Table covering system with selectively releasable access region and retaining structure

Abstract

A fitted table covering includes a single continuous flexible sheet material defining a top panel and a perimeter portion configured to secure the covering to a table. At least one covering flap is formed entirely within the top panel by partial separation of the sheet material while remaining connected along an unseparated edge defining an integral hinge. The covering flap is movable between a flat position coplanar with the top panel and a raised position extending upward to overlie an opening of a container positioned on the table covering.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 19 / 531,637, filed Feb. 5, 2026, entitled “Fitted Tablecloth Having Integral Hinged Access Regions,” which is currently pending.

[0002] The disclosure of the parent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Priority is claimed only to subject matter disclosed in the parent application. Subject matter newly disclosed and claimed herein is not entitled to the filing date of the parent application.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0003] Not applicable.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to fitted table coverings and, more particularly, to fitted table coverings formed from flexible sheet material and having an integrally formed covering flap defined within a top panel of the covering.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Fitted table coverings are commonly used to protect table surfaces during dining, food service, and outdoor activities. Such coverings typically include a flexible top panel and a perimeter portion configured to secure the covering to a table.

[0006] Although fitted table coverings protect the table surface, containers such as bowls, dishes, or food vessels placed on the covering remain exposed to insects, debris, and environmental contaminants. Existing solutions generally rely on separate lids, domes, or covers that are independent of the table covering and are susceptible to displacement or loss.

[0007] Other approaches utilize flaps, overlays, or secondary fabric elements that are attached to a table covering by seams, fasteners, or added material. These approaches increase manufacturing complexity and do not disclose a covering flap formed directly within a continuous top panel of a fitted table covering.

[0008] The parent application addressed access to regions beneath a fitted table covering. It did not disclose or suggest a structure in which a portion of the top panel itself is partially separated to define a hingedly movable covering flap for selectively overlying a container positioned on the table covering.

[0009] Accordingly, there remains a need for a fitted table covering in which a covering flap is integrally formed within the top panel itself, without additional components, attachments, or seams, while maintaining the fitted configuration and flexibility of the covering.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention provides a fitted table covering formed from a single, continuous flexible sheet material defining a top panel and a perimeter portion configured to secure the covering to a table.

[0011] New to this Continuation-in-Part, at least one covering flap is formed entirely within the top panel by a partial separation of the flexible sheet material. The partial separation extends along less than an entire perimeter of the covering flap such that the covering flap remains connected to the top panel solely along an unseparated edge.

[0012] The unseparated edge defines an integral hinge formed by the flexible sheet material itself, permitting the covering flap to fold relative to the top panel without seams, fasteners, or added material.

[0013] The covering flap is selectively movable between a flat position, in which the covering flap lies substantially coplanar with the top panel, and a raised position, in which the covering flap extends upward from a plane defined by the top panel when the table covering is installed on a horizontal supporting surface. In the raised position, the covering flap overlies an opening of a container positioned on the top panel.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fitted table covering showing an integrally formed covering flap in a raised position over a container.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fitted table covering of FIG. 1 showing the covering flap in a flat, coplanar position within the top panel.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a fitted table covering 10 comprises a flexible sheet material defining a top panel 12 and a perimeter portion 14 extending from the top panel and configured to secure the table covering to a supporting surface such as a table.

[0017] The perimeter portion 14 may include elastic material, hems, drawstrings, or other retaining structures sufficient to maintain the fitted table covering 10 on the table during use.Integrally Formed Covering Flap (Continuation-in-Part Subject Matter)

[0018] The top panel 12 includes at least one covering flap 40 formed entirely within the top panel. The covering flap 40 is defined by a partial separation 40a in the flexible sheet material of the top panel 12. The partial separation 40a extends along less than an entire perimeter of the covering flap 40, such that the covering flap is bounded by the partial separation on at least two sides.

[0019] The covering flap 40 remains connected to the top panel 12 solely along an unseparated edge 40b. The unseparated edge 40b defines an integral hinge formed by the flexible sheet material itself, permitting the covering flap 40 to fold relative to the top panel without seams, fasteners, adhesives, or added material.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the covering flap 40 is movable to a flat position in which the covering flap lies substantially coplanar with the top panel 12.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the covering flap 40 is movable to a raised position in which the covering flap extends upward from a plane defined by the top panel when the fitted table covering 10 is installed on a horizontal supporting surface.

[0022] In the raised position, the covering flap 40 overlies an opening of a container 50 positioned on the top panel 12, thereby reducing exposure of contents of the container 50 to insects, debris, and environmental contaminants.

[0023] The covering flap 40 may be sized and shaped to substantially correspond to the opening of the container 50. In some embodiments, a plurality of covering flaps 40 may be formed at different locations across the top panel 12, each independently movable between the flat and raised positions.

[0024] Because the covering flap 40 is formed from the same continuous flexible sheet material as the top panel 12, the fitted table covering 10 remains flexible, washable, and usable as a single integrated piece.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0016]Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a fitted table covering 10 comprises a flexible sheet material defining a top panel 12 and a perimeter portion 14 extending from the top panel and configured to secure the table covering to a supporting surface such as a table.

[0017]The perimeter portion 14 may include elastic material, hems, drawstrings, or other retaining structures sufficient to maintain the fitted table covering 10 on the table during use.

Integrally Formed Covering Flap (Continuation-in-Part Subject Matter)

[0018]The top panel 12 includes at least one covering flap 40 formed entirely within the top panel. The covering flap 40 is defined by a partial separation 40a in the flexible sheet material of the top panel 12. The partial separation 40a extends along less than an entire perimeter of the covering flap 40, such that the covering flap is bounded by the partial separation on at least two sides.

[0019]The covering flap 40 remains connected to the top panel 12 solely along an unsep...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 19 / 531,637, filed Feb. 5, 2026, entitled “Fitted Tablecloth Having Integral Hinged Access Regions,” which is currently pending.

[0002] The disclosure of the parent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Priority is claimed only to subject matter disclosed in the parent application. Subject matter newly disclosed and claimed herein is not entitled to the filing date of the parent application.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0003] Not applicable.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to fitted table coverings and, more particularly, to fitted table coverings formed from flexible sheet material and having an integrally formed covering flap defined within a top panel of the covering.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Fitted table coverings are commonly used to protect table surfaces during dining, food service, and outdoor activities. Such coverings typically include a flexible top panel and a perimeter portion configured to secure the covering to a table.

[0006] Although fitted table coverings protect the table surface, containers such as bowls, dishes, or food vessels placed on the covering remain exposed to insects, debris, and environmental contaminants. Existing solutions generally rely on separate lids, domes, or covers that are independent of the table covering and are susceptible to displacement or loss.

[0007] Other approaches utilize flaps, overlays, or secondary fabric elements that are attached to a table covering by seams, fasteners, or added material. These approaches increase manufacturing complexity and do not disclose a covering flap formed directly within a continuous top panel of a fitted table covering.

[0008] The parent application addressed access to regions beneath a fitted table covering. It did not disclose or suggest a structure in which a portion of the top panel itself is partially separated to define a hingedly movable covering flap for selectively overlying a container positioned on the table covering.

[0009] Accordingly, there remains a need for a fitted table covering in which a covering flap is integrally formed within the top panel itself, without additional components, attachments, or seams, while maintaining the fitted configuration and flexibility of the covering.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention provides a fitted table covering formed from a single, continuous flexible sheet material defining a top panel and a perimeter portion configured to secure the covering to a table.

[0011] New to this Continuation-in-Part, at least one covering flap is formed entirely within the top panel by a partial separation of the flexible sheet material. The partial separation extends along less than an entire perimeter of the covering flap such that the covering flap remains connected to the top panel solely along an unseparated edge.

[0012] The unseparated edge defines an integral hinge formed by the flexible sheet material itself, permitting the covering flap to fold relative to the top panel without seams, fasteners, or added material.

[0013] The covering flap is selectively movable between a flat position, in which the covering flap lies substantially coplanar with the top panel, and a raised position, in which the covering flap extends upward from a plane defined by the top panel when the table covering is installed on a horizontal supporting surface. In the raised position, the covering flap overlies an opening of a container positioned on the top panel.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fitted table covering showing an integrally formed covering flap in a raised position over a container.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fitted table covering of FIG. 1 showing the covering flap in a flat, coplanar position within the top panel.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a fitted table covering 10 comprises a flexible sheet material defining a top panel 12 and a perimeter portion 14 extending from the top panel and configured to secure the table covering to a supporting surface such as a table.

[0017] The perimeter portion 14 may include elastic material, hems, drawstrings, or other retaining structures sufficient to maintain the fitted table covering 10 on the table during use.Integrally Formed Covering Flap (Continuation-in-Part Subject Matter)

[0018] The top panel 12 includes at least one covering flap 40 formed entirely within the top panel. The covering flap 40 is defined by a partial separation 40a in the flexible sheet material of the top panel 12. The partial separation 40a extends along less than an entire perimeter of the covering flap 40, such that the covering flap is bounded by the partial separation on at least two sides.

[0019] The covering flap 40 remains connected to the top panel 12 solely along an unseparated edge 40b. The unseparated edge 40b defines an integral hinge formed by the flexible sheet material itself, permitting the covering flap 40 to fold relative to the top panel without seams, fasteners, adhesives, or added material.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the covering flap 40 is movable to a flat position in which the covering flap lies substantially coplanar with the top panel 12.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the covering flap 40 is movable to a raised position in which the covering flap extends upward from a plane defined by the top panel when the fitted table covering 10 is installed on a horizontal supporting surface.

[0022] In the raised position, the covering flap 40 overlies an opening of a container 50 positioned on the top panel 12, thereby reducing exposure of contents of the container 50 to insects, debris, and environmental contaminants.

[0023] The covering flap 40 may be sized and shaped to substantially correspond to the opening of the container 50. In some embodiments, a plurality of covering flaps 40 may be formed at different locations across the top panel 12, each independently movable between the flat and raised positions.

[0024] Because the covering flap 40 is formed from the same continuous flexible sheet material as the top panel 12, the fitted table covering 10 remains flexible, washable, and usable as a single integrated piece.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0016]Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a fitted table covering 10 comprises a flexible sheet material defining a top panel 12 and a perimeter portion 14 extending from the top panel and configured to secure the table covering to a supporting surface such as a table.

[0017]The perimeter portion 14 may include elastic material, hems, drawstrings, or other retaining structures sufficient to maintain the fitted table covering 10 on the table during use.

Integrally Formed Covering Flap (Continuation-in-Part Subject Matter)

[0018]The top panel 12 includes at least one covering flap 40 formed entirely within the top panel. The covering flap 40 is defined by a partial separation 40a in the flexible sheet material of the top panel 12. The partial separation 40a extends along less than an entire perimeter of the covering flap 40, such that the covering flap is bounded by the partial separation on at least two sides.

[0019]The covering flap 40 remains connected to the top panel 12 solely along an unsep...

Claims

1. A table covering system comprising:a flexible covering (10) configured to remain positioned on a supporting surface during use; anda selectively releasable access region (20) provided relative to the flexible covering (10), the selectively releasable access region (20) being provided in one of the following configurations:(i) an integrated configuration in which the selectively releasable access region (20) is formed within an interior portion of the flexible covering (10) and remains connected to surrounding portions of the flexible covering (10) along at least one connecting edge region; or(ii) a detachable configuration in which the selectively releasable access region (20) is provided by a detachable access assembly removably supported on the flexible covering (10) in an overlying relationship relative thereto;wherein, in both configurations (i) and (ii), retaining structures (24) comprising cooperating engagement portions define complementary mating elements configured, upon engagement, to secure the selectively releasable access region (20) in the closed position and to establish positional registry and displacement constraint relative to the flexible covering (10);wherein disengagement of the complementary mating elements releases closure retention and permits movement of the selectively releasable access region (20) toward the opened position; andwherein the selectively releasable access region (20) is configured to provide localized access to an opening of a container (50, 52) positioned beneath the flexible covering (10).

2. A detachable table covering accessory system comprising:a flexible covering (10) configured to remain positioned on a supporting surface during use; anda detachable access assembly removably supported on the flexible covering (10) in an overlying relationship relative thereto, the detachable access assembly comprising:a panel body defining an upper layer component sized to overlie a selected portion of the flexible covering (10);at least one selectively releasable access region (20) formed in or defined by the panel body and movable between a closed position and an opened position;retaining structures (24) carried by the panel body and configured to engage corresponding portions of the flexible covering (10) to releasably secure the detachable access assembly to the flexible covering (10), the retaining structures (24) including cooperating engagement portions;an alignment interface comprising at least one rib, recess, tab, slot, guide wall, contour, keyed surface, or channel positioned to mate with a corresponding structure of the flexible covering (10), wherein the alignment interface is structurally distinct from, but positioned adjacent to, the retaining structures (24);wherein the retaining structures (24) are configured such that engagement results in securement of the detachable access assembly, positioning of the alignment interface into constrained registry, and blocking of opening movement of the selectively releasable access region (20);wherein disengagement of the retaining structures (24) releases attachment and positional constraint;wherein the retaining structures (24) maintain the selectively releasable access region (20) in the closed position until a user performs a user-actuated release action distinct from lifting force applied to the panel body; andwherein the detachable access assembly is repeatedly removable from and reattachable to the flexible covering (10) without permanent alteration of the flexible covering (10).

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the cooperating engagement portions require a user-actuated release action distinct from lifting of the selectively releasable access region (20), such that lifting alone is insufficient to open the selectively releasable access region (20).

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the detachable access assembly is repeatedly attachable to and removable from the flexible covering without damage to the flexible covering and without requiring modification of the flexible covering between uses.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the panel body maintains a substantially planar configuration during repeated opening and closing operations while resisting lateral and rotational displacement relative to the flexible covering (10).

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the selectively releasable access region (20) is operable between:(a) a hinged configuration in which the selectively releasable access region (20) remains connected along the at least one connecting edge region for pivoting movement; and(b) a detachable configuration in which the selectively releasable access region (20) becomes fully separable upon disengagement of the retaining structures (24).

7. A detachable access assembly comprising:a panel body having a defined perimeter and configured to be positioned relative to a flexible covering (10) or supporting surface;at least one selectively releasable access region (20) carried by the panel body and movable between a closed position overlying an opening of a container (50, 52) and an opened position exposing the opening; andretaining structures (24) including cooperating engagement portions and an adjacent alignment interface, wherein the alignment interface physically constrains the panel body through mechanical interfit with a corresponding structure of the flexible covering (10) during repeated transitions between the closed and opened positions.

8. A method comprising:positioning a flexible covering (10) on a supporting surface;engaging the alignment interface of the detachable panel assembly with a corresponding complementary structure of the flexible covering (10);securing the detachable panel assembly using retaining structures (24) including cooperating engagement portions;performing a user-actuated release action distinct from lifting force to open a selectively releasable access region (20); andmoving the selectively releasable access region (20) between a closed state and an open state to selectively cover and uncover a container while maintaining constrained registry relative to the flexible covering (10).

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