Fitted Table Cloth

Abstract

A table cloth for covering a table surface is provided. The table surface has art outer edge. The table cloth comprises a table cloth sheet having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a perimeter edge. An elastic band is mounted to at least a portion of the perimeter edge of the table cloth sheet. The table cloth sheet positionable upon the table surface with the bottom surface of the table cloth sheet contacting the table surface and the table cloth sheet is releasably securable upon the table surface with the elastic band being positionable below the outer edge of the table surface.

Claims

1. A table cloth for covering a table surface, the table surface having an outer edge, the table cloth comprising: a table cloth sheet having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a perimeter edge; and an elastic band mounted to at least a portion of the perimeter edge of the table cloth sheet; wherein the table cloth sheet is positionable upon the table surface with the bottom surface of the table cloth sheet contacting the table surface; and wherein the table cloth sheet is releasably securable upon the table surface with the elastic band being positionable below the outer edge of the table surface.

2. The table cloth of claim 1 wherein the table cloth sheet is constructed from a vinyl material.

3. The table cloth of claim 1 wherein the table cloth sheet is constructed from a cloth material.

4. The table cloth of claim 1 wherein the elastic band is mounted completely around the perimeter edge of the table cloth sheet.

5. The table cloth of claim 1 wherein the table cloth sheet has a polygon shape with corners, the elastic band mounted only at the corners of the table cloth sheet.

6. The table cloth of claim 1 wherein the elastic band is mounted to the table cloth sheet by stitching.

7. The table cloth of claim 1 wherein the table cloth sheet is constructed in an array of color and pattern options.

8. A method for covering a table surface, the table surface having an outer edge, the method comprising: providing a table cloth sheet having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a perimeter edge; mounting an elastic band to at least a portion of the perimeter edge of the table cloth sheet; positioning the table cloth sheet upon the table surface with the bottom surface of the table cloth sheet contacting the table surface; positioning the elastic band below the outer edge of the table surface; and releasably securing the table cloth sheet upon the table surface.

9. The method of claim 8 and further comprising: constructing the table cloth sheet from a vinyl material.

10. The method of claim 8 and further comprising: constructing the table cloth sheet from a cloth material.

11. The method of claim 8 and further comprising: mounting the elastic band completely around the perimeter edge of the table cloth sheet.

12. The method of claim 8 wherein the table cloth sheet has a polygon shape with corners, and further comprising: mounting the elastic band only at the corners of the table cloth sheet.

13. The method of claim 8 and further comprising: mounting the elastic band to the table cloth sheet by stitching.

14. The method of claim 1 and further comprising: constructing the table cloth sheet in an array of color and pattern options.

15. A table cloth for covering a table surface, the table surface having an outer edge, the table cloth comprising: a rectangular table cloth sheet having a top surface, a bottom surface, a perimeter edge, and a plurality of corners; and an elastic band mounted to each of the corners at the perimeter edge of the table cloth sheet, wherein the table cloth sheet is positionable upon the table surface with the bottom surface of the table cloth sheet contacting the table surface; and wherein the table cloth sheet is releasably securable upon the table surface with the elastic band being positionable below the outer edge of the table surface.

16. The table cloth of claim 15 wherein the table cloth sheet is constructed from a vinyl material.

17. The table cloth of claim 15 wherein the table cloth sheet is constructed from a cloth material.

18. The table cloth of claim 15 wherein the elastic band is mounted to the table cloth sheet by stitching.

19. The table cloth of claim 15 wherein the table cloth sheet is constructed in an array of color and pattern options.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a fitted table cloth, constructed in accordance with the present invention securely placed on a large rectangular table.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the fitted table cloth, constructed in accordance with the present invention showing the depth of the fitted table cloth and elastic corners.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rectangular fitted table cloth, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a square fitted table cloth, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a round fitted table cloth, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Fitted Table Cloth, indicated generally at 10 is a table covering sheet 12 integrated with a form-fitting elastic band 14 around the perimeter or at each outer corner for securing the table covering sheet 12 to a table surface 16. The Fitted Table Cloth 10 provides outdoor dining enthusiasts with a tablecloth 12 that stays put even on the gustiest days. The Fitted Table Cloth 10 eliminates securement hassles inherent in loose, draping excess material common to standard tablecloths.

[0020] The Fitted Table Cloth 10 of the present invention comprises a table cloth sheet 12 having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a perimeter edge. Preferably, the table cloth sheet 12 is constructed from a durable vinyl material, similar to standard outdoor coverings. The vinyl material is the preferred material in that the vinyl material is inexpensive, easy to clean, and can withstand multiple uses. The table cloth sheet 12 of the Fitted Table Cloth 10 can also constructed from a cloth material for those traditionalists who are okay with washing and drying tablecloths after use.

[0021] The table cloth sheet 12 of the Fitted Table Cloth 10 of the present invention includes an elastic band 14 mounted around the perimeter of the table cloth sheet 12 or at corners of the table cloth sheet 12. Preferably, the elastic band 14 is stitched to the table cloth sheet 12 although mounting the elastic band 14 through other means including, but not limited to adhesive, welding, tacking, etc., is within the scope of the present invention.

[0022] The table cloth sheet 12 of the Fitted Table Cloth 10 of the present invention can be constructed in a variety of shapes including a polygon (i.e., square, rectangular, etc.), round, oval, etc. In the polygon embodiment of the table cloth sheet 12, the elastic band 14 can be mounted to the perimeter edge of the table cloth sheet 12 or a separate elastic band 14 can be mounted to each of the corners of the table cloth sheet 12. In the round and oval embodiments of the table cloth sheet 12, the elastic band 14 is mounted to the perimeter edge of the table cloth sheet 12.

[0023] The rectangular shaped table cloth sheet 12 of the Fitted Table Cloth 10 of the present invention preferably measures approximately one hundred thirty-two (132) inches to approximately one hundred fifty-six inches (156) in length and ninety (90) inches in width. The table cloth sheet 12 of the Fitted Table Cloth 10 easily accommodates large tables such as picnic tables and banquet tables.

[0024] An array of color and pattern options are included in the line of table cloth sheets 12 of the Fitted Table Cloth 10 of the present invention, from understated solids and prints for day to day use to holiday themed tablecloths 12 for special occasions. Particularly unique to the Fitted Table Cloth 10 and what sets it apart from standard coverings is found in its aforementioned securement or hug ability. The hug ability is achieved by means of the elastic band 14 etched around the perimeter of the corners of the table cloth sheets 12. The Fitted Table Cloth 10 seamlessly covers table surfaces in much the same manner as a fitted bed sheet, with the elastic corners 14 functioning well and unseen underneath the table 16.

[0025] Extremely easy to use, the Fitted Table Cloth 10 of the present invention is adhered to and removed from a surface of a table 16 in a matter of seconds. A user selects the appropriate style color and size of the table cloth sheet 12 needed to cover a designated table 16. The user removes the table cloth sheet 12 of the Fitted Table Cloth 10 from its packaging, unfolds it, and spreads it across and up or down the table surface. The user tucks the elasticized portion 14 underneath the table surface at each corner and then adjusts the table cloth covering 12 lengthwise and widthwise to fit smoothly along edges of the table 16.

[0026] Eliminating a mandatory need to hold down the table cloth sheet 12 of the Fitted Table Cloth 10 of the present invention with one or both hands while trying to eat at the same time or use makeshift security methods such as tape or tacks, the strong elastic band 14 of the Fitted Table Cloth 10 of the present invention keeps the covering 12 and plates of food firmly secured to the table 16. Users of the Fitted Table Cloth 10 avoid wasted food, messy cleanups, and ruined clothing that results when a particular nasty wind gust sends a tablecloth of food flying. Outdoor diners are able to enjoy their meals in a relaxed and hassle free manner. The Fitted Table Cloth 10 also functions to thwart mischievous pranksters, children or pets from pulling table cloths away from outdoor tables. The Fitted Table Cloth 10 is highly effective for use on any occasion whether birthday parties, backyard barbecues or tailgating excursions. While primarily conceived for outdoor use, the Fitted Table Cloth 10 is used by homeowners hosting large dinners inside their home as well as restaurants and other dining establishments. Further the Fitted Table Cloth 10 can be used as a trash bag such that the Fitted Table Cloth 10 can be folded up to be thrown away with any leftover trash debris on the table.

[0027] Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.