Patent Publication Number: US-2004040478-A1

Title: Secured tablecloth

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
     [0001] This application claims the benefit of prior filed provisional application, Application No. 60/406,335. 
    
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] The present invention relates to a tablecloth, which is secured to the table without revealing the means of securement.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003] Tablecloths are used for covering the tops of tables to protect the table, and to provide an esthetic appearance to the table. Fitted tablecloths are well known and provide a secure covering for a table that will not shift or blow off in the wind. However, fitted tablecloths do not overhang the edges of the table and as such do not hide unattractive furniture or provide a formal appearance.  
       [0004] Skirting systems, which provide an overhang around the peripheral edge of a fitted tablecloth are also well known. However, skirting systems require some form of attaching device for the skirt to the peripheral edge of a table, such as clips or snaps, which require labor to secure, and provide an appearance of a separate cloth and skirt. As such, there is a need for a one-piece tablecloth which can be secured to a table, and provide a look of an overhanging tablecloth.  
       [0005] Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a one piece tablecloth with an overhang that does not shift, slide, or require adjustment. It is a further object of this invention to provide an overhanging tablecloth that will not be disturbed by the wind, or be pulled off by an infant or person rising from the table.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006] The present invention is a tablecloth that, while appearing to be a regular overhanging tablecloth, is secured to a table by a skirt that is sewn to the underside of a tablecloth and which connects to the table. Preferably, the skirt that is sewn to the tablecloth surrounds the entire peripheral edge of the table.  
       [0007] In contrast to known tablecloths, this tablecloth provides the look of an overhanging tablecloth, while providing some of the advantages of a fitted tablecloth, such as security from the wind and from being dislodged by persons using the table. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0008] Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, given by way of example, of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
     [0009]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the tablecloth;  
     [0010]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tablecloth on a table; and  
     [0011]FIG. 3 is a sectional view along line  3 - 3  of FIG. 2. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0012] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 a tablecloth  10  comprises a sheet of material  14 , and a skirt  16  connected to the sheet of material  14  such that when the sheet of material  14  is placed over a table  18 , the skirt  16  attaches to the underside of the table  18  by elastic corners  20  to secure the sheet of material  14  to the table  18 .  
     [0013] Referring to FIG. 2, in the preferred embodiment the sheet of material  14  has a similar shape to the surface of the table  18  so that when the sheet of material  14  is placed over the surface of the table  18  it freely overhangs the peripheral edges of the table  18 . The skirt  16  has one edge sewn to the sheet of material  14  such that the seam  12  of the skirt  16  and the sheet of the material  14  are slightly within the peripheral edge of the table  18 . The other edge of the skirt is secured to the table  18  by elastic corners  20 . The overhanging sheet of material  14  disguises the skirt  16  and therefore, although the sheet of material  14  is secured to the surface of the table  18 , the appearance of a freely overhanging tablecloth is achieved.  
     [0014] Although elastic corners are used to secure the sheet of material  14  onto the table  18 , other means such as ties, a drawstring, or VELCRO® may be used to secure the skirt  16  to the table  18 . Further, although a skirt  16  that surrounds the entire peripheral edge of the table  18  is shown in the preferred embodiment, the skirt  16  may be sewn so that pockets are formed only at the corners of a table that is not round.  
     [0015] Accordingly, while this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments, which fall within the true scope of the invention.