Stretchable Protective Liners

Abstract

A liner to prevent damage to a portion of a fragile item, including at least its rim, includes a stretchable u-shaped ring edge member into which the rim of a fragile item may be inserted, and which frictionally engages the rim by contacting both the inner and outer surface of the fragile item adjacent the rim. The liner, in another variation, also includes a fabric covering that may be removably attached to the edge member and which stretches to cover the outer surface of the fragile item along with the rim. The liner or portions thereof comprise a dishwasher safe material which may have a mesh structure, so the liner can be left on during washing.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A protective liner comprising:
 a stretchable u-shaped loop edge member;   wherein said edge member can be placed on the rim of a fragile item to frictionally engage and cover said rim and a portion of the inner and outer surfaces of said fragile item adjacent said rim to protect them from being damaged due to contact; and   wherein said inner and outer surfaces of said fragile item remain substantially unobstructed by the edge member.   
     
     
         2 . The protective liner of  claim 1 , whereby said edge member also frictionally engages and covers at least one handle of said fragile item adjacent said rim. 
     
     
         3 . The protective liner of  claim 1 , whereby said liner is composed of a dishwasher-safe material. 
     
     
         4 . The protective liner of  claim 1 , whereby said liner is composed of a material sufficiently stretchable to cover and frictionally engage alternative rims of fragile items having different diameters. 
     
     
         5 . The protective liner of  claim 1 , whereby said liner is composed of a material having a mesh structure. 
     
     
         6 . A protective liner comprising:
 a stretchable u-shaped loop edge member;   wherein said edge member can be placed on the rim of a fragile item to frictionally engage and cover said rim and a portion of the inner and outer surfaces of said fragile item adjacent said rim to protect them from being damaged due to contact; and   a stretchable fabric covering attached to said edge member so said covering engages and covers said outer surface of said fragile item when said edge member is placed on said rim to protect said outer surface from damage due to contact.   
     
     
         7 . The protective liner of  claim 6 , whereby at least one of said edge member and said fabric covering are composed of a dishwasher safe material. 
     
     
         8 . The protective liner of  claim 6 , whereby at least one of said edge member and said fabric covering are composed of a material having a mesh structure. 
     
     
         9 . The protective liner of  claim 1 , whereby said liner is composed of a material sufficiently stretchable to cover and frictionally engage handles on said outer surface. 
     
     
         10 . The protective liner of  claim 6 , whereby said edge member and fabric covering are removably attached so said fabric covering may be removed and said edge member may be utilized by itself. 
     
     
         11 . The protective liner of  claim 6 , further including handle members affixed to said fabric covering.