted table cover, with a focus on a display flap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the fitted table cover. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, a preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for the fitted table cover. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a rear view of an embodiment of the fitted table cover. The fitted table cover 100 comprises a flexible base 110 including at least one elastic member 120. The flexible base 110 is configured to provide a barrier between a tabletop surface and a variety of materials are contemplated by the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the flexible base 110 is fabric and can include decorative imagery, patterns, and the like to provide a pleasing aesthetic. In various further embodiments, the fabric can be machine washable or hand washable such that the fitted table cover 100 can be cleaned and reused. In another embodiment, the flexible base 110 is plastic in order to provide an easier and cheaper material than fabric. The plastic material enables a user to easily clean and wipe away any messes or spills on the fitted table cover 100. In some embodiments, the plastic flexible base 110 is disposable while in other embodiments, the plastic flexible base 110 can be reused. In another embodiment, the flexible base 110 is a fabric-backed vinyl. The fabric-backed vinyl provides a sleek, easy to clean upper vinyl surface, while the fabric-backing provides a protective impact-absorbent barrier to help prevent damage to the tabletop surface should items fall on the tabletop. In various embodiments, the flexible base 110 includes an absorbent material and liquid-impermeable layers that enables the fitted table cover 110 to absorb drips, spills, and the like, and to further protect the tabletop surface from becoming wet.
The fitted table cover 110 provides a protective barrier between the tabletop surface and any items such as food, drink, utensils, plates, and the like which may be placed on top of the fitted table cover 110. In this manner, the fitted table cover 110 provides a quickly installed, clean and sanitary surface on which food and drink may be set out and consumed. When the user is finished, the fitted table cover 110 can be removed and cleaned for further use, or in some embodiments, can be thrown away or be used to encapsulate any refuse left on the tabletop surface and then thrown away.
The flexible base 110 is sized and shaped to cover a tabletop surface and wrap around and under a plurality of tabletop sides. In this manner, the fitted table cover 110 is configured to completely cover a top surface of the tabletop and envelop the sides of the tabletop surface. The flexible base 110 continues to wrap underneath the tabletop surface thereby forming a pocket in which the tabletop surface and sides are received. The flexible base 110 can be sized to fit over any shape and size of a tabletop. For example, the flexible base 110 shown in FIG. 1 is ovoid in order to match the shape of the tabletop surface. Thus, it should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that shapes such as circles, ovals, rectangles, triangles, and the like are contemplated by the present disclosure, as are any shapes typically found in the design of a tabletop surface. The flexible base 110 shown in FIG. 2 is rectangular in order to fit over an identically shaped tabletop surface. In other embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the flexible body is sized to substantially match the tabletop surface, but also extend beyond the tabletop surface in order to provide a display flap, as more fully detailed below.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a front perspective view of an embodiment of the fitted table cover, in use on a rectangular table. The fitted table cover comprises a flexible base 110 including at least one elastic member 120. In the shown embodiment, four elastic members 120 are disposed at each corner of the rectangular flexible base 110. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, nine elastic members 120 are disposed about an entire perimeter 130 of the base 110. Each of the elastic members 120 comprises an outward taper 140. The outward taper 140 enables the flexible base 110 and therefore the fitted table cover to fit different sized and angled corners of any tabletop surface. The outward taper 140 enables the flexible base 110 to conform to the shapes of the corners, including any decorative elements such as channels, flutes, or irregular protrusions thereof.
The elastic members 120 are biased towards a compressed state. In this manner, the elastic members 120 pull the portion of the flexible base 110 on which they are disposed towards the tabletop surface. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the nine elastic members 120 all pull the flexible base 110 towards a center of the ovoid shape of the flexible base 110. In such an embodiment, the elastic members 120 form a channel in the flexible base 110 wherein the channel is adapted to receive a tabletop perimeter and a plurality of tabletop sides therein. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the elastic members 120 disposed on the corners of the flexible base 110 are adapted to secure to their respective corners by pulling the flexible base taught against the corner. In this manner, each elastic member 120 forms a pocket 200, the pocket 200 configured to engulf a corner 210 of the tabletop 220.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the fitted table cover, with a focus on a display flap. In some embodiments, the elastic members 120 are disposed along a portion of the flexible member 110, but do not encircle the perimeter of the flexible member 110. In the shown example, the elastic members 120 are disposed along an entire first side 301, and along half of a pair of sides 302 perpendicular to the first side 301. In such an embodiment, each of the pair of sides 302 of the flexible base 110 are twice the length of a width of the tabletop. Thus, when the flexible base 110 is secured to the tabletop, a flap 305 is formed which overhangs an edge of the tabletop. In other embodiments, the elastic member 120 can be disposed along various lengths of the pair of sides 302 in order to form flaps 305 of various lengths.
The flap 305 can be utilized to form an additional facet of protection for a table 309 on which the flexible base 110 is installed. In some embodiments, the flap 305 can include indicia such that a logo, advertisement, pattern, or other display can be shown. Such an embodiment can be used in conferences, parties, or other events to display a desired message. For example, when used in a conference, a company's logo can be displayed such that attendees are alerted to the presence of the company. In another example, holidays and events can be celebrated by displaying messages such as “Happy Birthday” on the flap 305.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a rear perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the fitted table cover, with a focus on a display flap. In the shown embodiment, the flexible base 110 includes at least one elastic member 120 disposed around a perimeter of a first portion 300 of the base 110, thereby defining a second portion 310 of the base 110 absent the elastic member 120. In the shown embodiment, the elastic member 120 is disposed around an entire perimeter of the first portion 300 thereby defining an enclosed space. In such an embodiment, the flexible base 110 is secured about the entire perimeter of the tabletop 220 and is securely held in place on all sides. In such an embodiment, the second portion 310 of the flexible base 110 is sized and shaped to hang down from the tabletop 220 when the flexible base 110 is secured thereto. The second portion 310 can be utilized in the same manner as the flap detailed above.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1) A fitted table cover, comprising:

a flexible base including at least one elastic member disposed about an entire perimeter of the base;

wherein the elastic member comprises an outward taper; and

the elastic member biased towards a compressed state.

2) The fitted table cover of claim 1, wherein the flexible base is sized and shaped to cover a tabletop and wrap around and under a plurality of tabletop sides.

3) The fitted table cover of claim 1, wherein the flexible base is fabric.

4) The fitted table cover of claim 1, wherein the flexible base is plastic.

5) The fitted table cover of claim 1, wherein the flexible base is fabric-backed vinyl.

6) The fitted table cover of claim 1, wherein the flexible base is rectangular.

7) The fitted table cover of claim 1, wherein the flexible base is ovoid.

8) The fitted table cover of claim 1, wherein the elastic member forms a channel in the base, the channel adapted to receive a tabletop perimeter and a plurality of tabletop sides therein.

9) The fitted table cover of claim 1, wherein the elastic member is adapted to secure to at least one corner of a tabletop.

10) A fitted table cover, comprising:

a flexible base including a plurality of elastic members disposed on a plurality of corners of the base;

wherein each elastic member comprises an outward taper; and

each elastic member biased towards a compressed state.

11) The fitted table cover of claim 10, wherein each elastic member is adapted to secure to at least one corner of a tabletop.

12) The fitted table cover of claim 10, wherein each elastic member forms a pocket, the pocket configured to engulf a corner of the tabletop.

13) The fitted table cover of claim 10, wherein the flexible base is sized and shaped to cover a tabletop and wrap around and under a plurality of tabletop sides.

14) A fitted table cover, comprising:

a flexible base including at least one elastic member disposed around a perimeter of a first portion of the base, thereby defining a second portion of the base absent the elastic member;

wherein the second portion of the base is sized and shaped to hang down from a tabletop when the flexible base is secured thereto;

each elastic member comprising an outward taper; and

each elastic member biased towards a compressed state.

15) The fitted table cover of claim 14, wherein each elastic member is adapted to secure to at least one corner of a tabletop.

16) The fitted table cover of claim 14, wherein each elastic member forms a pocket, the pocket configured to engulf a corner of the tabletop.

17) The fitted table cover of claim 14, wherein the flexible base is sized and shaped to cover a tabletop and wrap around and under a plurality of tabletop sides.