Disposable table and chair covers
Table covers and form-fitting chair covers preferably formed from a disposable, non-woven fabric are disclosed. The covers are pre-formed in a variety of shapes to fit a variety of table and chair types. Provisions may be made for adjusting the covers to fit to a particularly sized chair or table. The covers may be made from one or more pieces of non-woven material and pieced together by sewing or any other suitable fastening arrangement.
This application is a continuation in part of pending application Ser. No. 11/104,006 filed Apr. 12, 2005, which is a continuation in part of pending application Ser. No. 10/816,530 filed Apr. 1, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of furniture coverings and, more particularly, pertains to sanitary and decorative table and chair covers, and kits containing the same.
2. Description of the Background Art
Table and chair covers are often used to cover tables and chairs to protect them from dust, dirt, spills and the like. Also, it is common to cover tables and chairs with a cover that improves the aesthetic appearance of the table and chair. Table and chair covers are widely used in the hospitality industry such as at banquets, entertainment and special events. Table and chair covers are commonly constructed of cloth fabric material which can be removed and laundered. The expense in providing the cloth table and chair covers initially, and of transporting, laundering and storing such covers, has created a prohibitively expensive pricing for such covers such that many who would prefer to use covers at their special events do not. As a result, a significant demand goes unmet in the industry.
Nevertheless, the use of covers for tables and chairs is highly desirable, as tables and chairs which are used by a great many people become worn and unsanitary as time passes. Therefore, there is a need to employ table and seat coverings which do not suffer from the economic limitations referenced above.
The need exists, therefore, to provide affordable table and chair covers to limit users' contact with tables and chairs, to reduce wear and tear and the spread of germs and disease that may result from contact with the contaminated surfaces of the tables and chairs.
The need also exists to provide an inexpensive way to alter the appearance of furniture.
It is, therefore, a primary object of my invention to provide sanitary covers for banquet and/or folding tables and chairs and the like, which is made from an inexpensive, single-use material.
It is also an object of this invention to provide such covers which eliminate the need and expense of cleaning the tables and chairs due to the fact that the covers provide a barrier to the transmission of contaminants between the table and seat and the users.
It is a further object of my invention to provide a cover that may be easily replaced each time the table or chair is used for a different event.
Applicant's work in the catering field led to the further development of a catering kit and supplies, which include table covers and table skirts, made of the same non-woven material as the chair covers she invented. Similar to the issue encountered with the chair covers, the expense of purchasing cloth table covers and table skirts, initially, and of transporting, laundering and storing same has created a prohibitively expensive pricing such that many caterers who continue to use cloth table covers and skirts charge the function sponsor for their use, adding significantly (and in many cases, prohibitively) to the cost of an event. Due to this problem, an industry of suppliers and cleaners of just these products has arisen. In other words, the expense and effort required for individual caterers to maintain their own table linens is not justifiable and rental suppliers of these products have emerged.
There are many examples of plastic table covers in the prior art. U.S. Pat. App. Pub. 2004/0238087 to Ciapessoni teaches a disposable tablecloth that can be converted into a trash bag. No criticality of material is discussed by Ciapessoni and no disclosure of non-woven material is made. U.S. Pat. App. Pub. 2003/0031826 to Cleveland et al. teaches a laminated, waterproof table covering for outdoor use. Cleveland's table cover is disclosed to be preferably made of polyethylene laminate and is not disposable.
Although maintenance of plastic table covers is less expensive than the maintenance of cloth table covers, there are still many detriments to the use of plastic. For example, everyone is familiar with the “sticky feel” associated with plastic table covers. If a plastic cover is made of a lightweight material, it may not stay on the table or may cause other lightweight items located thereupon to spill. If the plastic cover is of heavy gauge material, it very often does not conform to the shape of the table. If used on a buffet, a heavy gauge plastic table cover may be caught or pulled by event attendees, resulting in spillage or the like. Many of the lightweight or heavy gauge plastic covers are not disposable, requiring caterers to lug them around. To date, no one has employed non-woven material in connection with table covers and/or skirts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONTo address these and other needs, the present invention provides a disposable sanitary table and seat cover fabricated from inexpensive, non-woven, disposable fabric readily adapted for a wide variety of tables and chairs, such as, for example but not by way of limitation, banquet tables, round tables, folding tables, banquet chairs and/or folding chairs.
The present invention also provides methods for adjusting the dimensions and contours of the pre-manufactured covers of this invention so that the covers fit over the tables and chairs snugly and neatly.
The covers are made of a non-woven fabric which is inexpensive and may, therefore, be discarded after use.
Caterers encounter a wide variety of table sizes and shapes. Therefore, the non-woven table covers and skirts of this invention, which may be offered in the form of a table-covering kit and include clips and other fastening structures for releasably affixing the cover and/or skirt to a table, provide one or more sheets of non-woven material, which optionally may be adjustable to a wide variety of table shapes and sizes by dashed or solid lines defining the terminal edges of a particular size cover or, alternatively, perforations or other easily-removable connection along which excess material may be removed. For example, the covers and skirts of the present invention may be made available for round, oblong, square, rectangular, or any shaped tables. Each kit may include one or more large sheets that either are pre-manufactured in a specific common table size or can be cut or torn along perforations to create a sheet of a smaller size, if necessary. Preferably, the printed pattern outlines, if used, are only visible on one side of the material, so that they are not visible to the guests. In an alternate embodiment, the table cover and skirt may not employ the aforementioned adjustability features.
Most caterers employ a drape or skirt (“skirt”) along the edge of the catering table for cosmetic and safety reasons. Such skirts conceal the space below the table, providing a desirable visual effect. The catering kit of the present invention includes one or more sheets that can be used as a skirt. Once again, the sheet can include printed lines or markings, perforations or other easily-removable connections so that the height of the skirt can be adjusted to fit the table, and, preferably, if printed markings are used, they are only visible on one side of the fabric.
The kit of the present invention includes one or more clips to secure a first sheet, the table cover, to the top of the table and to secure the second sheet, the skirt, along the edge of the table to cover the space below the table top. Once again, the kit can be prepared with certain tables in mind, such as banquet tables, polyethylene tables made by Lifetime Products, Inc., or even adjustable clips for tables of non-standard thickness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring now to the drawings,
An additional feature may (but need not necessarily) be employed to permit adjustment of the height of cover 10 relative to chair “C”. In connection with this additional feature, upper pocket 20 of cover 10 includes a front panel 25, a rear panel 26 and a flap 27 which is connected to lower pocket 22 and which is adapted to be folded over the top of seat back 4 and laid against rear panel 26 to form a natural height adjustment mechanism for cover 10. Flap 27 may be held in place against rear panel 26 by any suitable means, such as the hook and loop fastener strips 24, 28 attached to flaps 27 and 26, respectively.
It is to be appreciated that the adjustability feature embodied in flap 27 and fasteners 24, 28 constitutes an option which is not necessary for the realization of the benefits of the instant invention, which is simply a non-woven, form fitting chair cover.
Still in the alternative, as best seen in
The particular dimensions of cover 10 are not critical to the present invention. Cover 10 may be produced in a variety of different sizes to accommodate chairs of different configurations and dimensions.
Panels 12, 14 of cover 10 may be of a substantially planar material formed from a suitable non-woven fiber material or a composite or laminate thereof, which is widely used in the hygiene products industry. The term “non woven” material fabric refers generally to materials having a structure of individual fibers or threads that are interlaid, not necessarily in a regular, repetitive manner as in a knitted fabric. Non-wovens provide cloth-like aesthetics at a lower cost than typical knitted fabrics. Non-woven fabrics or webs may be formed from many processes such as, for example, meltblowing processes, spunbonding processes, hydroentangling processes, air laid processes, conforming processes, spunbonding/meltblowing/spunbonding processes and bonded carded web processes. These processes are all well known in the hygiene arts and non-woven materials are readily commercially available. For example, non-woven laminates have been available commercially for years from Kimberly Clark Corporation.
Cover 10 may be substantially liquid impermeable, or may be liquid-permeable, depending upon the application to which the cover will be put. Alternatively, cover 10 may be made from a material that exhibits elastic properties, as such materials are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,207,237 to Haffner discloses an elastic non-woven web or film manufactured from a thermo-plastic polymer. U.S. Pat. No. 6,096,668 discloses an elastic liquid impermeable laminate. U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,460 discloses a laminate material formed of an elastomeric polymer sheet and a non-woven fabric sheet. Other suitable elastic sheet materials are known to those skilled in the art.
In front panel 122′ of lower pocket 122, a slit 150 is employed as in the first embodiment to permit a user seated in the chair to tuck his or her legs up underneath the chair without tearing the cover 110.
As best seen in
It can be seen, therefore, the covers 10 and 110 of the first and second embodiments of my invention in the form of cover 110 fit easily and snugly about a standard folding-type chair to provide a protection cover for the chair as well as a beautiful ornamentation for an otherwise bland seating apparatus.
Referring now to
As depicted in
If necessary, because tables are created in a variety of sizes, the table cover 200, 400 may be made of one or more sheets of non-woven fabric which are to be joined together by sewing/stitching, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, hook and loop fastener, adhesive tapes, snaps, buttons, or any other suitable connection structure. In addition, and again because tables are created in a variety of sizes, table cover 200, 400 may optionally include a size reduction feature 201, 401 such as dashed or solid lines defining the terminal edges of a particular size cover or, alternatively, perforations or other easily-removable connection along which excess cover material may be removed. The size reduction feature 201, 401 is visible in
It will be appreciated that the size enlargement and size reduction features of the table cover 200, 400 are not mutually exclusive. For example, a table may require two rectangular table covers 200 to cover a large table top, but may also need to utilize one of the size reduction features along one length of the table.
The clips 210, 310, 410, shown independently in
In addition, and again because tables are created in a variety of sizes, table skirt 220, 420 may optionally include a size reduction feature 221, 421 such as dashed or solid lines defining the terminal edges of a particular size skirt or, alternatively, perforations or other easily-removable connection along which excess skirt material may be removed. Preferably, and as depicted in
The skirt 220, 420 may also be provided with one or more lengths of attachment material 222, 422. Similar to the attachment material 211, 311, 411 of the clips, 210, 310, 410, the attachment material 222, 422 of the skirt 220, 420 can include hook and loop fasteners, adhesive tapes, snaps, buttons, or any other suitable attachment material. As depicted in
In an alternate embodiment, it may be desirable to attach the skirt 220, 420 to the table or other objects by means other than a clip 210, 310, 410. For example, in creating a room of one theme, it may be necessary to place a skirt 220, 420 around a wooden stage, a portable or stationary bar, countertop, table or fixed structure (not shown). In that case, a supply of attachment material (not shown), such as hook and loop fastener, may be included with the kit. The caterer could simply attach the attachment material directly to the edge of the object and then removably attach the corresponding attachment material 222, 422 associated with the skirt 220, 420 to the attachment material connected to the edge of the object. In another example, the hostess may wish to display a beautiful table top without a table cover 200, 400. In that embodiment, the skirt 220, 420 can be attached directly to the table by attachment material (not shown) without the clip 210, 310, 410. Some non-limiting examples of suitable attachment material include hook and loop fasteners, adhesive tapes, snaps, and buttons.
To add to the visual appeal provided by the uniform display of the tables and chairs, the kit may also include one or more aprons 500, 600 made of the same non-woven material as depicted in
Preferably, a kit according to the present invention will include one or more adjustable table covers, one or more adjustable skirts, a plurality of clips, and one or more aprons. However, the inventor recognizes that each caterer's needs are distinct and may also provide the kit components in individual packaging. For example, a caterer may have a chosen color scheme for his/her display and may wish to pair a blue adjustable skirt with a white table cover. The caterer would be able to purchase either the white table cover or the blue skirt separately. In addition, the caterer may be working an outdoor event and require additional clips to add holding strength to the cover and/or skirt due to the weather.
A kit of the present invention may only include the table top and/or the table skirt and/or clips and/or any combination thereof. The components of the kit will be dictated by the needs of the consumer.
In addition, the present invention is not limited to use by caterers. Kits to be used at home could include birthday-themed table covers and skirts or even in simple decorative patterns for normal day-to-day decoration. This invention is perfect for the person who likes to frequently alter the appearance of their rooms because it is low-cost and disposable. Therefore, a person could alter the appearance of a room every week, if desired.
The invention has been shown and described herein in the form of preferred embodiments with alternative features. It is to be understood, however, that the scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments and additional features disclosed herein, and that the invention is intended to be limited only by the following claims.
Claims
1. A disposable catering-kit comprising:
- a first sheet of non-woven fabric sized and shaped to be draped over a table so as to cover at least a top surface of the table;
- at least two clips to hold the sheet to the table;
- a second sheet of non-woven fabric sized and shaped to be hung in a generally vertical orientation along the side edge of the table.
2. The disposable catering-kit of claim 1 wherein the first sheet of non-woven fabric is marked so as to indicate alternate borders for different table sizes and shapes.
3. The disposable catering-kit of claim 1 wherein the first sheet of non-woven fabric is perforated so as to provide alternate borders for different table sizes and shapes.
4. The disposable catering-kit of claim 1 wherein the second sheet of non-woven fabric is marked so as to indicate alternate borders for different table lengths.
5. The disposable catering-kit of claim 1 wherein the second sheet of non-woven fabric is perforated so as to provide alternate borders for different table lengths.
6. The disposable catering-kit of claim 1 wherein the at least two clips and the second sheet of non-woven fabric comprise attachment material to facilitate attachment of the second sheet along the edge of a table.
7. The disposable catering-kit of claim 6 wherein the attachment material is selected from the group consisting of hook and loop material, adhesive tapes, snaps, and buttons.
8. The disposable catering-kit of claim 1 further comprising an apron made of non-woven fabric.
9. A method of covering a table with the disposable catering kit of claim 1, the method comprising:
- placing the first sheet of non-woven material over a table;
- removably securing the first sheet to the table with the two or more clips;
- removably securing the second sheet along the edge of the table with the two or more clips.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the two or more clips and the second sheet comprise fastener material, the first sheet being secured to the table by the clip portion of the two or more clips and the second sheet being secured along the table by the fastener material of the two or more clips.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the fastener material is selected from the group consisting of hook and loop material, adhesive tapes, snaps, and buttons.
12. The method of claim 9 further comprising providing an apron of non-woven material.
13. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the first sheet, the adjustability feature including markings to indicate alternate table sizes and shapes, the first sheet being cut-able at the markings so as to provide table covers of appropriate size.
14. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the first sheet, the adjustability feature including perforations to indicate alternate table sizes and shapes, the first sheet being tear-able at the perforations so as to provide table covers of appropriate size.
15. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the second sheet, the adjustability feature including markings to indicate alternate table lengths, the second sheet being cut-able at the markings so as to provide table skirts of appropriate size.
16. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the second sheet, the adjustability feature including perforations to indicate alternate table lengths, the second sheet being tear-able at the perforations so as to provide table skirts of appropriate size.
17. A method of providing caterers with disposable sanitary table covers and skirts, comprising the steps of:
- providing a first sheet of non-woven material to cover a table top;
- providing a second sheet of non-woven material to connect along an edge of the table and hang in a generally vertical orientation therefrom; and
- providing two or more clips to hold the first and second sheets of non-woven material to the table.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the two or more clips and the second sheet comprise fastener material, the first sheet being secured to the table by the clip portion of the two or more clips and the second sheet being secured along the table by the fastener material of the two or more clips.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the fastener material is selected from the group consisting of hook and loop material, adhesive tapes, snaps, and buttons.
20. The method of claim 17 further comprising providing an apron of non-woven material.
21. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the first sheet, the adjustability feature including markings to indicate alternate table sizes and shapes, the first sheet being cut-able at the markings so as to provide table covers of appropriate size.
22. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the first sheet, the adjustability feature including perforations to indicate alternate table sizes and shapes, the first sheet being tear-able at the perforations so as to provide table covers of appropriate size.
23. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the second sheet, the adjustability feature including markings to indicate alternate table lengths, the second sheet being cut-able at the markings so as to provide table skirts of appropriate size.
24. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the second sheet, the adjustability feature including perforations to indicate alternate table lengths, the second sheet being tear-able at the perforations so as to provide table skirts of appropriate size.
25. A method of decorating a table with disposable sanitary table covers and skirts, comprising the steps of:
- placing a first sheet of non-woven material over a table;
- removably securing the first sheet to the table with two or more clips;
- removably securing a second sheet along the edge of the table with the two or more clips.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein the two or more clips and the second sheet comprise fastener material, the first sheet being secured to the table by the clip portion of the two or more clips and the second sheet being secured along the table by the fastener material of the two or more clips.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein the fastener material is selected from the group consisting of hook and loop material, adhesive tapes, snaps, and buttons.
28. The method of claim 25 further comprising providing an apron of non-woven material.
29. The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the first sheet, the adjustability feature including markings to indicate alternate table sizes and shapes, the first sheet being cut-able at the markings so as to provide table covers of appropriate size.
30. The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the first sheet, the adjustability feature including perforations to indicate alternate table sizes and shapes, the first sheet being tear-able at the perforations so as to provide table covers of appropriate size.
31. The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the second sheet, the adjustability feature including markings to indicate alternate table lengths, the second sheet being cut-able at the markings so as to provide table skirts of appropriate size.
32. The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the second sheet, the adjustability feature including perforations to indicate alternate table lengths, the second sheet being tear-able at the perforations so as to provide table skirts of appropriate size.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 19, 2005
Publication Date: Dec 15, 2005
Inventor: Victoria Paulin (Boynton Beach, FL)
Application Number: 11/208,168