Patent Publication Number: US-2021171265-A1

Title: Stretchable Protective Liners

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/119,394 entitled Stretchable Protective Liners, filed on Aug. 31, 2018. All of the foregoing applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a protective device designed to cover the rim and outer surface of fragile items, including glassware, dishware, and bakeware. These types of fragile items are commonly made of glass, porcelain, and other breakable materials that frequently crack, chip, and break during use, cleaning, and storage. Furthermore, many fragile items, like fine china and crystal, can be very costly to replace if broken and are frequently sold in sets, making it sometimes very difficult to replace a single piece. 
     Several patents and publications describe devices designed to protect fragile items and are described below. The following documents are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 8,517,209 describes a device to prevent breakage of a breakable container formed with an outer face and an opposed an inner face that meet at a parametric edge encircling an opening to the inner face of the breakable container. The device includes a container wrap formed of a shock resistant material. The container wrap is constructed to be applied over and across the outer face and the parametric edge of the breakable container to absorb and dissipate impacting forces to prevent breakage of the breakable container. At least one suction cup is formed in the container wrap to detachably secure the container wrap to a surface. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,683,579 describes a base or holder for a cleanser can or the like. The invention is particularly directed toward the provision of a suitable attachment base for a can, such as a can of cleanser, which is used around porcelain enamel finished surfaces such as sinks, wash bowls, etc., where the user will desire to frequently set the can down. One of the objects of the invention is to provide a base giving the can a better stability against tipping over. Another and important object is to provide a base of cushioning, non-abrasive material which protects the porcelain finished surfaces of sinks, wash bowls, kitchen stoves, refrigerator, etc., from being scratched by the cleanser can, in the event the operator should set the can on such surface. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0034660 describes a sleeve or wrap for protecting a container. In certain embodiments, the sleeve or wrap is a protective encasement for protecting a container, such as a bottle. In certain embodiments, the sleeve or wrap includes a body with a lumen, wherein the body is configured for holding and/or containing the container. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the sleeve is a protective silicone sleeve that is adapted to hold and/or contain a container, thereby protecting the container from damage (e.g., breaking). Also provided is a system for protecting a container that includes a protective sleeve, as described above, and a container that is configured for being associated. e.g., fit within, the protective sleeve. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2001/0045188 describes a cover for a bowl such as a pet food or water bowl that consists of a dip molded cover on the outer surface of a bowl to provide features such as a visually appealing appearance, protection, and insulation. The cover of the present invention may be fabricated of rubber or plastic material and may be permanently or removably secured to the outer surface of the bowl. However, these prior efforts suffer from one or more disadvantages which decrease their utility: none provide a liner that can selectively protect and cover only the rim of a fragile item, none provide a liner with a rim member that removably combines with a fabric covering to protect and cover the entire outer surface and rim of a fragile item, and none provide a liner having handles for transporting a fragile item without its own handles. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an apparatus for protecting fragile items, including dishware, bakeware, fine china, and the like, from being chipped or damaged during use and storage which, in one or more aspects, overcomes disadvantages of the prior efforts. The present invention also provides a safeguard when such items are being cleaned in a dishwasher to avoid chips, breaks, or cracks. 
     In a first embodiment, the protective liner hereof comprises a stretchable, cushioning “loop” or “ring” edge member that may be stretched to fit over the rim of fragile items, like glassware, dishware, and bakeware. This first embodiment protects the rims of such items from colliding against one another or other surfaces in the dishwasher and serves to cushion the edges of an item contacting other items or surfaces during stacking and storage. 
     In another embodiment, the protective liner hereof may also include a stretchable, cushioning fabric covering attached to the elastic ring edge member, so that the protective liner may fit over the rim and outer sides and bottom of a fragile item, thus protecting the entire outer surface thereof. This additional embodiment is particularly designed to protect the areas of fragile items, like dishes, that may not otherwise be protected with the elastic ring edge member alone. For example, when stacking a set of plates, the bottom surface of a first plate will be in contact with the upper surface of second plate stacked beneath the first plate. In this case, it would be preferable to have a protective liner that covers and protects the bottom and outer surface of the plate which is most likely to come in contact with another surface during stacking and storage. Also, the additional embodiment may cover and protect areas along the outer surface of a fragile item more prone to damage, such as handles. In a further embodiment. even if the fragile item doesn&#39;t have handles on an outer surface thereof, the fabric covering may have one or more additional handle members to help with transportation of the item. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a top view of a circular, oval, and rectangular loop shaped stretchable protective liner of one embodiment to protect the edges of correspondingly shaped fragile items; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates across-sectional view of the circular shaped stretchable protective liner of  FIG. 1 , along line  2 - 2  therein; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of a circular, oval, and rectangular loop shaped stretchable protective liner of one embodiment further including a stretchable protective fabric covering to protect and cover the outer sides and bottom of fragile items; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the circular loop shaped stretchable protective liner of  FIG. 3  along line  4 - 4  therein, that includes a stretchable protective fabric covering to protect and cover the outer sides and bottom of fragile items; 
         FIG. 5 a    illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a stretchable protective liner stretched around the edge and outer sides and bottom of a bowl; 
         FIG. 5 b    illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a stretchable protective liner stretched around the edge and outer sides, handles, and bottom of a bowl; 
         FIG. 5 c    illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a stretchable protective liner stretched around the edge and outer sides and bottom of a bowl where the fabric covering on the bottom of the bowl includes handle members; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a stretchable protective liner stretched around the edge and outer sides and bottom of a series of plates stacked together; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of stacked bakeware, whereby one embodiment of a stretchable protective liner is cushioning and protecting the edges of the bakeware while such bakeware is stacked together; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of stacked dishware, whereby one embodiment of a stretchable protective liner made of a material having a mesh structure is cushioning and protecting the edges of the dishware while such dishware is stacked together; 
         FIG. 9 a    is an exploded view of stacked bakeware, whereby one embodiment of a stretchable protective liner is cushioning and protecting the edges of the bakeware; and 
         FIG. 9 b    is an exploded view of stacked bakeware, whereby one embodiment of a stretchable protective liner is cushioning and protecting the edges and handles of the bakeware. 
     
    
    
       
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 REFERENCE NUMERALS 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 10 
                 Liner 
                 12 
                 Edge Member 
               
               
                 14 
                 Fabric Covering 
                 16 
                 Handle Member 
               
               
                 20 
                 Fragile Item 
                 22 
                 Rim/Edge 
               
               
                 24 
                 Outer Surface 
                 26 
                 Outer Sides 
               
               
                 28 
                 Bottom 
                 30 
                 Handles 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the Brief Summary of the invention above, the Detailed Description of the Invention, the Claims, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in other aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally. 
     The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A. B. and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B. and C. or can contain not only components A. B, and C but also one or more other components. Further, the term “fragile items” is used herein to mean dishware, bakeware, cookware, fine china, tableware, and the like of any shape or size made of or with a breakable material. To the extent a specific piece or type of fragile item is identified herein, it is understood that such identification also includes all other pieces or types of fragile items to the extent possible. 
     Here, a protective liner  10  for fragile items  20 , including dishware and bakeware, to prevent breakage, chips, and cracks is provided. The liner  10  loop may be designed in several different shapes, similar to the shapes most commonly associated with specific pieces and types of fragile items  20 , such as circular for cups, plates and bowls, and oval and/or rectangular for serving dishes and bakeware, etc. It is contemplated that the construction and design of the liner  10  is such that a single liner  10  may be used interchangeably for a variety of sizes and types of fragile items  20  with and without handles  30 , including dishware, bakeware, and glassware. For example, a circular loop shaped liner  10  may be designed to be approximately 3 inches in diameter at rest; this same liner  10  may be stretched to attach to the rim  22  of a drinking glass that is approximately 4 inches in diameter, subsequently removed from the drinking glass and further stretched and attached to the rim  22  of a bowl that is approximately 6 inches in diameter. Furthermore, such a circular loop shaped liner  10  may also be designed to stretch over and attach to handles  30  adjacent to the rim  22  of the bowl, in addition to the rim  22  itself. Although the liner  10  may not have an infinite stretching ability, it is contemplated that the liner  10  may stretch at least several inches beyond its resting size to accommodate a variety of fragile items  20 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the liner  10  is constructed of a shock-absorbing viscoelastic polymer, such as silicone rubber, allowing it to stretch and conform to a multitude of different sizes and shapes. Examples of these viscoelastic polymers include Akton Sorbothane, and Vistik. A viscoelastic material can be pushed, pressed, and stretched into a desired shape. That shape is then maintained until the material is removed and reshaped, thus allowing for a single protective liner  10  to accommodate a variety of shapes and sizes of fragile items  20 . This type of material is also dishwasher safe and sufficiently heat resistant for use in an oven. 
     Further, in additional embodiments, it is foreseen that all or a portion of the liner  10  material may be solid and non-porous in structure or have a “mesh structure” comprising interlaced strands forming a porous mesh, as desired and as in  FIGS. 5 b   .  5   c , and  8 . A liner  10  material having a porous mesh structure has the benefit of allowing cleaning of the covered surface of the fragile item  20  without removal of the liner  10  and without the unintended collection of water between the liner  10  and the covered surface of the fragile item  20 . However, a liner  10  material having a solid non-porous structure has the benefit of providing the maximum protection to the covered fragile item  20 . Consequently, a liner  10  comprising materials having both structures along various portions may provide a desired aggregation or balance of these benefits. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention, whereby a stretchable, protective liner  10  comprising an edge member  12  is provided. When cross-sectioned, the edge member  12  is preferably designed in a U-shape or C-shape—as shown in  FIG. 2 —for easily fitting over and frictionally engaging the upper rim  22  of a fragile item  20 , like a bowl, drinking glass, or other dishware, without need of any additional attachment means, such as clamps suction cups, or the like. This first embodiment protects the rims/edges  22  of fragile items  20 , like dishware and glassware, from breaks, chips, and cracks, as in  FIGS. 7, 8, 9   a , and  9   b . Traditionally, when dishes are stacked and stored, the outer surface  24  of one dish will contact the inner surface of another dish—as in  FIG. 7 ; or, the bottom  28  of one dish will rest upon the rim  22  of another dish—as in  FIG. 8 . It is not uncommon for dishes to chip and crack when stacked and stored in this manner. However, when a series of dishes are fitted with these protective liners  10  and subsequently stacked for storage, these liners  10  provide cushioning and protection when one dish contacts another dish, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . In addition, it is foreseen that these protective liners  10  may be fitted over and frictionally engage handles  30  adjacent the rim  22 , in addition to the rim  22  itself, as in  FIG. 9   b.    
     Furthermore, this first embodiment may remain on a fragile item  20  while it is being washed, both by hand or in a dishwasher. It is common for glasses and dishes to collide or hit one another in a dishwasher, particularly if the dishwasher is full, resulting in cracks and chipped edges  22 . Thereby, the present invention may provide cushioning and protection to such fragile items  20  during washing. Additionally, as stated previously, the liner  10 —particularly the edge member  12 —may also be constructed of a material having a mesh structure, thereby allowing for more effective cleaning of the covered fragile item  20  and reducing the likelihood that water from washing will collect between the fragile item  20  and edge member  12 . 
     In a second embodiment, the liner  10  may also comprise a stretchable, cushioning fabric covering  14  attached to the inner portion of the viscoelastic edge member  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The fabric covering  14  may be permanently or removably attached to the edge member  12 . The edge member  12  may be removably attached to the fabric covering  14  through complementary hook and hoop fastener assemblies, snap fit or traditional buttons, interlocking tab and pocket segments, or the like. There are many means for removably attaching such segments and one skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable means for providing removable attachment may be employed. Whether permanently or removably attached, the edge member  12  may be attached to the fabric covering  14  in such a way that the covering  14  is pulled and stretched around the outer surface  24  of a fragile item  20 —including the outer sides  26 , any handles  30 , and bottom  28 —as the edge member  12  fits over and frictionally engages the upper lip or rim  22  thereof. For example, a baking dish may be centered on top of the fabric covering  14  attached to an edge member  12  of such a liner  10  and the fabric covering  14  may then be stretched around the outer sides  26  of the dish as the edge member  12  is pulled up and fitted around the rim  22  thereof, as shown in  FIGS. 5 a , 5 b , 5 c   , and  6 . In this way, the outer surface  24 , including the sides  26 , any handles  30  (as in  FIG. 5 b   ), and bottom  28  of a fragile item  20 , as well as the upper rim  22 , may be cushioned and protected during use and storage. 
     Further, this second embodiment may be preferred for use during long-term storage of fragile items  20 , for packing such during a move, or for storage of such that are exceptionally fragile or valuable, such as fine china and crystal.  FIG. 6  shows plates  20  covered with such a liner  10  stacked together so it can be seen that no plate  20  contacts another without some portion of the liner  10  therebetween to cushion such contact. Also, while it is foreseen that the fabric covering  14  may cover handles  30  (as in  FIG. 5 b   ), it is also possible that in additional embodiments the fabric covering  14  may also have handle members  16  attached on the outside thereof, as in  FIG. 5 c   . Thereby, a fragile item  20  not having handles  30  may be protected and provided with handle members  16  to facilitate easier transport. 
     Although it is preferable to remove this second embodiment prior to washing so that the outer surface  24  of a fragile item  20  may be cleaned without any interference, it is foreseen that this second embodiment may also remain on a fragile item  20  while it is being washed, both by hand or in a dishwasher. Thereby, the present invention may provide enhanced cushioning and protection to such fragile items  20  during washing than that of the first embodiment. Additionally, the fabric covering  14 —in place of or addition to the edge member  12 —may also be constructed of a material having a mesh structure, in addition to being dishwasher safe, thereby allowing for more effective cleaning of the covered fragile item  20  with the liner  10  still on and reducing the likelihood that water from washing will collect between the fragile item  20  and fabric covering  14 . 
     Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. All features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. Further, it is not necessary for all embodiments of the invention to have all the advantages of the invention or fulfill all the purposes of the invention.