Table covering

Abstract

A table covering device is provided. Such table covering device includes a table covering member manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size. Such table covering member has at least one aperture disposed therethrough at a predetermined location. Such aperture is a second predetermined size and has a second predetermined shape. A reinforcement means is disposed closely adjacent a perimeter around such at least one aperture.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/963,818 filed Aug. 7, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to table coverings and, more particularly, this invention relates to table coverings for patio tables having an opening therein for receiving an umbrella pole.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior to the conception and development of the present invention, table coverings, as are generally well known in the prior art, have been table cloths which cover the entire expanse of a table. However, there exist tables, especially tables adapted for use outdoors, which include an opening therein for receiving a pole of an umbrella. Since the typical table cloth or covering is not adapted to receive such umbrella pole, persons are limited to either not using a table covering on such tables or cutting an unsightly hole in a typical table cloth. The former may result in stains, scratches, and marring to the table, and the latter to an unsightly and ugly table covering and even ruination of such table cloth.

Specifically of interest to the present invention are the following: Holzrichter, U.S. Design Patent No. D338,364 dicloses the ornamental design for a patio table cloth.

Kesh, U.S. Pat. No. 3,279,515, discloses a table cloth for use on an outdoor table which is made of plastic and includes straps for securing such table cloth to such table. Such table cloth may be modified for use with an umbrella table.

Willett, U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,935, discloses an all weather outdoor table cover having a tablecloth for placement on a table and straps attached at the tablecloth perimeter to provide for securing to the table top. The tablecloth may include a split for placement around the pole of an umbrella.

Muller, U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,115 discloses a cover for an umbrella table assembly which receives an umbrella pole therethrough. A portion of the cover associated with the pole is releasably secured to the pole and maintained in elevated position by the pole to provide a tent-like structure.

Muller, U.S. Pat. No. 5,694,866, discloses a cover for an umbrella table assembly which receives an umbrella pole therethrough. A portion of the cover associated with the pole is releasably secured to the pole and maintained in elevated position by the pole to provide a tent-like structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a table covering device. Such table covering device includes a table covering member manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size. Such table covering member has at least one aperture disposed therethrough at a predetermined location. Such aperture is a second predetermined size and has a second predetermined shape. A reinforcement means is disposed closely adjacent a perimeter around such at least one aperture.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a table covering device for use with a table capable of receiving a pole of an umbrella, such as a patio table.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a table covering which includes a grommet encircled aperture at a predetermined location thereon through which an umbrella pole may be disposed.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a table covering device which has a finished and aesthetically pleasing look and is suitable for use on any table.

In addition to the various objects and advantages of the present invention described with some degree of specificity above it should be obvious that additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description of the invention, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention in which the device includes a removable grommet type member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.

Reference is now made, more particularly, to FIGS. 1-3.

A table covering device, generally designated 10, is provided. Such table covering device is particularly suited for use with a table 24 having an umbrella pole 11 removably disposable therethrough.

Such table covering device 10 includes a table covering member 12 manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size.

It is presently preferred that such first predetermined material is at least one of plastic, vinyl, fabric, and a combination thereof. It is meant that such table covering member 12 may be manufactured from any type of material which reasonably facilitates such a purpose. Plastic or vinyl with a cloth backing may be used. Such table covering member 12 may also be made in a variety of colors and styles to match various decor and may be formal or informal in appearance.

It is presently preferred that such first predetermined shape is at least one of a circle, a square, a rectangle, and an oval. However, such first predetermined shape is not meant to be limited as such and may also include stylistic details such as scalloped edges and the like to add aesthetically pleasing detail to such device 10.

Such table covering member 12 has at least one aperture 14 disposed therethrough at a predetermined location. It is presently preferred that such predetermined location is a center location on such table covering member 12.

Such aperture 14 is a second predetermined size and has a second predetermined shape. It is presently preferred that such second predetermined shape is at least one of a circle, a square, a rectangle and an oval. It is presently most preferred that such second predetermined shape is a circle. It is further presently preferred that such circle has a diameter of between about 2.25 inches and about 3.25 inches.

A reinforcement means 16 is disposed closely adjacent a perimeter around such at least one aperture 14.

It is presently preferred that such reinforcement means 16 is at least one of stitching, sewing, elastic, a grommet type member, and a combination thereof. It is presently most preferred that such reinforcement means 16 is a grommet type member 18.

It is presently preferred that such grommet type member 18 is at least one of plastic, metal, and a combination thereof. It is presently most preferred that such grommet type member 18 is metal.

It is contemplated that such grommet type member 18 may be permanently attached to such table covering member 12. However, the device is not meant to be limited as such and such grommet type member 18 may be a removable, as illustrated in FIG. 3, such that such grommet type member 18 may fit within such aperture 14 and be removed therefrom as desired.

It is presently preferred that such table covering device 10 further includes an anchoring means 22 for anchoring such table covering device 10 when such table covering device 10 has been placed on a table 24.

It is further presently preferred that such anchoring means 22 includes at least one weighted member 26 at least one of disposed on and within such table covering device 12 at a predetermined location thereon.

It is presently preferred that such weighted member 26 is a grommet type member 18 disposed around such at least one aperture 14.

According to another embodiment such anchoring means 22 is a plurality of weighted members 28 disposed at least one of on and within such table covering device 10 at predetermined locations around an outer perimeter of such table covering member 12 to prevent wind from substantially moving such table covering device 10. For example, such weighted members 28 may simply be disposed on either side of such table covering member 12, or even sewn into a hem of such table covering member 12 such that such weighted members 28 are not visible.

While a presently preferred and various alternative embodiments of the present invention have been described in sufficient detail above to enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the same it should be obvious that various other adaptations and modifications can be envisioned by those persons skilled in such art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A table covering device comprising:

a. a table covering member manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size, said table covering member having at least one aperture disposed therethrough at a predetermined location, said aperture being a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape; and

b. a reinforcement means disposed closely adjacent a perimeter around said at least one aperture.

2. A table covering device according to claim 1 wherein said reinforcement means is at least one of stitching, sewing, elastic, a grommet type reinforcement means, and a combination thereof.

3. A table covering device according to claim 2 wherein said reinforcement means is a grommet type reinforcement means.

4. A table covering device according to claim 3 wherein said grommet type member is at least one of plastic, metal, and a combination thereof.

5. A table covering device according to claim 4 wherein said grommet type member is metal.

6. A table covering device according to claim 1 wherein said first predetermined material is at least one of plastic, vinyl, fabric, and a combination thereof.

7. A table covering device according to claim 1 wherein said first predetermined shape is at least one of a circle, a square, a rectangle, and an oval.

8. A table covering device according to claim 1 wherein said second predetermined shape is at least one of a circle, a square, a rectangle and an oval.

9. A table covering device according to claim 8 wherein said second predetermined shape is a circle.

10. A table covering device according to claim 9 wherein said circle has a diameter of between about 2.25 inches and about 3.25 inches.

11. A table covering device according to claim 1 wherein said table covering device further includes an anchoring means for anchoring said table covering device when said table covering device has been placed on a table.

12. A table covering device according to claim 11 wherein said anchoring means includes at least one weighted member at least one of disposed on and within said table covering device at a predetermined location thereon.

13. A table covering device according to claim 12 wherein said weighted member is a grommet type member disposed around said at least one aperture.

14. A table covering device according to claim 11 wherein said anchoring means is a plurality of weighted members disposed at least one of on and within said table covering device at predetermined locations around an outer perimeter of said table covering device to prevent wind from substantially moving said table covering device.