Fitted tablecloth liner

Abstract

A fitted tablecloth liner is disclosed with an elastic strip sewn to the outside edge of said liner, allowing said liner to be applied over any table of standard size or shape and to fit snugly to any such table. Said tablecloth liner includes an orientation symbol on the underside which illustrates which side is the longer side to facilitate use when applying said tablecloth liner to differently shaped tables. Said fitted tablecloth liner allows a person to select and use a variety of tablecloths without concern that the tablecloth will slip out of the preferred position. Further, the tablecloth liner helps protect the table from stains and damage such as scratches.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of tablecloths and other protective and decorative table coverings. More particularly, this invention relates to a fitted tablecloth liner that is specially designed and sewn so that it fits snugly over a table so that when a tablecloth is placed on the table, the tablecloth is prevented from sliding and is maintained in position on the table without permanent or unattractive fasteners. The present invention is suitable for all standard size dining tables, coffee tables or the like, and may be manufactured to fit a variety of tables of standard sizes and shapes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tablecloths are widely used for many different purposes, generally to create a more attractive appearance but also to protect the surface of a table. For this reason, tablecloths are available in a myriad of different materials, sizes and appearances. Tablecloths, however, all share a common disadvantage: they tend to slide and to move about to some extent.

Many methods have been used in an effort to overcome this problem, but all have disadvantages. Fitted tablecloths are available, but they are not generally as attractive as the fancy and heirloom tablecloths preferred by hosts for occasions. Permanent and semi-permanent attachment devices can damage the table. Clips, clamps and straps are unattractive; many people find them suitable for picnic tables but not for more formal occasions. Protective plastic tablecloth coverings have the disadvantage of covering up the attractive tablecloth that the user is trying to display. Devices such as these have not been completely successful, for example devices such as those disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,158,905; 6,381,812; 6,989,928; and 7,320,287 which address this issue. These patents, however, present difficulties in that they provide improvement in this regard but either cause damage to the table or are too unattractive to provide the intended improvement and yet maintain the attractive appearance of the tablecloth.

An improved device is needed which keeps a tablecloth from slipping, and is specifically designed to be simple and economical to manufacture, simple and straightforward to use and which provides a neat appearance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved tablecloth liner which fits snugly and prevents the tablecloth from slipping and in which the bottom edge is sewn with elastic in a specific pattern to produce an attractive appearance and which is inexpensive and simple-to-use.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved tablecloth liner which fits snugly and prevents the tablecloth from slipping and in which the bottom edge is sewn with elastic in specific patterns to produce an attractive appearance which is specifically designed to fit standard table sizes and shapes.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved tablecloth liner which fits snugly and prevents the tablecloth from slipping and in which the bottom edge is sewn with elastic in a specific pattern to produce an attractive appearance which is specifically designed to allow users to select and utilize their own preferred tablecloth made of any fabric or material.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved tablecloth liner which fits snugly and prevents the tablecloth from slipping and in which the bottom edge is sewn with elastic in a specific pattern to produce an attractive appearance which is specifically designed to avoid the use of clips, clamps, straps and the like which may damage the table or the tablecloth.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved tablecloth liner which fits snugly and prevents the tablecloth from slipping and in which the bottom edge is sewn with elastic in a specific pattern to produce an attractive appearance which is specifically designed to be re-useable, to protect the table from spills and scratches and be washable.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved tablecloth liner which fits snugly and prevents the tablecloth from slipping and in which the bottom edge is sewn with elastic in a specific pattern to produce an attractive appearance which is specifically designed to be re-useable, to protect the table from spills and scratches and be washable and to include an orientation symbol on the underside which illustrates which side is the longer side to facilitate use when applying said tablecloth liner to an oval or rectangular table.

These and other features of the invention can be further understood by reference to the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the fitted tablecloth liner inverted to show the underside of the liner in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows the fitted tablecloth liner applied to a round table in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows the fitted tablecloth liner applied to a square table in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows the fitted tablecloth liner applied to a rectangular table in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows the fitted tablecloth liner applied to an oval table in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIG. 1, the fitted tablecloth liner is simple to fabricate, by sewing a strip of elastic to the edge of the liner, which is made of fleece or a similar fabric.

As shown in FIG. 2, the present invention allows a person to easily apply the fitted tablecloth liner to a table. During the course of this description like numerals will be used to identify like elements according to the different figures which illustrate the invention. An inverted embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows the fitted tablecloth liner applied to a table. The user may choose any tablecloth to place on the table over the tablecloth liner without concern that the tablecloth will slip or move out of the preferred position because of the “no-slip” effect of the table cloth liner beneath. Said tablecloth liner includes an orientation symbol on the underside which illustrates which side is the longer side to facilitate use when applying said tablecloth liner to a differently shaped table.

FIG. 3 shows the fitted tablecloth liner applied to a square table. Said tablecloth liner includes an orientation symbol on the underside which illustrates which side is the longer side to facilitate use when applying said tablecloth liner to a differently shaped table.

FIG. 4 shows the fitted tablecloth liner applied to a rectangular table. Said tablecloth liner includes an orientation symbol on the underside which illustrates which side is the longer side to facilitate use when applying said tablecloth liner to a differently shaped table.

FIG. 5 shows the fitted tablecloth liner applied to an oval table. Said tablecloth liner includes an orientation symbol on the underside which illustrates which side is the longer side to facilitate use when applying said tablecloth liner to a differently shaped table.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications of the present invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited by the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but only in accordance with the appended claims when read in light of the foregoing specification.

Claims

1. A tablecloth liner made of fabric, having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer edge, with an elastic strip sewn to the outer edge, the liner comprising:

a top portion that extends over the top surface of a table;

an outer edge with a strip of elastic sewn to said edge, which may be slipped over a table to apply the liner snugly to the table beneath, allowing a tablecloth to be placed over said liner which prevents said tablecloth from slipping or moving out of the preferred position.

2. A fitted tablecloth liner according to claim 1 wherein the fabric is selected from a variety of non-slip fabric such as fleece.

3. A fitted tablecloth liner according to claim 1 wherein the fabric helps prevent or reduce staining due to water, heat and other factors, and is easily laundered.

4. A fitted tablecloth liner according to claim 1 wherein the fabric helps prevent or reduce damage due to scratches, scuffs and other factors, and is easily laundered.

5. A fitted tablecloth liner according to claim 1 wherein the fabric is cut to fit standard-size circular tables.

6. A fitted tablecloth liner according to claim 1 wherein the fabric is cut to fit standard-size oval tables.

7. A fitted tablecloth liner according to claim 1 wherein the fabric is cut to fit standard-size square tables.

8. A fitted tablecloth liner according to claim 1 wherein the fabric is cut to fit standard-size rectangular tables.

9. A fitted tablecloth liner according to claim 1 wherein said tablecloth liner is imprinted with an orientation symbol on the underside which illustrates which side is the longer side to facilitate use when applying said tablecloth liner to differently shaped tables.