Disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination

Abstract

A disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination that allows each of the disposable tablecloths to become an individual disposable collection bag for disposing of any debris, garbage and refuse collected on the tablecloth after a meal is finished. The disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination includes a dispensing housing system containing a plurality of stacked disposable tablecloths for individually dispensing one of the plurality of disposable tablecloths at a time. The disposable tablecloth includes a top planar surface, a bottom planar surface, and folded perimeter edges for forming a plurality of cinching channels for receiving a continuous cinching tie member extending through the channels. Two of the adjacent folded perimeter edges are used in the forming of a cinching section for allowing the continuous cinching tie member to be pulled through the cinching section when the meal is finished. The individual disposable collection bag is formed when a user pulls the continuous cinching tie member at each of the cinching sections for forming an interior collection bag compartment for collection of debris within the interior collection bag compartment of the individual disposable collection bag.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a disposable tablecloth and collection (garbage) bag combination. More particularly, the disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination includes a dispensing housing for individually dispensing one tablecloth at a time that allows the disposable tablecloth to become an individual disposable collection bag for disposing of any debris, garbage and refuse collected on the tablecloth after the meal is finished.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tables that are used in past food restaurants, high-turnover restaurants, outdoor restaurants, seafood restaurants, pizza parlors and the like are often not thoroughly cleaned-off of debris, food, containers and the like, as well as not being thoroughly wiped-off of germs with a disinfectant. This leaves the consumer with the further tidying and cleaning of the table for his/her use.

There remains a need for a disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination having a dispensing system for individually dispensing one tablecloth at a time for allowing the disposable tablecloth to become an individual disposable collection bag for disposing of any debris, garbage and/or refuse on the tablecloth after the meal is finished. Further, the dispensing system would include housing means for holding a plurality of disposable tablecloths therein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Tablecloth disposal systems, disposal table coverings, trash bag table covers, disposable tablecloths and the like having various designs, structures, configurations and materials of construction have been disclosed in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,554 to BONNETT discloses a tablecloth disposal system having a disposal work space covering of substantially flat, flexible sheet material (extruded plastic) with cinch means incorporated therein. The system as disclosed allows disposal of the tablecloth, simultaneously creating a container for disposal of the contents. When cinched, the present invention may be handled as a conventional plastic garbage bag, and therefore does not require a separate garbage container for disposal. This prior art patent does not disclose or teach the design structure and configuration of the disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination of the present invention.

This prior art patent does not teach or disclose the structure of the disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination having a dispensing system for dispensing multiple disposable tablecloths.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination that includes a dispensing system for individually dispensing one tablecloth at a time.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination that allows the disposable tablecloth to become an individual disposable collection bag using cinching means to close the collection bag that has debris, garbage and/or refuse that was on the tablecloth after the meal was finished.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination having a dispensing system with housing means for holding a stack of at least twenty (20) disposable tablecloths therein.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination which is of a durable and reliable construction while in use, and easy to use at restaurants, homes or offices.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination that can be mass produced in an automated and economical manner and is readily affordable by the consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination that allows each of the disposable tablecloths to become an individual disposable collection bag for disposing of any debris, garbage and refuse collected on the tablecloth after a meal is finished. The disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination includes a dispensing housing system containing a plurality of stacked disposable tablecloths for individually dispensing one of the plurality of disposable tablecloths at a time. The disposable tablecloth includes a top planar surface, a bottom planar surface, and folded perimeter edges for forming a plurality of cinching channels for receiving a continuous cinching tie member extending through the channels. Two of the adjacent folded perimeter edges are used in the forming of a cinching section for allowing the continuous cinching tie member to be pulled through the cinching section when the meal is finished. The individual disposable collection bag is formed when a user pulls the continuous cinching tie member at each of the cinching sections for forming an interior collection bag compartment for collection of debris within the interior collection bag compartment of the individual disposable collection bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon the consideration of the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the major component parts contained therein and in an assembled state and in operational use thereof;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination of the present invention showing multiple disposable tablecloths each having cinching strings along the peripheral edges of each disposable tablecloth;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination of a first alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a circular configuration of the stack of disposable tablecloths;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the cinching strings being pulled together to form a partial interior compartment for holding of debris within the individual cinched tablecloth;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination of the present invention showing the cinching strings pulled together to form the collection bag for holding of debris within the filled interior compartment;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial rear perspective view of the disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination of the present invention showing adhesive means for detachably connecting a holding corner having a stack of disposable tablecloths therein to a corner of a table;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a disposable table covering and collection bag combination of a second alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a rectangular configuration of the stack of place-mat sized disposable table coverings;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a disposable table covering and collection bag combination of a third alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a circular configuration of the stack of platter sized disposable table coverings; and

FIG. 8A is a side cross-sectional view of a disposable table covering and collection bag combination of the third alternate embodiment of the present invention taken along lines 8A-8A of FIG. 8 in the direction of the arrows showing the sloped side wall of the stack of platter sized disposable table coverings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Preferred Embodiment 10

The disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination 10 and its component parts of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is represented in detail by FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 through 6 of the patent drawings. The disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination 10 is used for the collection and disposable of any debris, garbage and/or refuse 12 on a disposable tablecloth 22 on a table 14 after the meal is finished, as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. Additionally, the disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination 10 includes a dispensing system 52 for individually dispensing one tablecloth 22 at a time for allowing the disposable tablecloth 22 to become an individual disposable collection bag 42 for dispensing of any debris 12 after the meal was finished from table 14.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the disposable tablecloth 22 includes an upper top planar surface 24, a lower bottom planar surface 26, folded perimeter edges 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d having a continuous cinching tie member within a plurality of cinching channels 32a, 32b, 32c and 32d. Cinching tie member 30 is selected from the group consisting of plastic ribbon material, fiber ribbon material, cotton string, plastic string, hemp cord, flexible plastic wire and flexible metal wire. Disposable tablecloth 22 is substantially square in shape, as depicted in FIG. 2 of the drawings. The construction of the disposable tablecloth 22 may include a single ply of plastic material, a single ply of coated paper material, or a two ply combination of paper and plastic materials being integrally formed together. The disposable tablecloth 22 would have waterproofing characteristics based upon its aforementioned construction. Additionally, the cinching tie member 30 can be pulled at each of a plurality of cinching corners/sections 34a, 34b, 34c and 34d from each of the cinching channels 32a, 32b, 32c and 32d, respectively, of disposable tablecloth 22, as shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings.

The disposable collection bag 42, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, is formed when the user pulls the looped cinching tie members 30 at each of the cinching corners 34a to 34d for forming an interior compartment 44 in the collected configuration (see FIGS. 4 and 5) having filled the formed disposable collection bag 42 with debris 12 within the interior compartment 44.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dispensing system 52 includes a plurality of holding corners/sections 54a, 54b and 54c each having a substantially triangular shape. Each of the holding corners 54a to 54c include a top wall 56, a bottom wall 58, side walls 60 and 62 for forming an interior well opening 64 for receiving a stack 40 of tablecloths 22 at each of the cinching corners 34a, 34b and 34c, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings. Bottom wall 58 includes an exterior bottom wall surface 66. Exterior bottom wall surface 66 includes a detachable adhesive layer 68 having a protective covering 70 thereon prior to its attachment to a table 14, as shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings. The adhesive layer 68 on each bottom wall surface 66 of the holding corners 54a to 54c is temporarily adhered to each of three corners 15a, 15b and 15c of table 14, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 of the drawings. Also, the bottom wall surface 66 can have other attachment means that include sliding clips, Velcro™ strips, side clip members, glues, buckles and the like.

It is understood that the folded perimeter (peripheral) edges 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d of the stack 40 may be slightly thicker than the center C of stack 40 to create a convex grade C_x such that liquids would not spill over the perimeter edges 28a to 28d of stack 40, as depicted in FIG. 1 of the drawings. Additionally, dimensional sizing of tablecloth 22 can be made in various sizes such as 3 feet by 3 feet (square sized) or 3 feet by 4 feet (rectangular sized). Further, the disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination 10 of the present invention can be used in restaurants, homes and businesses and the like.

First Alternate Embodiment 100

The disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination 110 and its component parts of the first alternate embodiment 100 of the present invention is represented in detail by FIG. 3 of the patent drawings. Elements illustrated in FIG. 3 which correspond to the elements described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 have been designated by corresponding reference numbers increased by one hundred. The first alternate embodiment 100 is constructed in a similar manner and operates in the same manner as the preferred embodiment 10, unless it is otherwise stated.

The first alternate embodiment 100 is almost the same as the preferred embodiment of the disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination 10, except for the configuration of the disposable tablecloth 122 being a circular-shaped design having a plurality of holding members 154a, 154b and 154c each having a substantially triangular shape. Each of the holding members 154a to 154c include a top wall 156, a bottom wall 158 and a side wall 160 for forming an interior well opening 164 for receiving a stack 140 of circular disposable tablecloths 122, as depicted in FIG. 3 of the drawings. The sizing of circular disposable tablecloth 122 is made in a 3 feet diameter.

Second Alternate Embodiment 200

The disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination 210 and its component parts of the second alternate embodiment 200 of the present invention is represented in detail by FIG. 7 of the patent drawings. Elements illustrated in FIG. 3 which correspond to the elements described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 have been designated by corresponding reference numbers increased by two hundred. The second alternate embodiment 200 is constructed in a similar manner and operates in the same manner as the preferred embodiment 10, unless it is otherwise stated.

The second alternate embodiment 200 is exactly the same as the preferred embodiment of the disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination 10, except for the placemat size of the disposable table covering 222 being 1 foot by 1½ feet (rectangularly-shaped), as shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings.

Third Alternate Embodiment 300

The disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination 310 and its component parts of the third alternate embodiment 300 of the present invention is represented in detail by FIGS. 8 and 8A of the patent drawings. Elements illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 8A which correspond to the elements described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 have been designated by corresponding reference numbers increased by three hundred. The third alternate embodiment 300 is constructed in a similar manner and operates in the same manner as the preferred embodiment 10, unless it is otherwise stated.

The third alternate embodiment 300 is almost the same as the preferred embodiment of the disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination 10, except for the configuration and serving platter size of the disposable circular table covering 322 being a 1 foot diameter, as shown in FIG. 8. Additionally, the stack 340 of the disposable circular table coverings 322 has a molded, contoured and sloped wall 372, as shown in FIG. 8A of the drawings.

Operation of the Present Invention

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5 of the drawings, the disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination 10 operates in the following manner. The user initially peels away the protective covering 70 from each of the exterior bottom wall surface 66 of holding corners/sections 54a to 54c (See FIG. 6), respectively, in order to expose the adhesive layer 68 in which to temporarily adhere the adhesive layer 68 of the bottom wall surface 66 to each of the three corners 15a, 15b, 15c of table 14, as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings.

After the meal has been completed (see FIG. 1), the remaining debris 12 on table 14 is ready for collection from disposable tablecloth 22, such that each of the cinching strings 30 are removed and pulled from each cinching corner 34a to 34d, respectively, from a single dispensed tablecloth 22, as depicted in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, each of the looped cinching strings 30 are pulled thoroughly such that all of the cinchings corners 34a to 34d meet together to form the disposable collection bag 42 being filled with debris 12 within its interior compartment 44 of the collection bag 42. The disposable collection bag 42 is then disposed by standard disposal means, whether at the user's home, restaurant or an office.

The remaining embodiments 100, 200 and 300 operate in a similar manner as the preferred embodiment 10 of the present invention.

The disposable tablecloth and collection bag combinations 10, 110, 210 and 310 can be made of various types of materials such as cotton, cotton-polyester, polyester, linen, nylon, paper and the like. The disposable tablecloth and collection bag combinations 10, 110, 210 and 310 can be any size or shape such as a square, a rectangle, an oval, a circle, a triangle or other geometric shapes.

Further, the disposable tablecloth and collection bag combinations 10, 110, 210 and 310 can be used in hospitals, factories, government offices and installations, military bases, schools, colleges, universities, medical research centers, garage bays for car repairs, veterinary hospitals, small animals and pets for home use, picnic areas, single unit servings for food delivery, food stores, coffee shops, restaurants and the like.

Advantages of the Present Invention

Accordingly, an advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination that includes a dispensing system for individually dispensing one tablecloth at a time.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination that allows the disposable tablecloths to become an individually disposable collection bag using cinching means to close the collection bag that has debris, garbage and/or refuse that was on the tablecloth after the meal was finished.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination having a dispensing system with housing means for holding a stack of at least twenty (20) disposable tablecloths therein.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination which is of a durable and reliable construction while in use, and easy to use at restaurants, homes or offices.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination that can be mass produced in an automated and economical manner and is readily affordable by the consumer.

A latitude of modification, change, and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.

Claims

1. A disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination that allows each of said disposable tablecloths to become an individual disposable collection bag for disposing of any debris, garbage and refuse collected on said tablecloth after a meal is finished, comprising:

a) a dispensing housing system containing a plurality of stacked disposable tablecloths for individually dispensing one of said plurality of disposable tablecloths at a time;

b) said disposable tablecloth including a top planar surface, a bottom planar surface, and folded perimeter edges for forming a plurality of cinching channels for receiving a continuous cinching tie member extending through said channels;

c) two of said adjacent folded perimeter edges for forming a cinching section for allowing said continuous cinching tie member to be pulled through said cinching section when the meal is finished; and

d) said individual disposable collection bag being formed when a user pulls said continuous cinching tie member at each of said cinching sections for forming an interior collection bag compartment for collection of debris within said interior collection bag compartment of said individual disposable collection bag.

2. A disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination in accordance with claim 1, wherein said dispensing housing system includes a plurality of holding sections each having a substantially triangular shape.

3. A disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination in accordance with claim 2, wherein each of said holding sections include a top wall, a bottom wall, side walls for forming an interior well opening for receiving said stack of said plurality of disposable tablecloths at each of said holding sections.

4. A disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination in accordance with claim 3, wherein each of said bottom surfaces having attachment means thereon for attachment to a table, counter top or other planar surfaces.

5. A disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination in accordance with claim 4, wherein said attachment means include an adhesive layer, sliding clips, side clip members, a self-sticking glue layer, Velcro™ strips, buckles or other attachment devices for attachment to said holding corners.

6. A disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said disposable tablecloths includes a single ply of plastic material.

7. A disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said disposable tablecloths includes a single ply of coated paper material.

8. A disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said disposable tablecloths includes a two-ply combination of paper and plastic material being integrally formed together.

9. A disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination in accordance with claim 1, wherein said continuous cinching tie member is selected from the group consisting of plastic ribbon material, fiber ribbon material, cotton string, plastic string, hemp cord, flexible plastic wire, and flexible metal wire.

10. A disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination in accordance with claim 1, wherein said tablecloth has a geometric shape selected from the group consisting of a square, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a circle, an oval, a triangle, and other geometric shapes.

11. A disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination in accordance with claim 1, wherein said disposable tablecloth has a contoured wall edge for use as a serving platter.

12. A disposable covering and collection bag combination that allows each of said disposable coverings to become an individual disposable collection bag for disposing of any debris, garbage and refuse collected on said covering after use, comprising:

a) a dispensing housing system containing a plurality of stacked disposable coverings for individually dispensing one of said plurality of disposable coverings at a time;

b) said disposable covering including a top planar surface, a bottom planar surface, and folded perimeter edges for forming a plurality of cinching channels for receiving a continuous cinching tie member extending therethrough;

c) two of said adjacent folded perimeter edges for forming a cinching section for allowing said continuous cinching tie members to be pulled through said cinching section after use; and

d) said individual disposable collection bag being formed when a user pulls said continuous cinching tie member at each of said cinching sections for forming an interior collection bag compartment for collection of debris within said interior collection bag compartment of said individual disposable collection bag.

13. A disposable covering and collection bag combination in accordance with claim 12, wherein said dispensing housing system includes a plurality of holding sections each having a substantially triangular shape.

14. A disposable covering and collection bag combination in accordance with claim 12, wherein said disposable covering is made of material selected from the group consisting of a single ply of plastic material, a single ply of coated paper material and a two-ply combination of paper and plastic material being integrally formed together.

15. A disposable tablecloth and collection bag combination in accordance with claim 12, wherein said continuous cinching tie member is selected from the group consisting of plastic ribbon material, fiber ribbon material, cotton string, plastic string, hemp cord, flexible plastic wire, and flexible metal wire.

16. A disposable table covering and collection bag combination in accordance with claim 12, wherein said covering has a geometric shape selected from the group consisting of a square, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a triangle, an oval, a circle and other geometric shapes.

17. A disposable placemat size table covering and collection bag combination that allows each of said disposable table coverings to become an individual disposable collection bag for disposing of any debris, garbage and refuse collected on said table covering after a meal is finished, comprising:

a) a dispensing housing system containing a plurality of stacked disposable placemat size table coverings for individually dispensing one of said plurality of disposable table coverings at a time;

b) said disposable placemat size table covering including a top planar surface, a bottom planar surface, and folded perimeter edges for forming a plurality of cinching channels for receiving a continuous cinching tie member extending through said channels;

c) two of said adjacent folded perimeter edges for forming a cinching section for allowing said continuous cinching tie member to be pulled through said cinching section when the meal is finished; and

d) said individual disposable collection bag being formed when a user pulls said continuous cinching tie member at each of said cinching section for forming an interior collection bag compartment for collection of debris within said interior collection bag compartment of said individual disposable collection bag.

18. A disposable table covering and collection bag combination in accordance with claim 17, wherein said dispensing housing system includes a plurality of holding sections, wherein each of said holding sections includes a top wall, a bottom wall, side walls for forming an interior well opening for receiving said stack of said plurality of disposable table coverings at each of said holding sections.

19. A disposable table covering and collection bag combination in accordance with claim 17, wherein said disposable table covering is made of material selected from the group consisting of a single ply of plastic material, a single ply of coated paper material and a two-ply combination of paper and plastic material being integrally formed together.

20. A disposable table covering and collection bag combination in accordance with claim 17, wherein said table covering has a geometric shape selected from the group consisting of a square, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a triangle, an oval a circle and other geometric shapes.