Patent Application
20080022904
In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.
Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views,
For the embodiment shown in the drawings, the table cover 20 is configured to fit onto a table 22 (
In an embodiment, as further described below, the table defines a width and a length when erected, and in a storage configuration has at least one of the width and the length being shorter than the erected width and length. Multiple different embodiments are possible. Some are shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,283,045, 6,874,427, D456,180, and Japan Publication Numbers JP2004089556, JP2003079434, JP2001017236, and JP2002095530. Such folding tables and their constructions are known, and the table cover 20 is not limited to use with the tables in the cited patents and publications.
The table cover 20 shown in the drawings includes pouches 24, 26 attached to and hanging from opposite side edges of the table cover. The pouches 24, 26 may be configured to receive, for example, cups, cards, or other items that may be used in connection with the table cover 20. Pouches may additionally or alternatively be provided in different areas of the table cloth, such at end edges.
In an embodiment, at least one side of the table cover 20 includes a game board pattern, such as a backgammon board, a chess board, or another game, printed or otherwise shown on the face of the side. Game pieces for such a game board may be stored in one or both of the pouches 24, 26. Separate game boards may be printed on opposite sides of the table cover 20.
The table cover 20 shown in the drawings includes a drawstring 28 extending around an outer perimeter of the table cover. The drawstring 28 is cinchable so that the corners and the side and end edges of the table cover 20 may cinch around the top of the table 22, as is shown in
The table cover 20 includes two end grommets 34, 36 that are centered on opposite ends of the table cover. The function of these end grommets 34, 36 is described below.
In accordance with an embodiment, the table cover 20 may be used as a carrying case for the table 20 when the table is folded into a compact storage configuration. To this end,
In general, the table cover 20 and the table 22 are configured such that the table, when folded into a compact arrangement, fits fully within and is captured by the table cover. To this end, when folded, the table 22 is smaller in cross-sectional area so that the table cover 20 may extend around the folded table. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the table cover 20 wraps around the folded table 22 and end flaps of the table cover are folded to fully capture the folded table. In an embodiment, this full encasement of the table is provided by the fact that the length and/or width of the table in the folded configuration are smaller than the length and width of the table in the use configuration. Thus, the table cover 20 is sufficiently large to extend beyond the ends of the folded table, permitting excess material of the table cover to be folded around the folded table. As can be understood, if both the width and length are less when the table 22 is folded into the compact configuration, then the table cover may more easily be arranged to encase the folded table. However, an embodiment of a table cover and table combination do not require this reduction in both length and width.
After the table 22 is positioned on the table cover 20, the pouches 24, 26 are folded inward. The table cover 20 is then folded lengthwise over the table 22, with opposite side edges overlapping each other. The ends of the table cover 20 are then folded over the folded layers of the table cover, such as is shown in
If desired, hook and loop fasteners, clasps, clips, ties, clamps, straps, or other closure devices may be used to attach portions of the table cover 20 during the enclosing process of the table 22. For example, if desired, the end flaps 40, 42 may include closure mechanisms, such as hook and loop closures, to act as a safety to prevent the table 22 from sliding out of the enclosed table cover 20. For example, a strap 38 (
In the embodiment shown in the drawings, when the table cover 20 is folded as shown in
The table cover 20 provides many advantages in that it serves not only as a cover for the table 22, but also as a storage or carry bag for the table. In an embodiment, the table 20 is fully enclosed by the table cover 22 when the table is in the folded configuration, even though the table cover is only slightly larger than a top of the table when the table is erected.
By serving as a carry bag, a separate storage container is not required for the table cover 20, thus providing convenience in storage and transport. Moreover, a retailer may sell the table 22 while stored in the table cover 20, possibly eliminating the need for packaging materials. The strap 50 may serve as a handle or a shoulder strap to simplify transport.
The table cover 20 may be reversible, and may include different surfaces so that game surfaces or other decorations may be provided on the opposite sides of the table cover, and may be alternatively presented by turning the table cover 20 over. In addition, by decorating opposite surfaces with different decorations, different appearances may be provided in a carry configuration and a cover configuration. This feature permits, for example, advertising information or logo information to be placed on the outside of the table cover 20 when in the storage configuration. In addition, by folding the table cover 20 in a particular manner, such as with the top of the table cover folding inward around the folded table 22, a top surface of the table cover may be kept clean.
Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/820,284, filed Jul. 25, 2006, and incorporated herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60820284 | Jul 2006 | US |
