ADJUSTABLE TABLECLOTH WITH DRAWSTRING

Abstract

A reusable fabric indoor or outdoor adjustable tablecloth with drawstring sewn into the hem of the tablecloth to secure the tablecloth around the edge of the tabletop to prevent the tablecloth from blowing away in the wind or pulled off the table by children. The adjustable tablecloth with drawstring includes a grommet pressed into the fabric at a pre-cut opening to protect the fabric from wear and tear. The drawstring passes through the grommet into a cinch which secures the drawstring from slippage. Each end of the exposed drawstring is sealed with glue and secured by an independent knot. The tablecloth is placed over the table and the drawstring pulled tightly through the cinch resulting in the drawstring grabbing the underbelly of the table and tightening securely. This configuration allows the tablecloth to be adjustable, fitting a variety of table sizes and shapes, and protecting the event from the wind.

Description

The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant:

U.S. Patents
	Patent Number	Kind Code	Issue Dates	Patentee
	0238087	B1	Dec. 2, 2004	Ciapessoni
	6014935		Jan. 18, 2000	Willet
	5339748		Aug. 23, 1994	Billotti
	5069554		Dec. 3, 1991	Bonnett
	1219790		Mar. 20, 1917	Taylor

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to reusable table covers, and in particular, to a table cover that may be adapted for use with table tops of different sizes and shapes. The new device secures the tablecloth from outdoor elements such as wind and indoor elements such as rambunctious children.

2. Description of Related Art

Tablecloths or table covers have long been used both indoors and outdoors to decorate tables, enhance an event, protect a table surface or provide a clean palate for a dirty or damaged outdoor picnic table. Many outdoor picnic or patio tables collect dirt and have peeling paint. Often times bird droppings can be found on picnic tables in the park or backyard. Picnic tables in the parks are not regularly sanitized. For health, enjoyment and clean food handling a table cover is an appropriate solution.

Young children are sometimes saved in the act of pulling an entire table of food and dishes down upon themselves when playing near an unsecured tablecloth. Parents with active toddlers who prefer a tablecloth setting to protect a tabletop will find comfort in a secured drawstring tablecloth knowing it adds an extra layer of protection for their family or guests.

A common problem found with the use of tablecloths and covers for an outdoor picnic or event is the ability to secure the tablecloth to the picnic table to prevent the tablecloth from blowing in the wind. To secure tablecloths people have employed the use of clamps and clips, weights, bungee cords, rocks from the ground, ice chests, mayo, ketchup and mustard bottles, 6-packs of cola, water bottles twisted onto the tablecloth corners, knots tied to table legs, duct tape, weighted pockets sewn in after-the-fact, or thumbtacks tacking the cloth directly to the table and damaging the fabric.

Secured tablecloths found in prior art with a drawstring and straps are often the disposable type intended to collect items such as crab, oysters, and shrimp shells to be thrown away after one use. With more focus on environmentally friendly, recyclable, renewable and reusable, a long lasting and more durable secured tablecloth is sought.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,935 (2000) Willett includes a protective cover over top of the food items obscuring the food, condiments, and place settings. This is highly impractical for the enjoyment of a picnic or event. This concept is disposable.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,554 (1991) is intended for one-time, disposable use and utilizes a strap system and lifted or raised edge to catch liquid spillage. Bonnett also intends his disposable tablecloth system to be utilized for lawn care garbage and not as a true tablecloth. A typical garbage bag should suffice.

U.S. Pat. No. 0,238,087 A1 (2004) Ciapessoni puts forth another disposable tablecloth/garbage bag with drawstring to tie the contents of the picnic into the bag and throw in the garbage. This prior art (FIG. 16) shows the drawstring exiting the corner of the table. I have found this configuration fails to adequately grab the corner and secure the tablecloth to the table against wind.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,748 (1994) Bilotti invokes a complex panel, loops, multiple openings, a sleeve and tongue system with multiple seams. The drawstring crisscrosses over itself creating a complicated web of cording and systems that may not fare well in practical use or the washing and drying cycles.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,219,790 (1917) Taylor created a reusable drawstring table top covering to protect a pedestal table top during shipping. The aim of this prior art was to create a very soft and thick protective table cover that could be securely tightened around the base of the pedestal. The fabric is not simply a tablecloth but also a protective padding encircling the complete underbelly of the table (FIG. 1). Taylor secured the drawstring by tying. Today's outdoor, patio and picnic tables typically have 4 separate legs, one at each corner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION/EMBODIMENTS

One aim of the present embodiment is to provide a tablecloth which is reusable and secures to a picnic, outdoor or indoor table to protect the picnic from potentially windy or dirty environments.

Another aim is for the adjustability of the tablecloth for different sizes and shaped tables.

Another aim is the safety of young children in danger of pulling the tablecloth and contents down upon themselves and others.

The present embodiment comprises a predetermined piece of fabric cut in the appropriate shape and size for the anticipated picnic or indoor table and utilizes a drawstring sewn into the hem, exiting through a grommet pressed into a pre-cut hole in the hem at one section of the tablecloth. The cinch is then pulled tight to secure the adjustable tablecloth cover. Knots are then tied at the end of each section of the drawstring past the cinch to prevent slippage of the drawstring back into the hem, saving the owner from fishing out the drawstring during the laundry process. The ends of the drawstring may be glued or heat torched to prevent fraying.

Pulling the cinch tight effectively and easily secures the tablecloth to the underbelly of the table lip by having the drawstring and fabric grab the under table.

The secured tablecloth is washable, dryable and recyclable as opposed to the disposable, one-time use tablecloths.

At the conclusion of the picnic, food, plates and other such items are removed from the picnic table. The drawstring is un-cinched and loosened from the table, shaken out, folded and stored with the other picnic items and taken home to be laundered and used another day.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a drawstring tablecloth applied to a picnic table.

FIG. 2 is a top plain view of the drawstring tablecloth secured on a picnic table top.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plain view of the drawstring tablecloth secured and grabbing at the underbelly of the table lip. The drawstring cord exits the hem at a predetermined location.

FIG. 4. Is a detail view of the drawstring exit from the hem, the hole, the grommet, cinch and respective knots.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed descriptions are the specific embodiments of an adjustable tablecloth with drawstring. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of embodiments of the invention.

As seen in FIG. 1, the table is rectangular but may also be another common shape such as square, circle or oval. The size of the table may be small, medium, or large.

The fabric (1) of the tablecloth is cut to the appropriate size and shape of the table leaving enough extra fabric to grab the underbelly of the table lip (8) and sew in a suitable hem (2) large enough for a drawstring to be housed within the hem (2). The fabric corners are rounded when cut for effective sewing and drawstring insertion.

Referring to FIG. 2 the tablecloth of a type, thickness and weight of fabric (1) deemed appropriate for the event. Common fabric (1) types include but are not limited to polyester, cotton, rayon, canvas, silk, and cotton-poly.

The drawstring (5) may be made from any durable material such as nylon, cotton, vinyl or plastic. Nylon drawstrings slide more smoothly and are more effective in the tightening and cinching process.

The length of the drawstring (5) in FIG. 1, shall be cut at a length greater than the perimeter of the table to allow room for said drawstring (5) to be pulled tight, leaving two dangling knotted (7) ends. The two ends should be cut to an appropriate length so as not to drag along the ground or be too short. The two ends of the drawstring may be glued or heat torched to prevent future fraying.

The grommet (4) is commonly made of metal. Grommets may also be constructed of plastic and come in a variety of colors. The addition of a grommet (4) reduces wear and tear directly on the fabric from tightening the drawstring (5).

The cinch (6) in FIG. 4 is commonly made out of plastic and comes in a variety of sizes, hole configurations and colors. I have selected a two-hole configuration for the two ends of the drawstring (5) but another configuration could be easily adapted.

The tablecloth is placed out upon the table, and loosely wrapped around the corners of the table in the example FIG. 1. The fabric (1) and the hem (2) are then shimmied around the drawstring (5) toward the back of the tablecloth. The front of the tablecloth is considered the location where the drawstring (5) exits (3) the grommet (4) pressed into the interior of the hem (2). The drawstring (5) is then pulled tight through the grommet (4) and cinch (6). The remaining drawstring (5) is visible and knotted (7) on both ends to prevent the drawstring (5) from slipping back into the opening (3) and hem (2) upon washing and drying.

Regarding FIG. 4 this securing of the fabric (1) around the circumference of the table with the drawstring (5) and grommet (4) enables the tablecloth to be securely fitted to the table which prevents the wind from blowing away the tablecloth and table contents. This same configuration may also prevent small children from pulling the contents of an entire table down upon themselves and is convenient for in home use.

In FIG. 1, the top center of the fabric (1) may have an umbrella hole (not shown) sewn into the fabric for the insertion of a decorative umbrella to create a shady space during outdoor picnics and events.

The drawstring tablecloth operation and set up may easily be performed by a single individual with great speed and efficiency.

Claims

1. A reusable, adjustable drawstring tablecloth cover, comprising:

a. an adjustable drawstring tablecloth cover is washable, dryable, reusable, recyclable and environmentally friendly reducing the amount of disposable plastics in landfills.

b. a piece of fabric greater than the size of the table surface, made of any suitable material cut in a pre-determined size and shape, to cover an outdoor picnic table or indoor dining or work table.

c. a hole is cut into a pre-determined spot within the anticipated hem for grommet placement.

d. a hem is sewn into the fabric at approximately 1 inch around the perimeter of the entire tablecloth.

e. a drawstring greater in length than the perimeter of the table is sewn into the hem, or later inserted into the hem via the grommet hole with a threading tool.

f. a drawstring exits the hem through the pre-cut hole and grommet pressed into the predetermined location on the fabric.

g. the two drawstring ends are inserted through a cinch and tied off in two separate knots to prevent drawstring slippage back into the hem during washing or drying.

h. the tying off of the two separate knots at the end of each drawstring exiting the grommet and cinch is a safety feature.

i. when pulled tight, the cinching of the drawstring causes the hem to grab the underbelly lip of the table and secure to the table so as not to blow away in the wind.

j. a drawstring tablecloth cover is a protective tablecloth cover upon which food or decorations may be placed upon an unclean or unattractive outdoor table surface.

k. an adjustable drawstring tablecloth protects a table surface from the repercussions of arts and crafts, science projects, workshop activities, food spillage, and various other activities.

l. A drawstring tablecloth cover wherein the shape is round.

m. A drawstring tablecloth cover wherein the shape is square.

n. A drawstring tablecloth cover wherein the shape is rectangular.

o. A drawstring tablecloth cover wherein the shape is oval.

2. The adjustable drawstring tablecloth cover as in claim 1, is secured to an indoor kitchen or dining table or outdoor portable or picnic table and prevents young children from pulling the tablecloth and the table contents down upon themselves and others.

a. an adjustable drawstring tablecloth may enhance an outing by providing a measure of safety and peace of mind for adults.

3. The adjustable drawstring tablecloth cover as in claim 1, claim 2, may include an umbrella hole centered within the top surface of the tablecloth to allow for the addition of a shade umbrella if so desired and said table accommodates such a feature.