ADJUSTABLE COVER FOR FURNITURE AND VEHICLES

Abstract

A cover device for an article of furniture or vehicle component comprises: (i) a panel that is placed on top of the furniture or vehicle component; (ii) a first series of bands attached to the underside of the panel along one edge; and (iii) a second series of bands attached to the underside of the panel along the opposite edge. Each band includes a medial end attached to the panel and a distal end attached to a fastening member. The first series of bands is complementary to the second series of bands, and they inter-engage with one another via the fastening members to secure the cover device in place. The first and second series of bands are each comprised of an equal plurality of bands, but in alternate embodiments, the cover device may comprise of only a first band and a second band that inter-engage to secure the cover device.

Description

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of provisional application Ser. No. 61/603,343, filed Feb. 26, 2012, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to accessories for furniture and vehicles. More specifically, the present invention relates to an adjustable cover device that is attached to the surface of an article of furniture or vehicle component.

BACKGROUND

Coverings are necessary to protect various furniture surfaces such as desks, workbenches, and tables from debris and damage during art and craft projects, construction projects, or everyday use. Coverings may also enhance the décor of various festivities such as birthdays, picnics, and dinner parties. The coverings are made of various materials such as cotton and linen fabrics of various patterns and colors. However, such coverings are generally designed for use only on tables as they are made in generic and limited sizes that can only be adjusted for different sized surfaces by folding, taping, or clipping the excess material to suit the size, which may be time consuming and displeasing to the eye.

When used outdoors, these coverings are not well suited to maintain their purpose in winds and other environmental conditions. To keep these coverings affixed to a surface, many different techniques have been employed. For instance, the covering can be secured by placing heavy rocks, weights, or other items on the surface to weigh the covering down. This method is unfavorable because it takes up valuable surface area and is not aesthetically pleasing. The use of weights has also been used in a fashion to maintain the use of the full furniture surface by sewing or clipping the weights on the ends of the covering. This method may not be fully effective if the weight is not sufficiently heavy. This method may also be unsightly or may cause discomfort for users sitting at the table if the weights stitched in or hanging from the cloth rest against the users' legs or other areas of the body.

Various styles of plastic or metal clips that take up less surface area have been fashioned to clip the covering to the surface, but these too can still interfere with full use of the surface and alter the aesthetics when used as part of the décor. In an attempt to make full use of the surface, adhesive methods, such as tape, have also been employed to secure the covering to the furniture surface. But this can be very cumbersome to apply as it may require the user to crawl underneath the article of furniture and is only a temporary solution that may ultimately damage the material of the covering preventing reuse. Additionally, adhesives may not be aesthetically pleasing if they are not able to blend in with the color or design of the covering.

Most of the devices presently used do not allow for multiple uses on a variety of surfaces without time consuming, difficult or unsightly methods of adapting the covering to maintain its function and/or versatility. For instance, a teacher may want to protect a variety of desks and work tables during art projects or school events; a company may desire that its conference table be adorned and used as a serving table for a holiday party; a tradesman may desire that a workbench or worktable also function as a suitable and clean eating surface; sports fans may desire that their tailgate function as an eating and/or serving surface; or campers may need to use the surface of a vehicle such as the tailgate, the hood, or the top of a vehicle as a clean surface for food preparation, eating, packing, storage, or for any other use. There is no universal or adjustable cover device that can satisfy the foregoing needs and accommodate a variety of furniture and vehicle surfaces. The coverings presenting on the market cannot accommodate a variety of articles of furniture, and they cannot accommodate vehicle components.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a multifunctional, adjustable, versatile, universal, reusable device that allows for the covering of a variety of surfaces, both indoors and outdoors, that offers full use and function of the surface area while staying firmly affixed to the surface with an attachment system that is easy to use and does not interfere with the aesthetics of the covering. A surface covering device that addresses all of the above-mentioned drawbacks in the art would provide the consumer a covering with a wider variety of uses than that of covering table surfaces. It would also be cost-effective since the user could easily adjust and reuse the covering on many different surfaces and are not limited by the generic sizing that ordinary coverings are limited to. Therefore, the consumer would not have to purchase multiple coverings to suit different sized articles of furniture or vehicle components. Other advantages of the present invention will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the ensuing description of the present invention.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to an adjustable cover device comprised of a sufficiently durable and malleable material to protect an article of furniture or vehicle component from debris and damage, while providing a clean useable surface area for the user. The cover device is constructed and designed to accommodate a variety of articles of furniture and vehicle components such as desks, tables, benches, tailgates, trunk covers, hoods, and hatchbacks and includes an adjustable and secure mechanism to prevent the cover from detaching from the article of furniture or vehicle component to which the cover is attached. The present invention is multifunctional, versatile, interchangeable, reusable, and simple to use while being decorative and aesthetically pleasing.

To achieve the foregoing and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention, the present invention is directed to a cover device for a piece of furniture or vehicle component and generally comprises: (a) a panel, (b) at least one insert member attached to the underside of the panel, and (c) at least one receiving member that is attached to the underside of the panel at a position opposite the insert member. The panel is placed on top of the furniture or vehicle component, and the insert member and the receiving member (which are complementary to one another) are interlocked or inter-engaged underneath the article of furniture or vehicle component to thereby secure the cover device in place.

In one embodiment of the invention, a cover device for furniture and vehicle components is comprised of: (a) a panel, (b) a first band attached to the underside of the panel along one edge, (c) a second band attached to the underside of the panel opposite the first band, and (d) at least one fastening member attached to the first band and/or the second band. In some variations, the fastening members are comprised of an insert member and a receiving member. The first band is comprised of a medial end that is attached to the underside of the panel and a distal end that includes the insert member, which is adapted to interlock with the receiving member of the second band. The second band is comprised of a medial end that is attached to the underside of the panel opposite the first band and a distal end that includes a receiving member, which is adapted to interlock with the insert member of the first band. The panel is placed on top of the furniture or vehicle component, and the insert member and the receiving member are interlocked underneath the article of furniture or vehicle component to secure the cover device in place. The positioning of the insert member and/or receiving member may be adjusted to accommodate a variety of articles of furniture or vehicle components and allows the user to secure the cover device without having to crawl underneath the article of furniture or vehicle component.

In an additional embodiment of the invention, a cover device for furniture and vehicle components is comprised of: (a) a panel, (b) a first series of bands attached lengthwise to the underside of the panel along one edge, (c) a second series of bands attached lengthwise to the underside of the panel along the edge opposite the first series of bands, and (d) adjustable fastening members attached to the first series of bands and/or to the second series of bands. The first series of bands are attached to fastening members, which are complementary to the fastening members attached to the second series of bands, as the complementary fastening members interlock with one another to secure the cover device in place. The first series of bands and the second series of bands are each comprised of a plurality of bands. For example, the first series of bands and the second series of bands may each include two bands, three bands, four bands, and so on. Each individual band is comprised of a medial end that is attached to the underside of the panel and a distal end that includes a fastening member, which is adapted to interlock with the fastening member of the complementary band.

The series of bands and the second series of bands may each be attached to the underside of the panel linearly and symmetrically along opposite edges of the panel. For instance, in one variation of the invention, the first series of bands may be attached at some predetermined distance from the edge of the panel, and the second series of bands are attached at the opposite side of the panel proximately at the same predetermined distance its respective edge. Thus, in such variations, the medial ends of all of the bands (of both the first series and second series) are all attached equal-distantly from the edge of the panel and are thereby configured symmetrically in relation to the panel.

However, in alternate embodiments of the invention (as in some of the variations used for truck, sport utility vehicle, or station wagon tailgates and certain display tables), the first series of bands and the second series of bands are not configured at equal distances from the panel's edge. In some of these variations, the panel may have larger dimensions (e.g., the panel may be almost double in size from related embodiments), as the panel essentially includes an additional portion that decoratively hangs over when the cover device is secured to an article of furniture or vehicle component. For instance, the second series of bands may be attached at some predetermined distance from the edge of the panel, and the first series of bands are attached at the opposite side of the panel at a substantially longer distance from its respective edge of the panel (e.g. the first series of bands may be attached linearly at or near the center of the entire panel). The resulting configuration is the first series of bands are attached close to the center of the panel, and the second series of bands are attached closer to the edge of the panel. When such embodiments are used, the panel (i) covers and protects the surface of the furniture or vehicle component and (ii) provides a decorative portion that hangs over the furniture or vehicle component that is aesthetically pleasing and conceals unsightly items under the furniture or vehicle component.

The above description sets forth a summary of embodiments of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. There may be, of course, other features of the invention that will be described below and may form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in further detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, various features of embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a bottom view of a cover device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the cover device illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts top view of an individual band of the cover device illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts top view of an individual band of the cover device illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the cover device illustrated in FIG. 1 secured to an article of furniture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of a cover device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a bottom view of the cover device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts a top view of the cover device illustrated in FIG. 7 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the cover device illustrated in FIG. 7 secured to a truck tailgate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 depicts a front elevational view of the cover device illustrated in FIG. 7 secured to a truck tailgate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom view of the cover device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 depicts a bottom view of the cover device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 depicts a bottom view of the cover device illustrated in FIG. 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of the cover device illustrated in FIG. 12 secured to a truck tailgate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description of embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, certain embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Device Components

The present invention is directed to a cover device for a piece of furniture or vehicle component and generally comprises: (a) a panel, (b) at least one insert member attached to the underside of the panel, and (c) at least one receiving member that is attached to the underside of the panel at a position opposite the insert member. The panel is placed on top of the furniture or vehicle component, and the insert member and the receiving member (which are complementary to one another) are interlocked or inter-engaged underneath the article of furniture or vehicle component to thereby secure the cover device in place.

In one embodiment of the invention, a cover device for furniture and vehicle components is comprised of: (a) a panel, (b) a first series of bands attached to the underside of the panel along one edge, (c) a second series of bands attached to the underside of the panel along the edge opposite the first series of bands, and (d) fastening members attached to the first series of bands and/or to the second series of bands. The first series of bands is complementary to the second series of bands, and they inter-engage with one another via the fastening members to secure the cover device in place. The first series of bands and the second series of bands are each comprised of an equal plurality of bands. For example, depending on the embodiment of the invention, the first series of bands and the second series of bands may each include two bands, three bands, four bands, and so forth. However, alternate embodiments of the invention do not include a plurality of bands on each side of the panel. For instance, in an alternate embodiment, a cover device for furniture and vehicle components is comprised of: (a) a panel, (b) a first band attached to the underside of the panel along one edge, (c) a second band attached to the underside of the panel opposite the first band, and (d) at least one fastening member attached to the first band and/or the second band. In variations with multiple fastening members, the fastening members are comprised of an insert member and a receiving member. The first band comprises a medial end that is attached to the underside of the panel and a distal end that includes the insert member, which is adapted to interlock with the receiving member of the second band. The second band comprises a medial end that is attached to the underside of the panel opposite the first band and a distal end that includes a receiving member, which is adapted to interlock with the insert member of the first band.

Bands

In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1, 6, and 11 (all of which depict a bottom view of variations of the invention), the first series of bands and the second series of bands are each comprised of three bands. The first series of bands includes bands 110, 120, and 130, and the second series of bands includes bands 210, 220, and 230. Bands 110, 120, and 130 are complementary to and inter-engage with bands 210, 220, and 230, respectively, to secure panel 500 onto an article of furniture or vehicle component.

Each individual band includes (a) a medial end, which resides towards the center of panel 500, and is attached to the underside of panel 500, and (b) a distal end, which resides opposite the medal end and away from panel 500 and is attached to a fastening member. Each fastening member is comprised of either an insert member or a receiving member, both of which are adapted to inter-engage and to interlock with one another. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 6, and 11, the insert member are attached to the first series of bands 110, 120, and 130 and the receiving members are attached to the second series of bands 210, 220, and 230.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 6, and 11, the first series of bands is comprised of: (i) band 110 which includes a medial end 115 attached to panel 500 and a distal end 116 attached to insert member 410, (ii) band 120 which includes a medial end 125 attached to panel 500 and a distal end 126 attached to insert member 420, and (iii) band 130 which includes a medial end 135 attached to panel 500 and a distal end 136 attached to insert member 430. The second series of bands is comprised of: (i) band 210 which includes a medial end 215 attached to panel 500 and a distal end 216 attached to receiving member 412, (ii) band 220 which includes a medial end 225 attached to panel 500 and a distal end 226 attached to receiving member 422, and (iii) band 230 which includes a medial end 235 attached to panel 500 and a distal end 236 attached to receiving member 432.

FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the cover device of the present invention and illustrates how bands 110, 120, 130, 210, 220, and 230 are partially recessed beneath panel 500 (when viewing the device from the top view) since bands 110, 120, 130, 210, 220, and 230 are all attached on the underside of panel 500 (instead of being attached to the very edge of panel 500.

The attachment of bands 110, 120, 130, 210, 220, and 230 to the underside of panel 500 allows a more secure attachment to panel 500 since bands 110, 120, 130, 210, 220, and 230 are attached to panel 500 at a sufficient surface area of attachment. Any known means in the art may be used to attach bands 110, 120, 130, 210, 220, and 230 to the underside of panel 500 such as glue, rivets, and/or stitching. For example, in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 3-4, bands 130 and 230 are stitched or sewn onto the underside of panel 500. The sufficient surface area of attachment of bands 110, 120, 130, 210, 220, and 230 to panel 500 allows any variety of reinforcement-type stitching patterns (such an “X” stitching pattern) to ensure that bands 110, 120, 130, 210, 220, and 230 remain secured to the underside of panel 500 during various applications and environmental conditions.

FIGS. 3 and 4 depicts a top view of complementary bands 130 and 230. Referring to FIG. 3, band 230 is comprised of (i) medial end 235 (not shown) attached on the underside of panel 500 at some designated distance from the edge of panel 500 and (ii) distal end 236 to which receiving member 432 is attached. Referring to FIG. 4, band 130 is comprised of (i) medial end 135 (not shown) attached on the underside of panel 500 at some designated distance from the edge of panel 500 and (ii) distal end 136 to which insert member 430 is attached.

Bands 110, 120, 130, 210, 220, and 230 as well as any other bands in the other embodiments of the invention may be made of any suitable durable material known in art such as webbing comprised of nylon, polypropylene, polyester, cotton, or combinations thereof.

Band Configurations

The band configurations of the present invention may vary depending on the size and/or shape of panel 500 and/or the application for which the cover device will be used. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6, the series of bands (i.e., 110, 120, and 130) and the second series of bands (i.e., 210, 220, and 230) may each be attached to the underside of panel 500 linearly and symmetrically along opposite edges of panel 500. In this embodiment of the invention, bands 110, 120, and 130 are attached at some predetermined distance from the edge of panel 500; and bands 210, 220, and 230 are attached at the opposite side of panel 500 proximately at the same predetermined distance at which bands 110, 120, and 130 are positioned from its respective edge of panel 500. Thus, in such variations, medial ends 115, 125, 135, 215, 225, and 235 are all attached about equal-distantly from the respective edges of panel 500 and are thereby configured symmetrically in relation to panel 500.

As shown in FIGS. 11-14, in alternate embodiments of the invention (as in some of the variations used for truck tailgates and certain display tables), the first series of bands (i.e., 110, 120, and 130) and the second series of bands (i.e., 210, 220, and 230) are not configured at equal distances from their respective edges of panel 500. In some of these variations, the panel may have larger dimensions (e.g., the panel may be almost double in size from related embodiments), and the panel includes an additional portion 570 that decoratively hangs over when the cover device is secured to an article of furniture or vehicle component (see FIG. 14). In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIGS. 11-14, bands 210, 220, and 230 are attached at some predetermined distance from the edge of panel 500, and bands 110, 120, and 130 are attached at the opposite side of panel 500 at a substantially longer distance from the edge of panel 500. As illustrated in FIGS. 11-13, bands 110, 120, and 130 are attached at their respective medial ends 115, 125, and 135 at or near the horizontal midline of panel 500. The overall resulting configuration is that bands 110, 120, and 130 are attached at or near the horizontal midline of panel 500, and bands 210, 220, and 230 are attached closer to the edge of panel 500. Such embodiments allow panel 500 to not only cover and protect the surface of the furniture or vehicle component, but also provides decorative portion 570 that hangs over the furniture or vehicle component, which is aesthetically pleasing, may bear any form of indicia (e.g., product or promotional information when used on tables or directional signage if used on vehicle component), and can conceal unsightly items under the furniture or vehicle component.

Fastening Members

As discussed above, each fastening member is comprised of an insert member and a receiving member. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, 6, and 11, insert members 410, 420, and 430 are attached to bands 110, 120, and 130 respectively; and receiving members 412, 422, and 432 are attached to bands 210, 220, and 230 respectively. Insert members 410, 420, and 430 are adapted to be inserted into and to inter-lock with receiving members 412, 422, and 432.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, insert member 430 is inserted into receiving member 432 to secure the device in place. This embodiment utilizes a side release fastening mechanism wherein insert member 430 acts as the male component, and receiving member 432 acts as the female component of the side release mechanism. In alternate embodiments, other fastening mechanisms may be used such as center release buckles, various loops through which the distal end of the opposing band may be threaded through, or cam buckles. A cam buckle may be ideal in embodiments of the invention where the band is being threaded through tight spots such as with the embodiments used for truck, sport utility vehicle, or station wagon tailgates since the space between the tailgate and bumper is often tight (see e.g., FIGS. 9 and 14). In such variations, the distal end of the band would essentially function as the insert member (as the distal end of the band can easily fit through tight spaces as opposed to a distal end to which a side release component or buckle is attached), and the cam buckle would function as the receiving member.

Additionally, the positions of the fastening members are adjustable which allows the present invention to be used with a variety of articles of furniture and vehicle components. For instance, as shown in FIG. 4, the position of insert member 430 within band 130 is adjustable via a slide or loop structure. This allows the device of the invention to fit a variety of articles of furniture and vehicle components. In other variations, structures such as slides and/or loops may be used to allow adjustment of the positioning of the insert members and/or the receiving members. FIGS. 7, 8 and 12 depict the position of insert members 410, 420, and 430 adjusted to be further from distal ends 116, 126, and 136 of respective bands 110, 120, and 130. The adjustability of the fastening members and the positioning of the receiving members and/or inserting members allows the user to secure the cover device of the present invention without having to get underneath the article of furniture or vehicle component.

In the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-4, 6, and 11, insert members 410, 420, and 430 are attached to bands 110, 120, and 130 respectively, and receiving members 412, 422, and 432 are attached to bands 210, 220, and 230 respectively. However, the configuration of fastening members 410, 420, 430, 412, 422, and 432 is not limited to any one configuration throughout panel 500. For example, in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 7 and 12, insert members 410, 420, and 430 are attached to bands 210, 220, and 230 respectively, and receiving members 412, 422, and 432 are attached to bands 110, 120, and 130. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 12, insert members 410, 420, and 430 are comprised of distal ends 216, 226, and 236 respectively, since distal ends 216, 226, and 236 are inserted into receiving members 412, 422, and 432 respectively. Receiving members 412, 422, and 432 are comprised of cam buckles. Thus, distal ends 216, 226, and 236 (of bands 210, 220, and 230) essentially function as insert members 410, 420, and 430 respectively, and the cam buckle essentially function as receiving members 412, 422, and 432. Such variations of the invention are ideal for applications involving tight places such as those found in vehicles since distal ends 216, 226, and 236 can easily fit and be threaded through tight cracks such as those found around tailgates, the edge of truck bed, bumpers, and trunk covers.

Panel

As depicted in FIGS. 5, 9, 10, and 14, panel 500 is attached onto an article of furniture or vehicle component, thereby providing a nice flat and usable surface for the user while protecting the surface of the furniture or vehicle component from debris, scratches, and other damage. When placing panel 500 onto a piece of furniture or vehicle component, bands 110, 120, 130 inter-engage respectively with bands 210, 220, and 230 underneath panel 500 (see e.g., FIG. 10 which illustrates a front elevational view of the cover device secured onto a tailgate and the positioning of bands 210, 220, and 230 underneath panel 500).

As shown in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-14, panel 500 is rectangular in shape However, in other variations of the invention, panel 500 may be comprised of other shapes such as square, trapezoid, parallelogram, rhombus, circular, semicircular, oval, oblong, other round shapes, or contain combinations and/or portions thereof. For example, in alternate variations of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-4, panel 500 may be comprised of an overall square shape.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-14, panel 500 further includes portion 570, which is also rectangular in shape. In alternate variations of the invention, portion 570 may be comprised of another shape, as for example a semicircular shape. When the cover device is secured to an article of furniture or vehicle component, portion 570 decoratively hangs over said furniture or vehicle component. When such embodiments are used, the panel not only covers the surface of the furniture or vehicle component, but it provides a decorative banner-like portion that is aesthetically pleasing and can be used to conceal unsightly items under the furniture or vehicle component. For instance, FIG. 14 depicts panel 500 secured onto a tailgate of a truck, and portion 570 decoratively hanging in front of and below the tailgate. This embodiment of the invention may also be used for display or demonstration tables such as those used for conventions, seminars, retail purposes, or educational facilities. In such applications, panel 500 would simply be placed on top of a display table, and portion 570 would decoratively hang in front of the table.

Panel 500 may be comprised of a variety of shapes, sizes, and dimensions for various applications. Panel 500 may be made of any sufficiently durable and malleable material to protect an article of furniture or vehicle component from debris and damage, while providing a clean, flush useable surface area for the user. Suitable materials include various textiles, plastics, vinyls (e.g., PVC or PEVA), and combinations thereof. Moreover, panel 500 may be adorned with any color, print and design and may include, for example, a variety of logos, designations, and indicia for any sports team, school, company, product, service, political affiliation, country flag, or for any type of promotional purposes. Panel 500 may also include additional aesthetic features such as various finishes, coatings, trims, and other adornments as well as other utilitarian features such as various padding, linings, and non-slip elements (e.g., rubber material on the underside of panel 500) to provide sufficient frictional properties that would further secure the device and protect the article of furniture or vehicle component.

EXAMPLES

In the foregoing description of embodiments of the invention, reference was made to the accompanying figures, which form a part of this application. The figures show, by way of illustration, certain embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other variations are possible and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. A variety of embodiments are possible wherein each embodiment includes a different combination of the different aspects and elements of the present invention.

For example, in one embodiment, a cover device for an article of furniture or a vehicle includes (a) a panel that is rectangular in shape; (b) a first band comprised of a first band medial end attached to the underside of the panel and a first band distal end; (c) a second band comprised of a second band medial end attached to the underside of the panel opposite the first band medial end and a second band distal end; and (d) at least one fastening member that adjoins the first band to the second band to secure the cover device. The fastening member may be comprised of an insert member located at the first band distal end wherein the position of the insert member is adjustable and a receiving member located at the second band distal end wherein the insert member is adapted to interlock with the receiving member. For instance, the insert member may comprise a male component of a side release buckle system and the receiving member may comprise a female component of the side release buckle system. In another variation, the fastening member is comprised of a cam buckle attached to the second band distal end, and the first band distal end is inserted through the cam buckle to secure the cover device onto a an article of furniture (e.g., desk, table, workbench, or a seating bench) or a vehicle component (e.g., a tailgate of a truck, sport utility vehicle, or station wagon).

In another variation of the above-described example, the cover device may further include: (e) a third band positioned parallel to the first band and comprised of a third band medial end attached to the underside of the panel and a third band distal end; (f) a fourth band positioned parallel to the second band and comprised of a fourth band medial end attached to the underside of the panel opposite the third band medial end and a fourth band distal end; (g) a fifth band positioned parallel to the third band and comprised of a fifth band medial end attached to the underside of the panel and a fifth band distal end; and (h) a sixth band positioned parallel to the fourth band and comprised of a sixth band medial end attached to the underside of the panel opposite the fifth band medial end and a sixth band distal end. In such variations, the fastening members may include: (i) a first insert member located at the first band distal end wherein the position of the first inset member is adjustable, (ii) a first receiving member located at the second band distal end wherein the first insert member is adapted to interlock with the first receiving member, (iii) a second insert member located at the third band distal end wherein the position of the second insert member is adjustable, (iv) a second receiving member located at the fourth band distal end wherein the second insert member is adapted to interlock with the second receiving member, (v) a third insert member located at the fifth band distal end wherein the position of the third insert member is adjustable, and (vi) a third receiving member located at the sixth band distal end wherein the third insert member is adapted to interlock with the third receiving member.

In another example, an alternate embodiment of the invention is directed to a cover device for an article of furniture or a vehicle tailgate that comprises: (a) a panel; (b) a first series of bands comprised of (i) a first band including a first band medial end attached to the underside of the panel and a first band distal end, (ii) a third band including a third band medial end attached to the underside of the panel and a third band distal end wherein the third band is parallel to the first band; (c) a second series of bands comprised of (i) a second band including a second band medial end attached to the underside of the panel opposite the first band medial end and a second band distal end and, (ii) a fourth band including a fourth band medial end attached to the underside of the panel opposite the third band medial end and a fourth band distal end wherein the fourth band is parallel to the second band; and (d) a plurality of fastening members comprised of (i) a first insert member located at the first band distal end, (ii) a first receiving member located at the second band distal end wherein the first insert member is adapted to interlock with the first receiving member, (iii) a second insert member located at the third band distal end, and (iv) a second receiving member located at the fourth band distal end wherein the second insert member is adapted to interlock with the second receiving member. In such embodiments, the first insert member and the second insert member may each be comprised of a male component of a side release buckle system, and the first receiving member and the second receiving member may each be comprised of a female component of the side release buckle system. Alternatively, the first insert member is comprised of the first band distal end, the first receiving member is comprised of a first cam buckle, the second insert member is comprised of the third band distal end, and the second receiving member is comprised of a second cam buckle. The first series of bands is positioned lengthwise along one edge of the panel, and the second series of bands is positioned lengthwise along the opposite edge of the panel. The first series of bands and the second series of bands may be positioned symmetrically within the panel, or the first series of bands may be positioned closer to the horizontal midline of the panel than the second series of bands (which allows a portion of the panel to hang over the furniture or tailgate to which the cover device is attached.

In other variations of the foregoing embodiment, the first series of bands further comprises a fifth band including a fifth band medial end attached to the underside of the panel and a fifth band distal end wherein the fifth band is parallel to the third band; the second series of bands further comprises a sixth band including a sixth band medial end attached to the underside of the panel opposite the fifth band medial end and a sixth band distal end wherein the sixth band is parallel to the fourth band; and the plurality of fastening members further comprises a third insert member located at the fifth band distal end, and a third receiving member located at the sixth band distal end wherein the third insert member is adapted to interlock with the third receiving member.

In a further example, a cover device for a vehicle tailgates is comprised of: a panel, first series of bands, and second series of bands as described and configured in the preceding embodiment, but in variations of the cover device that include four bands, the plurality of fastening members is comprised of a first receiving member attached to the first band distal end, and a second receiving member attached to the third band distal end. The first receiving member is comprised of a first cam buckle and the second band distal end is inserted through the first cam buckle to adjoin the first band to the second band, and the second receiving member is comprised of a second cam buckle and the fourth band distal end is inserted through the second cam buckle to adjoin the third band to the fourth band. Similarly, in variations of the cover device that include six bands, the plurality of fastening members further includes a third receiving member located at the fifth band distal end. Thus, in these variations, the first receiving member is comprised of a first cam buckle and the second band distal end is inserted through the first cam buckle to adjoin the first band to the second band; the second receiving member is comprised of a second cam buckle and the fourth band distal end is inserted through the second cam buckle to adjoin the third band to the fourth band; and the third receiving member is comprised of a third cam buckle and the sixth band distal end is inserted through the third cam buckle to adjoin the fifth band to the sixth band.

Although the present invention has been described above in considerable detail with reference to certain versions thereof, other versions are possible. The components of the invention may be of any suitable shape, dimensions, and/or configuration and may even be customized to accommodate a particular application or type of furniture, fixture, and/or vehicle component; may further include structures not described hereinabove; and may be positioned at alternate suitable locations within the device without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The attached figures depicting various embodiments of the invention are primarily intended to convey the basic principles embodied in the present invention. Thus, the present invention may further include additional structures and features not illustrated in the figures.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A cover device for an article of furniture or a vehicle comprising:

a panel that is rectangular in shape;

a first band comprised of a first band medial end attached to the underside of the panel and a first band distal end;

a second band comprised of a second band medial end attached to the underside of the panel opposite the first band medial end and a second band distal end; and

at least one fastening member that adjoins the first band to the second band to secure the cover device.

2. The cover device of claim 1 wherein the at least one fastening member is comprised of (i) an insert member located at the first band distal end wherein the position of the insert member is adjustable and (ii) a receiving member located at the second band distal end wherein the insert member is adapted to interlock with the receiving member.

3. The cover device of claim 2 wherein the insert member is comprised of a male component of a side release buckle system and the receiving member is comprised of a female component of the side release buckle system.

4. The cover device of claim 1 wherein the at least one fastening member is comprised of a cam buckle attached to the second band distal end and the first band distal end is inserted through the cam buckle to secure the cover device.

5. The cover device of claim 1 further comprising

a third band positioned parallel to the first band and comprised of a third band medial end attached to the underside of the panel and a third band distal end;

a fourth band positioned parallel to the second band and comprised of a fourth band medial end attached to the underside of the panel opposite the third band medial end and a fourth band distal end;

a fifth band positioned parallel to the third band and comprised of a fifth band medial end attached to the underside of the panel and a fifth band distal end; and

a sixth band positioned parallel to the fourth band and comprised of a sixth band medial end attached to the underside of the panel opposite the fifth band medial end and a sixth band distal end.

6. The cover device of claim 5 wherein the at least one fastening member is comprised of (i) a first insert member located at the first band distal end wherein the position of the first inset member is adjustable, (ii) a first receiving member located at the second band distal end wherein the first insert member is adapted to interlock with the first receiving member, (iii) a second insert member located at the third band distal end wherein the position of the second insert member is adjustable, (iv) a second receiving member located at the fourth band distal end wherein the second insert member is adapted to interlock with the second receiving member, (v) a third insert member located at the fifth band distal end wherein the position of the third insert member is adjustable, and (vi) a third receiving member located at the sixth band distal end wherein the third insert member is adapted to interlock with the third receiving member.

7. A cover device for an article of furniture or a vehicle tailgate comprising:

a panel;

a first series of bands comprised of a first band including a first band medial end attached to the underside of the panel and a first band distal end, a third band including a third band medial end attached to the underside of the panel and a third band distal end wherein the third band is parallel to the first band;

a second series of bands comprised of a second band including a second band medial end attached to the underside of the panel opposite the first band medial end and a second band distal end and, a fourth band including a fourth band medial end attached to the underside of the panel opposite the third band medial end and a fourth band distal end wherein the fourth band is parallel to the second band; and

a plurality of fastening members comprised of a first insert member located at the first band distal end, a first receiving member located at the second band distal end wherein the first insert member is adapted to interlock with the first receiving member, a second insert member located at the third band distal end, and a second receiving member located at the fourth band distal end wherein the second insert member is adapted to interlock with the second receiving member.

8. The cover device of claim 7 wherein the first insert member and the second insert member are each comprised of a male component of a side release buckle system, and the first receiving member and the second receiving member are each comprised of a female component of the side release buckle system.

9. The cover device of claim 7 wherein the first insert member is comprised of the first band distal end, the first receiving member is comprised of a first cam buckle, the second insert member is comprised of the third band distal end, and the second receiving member is comprised of a second cam buckle.

10. The cover device of claim 7 wherein

the first series of bands further comprises a fifth band including a fifth band medial end attached to the underside of the panel and a fifth band distal end wherein the fifth band is parallel to the third band;

the second series of bands further comprises a sixth band including a sixth band medial end attached to the underside of the panel opposite the fifth band medial end and a sixth band distal end wherein the sixth band is parallel to the fourth band; and

the plurality of fastening members further comprises a third insert member located at the fifth band distal end, and a third receiving member located at the sixth band distal end wherein the third insert member is adapted to interlock with the third receiving member.

11. The cover device of claim 7 wherein the first series of bands is positioned lengthwise along one edge of the panel and the second series of bands is positioned lengthwise along the opposite edge of the panel.

12. The cover device of claim 11 wherein the first series of bands and the second series of bands are positioned symmetrically within the panel.

13. The cover device of claim 11 wherein the first series of bands is positioned closer to the horizontal midline of the panel than the second series of bands.

14. A cover device for a vehicle tailgate comprising:

a panel that is rectangular in shape;

a first series of bands comprised of a first band including a first band medial end attached to the underside of the panel and a first band distal end, a third band including a third band medial end attached to the underside of the panel and a third band distal end wherein the third band is parallel to the first band;

a second series of bands comprised of a second band including a second band medial end attached to the underside of the panel opposite the first band medial end and a second band distal end and, a fourth band including a fourth band medial end attached to the underside of the panel opposite the third band medial end and a fourth band distal end wherein the fourth band is parallel to the second band; and

a plurality of fastening members comprised of a first receiving member attached to the first band distal end, and a second receiving member attached to the third band distal end.

15. The cover device of claim 14 wherein the first receiving member is comprised of a first cam buckle and the second band distal end is inserted through the first cam buckle to adjoin the first band to the second band, and the second receiving member is comprised of a second cam buckle and the fourth band distal end is inserted through the second cam buckle to adjoin the third band to the fourth band.

16. The cover device of claim 14 wherein the plurality of fastening members further comprises a first insert member located at the second band distal end wherein the first insert member is adapted to interlock with the first receiving member, and a second insert member located at the fourth band distal end wherein the second insert member is adapted to interlock with the second receiving member.

17. The cover device of claim 14 wherein

the first series of bands further comprises a fifth band including a fifth band medial end attached to the underside of the panel and a fifth band distal end wherein the fifth band is parallel to the third band;

the second series of bands further comprises a sixth band including a sixth band medial end attached to the underside of the panel opposite the fifth band medial end and a sixth band distal end wherein the sixth band is parallel to the fourth band; and

the plurality of fastening members further comprises a third receiving member located at the fifth band distal end.

18. The cover device of claim 17 wherein the first receiving member is comprised of a first cam buckle and the second band distal end is inserted through the first cam buckle to adjoin the first band to the second band, the second receiving member is comprised of a second cam buckle and the fourth band distal end is inserted through the second cam buckle to adjoin the third band to the fourth band, and the third receiving member is comprised of a third cam buckle and the sixth band distal end is inserted through the third cam buckle to adjoin the fifth band to the sixth band.

19. The cover device of claim 14 wherein the first series of bands is positioned lengthwise along one edge of the panel and the second series of bands is positioned lengthwise along the opposite edge of the panel, and the first series of bands and the second series of bands are positioned symmetrically within the panel.

20. The cover device of claim 14 wherein the first series of bands is positioned closer to the horizontal midline of the panel than the second series of bands and a portion of the panel hangs over the tailgate when the cover device is secured to the tailgate.