Nothing Special   »   [go: up one dir, main page]

US20050274298A1 - Disposable table and chair covers - Google Patents

Disposable table and chair covers Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20050274298A1
US20050274298A1 US11/208,168 US20816805A US2005274298A1 US 20050274298 A1 US20050274298 A1 US 20050274298A1 US 20816805 A US20816805 A US 20816805A US 2005274298 A1 US2005274298 A1 US 2005274298A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
sheet
providing
clips
adjustability feature
covers
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/208,168
Inventor
Victoria Paulin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US11/104,006 external-priority patent/US7469962B2/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US11/208,168 priority Critical patent/US20050274298A1/en
Publication of US20050274298A1 publication Critical patent/US20050274298A1/en
Priority to PCT/US2006/013104 priority patent/WO2006110560A2/en
Priority to US13/214,005 priority patent/US8287041B2/en
Priority to US13/314,953 priority patent/US8500199B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G11/00Table linen
    • A47G11/003Table-cloths
    • A47G11/006Multi-part table-cloths, e.g. comprising separate skirting
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47BTABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B13/00Details of tables or desks
    • A47B13/08Table tops; Rims therefor
    • A47B13/083Rims for table tops
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47CCHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C31/00Details or accessories for chairs, beds, or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass, e.g. upholstery fasteners, mattress protectors, stretching devices for mattress nets
    • A47C31/10Loose or removable furniture covers
    • A47C31/11Loose or removable furniture covers for chairs
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G21/00Table-ware
    • A47G21/16Table-cloth or napkin holders
    • A47G21/167Means for holding a table-cloth on a table

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the field of furniture coverings and, more particularly, pertains to sanitary and decorative table and chair covers, and kits containing the same.
  • Table and chair covers are often used to cover tables and chairs to protect them from dust, dirt, spills and the like. Also, it is common to cover tables and chairs with a cover that improves the aesthetic appearance of the table and chair.
  • Table and chair covers are widely used in the hospitality industry such as at banquets, entertainment and special events. Table and chair covers are commonly constructed of cloth fabric material which can be removed and laundered. The expense in providing the cloth table and chair covers initially, and of transporting, laundering and storing such covers, has created a prohibitively expensive pricing for such covers such that many who would prefer to use covers at their special events do not. As a result, a significant demand goes unmet in the industry.
  • plastic table covers Although maintenance of plastic table covers is less expensive than the maintenance of cloth table covers, there are still many detriments to the use of plastic. For example, everyone is familiar with the “sticky feel” associated with plastic table covers. If a plastic cover is made of a lightweight material, it may not stay on the table or may cause other lightweight items located thereupon to spill. If the plastic cover is of heavy gauge material, it very often does not conform to the shape of the table. If used on a buffet, a heavy gauge plastic table cover may be caught or pulled by event attendees, resulting in spillage or the like. Many of the lightweight or heavy gauge plastic covers are not disposable, requiring caterers to lug them around. To date, no one has employed non-woven material in connection with table covers and/or skirts.
  • the present invention provides a disposable sanitary table and seat cover fabricated from inexpensive, non-woven, disposable fabric readily adapted for a wide variety of tables and chairs, such as, for example but not by way of limitation, banquet tables, round tables, folding tables, banquet chairs and/or folding chairs.
  • the present invention also provides methods for adjusting the dimensions and contours of the pre-manufactured covers of this invention so that the covers fit over the tables and chairs snugly and neatly.
  • the covers are made of a non-woven fabric which is inexpensive and may, therefore, be discarded after use.
  • the non-woven table covers and skirts of this invention which may be offered in the form of a table-covering kit and include clips and other fastening structures for releasably affixing the cover and/or skirt to a table, provide one or more sheets of non-woven material, which optionally may be adjustable to a wide variety of table shapes and sizes by dashed or solid lines defining the terminal edges of a particular size cover or, alternatively, perforations or other easily-removable connection along which excess material may be removed.
  • the covers and skirts of the present invention may be made available for round, oblong, square, rectangular, or any shaped tables.
  • Each kit may include one or more large sheets that either are pre-manufactured in a specific common table size or can be cut or torn along perforations to create a sheet of a smaller size, if necessary.
  • the printed pattern outlines, if used are only visible on one side of the material, so that they are not visible to the guests.
  • the table cover and skirt may not employ the aforementioned adjustability features.
  • the catering kit of the present invention includes one or more sheets that can be used as a skirt.
  • the sheet can include printed lines or markings, perforations or other easily-removable connections so that the height of the skirt can be adjusted to fit the table, and, preferably, if printed markings are used, they are only visible on one side of the fabric.
  • the kit of the present invention includes one or more clips to secure a first sheet, the table cover, to the top of the table and to secure the second sheet, the skirt, along the edge of the table to cover the space below the table top.
  • the kit can be prepared with certain tables in mind, such as banquet tables, polyethylene tables made by Lifetime Products, Inc., or even adjustable clips for tables of non-standard thickness.
  • FIG. 1 shows a typical prior art banquet chair which a first embodiment of the cover of the instant invention is meant to partially encapsulate.
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of two sections of non-woven fabric which are adapted to be sewn together or otherwise attached to form the first embodiment of the instant invention.
  • FIGS. 3 through 5 are rear perspective views showing an assembled chair cover of the first embodiment of instant invention being placed about a chair.
  • FIG. 6 is a front orthogonal view of the first embodiment of the instant invention placed over a banquet chair.
  • FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the chair and cover shown in FIG. 6 .
  • FIG. 8 is a right side elevational view of the chair and cover shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 .
  • FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the assembled chair cover of the first embodiment in its final position about a banquet chair.
  • FIG. 10 shows a typical prior art folding chair which a second embodiment of the cover of the instant invention is meant to partially encapsulate.
  • FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of two sections of non-woven fabric which are adapted to be sewn together or otherwise attached to form the second embodiment of the instant invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the cover of the second embodiment of the invention in place about a folding chair.
  • FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the cover of the second embodiment of this invention placed about a folding chair.
  • FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the cover of the second embodiment of this invention placed about a folding chair.
  • FIG. 15 is a rear elevational view of the cover of the second embodiment of this invention in place about a folding chair, without showing the folding chair in phantom.
  • FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the cover of the second embodiment of this invention being placed about a folding chair.
  • FIG. 17 shows an exploded perspective view of a banquet table, table cover, table skirt, and clips.
  • FIG. 18 is a perspective view of FIG. 1 , in an assembled state.
  • FIG. 19 is an enlarged elevational view of section line 3 - 3 of FIG. 17 .
  • FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the banquet clip.
  • FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the clip utilized with a brand of polyethylene tables manufactured by Lifetime Products, Inc.
  • FIG. 22 shows an exploded perspective view of a round table, table cover, table skirt and clips.
  • FIG. 23 is a perspective view of FIG. 22 in an assembled state.
  • FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an adjustable clip.
  • FIG. 25 provides a perspective view of one embodiment of an apron in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 26 provides a perspective view of a second embodiment of an apron in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a conventional banquet-type chair denoted by the letter “C” of the type commonly used at social functions such as weddings, birthday parties, concerts, etc.
  • C the type of chair
  • the type of chair shown here is merely to provide an example of one type of chair in connection with which the instant invention can be used. Any other chair, whether of the foldable or non-foldable variety, which is adaptable to receive a non-woven, disposable chair cover, is contemplated to be within the field of use of the instant invention.
  • FIG. 2 shows a typical pattern layout for a first embodiment of the non-woven fabric chair cover of the instant invention prior to the fabric being sewn or otherwise attached together to form a form-fitting chair cover 10 .
  • the material may be formed of two panels 12 , 14 which are to be sewn together in such a way as to form the cover shown in FIGS. 3 through 9 .
  • the panels 12 , 14 may be attached through sewing/stitching, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, hook and loop fastener, snaps, buttons, or any other suitable connection structure.
  • the cover 10 as seen in FIGS.
  • FIGS. 3 through 5 show the chair cover after being assembled.
  • upper pocket 20 of cover 10 includes a front panel 25 , a rear panel 26 and a flap 27 which is connected to lower pocket 22 and which is adapted to be folded over the top of seat back 4 and laid against rear panel 26 to form a natural height adjustment mechanism for cover 10 .
  • Flap 27 may be held in place against rear panel 26 by any suitable means, such as the hook and loop fastener strips 24 , 28 attached to flaps 27 and 26 , respectively.
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 show an additional adjustment feature which may or may not be employed with the instant invention.
  • This additional feature is comprised of a tear away strip 40 attached to lower pocket 22 by a perforated or other frangible connection. Strip 40 may be removed from cover 10 in the event that the legs 6 , 8 are shorter than the height of lower pocket 22 . In this way, cover 10 will hang down to the bottom of legs 6 , 8 and not be too long and cause the material of cover 10 to buckle, which would be a potential tripping hazard as well as unsightly.
  • a slit 50 may be provided in the front panel 22 ′ of lower cover section 22 .
  • Slit 50 will accommodate a user's feet and legs if the user sitting in the chair attempts to tuck the user's legs up underneath the user. Slit 50 will alleviate undue tensile forces exerted on the material of cover 10 in the event of this occurring. Side edges “x” and “y” form the respective edges of slit 50 .
  • cover 10 is not critical to the present invention. Cover 10 may be produced in a variety of different sizes to accommodate chairs of different configurations and dimensions.
  • Panels 12 , 14 of cover 10 may be of a substantially planar material formed from a suitable non-woven fiber material or a composite or laminate thereof, which is widely used in the hygiene products industry.
  • the term “non woven” material fabric refers generally to materials having a structure of individual fibers or threads that are interlaid, not necessarily in a regular, repetitive manner as in a knitted fabric. Non-wovens provide cloth-like aesthetics at a lower cost than typical knitted fabrics. Non-woven fabrics or webs may be formed from many processes such as, for example, meltblowing processes, spunbonding processes, hydroentangling processes, air laid processes, conforming processes, spunbonding/meltblowing/spunbonding processes and bonded carded web processes. These processes are all well known in the hygiene arts and non-woven materials are readily commercially available. For example, non-woven laminates have been available commercially for years from Kimberly Clark Corporation.
  • Cover 10 may be substantially liquid impermeable, or may be liquid-permeable, depending upon the application to which the cover will be put.
  • cover 10 may be made from a material that exhibits elastic properties, as such materials are known in the art.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,207,237 to Haffner discloses an elastic non-woven web or film manufactured from a thermo-plastic polymer.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,096,668 discloses an elastic liquid impermeable laminate.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,460 discloses a laminate material formed of an elastomeric polymer sheet and a non-woven fabric sheet. Other suitable elastic sheet materials are known to those skilled in the art.
  • FIG. 10 shows a conventional folding-type chair denoted by the letter “C 1 ” of the type commonly used at social functions such as weddings, birthday parties, concerts, etc.
  • FIG. 11 shows a typical pattern layout for a second embodiment of the non-woven fabric chair cover 110 of the instant invention adapted to be used to cover the folding-type chair shown in FIG. 10 .
  • the pattern layout for the cover 110 is shown in FIG. 11 prior to panels 112 , 114 being sewn or otherwise attached together to form a form-fitting chair cover 110 .
  • the material may be formed of two panels 112 , 114 which are to be sewn together in such a way as to form the cover shown in FIGS. 12 through 16 .
  • the panels 112 , 114 may be attached through sewing/stitching, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, hook and loop fastener, snaps, buttons, or any other suitable connection structure.
  • the cover 110 as seen in FIGS.
  • FIGS. 12 through 16 show the chair cover after being assembled.
  • a slit 150 is employed as in the first embodiment to permit a user seated in the chair to tuck his or her legs up underneath the chair without tearing the cover 110 .
  • one or more pleats 130 or “tucks” may be employed to permit a certain amount of “give” in the upper pocket 120 so as to allow upper pocket 120 to fit snugly about the chair back 104 .
  • covers 10 and 110 of the first and second embodiments of my invention in the form of cover 110 fit easily and snugly about a standard folding-type chair to provide a protection cover for the chair as well as a beautiful ornamentation for an otherwise bland seating apparatus.
  • FIGS. 17-25 in which like reference numerals designate like items, two modes of practicing the table cover and skirt embodiments of the present invention are disclosed. It is to be understood, however, that departures may be made in the specific structural assembly and use of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
  • FIGS. 17-19 , 22 and 23 the table cover 200 , 400 is placed on the table T, T 1 so as to substantially cover the top of the table and, in so doing, to act as a table-cloth.
  • the table cover 200 , 400 may be made of one or more sheets of non-woven fabric which are to be joined together by sewing/stitching, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, hook and loop fastener, adhesive tapes, snaps, buttons, or any other suitable connection structure.
  • table cover 200 , 400 may optionally include a size reduction feature 201 , 401 such as dashed or solid lines defining the terminal edges of a particular size cover or, alternatively, perforations or other easily-removable connection along which excess cover material may be removed.
  • the size reduction feature 201 , 401 is visible in FIGS. 17 and 22 for demonstration purposes only.
  • the size reduction feature 201 , 401 is only visible on one side of the table cover 200 , 400 so that it does not affect the overall appearance of the final product.
  • the size enlargement and size reduction features of the table cover 200 , 400 are not mutually exclusive.
  • a table may require two rectangular table covers 200 to cover a large table top, but may also need to utilize one of the size reduction features along one length of the table.
  • the clips 210 , 310 , 410 are then placed over the edge of the table 205 , 405 to removably secure the table cover 200 , 400 to the table top 204 , 404 .
  • the clips 210 , 310 , 410 may include attachment material 211 , 311 , 411 with which to removably attach the skirt 220 , 420 along the edge of the table 205 , 405 .
  • the attachment material 211 , 311 , 411 may comprise hook and loop fastener.
  • any suitable attachment material 211 , 311 , 411 such as hook and loop fasteners, adhesive tapes, snaps, and buttons may be practiced in the present invention.
  • table skirt 220 , 420 may optionally include a size reduction feature 221 , 421 such as dashed or solid lines defining the terminal edges of a particular size skirt or, alternatively, perforations or other easily-removable connection along which excess skirt material may be removed.
  • a size reduction feature 221 , 421 such as dashed or solid lines defining the terminal edges of a particular size skirt or, alternatively, perforations or other easily-removable connection along which excess skirt material may be removed.
  • the size reduction feature 221 , 421 is only visible on the side of the skirt 220 , 420 facing the table T, T 1 .
  • the skirt 220 , 420 may also be provided with one or more lengths of attachment material 222 , 422 . Similar to the attachment material 211 , 311 , 411 of the clips, 210 , 310 , 410 , the attachment material 222 , 422 of the skirt 220 , 420 can include hook and loop fasteners, adhesive tapes, snaps, buttons, or any other suitable attachment material. As depicted in FIGS. 17 and 22 , the attachment material 222 , 422 is provided in a continuous strip. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the attachment material 222 , 422 may also be provided in intermittent lengths without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the attachment material 222 , 422 of the skirt 220 , 420 is attached to the attachment material 211 , 311 , 411 of the clip 210 , 310 , 410 .
  • the resulting table T, T 1 is suitable for any event.
  • the skirt 220 , 420 may be desirable to attach the skirt 220 , 420 to the table or other objects by means other than a clip 210 , 310 , 410 .
  • a skirt 220 , 420 may be necessary to place a skirt 220 , 420 around a wooden stage, a portable or stationary bar, countertop, table or fixed structure (not shown).
  • a supply of attachment material (not shown), such as hook and loop fastener, may be included with the kit.
  • the caterer could simply attach the attachment material directly to the edge of the object and then removably attach the corresponding attachment material 222 , 422 associated with the skirt 220 , 420 to the attachment material connected to the edge of the object.
  • the hostess may wish to display a beautiful table top without a table cover 200 , 400 .
  • the skirt 220 , 420 can be attached directly to the table by attachment material (not shown) without the clip 210 , 310 , 410 .
  • suitable attachment material include hook and loop fasteners, adhesive tapes, snaps, and buttons.
  • the kit may also include one or more aprons 500 , 600 made of the same non-woven material as depicted in FIGS. 25 and 26 .
  • a kit according to the present invention will include one or more adjustable table covers, one or more adjustable skirts, a plurality of clips, and one or more aprons.
  • each caterer's needs are distinct and may also provide the kit components in individual packaging.
  • a caterer may have a chosen color scheme for his/her display and may wish to pair a blue adjustable skirt with a white table cover. The caterer would be able to purchase either the white table cover or the blue skirt separately.
  • the caterer may be working an outdoor event and require additional clips to add holding strength to the cover and/or skirt due to the weather.
  • a kit of the present invention may only include the table top and/or the table skirt and/or clips and/or any combination thereof.
  • the components of the kit will be dictated by the needs of the consumer.
  • kits to be used at home could include birthday-themed table covers and skirts or even in simple decorative patterns for normal day-to-day decoration.
  • This invention is perfect for the person who likes to frequently alter the appearance of their rooms because it is low-cost and disposable. Therefore, a person could alter the appearance of a room every week, if desired.

Landscapes

  • Bedding Items (AREA)
  • Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)

Abstract

Table covers and form-fitting chair covers preferably formed from a disposable, non-woven fabric are disclosed. The covers are pre-formed in a variety of shapes to fit a variety of table and chair types. Provisions may be made for adjusting the covers to fit to a particularly sized chair or table. The covers may be made from one or more pieces of non-woven material and pieced together by sewing or any other suitable fastening arrangement.

Description

  • This application is a continuation in part of pending application Ser. No. 11/104,006 filed Apr. 12, 2005, which is a continuation in part of pending application Ser. No. 10/816,530 filed Apr. 1, 2004.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention
  • This invention relates to the field of furniture coverings and, more particularly, pertains to sanitary and decorative table and chair covers, and kits containing the same.
  • 2. Description of the Background Art
  • Table and chair covers are often used to cover tables and chairs to protect them from dust, dirt, spills and the like. Also, it is common to cover tables and chairs with a cover that improves the aesthetic appearance of the table and chair. Table and chair covers are widely used in the hospitality industry such as at banquets, entertainment and special events. Table and chair covers are commonly constructed of cloth fabric material which can be removed and laundered. The expense in providing the cloth table and chair covers initially, and of transporting, laundering and storing such covers, has created a prohibitively expensive pricing for such covers such that many who would prefer to use covers at their special events do not. As a result, a significant demand goes unmet in the industry.
  • Nevertheless, the use of covers for tables and chairs is highly desirable, as tables and chairs which are used by a great many people become worn and unsanitary as time passes. Therefore, there is a need to employ table and seat coverings which do not suffer from the economic limitations referenced above.
  • The need exists, therefore, to provide affordable table and chair covers to limit users' contact with tables and chairs, to reduce wear and tear and the spread of germs and disease that may result from contact with the contaminated surfaces of the tables and chairs.
  • The need also exists to provide an inexpensive way to alter the appearance of furniture.
  • It is, therefore, a primary object of my invention to provide sanitary covers for banquet and/or folding tables and chairs and the like, which is made from an inexpensive, single-use material.
  • It is also an object of this invention to provide such covers which eliminate the need and expense of cleaning the tables and chairs due to the fact that the covers provide a barrier to the transmission of contaminants between the table and seat and the users.
  • It is a further object of my invention to provide a cover that may be easily replaced each time the table or chair is used for a different event.
  • Applicant's work in the catering field led to the further development of a catering kit and supplies, which include table covers and table skirts, made of the same non-woven material as the chair covers she invented. Similar to the issue encountered with the chair covers, the expense of purchasing cloth table covers and table skirts, initially, and of transporting, laundering and storing same has created a prohibitively expensive pricing such that many caterers who continue to use cloth table covers and skirts charge the function sponsor for their use, adding significantly (and in many cases, prohibitively) to the cost of an event. Due to this problem, an industry of suppliers and cleaners of just these products has arisen. In other words, the expense and effort required for individual caterers to maintain their own table linens is not justifiable and rental suppliers of these products have emerged.
  • There are many examples of plastic table covers in the prior art. U.S. Pat. App. Pub. 2004/0238087 to Ciapessoni teaches a disposable tablecloth that can be converted into a trash bag. No criticality of material is discussed by Ciapessoni and no disclosure of non-woven material is made. U.S. Pat. App. Pub. 2003/0031826 to Cleveland et al. teaches a laminated, waterproof table covering for outdoor use. Cleveland's table cover is disclosed to be preferably made of polyethylene laminate and is not disposable.
  • Although maintenance of plastic table covers is less expensive than the maintenance of cloth table covers, there are still many detriments to the use of plastic. For example, everyone is familiar with the “sticky feel” associated with plastic table covers. If a plastic cover is made of a lightweight material, it may not stay on the table or may cause other lightweight items located thereupon to spill. If the plastic cover is of heavy gauge material, it very often does not conform to the shape of the table. If used on a buffet, a heavy gauge plastic table cover may be caught or pulled by event attendees, resulting in spillage or the like. Many of the lightweight or heavy gauge plastic covers are not disposable, requiring caterers to lug them around. To date, no one has employed non-woven material in connection with table covers and/or skirts.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • To address these and other needs, the present invention provides a disposable sanitary table and seat cover fabricated from inexpensive, non-woven, disposable fabric readily adapted for a wide variety of tables and chairs, such as, for example but not by way of limitation, banquet tables, round tables, folding tables, banquet chairs and/or folding chairs.
  • The present invention also provides methods for adjusting the dimensions and contours of the pre-manufactured covers of this invention so that the covers fit over the tables and chairs snugly and neatly.
  • The covers are made of a non-woven fabric which is inexpensive and may, therefore, be discarded after use.
  • Caterers encounter a wide variety of table sizes and shapes. Therefore, the non-woven table covers and skirts of this invention, which may be offered in the form of a table-covering kit and include clips and other fastening structures for releasably affixing the cover and/or skirt to a table, provide one or more sheets of non-woven material, which optionally may be adjustable to a wide variety of table shapes and sizes by dashed or solid lines defining the terminal edges of a particular size cover or, alternatively, perforations or other easily-removable connection along which excess material may be removed. For example, the covers and skirts of the present invention may be made available for round, oblong, square, rectangular, or any shaped tables. Each kit may include one or more large sheets that either are pre-manufactured in a specific common table size or can be cut or torn along perforations to create a sheet of a smaller size, if necessary. Preferably, the printed pattern outlines, if used, are only visible on one side of the material, so that they are not visible to the guests. In an alternate embodiment, the table cover and skirt may not employ the aforementioned adjustability features.
  • Most caterers employ a drape or skirt (“skirt”) along the edge of the catering table for cosmetic and safety reasons. Such skirts conceal the space below the table, providing a desirable visual effect. The catering kit of the present invention includes one or more sheets that can be used as a skirt. Once again, the sheet can include printed lines or markings, perforations or other easily-removable connections so that the height of the skirt can be adjusted to fit the table, and, preferably, if printed markings are used, they are only visible on one side of the fabric.
  • The kit of the present invention includes one or more clips to secure a first sheet, the table cover, to the top of the table and to secure the second sheet, the skirt, along the edge of the table to cover the space below the table top. Once again, the kit can be prepared with certain tables in mind, such as banquet tables, polyethylene tables made by Lifetime Products, Inc., or even adjustable clips for tables of non-standard thickness.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 shows a typical prior art banquet chair which a first embodiment of the cover of the instant invention is meant to partially encapsulate.
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of two sections of non-woven fabric which are adapted to be sewn together or otherwise attached to form the first embodiment of the instant invention.
  • FIGS. 3 through 5 are rear perspective views showing an assembled chair cover of the first embodiment of instant invention being placed about a chair.
  • FIG. 6 is a front orthogonal view of the first embodiment of the instant invention placed over a banquet chair.
  • FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the chair and cover shown in FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 8 is a right side elevational view of the chair and cover shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
  • FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the assembled chair cover of the first embodiment in its final position about a banquet chair.
  • FIG. 10 shows a typical prior art folding chair which a second embodiment of the cover of the instant invention is meant to partially encapsulate.
  • FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of two sections of non-woven fabric which are adapted to be sewn together or otherwise attached to form the second embodiment of the instant invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the cover of the second embodiment of the invention in place about a folding chair.
  • FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the cover of the second embodiment of this invention placed about a folding chair.
  • FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the cover of the second embodiment of this invention placed about a folding chair.
  • FIG. 15 is a rear elevational view of the cover of the second embodiment of this invention in place about a folding chair, without showing the folding chair in phantom.
  • FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the cover of the second embodiment of this invention being placed about a folding chair.
  • FIG. 17 shows an exploded perspective view of a banquet table, table cover, table skirt, and clips.
  • FIG. 18 is a perspective view of FIG. 1, in an assembled state.
  • FIG. 19 is an enlarged elevational view of section line 3-3 of FIG. 17.
  • FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the banquet clip.
  • FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the clip utilized with a brand of polyethylene tables manufactured by Lifetime Products, Inc.
  • FIG. 22 shows an exploded perspective view of a round table, table cover, table skirt and clips.
  • FIG. 23 is a perspective view of FIG. 22 in an assembled state.
  • FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an adjustable clip.
  • FIG. 25 provides a perspective view of one embodiment of an apron in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 26 provides a perspective view of a second embodiment of an apron in accordance with the present invention.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a conventional banquet-type chair denoted by the letter “C” of the type commonly used at social functions such as weddings, birthday parties, concerts, etc. The type of chair shown here is merely to provide an example of one type of chair in connection with which the instant invention can be used. Any other chair, whether of the foldable or non-foldable variety, which is adaptable to receive a non-woven, disposable chair cover, is contemplated to be within the field of use of the instant invention.
  • FIG. 2 shows a typical pattern layout for a first embodiment of the non-woven fabric chair cover of the instant invention prior to the fabric being sewn or otherwise attached together to form a form-fitting chair cover 10. It will be appreciated that the shape of the fabric patterns will vary depending upon the particular chair to be covered. The material may be formed of two panels 12, 14 which are to be sewn together in such a way as to form the cover shown in FIGS. 3 through 9. The panels 12, 14 may be attached through sewing/stitching, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, hook and loop fastener, snaps, buttons, or any other suitable connection structure. The cover 10, as seen in FIGS. 3 through 9, forms generally an upper pocket 20 adapted to at least partially envelope seat back section 4, as well as a lower pocket 22 adapted to envelope seat portion 5 and front and rear legs 6, 8 of chair “C”. In this way, a user of the chair will not through ordinary use be able to come into contact with chair “C” while cover 10 is in place.
  • FIGS. 3 through 5 show the chair cover after being assembled.
  • An additional feature may (but need not necessarily) be employed to permit adjustment of the height of cover 10 relative to chair “C”. In connection with this additional feature, upper pocket 20 of cover 10 includes a front panel 25, a rear panel 26 and a flap 27 which is connected to lower pocket 22 and which is adapted to be folded over the top of seat back 4 and laid against rear panel 26 to form a natural height adjustment mechanism for cover 10. Flap 27 may be held in place against rear panel 26 by any suitable means, such as the hook and loop fastener strips 24, 28 attached to flaps 27 and 26, respectively.
  • It is to be appreciated that the adjustability feature embodied in flap 27 and fasteners 24, 28 constitutes an option which is not necessary for the realization of the benefits of the instant invention, which is simply a non-woven, form fitting chair cover.
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 show an additional adjustment feature which may or may not be employed with the instant invention. This additional feature is comprised of a tear away strip 40 attached to lower pocket 22 by a perforated or other frangible connection. Strip 40 may be removed from cover 10 in the event that the legs 6, 8 are shorter than the height of lower pocket 22. In this way, cover 10 will hang down to the bottom of legs 6, 8 and not be too long and cause the material of cover 10 to buckle, which would be a potential tripping hazard as well as unsightly.
  • Still in the alternative, as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, a slit 50 may be provided in the front panel 22′ of lower cover section 22. Slit 50 will accommodate a user's feet and legs if the user sitting in the chair attempts to tuck the user's legs up underneath the user. Slit 50 will alleviate undue tensile forces exerted on the material of cover 10 in the event of this occurring. Side edges “x” and “y” form the respective edges of slit 50.
  • The particular dimensions of cover 10 are not critical to the present invention. Cover 10 may be produced in a variety of different sizes to accommodate chairs of different configurations and dimensions.
  • Panels 12, 14 of cover 10 may be of a substantially planar material formed from a suitable non-woven fiber material or a composite or laminate thereof, which is widely used in the hygiene products industry. The term “non woven” material fabric refers generally to materials having a structure of individual fibers or threads that are interlaid, not necessarily in a regular, repetitive manner as in a knitted fabric. Non-wovens provide cloth-like aesthetics at a lower cost than typical knitted fabrics. Non-woven fabrics or webs may be formed from many processes such as, for example, meltblowing processes, spunbonding processes, hydroentangling processes, air laid processes, conforming processes, spunbonding/meltblowing/spunbonding processes and bonded carded web processes. These processes are all well known in the hygiene arts and non-woven materials are readily commercially available. For example, non-woven laminates have been available commercially for years from Kimberly Clark Corporation.
  • Cover 10 may be substantially liquid impermeable, or may be liquid-permeable, depending upon the application to which the cover will be put. Alternatively, cover 10 may be made from a material that exhibits elastic properties, as such materials are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,207,237 to Haffner discloses an elastic non-woven web or film manufactured from a thermo-plastic polymer. U.S. Pat. No. 6,096,668 discloses an elastic liquid impermeable laminate. U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,460 discloses a laminate material formed of an elastomeric polymer sheet and a non-woven fabric sheet. Other suitable elastic sheet materials are known to those skilled in the art.
  • FIG. 10 shows a conventional folding-type chair denoted by the letter “C1” of the type commonly used at social functions such as weddings, birthday parties, concerts, etc.
  • FIG. 11 shows a typical pattern layout for a second embodiment of the non-woven fabric chair cover 110 of the instant invention adapted to be used to cover the folding-type chair shown in FIG. 10. The pattern layout for the cover 110 is shown in FIG. 11 prior to panels 112, 114 being sewn or otherwise attached together to form a form-fitting chair cover 110. The material may be formed of two panels 112, 114 which are to be sewn together in such a way as to form the cover shown in FIGS. 12 through 16. The panels 112, 114 may be attached through sewing/stitching, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, hook and loop fastener, snaps, buttons, or any other suitable connection structure. The cover 110, as seen in FIGS. 13 through 16, forms generally an upper pocket 120 adapted to at least partially envelope seat back section 104, as well as a lower pocket 122 adapted to envelope seat portion 105 and front and rear legs 106, 108 of chair “C1”. In this way, a user of the chair will not through ordinary use be able to come into contact with chair “C1” while cover 110 is in place.
  • FIGS. 12 through 16 show the chair cover after being assembled.
  • In front panel 122′ of lower pocket 122, a slit 150 is employed as in the first embodiment to permit a user seated in the chair to tuck his or her legs up underneath the chair without tearing the cover 110.
  • As best seen in FIGS. 14 through 16, one or more pleats 130 or “tucks” may be employed to permit a certain amount of “give” in the upper pocket 120 so as to allow upper pocket 120 to fit snugly about the chair back 104.
  • It can be seen, therefore, the covers 10 and 110 of the first and second embodiments of my invention in the form of cover 110 fit easily and snugly about a standard folding-type chair to provide a protection cover for the chair as well as a beautiful ornamentation for an otherwise bland seating apparatus.
  • Referring now to FIGS. 17-25, in which like reference numerals designate like items, two modes of practicing the table cover and skirt embodiments of the present invention are disclosed. It is to be understood, however, that departures may be made in the specific structural assembly and use of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
  • As depicted in FIGS. 17-19, 22 and 23, the table cover 200, 400 is placed on the table T, T1 so as to substantially cover the top of the table and, in so doing, to act as a table-cloth. FIGS. 17-19 depict a rectangular table T which is covered by a rectangular table cover 200. FIGS. 22 and 23 provide a round table T1 which is covered by a round table cover 400.
  • If necessary, because tables are created in a variety of sizes, the table cover 200, 400 may be made of one or more sheets of non-woven fabric which are to be joined together by sewing/stitching, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, hook and loop fastener, adhesive tapes, snaps, buttons, or any other suitable connection structure. In addition, and again because tables are created in a variety of sizes, table cover 200, 400 may optionally include a size reduction feature 201, 401 such as dashed or solid lines defining the terminal edges of a particular size cover or, alternatively, perforations or other easily-removable connection along which excess cover material may be removed. The size reduction feature 201, 401 is visible in FIGS. 17 and 22 for demonstration purposes only. Preferably, the size reduction feature 201, 401 is only visible on one side of the table cover 200, 400 so that it does not affect the overall appearance of the final product.
  • It will be appreciated that the size enlargement and size reduction features of the table cover 200, 400 are not mutually exclusive. For example, a table may require two rectangular table covers 200 to cover a large table top, but may also need to utilize one of the size reduction features along one length of the table.
  • The clips 210, 310, 410, shown independently in FIGS. 20, 21 and 24, are then placed over the edge of the table 205, 405 to removably secure the table cover 200, 400 to the table top 204, 404. The clips 210, 310, 410 may include attachment material 211, 311, 411 with which to removably attach the skirt 220, 420 along the edge of the table 205, 405. As depicted in FIGS. 19-21 and 24, the attachment material 211, 311, 411 may comprise hook and loop fastener. However, any suitable attachment material 211, 311, 411 such as hook and loop fasteners, adhesive tapes, snaps, and buttons may be practiced in the present invention.
  • In addition, and again because tables are created in a variety of sizes, table skirt 220, 420 may optionally include a size reduction feature 221, 421 such as dashed or solid lines defining the terminal edges of a particular size skirt or, alternatively, perforations or other easily-removable connection along which excess skirt material may be removed. Preferably, and as depicted in FIGS. 17, 18, 22 and 23, the size reduction feature 221, 421 is only visible on the side of the skirt 220, 420 facing the table T, T1.
  • The skirt 220, 420 may also be provided with one or more lengths of attachment material 222, 422. Similar to the attachment material 211, 311, 411 of the clips, 210, 310, 410, the attachment material 222, 422 of the skirt 220, 420 can include hook and loop fasteners, adhesive tapes, snaps, buttons, or any other suitable attachment material. As depicted in FIGS. 17 and 22, the attachment material 222, 422 is provided in a continuous strip. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the attachment material 222, 422 may also be provided in intermittent lengths without departing from the scope of the present invention. To complete the table display, the attachment material 222, 422 of the skirt 220, 420 is attached to the attachment material 211, 311, 411 of the clip 210, 310, 410. The resulting table T, T1 is suitable for any event.
  • In an alternate embodiment, it may be desirable to attach the skirt 220, 420 to the table or other objects by means other than a clip 210, 310, 410. For example, in creating a room of one theme, it may be necessary to place a skirt 220, 420 around a wooden stage, a portable or stationary bar, countertop, table or fixed structure (not shown). In that case, a supply of attachment material (not shown), such as hook and loop fastener, may be included with the kit. The caterer could simply attach the attachment material directly to the edge of the object and then removably attach the corresponding attachment material 222, 422 associated with the skirt 220, 420 to the attachment material connected to the edge of the object. In another example, the hostess may wish to display a beautiful table top without a table cover 200, 400. In that embodiment, the skirt 220, 420 can be attached directly to the table by attachment material (not shown) without the clip 210, 310, 410. Some non-limiting examples of suitable attachment material include hook and loop fasteners, adhesive tapes, snaps, and buttons.
  • To add to the visual appeal provided by the uniform display of the tables and chairs, the kit may also include one or more aprons 500, 600 made of the same non-woven material as depicted in FIGS. 25 and 26.
  • Preferably, a kit according to the present invention will include one or more adjustable table covers, one or more adjustable skirts, a plurality of clips, and one or more aprons. However, the inventor recognizes that each caterer's needs are distinct and may also provide the kit components in individual packaging. For example, a caterer may have a chosen color scheme for his/her display and may wish to pair a blue adjustable skirt with a white table cover. The caterer would be able to purchase either the white table cover or the blue skirt separately. In addition, the caterer may be working an outdoor event and require additional clips to add holding strength to the cover and/or skirt due to the weather.
  • A kit of the present invention may only include the table top and/or the table skirt and/or clips and/or any combination thereof. The components of the kit will be dictated by the needs of the consumer.
  • In addition, the present invention is not limited to use by caterers. Kits to be used at home could include birthday-themed table covers and skirts or even in simple decorative patterns for normal day-to-day decoration. This invention is perfect for the person who likes to frequently alter the appearance of their rooms because it is low-cost and disposable. Therefore, a person could alter the appearance of a room every week, if desired.
  • The invention has been shown and described herein in the form of preferred embodiments with alternative features. It is to be understood, however, that the scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments and additional features disclosed herein, and that the invention is intended to be limited only by the following claims.

Claims (32)

1. A disposable catering-kit comprising:
a first sheet of non-woven fabric sized and shaped to be draped over a table so as to cover at least a top surface of the table;
at least two clips to hold the sheet to the table;
a second sheet of non-woven fabric sized and shaped to be hung in a generally vertical orientation along the side edge of the table.
2. The disposable catering-kit of claim 1 wherein the first sheet of non-woven fabric is marked so as to indicate alternate borders for different table sizes and shapes.
3. The disposable catering-kit of claim 1 wherein the first sheet of non-woven fabric is perforated so as to provide alternate borders for different table sizes and shapes.
4. The disposable catering-kit of claim 1 wherein the second sheet of non-woven fabric is marked so as to indicate alternate borders for different table lengths.
5. The disposable catering-kit of claim 1 wherein the second sheet of non-woven fabric is perforated so as to provide alternate borders for different table lengths.
6. The disposable catering-kit of claim 1 wherein the at least two clips and the second sheet of non-woven fabric comprise attachment material to facilitate attachment of the second sheet along the edge of a table.
7. The disposable catering-kit of claim 6 wherein the attachment material is selected from the group consisting of hook and loop material, adhesive tapes, snaps, and buttons.
8. The disposable catering-kit of claim 1 further comprising an apron made of non-woven fabric.
9. A method of covering a table with the disposable catering kit of claim 1, the method comprising:
placing the first sheet of non-woven material over a table;
removably securing the first sheet to the table with the two or more clips;
removably securing the second sheet along the edge of the table with the two or more clips.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the two or more clips and the second sheet comprise fastener material, the first sheet being secured to the table by the clip portion of the two or more clips and the second sheet being secured along the table by the fastener material of the two or more clips.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the fastener material is selected from the group consisting of hook and loop material, adhesive tapes, snaps, and buttons.
12. The method of claim 9 further comprising providing an apron of non-woven material.
13. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the first sheet, the adjustability feature including markings to indicate alternate table sizes and shapes, the first sheet being cut-able at the markings so as to provide table covers of appropriate size.
14. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the first sheet, the adjustability feature including perforations to indicate alternate table sizes and shapes, the first sheet being tear-able at the perforations so as to provide table covers of appropriate size.
15. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the second sheet, the adjustability feature including markings to indicate alternate table lengths, the second sheet being cut-able at the markings so as to provide table skirts of appropriate size.
16. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the second sheet, the adjustability feature including perforations to indicate alternate table lengths, the second sheet being tear-able at the perforations so as to provide table skirts of appropriate size.
17. A method of providing caterers with disposable sanitary table covers and skirts, comprising the steps of:
providing a first sheet of non-woven material to cover a table top;
providing a second sheet of non-woven material to connect along an edge of the table and hang in a generally vertical orientation therefrom; and
providing two or more clips to hold the first and second sheets of non-woven material to the table.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the two or more clips and the second sheet comprise fastener material, the first sheet being secured to the table by the clip portion of the two or more clips and the second sheet being secured along the table by the fastener material of the two or more clips.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the fastener material is selected from the group consisting of hook and loop material, adhesive tapes, snaps, and buttons.
20. The method of claim 17 further comprising providing an apron of non-woven material.
21. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the first sheet, the adjustability feature including markings to indicate alternate table sizes and shapes, the first sheet being cut-able at the markings so as to provide table covers of appropriate size.
22. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the first sheet, the adjustability feature including perforations to indicate alternate table sizes and shapes, the first sheet being tear-able at the perforations so as to provide table covers of appropriate size.
23. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the second sheet, the adjustability feature including markings to indicate alternate table lengths, the second sheet being cut-able at the markings so as to provide table skirts of appropriate size.
24. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the second sheet, the adjustability feature including perforations to indicate alternate table lengths, the second sheet being tear-able at the perforations so as to provide table skirts of appropriate size.
25. A method of decorating a table with disposable sanitary table covers and skirts, comprising the steps of:
placing a first sheet of non-woven material over a table;
removably securing the first sheet to the table with two or more clips;
removably securing a second sheet along the edge of the table with the two or more clips.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein the two or more clips and the second sheet comprise fastener material, the first sheet being secured to the table by the clip portion of the two or more clips and the second sheet being secured along the table by the fastener material of the two or more clips.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein the fastener material is selected from the group consisting of hook and loop material, adhesive tapes, snaps, and buttons.
28. The method of claim 25 further comprising providing an apron of non-woven material.
29. The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the first sheet, the adjustability feature including markings to indicate alternate table sizes and shapes, the first sheet being cut-able at the markings so as to provide table covers of appropriate size.
30. The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the first sheet, the adjustability feature including perforations to indicate alternate table sizes and shapes, the first sheet being tear-able at the perforations so as to provide table covers of appropriate size.
31. The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the second sheet, the adjustability feature including markings to indicate alternate table lengths, the second sheet being cut-able at the markings so as to provide table skirts of appropriate size.
32. The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of providing an adjustability feature of the second sheet, the adjustability feature including perforations to indicate alternate table lengths, the second sheet being tear-able at the perforations so as to provide table skirts of appropriate size.
US11/208,168 2004-04-01 2005-08-19 Disposable table and chair covers Abandoned US20050274298A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/208,168 US20050274298A1 (en) 2004-04-01 2005-08-19 Disposable table and chair covers
PCT/US2006/013104 WO2006110560A2 (en) 2005-04-12 2006-04-10 Disposable table and chair covers
US13/214,005 US8287041B2 (en) 2004-04-01 2011-08-19 Disposable chair covers
US13/314,953 US8500199B2 (en) 2004-04-01 2011-12-08 Disposable chair covers

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US81653004A 2004-04-01 2004-04-01
US11/104,006 US7469962B2 (en) 2004-04-01 2005-04-12 Disposable chair cover
US11/208,168 US20050274298A1 (en) 2004-04-01 2005-08-19 Disposable table and chair covers

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/104,006 Continuation-In-Part US7469962B2 (en) 2004-04-01 2005-04-12 Disposable chair cover

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/214,005 Continuation-In-Part US8287041B2 (en) 2004-04-01 2011-08-19 Disposable chair covers
US13/314,953 Division US8500199B2 (en) 2004-04-01 2011-12-08 Disposable chair covers

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050274298A1 true US20050274298A1 (en) 2005-12-15

Family

ID=37087557

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/208,168 Abandoned US20050274298A1 (en) 2004-04-01 2005-08-19 Disposable table and chair covers
US13/314,953 Expired - Fee Related US8500199B2 (en) 2004-04-01 2011-12-08 Disposable chair covers

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/314,953 Expired - Fee Related US8500199B2 (en) 2004-04-01 2011-12-08 Disposable chair covers

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (2) US20050274298A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2006110560A2 (en)

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080175879A1 (en) * 2007-01-23 2008-07-24 Feinberg Terry M Table cloths or table covers invisible to and capable of repelling insects and animals
US20110017104A1 (en) * 2009-07-23 2011-01-27 Ditrolio Philip A Combination Table Top Cover and Skirt Retainer
US20110120360A1 (en) * 2009-11-25 2011-05-26 Jane Birdwell Fitted tablecloth
US8590462B1 (en) * 2011-10-18 2013-11-26 Latyrain Dyson Table with integrated and ground-covering blanket
CN106263589A (en) * 2016-10-24 2017-01-04 蔡凤文 A kind of dining table carrying dust cover
US20180201167A1 (en) * 2017-01-18 2018-07-19 Yuan Yao Car seat cover and a method for knitting the same
US10231547B2 (en) 2016-07-29 2019-03-19 Anyplace Concepts Co., Ltd. Connector for sofa chair frame and sofa chair frame having same
US10299605B2 (en) * 2015-10-16 2019-05-28 Anyplace Concepts Co., Ltd. Sofa chair
USD892221S1 (en) 2019-03-19 2020-08-04 Indian Industries, Inc. Collapsible poker table
US10750865B1 (en) * 2018-08-22 2020-08-25 R Deborah Enterprises, LLC Protective cover apparatus for furniture
USD912732S1 (en) 2018-11-20 2021-03-09 Indian Industries, Inc. Collapsible hockey table
USD930747S1 (en) 2019-02-20 2021-09-14 Indian Industries, Inc. Collapsible billiards table
USD946104S1 (en) 2018-07-18 2022-03-15 Indian Industries, Inc. Collapsible table tennis table
US11412871B2 (en) * 2020-01-23 2022-08-16 Joanna Lange Frohn System and method for covering and lighting a table

Families Citing this family (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050274298A1 (en) 2004-04-01 2005-12-15 Victoria Paulin Disposable table and chair covers
US8287041B2 (en) 2004-04-01 2012-10-16 Victoria Paulin Disposable chair covers
FR2948860A1 (en) * 2009-08-10 2011-02-11 Marie Line Dufour REMOVABLE CHAIR HOOD
US20140070575A1 (en) * 2012-04-05 2014-03-13 GalaRoo NYC LLC Chair cushion with pockets
US20140042786A1 (en) * 2012-08-13 2014-02-13 Teresa E. Miller Cover for an outdoor furniture cushion
US9221372B1 (en) * 2014-07-18 2015-12-29 Arlene Anna Lacey Sanitized protective seat cover kit with disinfecting agent
US9622591B2 (en) 2015-05-19 2017-04-18 Richard Lipson Disposable cover for a high chair
USD785372S1 (en) 2016-02-21 2017-05-02 Warren Bosket, Sr. Protective chair cover
US10321777B2 (en) * 2017-05-30 2019-06-18 Frances Simmons-Ellis Drawstring table cover
US10758053B2 (en) 2017-12-12 2020-09-01 Bobachi, Llc Screen
USD896006S1 (en) 2018-10-17 2020-09-15 Joanie Green Cushion cover
US11844438B2 (en) 2019-01-21 2023-12-19 Eva Forte Apparatus and method for hygienically protecting and aesthetically preparing a seat

Citations (59)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1820104A (en) * 1930-04-17 1931-08-25 John W Whaley Seat cover
US1933185A (en) * 1932-03-21 1933-10-31 Flora L Rouleau Apron
US2349193A (en) * 1941-09-13 1944-05-16 Pass Sam Furniture slip cover
US3368601A (en) * 1966-07-01 1968-02-13 Margaret Gantert Merz Table trimming
US3371957A (en) * 1965-06-17 1968-03-05 Medlock Mfg Company Ltd Loose covers for seats and the like
US3905414A (en) * 1973-09-10 1975-09-16 Gerald E Guebert Drapery connector assembly
USRE29979E (en) * 1976-08-02 1979-05-01 Drapery connector assembly
US4676375A (en) * 1983-11-10 1987-06-30 Basf Aktiengesellschaft Storage container for flat articles with undercut hinge portions
US4693511A (en) * 1986-09-08 1987-09-15 Allison Corporation Auto seat cover
US4697847A (en) * 1984-04-30 1987-10-06 Herbert Herschlag Portable upholstered furniture
US4708183A (en) * 1985-09-27 1987-11-24 Figueroa Jose L Combination table cover and skirt retainer
US5060712A (en) * 1990-06-15 1991-10-29 Paul Ehrlich Table skirt-attaching method
USD321805S (en) * 1988-12-05 1991-11-26 Piciullo Angelo M Disposable car seat cover
US5121938A (en) * 1991-03-04 1992-06-16 Invacare Corporation Slip covers for wheelchairs
US5284099A (en) * 1991-06-06 1994-02-08 Cohen Paul J Table mat
US5287614A (en) * 1993-03-10 1994-02-22 Paul Ehrlich Table skirt-attaching method and attaching clip
US5339748A (en) * 1993-08-09 1994-08-23 Dayva International, Inc. Table cover
US5358236A (en) * 1992-04-09 1994-10-25 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Ag Table cover
US5506019A (en) * 1994-09-29 1996-04-09 Abeyta; Joseph T. Table cover and method of making same
US5640480A (en) * 1995-08-07 1997-06-17 Northrop Grumman Corporation Zig-zag quasi-phase-matched wavelength converter apparatus
US5690380A (en) * 1996-08-23 1997-11-25 Waters; Abby Slipcovers with interchangeable trim
US5778802A (en) * 1996-11-19 1998-07-14 Hairston; Jana L. Table cover system
USD416430S (en) * 1998-11-17 1999-11-16 Rita Di Genova Chair covers
US6001460A (en) * 1996-12-30 1999-12-14 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Elastic laminated fabric material and method of making same
US6003451A (en) * 1999-01-22 1999-12-21 Kelldorf; Mitchell T. Table cover
USD418356S (en) * 1998-05-15 2000-01-04 Kenneth Earl Davis Table cover
USD419025S (en) * 1998-12-24 2000-01-18 Nafiseh Lindberg Ornamental design for a furniture cover
US6079778A (en) * 1997-01-31 2000-06-27 Lindberg; Nafiseh Padded chair cover and method for covering chairs
USD428296S (en) * 1999-01-22 2000-07-18 Kelldorf Mitchell T Table cover
US6096668A (en) * 1997-09-15 2000-08-01 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Elastic film laminates
US6161489A (en) * 1999-01-22 2000-12-19 Kelldorf; Mitchell T. Table cover
US6207237B1 (en) * 1998-09-30 2001-03-27 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Elastic nonwoven webs and films
US6309017B1 (en) * 2000-09-18 2001-10-30 Greg Middleton Removable seat cover
US6354661B1 (en) * 1999-01-06 2002-03-12 Anne Masako Moss Chair cocoon
USD455929S1 (en) * 1999-02-26 2002-04-23 Donald E. Tweel Table cover
USD455928S1 (en) * 2001-01-04 2002-04-23 Intex Recreation Corp. Inflatable mattress
US6428098B1 (en) * 1999-11-16 2002-08-06 Florence B. Allbaugh Child seat liner
US6431089B1 (en) * 2000-05-04 2002-08-13 O'brien Eileen Table covers
US6447059B1 (en) * 2000-08-03 2002-09-10 Usa Products Adjustable seat covers for high or low back seats
US20020172797A1 (en) * 2001-05-15 2002-11-21 Yukihiro Sugawara Table cover providing functional napkins
USD469999S1 (en) * 2002-05-29 2003-02-11 Kevin R. Christoffersen Disposable seat cover
US20030031826A1 (en) * 2001-08-07 2003-02-13 Cleveland Cristina M. Table covering
US6532595B1 (en) * 2001-10-16 2003-03-18 Monette Holmes Combination child's apron and chair sanitary cover
USD480253S1 (en) * 2002-03-08 2003-10-07 Reginald Raines Table cover
US6655734B2 (en) * 2001-08-30 2003-12-02 Herbistic Enterprises, Llc Disposable sanitary seat cover
US20030227200A1 (en) * 2002-06-10 2003-12-11 Lopez Patricia Ann Chair skirt
USD485688S1 (en) * 2002-12-05 2004-01-27 Brown Jordan International Inc. Chair
US20040130193A1 (en) * 2003-01-06 2004-07-08 Haller Hunter Wallace Disposable automotive seat cover
US20040238087A1 (en) * 2003-05-27 2004-12-02 Elisa Ciapessoni Disposable tablecloth
US20040262968A1 (en) * 2001-11-01 2004-12-30 Berman Irwin R. Resilient seating structure
US20050013967A1 (en) * 2003-07-15 2005-01-20 Saccomandi Diane C. Decorative table covering
US20050053644A1 (en) * 2003-09-10 2005-03-10 Salemi Anthony S. Indented antimicrobial paper and a process for making and using the same
US20050076981A1 (en) * 2002-04-29 2005-04-14 Ariel Koropitzer Disposable table cloth for umbrella table
US6896190B2 (en) * 2002-10-29 2005-05-24 Fujikoki Corporation Expansion valve
US20050151391A1 (en) * 2004-01-13 2005-07-14 Bryd Randall R. Protective vehicle cover
US6929626B2 (en) * 2003-01-15 2005-08-16 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Intraluminally placeable textile catheter, drain and stent
US6986928B2 (en) * 2000-05-17 2006-01-17 Almansa Perea Maria Jose Tablecloth and device for fixing the skirt of said tablecloth
US7011365B2 (en) * 2004-05-10 2006-03-14 Kerfoot Jessica T Chair cover
US7320287B2 (en) * 2003-12-23 2008-01-22 Smt Solutions, Inc. Tablecloth covering and method of covering and skirting a table

Family Cites Families (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2537100A (en) * 1945-08-17 1951-01-09 Smith James Walter Slip-cover fastener or stabilizer
US4522863A (en) 1984-06-21 1985-06-11 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Soft nonwoven laminate bonded by adhesive on reinforcing scrim
US4676376A (en) 1985-10-04 1987-06-30 Petoskey Plastics, Inc. Temporary protective seat cover
DE4217613A1 (en) 1992-05-27 1993-12-02 Deuter Sport & Leder Protective cover for furniture - has reusable cover secured by integral straps and totally enclosing item to be protected.
US5540480A (en) 1994-10-12 1996-07-30 Christa; Carol Versatile seat skirt
US5996190A (en) * 1999-03-12 1999-12-07 Peterson; Rita Rae Combination table cover and skirt retainer with a floral arrangement fastner and an advertising device
USD465688S1 (en) 2000-11-09 2002-11-19 Korry K. Hetherington Chair cover
US6796609B2 (en) 2002-07-29 2004-09-28 Classic Slipcovers Inc. Slipcover with T-cushion feature
US6929326B2 (en) 2003-02-06 2005-08-16 Melissa Cohen-Fyffe Clean diner high chair seat cover
AU2003100523A4 (en) 2003-06-30 2003-08-14 Vanessa Robb Chair cover
US7011367B2 (en) 2004-02-11 2006-03-14 Prescient Partners, Lp Universally adjustable slipcover for dining room chairs
US20050274298A1 (en) 2004-04-01 2005-12-15 Victoria Paulin Disposable table and chair covers
US7469962B2 (en) 2004-04-01 2008-12-30 Victoria Paulin Disposable chair cover
US7600813B2 (en) 2005-12-19 2009-10-13 Polymer Packaging, Inc. Temporary protective seat cover

Patent Citations (60)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1820104A (en) * 1930-04-17 1931-08-25 John W Whaley Seat cover
US1933185A (en) * 1932-03-21 1933-10-31 Flora L Rouleau Apron
US2349193A (en) * 1941-09-13 1944-05-16 Pass Sam Furniture slip cover
US3371957A (en) * 1965-06-17 1968-03-05 Medlock Mfg Company Ltd Loose covers for seats and the like
US3368601A (en) * 1966-07-01 1968-02-13 Margaret Gantert Merz Table trimming
US3905414A (en) * 1973-09-10 1975-09-16 Gerald E Guebert Drapery connector assembly
USRE29979E (en) * 1976-08-02 1979-05-01 Drapery connector assembly
US4676375A (en) * 1983-11-10 1987-06-30 Basf Aktiengesellschaft Storage container for flat articles with undercut hinge portions
US4697847A (en) * 1984-04-30 1987-10-06 Herbert Herschlag Portable upholstered furniture
US4708183A (en) * 1985-09-27 1987-11-24 Figueroa Jose L Combination table cover and skirt retainer
US4693511A (en) * 1986-09-08 1987-09-15 Allison Corporation Auto seat cover
USD321805S (en) * 1988-12-05 1991-11-26 Piciullo Angelo M Disposable car seat cover
US5060712A (en) * 1990-06-15 1991-10-29 Paul Ehrlich Table skirt-attaching method
US5121938A (en) * 1991-03-04 1992-06-16 Invacare Corporation Slip covers for wheelchairs
US5284099A (en) * 1991-06-06 1994-02-08 Cohen Paul J Table mat
US5358236A (en) * 1992-04-09 1994-10-25 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Ag Table cover
US5287614A (en) * 1993-03-10 1994-02-22 Paul Ehrlich Table skirt-attaching method and attaching clip
US5339748A (en) * 1993-08-09 1994-08-23 Dayva International, Inc. Table cover
US5506019A (en) * 1994-09-29 1996-04-09 Abeyta; Joseph T. Table cover and method of making same
US5640480A (en) * 1995-08-07 1997-06-17 Northrop Grumman Corporation Zig-zag quasi-phase-matched wavelength converter apparatus
US5690380A (en) * 1996-08-23 1997-11-25 Waters; Abby Slipcovers with interchangeable trim
US5778802A (en) * 1996-11-19 1998-07-14 Hairston; Jana L. Table cover system
US6001460A (en) * 1996-12-30 1999-12-14 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Elastic laminated fabric material and method of making same
US6079778A (en) * 1997-01-31 2000-06-27 Lindberg; Nafiseh Padded chair cover and method for covering chairs
US6096668A (en) * 1997-09-15 2000-08-01 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Elastic film laminates
USD418356S (en) * 1998-05-15 2000-01-04 Kenneth Earl Davis Table cover
US6207237B1 (en) * 1998-09-30 2001-03-27 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Elastic nonwoven webs and films
USD416430S (en) * 1998-11-17 1999-11-16 Rita Di Genova Chair covers
USD419025S (en) * 1998-12-24 2000-01-18 Nafiseh Lindberg Ornamental design for a furniture cover
US6354661B1 (en) * 1999-01-06 2002-03-12 Anne Masako Moss Chair cocoon
USD428296S (en) * 1999-01-22 2000-07-18 Kelldorf Mitchell T Table cover
US6003451A (en) * 1999-01-22 1999-12-21 Kelldorf; Mitchell T. Table cover
US6161489A (en) * 1999-01-22 2000-12-19 Kelldorf; Mitchell T. Table cover
US6334399B1 (en) * 1999-01-22 2002-01-01 Mitchell T. Kelldorf Table cover
USD455929S1 (en) * 1999-02-26 2002-04-23 Donald E. Tweel Table cover
US6428098B1 (en) * 1999-11-16 2002-08-06 Florence B. Allbaugh Child seat liner
US6431089B1 (en) * 2000-05-04 2002-08-13 O'brien Eileen Table covers
US6986928B2 (en) * 2000-05-17 2006-01-17 Almansa Perea Maria Jose Tablecloth and device for fixing the skirt of said tablecloth
US6447059B1 (en) * 2000-08-03 2002-09-10 Usa Products Adjustable seat covers for high or low back seats
US6309017B1 (en) * 2000-09-18 2001-10-30 Greg Middleton Removable seat cover
USD455928S1 (en) * 2001-01-04 2002-04-23 Intex Recreation Corp. Inflatable mattress
US20020172797A1 (en) * 2001-05-15 2002-11-21 Yukihiro Sugawara Table cover providing functional napkins
US20030031826A1 (en) * 2001-08-07 2003-02-13 Cleveland Cristina M. Table covering
US6655734B2 (en) * 2001-08-30 2003-12-02 Herbistic Enterprises, Llc Disposable sanitary seat cover
US6532595B1 (en) * 2001-10-16 2003-03-18 Monette Holmes Combination child's apron and chair sanitary cover
US20040262968A1 (en) * 2001-11-01 2004-12-30 Berman Irwin R. Resilient seating structure
USD480253S1 (en) * 2002-03-08 2003-10-07 Reginald Raines Table cover
US20050076981A1 (en) * 2002-04-29 2005-04-14 Ariel Koropitzer Disposable table cloth for umbrella table
USD469999S1 (en) * 2002-05-29 2003-02-11 Kevin R. Christoffersen Disposable seat cover
US20030227200A1 (en) * 2002-06-10 2003-12-11 Lopez Patricia Ann Chair skirt
US6896190B2 (en) * 2002-10-29 2005-05-24 Fujikoki Corporation Expansion valve
USD485688S1 (en) * 2002-12-05 2004-01-27 Brown Jordan International Inc. Chair
US20040130193A1 (en) * 2003-01-06 2004-07-08 Haller Hunter Wallace Disposable automotive seat cover
US6929626B2 (en) * 2003-01-15 2005-08-16 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Intraluminally placeable textile catheter, drain and stent
US20040238087A1 (en) * 2003-05-27 2004-12-02 Elisa Ciapessoni Disposable tablecloth
US20050013967A1 (en) * 2003-07-15 2005-01-20 Saccomandi Diane C. Decorative table covering
US20050053644A1 (en) * 2003-09-10 2005-03-10 Salemi Anthony S. Indented antimicrobial paper and a process for making and using the same
US7320287B2 (en) * 2003-12-23 2008-01-22 Smt Solutions, Inc. Tablecloth covering and method of covering and skirting a table
US20050151391A1 (en) * 2004-01-13 2005-07-14 Bryd Randall R. Protective vehicle cover
US7011365B2 (en) * 2004-05-10 2006-03-14 Kerfoot Jessica T Chair cover

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080175879A1 (en) * 2007-01-23 2008-07-24 Feinberg Terry M Table cloths or table covers invisible to and capable of repelling insects and animals
US20110017104A1 (en) * 2009-07-23 2011-01-27 Ditrolio Philip A Combination Table Top Cover and Skirt Retainer
US20110120360A1 (en) * 2009-11-25 2011-05-26 Jane Birdwell Fitted tablecloth
US8176862B2 (en) * 2009-11-25 2012-05-15 Jane Birdwell Fitted tablecloth
US8590462B1 (en) * 2011-10-18 2013-11-26 Latyrain Dyson Table with integrated and ground-covering blanket
US10299605B2 (en) * 2015-10-16 2019-05-28 Anyplace Concepts Co., Ltd. Sofa chair
US10231547B2 (en) 2016-07-29 2019-03-19 Anyplace Concepts Co., Ltd. Connector for sofa chair frame and sofa chair frame having same
CN106263589A (en) * 2016-10-24 2017-01-04 蔡凤文 A kind of dining table carrying dust cover
US20180201167A1 (en) * 2017-01-18 2018-07-19 Yuan Yao Car seat cover and a method for knitting the same
US10493881B2 (en) * 2017-01-18 2019-12-03 Yuan Yao Car seat cover and a method for knitting the same
USD946104S1 (en) 2018-07-18 2022-03-15 Indian Industries, Inc. Collapsible table tennis table
US10750865B1 (en) * 2018-08-22 2020-08-25 R Deborah Enterprises, LLC Protective cover apparatus for furniture
USD912732S1 (en) 2018-11-20 2021-03-09 Indian Industries, Inc. Collapsible hockey table
USD930747S1 (en) 2019-02-20 2021-09-14 Indian Industries, Inc. Collapsible billiards table
USD892221S1 (en) 2019-03-19 2020-08-04 Indian Industries, Inc. Collapsible poker table
US11412871B2 (en) * 2020-01-23 2022-08-16 Joanna Lange Frohn System and method for covering and lighting a table

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20120313410A1 (en) 2012-12-13
US8500199B2 (en) 2013-08-06
WO2006110560A2 (en) 2006-10-19
WO2006110560A3 (en) 2009-04-23

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8500199B2 (en) Disposable chair covers
US7469962B2 (en) Disposable chair cover
US5566411A (en) Bedding ensemble
US7757614B2 (en) Fitted tablecloth for outdoor use and associated method
US20070056099A1 (en) Dust ruffle stabilizer
US8414071B2 (en) Protective seat covers for upholstery and methods of use
US20070176474A1 (en) Reversible slipcover
US9095232B2 (en) Fitted ruffle
US9648960B2 (en) Slipcover for furniture
US20120326475A1 (en) Chair Covers
WO2009026685A1 (en) Table covering apparatus
US8287041B2 (en) Disposable chair covers
US6206468B1 (en) Removable padded seat cover
US6088852A (en) Bed linens
US6334399B1 (en) Table cover
US20200337478A1 (en) Ultrasonic peel away textile goods
US20050086740A1 (en) Interchangeable furniture skirt
GB2304571A (en) Quilts and the like
US5727477A (en) Removable & stawable cover for tables
US20040262964A1 (en) Disposable chair cover
US10117522B2 (en) T-pocket towels
EP1754431A2 (en) Flexible cover which is intended for seats at public performances
JP6585667B2 (en) Cover set with display function for chair
US9510713B2 (en) Methods for sewing T-pocket towels
US20130292974A1 (en) Cover for wheelchair and method of use

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION