Table Tennis Table Cover

Abstract

Table tennis table covers protect a table tennis table from damage while being transported or stored. The table tennis table cover may have an air vent to allow the inner volume of the cover to breathe. The table tennis table cover may comprise an opening on one side panel to allow the table tennis cover to be slipped over the table during installing or removing the cover. The table tennis table cover may be constructed of a flexible water resistant sheet material having an inner layer and an outer layer.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention is related to table tennis table covers. In specific embodiments, the table tennis covers comprise an enclosure with an open bottom for covering the table tennis table in a folded configuration. The table tennis cover is easy to install over the table tennis table and provides ventilation of the protected inner volume of the table tennis table.

BACKGROUND

Table tennis is a sport in which two or four players hit a lightweight ball back and forth using table tennis rackets. The game is played on a hard table divided in half by a net (herein referred to as a “table tennis table”). A foldable table tennis table comprises two equally sized planar playing surfaces. Players stand on either side of the table tennis table striking the ball back over the net to the other side to their opponent.

Conventional foldable table tennis tables may be configured in two basic configurations: a playing configuration where the playing surfaces are both in a horizontal planar configuration or a storage configuration where the playing surfaces are folded into a vertical parallel position adjacent to one another. The table tennis table may be moved out of the storage position in which the playing surface boards are vertically aligned into the playing position by folding the playing surface boards out of the vertical position into the horizontal position. Further, the table tennis tables may have roller base units which are located in the middle area of the table tennis table in the playing configuration and which may be used to roll the table tennis table to a storage location while in the storage configuration. In addition, the table tennis tables also have static braces which can be folded out to support the playing ends of the playing surfaces in the playing configuration.

Many table tennis tables are designed for indoor use only while other table tennis table tables are designed to be used and stored outdoors. Outdoor table tennis tables are constructed of materials that are able to withstand exposure to moisture, wind, heat and cold.

Covers are configured for use with table tennis tables to further protect either indoor or outdoor table tennis tables from exposure to dirt and moisture, such as rain, while the table tennis table is in the storage position. The covers typically comprise a five sided cover with an opening on the bottom. The cover is lifted over the table tennis table and pulled down around each side of the table. The full covers may be difficult to maneuver over the table tennis table and difficult to remove due to the height of the table tennis table in the folded configuration and the protrusions of the net, playing surfaces and the frame. As a consequence, the covers are typically designed larger than needed to provide a loose fit over the table to ease installation and removal of the cover.

Further, the conventional covers enclose the table tennis table completely on five sides and don't allow the inner volume under the cover to breath. Since the inner volume cannot vent hot air that accumulates under the cover if the covered table tennis table is left in the sun and cannot allow moisture to escape if the table tennis table is covered when it is wet damage may occur. Such elevated temperatures and moisture may cause degradation of certain components of the covered table tennis table, the table tennis rackets stored under the cover, and the cover itself. Some table tennis covers comprise zippers on two sides to convert the cover from one that may be used on the table tennis table in the storage position to a cover to one that is capable of covering the table tennis table in the playing configuration. The zippers extend from the bottom of the cover to the top of the cover so that the cover can lay flat on a table tennis table in the playing configuration with the side panels unzipped and cover can cover the table tennis table in the folded configuration with the side panels zipped together.

Conventional table tennis table covers are constructed from a durable single layer of heavy duty nylon. However, nylon may absorb moisture and prevent the inner volume under the cover from drying. Other conventional table tennis table covers are made of sheets of polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) or polyethylene (“PE”). PVC and PE sheet material are more waterproof than nylon but are less durable and tear more easily than heavy duty nylon. Additionally, PVC and PE do not breathe.

Accordingly, there is a need for a table tennis table cover that is easier to install and remove from the table tennis table. There is a further need for a table tennis table cover that allows heat and moisture from escaping from the inner volume of the cover. There is an additional need for a table tennis table cover that provides a more protective surface.

SUMMARY

A table tennis table covers are installed in over a table tennis table to protect the table tennis table from water and dirt. Embodiments of the described table tennis table cover comprise a cover constructed of a flexible water resistant sheet material configured for covering a folded table tennis table. The table tennis table covers comprises a top panel, a rear panel connected to a rear edge of the top panel, a front panel connected to a front edge of the top panel opposite the rear panel, a first side portion connecting the top panel, the front panel, and the rear panel, and a second side portion.

The front panel may comprise an upper portion, a lower portion, mesh portion, and a flap portion connected to the upper portion. A lower edge of the upper portion is connected to the mesh portion and an upper edge of the lower portion is connected to a lower edge of the mesh portion to provide a mesh covered air vent in the front panel. The table tennis table cover may comprise a flap that extends from the top portion of the front panel over the mesh portion to the lower portion. The mesh portion defines a vent slot between the upper panel and the lower panel and the flap prevents water and dirt from entering the inner volume of the table tennis table cover but allows the inner volume to breathe to reduce the temperature and humidity within the inner volume.

The first side portion and the second side portion connect the top panel, the front panel, and the rear panel. However, the second side portion comprises a first panel connected to the front panel and a second panel connected to the rear panel, wherein the first panel and the second panel define an opening. The opening allows the table tennis table cover to be slipped over the table tennis table without lifting the entire cover over the table tennis table. The first side portion and second side portion comprise at least one releasable connector for connecting the first panel to the second panel to selectively or temporarily close the opening. In contrast, in some embodiments, the first side panel permanently connects the top panel, the front panel, and the rear panel such that the first side panel does not include an opening. The complete first side panel allows the table tennis table cover to be securely installed prior to closing the releasable connector.

In further embodiments, the table tennis table cover may comprise a hood portion at the top of the table tennis table cover. The hood portion defines a cavity that encompasses a top portion (the playing ends) of the table tennis table to properly position and secures the cover to the table tennis table prior to fastening the releasable connectors. The hood portion comprises top portions of the front panel, the rear panel, the first side portion and the second side portion.

The cover may be made of any water resistant material. In certain embodiments, the table tennis table cover may comprise a flexible water resistant sheet material comprises an inner layer and an outer layer. The outer layer may be a polyvinyl chloride layer and the inner layer may be a sealed nylon layer.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of components, parts, techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases, all of the other disclosed embodiments and techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a table tennis table with the playing surfaces in their horizontal playing configuration;

FIG. 2 depicts a table tennis table with the playing surfaces in their vertical storage configuration;

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a table tennis table cover with a vent installed over a table tennis table;

FIG. 4 depicts the embodiment of the table tennis table cover depicting a mesh fabric under a flap formed on the upper portion of the table tennis table cover; and

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a table tennis table cover comprising a slit on one side comprising releasable connectors.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Table tennis table covers protect the components of a table tennis table when the table tennis is not in use. The particulars of the table tennis table cover described and shown as examples and for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the table tennis table covers only. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the covers in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the invention and embodiments of the table tennis table covers. The description and the accompanying drawings make it apparent to those skilled in the art how the covers may be embodied in practice.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a table tennis table 10 with two playing surfaces 2 and 3 in their horizontal playing configuration. The table tennis table 10 is supported by a frame with wheels 5 which is formed with a plurality of interconnected frame tubes. Each playing surface 2 and 3 includes folding legs 6 which support the playing ends 2a and 3a of the playing surfaces 2 and 3. A net 4 is attached between playing surface 2 and playing surface 3 to divide the table into separate sides.

The table tennis table 10 of FIG. 1 may be folded into a storage configuration. For example, FIG. 2 depicts a table tennis table with the playing surfaces in their vertical storage configuration. Independently, playing end 2a of playing surface 2 and the playing end 3a of playing surface 3 may be pivoted on the frame into the folded configuration shown in FIG. 2.

The playing surfaces 2 and 3 are in their vertical position with the playing ends 2a and 3a are at the top of the folded configuration. The legs 6 are also folded to reduce the amount of space required for storing the table tennis table. In the folded configuration, the legs 6 are no longer resting on the floor and the table tennis table 10 may be rolled on the wheels.

The table tennis table 10 may be stored uncovered or may be covered. An embodiment of a table tennis table cover 20 is shown in FIG. 3. The table tennis table cover 20 comprises a cover constructed of a flexible water resistant sheet material configured for covering a folded table tennis table 10, for example, the configuration shown in FIG. 2. The water resistant sheet material may be heavy duty material such as, but not limited to, 600 Denier nylon, polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other tarpaulin material, for example. In the embodiment of the table tennis cover shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the water resistant sheet material is a two layer sheet material consisting of an inner layer of a nylon material and an outer layer of PVC. The inventors realized that an inner layer of a nylon sheet material on the inside would protect the cover from tears when installing or removing the cover from the table tennis table and the outer layer of PVC should be waterproof to protect the table. In the prior art, the sealed nylon was considered essential on the outside to provide toughness on the exterior of the cover to protect both the cover and the table tennis table from tears and damage from exterior forces. The two layer sheet material of the table tennis cover 20 is unique in that the PVC sheet material is on the outside allowing water to runoff the table and the sealed nylon on the interior. In the prior art, a sealed nylon is on the outside of the cover. Sealed nylon on the exterior of prior art covers actually absorbs water down to the base layer before repelling it allowing the cover to become damp itself and not allowing the inner volume to breathe. In contrast, the inventors have discovered that the sealed nylon on the interior protects the cover from being torn or otherwise damaged by the corners on the table or any protrusions from the frame or net.

The cover 20 may be constructed from the sheet material by any method in the art. For example, the table tennis table cover 20 is stitched together from multiple pieces of the sheet material. The panels as defined above may be made from one contiguous sheet of the material or individual pieces, as desired. The panels are defined by their relative positions on the table tennis table cover and are not limited to be separate pieces of sheet material. Other methods may alternatively be used to connect the pieces of sheet material and/or panels together such as, but not limited to, with adhesives, heat sealing, or combinations of connecting methods, for example.

An embodiment of the table tennis table cover 20 comprises a top panel 21, a rear panel 29 connected to a rear edge of the top panel 21, a front panel 25 connected to a front edge of the top panel 21 opposite the rear panel 29, a right side panel 22 connected to the top panel 21, the front panel 25, the rear panel 29, a left side panel 23, connected to the top panel 21, the front panel 25, the rear panel 29. The side panels 22 and 23 are a truncated triangular shape to provide a contour shape of the cover for the cover to fit the table tennis table 10 in the folded configuration as shown in FIG. 2. Other shapes may be used such as, but not limited to a complete triangular shape, rectangular shape, or combination of shapes.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the front panel 25 comprises an upper portion 25a and a lower portion 25b. A lower edge of flap 25c connected to the upper portion 25a overlaps an upper edge of the lower portion 25b. In the embodiment of the table tennis table cover 20, the upper portion 25a is not completely connected to the lower portion 25b. As such, the upper portion 25a and the lower portion 25b define an air vent 26 covered by flap 25c connected to the upper portion 25a that overlaps an upper edge of the lower portion 25b and covers the vent. This flap 25c and air vent with mesh portion 30 features keep rain out but also allows the inner volume of the table tennis table cover 20 to breathe. As the sun shines on the table tennis table cover 20 the inner volume heats up similar to a greenhouse. Temperatures may reach 120° F. or more. At these temperatures, degradation of the plastic of the cover, components of the table tennis table, and/or table tennis rackets stored within the cover may result over time. The vent allows warm air to flow up and out of the vent 26 (indicated by arrows F_OUT on FIG. 2) and cooler air to flow into the inner volume (indicated by arrows F_IN on FIG. 2) of the table tennis table cover 20.

The front panel 25 comprises the upper portion 25a, a mesh portion 30, and a lower portion 25b. A lower edge of the upper portion 25a is connected to the mesh portion 30 and an upper edge of the lower portion 25b is also connected to the mesh portion 30 to form the front panel 25. The front panel 25 further comprises an air vent flap 25c that covers the mesh portion 30 to prevent rain from entering the inner volume of the table tennis table cover but does not prevent air from flowing out of the inner volume. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the mesh portion 30 extends between the two side panels 22 and 23. In additional embodiments, the vent flap 25c and/or the mesh portion 30 of the front panel may be connected directly to the top panel 21. In still other embodiments, the table tennis table cover may comprise an air vent 26 on both the front panel and the rear panel. Air vents 26 may also be constructed on the side panels 22 or 23 or both.

The table tennis cover 20 comprises one side panel 23 that comprising a first panel 23a and a second panel 23b. The first panel 23a and second panel 23b are not permanently connected but include releasable connectors 28a and 28b so the opening in the side panel may be selectively opened to allow the table tennis table cover to be more easily installed and removed from the table tennis table 20 in the folded configuration as shown in FIG. 2. The side panel 23 may further comprise a side top panel 23c that extends between the front panel 25 and the rear panel 29. The side top panel 23a forms a hood portion that forms a cap comprising the side top panel 23c, a top portion 25a of the front panel 25, the side panel 22 and the rear panel 29. The hood portion 40 allows the table tennis table cover to be securely installed on the table tennis table 20 prior to closing the opening between the first panel 23a and the second panel 23b of the side panel 23. The hood portion 40 is the portion of the table tennis table cover 20 above the top of the opening in the side panel 23 around the complete top portion of the table tennis table cover 20. The opening defined by panels 23a and 23b begins at the lower edge of side top panel 23c. Therefore, the height of side top panel 23c defines the height of the hood portion 40. On a regulation table tennis table, each playing surface is 4.5 feet long and 5 feet wide and in the folding configuration the table tennis table is between 5 and 6 feet tall. The hood portion 40 may be any height (as defined by the height of side top portion 23c) that provides a cap for easily securing the cover to the top portion of the table tennis table in the folded configuration. For example, the height of the hood portion 40 may be between 6 inches and 18 inches. In other embodiments, the height of the hood portion 40 may be between 8 and 14 inches, or between 10 and 12 inches to provide a secure fit.

The inventors have also found that a table tennis table consisting of only one side opening is easier to install than a table tennis table cover comprising an opening on each side panel 22 23. One complete side panel 22 without an opening provides a sturdy back surface to pull tightly against when installing the table tennis table cover 20. The complete side panel 22 works in conjunction with the hood portion 40 to allow the table tennis table cover to be securely positioned properly on the table tennis table prior to connecting the releasable connectors 28a and 28b to complete the installation. If the table tennis table cover 20 comprises two openings on opposite ends of the cover, the table tennis table cover 20 may be pulled too far and slide beyond the end of the table tennis table 20 and require readjusted until the cover 20 is properly positioned and the releasable connectors on both side panels may be closed.

The releasable connectors may be any releasable connectors such as, but not limited to, hook and loop connectors, ties, zippers, snaps, or other releasable connector that allows the two portions of the side panel to be connected together and disconnected to open the opening without damaging the table tennis cover. Embodiments of the table tennis table cover comprise multiple releasable connectors that may be connected to close the opening of the side panel and still define additional apertures for air entry into the inner volume of the cover to allow air to be drawn in or flow out of the inner volume of the closed inner volume of the table tennis table cover. For example, strips of hook and loop connectors located intermittently on corresponding locations on the side panels allow spaces between the connectors which air may pass. A zipper or complete strip of hook and loop connector from the bottom of the cover to the top cover would not provide or define additional apertures for air entry into the inner volume of the cover.

The table tennis table cover may further comprise a draw string connected to a lower portion of the front panel and a lower portion of the rear panel for securing the cover to a table tennis table. Alternatively, embodiments of the table tennis table cover may comprise an elastic band connected to a lower portion of the front panel and a lower portion of the rear panel for securing the cover to a table tennis table.

The embodiments of the described table tennis table cover and method for producing a table tennis table cover are not limited to the particular embodiments, components, method steps, and materials disclosed herein as such components, process steps, and materials may vary. Moreover, the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments only and the terminology is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Therefore, while embodiments of the invention are described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that variations and modifications can be effected within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention should not be limited to the above discussed embodiments, and should only be defined by the following claims and all equivalents.

Claims

1. A table tennis table cover, comprising:

a cover constructed of a flexible water resistant sheet material configured for covering a folded table tennis table, wherein the cover comprises: a top panel, a rear panel connected to a rear edge of the top panel, a front panel connected to a front edge of the top panel opposite the rear panel, the front panel comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, mesh portion, and a flap portion connected to the upper portion, wherein a lower edge of the upper portion is connected to the mesh portion and an upper edge of the lower portion is connected to a lower edge of the mesh portion, the flap extends from the top portion over the mesh portion to the lower portion and the mesh portion defines a vent slot between the upper panel and the lower panel; a first side portion connecting the top panel, the front panel, and the rear panel; a second side portion comprising a first panel connected to the front panel and a second panel connected to the rear panel, wherein the first panel and the second panel define an opening; and at least one releasable connector for connecting the first panel to the second panel to selectively close the opening.

2. The table tennis table cover wherein the flexible water resistant sheet material comprises an inner layer and an outer layer.

3. The table tennis table cover of claim 2, wherein the outer layer is a polyvinyl chloride layer.

4. The table tennis table cover of claim 3, wherein the inner layer is a sealed nylon layer.

5. The table tennis table cover of claim 1, wherein the first side panel permanently connects the top panel, the front panel, and the rear panel such that the first side panel does not include an opening.

6. The table tennis table cover of claim 1, further comprising a hood portion at the top of the table tennis table cover.

7. The table tennis table cover of claim 6, wherein the hooded portion comprises portions of the front panel, the rear panel, the first side portion and the second side portion.

8. The table tennis table cover of claim 1, comprising a draw string connected to a lower portion of the front panel and a lower portion of the rear panel for securing the cover to a table tennis table.

9. The table tennis table cover of claim 1, comprising an elastic band connected to a lower portion of the front panel and a lower portion of the rear panel for securing the cover to a table tennis table.

10. The table tennis table cover of claim 7, wherein the hood portion has a height of between 4 inches and 18 inches.

11. The table tennis table cover of claim 7, wherein the hood portion has a height of between 8 and 14 inches.