Abstract:
A cover such as a tablecloth is provided with a system of weights proximate the perimeter thereof in order to resist the dislodgement of the tablecloth from the table by the presence of wind. Containment for the weights is selected to have a length and diameter suitable for installation with a periodicity providing periodic gaps. The gaps assist in folding the cover for storage, as well as providing natural breakpoints for pleating, so it will drape more naturally from the edges of corners of the supporting equipment or table covered by it.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. The Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates to tablecloths and mechanisms for securing tablecloths in outdoor environments exposed to wind. 
         [0003]    2. The Background Art 
         [0004]    Covers for equipment take on many forms. A good example is a tablecloth used in outdoor environments such as camping, picnicking, parties, entertainment, and the like. Outdoor environments are frequently exposed to some degree of breeze or wind. It is not uncommon for wind to not only put the table cover in disarray but may actually flip it over, spilling and otherwise adversely affecting the contents held by the table. For example, drinks may be tipped over with a comparatively modest force as a tablecloth is caught up by winds and pushed across a table. 
         [0005]    It would be an advance in the art to develop a system and method to secure tablecloths against the affects of breezes and wind while still providing decorative themes desired and a ready susceptibility to be easily folded up and stored. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In accordance with the foregoing, an apparatus and method in accordance with the invention provide a system of weighting having periodic gaps to provide the aesthetic appeal and proper functioning of folds and pleats that naturally should occur in the manner of draping a cover, such as a tablecloth, over an item of equipment, such as a supporting table. Hereinafter, whenever the term “tablecloth” is used, it is used both to recite a tablecloth specifically, and as an example of any general cover for equipment maintained outdoors. 
         [0007]    For example, indoors, a fabric or plastic dust cover or protective cover may be draped over an article of equipment. In one example, a cloth table covering will drape down over the edge of a table. In accordance with the invention, a system of weights provides periodic gaps in the weighting in order to support pleating of the cover as it drapes from the edge, and particularly the corners, of a covered table. 
         [0008]    Meanwhile, the weighting system is also provided with periodic gaps suitable for folding. Stretching of materials, bursting of containers, distortion of the weights, containment systems, or the cover itself (e.g., tablecloth) is not required in order to conveniently fold up the tablecloth for storage. Hereinafter, the tablecloth illustrated represents one embodiment of a cover, used by way of a specific embodiment, and as an example generally. However, in general, protective covers in accordance with the invention may be formed as a flat sheet to drape over equipment, or may be sewn to be shaped more like the actual perimeter of equipment covered. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The foregoing features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention, illustrating the placement of a weighting system distributed about a perimeter of a cover, such as a tablecloth, with weights separated by gaps; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a left side elevation view of the apparatus of  FIGS. 1-2 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a right side elevation view of the apparatus of  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view of the apparatus of  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a front elevation view of the apparatus of  FIGS. 1-5 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a rear elevation view of the apparatus of  FIGS. 1-6 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , made of a single sheet of material, with an example of a single decorative pattern, but without portions sewn together near the edge; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , made of a single sheet of material, without patterns and without portions sewn together near the edge; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a top plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a left side elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a right side elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a bottom plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a front elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a rear elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 10 , made of a single sheet of material, with an example of a single decorative pattern thereon, but without portions sewn together near the edge; 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 10 , made of a single sheet of material, without patterns and without portions sewn together near the edge; 
           [0028]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention, having rounded corners; 
           [0029]      FIG. 20  is a top plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 21  is a left side elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 22  is a right side elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 23  is a bottom plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 24  is a front elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 25  is a rear elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 26  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in accordance with the invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 27  is a bottom plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 26 , where the elevation views thereof will appear the same as those corresponding the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 28  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a cover of  FIG. 19 , in accordance with the invention, wherein the elevation views thereof would appear as those described with respect to  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 29  is a bottom plan view of the table covering of  FIG. 28 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 30  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a tablecloth in accordance with the invention, having a circular configuration; 
           [0040]      FIG. 31  is the front and rear elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 30 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 32  is the side elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 30 , wherein it should be noted that all elevation views for the circular configuration of  FIG. 30  may look substantially the same; 
           [0042]      FIG. 33  is a bottom plan view of the cover apparatus of  FIG. 30 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 34  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 30 , in which a single sheet with a single pattern is used instead of several pieces sewn together, a center aperture is provided for receiving an umbrella pole, and a zipper along a radius of the cover apparatus permits opening the cover to fit around such a pole. 
           [0044]      FIG. 35  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the cover apparatus of  FIG. 34 , having a single sheet of material and no pattern, illustrating also that the various features of the apparatus may be included or excluded in any particular embodiment. 
           [0045]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view of a sectioned portion of a weighting system disposed along or proximate an edge of a tablecloth in accordance with the invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 37  is a perspective view of a portion of a weighted edge of a cover apparatus in accordance with the invention, illustrating the gap portions where no weight is disposed within the hem; and 
           [0047]      FIG. 38  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a sealed weight bag suitable for inclusion within a hem at or proximate the edge of a tablecloth in accordance with the invention; the bag being filled with a weighting material such as shot, sand, pellets, liquid, or the like. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0048]    It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, as represented in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of various embodiments of the invention. The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , while referring generally to  FIGS. 1-32 , a cover apparatus  10  (e.g., tablecloth  10 , furniture cover  10 , barbecue cover  10 , machinery cover  10 , or the like) may be formed to have a cover portion  12  surrounded by a hem portion  14 . The hem portion  14  is sometimes referred to simply as the hem  14 . In general, the hem portion  14  or hem  14  is created by the hem stitch  16  securing a loop portion  14  of the material back to itself at the edge of the cover portion  12 . Hereinafter, the term “tablecloth  10 ” is used by way of both a specific example and as a general representation for all the types of covers that may benefit from the invention. 
         [0050]    In certain designs in accordance with the invention, a trim portion  18  may be added. The cover portion  12  may have no pattern at all, may have any color at all, may include a particular selection of a pattern, or the like. Meanwhile, the trim portion  18  may likewise have a pattern, no pattern, a color or no color, and may or may not have the selected pattern or no pattern of the cover portion  12 . Thus, in general, various artistic or graphic elements may be added to the cover portion  12 , the trim portion  18 , to both, or to neither. 
         [0051]    Meanwhile, the color selection for the cover portion  12 , and the trim portion  18  may be selected to be complementary, analogous, monochromatic, identical, contrasting, or the like. Thus, in general, the color portion  12  may be a solid color including white or black, while the trim portion  18  may be a solid color including white or black, and either the cover portion  12  or the trim portion  18  may be patterned to have any particular graphic design desired. For example, stars, flowers, gingham, calico, checkered, plaid, or the like may be selected in any color scheme to be a pattern imposed on the cover portion  12 , the trim portion  18 , both thereof, or neither thereof. 
         [0052]    Within the trim portion  18 , and particularly within the hem  14 , weighting materials may be captured, such as by being sewn in. Typically, the weighted materials may be granular, pelletized, or solid. In certain embodiments, the weighting materials may actually be liquids, slurries, or the like. The weighting materials may be sealed within containment suitable to resist puncture, resist bursting, and otherwise tolerate the vagaries of abuse, wear, weather, and other circumstances. The weighting materials may be installed within the hem  14  to create certain gaps  20  or flat portions  20  between filled portions  22 . By providing the gaps  20  along the perimeter of the trim portion  18 , the tablecloth  10  may be created to present folds  24 . The folds may appear to occur naturally at the gaps  20  where no fill materials are located. In the gap regions, in certain embodiments, it is possible to simply provide for either no fill material, or very sparse amounts of fill material in order to accommodate folding, bending, pleating, or the like. 
         [0053]    For example, when a tablecloth  10  is draped over a table, an object  10  that was formed to be entirely flat now must drape down of an edge of the table where it now contains excess sheet material. With cloth, one is accustomed to the natural draping of a tablecloth, naturally pleating at the corners in response to the excess material at the corners. 
         [0054]    By suitable selection of the length of the gaps  20  and the filled portion  22  along the perimeter of the hem  14 , one may promote one or several locations of pleating at the gaps  20 . Accordingly, the tablecloth  10  will drape in folds  24 , and pleats  26  therebetween. Likewise, each of the gaps, provides a location at which the tablecloth  10  may fold or be folded easily. Since the hem  14  at a gap  20  may be a mere two layers thick, the front portion and the back portion of the hem  14 , the tablecloth may be folded at those locations. 
         [0055]    The gaps  20  and filled portions  22  may be sized and combined to provide suitable numbers of folds  24  and pleats  26  to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. For example, in certain embodiments, the filled portions  22  may extend only a comparatively short length, for example, about three inches each. Meanwhile, in other embodiments, the filled portion  22  may extend 6 inches, 1 foot, or the like. Typically, distances greater than 1 foot for the lengths of the filled portions  22  may be problematic in providing for suitable, simple, straightforward folding and storage. 
         [0056]    In some embodiments, the cover portion  12  and the trim portion  18  may be separated only by the patterns printed thereon. In other embodiments different materials preprinted with unique patterns may be used for the cover portion  12  and the trim portion  18 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, seams  28  may be used to secure the cover portion within the trim portion  18 . Likewise, to manufacture the trim portion  18  from lengths of a material, the seams  28  may also be used to form diagonals, gussets, or the like at corners and other locations, in order to accommodate the optimal use of materials without unnecessary waste. 
         [0057]    For example, it makes more economic sense to form the trim portion  18  from a strip of material than it does to cut it from a large, single piece. On the other hand, in certain embodiments, a cover portion  12  may be made of one material, while the central or cover portion  12  of another tablecloth  10  is cut out from its trim portion  18 . Thus the waste from each trim portion  18  could be used as a cover portion  12  on another tablecloth. Nevertheless, in the illustrated embodiment, the seams  28  extend along the diagonals and corners in order to join the strips forming the trim portion  18 . 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-21 , one may see that a tablecloth  10  may include a cover portion  12  that may extend all the way to the hem  14 . Alternatively, as illustrated, the hem portion  14  may actually be at the edge of a trim portion  18  secured by seams  28  to the cover portion  12 , that portion  12  central to the tablecloth  10  and located on the top of the table. 
         [0059]    In certain embodiments, the trim portion  18  may extend onto the top of the table. Nevertheless, in the illustrated embodiment, cleaning off the cover portion  12  may be easier if it is formed as a single, smooth sheet. Maintenance and use may be better served by forming the trim portion  18  only in that part of the tablecloth  10  that will drape below the edge of the table covered. 
         [0060]    In general, the hem  14  or hem portion  14  may be formed by a hem stitch  16  to create various pockets  22  or filled portions  22 , separated by gaps  20  or flat portions  20  therebetween about the perimeter. The gaps  20  or flat portions  20  provide for folds  24 . The folds  24  are suitable for folding the tablecloth  10  for storage or to allow the tablecloth  10  to drape appropriately in a system of folds  24  and pleats  26  resulting from the excess perimeter length. 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIGS. 8-14 , while continuing to refer generally to  FIGS. 1-32 , the aspect ratio of length to width of the tablecloth  10  may be determined according to a table to be covered. For example, picnic tables, banquet tables, and the like have an aspect ratio of length to width greater than unity. On the other hand, circular tables, square tables such as card tables, and the like may have an aspect ratio of one when comparing length to width. 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIGS. 15-21 , while continuing to refer generally to  FIGS. 1-32 , a circular corner or a radiused corner may be added to any particular table cloth  10  in order to provide simpler manufacturing, aesthetic appeal, or the like. For example, in the absence of corners, certain additional requirements are added, but certain requirements are eliminated. For example, the hem stitch  16  may run continuously, rather than terminating at a corner joint. Meanwhile, such an embodiment may provide a more even length near the corners of a table. 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIGS. 22-23 , a tablecloth  10  in accordance with the invention may include an intermediate strip  30 . The intermediate strip may be designed to display a solid color, including black or white, or may be provided with another pattern. For example, in certain embodiments, the cover portion  12  may be patterned after a calico or other pattern, while the trim portion  18  is in a distinct and different pattern, for example, a gingham pattern. Meanwhile, intermediate portion  30  or the strip  30  may be of a suitable pattern and color, such as, for example, a solid color providing an interface  30  between the cover portion  12  and the trim portion  18 . 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIGS. 24-25  in particular, and all Figures generally, a substantially rectangular or square embodiment of a tablecloth  10  in accordance with the invention may include either sharp or rounded corners and may or may not include intermediate strip  30  between the cover portion  12  and the trim portion  18 . 
         [0065]    Referring to  FIGS. 26-29  in particular, and all Figures generally, in certain embodiments of an apparatus  10  in accordance with the invention, a tablecloth  10  may be designed in a circular pattern. The seams  28  may be used to match the trim portion  18  in a shape to surround the cover portion  12 . Meanwhile, an optional intermediate strip  30  may be included therebetween. 
         [0066]    As can be seen, a circular configuration may include periodic gap portions  20  between the filled portions  22  in order to provide an aesthetically pleasing system of folds  24  and pleats  26 . In a circular embodiment, shorter lengths for the filled portions  22  may be appropriate in order to provide a more aesthetic appearance for a circular tablecloth  10 . 
         [0067]    For example, in rectangular tablecloths  10 , the tablecloth drapes along each edge as a single sheet. By contrast, near each corner, the tablecloth must drape in a combination of folds  24  and pleats  26  to accommodate the mismatch in length between the table corner and the portion of the tablecloth  10  near its own corner. 
         [0068]    By comparison, a circular tablecloth virtually always has a diameter mismatch, leaving too much material relative to the perimeter of the table. Accordingly, a continuous system of folds  24  and pleats  26  will typically occur with a cloth tablecloth over a table. Similarly, the lengths of the filled portions  22  may be formed to be of a comparatively shorter length, typically between one and six inches such as, for example, about 3 inches. These shorter filled portions  22  promote a more continuous, distributed, aesthetic system of folds  24  and pleats  26  of a circular tablecloth when in use. 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIGS. 30-32  in particular, and all Figures generally, a filled portion  22  of the hem  14  of a tablecloth  10  may have a diameter  32  of from about ¼ inch to about 1 inch. Typically, a diameter  32  of about ½ inch to ¾ inch provides a suitable weight and size. Typically, the length  34  of the filled portion  22  may be selected as described above in order to accommodate a system of folds  24  and pleats  26  aesthetically pleasing under the circumstances. 
         [0070]    Likewise, the length  36  of the flat portion  20  or gap  20  may be suitably sized. In one embodiment, the length  36  may be at least a whole diameter  32  in order to accommodate each half of a diameter of adjacent filled portions  22 . In other embodiments, the length  36  may be at least up to 2 diameters  32  of the filled portion  22  thus, when folded for storage, the tablecloth may have sufficient slack along the length  36  to accommodate an easily folded pair of filled portions  22  adjacent to one another. 
         [0071]    In certain embodiments, the fill material may be selected from synthetic or natural materials. For example, small gravel such as is used in aquariums is a suitable fill material and competitive in cost. Likewise, sand serves well as a suitable fill material  38 . In other embodiments, pellets, granules, shot, and the like may be used. Steel, lead, plastic, and the like may all be suitable fill materials  38 . In certain embodiments, the additional weight of steel or lead shot may be easily distributed down to a single piece at a time—shot may also provide a smaller diameter  32  for comparable weight. Thus, in general, a fill material  38  selected may be of any suitable configuration including liquids, solids, and particularly any granular solid. 
         [0072]    On the other hand, the use of sand as a natural fill material  38  may provide trade offs. Sand may require a larger diameter  32  for comparable weight. However, sand is easily obtained, easily installed, is cost effective, and may be easily disposed of when a tablecloth  10  is worn out. Similarly, other natural materials such as gravel may likewise serve. 
         [0073]    Typically, stitching  40  may be formed in any manner. The illustrated hem stitch  16  in  FIG. 30  is a zig-zag stitch. In other embodiments, and as illustrated elsewhere, the hem stitch  16  may be a straight stitch or otherwise. Also, the stitching  40  may be heat sealed, glued, or sewn with thread. Nevertheless, the stitching  40  may be the same as the style and material of the hem stitch  16 , or different therefrom. Regardless, the stitching  40  may typically be formed as a single stitch between adjacent filled portions  22 , or as two corresponding stitchings  40  established in a length  36  of the gap portion  20 . 
         [0074]    Referring to  FIG. 31 , the material of the tablecloth  10  may be selected to be of a polymer, such as plastics and the like, a natural material, or the like. Thus, the material of the tablecloth  10  may need no reinforcement  42 . In other embodiments, oil cloth is a suitable material. Oil cloth may be formed to have a main plastic sheet backed by some reinforcement  42 , such as an included fiber or a cloth bonded thereto. 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIG. 32 , in one embodiment, the filled portion  22  may be filled by a bag  50  containing a fill material  38 . The bag  50  may be formed of any suitable material. For example, if the fill material  38  is a granular or a pelletized material, the bag  50  may be formed of fabric, woven, or nonwoven, or the like, including natural, porous materials. In other embodiments, the bag  50  may be formed of a flexible or stiff, solid plastic film, sheet, or tube, in order to seal the bag  50 . 
         [0076]    The seal  52  may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, a fastener, a fold, a grip, glue, and the like may be considered as a seal  52 . In other embodiments, heat may seal a bag  50  formed of a polymer film. The bags  50  may typically be of a single length  54 . In another embodiment, within a single tablecloth  10 , the bags  50  may be formed at separate and distinct lengths  54  in order to accommodate, for example, longer expanses of long edges of the table, with shorter systems of folds  24 , and pleats  26  near corners. In other embodiments, the lengths  54  may all be the same within a tablecloth. Accordingly, the design and manufacturing may be balanced according to what is most advantageous and aesthetic. 
         [0077]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.