Patent Application
20090044888
Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to fabric protective systems and more particularly, to methods and systems for facilitating reducing soiling of fabrics.
At least some known window coverings such as drapery or curtains are designed to block a view through the window that the drapery is covering. When a view through the window is desired, a human may operate a mechanical device to cause the drapery to relocate to a position that no longer blocks the view through the window. However, a pet, such as a dog that desires to look out the window, often uses its snout to push the drapery by a side edge out of the way and uses its body to maintain the drapery pushed to the side such that the dog may have an unobstructed view out of the window. Generally, residual dirt and grime is loosely affixed to the dog's snout such that when the dog contacts the drapery side edge to push the drapery out of the way, at least some of the residual dirt and grime is imparted to the side edge of the drapery.
In one embodiment, a protective system includes a frame configured to match the contour of a side edge of a separate fabric panel, a sheet of material surrounding at least a portion of the frame, and an attachment member coupled to the frame wherein the attachment member is configured to attach the frame to the side edge such that the sheet of material covers at least a portion of the side edge.
In another embodiment, a method of protecting a free-hanging fabric article from soiling includes removably attaching a protective cover to the fabric article in an area of the fabric article in a position to receive soiling, and removing said protective cover when a more aesthetic appearance of the fabric article is desired.
In yet another embodiment, a protective device includes a substantially planar sheet comprising a tractable material configured to be manipulable into a desired shape such that the sheet retains the shape after manipulation, and an attachment member coupled to the sheet wherein the attachment member is configured to attach the sheet to a side edge of a free-hanging fabric and wherein the sheet of material covers at least a portion of the side edge.
The following detailed description illustrates the disclosure by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the disclosure, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the disclosure. The disclosure is described as applied to a preferred embodiment, namely, a system and process of protecting fabric articles from soiling. However, it is contemplated that this disclosure has general application to protecting materials other than fabrics that are subject to soiling by repeated contact with objects that may carry soiling particles, oils, and fluids from remote locations to the protected article.
Cover 112 is includes a back side 122 and a front side 124. Generally, back side 122 is substantially concave to match the contour of pleat 118 except when frame 102 only extends to line 120. Back side 122 is adjacent article 111 when installed. Front side 124 is generally complimentarily convex to back side 122. Front side 124 is exposed when protector 100 is installed. Being exposed, front side 124 is configured to be aesthetic with respect to article 111 and/or other furnishings in a room. For example, front side 124 may comprise the same fabric as article 111, a fabric with a similar pattern, texture, design, and/or color, or may comprise an accenting pattern, texture, design, and/or color with respect to article 111.
An attachment device 126 may include a strip of hook and loop material coupled along an edge of protector 100. The complementary portion of the hook and loop material is attached to a side edge 128 of article 111. Attachment device 126 may further include a magnetic device. For example, a strip of ferro-magnetic material may be affixed to article 111 such that when protector is positioned proximate the ferro-magnetic material is it attracted to it and held in position to protect article 111. Attachment device 126 may be configured with a ferro-magnetic material affixed to article 111 or a ferro-magnetic material may be positioned on an opposite side of article 111 from protector 100 such that the clamping force generated by the magnetic attraction between the magnet and ferro-magnetic material holds protector 100 in position. Frame 102 may include ferromagnetic material or may include a ferromagnetic material coupled to frame 102.
As used herein, ferromagnetic materials have a large and positive susceptibility to an external magnetic field. They exhibit a strong attraction to magnetic fields and are able to retain their magnetic properties after the external field has been removed.
The above-described methods of protecting a fabric article are cost-effective and highly reliable. The methods and systems include using a matching or accenting protector to intercept pet-borne dirt before it can be applied to the fabric article. Accordingly, the methods and systems facilitate maintaining cleanliness of the fabric article while preserving the aesthetic qualities of the article in a cost-effective and reliable manner.
While embodiments of the disclosure have been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments of the disclosure can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/955,726 filed on Aug. 14, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60955726 | Aug 2007 | US |
