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 loop edge member having a U-shaped cross-section;   wherein said edge member is removably secured to a 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 coverage 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.   
     
     
         2 . The protective liner of  claim 1 , wherein said protective liner is made from a shock-absorbing viscoelastic polymer. 
     
     
         3 . The protective liner of  claim 1 , wherein said fabric covering is made from a material having a nesh structure. 
     
     
         4 . The protective liner of  claim 1 , whereby said liner is made from a stretchable material to cover and frictionally engage handles on said outer surface. 
     
     
         5 . The protective liner of  claim 1 , whereby said edge member and fabric covering are removably attached to one another via attachment means so that said fabric covering may be removed and said edge member may be attached to said rim of said fragile item without the fabric covering being attached thereto. 
     
     
         6 . The protective liner of  claim 5 , wherein said attachment means is selected from the group consisting of hook and kop fastener assemblies, a snap fit mechanism, buttons, and interlocking tab and pocket segments. 
     
     
         7 . A protective liner for attachment to a fragile item comprising:
 a stretchable bop edge member having a generally U-shaped cross section;   wherein said loop edge member is removably secured to the rim of a fragile item solely through frictional engagement therebetween, and covers 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 uncovered and untouched by said edge member.   
     
     
         8 . The protective liner of  claim 7 , whereby said edge member also frictionally engages and covers at least one handle of said fragile item adjacent said rim. 
     
     
         9 . The protective liner of  claim 7 , whereby said liner is manufactured from a shock-absorbing viscoelastic polymer. 
     
     
         10 . The protective liner of  claim 7 , whereby said liner is man manufactured from a material sufficiently stretchable to cover and frictionally engage various rims of fragile items having different diameters and shapes. 
     
     
         11 . The protective liner of  claim 7 , wherein said liner is manufactured from a material having a mesh structure. 
     
     
         12 . The protective liner of  claim 7 , wherein said stretchable loop edge member further includes at least one handle cover attached thereto for extending over a handle of said fragile item.