US20150272356A1

US20150272356A1 - Tablecloth with Securing Means

Info

Publication number: US20150272356A1
Application number: US14/673,984
Authority: US
Inventors: Alycia Stafford
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-03-31
Filing date: 2015-03-31
Publication date: 2015-10-01

Abstract

Disclosed is a disposable tablecloth that can adjustably cover tabletops of various sizes and shapes. In one embodiment, the tablecloth includes a planar sheet of material having a substantially rectangular shape with a defined perimeter having elastic attached thereto, wherein the elastic may be stitched to the perimeter. The tablecloth further includes a plurality of folds that is parallel to the longitudinal sides of thereof. In this way, the tablecloth resembles an accordion like construction, whereby the folds can be flattened or stretched to expand the tablecloth. The tablecloth of the present invention is adapted to snugly fit the tabletop on which it is installed to provide a neat appearance while preventing the tablecloth from easily disengaging from the tabletop.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/972,526 filed on Mar. 31, 2014. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a table cover. More specifically, the present invention pertains to an improved disposable tablecloth with securing means. The present invention comprises a tablecloth having a perimeter with elastic attached thereto. The present invention is configured to snugly fit over a tabletop so that it can stay secured thereto until removed by a user.
Many individuals enjoy spending time outdoors and having a picnic in warm weather. When having a picnic, a tablecloth is used to cover a tabletop of a picnic table to provide a clean surface on which to place food items and utensils. Conventional tablecloths, however, simply drape over a tabletop, and can easily fall or slide off of the tabletop if they are not weighted or otherwise held down. Additionally, conventional tablecloths are not constructed to snugly fit over a tabletop and conform to its shape and size.
The present invention provides a disposable tablecloth that is adapted to conform to the size and shape of the tabletop on which it is installed. The device comprises a tablecloth having a defined perimeter with elastic along the length thereof. Preferably, the tablecloth of the present invention is composed of a stretchable material that is lightweight and waterproof. In one embodiment, the tablecloth is generally rectangular in shape, and comprises a plurality of folds along the length thereof so that it has an accordion-like construction. In use, the folds can be flattened as the tablecloth is stretched so that it can expand while conforming to the shape and size of the tabletop. Thereafter, the folds can be gathered so that the tablecloth is retracted back into a compact configuration for travel or storage.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that claim table covers with securing means. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. Some of these devices disclose a plastic cover for a picnic table with an elastic element and gathering that creates tension in the elastic element so that the cover will snugly fit around the periphery of the tabletop. Other devices disclose a fitted tablecloth liner with an elastic strip sewn to the outside edges of the liner to allow the liner to be placed over tables of various shapes and sizes. These devices, however, do not disclose a disposable tablecloth having an accordion-like construction and elastic along the perimeter thereof. The foregoing is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.
Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 3,279,515 to Kesh discloses a table cover for outdoor use. The table cover comprises a planar sheet of material having a rectangular shape with four corners. The cover further comprises a plurality of straps, each strap connecting two adjacent corners together. In operation, the cover is placed over a tabletop and the corners are wrapped around each of the corners of the tabletop, so as to secure the cover in place. Thus, Kesh does not disclose a tablecloth that has elastic disposed along the perimeter of the cover.
Similarly, U.S. Published Patent Application Number 2011/0139041 to Pappas discloses a fitted tablecloth liner having a planar sheet of material having an elastic strip that is sewn to the outside edge of the liner. In some embodiments, the liner further includes an orientation symbol printed on the exterior surface thereof, so as to facilitate the user in placing the liner over the table. Pappas, however, does not disclose a tablecloth having an accordion-like construction that allows the tablecloth to expand and retract.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,554 to Bonnett discloses a tablecloth disposal system comprising a disposable tablecloth with cinch means. In some embodiments, the tablecloth may comprise raised edges or folds along the edges to prevent items from falling or sliding off of a tabletop during use. The tablecloth is adapted to protect the tabletop or other similar furniture placed thereunder. Unlike the present invention, however, Bonnet does not disclose a tablecloth having accordion-like folds along the entire surface of the tablecloth.
Another device, U.S. Pat. No. 1,926,429 to Bendelari discloses a removable fabric cover for furniture. The cover is composed of stretchable material, and is dimensioned so that the surface area of the cover is slightly less than the surface area of the furniture to be covered. In this way, the cover can stretch to snugly fit the furniture. While Bendelari discloses a furniture cover that is composed of an elastic material, Bendelari fails to disclose a cover having a perimeter with elastic attached thereto.
U.S. Published Patent Application Number 2004/0040478 to Skertchly discloses a secured tablecloth comprising a skirt that is sewn to the underside of the tablecloth. The skirt is adapted to snugly fit a tabletop on which it is installed, while the tablecloth is adapted to hang loosely from the edges of the tabletop. In this way, the device of Skertchly resembles a conventional tablecloth when viewed from the outside. The purpose and intent of the Skertchly device, however, differ from the present invention in that the present invention comprises a tablecloth that snugly fits a tabletop so that no part of the tablecloth hangs loosely therefrom.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,748 to Bilotti discloses a table cover having a peripheral edge with an interior portion for holding a drawstring therein. The ends of the drawstring extend outward from the interior portion so that a user can grab the drawstring to cinch the table cover. Thus, Bilotti does not disclose a disposable tablecloth having elastic around the perimeter thereof.
Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 3,295,577 to Danielson discloses a cover apparatus that can be used with various types of furniture, including tables. The cover apparatus is composed of fabric, and comprises a plurality of fasteners along the perimeter thereof. In one embodiment, the cover apparatus comprises a plurality of hook and loop fasteners so that the cover apparatus can secure to a table or other furniture. In contrast, the present invention comprises elastic disposed around the perimeter of a tablecloth. In this way, the present invention eliminates the need to use an additional fasteners to secure the tablecloth to a tabletop.
The devices disclosed in the prior art have several known drawbacks. These devices are limited in that they do not comprise optimal means to ensure that the tablecloth can easily adapt to various shapes and sizes of tabletops to snugly fit the same. The present invention overcomes these limitations by disclosing a tablecloth with a defined perimeter with securing means, such as elastic disposed thereon. Additionally, the tablecloth comprises an accordion-like structure so that it has multiple folds along the entire surface thereof. In this way, the tablecloth can be manipulated into an expanded configuration or a retracted configuration, depending upon the size and shape of the tabletop on which it is installed. Thus, the present invention is designed to increase the versatility of the tablecloth by providing one that can be utilized with a number of different tables, and further one that provides a tablecloth that is easily interchangeable and removable. The tablecloth also provides aesthetic qualities and a means to protect a tabletop and maintain a clean tabletop in a convenient manner.
It is therefore submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to table covers. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of table covers now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new and improved tablecloth with securing means wherein the same can be utilized for covering a tabletop.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new and improved tablecloth with securing means that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved tablecloth with securing means comprising a tablecloth with a defined perimeter having elastic attached thereto.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved tablecloth with securing means wherein the tablecloth comprises an accordion-like construction, such that the tablecloth can be expanded or retracted.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved tablecloth with securing means wherein the tablecloth is adapted to snugly fit rectangular tables or round tables such that the tablecloth does not easily disengage therefrom.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved tablecloth with securing means wherein the tablecloth is waterproof.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved tablecloth with securing means having printed designs on the exterior surface thereof.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved tablecloth with securing means wherein the device may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.
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 DESCRIPTIONS 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 the numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a reverse view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a view of an embodiment of the present invention in a retracted configuration.

FIG. 3 shows a view of an embodiment of the present invention as installed on a rectangular tabletop, and a callout showing a close up view of the underside of the tabletop at a corner thereof.

FIG. 4 shows a reverse view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a view of another embodiment of the present invention as being positioned over a table.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

References are made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the tablecloth with securing means. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used to cover a tabletop. 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 reverse view of an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention comprises a tablecloth 21 that comprises a planar sheet of material having an exterior surface 24 that is coextensive with an interior surface 25, defining a perimeter 23. In the illustrated embodiment, the tablecloth 21 is substantially rectangular in shape. Thus, the tablecloth 21 comprises a pair of longitudinal sides and a pair of lateral sides, defining four corners 22. The perimeter 23 of the tablecloth 21 comprises elastic attached thereto. It is contemplated that the elastic may be directly stitched along the perimeter 23 of the tablecloth 21. Alternatively, the tablecloth 21 may be folded onto itself along the perimeter 23 so as to create an interior volume in which the elastic may be disposed.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a view of an embodiment of the present invention in a retracted configuration. The tablecloth 21 of the present invention comprises a plurality of folds 36 so that it has an accordion-like construction. Each of the folds 36 is parallel to the longitudinal sides 37, and are of equidistance from each other. Additionally, the tablecloth 21 is composed of lightweight, waterproof, and stretchable material, such as vinyl. Accordingly, the tablecloth 21 can be expanded by flattening and stretching the folds or retracted by gathering the folds about the sides or the perimeter.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a view of an embodiment of the present invention as installed on a picnic table having a rectangular tabletop 26, and a callout showing close up view of the underside of the tabletop 26 at a corner thereof. The tablecloth 21 is constructed to cover the entire tabletop surface so that the exterior surface 24 of the tablecloth 21 is visible. Additionally, the longitudinal sides and lateral sides of the tablecloth 21 are adapted to envelop the edges and corners 22 of the tabletop 26 so that the perimeter 23 of the tablecloth 21 is disposed on the underside of the tabletop 26.
When the tablecloth 21 is placed over the tabletop, the folds are completely smoothed out so as to provide a planar surface. If the surface area of the tablecloth 21 is greater than the surface area of the tabletop 26, excess portions or folds of the tablecloth 21 can be gathered near the perimeter 23, or at the underside of the tabletop 26. In this way, the tablecloth 21 can snugly fit the tabletop 26, preventing it from disengaging therefrom, while providing a neat appearance.
In the illustrated embodiment, the exterior surface 24 of the tablecloth 21 may comprise various colors or printed designs thereon so as to suit the user's preference. Alternatively, the tablecloth 21 may comprise different colors or printed designs on the interior surface thereof, so that the tablecloth 21 is reversible. In this way, the present invention is versatile may be suitable for use for a themed party or a gathering. Additionally, the exterior surface 24 of the tablecloth 21 can be easily cleaned so that food items can be placed thereon.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a reverse view of another embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated embodiment of the present invention comprises a round tablecloth 31 having an exterior surface 32, an interior surface 33, and a defined perimeter 34. Similar to the first embodiment, the perimeter of the tablecloth 31 comprises elastic attached thereto. The tablecloth 31 is composed of a waterproof, light weight, and stretchable material so that it can be placed on round tables of various sizes. Additionally, the tablecloth 31 may be suitable for use with oval tables.
Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a view of another embodiment of the present invention as being positioned over a round table 35. The tablecloth 31 is placed over the tabletop so that the interior surface is in direct contact with the tabletop surface and the exterior surface is visible. Additionally, the tablecloth 31 is stretched over the tabletop so that the perimeter 34 of the tablecloth 31 wraps around the periphery of the tabletop and is placed thereunder. Thus, the tablecloth 31 is prevented from readily disengaging from the tabletop.
In some embodiments, the interior surface of the tablecloth 31 may comprise padding or a liner that is composed of a soft fabric so as to protect the tabletop from abrasion and/or scratches while the tablecloth 31 is installed or removed. This is particularly advantageous for wooden tables with finished surfaces. Thus, the present invention may be suitable for outdoor as well as indoor use.
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 descriptions 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 specifications 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 tablecloth with securing means, comprising:

a rectangular tablecloth having an exterior surface that is coextensive with an interior surface, defining a first end opposite a second end, and a perimeter;

wherein said tablecloth comprises an accordion-like construction having a plurality of folds that span between said first end and said second end;

wherein said interior surface is adapted to directly contact a tabletop;

said perimeter having elastic along the length thereof.

2. The tablecloth with securing means of claim 1, wherein said plurality of folds is parallel to each other.

3. The tablecloth with securing means of claim 1, wherein said tablecloth is waterproof.

4. The tablecloth with securing means of claim 1, wherein said exterior surface of said tablecloth comprises printed designs.

5. A tablecloth with securing means, comprising:

a round tablecloth having an exterior surface that is coextensive with an interior surface, defining a perimeter;

said perimeter having elastic along the length thereof;

wherein said interior surface is adapted to directly contact a tabletop.

6. The tablecloth with securing means of claim 5, wherein said tablecloth is waterproof.

7. The tablecloth with securing means of claim 5, wherein said exterior surface of said tablecloth comprises printed designs.