The present invention relates to a covering element for a table top, in particular the present invention relates to a covering element of polymer type for a table top.

There are different types of table, each with different features according to its intended use, for example dining table, drawing table, operating table, work table, ironing table, etc. However, when we talk of a table, we generally refer to a dining table. Likewise, in the present context, the word “table” refers to a dining table, i.e. a table mainly intended to hold food and beverages.

A table generally comprises a table top, also simply called top, and one or more legs.

It is common practice to cover the top of dining tables with a covering element, which has two main functions: to ensure the hygiene required to consume a meal or a beverage and, at the same time, to protect the table top from undesirable stains and/or scratches. A covering element for a table top also has a decorative/aesthetic function.

To perform these functions, for many years the use of tablecloths or place mats made of fabric, both for domestic and commercial use, has been known. These consist a portion of fabric with dimensions larger than the dimensions of the table top, in the case of a tablecloth, or smaller, in the case of place mat, destined to be placed on the table top.

However, these tablecloths or place mats must be washed after each use for reasons of hygiene, dried, and subsequently ironed for aesthetic reasons. This results in costs and considerable wear of these covering elements, as well as the fact that often stains caused by foods or beverages, such as red, wine, are permanent, so that the tablecloth or place mat can no longer be used and it becomes necessary to purchase new ones, with further costs. Moreover, due to the need to wash, dry and iron tablecloths and place mats made of fabric the user must have a plurality of these elements to be able to substitute them during these operations.

Finally, these fabric covering elements are moved very easy, with the risk that they can be unintentionally pulled by a movement of the user and, if used outdoors, they have the problem of being lifting by the wind, which is annoying for the user. In fact, often even specific tablecloth clips, besides being unsightly, are also ineffective.

For the aforesaid reasons, over the years increasing use has been made of tablecloths and place mats made of plastic materials, both for domestic and commercial use. In fact, these solve the problem linked to the need to wash fabric tablecloths, as it is sufficient to wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove stains and food and beverage residues. A further solution, mainly used in public spaces, consists in the use of disposable tablecloths and place mats made of paper. These are adapted to be discarded after use, solving problems relating to laundering. However, they can tear easily during use, above all in the presence of liquids, which weaken their structure. As the presence of liquids is very common in the sector of reference, due to the fact that food and beverages contain liquids and could spill onto the tablecloth, but also due to the condensate that can form in the presence of foods with temperatures above or below room temperature, or even due to the presence of residual humidity on the top on which the tablecloth is placed, this means that these paper covering elements are not reliable, as they do not correctly perform the function for which they are destined.

Moreover, both types of tablecloths and place mats, made of plastic and paper, are not particularly aesthetically pleasing and are annoying for the user, as they tend to slip out of place easily, or even lift if used outdoors as already mentioned in relation to tablecloths made of fabric.

Therefore, in the current state of the art no covering elements for table tops that are able to overcome the above-mentioned problems exist.

Therefore, the aim of the present invention is to provide a covering element for a table top that overcomes the problems of prior art covering elements.

In particular, within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a covering element for a table top that is simple and quick to clean, but at the same time is not easily moved unintentionally.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a covering element for a table top that is inexpensive, effective and aesthetically pleasing.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a covering element for a table top that is simple and quick to apply and remove, while being difficult to move unintentionally.

These and other objects are obtained by means of a covering element for a table top, said top comprising an upper surface of the top and a lateral surface, said covering element being made of polymer material and comprising:

- an upper surface of the covering element substantially with the same shape and dimensions respectively as the shape and dimensions of the upper surface of the table top, said upper surface of the covering element being adapted to contact the upper surface of said table top during use;

- at least one lateral portion of the covering element, substantially orthogonal to the upper surface of the covering element, adapted to contact the lateral surface of the top during use. A covering element of this type is simple and quick to clean, as it is made of polymer material. Therefore, a damp cloth can be used to remove any stain or residue. In this way, all the problems linked to washing covering elements made of fabric are solved.

At the same time, a covering element with the aforesaid features is simple to apply and remove, while being difficult to move unintentionally. In fact, having shape and dimensions coinciding perfectly with the table top and consequently can be fitted thereon, this gives rise to a simple and rapid operation to cover the table and another simple and rapid operation to remove the covering element. In other words, the combination of shape, dimensions and material of the covering element claimed means that it can be applied simply to the table top and adheres thereto with a force sufficient to prevent unintentional removal, but insufficient to prevent its simple removal.

In particular, according to the material used it is possible to produce a more rigid covering element, adapted to be substantially placed on the upper surface of the table top and to partially enclosed it, or a more flexible covering element, adapted to be fitted over the surface of the table top and adhere thereto, at least partially enclosing it. In the first case, the presence of the lateral portion orthogonal to the upper surface prevents the covering element from sliding on the top. In the second case, both the lateral portion and adhesion of the covering element to the table top prevent relative movements between top and covering element.

In the first case, the removal operation consists simply of lifting the covering element; in the second case, it will be sufficient to apply a slight manual pressure to detach the covering element from the top, such as the pressure applied to remove a case for portable electronic devices.

Moreover, a covering element with the aforesaid features is effective, due to the fact that it is cut and tear resistant, even when in contact with liquids, and is thus capable of performing the functions for which it is destined. At the same time, it is inexpensive, due to the fact that it can be easily cleaned with a cloth and to the fact that it has a long useful life.

Furthermore, a covering element for a table top as claimed is aesthetically pleasing, as it mates perfectly with the top, without creating imperfections. This is due to the presence of a lateral portion orthogonal to the upper surface, even in an idle position, i.e., even when not in use. In this way, there is no superimposing of material during use, as in the case of prior art covering elements.

The covering element of the present invention can be used in the home, but has been conceived above all for use in public spaces, such as restaurants, bars, canteens and the like. In fact, in these contexts, there is a greater need to be able to clean the upper surface of the table top rapidly and to provide strong, inexpensive and long lasting covering elements. In this context, the Applicant has also verified the need to be able to provide customizable covering elements.

The covering element, as claimed in the independent claim, therefore has features that make it easy to decorate and/or customize. In this sense, said covering element can be used as advertising element or as interior design element.

In accordance with preferred embodiments, said lateral portion extends substantially along the whole of the lateral surface of the top, so as to enclose it and hold it blocked in position. Alternatively, the lateral portion extends partially along the lateral surface of the top, while blocking it in position, with a saving from the point of view of quantities of material required and, in some cases, from the point of view of the production process.

Preferably, the lateral portion of the covering element has a height ranging from 0.4 to 20 cm, according to the thickness of the top, so as to ensure a good grip of said top by the covering element, and hence the absence of relative sliding between top and covering element, notwithstanding the type of material used.

In accordance with preferred embodiments, the covering element is made in one piece, with advantages from the viewpoint of its production process.

Advantageously, the covering element is made by means of die-cutting, with numerically controlled machines, cutting plotters, etching, milling, hot or cold bending, injection molding or thermoforming. These are simple and inexpensive processes.

Preferably, this covering element is made of PMMA, PET, PETG, PC, PS, PP, these being inexpensive materials suitable for the use in question. Even more preferably, it is made of recycled materials, with advantages from the point of view of environmental impact.

In accordance with preferred embodiments, the covering element has a constant thickness, preferably ranging from 0.4 mm to 10 mm. With these values of thickness it is easier to obtain the desired effects of resistance to cuts combined with suitable flexibility.

Preferably, at least the upper surface of the covering element is decorated through direct printing. Alternatively, it is decorated through pre -printing of adhesive films, when wishing to give the covering element particular decorative effects.

According to some embodiments, the covering element is also provided with at least one housing for a glass and/or a bottle on the upper surface thereof. This makes it possible to avoid undesirable spillage of liquids.

In the present context the term “upper” refers to the table and/or to the covering element during use. Further features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of a covering element, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. la shows a plan view of a first embodiment of a covering element according to the present invention;

Fig. lb shows a side view of the covering element of Fig. la;

Fig. lc shows a top perspective view of the covering element of Figs la and lb;

Fig. Id shows a schematic view of a table to which the covering element of Figs la, lb and lc can be applied;

Fig. 2a shows a plan view of a second embodiment of a covering element according to the present invention;

Fig. 2b shows a side view of the covering element of Fig. 2a;

Fig. 2c shows a top perspective view of the covering element of Figs. 2a and

2b;

Fig. 2d shows a schematic view of a table to which the covering element of Figs. 2a, 2b and 2c can be applied;

Fig. 3a shows a plan view of a third embodiment of a covering element according to the present invention;

Fig. 3b shows a side view of the covering element of Fig. 3a;

Fig. 3c shows a top perspective view of the covering element of Figs. 3a and 3b;

Fig. 3d shows a schematic view of a table to which the covering element of Figs. 3a, 3b and 3c can be applied;

Fig. 4a shows a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a covering element according to the present invention;

Fig. 4b shows a side view of the covering element of Fig. 4a;

Fig. 4c shows a top perspective view of the covering element of Figs. 4a and 4b;

Fig. 4d shows a schematic view of a table to which the covering element of Figs. 4a, 4b and 4c can be applied;

Fig. 4e shows a bottom perspective view of the covering element of Figs. 4a, 4b and 4c;

Fig. 5a shows a plan view of a fifth embodiment of a covering element according to the present invention;

Fig. 5b shows a side view of the covering element of Fig. 5a;

Fig. 5c shows a top perspective view of the covering element of Figs. 5a and 5b;

Fig. 5d shows a schematic view of a table to which the covering element of Figs. 5a, 5b and 5c can be applied;

Fig. 5e shows a bottom perspective view of the covering element of Figs. 5a, 5b and 5c;

Fig. 6a shows a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the covering element of the present invention; and

Fig. 6b shows a side view of the covering element of Fig. 6a.

With reference to Figs. 1 to 6, a dining table is indicated as a whole with the reference number

3.

A table 3 comprises a top 2 and legs 6. Although in the embodiments illustrated there are four legs 6, these could be more than four, or less than four. For example, the table 3 could be provided with a single central leg 6 resting on a base.

The table 3 top 2 is provided with an upper surface S of the top 2, which, in the working position, is facing upward, and with a lateral surface L. The top 2 generally has a constant thickness.

The covering element 1, in accordance with the present invention, comprises an upper surface

4, called upper surface 4 of the covering element 1. During use, this upper surface 4 of the covering element 1 is facing upward with respect to the remaining portions of the covering element 1, and is adapted to contact the table 3 top 2. In particular, the upper surface 4 of the covering element 1 is provided with an outer surface, on which food and beverages are placed, and an inner surface in contact with the table 3 top 2, in the working position.

The upper surface 4 of the covering element 1 has substantially the same shape and dimensions respectively as the shape and dimensions of the upper surface S of the table 3 top 2, as can be seen in Figs. 1 - 5.

In accordance with the present invention, the covering element 1 also comprises at least one lateral portion 5, substantially orthogonal to the upper surface 4, so as to form an edge that abuts against the lateral surface L of the table 3 top 2, preventing relative translations between top 2 and covering element 1, during use.

The lateral portion 5 is thus configured (orthogonal to the upper surface 4) also in the idle position, i.e., when the covering element 1 is not in use. Preferably, the lateral portion 5 extends substantially along the whole of the lateral surface L of the top 2, so as to completely close said top 2, as shown in the first five embodiments (Figs. 1 - 5). In other words, the lateral surface L of the top 2 is completely surrounded by the lateral portion 5 of the covering element 1.

In this case, the lateral portion 5 preferably has a longitudinal section substantially coinciding, in terms of shape and dimensions, with the perimeter of the upper surface S of the table 3 top 2. In other words, the lateral portion 5 has an annular shape with longitudinal section the same as the perimeter of the upper surface S of the top 2, as can be seen in Figs. 1 - 5.

In particular, when the table 3 top 2 has a rectangular longitudinal section, and hence the upper surface S of the top 2 has a rectangular perimeter, the lateral portion 5 of the covering element 1 also has a rectangular longitudinal section, as visible in the first embodiment, shown in Figs la - Id.

Likewise, when the upper surface S of the table 3 top 2 has an ellipsoidal perimeter, the lateral portion 5 has an annular shape with ellipsoidal longitudinal section, as in the second embodiment shown in Figs. 2a - 2d.

When the upper surface S of the top 2 has an octagonal perimeter, the lateral portion 5 of the covering element 1 has an octagonal longitudinal section, as visible in the third embodiment of Figs. 3a - 3d.

Figs. 4a - 4e and 5a - 5e show two further embodiments of the present invention in which the perimeter of the upper surface S of the top 2, and hence the longitudinal section of the lateral portion 5 of the covering element 1, are respectively square and circular in shape. Alternatively, the lateral portion 5 of the covering element 1 extends partially along the lateral surface L of the top 2, i.e. partially encloses the top 2. In other words, in these embodiments, the lateral surface L of the top 2 is only partially surrounded by the lateral portion 5. An example of this embodiment is shown in Figs. 6a and 6b.

In particular, in this example, the covering element 1 is adapted to be used for a table 3 top 2 having rectangular longitudinal section, such as that of Fig. Id, and comprises four lateral portions 5, each adapted to be arranged at one side of the rectangle, during use. As visible in these figures, each lateral portion 5 has a smaller longitudinal extension than the length of the side of the rectangle that forms the longitudinal section of the top 2.

In general, in the case in which the lateral portion/portions 5 were to extend only partially along the lateral surface L of the top 2, the number of lateral portions 5 and their longitudinal extension would depend on the shape and on the dimensions of the top 2. For example, in the case of a top 2 with quadrangular longitudinal section, four lateral portions 5, of limited extension, should be provided, i.e. one for each side of the quadrilateral, so as to stop all possible relative translations between top 2 and covering element 1. In the case of a top 2 with circular section, a lateral portion 5 with an extension greater than the length of the semi circumference, or a pair of opposite lateral portions 5 of limited extension, should be provided. Likewise, in the case of a top 2 with an ellipsoidal perimeter, such as that of Figs. 2a - 2d, two extended lateral portions 5 at the circular portions of the top 2, or four limited lateral portions opposite one another in pairs (two at the circular portions and two at the straight portions), can be provided.

The person skilled in the art is able to establish how many lateral portions 5 must be provided and their dimensions in order to prevent undesirable translations.

According to preferred embodiments, the lateral portion 5 of the covering element 1 has a height h ranging from 0.4 to 20 cm.

More preferably, the height h of the covering element 1 and the thickness of the top 2 are substantially the same, as shown in the figures.

Moreover, the covering element 1 advantageously has a constant thickness. This thickness preferably ranges from 0.4 mm to 10 mm.

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention, the covering element 1 is made of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), PC (polycarbonate), PS (polystyrene) or PP (polypropylene), according the requirements of the user.

Advantageously, these materials are recycled materials.

It would be possible to use a layer of paper to produce covering element 1, i.e. use paper (preferably recycled) and coat it with one of the polymer materials indicated.

The type and thickness of the material can be chosen to give the covering element greater or lesser flexibility, as mentioned previously.

The geometrical features together with, or in alternative to, the features provided by the material mean that the covering element 1 can be fitted on the table 3 top 2.

The covering element 1 is advantageously made in one piece.

Alternatively, it can comprise two or more portions connectable at the time of use or at another time.

It can be made by means of die-cutting, with numerically controlled machines, cutting plotters, etching, milling, hot or cold bending, injection molding or thermoforming.

Preferably, at least the upper surface 4 of the covering element 1 is decorated through direct printing using known techniques such as: digital, offset, screen or UV printing. Alternatively, the covering element 1 is decorated through pre-printing of adhesive films.

It is possible to provide the covering element 1 with one or more housings for glasses and/or bottles on the upper surface 4 thereof. These housings can be produced in the thickness of the covering element 1 or can be external elements connectable thereto.

The covering element 1 thus conceived is subject to numerous possible variants, all falling within the scope of the present invention. For example, the materials used and the dimensions and contingent shapes can be any, according to requirements and to the state of the art.