US20200281379A1

US20200281379A1 - Selectively securable covering for tables and surfaces

Info

Publication number: US20200281379A1
Application number: US16/810,321
Authority: US
Inventors: Carolyn Groves
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-03-06
Filing date: 2020-03-05
Publication date: 2020-09-10

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a selectively securable protective covering for substantially planar surfaces, such as furniture, wall hangings, and outdoor tables. In particular, the disclosure relates to a table cover that is resistant to dislodgement by wind and other forces. The table cover can be attached to a table, such as an outdoor picnic table.

Description

This U.S. Non-Provisional patent application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/814,727, filed Mar. 6, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a securable covering for planar surfaces. More specifically, in some embodiments, this disclosure relates to devices and methods for providing and securing a covering to a table.

BACKGROUND

Table covers and tablecloths are used to protect a table from spills and other damage. In addition, they protect items such as plates and bowls which are placed on a table. A tablecloth can provide a sanitary barrier between an outdoor table or a public table. However, a tablecloth can also cause issues when it becomes disconnected from or shifts on the table, causing items placed on the table to move, spill, or fall.
Problems with covers can arise when wind blows under a cover, such as a tablecloth. The tablecloth acts like a sail, and the items on the table are wasted. Accordingly, various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to securable coverings for tables. However, it will be recognized that coverings, methods of use, and methods of manufacture as provided herein are not limited to table coverings. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure are suitable for use with and operable to cover and protect wall hangings, furniture, vehicles, and various other items.
There exists a long-felt and unmet need for a covering that secures quickly and easily to a table or object and remains substantially in place during use. Some attempts have been made to construct covers that remain in place or keep food on outdoor tables protected from the elements. These include U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,785,419; 4,705,084; 4,813,166; 4,982,516; 6,014,935; 7,757,614; 8,196,528; 9,737,363; United States Publication No. 2010/0275419, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a selectively securable cover comprising a cover part sized to substantially cover a top surface of a table, and the cover part has an outer edge. A plurality of overlap portions are attached to the outer edge of the cover part, and the overlap portions have a passage positioned at a distal end of the overlap portion. In some embodiments, the plurality of overlap portions comprises lateral extensions of the cover part. As used herein the term overlap refers to the lateral extensions. In various embodiments, the overlap portions are co-formed with or attached to the cover part (e.g. by stitching sections from a larger piece to create a single piece of material that comprises the cover part and the overlap portions). According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the passage comprises an eyelet, a grommet, a buttonhole, an elongate tunnel or tube along the perimeter of the overlap portion, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the passages are spaced approximately 9.0 inches apart. In some embodiments, the tunnel extends the entire perimeter of an overlap portion, while in other embodiments, the tunnel extends over only a portion of the perimeter of the overlap portion. In various embodiments, a fastener extends through portions of the cover, and the fastener forms a loop that is changeable between a first size and a smaller second size. For example, the first size comprises a fastener in a loose configuration, and the second, smaller size is the fastener in a tightened configuration. As used herein, a fastener generally describes an apparatus that can hold tension when fastened (e.g. a toggle stopper, cord lock, or tie off). In various embodiments, the fastener comprises cord, rope, elastic, strap, twill tape, grosgrain ribbon, fabric tube, and/or string. In other embodiments, the fastener only extends along a partial length of the cover, beginning with an attachment point along the edge of the overlap portion of the cover and ending at the point where the fastener is connected to its corresponding fastener. A tension holder is attached to the fastener, wherein the tension holder selectively maintains the fastener in the first or the second size to secure the selectively securable cover to the table. In some embodiments, upon attachment, the fastener is provided below the surface of the table or similar object. In various embodiments a pocket is attached to the cover to secure any excess fastener.
In further embodiments, the corner formed by the intersection of two overlap portions is rounded. In other embodiments, the area of the cover part around the interior corner formed by the intersection of two overlap portions is reinforced with additional layers of fabric.
In some embodiments, the cover part comprises a water-resistant fabric; the fastener comprises a cord; the cord is attached to the cover part through a plurality of grommets; and the tension holder comprises a toggle stopper or a cord lock.
In various embodiments, methods of securing a covering to a table or surface are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided that comprises the steps of: covering a table with a table cover; folding an overlap located at an end of the table cover under the table; and tightening a fastener, wherein the fastener is attached at the ends of the table cover, and wherein tightening the fastener secures the overlap to the table.
Various embodiments of the present disclosure comprise methods of manufacturing covers. In one embodiment, a method is provided that comprises the steps of: providing a piece of fabric; cutting the fabric to form a cover part and a plurality of overlap portions, wherein the plurality of overlap portions are attached to an outer edge of the cover part; forming at least one passage in each of the overlap portions, wherein the passage is attached to an outer edge of the overlap portion; and attaching a fastener through each of the passages. In further embodiments, the outside edge of the cover comprises a hem to secure the edge(s) and provide durability and structural integrity to the cover.
This Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description, and no limitation as to the scope of the present disclosure is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary. Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become clearer from the Detailed Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings.
The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or,” as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.
The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.
Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, dimensions, conditions, ratios, ranges, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” or “approximately.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, dimensions, conditions, ratios, ranges, and so forth used in the specification and claims may be increased or decreased by approximately 2-3% to achieve satisfactory results. In addition, all ranges described herein may be reduced to any sub-range or portion of the range.
The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Accordingly, the terms “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof can be used interchangeably herein.
It shall be understood that the term “means” as used herein shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C., Section 112(f). Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials, or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the Summary, Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, and Abstract.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosed system and together with the general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed system(s) and device(s).

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cover according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cover of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cover of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a cover during a stage of manufacturing according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the cover of FIG. 4 during a second stage of manufacturing according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the cover of FIG. 4 during a third stage of manufacturing according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a part of the cover of FIG. 4 during a stage of manufacturing according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the part of FIG. 7 during a second stage of manufacturing according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the cover of FIG. 4 during a stage of manufacturing according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cover of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cover of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the cover of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cover of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the cover according to another embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cover according to another embodiment;

FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the cover according to the embodiment of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the inner corner during a stage of manufacturing according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 18 is a diagram of the fastener according to one embodiment.

FIG. 19 illustrates a process of forming a bias strip for a corner of a cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a further representation of a method of forming a rounded corner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 illustrates a method of applying facing to a rounded corner of a cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 depicts a method of reinforcing a corner of a cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the embodiments illustrated herein. As will be appreciated, other embodiments are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described below. For example, it is contemplated that various features and devices shown and/or described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with or substituted for features or devices of other embodiments regardless of whether or not such a combination or substitution is specifically shown or described herein.
Similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts a cover 2 according to one embodiment. The cover 2 is shown in associated with and covering a table 8 for illustrative purposes. The cover 2 includes a cover part 4, a fastener 6, a passage 12, an overlap 14, a plurality of cutouts 15, and tension holder 16.
FIG. 1 depicts a table 8 for illustrative purposes only. While FIG. 1 depicts the cover 2 over an outdoor picnic table 8, it will be appreciated that the cover 2 is configured to be secured to a surface, which can be an indoor or outdoor table, or various other surfaces. Furthermore, the table 8 can be a dining table, bench, or other object or planar surface.
According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cover part 4 is constructed of a water resistant and tear resistant fabric that is operable to be provided on a user or public side of the device for interaction with users and objects. In some embodiments, the fabric is provided with a slip resistant material, such as silicone on an inner surface facing side of the cover 2. The outer facing side can be constructed of a water, spill, and/or stain resistant material, such as polyester, or coated/treated with or a chemical to produce water, spill, and/or stain resistance.
A fastener 6 is provided to selectively secure the cover 2 to the table 8. As used herein, the fastener generally describes a device that can be tightened to secure fabric, such as the cover part 4 and lateral extensions 14, to a surface. In various embodiments, the fastener 6 comprises a drawstring or cord. In such embodiments, the fastener is attached to the cover part 4 through passages 12 at the ends 10 of the cover part 4. In at least some embodiments, the passage 12 may be a grommet or a looped end of lateral extension 14. In other embodiments, the cover 2 comprises a fastener 6 located at an end of the cover part 4. In additional embodiments, the passage may include a buttonhole opening or similar passage 12 allowing the fastener to pass through the cover part 4. In some embodiments, multiple fasteners 6 are used to attach the cover 2 to a table 8. In addition to a drawstring type fastener 6, other possible fasteners include wire, hook and loop, bungee cord, elastic, adhesives, etc.
According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cover part 4 covers a top surface of the table 8, and the overlap 14 wraps around the edge of the table 8, such that the ends 10 of the overlap 14 are on the underside of the table 8. In some embodiments, the overlaps 14 are integrally attached to the cover part 4, forming an extension that is substantially equal in length to the length or width of each side of the cover part 4 to which it is integrally attached. The fastener 6 is attached at the ends 10 of the overlap 14. The fastener 6 secures the cover 2 to the table 8 by holding the ends 10 of the overlap 14 to the underside of the table 8. This can be achieved, for example, by pulling a drawstring type fastener 6 tight, then securing the fastener 6 in a taught position. A tension holder 16, which may be a toggle stopper or cord lock can be used to hold the fastener in a taught position. In some embodiments, the fastener 6 may simply be tied to retain tension.
The overlap 14 aids in securing the cover 2 to a surface, such as a table 8. In some embodiments, the overlap 14 is formed by creating a cutout 15, which is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2 and 3. The cover part 4 covers the surface, such as the table 8, and the overlaps 14 secure the cover 2 to the surface when tightly held to at least two sides of the surface. Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a plurality of overlaps 14 formed by a plurality of cutouts 15. For example, a cover 2, such as the cover 2 in FIG. 1, comprises four overlap portions 14 formed by four cutouts 15 at each corner of the cover part 4. In some embodiments, the overlap portions 14 overlap one another on the underside of the surface, such as the table 8. In other embodiments, the overlap portions 14 are sized to remain within any overlaps. The cutouts 15 allow the cover 2 to be fit to a table, such as table 8. In some embodiments, the cutouts 15 prevent the material of the cover 2 from bunching at the corners of a table and enable the wrapping of overlap portions around a height of a table or surface as shown in the Figures.
FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of the cover 2, depicting details of a corner of the cover 2, including the cover part 4, the fastener 6, the end 10 of the overlap 14, the passage 12, the cutout 15, and the tension holder 16. According to this embodiment, the cover part 4 comprises at least one overlap 14. Two overlaps 14 are shown, and it will be appreciated that four or more overlaps 14 are contemplated by the present disclosure. Various embodiments of the present disclosure include reinforcements, such as the reinforcements 22 depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9. In some embodiments, the reinforcements are sections of fabric sewn into the cover 2. The reinforcements are placed at areas of high stress, such as proximal to a corner to prevent tearing due to the stresses created by attaching the cover 2 to a surface and tearing due to contact with jagged and sharp corners of such a surface.
FIG. 3 depicts a cover 2 in a folded configuration atop a table 8. In this embodiment, the cover 2 includes cover part 4 operable to extend over a planar portion of a table, fastener 6, ends 10 of the overlap 14, passages 12, tension holder 16, and the cutout 15. According to various embodiments, the cover part 4 comprises an upper surface, which can also be referred to as the public surface or outer surface, and a lower surface, which can also be referred to as the underside. In some embodiments, the underside comprises felt or cotton that prevents damage to the surface of the table, and the public side comprises a waterproof/water resistant, stain resistant, and tear resistant material. In various embodiments, the public side and underside of the cover 2 comprise two different colors or patterns, such that the cover 2 is reversible. In other embodiments the public side and underside of the cover 2 comprise the same material and pattern on both sides. In the depicted embodiment, the fastener 6 is comprises a cord that connects to the cover part 4 using passages 12. The fastener 6 wraps around the perimeter of the cover part 4.
According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cutouts 15 are substantially rectangular shaped. In one embodiment, the cutouts are 8-inch squares. In some embodiments, the cutouts 15 creates a 90-degree angle, where two cutouts 15 form the sides of the overlap 14. The inner corner 15A of the cutout 15 creates the seam between two overlaps 14, with the two overlaps 14 substantially perpendicular to one another. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the sides of the cutout 15, which form the ends 10 of the overlap 14 are devoid of any passages 12. The lack of passages 12 allows the overlaps 14 to be secured to a surface, such as a table 8. For example, the fastener 6 passes through passages 12A and 12B at the corners of the cutout 15. In some embodiments, there is a passage at only 12A, while in other embodiments there is a passage at only 12B. In other embodiments there is a passage at both 12A and 12B, or at neither 12A nor 12B. When the cover 2 is secured to a table, such as the table 8, the inner corner 15A of the cutout 15 is aligned approximately with a corner of the table. The other cutouts 15 are similarly aligned. Here, the passages 12A and 12B are in a first position, a first distance from one another. The overlaps 14 are then folded under the table and the fastener 6 pulled taught. This secures the cover 2 to the table by holding the overlaps 14 tightly against at least two surfaces of the table, wherein the two surfaces are not coplanar. At the same time, the two passages, 12A and 12B are in to a second position, wherein the distance between 12A and 12B in the second position is less than the distance in the first position.
FIGS. 4 and 5 depict the cover 2 in various stages of construction. Although various embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate a generally rectilinear cover member, certain embodiments of the present disclosure comprise alternative shapes such as circles, ovals, squares, etc. FIG. 4 shows fabric 18, which can be constructed into a cover 2. In some embodiments, the fabric 18 is a water-resistant and/or a tear resistant fabric. FIG. 4 includes dimensions A and B. A is between about 40-inches and about 200-inches. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, A is about 82-inches or about 106-inches. B is between about 25-inches and about 100-inches. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, B is about 47-inches.
FIG. 5 shows the fabric 18, in which the corners 20 have been cut out. FIG. 5 depicts the fabric 18 with the cut dimensions, before the cover part 4 has been finished. FIG. 5 includes dimensions C and D. C is between about 30-inches and about 190-inches. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, C is about 66-inches or about 90-inches. D is between about 15-inches and about 80-inches. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, D is about 31-inches. To cut the fabric 18 from a larger piece of fabric, a user may square one end of the fabric, then cut a rectangle, for example a 47-inch×106-inch rectangle can be used for covering an eight-foot table or a 47-inch×82-inch rectangle can be used for covering a six-foot table as shown in FIG. 4. Then, approximately 8-inch squares can be cut out of each corner of the fabric 18 as shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 6 shows the fabric 18, which is the cover part 4. According to the embodiment in FIG. 6, the fabric 18 depicts the finished dimensions E and F. E is between about 30-inches and about 190-inches. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, E is about 64-inches or about 88-inches. F is between about 15-inches and about 80-inches. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, F is about 30-inches.
FIGS. 7 and 8 depict a reinforcement 22. First, a piece of fabric 24 is cut according to dimensions G and H. Then, the fabric 24 is altered to form the reinforcement 22. As shown in FIG. 7, the fabric has dimensions G and H. G is between about 1-inch and about 5-inches. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, G is about 2.5-inches. H is between about 1-inch and about 5-inches. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, H is about 2.5-inches. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, four reinforcements 22 are prepared, each approximately cut to a 2½-inch square. If serging is used, then approximately a 2¾-inch square is cut. As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand, serging comprises a seam stitch that creates a connection between two pieces of fabric and/or prevents the fabric from unraveling.
As shown in FIG. 8, a section is then cut from the fabric 24 to form the reinforcement 22. The section has dimensions J and K. J is between about 0.5-inch and about 4-inches. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, J is about 1.25-inches. K is between about 0.5-inch and about 4-inches. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, K is about 1.25-inches.
FIG. 9 shows the cover 2 with the reinforcement 22 attached. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, only one reinforcement 22 is attached. It will be appreciated that reinforcements 22 may be placed in multiple locations of the cover 2. In some embodiments, there are four reinforcements 22 attached at each corner 26 of the cover 2.
According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the reinforcements 22 are sewn to the fabric 18 to create the cover 2. To sew the reinforcements 22 to the fabric 18, the corners 26 are prepared by lining up the corners 26 of the fabric 18 with the reinforcements 22 with the right sides of the fabric 18 together. The reinforcements are then sewn to the corners 26 with approximately a ½-inch seam. The reinforcements 22 are clipped at a 45-degree angle up to, but not through, the corners 26. The reinforcements 22 can then be flipped, so that the seam is between the layers. The seam can then be top stitched close to the edge of each reinforcement 22. The remaining longer edges can then be folded for approximately a ½-inch hem, which are top stitched, then down stitched over the reinforcement 22 again. To ensure the corner 26 does not tear, the corner 26 of the facing may be stitched around one or two more times, for a total of approximately 3-4 times.
In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the main edges comprise a hem of various dimensions. It is contemplated that the size of a hem that extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the cover is adjusted based on desired placement of the grommets or apertures for receiving a fastener. Optionally, all the remaining edges of main cloth can be serged. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, there are at least four reinforcements, with one at each corner of the cover 2. The reinforcements are integrally attached to align with the cutout portions, such as corner 15A (shown in FIG. 3) of the cover 2. The reinforcements 22 provide structural support to the corners to prevent tearing.
In various embodiments of the present disclosure, passages 12 are used to attach the fastener 6 to the cover 2. To attach the passages 12 to the narrow ends 10 of the overlaps 14, marks are made approximately ¾-inch each way from center of the fabric 18. Then from those markings, a distance of approximately 8-inches toward each outer edge on both ends of either size table cloth is measured. On the long ends and starting from one edge, approximately 8-inch increments are measured across to the other end. A passage 12, such as a grommet is placed in each of those markings. Embodiments of the present disclosure include four passages 12 on each end of the fabric 18 regardless of the size of the cover 2. For example, the 8-foot cover 2, includes twelve passages on each long side, and the 6-foot cover 2 includes nine passages on each long side. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the fastener 6 is a string parachute cord. To attach a string parachute cord, the required yardage (8 or 7 yards) of parachute cord is cut in half. A flame can be used to melt the cut ends of the parachute cord, so the ends do not unravel. The ends of the parachute cord can be molded into somewhat of a point using one's fingertips (this can help when threading it through the tension holder 16, which may be a cord stop). There will not be much extra cording. Starting in the center of a short side of the fabric 18, the cord can be threaded through the middle passage 12, so that the tension holder 16 is on the right side of the fabric 18. The parachute cord is threaded through a tension holder 16 with two to three inches of cord sticking out. The remainder of the cord is threaded “over and under” style through the remaining passages 12. The threading should be aligned to have the tension holder 16 on the right side of the other short side. After each cord stop is threaded, the two ends of cord are tied together in a knot just past each cord stop.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cover applied to a table in accordance with a n embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a corner 15 of the cover 2 is depicted with the fastener 6 in a tightened configuration, creating a smaller loop than compared to a loose configuration and securing the cover 2 to a table or surface. The fastener 6 is shown passing through passages 12 along the perimeter of the of the overlap portion 14. In this embodiment, two overlap portions 14 are in close contact with each other, but do not contact one another. However, in other embodiments, the overlap portions 14 overlap one another, with one overlap portion 14 on an exterior side holding a corner of the other overlap portion 14 against a table. In such an embodiment, the cover 2 may comprise a passage 12 at only one corner (such as only 12A or only 12B as depicted in FIG. 3). FIGS. 11-13 are additional perspective views of a bottom or lower portion of a cover member provided on and/or secured to a table. Various features and components shown and described herein have already been described and that discussion is incorporated by reference. As shown in FIGS. 11-13, the tension holder 16 is depicted retaining the tension in the fastener 6. The fastener 6 is shown in a cinched, tightened, or partially-tightened configuration to provide the overlap portions in a particular relative position and secure the cover to an associated object (e.g. a table). Features of the present disclosure are operable to secure a cover to a surface, such as a work surface or table surface. In addition, various features shown and described herein provide a form-fitting feature wherein lateral or peripheral edges of a cover do not hang down below a table (for example) and do not extend into areas that may be occupied or encountered by a user. As shown in FIGS. 10-13, for example, overlap portions 14 are drawn or tucked neatly underneath a table where they are operable to secure the cover 2 and remain concealed and/or are provided in an orderly and unobstructed position.
FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of a cover 2 having rounded inner corners 15A. The inner corners 15A comprise at least one of a bias strip, a facing, or another reinforcement member to provide enhanced structural integrity and reduce risk of tearing proximal to the corner 15A. In the depicted embodiment, the reinforcements are provided on the edges of the cover part to prevent the edges from tearing.
FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 14 wherein the cover part 4 comprises a pocket 30 to secure a portion of a fastener 6. In this embodiment, the pocket 30 is located at an edge of the overlap portion 14 and in close proximity to the tension holder 16. The pocket is contemplated as comprising the same or similar material as the remainder of the cover.
FIG. 16 shows the underside of a table 8 with a selectively securable cover 2 secured to the table. This embodiment shows a plurality of passages 12 in the cover part 4. The cover 4 comprises grommets 12A and an aperture 12B. Any combination or type of small passage through the cover part are contemplated as being provided. For instance, grommets, buttonholes, eyelets, tubes, holes, or any equivalent small aperture are contemplated.
FIG. 17 shows a cover member with a rounded interior corner 15A. In the depicted embodiment, an edge of the cover is finished with a bias strip or binding 22. In some embodiments, a full or partial facing is contemplated for use with rounded corners.
FIG. 18 depicts a portion of a cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the cover comprises a first overlap portion 14A and a second overlap portion 14B. In the depicted embodiment, it is contemplated that the second overlap portion 14B comprises a long edge of a cover that is operable to be provided on a rectangular table or surface. A fastener 6 is provided to secure the cover and the fastener 6 extends along at least a portion of the second overlap portion 14B and preferably through at least one passage 12. The passage is contemplated as comprising at least one of a grommet, an aperture, and a buttonhole. The fastener 6 is secured to the first overlap portion 14A by an anchor 28 which may comprise at least one of stitching and a knot. The embodiment of FIG. 18 comprises a first overlap portion 14A that comprises a hem 19. In alternative embodiments, however, it is contemplated that the first overlap portion 14A comprises a casing forming a tubular passage. In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the fastener 6 extends at least partially through the casing, and the fastener is preferably free to move or translate within the casing or passageway.
FIG. 19 illustrates a method of forming a bias strip from a textile material and as contemplated for use in embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, step 50 provides a first piece of material with an underside portion 54 facing up. The material is folded in half lengthwise at step 52, with an underside 54 and opposing upper side 56 shown. Subsequently, at step 58, the edges of the material are folded toward the mid-line and at step 60 the material is creased in half again such at all raw edges are provided inside the constructed segment 64. At step 62, an additional piece of material 66 (which preferably comprises a rounded interior corner of a cover) is provided and is slid into the crease of 64 (step 60) to form a bias. The constructed bias strip as shown comprises and provides a piece of material with stretch or elasticity using purely woven fabrics and without a need to provide a synthetic material (e.g. spandex).
FIG. 20 illustrates an application of a bias strip. The step and method of FIG. 20 provides an alternative method to using bias binding without creasing and ironing. As shown, a bias strip 70 is pinned or sewn to a rounded interior edge portion 72. The bias strip 70 is then flipped, turned under and sewn to the corner portion 72 to provide a corner with a bias and that is free of exposed edges or ends.
FIG. 21 depicts a method of applying a facing to rounded inner corners of a device and in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. A rounded inner corner portion 72 is shown. At step 84, an underside 80 and an upper side 82 are shown. A narrow replica of a rounded corner is provided and preferably comprises a cut or laceration to provide relief (as the material is not biased). At step 86, the facing is turned or folded over and stitched or serged to create an additional layer of material at a corner portion.
FIG. 22 illustrates a method of reinforcing a square corner of a cover member. As shown, method steps 90, 92, 94 are provided. At step 90, a main portion 100 is provided and a partial facing 102 is provided. The main portion 100 is shown with an upper side up, and the partial facing 102 is underside up. The facing 102 is “clipped” at an interior corner therefor to for flexibility of the facing 102. The facing 102 is sewn to the main portion 100. The facing 102 is then flipped to cover and finish a raw edge (step 92). An underside of the product is shown at step 94, wherein edges of the facing 102 can be stitched down, serged or folded and providing a reinforcement to the cover.
While various embodiments of the system have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. It is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Further, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A selectively securable cover operable to cover a surface, comprising:

a flexible material comprising a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is operable to be provided in contact with a surface and wherein the second side comprises an opposing side from the first side;

wherein the selectively securable cover comprises a non-rectangular perimeter;

a cord extending along at least a portion of the perimeter of the cover and wherein the fastener is operable to secure the cover to an object;

wherein the cord extends through a plurality of grommets provided proximal to the perimeter of the cover;

a securing member in the form of at least one of a toggle stopper and a cord lock, and wherein the fastener extends through the securing member to secure the cord in a desired position.

2. The selectively securable cover of claim 1, wherein the cord is woven through the plurality of grommets.

3. The selectively securable cover of claim 1, wherein the perimeter comprises twelve linear portions and wherein the corners of the cover comprise voids allowing portions of the cover to surround or overlap an object.

4. The selectively securable cover of claim 1, wherein the perimeter comprises a plurality of linear portions and a plurality of curvilinear portions for accommodating external corners of an object.

5. The selectively securable cover of claim 1, wherein the cord comprises an elastic member.

6. The selectively securable cover of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of cut outs and wherein the cover is operable to cover a rectangular object with at least portions of the perimeter of the cover surrounding the object.

7. The selectively securable cover of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a length of at least approximately 72 inches and a width of at least approximately 48 inches.

8. A selectively securable cover operable to cover a surface, comprising:

wherein the selectively securable cover comprises a non-rectangular perimeter;

a fastener extending through a plurality of grommets provided proximal to the perimeter of the cover and wherein the fastener is operable to secure the cover to an object;

wherein the fastener comprises an elongate member that extends through at least a portion of the selectively securable cover.

9. The selectively securable cover of claim 8, wherein the fastener comprises at least one of a cord, a rope, twill tape, grosgrain ribbon, a fabric tube, and a wire.

10. The selectively securable cover of claim 8, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of linear portions that are operable to folded or wrapped around an object.

11. The selectively securable cover of claim 8, further comprising a securing member in the form of at least one of a toggle stopper and a cord lock, and wherein the fastener extends through the securing member to secure the fastener.

12. The selectively securable cover of claim 8, wherein the fastener comprises an elastic member.

13. The selectively securable cover of claim 8, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of cut outs and wherein the cover is operable to cover a rectangular object with at least portions of the perimeter of the cover surrounding the object.

14. The selectively securable cover of claim 8, wherein the cover comprises a length of at least approximately 72 inches and a width of at least approximately 48 inches.

15. A selectively securable cover operable to cover a surface, comprising:

a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is operable to be provided in contact with a surface and wherein the second side comprises an opposing side from the first side;

wherein the selectively securable cover comprises a non-rectangular perimeter with a plurality of cutouts provided at the corners of the cover;

a fastener extending along at least a portion of the perimeter of the cover and wherein the fastener is operable to secure the cover to an object;

16. The selectively securable cover of claim 15, wherein the fastener comprises at least one of a cord, a rope, twill tape, grosgrain ribbon, a fabric tube, and a wire.

17. The selectively securable cover of claim 16, wherein the fastener extends through a plurality of grommets provided proximal to the perimeter of the cover.

18. The selectively securable cover of claim 15, further comprising a securing member in the form of at least one of a toggle stopper and a cord lock, and wherein the fastener extends through the securing member to secure the fastener.

19. The selectively securable cover of claim 15, wherein the fastener comprises an elastic member.

20. The selectively securable cover of claim 15, wherein the plurality of cutouts comprises a plurality of curvilinear interior corner members.