Abstract:
The present disclosure describes a fabric cover for covering objects in a microwave. In an exemplary embodiment, the fabric cover is a fitted fabric cover (preferably made from organic or natural cotton material) that has a drawstring that can be used to secure the cover over a microwavable item. The fabric cover for microwave allows for food to be heated and keeps the microwave clean by covering the food and preventing it from splattering the inside of the microwave.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     The present non-provisional Utility Patent Application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/253,127, filed Oct. 20, 2009, and entitled “FABRIC COVER,” the contents of which are incorporated in full by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a fabric cover, and more particularly, to a fabric cover that may be removably disposed over a dish, container, or the like in a microwave oven and associated method of use and manufacture. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Microwave ovens are widespread through the world to re-heat or cook food. One unfortunate aspect of cooking with a microwave is that food splatters as it is being heated and soils the inside of the microwave. People have used paper towels, plastic lids and other, non-secured disposable items to cover microwavable dishes to prevent dirtying the microwave. Unfortunately, none of the currently available items are able to consistently keep the area clean. Currently, the only material available with the express intent of covering food dishes while being cooked in a microwave is plastic which is disposable by nature. Plastic runs the risk of melting if heated to a high enough temperature. Additionally, they are easily stained and difficult to clean, thus making the cooking experience more difficult. It is also common practice to place a paper towel over a cooking dish in the microwave. This type of solution creates the issue of the paper towel falling off the food during the heating process, thus resulting in the food soiling the microwave. Also, paper towels are disposable. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention relates to a fabric cover for dishes, plates, containers, etc. used in microwaves that, when fitted over an item containing food, will allow food items to be heated or cooked while preventing those items from splattering and soiling the surrounding area. In an exemplary embodiment, a fabric cover includes a fabric; a sleeve disposed around a periphery of the fabric; and a drawstring disposed within the sleeve; wherein the fabric is configured to be placed around an object for microwaving and secured to the object with the drawstring. The fabric can include one of bamboo, cotton, silk, linen, lycra, paper, wool, nylon, and blended combinations thereof, and the fabric cover can be machine washable or dishwasher safe and thereby reusable. Optionally, the fabric is between one and twenty four inches in diameter. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, a fabric cover for an object used in a microwave oven includes a top circle portion; a side wall portion; a drawstring seam formed in the side wall portion; and a drawstring disposed within the drawstring seam and exposed at openings in the drawstring seam. The fabric includes a porous material configured to allow heat to escape through the fabric. The top circle portion may include a diameter of approximately 13″ and the side wall portion may include a height of approximately 2″. The side wall portion forms a conical shape. The fabric cover may further include one or more cross-sections disposed or attached to the side wall portion. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, a method of cooking with a microwave oven includes obtaining an object for heating with the microwave oven; placing a fabric cover over the object; securing the fabric cover to the object with a drawstring disposed around an outer edge of the fabric cover; and heating the object in the microwave. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote like method steps and/or system components, respectively, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fabric cover disposed over a first object according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the fabric cover of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed cross-section view of the fabric cover of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a fabric cover disposed over a second object according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the fabric cover of  FIG. 4  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a detailed cross-section view of the fabric cover of  FIG. 4  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is various perspective views of a fabric cover for use with a plate, bowl, or the like according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart of a manufacture method of a fabric cover according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention relates to a fabric cover that may be removably disposed over a dish, container, or the like in a microwave oven. Advantageously, the present invention prevents splatters and the like in the microwave oven interior thereby removing requirements to continually clean the microwave oven. Furthermore, the present invention is washable, reusable, environmentally-friendly, and the like. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , various views illustrate a fabric cover  10  according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The fabric cover  10  includes a drawstring  12  disposed around a periphery near outer edges of the fabric cover  10  and contained within a drawstring sleeve  14 .  FIGS. 1-3  illustrate the fabric cover  10  disposed around a first object, such as a plate  16 , and  FIGS. 4-6  illustrate a fabric cover  18  disposed around a second object, such as a bowl  20 . When placed over a microwavable item, such as the plate  16  or bowl  20 , the drawstring  12  can be pulled to tighten the fabric cover  10 ,  18  and make it fit snugly over the item. Thereafter, the microwavable item can be heated within a microwave oven (not shown) without food splatter from the item exiting the fabric cover  10 ,  18 . Note, the fabric cover  10 ,  18  can be the same. The drawstring  12  enables the fabric cover  10 ,  18  to fit to a range of sizes associated with the plate  16 , the bowl  20 , etc. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the fabric cover  10 ,  18  can be made out of organic or natural cotton material. Additionally, it should be noted that the fabric cover  10 , drawstring  12 , and drawstring sleeve  14  can be made of various materials, including, but not limited to, microwave safe fabrics (bamboo, cotton, silk, linen, lycra, paper, wool, nylon, blended combinations and more), plastics, paper or wood. These materials, which are porous in nature will allow for the heat generated in the microwave process to vent and escape from under the cover  10 . 
     It is preferable to use a material that can be cleaned so that the fabric cover  10 ,  18 , if not disposed of, can be washed and re-used. In an exemplary embodiment, the fabric cover  10 ,  18  can be machine washable or dishwasher safe thereby enabling the cover  10 ,  18  to be washed with the plate  16 , the bowl  20 , etc. in the dishwasher. The fabric cover  10 ,  18  can also be made by using different shapes, stretchable materials, elastic bands, pursed string or pursed stitching in place of a drawstring, or can be large enough to cover a microwavable item either without being secured or by completely wrapping the item inside the cover  10 ,  18 . It can also be a sac in which one places a microwavable item with the closure at any location. 
     In an exemplary use, the fabric cover  10 ,  18  can be used to cover a dish of pasta with tomato sauce for re-heating in the microwave. Here, one can take the dish with the food in it, place the fabric cover  10 ,  18  over the dish, pull the drawstring  12  to secure it around the dish, place the covered dish in the microwave and heat the item. The fabric cover  10 ,  18  allows the food to heat up while keeping the microwave clean. It is crucial to note that the fabric dish cover for microwave should not be used in a conventional, convection or toaster oven and should not be used in any “bake” mode that can be part of a microwave. 
       FIGS. 1-2  illustrate perspective views of the fabric cover  10  disposed over the plate  16 . In this exemplary embodiment, the fabric cover  10  is generally circular in nature and ranging in diameter from one inch to up to twenty four inches as to cover any type of open container which could be placed into a microwave. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other sizes and shapes are also contemplated for the fabric cover  10 . As shown here, the fabric cover  10  completely covers the plate  16  including food or the like on the plate  16 . Note, a top portion of the fabric cover  10  expands over the plate  16  and the associated food. The drawstring  12  is disposed to the fabric cover  10  via the drawstring sleeve  14  which may be integrally formed or attached to the fabric cover  10 . In an exemplary embodiment, the drawstring sleeve  14  includes the same material as the fabric cover  10  and is sewed to the fabric cover  10  with the drawstring  12  located between the drawstring sleeve  14  and the fabric cover  10 . In this manner, the drawstring  12  and the drawstring sleeve  14  may be positioned below the plate  16  and the drawstring  12  may be tightened, tied, etc. to form a seal of the fabric cover  10  around and over the plate  16 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional partial view of an interior of the fabric cover  10  showing the plate  16  and a seal formed by the drawstring  12  and the fabric cover  10  to the plate  16 . Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, the drawstring sleeve  14  is sewn or the like on the fabric cover  10 . There is an interior portion between the drawstring sleeve  14  and the fabric cover  10  housing the drawstring  12 . By tightening the drawstring  12 , the drawstring sleeve  14  and the fabric cover  10  are formed based on the tightening thereby forming a seal to the plate  16  under the plate  16 . Food and any associated splatter is thereby caught by the fabric cover  10  in the interior of the fabric cover  10  and either stopped by the fabric cover  10  or returned to the plate  16 . The corresponding seal from the drawstring prevents leakage. 
       FIGS. 4-5  illustrate perspective views of the fabric cover  18  disposed over the bowl  20 . In this exemplary embodiment, the fabric cover  18  is generally circular in nature and ranging in diameter from one inch to up to twenty four inches as to cover any type of open container which could be placed into a microwave. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other sizes and shapes are also contemplated for the fabric cover  18 . In an exemplary embodiment, the fabric cover  10  can be the same as the fabric cover  18 , i.e. sized to fit both over the plate  16  and the bowl  20 . As shown here, the fabric cover  18  completely covers the bowl  20  including food or the like disposed in the bowl  20  Note, a top portion of the fabric cover  18  expands over a top of the bowl  20  and the associated food within the bowl  20 . The drawstring  12  is disposed to the fabric cover  18  via the drawstring sleeve  14  which may be integrally formed or attached to the fabric cover  18 . In an exemplary embodiment, the drawstring sleeve  14  includes the same material as the fabric cover  18  and is sewed to the fabric cover  18  with the drawstring  12  located between the drawstring sleeve  14  and the fabric cover  18 . In this manner, the drawstring  12  and the drawstring sleeve  14  may be positioned below or on the sides of the bowl  20  and the drawstring  12  may be tightened, tied, etc. to form a seal of the fabric cover  18  around and over the bowl  20 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-sectional partial view of an interior of the fabric cover  18  showing the bowl  20  and a seal formed by the drawstring  12  and the fabric cover  18  to the bowl  20 . Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, the drawstring sleeve  14  is sewn or the like on the fabric cover  18 . There is an interior portion between the drawstring sleeve  14  and the fabric cover  18  housing the drawstring  12 . By tightening the drawstring  12 , the drawstring sleeve  14  and the fabric cover  18  are formed based on the tightening thereby forming a seal to the bowl  20  around sides of the bowl  20 . Food and any associated splatter is thereby caught by the fabric cover  18  in the interior of the fabric cover  18  and either stopped by the fabric cover  18  or returned to the bowl  20 . The corresponding seal from the drawstring prevents leakage. 
     Advantageously, the present invention provides a porous cover such that heat may escape during the heating process, unlike plastic covers. Also, the present invention provides a reusable solution thereby limiting waste. The cover  10 ,  18  can fit snuggly with the drawstring  12  to different shaped items thereby preventing food from escaping versus conventional towels and other solutions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , various views illustrate a fabric cover  30  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the fabric covers  10 ,  18 , the fabric cover  30  is configured to fit over the plate  16 , the bowl  20 , or the like during microwave cooking to prevent splatters. The fabric cover  30  is dimensioned appropriately to fit over both the plate  16  and the bowl  20 . In particular, the fabric cover  30  includes a top portion  32 , a side wall portion  34 , a side panel piece  36 , and a drawstring  38 . In this exemplary embodiment, the top portion  32 , the side wall portion  34 , and the side panel piece  36  form a frustoconcical shape whereby a diameter A of the top portion  32  is slightly smaller than a diameter C of the side panel piece  36 . Alternatively, the top portion  32 , the side wall portion  34 , and the side panel piece  36  form a conical shape whereby the diameters C and A are approximately equal when the drawstring  40  is untied. In one exemplary embodiment, the top portion  32 , the side wall portion  34 , and the side panel piece  36  are integrally formed from one material. In another exemplary embodiment, the top portion  32 , the side wall portion  34 , and the side panel piece  36  are attached together from different materials. The fabric cover  30  may be formed from materials including, but not limited to, microwave safe fabrics (bamboo, cotton, silk, linen, lycra, paper, wool, nylon, blended combinations and more), plastics, paper or wood. These materials, which are porous in nature will allow for the heat generated in the microwave process to vent and escape from under the cover  30 . 
     The side panel piece  36  is configured to form a channel around an outside (or inside) of the side wall portion  34  housing the drawstring  38 . Accordingly, pulling the drawstring  38  constricts the side wall portion  34  such that the diameter C shrinks and forms a seal with the plate  16 , the bowl  20 , etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the side panel piece  36  extends from the side wall portion  34  and is folded and sewn into the side wall portion  34  with the drawstring  38  in place. The side panel piece  36  may include openings  40  through which the drawstring  38  is accessed and tied in place. Similar to the fabric covers  10 ,  18 , it is preferable to use a material that can be cleaned so that the fabric cover  30 , if not disposed of, can be washed and re-used. In an exemplary embodiment, the fabric cover  30  can be dishwasher safe thereby enabling the cover  30  to be washed with the plate  16 , the bowl  20 , etc. in the dishwasher. The fabric cover  30  can also be made by using different shapes, stretchable materials, elastic bands, pursed string or pursed stitching in place of a drawstring, or can be large enough to cover a microwavable item either without being secured or by completely wrapping the item inside the cover  30 . It can also be a sac in which one places a microwavable item with the closure at any location. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, interior walls  42  of the fabric cover may include one or more cross-sections  44  providing support. These cross-sections  44  may be formed or attached to the side wall portion  34 . Also, the cross-sections  44  may be on the exterior of the fabric cover  30 . The cross-sections  44  are configured to maintain an open area on the interior of the fabric cover  30  such that food or the like on the plate  16 , the bowl  20 , etc. is not in contact with the fabric cover  30 . The cross-sections  44  may be made of rigid but microwavable safe material such as, but not limited to, corded fabric, wood strips or other material yet to be determined. This support is intended to give the fabric the support needed to not collapse on to the food over time with multiple use. In another exemplary embodiment, the top portion  32  may also include optional cross-section providing support thereon. These may be similar to the cross-sections  44 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the fabric cover  30  includes sizes of approximately 11-15″, preferably 13″, on the diameter A, approximately 11-15″, preferably 13″, on the diameter C, approximately 0.5″ on a width D of the drawstring seam, approximately 0.5″ on a width E of the openings  40 , and approximately 1-4″, preferably 2″, on a side height B. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a flowchart illustrates an exemplary manufacture method of the fabric covers  10 ,  18 ,  30  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the fabric cover is manufactured with a thick canvas for side walls and the side piece wall, a thin canvas for the top circle panel, an optional fusable web, and a nylon string. First, webbing is fused on each side panel piece (step  51 ). Ends of each of the side panels are sewn together so as to form a circle and this is repeated for both side panels (step  52 ). Using an iron, sewn side seams are flattened on both sides (step  53 ). Approximately 0.5″ is folded over to create a drawstring allowance on each piece and is ironed in place (step  54 ). The side panels are sandwiched with the top circle piece pinned in place at all notch points (step  55 ). The finished sides are ironed to lay flat and crisp (step  56 ). The side panels are topstitched along the bottom at approximately 1/16″ to the end closing both sides together (step  57 ). Another stitch line is topstitched 0.5″ parallel to the seam that is just sewn creating the drawstring cavity (step  58 ). A nylon cord is fished through one of the eyelet holes using a pin until it comes out the other side (step  59 ). The drawstring is tied into a knot and an iron is used to touch up (step  60 ). 
     Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention and are intended to be covered by the following claims.