Patent Publication Number: US-2017347817-A1

Title: Adjustable tablecloth with drawstring

Description:
The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant: 
     
       
         
           
               
            
               
                   
               
               
                 U.S. Patents 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Patent Number 
                 Kind Code 
                 Issue Dates 
                 Patentee 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 0238087 
                 B1 
                 Dec. 2, 2004  
                 Ciapessoni 
               
               
                   
                 6014935 
                   
                 Jan. 18, 2000  
                 Willet 
               
               
                   
                 5339748 
                   
                 Aug. 23, 1994  
                 Billotti 
               
               
                   
                 5069554 
                   
                 Dec. 3, 1991  
                 Bonnett 
               
               
                   
                 1219790 
                   
                 Mar. 20, 1917  
                 Taylor 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates to reusable table covers, and in particular, to a table cover that may be adapted for use with table tops of different sizes and shapes. The new device secures the tablecloth from outdoor elements such as wind and indoor elements such as rambunctious children. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Tablecloths or table covers have long been used both indoors and outdoors to decorate tables, enhance an event, protect a table surface or provide a clean palate for a dirty or damaged outdoor picnic table. Many outdoor picnic or patio tables collect dirt and have peeling paint. Often times bird droppings can be found on picnic tables in the park or backyard. Picnic tables in the parks are not regularly sanitized. For health, enjoyment and clean food handling a table cover is an appropriate solution. 
     Young children are sometimes saved in the act of pulling an entire table of food and dishes down upon themselves when playing near an unsecured tablecloth. Parents with active toddlers who prefer a tablecloth setting to protect a tabletop will find comfort in a secured drawstring tablecloth knowing it adds an extra layer of protection for their family or guests. 
     A common problem found with the use of tablecloths and covers for an outdoor picnic or event is the ability to secure the tablecloth to the picnic table to prevent the tablecloth from blowing in the wind. To secure tablecloths people have employed the use of clamps and clips, weights, bungee cords, rocks from the ground, ice chests, mayo, ketchup and mustard bottles, 6-packs of cola, water bottles twisted onto the tablecloth corners, knots tied to table legs, duct tape, weighted pockets sewn in after-the-fact, or thumbtacks tacking the cloth directly to the table and damaging the fabric. 
     Secured tablecloths found in prior art with a drawstring and straps are often the disposable type intended to collect items such as crab, oysters, and shrimp shells to be thrown away after one use. With more focus on environmentally friendly, recyclable, renewable and reusable, a long lasting and more durable secured tablecloth is sought. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,935 (2000) Willett includes a protective cover over top of the food items obscuring the food, condiments, and place settings. This is highly impractical for the enjoyment of a picnic or event. This concept is disposable. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,554 (1991) is intended for one-time, disposable use and utilizes a strap system and lifted or raised edge to catch liquid spillage. Bonnett also intends his disposable tablecloth system to be utilized for lawn care garbage and not as a true tablecloth. A typical garbage bag should suffice. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 0,238,087 A1 (2004) Ciapessoni puts forth another disposable tablecloth/garbage bag with drawstring to tie the contents of the picnic into the bag and throw in the garbage. This prior art (FIG. 16) shows the drawstring exiting the corner of the table. I have found this configuration fails to adequately grab the corner and secure the tablecloth to the table against wind. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,748 (1994) Bilotti invokes a complex panel, loops, multiple openings, a sleeve and tongue system with multiple seams. The drawstring crisscrosses over itself creating a complicated web of cording and systems that may not fare well in practical use or the washing and drying cycles. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,219,790 (1917) Taylor created a reusable drawstring table top covering to protect a pedestal table top during shipping. The aim of this prior art was to create a very soft and thick protective table cover that could be securely tightened around the base of the pedestal. The fabric is not simply a tablecloth but also a protective padding encircling the complete underbelly of the table (FIG. 1). Taylor secured the drawstring by tying. Today&#39;s outdoor, patio and picnic tables typically have 4 separate legs, one at each corner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION/EMBODIMENTS 
     One aim of the present embodiment is to provide a tablecloth which is reusable and secures to a picnic, outdoor or indoor table to protect the picnic from potentially windy or dirty environments. 
     Another aim is for the adjustability of the tablecloth for different sizes and shaped tables. 
     Another aim is the safety of young children in danger of pulling the tablecloth and contents down upon themselves and others. 
     The present embodiment comprises a predetermined piece of fabric cut in the appropriate shape and size for the anticipated picnic or indoor table and utilizes a drawstring sewn into the hem, exiting through a grommet pressed into a pre-cut hole in the hem at one section of the tablecloth. The cinch is then pulled tight to secure the adjustable tablecloth cover. Knots are then tied at the end of each section of the drawstring past the cinch to prevent slippage of the drawstring back into the hem, saving the owner from fishing out the drawstring during the laundry process. The ends of the drawstring may be glued or heat torched to prevent fraying. 
     Pulling the cinch tight effectively and easily secures the tablecloth to the underbelly of the table lip by having the drawstring and fabric grab the under table. 
     The secured tablecloth is washable, dryable and recyclable as opposed to the disposable, one-time use tablecloths. 
     At the conclusion of the picnic, food, plates and other such items are removed from the picnic table. The drawstring is un-cinched and loosened from the table, shaken out, folded and stored with the other picnic items and taken home to be laundered and used another day. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a drawstring tablecloth applied to a picnic table. 
         FIG. 2  is a top plain view of the drawstring tablecloth secured on a picnic table top. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom plain view of the drawstring tablecloth secured and grabbing at the underbelly of the table lip. The drawstring cord exits the hem at a predetermined location. 
         FIG. 4 . Is a detail view of the drawstring exit from the hem, the hole, the grommet, cinch and respective knots. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS 
     The following detailed descriptions are the specific embodiments of an adjustable tablecloth with drawstring. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of embodiments of the invention. 
     As seen in  FIG. 1 , the table is rectangular but may also be another common shape such as square, circle or oval. The size of the table may be small, medium, or large. 
     The fabric ( 1 ) of the tablecloth is cut to the appropriate size and shape of the table leaving enough extra fabric to grab the underbelly of the table lip ( 8 ) and sew in a suitable hem ( 2 ) large enough for a drawstring to be housed within the hem ( 2 ). The fabric corners are rounded when cut for effective sewing and drawstring insertion. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2  the tablecloth of a type, thickness and weight of fabric ( 1 ) deemed appropriate for the event. Common fabric ( 1 ) types include but are not limited to polyester, cotton, rayon, canvas, silk, and cotton-poly. 
     The drawstring ( 5 ) may be made from any durable material such as nylon, cotton, vinyl or plastic. Nylon drawstrings slide more smoothly and are more effective in the tightening and cinching process. 
     The length of the drawstring ( 5 ) in  FIG. 1 , shall be cut at a length greater than the perimeter of the table to allow room for said drawstring ( 5 ) to be pulled tight, leaving two dangling knotted ( 7 ) ends. The two ends should be cut to an appropriate length so as not to drag along the ground or be too short. The two ends of the drawstring may be glued or heat torched to prevent future fraying. 
     The grommet ( 4 ) is commonly made of metal. Grommets may also be constructed of plastic and come in a variety of colors. The addition of a grommet ( 4 ) reduces wear and tear directly on the fabric from tightening the drawstring ( 5 ). 
     The cinch ( 6 ) in  FIG. 4  is commonly made out of plastic and comes in a variety of sizes, hole configurations and colors. I have selected a two-hole configuration for the two ends of the drawstring ( 5 ) but another configuration could be easily adapted. 
     The tablecloth is placed out upon the table, and loosely wrapped around the corners of the table in the example  FIG. 1 . The fabric ( 1 ) and the hem ( 2 ) are then shimmied around the drawstring ( 5 ) toward the back of the tablecloth. The front of the tablecloth is considered the location where the drawstring ( 5 ) exits ( 3 ) the grommet ( 4 ) pressed into the interior of the hem ( 2 ). The drawstring ( 5 ) is then pulled tight through the grommet ( 4 ) and cinch ( 6 ). The remaining drawstring ( 5 ) is visible and knotted ( 7 ) on both ends to prevent the drawstring ( 5 ) from slipping back into the opening ( 3 ) and hem ( 2 ) upon washing and drying. 
     Regarding  FIG. 4  this securing of the fabric ( 1 ) around the circumference of the table with the drawstring ( 5 ) and grommet ( 4 ) enables the tablecloth to be securely fitted to the table which prevents the wind from blowing away the tablecloth and table contents. This same configuration may also prevent small children from pulling the contents of an entire table down upon themselves and is convenient for in home use. 
     In  FIG. 1 , the top center of the fabric ( 1 ) may have an umbrella hole (not shown) sewn into the fabric for the insertion of a decorative umbrella to create a shady space during outdoor picnics and events. 
     The drawstring tablecloth operation and set up may easily be performed by a single individual with great speed and efficiency.