Adjustable table cover system

Abstract

An adjustable table cover system for covering a table, the table having a circumference or perimeter which terminates at the table's lip. The adjustable table cover is provided with a sheet having a center, an outer perimeter and an intermediate channel region. The channel region is spaced at a greater radial distance relative to the table's circumference. The sheet has a table portion area between the channel region and the center and a skirt portion area located between the channel region and the outer perimeter. The table cover is secured by a securing means, such as a drawstring or an elastic ribbon, contained within the channel region. When the tablecloth is secured by activation of channel region which is radially spaced from the table's circumference, the skirt is vertically disposed relative to the table portion of the sheet

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to an adjustable table cover system for covering a table, the table having, a circumference or perimeter which terminates at the table's lip.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Fitted coverings for tables, beds, and containers are well known in the prior art. However, the increased use of outdoor dining and entertaining has created a need for a particular type of table covering.

[0003] Such fitted coverings found in the prior art are typically formed from a pliable sheet of material, such as paper, plastic, linen or cotton, that have an elastic or a drawstring on one of its sides. The elastic and drawstring are often visible and not aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Specifically, the problem in prior art tablecloths is that there is no way to secure the cloth to the table and create an aesthetically pleasing environment for entertaining outdoors in a backyard, at the beach, or on the waterfront without using the typical unsightly tools, i.e. thumbtacks, rocks, duct tape and plastic clips to secure the tablecloth to the table.

[0004] Prior attempts to meet the need to secure a tablecloth can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,627,363 issued to Juliana C. Jones. That invention relates to an apparatus for securing a table covering to a table wherein the covering is easily releasable and convenient to engage. Various shapes and sizes of tables can be accommodated by an apparatus utilizing a series of opposing pairs of strips releasably attached to a location underneath one edge of the table. However, a close examination of the table and tablecloth, reveals the visible strips and the table's legs making it aesthetically displeasing. Another attempt to meet this need can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,748 issued to Alfred J. Bilotti. This invention relates to table covers that may be adapted for use with table tops of different sizes. Again, while this invention secures the tablecloth to the table, it is not aesthetically pleasing because the drawstring is clearly visible along with the table's legs.

[0005] Prior attempts to meet the need to create an aesthetically pleasing table covering, can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,271 issued to Jean Rountree. This invention relates to a swagged tablecloth having a plurality of shirring tape members provided with pull strings for providing the tablecloth with swagging as desired, allowing for easy laundering and flat storage. While this tablecloth is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, it is not suitable for outdoor parties since there is no way to secure the cloth to the table other than by the methods mentioned above (i.e. thumbtacks, rocks, duct tape and plastic clips). Another attempt to meet this need can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,489 issued to Mitchell T. Kelldorf. This invention relates to a table cover that is form-fitting over a conventional party table and the lower periphery of the bottom of the cover is secured at the feet of the table. While the legs of the table are covered, the procedure to affix the cloth to the table and legs is arduous. The table must be lifted and contorted in various ways, thus subjecting the potential consumer to possible injury.

[0006] Two other attempts to create an aesthetically pleasing entertaining environment can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,802 issued to Jana L. Hairston and Ryland Hairston and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,205,936 issued to Linda Mae Nelson, Judith A. Van Essen Kenyon and Patricia A. Lloyd Hairston's patent is a table cover including a top and a side when the table cover is spread upon a table. An elongated panel includes a plurality of hanging loops there-along, and is configured to fasten to the side of the table cover. This table cover is inconvenient in that it would encompass a large amount of time to set up numerous tables for entertaining. Turning now to Nelson's patent, it relates to decoratable furniture, and more particularly, to a new and improved furniture design that provides for removable ultimate fabric decoration of the furniture. This is not practical for the average consumer in that in order to utilize this patent they would have to purchase all new tables and cannot use the ones they already own. The present invention allows consumers to affix the table cover system to any table the consumer already owns, thus saving them money.

[0007] Also in the prior art, fitted coverings for other household items were uncovered, as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,177 issued to Suzanne M. Etherington for sheet bedding construction, U.S. Pat. No. 5,922,437 issued to Monta Sue Bryant for fitted covers for household items and U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,672 issued to Lucille M. Watts basket grass container. While all of these patents utilize a drawstring to affix the cloth to the household item, none of them have skirts to cover the bottom of the household item.

[0008] Thus, there is a need for an adjustable table cover system that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing for entertaining outdoors.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is thus a general object of the present invention to provide an adjustable table cover system for covering a table, the table having a circumference or perimeter which terminates at table's lip The adjustable table cover is provided with a sheet having a center, an outer perimeter and an intermediate channel region. The channel region is spaced at a greater radial distance relative to the table's circumference. The sheet has a table portion area between the channel region and the center and a skirt portion area located between the channel region and the outer perimeter. The table cover is secured by either a drawstring or an elastic ribbon contained within the channel region. When the tablecloth is secured by activation of the channel region which is radially spaced from the table's circumference, the skirt is vertically disposed relative to the table portion of the sheet. The present invention allows consumers to affix the table cover system to any table the consumer already owns, thus saving them money.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In the drawings in which like reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a table cover system affixed to a table according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross section view of a table cover system according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of a circular table cover system demonstrating that the radius of the tablecloth is greater than the radius of the table according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a rectangular table cover system according to one embodiment of the invention; and

[0015] FIG. 5 is an enlargement of a loop underneath the table cover system that can be used to attach a balloon centerpiece, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment, relates to an adjustable table cover system, illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, that can be used for outdoor or indoor dining and entertaining. Although a round table and table cloth are shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in this respect, and that the adjustable table cover system may be configured so as to fit any size or shape of table such as a round, square, oval or rectangular table.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the adjustable table cover system for a circular shaped table, made of any suitable material such as plastic, cotton or linen, affixed to a table. As may be appreciated in FIG. 2 which is a cross section taken along lines A-A, a table cover body or table cloth 10 is configured for installation over the table 12. Advantageously, table 12 has a circumference or perimeter which terminates at lip 16 of table 12. Adjustable table cover 10 is provided with a circular sheet 20 having a center 18, an outer perimeter R, and an intermediate channel region 22. Circular sheet 20 has a table portion area 24 between the channel region 22 and the center 18 and a skirt portion area 21 located between the channel region 22 and the outer perimeter 20.

[0018] Intermediate channel region 22 is spaced at a greater radial distance R relative to the table's circumference r. The channel region 22 is preferably made of the same material as the cover's body 10 so that the channel region 22 is a natural extension of the table cloth 10. Within the channel region a securing means, such as a sewn in elastic ribbon 30a or pullable drawstring 30b in FIG. 5 is located within the channel region 22. In this way when the drawstring 30b is pulled so as to tightly and securely fit around the perimeter 20 of the table 12, the table portion area 24 of the sheet is retained by the table structure. Additionally, when the tablecloth 10 is secured by activation of the drawstring 30b in channel region 22 or by the sewn in elastic band 30a both of which are radially spaced from the table's circumference r, the skirt 21 is vertically disposed relative to the top portion 24 of the circular sheet 20 covering the tables legs 26. In this way, the tablecloth 10 may be easily placed on table 12 so that the sewn elastic band 30a or the channel drawstring combination 30b may be activated to allow the tablecloth 10 to snugly fit around the table perimeter, while allowing the skirt portion area 21 to be draped downward toward the floor thereby covering the legs 26 of the table 12. Accordingly, the table cover 10 may also be used as a table cloth for indoor tables such as dining tables with the securing means effectively securing the table cover 10 from slippage during use. In this way it become unnecessary to utilize clips, tape or heavy weights to prevent the tablecloth 10 from blowing away in heavy winds. Accordingly, table cover 10 of the present invention is especially suited for use with outdoor tables, since the securing means secures the table cover 10 to the table top 12 and is effective against strong winds and shields the table top from the environment.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, a slit 34 may be provided in the center 18 of the table cover 10 to allow a loop or retaining portion 32 to be pulled through the slit 34 to secure a balloon centerpiece. The loop or retaining portion 32 may be heat sealed or sewn into the underside of the table cover 10. In this way, centerpieces such as helium filled balloons 36 may be tied 40 to the sewn in or heat sealed loop 32. The retaining means or loop 32 may be Fabricated out of the same material as the table cloth 10. Accordingly, due to the engagement of the engaging means 22 around the perimeter of the table 10, the helium filled balloons 36 are thus secured to the table 12. No needed weights such as paperweights to rocks need be utilized or affixed to the strings 38 of the helium filled balloons 36.

Claims

1. An adjustable table cover system for covering a table, said system comprising: a circular sheet having a center, an outer perimeter, a skirt, and an intermediate channel region, said channel region spaced at a greater radial distance relative to said table's lip, said sheet having a table portion area between said channel region and said center and a skirt portion area located between said channel region and said outer perimeter; and a securing means contained within said channel region and configured to secure said sheet to said table when said table is positioned within said table portion area of said sheet whereupon said skirt is vertically disposed to said table portion of said circular sheet.

2. The table cover of claim 1, wherein said sheet has a circular shape.

3. The table cover of claim 1, wherein said sheet has a rectangular shape.

4. The table cover of claim 1, wherein said securing means is a drawstring.

5. The table cover of claim 1, wherein said securing means is elastic.

6. The table cover of claim 1, wherein said sheet further comprises a retaining portion accessible through a slit in said sheet, so that a balloon centerpiece may be secured to said retaining portion..

7. The table cover of claim 6, wherein said retaining portion is a looped ring.

8. The table cover system of claim 1, wherein said sheet is made out of a disposable plastic material.

9. The table cover system of claim 1, wherein said sheet is made out of a cloth material.

10. The table cover system of claim 1, wherein said elastic band is sewn to said sheet at said channel region.

11. The table cover system of claim 1, wherein said elastic band is heated sealed to said sheet at said channel region.

12. The table cover system of claim 1, wherein said sheet is made out of a plastic material and said elastic band is heat sealed to said sheet at said channel region.