WO2009026685A1

WO2009026685A1 - Table covering apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2009026685A1
Application number: PCT/CA2008/001495
Authority: WO
Inventors: Deborah Diane Swistun
Original assignee: Deborah Diane Swistun
Priority date: 2007-08-31
Filing date: 2008-08-26
Publication date: 2009-03-05
Also published as: US20100224104A1; CA2698008A1

Abstract

A table covering apparatus comprises a main sheet portion fully spanning the table top of the table and an annular securing member of elastic material arranged to be receive the base of the table therethrough. The annular securing member is joined to the main sheet portion along at least two opposing sides of the main sheet portion. A skirt portion formed integrally with the main portion extends outward from the main sheet portion beyond connection of the annular securing member to the main sheet portion to conceal the annular securing member.

Description

TABLE COVERING APPARATUS

This application claims priority to US Provisional Application No. 60/969,327 filed August 31 , 2007. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus for covering a table, for example a tablecloth and the like, and more particularly relates to a table covering apparatus arranged to be readily and removably secured to a table top of the table using an elastic member. BACKGROUND Table coverings are known to be desirable for protecting a table top and for decorating a table. It is often desirable to secure the table covering to the table to prevent accidental pulling of the covering from the table by children or pets and the like and to prevent the covering from being displaced from the table by gusts of wind and the like. US 5,908,681 belonging to Foster and US 1 ,684,173 belonging to

Diamond et al. disclose examples of table coverings which can be secured to the table top, however in each instance the edge of the table covering itself is secured beneath the table resulting in an unattractive appearance in which the fastening mechanism and the base of the table remain fully exposed. Diamond in particular includes multiple independent fasteners which are difficult and awkward to assemble beneath the table.

US 4,627,363 belonging to Jones discloses a table covering in which a plurality of straps are provided below the table covering for securement about the table top of the table. Fastening of the table covering to the table involves awkward manipulation of a plurality of independent fasteners which require crawling under the table to access so as to result in an awkward and undesirable fastening operation each time the table covering is to be attached and removed from the table.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for covering a table having a table top and a base arranged to support the table top thereon, the apparatus comprising: a main sheet portion arranged for spanning the table top of the table; an annular securing member arranged for securement about the base of the table below the table top; a connecting portion connecting the annular securing member to a periphery of the main sheet portion; and a skirt portion extending outward from a periphery of the main sheet portion beyond the connecting portion.

By providing a combination of an annular securing member and a skirt portion on the table covering, the table covering can be quickly and easily secured about the periphery of the table top using the annular securing member without any awkward manipulation being required beneath the table while the annular securing member is fully concealed by the skirt portion. By arranging the annular securing member to comprise an elastic material in particular, the table covering apparatus can be most quickly readily attached and removed from the table top while remaining stable and secure in its attached position.

Preferably the annular securing member is resilient and comprises elastic material.

The connecting portion may join the annular securing member and the main sheet portion at a plurality of positions spaced about the circumference thereof or fully about the circumference thereof.

The connecting portion may comprise a common flexible sheeted member including a central portion joined to the main sheet portion and a peripheral portion supporting the annular securing member thereon.

The connecting portion may be bonded to the main sheet portion or joined to the main sheet portion by stitching, and the like.

The skirt portion extends outward from the main sheet portion beyond the connecting portion a distance which is greater than a distance between a peripheral edge about the central opening in the annular securing member and the main sheet portion.

Preferably the annular securing member comprises an elastic member arranged to be extended over the table top and arranged to be biased into a retaining position having a circumference which is less than a circumference of the table top.

The main sheet portion and the skirt portion are preferably formed integrally with one another of a continuous flexible sheeted material.

The material may be suitable for either indoor or outdoor use or both. For outdoor use, the material may be weather resistant.

The annular securing member may comprise a sheet of resilient and elastic material. In this instance, the connecting portion and the annular securing member may be integrally formed of like material.

When the main sheet portion is elongate in a longitudinal direction, the annular securing member is preferably joined to the main sheet portion along two opposing sides of the main sheet portion which extend in the longitudinal direction.

There may be provided an opening between the main sheet and the annular securing member at each end of the main sheet portion between the two opposing sides thereof in which the openings are arranged to receive opposing ends the table top therethrough.

When the annular securing member comprises a sheet having a central opening therein which is arranged to receive the base of the table therethrough, the central opening is preferably elongate in the common longitudinal direction of the main sheet portion and the table.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for covering a table having a table top and a base arranged to support the table top thereon, the apparatus comprising: a main sheet portion arranged for spanning the table top of the table; an annular securing member arranged for securement about the base of the table below the table top; the annular securing member being joined to the main sheet portion along at least two opposing sides of the main sheet portion; and a skirt portion extending outward from a periphery of the main sheet portion beyond connection of the annular securing member to the main sheet portion. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a table covering apparatus in combination with a table having a table top supported on a base, the apparatus comprising: a main sheet portion having dimensions fully spanning the table top of the table; an annular securing member comprising an elastic material having a central opening arranged to be extended over the table top and arranged to be biased into a retaining position in which the central opening has a circumference which is less than a circumference of the table top; the annular securing member being joined to the main sheet portion along at least two opposing sides of the main sheet portion; and a skirt portion extending outward from the main sheet portion beyond connection of the annular securing member to the main sheet portion; the skirt portion being formed integrally and continuously with the main sheet portion.

Some embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the table covering apparatus shown supported on a table.

Figure 2 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of the apparatus generally along a line 2-2 of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the apparatus according to Figure

2.

Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of a further embodiment of the table covering apparatus.

Figure 5 is a sectional view along the line 5-5 of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of the apparatus.

Figure 7 is an elevational view of a further embodiment of the apparatus shown supported on a table.

Figure 8 is a sectional view along the line 8-8 of Figure 7. Figure 9 is a sectional view along the line 9-9 of Figure 7. In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the accompanying figures there is illustrated a table covering apparatus generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The apparatus 10 is particularly suited for use with a table 12 of the type having a large flat top 14 which is supported spaced above the ground by a suitable base, for example comprising a plurality of upright legs 16 at spaced positions from one another or a pedestal. While various embodiments are described and illustrated herein, the features in common with all of the various illustrated embodiments will first be described.

The apparatus 10 includes a main sheet portion 20 having suitable dimensions for fully spanning the top 14 of the table 12.

A skirt portion 22 is joined with the main sheet portion 20 about a full periphery 24 of the main sheet portion. The skirt portion 22 is integrally and continuously formed with the main sheet portion 20 from a single flat flexible common sheeted material. The material comprises a suitable material for either indoor use or outdoor use, for example a material comprising vinyl, or which is machine washable, or which is weather resistant.

The skirt portion 22 is arranged to depend downwardly from the periphery 24 of the main sheet portion on all sides of the table when the main sheet portion 20 spans the top of the table so that the skirt portion 22 serves to at least partially conceal the base of the table.

An annular securing member 26 is provided for securement below the table top 14 to an underside of the edge of the table top when the main sheet portion 20 spans the top of the table. The annular securing member 26 comprises an endless loop which is operable so as to be biased from an extended position in which a central opening 27 in the annular securing member is arranged to fit overtop of the table top to a retaining position in which the circumference of the central opening in the annular securing member 26 is biased to be less than the circumference of the table top 14 for being retained beneath the peripheral edge of the table top. A connecting portion 28 is joined between the annular securing member 26 and the main sheet portion 20. The connecting portion 28 is joined to the main sheet portion at least partway about a periphery of the main sheet portion such that the skirt portion 22 extends from the main sheet portion beyond the attachment of the connecting portion 28 thereto. The connecting portion 28 is also joined to the annular securing member 26 at least partway about a circumference thereof. Turning now more particularly to Figures 1 through 3, a first embodiment of the apparatus 10 will now be described in further detail. In the first embodiment, the connecting portion 28 comprises a single common flexible sheet member having a central portion 30 bonded to the inner side of the main sheet portion and a peripheral portion 32 which extends from a periphery of the bonded central portion 30 to the annular securing member 26. The central portion 30 is bonded flat against the inner side of the main sheet portion by a suitable adhesive layer 34 or by the application of heat to fuse the layers of the connecting portion and the main sheet portion together. The peripheral portion 32 comprises a continuous sheet which fully spans between the periphery of the main sheet portion and the annular securing member which is supported at a free end of the peripheral portion 32.

In the preferred embodiment the annular securing member comprises an elastic band which is biased from the extended position, in which the member is arranged to be extended over the table top, towards the retaining position, in which the member has a circumference which is less than the circumference of the table.

Turning now to Figures 4 and 5, an example of an alternative embodiment will now be described in further detail. In this instance the annular securing member may comprise a drawstring which can unfastened for being extended over the table top in the extended position and which can be manually drawn together and tied in the retaining position with a diameter or circumference which is smaller than that of the table top. In the alternative embodiment, the connecting portion 28 may comprise a plurality of separate segments 40 located at plural positions about the periphery of the main sheet portion and the circumference of the annular securing member 26. Each segment 40 comprises a flexible sheeted material which is joined at an inner end to the periphery of the main sheet portion by suitable bonding or stitching, and which extends outward to a free outer end forming a pocket therein which receives a portion of the annular securing member 26 slidably therethrough.

In another embodiment, the segments 40 of the previous embodiment may be joined to form a continuous annular sheet spanning between an inner end joined to the periphery of the main sheet portion and a free outer end supporting the annular securing member thereon. The segments 40 or the continuous annular sheet may be used with either embodiment of the annular securing member, that is an annular securing member comprising either a drawstring or a elastic member. A further embodiment is illustrated in Figure 6 in which the connecting portion 28 comprises a single integral sheet, as described above with regard to the first embodiment, however the central portion 30 of the connecting portion in this instance is joined to the main sheet portion 20 by suitable stitching 50. The stitching 50 can be arranged in various decorative patterns, for example in a plurality of rows oriented parallel and spaced apart from one another to span lateral fully across the main sheet portion 20 as shown in Figure 6.

Alternatively, the stitching may be formed about the periphery of the main sheet portion 20, or in any combination of peripheral stitching and rows spanning diametrically across the main sheet portion as may be desired. In yet further alternative arrangements, various adhesive patterns and stitching patterns may be used alone or in combination with one another to join the connecting portion to the main sheet portion of the apparatus. Referring now to the embodiment of Figures 7 through 9, an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 10 is shown in which annular securing member 26 comprises an elastic and resilient sheet of material for spanning the under side of the table top 14 about the base which comprises at least one leg 16, or pedestal. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus is supported on a table which is elongate in a longitudinal direction. Accordingly the main sheet portion 20 of the apparatus 10 is similarly shown to be elongate in the longitudinal direction for fully spanning the table top 14.

The sheet forming the annular securing member 26 includes a central opening 27 therein for receiving the base of the table therethrough and to define the annular nature of the securing member about the base. The central opening 27 comprises a slot which is elongate in the longitudinal direction of the main sheet portion 20 and the table upon which it is supported. The opening is accordingly much narrower in a lateral direction oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the main sheet portion and the table. The resilient and elastic nature of the material forming the annular securing member permits the shape and dimension of the central opening to be readily varied for accommodating various sizes and configurations of table legs forming the base of the table 12. The material forming the annular securing member typically comprises a fabric type material which is stretchable, for example a spandex type material or a blend of various materials in which at least some of the fibres are elastic in nature.

The annular securing member is arranged to be secured to the main sheet portion 20 along two opposing sides 40 of the annular member which extend in the longitudinal direction between two opposed ends 42 of the annular member. The ends 42 are shorter in the lateral direction than the length of the two sides 40 in the longitudinal direction. The annular securing member is joined along the two opposing sides 40 to two corresponding opposing sides of the main sheet portion which also extend in the longitudinal direction. In this instance the skirt portion 22, similar to previous embodiments, extends outwardly from the main portion beyond the connection of the annular securing member to the main sheet portion along the longitudinally extending sides thereof.

At each end 42 of the annular securing member, there is provided an opening 46 between the annular securing member and the main sheet portion spanning between the two opposing sides 40 so as to be arranged to receive opposing ends 48 of the table top extending therethrough beyond the annular securing member when the table top is larger in circumference than the outer peripheral edge of the annular securing member secured to the main sheet portion.

The outer peripheral edge of the annular securing member can be secured to the main sheet portion by a connecting portion 28 similar to the previous embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment of Figures 7 through 9, the connecting portion comprises an edge of the annular securing member 26 which overlaps the main sheet portion along the opposing sides thereof for connection by adhesive bonding or stitching and the like. In this instance the connecting portion

28 is integrally formed with the annular securing member of an integral sheet of common material.

In further embodiments the connecting portion may comprise a continuous sheet similar to the embodiment of figures 1 through 3 so as to define a central portion 30 fully spanning the inside of the main sheet portion and a peripheral portion 32 about the central portion which joins the outer peripheral edge of the annular securing member along the two opposing sides 40 thereof. In this instance the connecting portion similarly comprises an integral sheet formed of the same material continuously with the annular securing member 26. In either instance, the annular securing member according to the embodiment of figures 7 through 9 is arranged to be secured below the table top to an underside edge of the table top when the main sheet portion spans the top of the table. The peripheral edge of the annular securing member surrounding and defining the central opening comprises an endless elastic loop which can be stretched from a retaining position to an extended position. In the extended position, the circumference about the central opening is resiliently increased relative to the retaining position for fitting over the top of the table top and for positioning about the base of the table top below the underside of the table top. Once in position, the elastic nature of the annular securing member biases the circumference about the central opening to decrease into the retaining position in which the circumference is reduced to a minimum circumference extending about the base which is less than the circumference of the table top for being retained beneath the peripheral edge of the table top. In any of the described embodiments, use of the table covering apparatus typically involves extending the annular securing member 26 overtop of the top of the table in the extended position thereof for subsequent fastening to an underside of the tabletop edge when the annular securing member 26 is in the retaining position with the main sheet portion spanning the top side of the table. The connecting portion in each embodiment if thus arranged to extend over the edge of the tabletop between the annular securing member 26 therebelow and the main sheet portion spanning thereabove. The skirt portion 22 is arranged to be suspended from and thus hangs freely from the edge of the tabletop where the periphery of the main sheet portion is located for concealing the annular securing member, the connecting portion and a portion of the base of the table.

The table covering apparatus will typically be made available in a plurality of sizes for accommodating different standard size tables. For example the main sheet portion and the connecting portion may be arranged for being suitably sized to fit a small 2-4 person round, square, oval, or rectangle table, a medium picnic or oval table, or large round or rectangle banquet dining tables.

Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without department from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An apparatus for covering a table having a table top and a base arranged to support the table top thereon, the apparatus comprising: a main sheet portion arranged for spanning the table top of the table; an annular securing member arranged for securement about the base of the table below the table top; a connecting portion connecting the annular securing member to a periphery of the main sheet portion; and a skirt portion extending outward from a periphery of the main sheet portion beyond the connecting portion.

2. The apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the annular securing member is resilient and comprises elastic material.

3. The apparatus according to either one of Claims 1 or 2 wherein the connecting portion joins the annular securing member and the main sheet portion at a plurality of positions spaced about the circumference thereof.

4. The apparatus according to either one of Claims 1 or 2 wherein the connecting portion joins the annular securing member and the main sheet portion fully about the circumference thereof.

5. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 through 4 wherein the connecting portion comprises a common flexible sheeted member including a central portion joined to the main sheet portion and a peripheral portion supporting the annular securing member thereon.

6. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 through 5 wherein the connecting portion is bonded to the main sheet portion.

7. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 through 6 wherein the connecting portion is joined to the main sheet portion by stitching.

8. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 through 7 wherein the skirt portion extends outward from the main sheet portion beyond the connecting portion a distance which is greater than a distance between a peripheral edge about the central opening in the annular securing member and the main sheet portion.

9. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 through 8 wherein the annular securing member comprises an elastic member arranged to be extended over the table top and arranged to be biased into a retaining position having a circumference which is less than a circumference of the table top.

10. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 through 9 wherein the main sheet portion and the skirt portion are formed integrally with one another of a continuous flexible sheeted material.

1 1. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 through 10 wherein the main sheet portion and the skirt portion are formed of weather resistant material.

12. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 through 11 wherein the annular securing member comprises a sheet of resilient and elastic material.

13. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 through 12 wherein the connecting portion and the annular securing member are integrally formed of like material.

14. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 through 13 wherein the connecting portion joins the annular securing member to the main sheet portion along at least two opposing sides of the main sheet portion.

15. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 through 14 wherein the main sheet portion is elongate in a longitudinal direction and the annular securing member is joined to the main sheet portion along two opposing sides of the main sheet portion which extend in the longitudinal direction.

16. The apparatus according to Claim 15 wherein there is provided an opening between the main sheet and the annular securing member at each end of the main sheet portion between the two opposing sides thereof, the openings being arranged to receive opposing ends the table top therethrough.

17. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 through 16 wherein the annular securing member comprises a sheet having a central opening therein arranged to receive the base of the table therethrough, the central opening being elongate in one direction.

18. The apparatus according to Claim 17 wherein the main sheet portion and the central opening in the annular securing member are elongate in a common longitudinal direction.

19. An apparatus for covering a table having a table top and a base arranged to support the table top thereon, the apparatus comprising: a main sheet portion arranged for spanning the table top of the table; an annular securing member arranged for securement about the base of the table below the table top; the annular securing member being joined to the main sheet portion along at least two opposing sides of the main sheet portion; and a skirt portion extending outward from a periphery of the main sheet portion beyond connection of the annular securing member to the main sheet portion.

20. The apparatus according to Claim 19 wherein the annular securing member comprises a sheet of resilient and elastic material.

21. The apparatus according to either one of Claims 19 or 20 wherein the main sheet portion is elongate in a longitudinal direction and the annular securing member is joined to the main sheet portion along two opposing sides of the main sheet portion which extend in the longitudinal direction.

22. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 19 through 21 wherein there is provided an opening between the main sheet and the annular securing member at each end of the main sheet portion between the two opposing sides thereof, the openings being arranged to receive opposing ends the table top therethrough.

23. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 19 through 22 wherein the annular securing member comprises a sheet having a central opening therein arranged to receive the base of the table therethrough, the central opening being elongate in one direction.

24. The apparatus according to Claim 23 wherein the main sheet portion and the central opening in the annular securing member are elongate in a common longitudinal direction.

25. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 19 through 24 wherein the skirt portion extends outward from the main sheet portion beyond the connecting portion a distance which is greater than a distance between a peripheral edge about the central opening in the annular securing member and the main sheet portion.

26. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 19 through 25 wherein the annular securing member comprises an elastic member arranged to be extended over the table top and arranged to be biased into a retaining position having a circumference which is less than a circumference of the table top.

27. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 19 through 26 wherein the main sheet portion and the skirt portion are formed integrally with one another of a continuous flexible sheeted material.

28. A table covering apparatus in combination with a table having a table top supported on a base, the apparatus comprising: a main sheet portion having dimensions fully spanning the table top of the table; an annular securing member comprising an elastic material having a central opening arranged to be extended over the table top and arranged to be biased into a retaining position in which the central opening has a circumference which is less than a circumference of the table top; the annular securing member being joined to the main sheet portion along at least two opposing sides of the main sheet portion; and a skirt portion extending outward from the main sheet portion beyond connection of the annular securing member to the main sheet portion; the skirt portion being formed integrally and continuously with the main sheet portion.