U.S. patent application number 15/173705 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-07 for adjustable tablecloth with drawstring.
The applicant listed for this patent is Janelle M. Dessaint Kimura, Stacia L. Dessaint. Invention is credited to Janelle M. Dessaint Kimura, Stacia L. Dessaint.
Application Number | 20170347817 15/173705 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60482049 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170347817 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dessaint Kimura; Janelle M. ;
et al. |
December 7, 2017 |
ADJUSTABLE TABLECLOTH WITH DRAWSTRING
Abstract
A reusable fabric indoor or outdoor adjustable tablecloth with
drawstring sewn into the hem of the tablecloth to secure the
tablecloth around the edge of the tabletop to prevent the
tablecloth from blowing away in the wind or pulled off the table by
children. The adjustable tablecloth with drawstring includes a
grommet pressed into the fabric at a pre-cut opening to protect the
fabric from wear and tear. The drawstring passes through the
grommet into a cinch which secures the drawstring from slippage.
Each end of the exposed drawstring is sealed with glue and secured
by an independent knot. The tablecloth is placed over the table and
the drawstring pulled tightly through the cinch resulting in the
drawstring grabbing the underbelly of the table and tightening
securely. This configuration allows the tablecloth to be
adjustable, fitting a variety of table sizes and shapes, and
protecting the event from the wind.
Inventors: |
Dessaint Kimura; Janelle M.;
(Phoenix, AZ) ; Dessaint; Stacia L.; (Phoenix,
AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dessaint Kimura; Janelle M.
Dessaint; Stacia L. |
|
|
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60482049 |
Appl. No.: |
15/173705 |
Filed: |
June 5, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 2011/005 20130101;
A47G 11/004 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 11/00 20060101
A47G011/00 |
Claims
1. A reusable, adjustable drawstring tablecloth cover, comprising:
a. an adjustable drawstring tablecloth cover is washable, dryable,
reusable, recyclable and environmentally friendly reducing the
amount of disposable plastics in landfills. b. a piece of fabric
greater than the size of the table surface, made of any suitable
material cut in a pre-determined size and shape, to cover an
outdoor picnic table or indoor dining or work table. c. a hole is
cut into a pre-determined spot within the anticipated hem for
grommet placement. d. a hem is sewn into the fabric at
approximately 1 inch around the perimeter of the entire tablecloth.
e. a drawstring greater in length than the perimeter of the table
is sewn into the hem, or later inserted into the hem via the
grommet hole with a threading tool. f. a drawstring exits the hem
through the pre-cut hole and grommet pressed into the predetermined
location on the fabric. g. the two drawstring ends are inserted
through a cinch and tied off in two separate knots to prevent
drawstring slippage back into the hem during washing or drying. h.
the tying off of the two separate knots at the end of each
drawstring exiting the grommet and cinch is a safety feature. i.
when pulled tight, the cinching of the drawstring causes the hem to
grab the underbelly lip of the table and secure to the table so as
not to blow away in the wind. j. a drawstring tablecloth cover is a
protective tablecloth cover upon which food or decorations may be
placed upon an unclean or unattractive outdoor table surface. k. an
adjustable drawstring tablecloth protects a table surface from the
repercussions of arts and crafts, science projects, workshop
activities, food spillage, and various other activities. l. A
drawstring tablecloth cover wherein the shape is round. m. A
drawstring tablecloth cover wherein the shape is square. n. A
drawstring tablecloth cover wherein the shape is rectangular. o. A
drawstring tablecloth cover wherein the shape is oval.
2. The adjustable drawstring tablecloth cover as in claim 1, is
secured to an indoor kitchen or dining table or outdoor portable or
picnic table and prevents young children from pulling the
tablecloth and the table contents down upon themselves and others.
a. an adjustable drawstring tablecloth may enhance an outing by
providing a measure of safety and peace of mind for adults.
3. The adjustable drawstring tablecloth cover as in claim 1, claim
2, may include an umbrella hole centered within the top surface of
the tablecloth to allow for the addition of a shade umbrella if so
desired and said table accommodates such a feature.
Description
[0001] The following is a tabulation of some prior art that
presently appears relevant:
TABLE-US-00001 U.S. Patents Patent Number Kind Code Issue Dates
Patentee 0238087 B1 Dec. 2, 2004 Ciapessoni 6014935 Jan. 18, 2000
Willet 5339748 Aug. 23, 1994 Billotti 5069554 Dec. 3, 1991 Bonnett
1219790 Mar. 20, 1917 Taylor
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to reusable table covers, and
in particular, to a table cover that may be adapted for use with
table tops of different sizes and shapes. The new device secures
the tablecloth from outdoor elements such as wind and indoor
elements such as rambunctious children.
2. Description of Related Art
[0003] Tablecloths or table covers have long been used both indoors
and outdoors to decorate tables, enhance an event, protect a table
surface or provide a clean palate for a dirty or damaged outdoor
picnic table. Many outdoor picnic or patio tables collect dirt and
have peeling paint. Often times bird droppings can be found on
picnic tables in the park or backyard. Picnic tables in the parks
are not regularly sanitized. For health, enjoyment and clean food
handling a table cover is an appropriate solution.
[0004] Young children are sometimes saved in the act of pulling an
entire table of food and dishes down upon themselves when playing
near an unsecured tablecloth. Parents with active toddlers who
prefer a tablecloth setting to protect a tabletop will find comfort
in a secured drawstring tablecloth knowing it adds an extra layer
of protection for their family or guests.
[0005] A common problem found with the use of tablecloths and
covers for an outdoor picnic or event is the ability to secure the
tablecloth to the picnic table to prevent the tablecloth from
blowing in the wind. To secure tablecloths people have employed the
use of clamps and clips, weights, bungee cords, rocks from the
ground, ice chests, mayo, ketchup and mustard bottles, 6-packs of
cola, water bottles twisted onto the tablecloth corners, knots tied
to table legs, duct tape, weighted pockets sewn in after-the-fact,
or thumbtacks tacking the cloth directly to the table and damaging
the fabric.
[0006] Secured tablecloths found in prior art with a drawstring and
straps are often the disposable type intended to collect items such
as crab, oysters, and shrimp shells to be thrown away after one
use. With more focus on environmentally friendly, recyclable,
renewable and reusable, a long lasting and more durable secured
tablecloth is sought.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,935 (2000) Willett includes a protective
cover over top of the food items obscuring the food, condiments,
and place settings. This is highly impractical for the enjoyment of
a picnic or event. This concept is disposable.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,554 (1991) is intended for one-time,
disposable use and utilizes a strap system and lifted or raised
edge to catch liquid spillage. Bonnett also intends his disposable
tablecloth system to be utilized for lawn care garbage and not as a
true tablecloth. A typical garbage bag should suffice.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 0,238,087 A1 (2004) Ciapessoni puts forth
another disposable tablecloth/garbage bag with drawstring to tie
the contents of the picnic into the bag and throw in the garbage.
This prior art (FIG. 16) shows the drawstring exiting the corner of
the table. I have found this configuration fails to adequately grab
the corner and secure the tablecloth to the table against wind.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,748 (1994) Bilotti invokes a complex
panel, loops, multiple openings, a sleeve and tongue system with
multiple seams. The drawstring crisscrosses over itself creating a
complicated web of cording and systems that may not fare well in
practical use or the washing and drying cycles.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 1,219,790 (1917) Taylor created a reusable
drawstring table top covering to protect a pedestal table top
during shipping. The aim of this prior art was to create a very
soft and thick protective table cover that could be securely
tightened around the base of the pedestal. The fabric is not simply
a tablecloth but also a protective padding encircling the complete
underbelly of the table (FIG. 1). Taylor secured the drawstring by
tying. Today's outdoor, patio and picnic tables typically have 4
separate legs, one at each corner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION/EMBODIMENTS
[0012] One aim of the present embodiment is to provide a tablecloth
which is reusable and secures to a picnic, outdoor or indoor table
to protect the picnic from potentially windy or dirty
environments.
[0013] Another aim is for the adjustability of the tablecloth for
different sizes and shaped tables.
[0014] Another aim is the safety of young children in danger of
pulling the tablecloth and contents down upon themselves and
others.
[0015] The present embodiment comprises a predetermined piece of
fabric cut in the appropriate shape and size for the anticipated
picnic or indoor table and utilizes a drawstring sewn into the hem,
exiting through a grommet pressed into a pre-cut hole in the hem at
one section of the tablecloth. The cinch is then pulled tight to
secure the adjustable tablecloth cover. Knots are then tied at the
end of each section of the drawstring past the cinch to prevent
slippage of the drawstring back into the hem, saving the owner from
fishing out the drawstring during the laundry process. The ends of
the drawstring may be glued or heat torched to prevent fraying.
[0016] Pulling the cinch tight effectively and easily secures the
tablecloth to the underbelly of the table lip by having the
drawstring and fabric grab the under table.
[0017] The secured tablecloth is washable, dryable and recyclable
as opposed to the disposable, one-time use tablecloths.
[0018] At the conclusion of the picnic, food, plates and other such
items are removed from the picnic table. The drawstring is
un-cinched and loosened from the table, shaken out, folded and
stored with the other picnic items and taken home to be laundered
and used another day.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
drawstring tablecloth applied to a picnic table.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a top plain view of the drawstring tablecloth
secured on a picnic table top.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a bottom plain view of the drawstring tablecloth
secured and grabbing at the underbelly of the table lip. The
drawstring cord exits the hem at a predetermined location.
[0022] FIG. 4. Is a detail view of the drawstring exit from the
hem, the hole, the grommet, cinch and respective knots.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The following detailed descriptions are the specific
embodiments of an adjustable tablecloth with drawstring. This
description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made
merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of
embodiments of the invention.
[0024] As seen in FIG. 1, the table is rectangular but may also be
another common shape such as square, circle or oval. The size of
the table may be small, medium, or large.
[0025] The fabric (1) of the tablecloth is cut to the appropriate
size and shape of the table leaving enough extra fabric to grab the
underbelly of the table lip (8) and sew in a suitable hem (2) large
enough for a drawstring to be housed within the hem (2). The fabric
corners are rounded when cut for effective sewing and drawstring
insertion.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 2 the tablecloth of a type, thickness and
weight of fabric (1) deemed appropriate for the event. Common
fabric (1) types include but are not limited to polyester, cotton,
rayon, canvas, silk, and cotton-poly.
[0027] The drawstring (5) may be made from any durable material
such as nylon, cotton, vinyl or plastic. Nylon drawstrings slide
more smoothly and are more effective in the tightening and cinching
process.
[0028] The length of the drawstring (5) in FIG. 1, shall be cut at
a length greater than the perimeter of the table to allow room for
said drawstring (5) to be pulled tight, leaving two dangling
knotted (7) ends. The two ends should be cut to an appropriate
length so as not to drag along the ground or be too short. The two
ends of the drawstring may be glued or heat torched to prevent
future fraying.
[0029] The grommet (4) is commonly made of metal. Grommets may also
be constructed of plastic and come in a variety of colors. The
addition of a grommet (4) reduces wear and tear directly on the
fabric from tightening the drawstring (5).
[0030] The cinch (6) in FIG. 4 is commonly made out of plastic and
comes in a variety of sizes, hole configurations and colors. I have
selected a two-hole configuration for the two ends of the
drawstring (5) but another configuration could be easily
adapted.
[0031] The tablecloth is placed out upon the table, and loosely
wrapped around the corners of the table in the example FIG. 1. The
fabric (1) and the hem (2) are then shimmied around the drawstring
(5) toward the back of the tablecloth. The front of the tablecloth
is considered the location where the drawstring (5) exits (3) the
grommet (4) pressed into the interior of the hem (2). The
drawstring (5) is then pulled tight through the grommet (4) and
cinch (6). The remaining drawstring (5) is visible and knotted (7)
on both ends to prevent the drawstring (5) from slipping back into
the opening (3) and hem (2) upon washing and drying.
[0032] Regarding FIG. 4 this securing of the fabric (1) around the
circumference of the table with the drawstring (5) and grommet (4)
enables the tablecloth to be securely fitted to the table which
prevents the wind from blowing away the tablecloth and table
contents. This same configuration may also prevent small children
from pulling the contents of an entire table down upon themselves
and is convenient for in home use.
[0033] In FIG. 1, the top center of the fabric (1) may have an
umbrella hole (not shown) sewn into the fabric for the insertion of
a decorative umbrella to create a shady space during outdoor
picnics and events.
[0034] The drawstring tablecloth operation and set up may easily be
performed by a single individual with great speed and
efficiency.
* * * * *