Stretchable Food Cover with Bunched Elastic

Abstract

A versatile food cover device comprising a flexible food-grade plastic material with an integrated elastic band. The elastic band features a bunched stitch construction that enables both extreme compression and expansion, allowing the cover to stretch and seal over a wide range of container sizes from 2-15 inches in diameter. The elastic band is divided into two connected sections and integrated with strategically-placed anchor panels. Each anchor panel consists of three rows of regular stitching, with the elastic band weaving through its center. This combination of structural elements provides an airtight, reusable food cover solution suitable for various dishware types.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Existing food storage solutions, such as plastic wrap or silicone lids, have limitations in their ability to create a secure, airtight seal across a wide range of container sizes. They often require precise measurement and repeated applications to achieve a proper fit. There is a need for a more universally adaptable cover that can stretch to fit various dishware while maintaining an effective airtight seal.SUMMARY

[0002] The present invention is a food cover device comprising a flexible food-grade plastic material integrated with an elastic band. The elastic band has a specialized bunched stitch construction that enables the device to compress down to a minimum diameter of 2-4 inches, while also stretching to a maximum diameter of 12-15 inches. This expansive stretch range allows the cover to fit a variety of container sizes.

[0003] The elastic band is divided into two connected sections, each containing approximately 30-60 evenly distributed bunched stitches, for a total of 60-120 stitches around the full circumference. The bunching is achieved by strategically stitching the plastic material to the ridges of a ribbon-like elastic band, creating a controlled gathering effect.

[0004] The elastic band sections are connected by two anchor panels made of the same plastic material. These anchor panels are 0.25-0.75 inches in length and 275-350% the width of the elastic band. Each panel has three parallel rows of regular stitching, with the elastic band “snaking” vertically through the center of all three rows. This creates a structural backbone that allows the cover to be folded compactly for storage while retaining the ability to stretch when unfolded for use.

[0005] When stored, the device can be folded to dimensions of 3-5 inches in length, 0.25-0.75 inches in width, and not exceeding 1 inch in height. The combination of the bunched elastic construction, divided band design, and anchor panel structure enables a versatile, airtight food cover that can adapt to a wide variety of container sizes while also offering compact, convenient storage.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] The food cover device comprises the following key structural elements:Elastic Band Configuration

[0007] The elastic band includes approximately 60-120 bunched stitches around the full circumference, divided into two sections with 30-60 bunched stitches per section. The ridge spacing ratio ranges from 1:3 to 1:8, representing the width of each ridge to the space between ridges when fully stretched. The band is made from a ribbon-like elastic material with ridges on both sides, and the plastic material is secured at specific ridge intervals to create a bunched effect.Dimensional Capabilities

[0008] The device is capable of compressing to a minimum diameter of 2-4 inches and can stretch to a maximum diameter of 12-15 inches. The stretch ratio is approximately 1:4 to 1:6, based on the unstretched versus fully stretched dimensions.Anchor Panel Specifications

[0009] Each anchor panel has a length of 0.25-0.75 inches and a width that is 275-350% of the elastic band's width. Each panel is composed of three parallel rows of regular, non-bunched stitching, with the elastic band “snaking” vertically through the center of all three rows. Free-standing portions on either side of the elastic path provide additional structural support.Material Construction

[0010] The main construction material is a flexible, food-grade plastic that is durable enough to maintain its structural integrity under repeated stretching. The plastic is FDA-approved for food contact, dishwasher-safe, and heat-resistant within normal food storage temperature ranges.Storage Configuration

[0011] When folded, the device has a length of 3-5 inches, a width of 0.25-0.75 inches, and a height that does not exceed 1 inch. This compact folding capability allows for convenient storage when the cover is not in use.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0006]The food cover device comprises the following key structural elements:

Elastic Band Configuration

[0007]The elastic band includes approximately 60-120 bunched stitches around the full circumference, divided into two sections with 30-60 bunched stitches per section. The ridge spacing ratio ranges from 1:3 to 1:8, representing the width of each ridge to the space between ridges when fully stretched. The band is made from a ribbon-like elastic material with ridges on both sides, and the plastic material is secured at specific ridge intervals to create a bunched effect.

Dimensional Capabilities

[0008]The device is capable of compressing to a minimum diameter of 2-4 inches and can stretch to a maximum diameter of 12-15 inches. The stretch ratio is approximately 1:4 to 1:6, based on the unstretched versus fully stretched dimensions.

Anchor Panel Specifications

[0009]Each anchor panel has a length of 0.25-0.75 inches and a width that is 275-350% of the elastic band's width. Each panel is c...

BACKGROUND

[0001] Existing food storage solutions, such as plastic wrap or silicone lids, have limitations in their ability to create a secure, airtight seal across a wide range of container sizes. They often require precise measurement and repeated applications to achieve a proper fit. There is a need for a more universally adaptable cover that can stretch to fit various dishware while maintaining an effective airtight seal.SUMMARY

[0002] The present invention is a food cover device comprising a flexible food-grade plastic material integrated with an elastic band. The elastic band has a specialized bunched stitch construction that enables the device to compress down to a minimum diameter of 2-4 inches, while also stretching to a maximum diameter of 12-15 inches. This expansive stretch range allows the cover to fit a variety of container sizes.

[0003] The elastic band is divided into two connected sections, each containing approximately 30-60 evenly distributed bunched stitches, for a total of 60-120 stitches around the full circumference. The bunching is achieved by strategically stitching the plastic material to the ridges of a ribbon-like elastic band, creating a controlled gathering effect.

[0004] The elastic band sections are connected by two anchor panels made of the same plastic material. These anchor panels are 0.25-0.75 inches in length and 275-350% the width of the elastic band. Each panel has three parallel rows of regular stitching, with the elastic band “snaking” vertically through the center of all three rows. This creates a structural backbone that allows the cover to be folded compactly for storage while retaining the ability to stretch when unfolded for use.

[0005] When stored, the device can be folded to dimensions of 3-5 inches in length, 0.25-0.75 inches in width, and not exceeding 1 inch in height. The combination of the bunched elastic construction, divided band design, and anchor panel structure enables a versatile, airtight food cover that can adapt to a wide variety of container sizes while also offering compact, convenient storage.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] The food cover device comprises the following key structural elements:Elastic Band Configuration

[0007] The elastic band includes approximately 60-120 bunched stitches around the full circumference, divided into two sections with 30-60 bunched stitches per section. The ridge spacing ratio ranges from 1:3 to 1:8, representing the width of each ridge to the space between ridges when fully stretched. The band is made from a ribbon-like elastic material with ridges on both sides, and the plastic material is secured at specific ridge intervals to create a bunched effect.Dimensional Capabilities

[0008] The device is capable of compressing to a minimum diameter of 2-4 inches and can stretch to a maximum diameter of 12-15 inches. The stretch ratio is approximately 1:4 to 1:6, based on the unstretched versus fully stretched dimensions.Anchor Panel Specifications

[0009] Each anchor panel has a length of 0.25-0.75 inches and a width that is 275-350% of the elastic band's width. Each panel is composed of three parallel rows of regular, non-bunched stitching, with the elastic band “snaking” vertically through the center of all three rows. Free-standing portions on either side of the elastic path provide additional structural support.Material Construction

[0010] The main construction material is a flexible, food-grade plastic that is durable enough to maintain its structural integrity under repeated stretching. The plastic is FDA-approved for food contact, dishwasher-safe, and heat-resistant within normal food storage temperature ranges.Storage Configuration

[0011] When folded, the device has a length of 3-5 inches, a width of 0.25-0.75 inches, and a height that does not exceed 1 inch. This compact folding capability allows for convenient storage when the cover is not in use.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0006]The food cover device comprises the following key structural elements:

Elastic Band Configuration

[0007]The elastic band includes approximately 60-120 bunched stitches around the full circumference, divided into two sections with 30-60 bunched stitches per section. The ridge spacing ratio ranges from 1:3 to 1:8, representing the width of each ridge to the space between ridges when fully stretched. The band is made from a ribbon-like elastic material with ridges on both sides, and the plastic material is secured at specific ridge intervals to create a bunched effect.

Dimensional Capabilities

[0008]The device is capable of compressing to a minimum diameter of 2-4 inches and can stretch to a maximum diameter of 12-15 inches. The stretch ratio is approximately 1:4 to 1:6, based on the unstretched versus fully stretched dimensions.

Anchor Panel Specifications

[0009]Each anchor panel has a length of 0.25-0.75 inches and a width that is 275-350% of the elastic band's width. Each panel is c...

Claims

1. A food cover device comprising:a. A flexible food-grade plastic material;b. An elastic band integrated with the plastic material, the elastic band having a bunched stitch construction that enables compression to a minimum diameter of 2-4 inches and expansion to a maximum diameter of 12-15 inches;c. The elastic band divided into two connected sections, each section containing 30-60 evenly distributed bunched stitches;d. Anchor panels made of the same plastic material, the panels connecting the two elastic band sections and featuring three rows of regular stitching with the elastic band snaking vertically through the center;e. The device capable of being folded to dimensions of 3-5 inches in length, 0.25-0.75 inches in width, and not exceeding 1 inch in height.

2. The food cover device of claim 1, wherein the ridge spacing ratio of the elastic band when fully stretched is between 1:3 and 1:8.

3. The food cover device of claim 1, wherein the anchor panels have a length of 0.25-0.75 inches and a width of 275-350% of the elastic band width.

4. The food cover device of claim 1, wherein the elastic band comprises a ribbon-like material with ridges on both sides, with the plastic material secured at intervals between said ridges.

5. The food cover device of claim 1, wherein the device is constructed of FDA-approved materials suitable for food contact.

6. The food cover device of claim 1, wherein the anchor panels comprise free-standing portions on either side of the central elastic path to provide structural support while maintaining flexibility.

7. The food cover device of claim 1, wherein the bunched stitch construction creates a seal when stretched over a container.