Reusable package cover

Abstract

A reusable prefabricated package cover of unitary construction is formed from a web of two-way or four-way stretch machine-washable elastic fabric, and dimensioned and configured to receive one or more objects having a generally rectilinear configuration within a predetermined size range of height, width and thickness. The package cover is extensible for receiving one or more objects to be covered in close-fitting relation, the sleeve including a unitary flap portion overlapping a portion of an opposing wall, to thereby completely enclose and encase the object or objects placed inside the cover.

1 . As an article of manufacture, a reusable prefabricated package cover dimensioned and configured to receive one or more objects having a generally rectilinear configuration within a predetermined size range of height, width and thickness, the package cover being of unitary construction and formed from a web of a two-way or a four-way stretch machine washable elastic fabric cut to a predetermined pattern and joined along edges to define a sleeve of predetermined unexpanded dimensions having an opening to admit the one or more objects into the sleeve and extensible for receiving the one or more objects to be covered in close-fitting relation, the sleeve including a unitary flap portion overlapping the opening and a portion of an opposing wall, to thereby completely enclose and encase the one or more objects placed inside the cover. 
     
     
         2 . The package cover of  claim 1  in which the fabric is a four-way stretch fabric containing spandex. 
     
     
         3 . The package cover of  claim 2  in which the fabric is selected from the group consisting of polyester spandex blend, neoprene- and urethane-containing fabrics. 
     
     
         4 . The package cover of  claim 1  in which the shape of the overlapping flap is selected from the group consisting of rectilinear, triangular and curvilinear. 
     
     
         5 . The package cover of  claim 1  which includes one or more releasable fasteners for maintaining the flap in a closed position on the cover. 
     
     
         6 . A gift wrapping kit that includes a plurality of package covers in accordance with  claim 1 , each of the covers being configured to cover objects having a different range of sizes. 
     
     
         7 . The package cover of  claim 1  which includes one or more belly bands dimensioned to accommodate objects of different dimensions. 
     
     
         8 . The package cover of  claim 1  in which the edges are joined by stitching. 
     
     
         9 . The package cover of  claim 8  in which the stitching is a polyester thread. 
     
     
         10 . The package cover of  claim 1  in which the edges are joined by adhesive bonding or by heat bonding. 
     
     
         11 . The package cover of  claim 1  in which side seams are positioned between the adjacent portions defining the upper and lower edges of the one or more covered objects.