Patent Application
20170049165
In a person's daily routine, the person's clothing may become damaged with unwanted spills, stains, drips, splatters, smudges, and the like. For example, many people apply make-up (cosmetics) as part of their morning routine and are faced with the daily dilemma of whether to apply the make-up prior to dressing for the day. In particular, if the person puts on a shirt prior to applying the make-up, the person runs the risk of spilling, dripping, or splattering the make-up on the shirt. However, if the person puts on the shirt after applying the make-up, the person runs the risk of getting a make-up smudge around the collar of the shirt. Further, after dressing, the person may also eat food or drink a beverage as part of their morning routine, such as drinking coffee in a disposable cup while driving to work. Thus, the person also runs the risk of spilling, dripping, or splattering the food or beverage on the shirt prior to arriving at work. In either situation, the person runs the risk of damaging the shirt, which may require an unplanned wardrobe change or wearing the damaged shirt throughout the day. In such situations, the person may be delayed in their daily schedule or forced to wear damaged clothing, and, thereby, start the day in a disagreeable mood from this unpleasant experience.
Prior solutions for protecting clothing from spills, stains, drips, smudges, and the like are ineffective in such situations. For example, the person placing a cloth towel, paper towel, or napkin over the clothing (shirt) is ineffective, as the towel does not stay secured around the person's neck nor does the towel feel comfortable positioned around the person's neck. For another example, the person wearing an additional shirt over clothing for protection is also ineffective, as the additional shirt is cumbersome and uncomfortable to wear. For further example, the person wearing prior bibs made of plastic, terrycloth, stiff paper, waterproof materials, and such is also ineffective, as these bibs are: not comfortable positioned around the person's neck, not convenient to position around the person's neck, and/or not durable to washing. In addition, none of these solutions are attractive (fashionable), so a person would be disinclined to wear them as part of a morning routine, particularly in public surroundings such as while driving to work. Thus, there is a need for an effective clothing protection solution that is comfortable, durable, and fashionable.
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a protective draping system (apparatus) that may be worn to protect clothing from spills, splashes, stains, drips, smudges, and the like. Unlike prior solutions for protecting clothing that use unattractive and uncomfortable materials, including plastic, terrycloth, stiff paper, and waterproof materials, and such, the protective draping system provides a convenient, comfortable, and durable solution for protecting a wearer's clothing. The protective draping system also provides a stylish, fun, and inspirational solution to protecting a wearer's clothing. Specifically, embodiments of the protective draping system include stylish decorative fabrics attached to jewelry-like securing mechanisms. The draping system fabrics are selected not only to be of attire accessory quality, but also to be lightweight and comfortable to wear and durable to clean. The draping system fabrics are attached to the jewelry-like securing mechanism, such as a choker-style or chain-style necklace, which is easy to situate around the wearer's neck and comfortable to wear with the attached fabric securely covering the front of the wearer. In this way, the objective of these embodiments is to provide a protective system or apparatus that conveniently and comfortably protects a wearer's clothing from spills, stains, drips, smudges, and the like, while being pleasant to wear so that the wearer will want to use the system/apparatus daily. For example, the wearer will want to include the protective draping system as part of the wearer's morning routine to provide a pleasant morning in which the wearer's clothes remain clean and the wearer is inspired to start their day.
Specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a draping system for protecting the clothes of a wearer. In some embodiments, the draping system includes a securing mechanism configured in a thin, not fully enclosed circular shape (or arc of sorts) to resemble a choker-style necklace. The securing mechanism is: (i) composed of a flexible material with a metal-like or other coating, (ii) configured with an opening in a section of the circular shape, and (iii) configured with a smooth surfaced stopper (e.g., spherical-shaped bead, pearl, or ball) attached to each respective point (tip or end) defining the opening. Other stopper configurations, surfaces, and geometries are suitable. The draping system also includes a fabric member (main cover element) configured in dimensions and shape (for non-limiting example, generally rectangular) to cover a front of the wearer from neck to waist. The fabric member comprises a lightweight material that is durable to spills and frequent washing. The fabric member is further configured to include a casing, pocket, sleeve or similar finishing along the top or upper edge.
The casing or pocket houses or otherwise removably holds the securing mechanism ‘necklace.’ The top edge casing is configured with openings on opposite sides (e.g., an opening at each top corner of the rectangular shape of the fabric member) to receive insertion of the securing mechanism (as well as for removal of the securing mechanism) to/from the casing or pocket. The inserting into the casing/pocket removably attaches the fabric member to the securing mechanism and each stopper maintains the fabric member on the securing mechanism. The securing mechanism is further configured to secure the fabric member around the neck of the wearer. In particular, the flexible material of the securing mechanism enables bending or flexing of the circular shape to temporarily enlarge the opening to fit the securing mechanism, carrying the removably attached fabric member, around the wearer's neck. The circular shape and stoppers of the securing mechanism further enable positioning of the attached fabric member to flow down from the wearer's neck to cover the front of the wearer from the neck to the waist. Similarly the draping system (apparatus) may be used to cover other surfaces of the wearer's torso, arms and upper body, and clothing thereon.
Other embodiments of the presented invention are directed to a draping apparatus for protecting the clothes of a wearer. In some embodiments, the protective draping apparatus includes a securing mechanism configured as a necklace chain with a clasp, such that each connector of the clasp is attached to a respective end of the necklace chain. The protective draping apparatus further includes a fabric member configured in dimensions and shape to cover a front of the wearer from neck to waist, the fabric member comprising a lightweight material that is durable to spills and frequent washing. The fabric member is further configured to include a pocket along the length of and extending a top edge of the fabric member. The top edge pocket is configured with an opening at each top corner of the fabric member (i.e., at opposite ends of the length of the top edge of the fabric member) to receive the securing mechanism for insertion into (and exit from) the pocket. The securing mechanism is inserted into the pocket such that each connector of the clasp is exposed at a respective opening of the fabric member's top edge. In this way, the top edge pocket houses the securing mechanism and removably attaches (couples) the fabric member to the securing mechanism. The securing mechanism is further configured to secure the fabric member around the neck of the wearer. In particular, the fabric member is secured by bringing together the top corners of the fabric member behind the wearer's neck and fastening together the exposed connectors of the clasp to secure the necklace chain of the securing mechanism (carrying the fabric member) around the neck. The necklace chain inserted inside the top edge pocket of the fabric member further enables positioning of the fabric member to flow down from the wearer's neck to cover the front (or any of the upper body) and clothing thereon of the wearer from the neck to the waist.
In some embodiments, the protective draping system and apparatus provides a configurable message to the wearer. In these embodiments, the fabric member is further configured with a first printed phrase positioned at an upper area of the fabric member. The fabric member is also configured with one or more fastening mechanisms positioned, for non-limiting example, at the center area of the fabric member. The fastening mechanisms enable the removable attachment of a patch, configured via a compatible fastening mechanism positioned on the patch, to the fabric member. The patch is configured with a second printed phrase. The fabric member is also configured with a third printed phrase at the bottom, or lower area, of the fabric member, such that the first printed phrase, the second printed phrase, and the third printed phrase combined together (read in sequence) present a message to the wearer or others.
The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodiments of the present invention.
A description of example embodiments of the invention follows.
Embodiments of the present invention comprise a protective draping system (apparatus) 200 to be worn by people to protect their clothing from spills, stains, drips, smudges, and such. The embodiments include a protective draping fabric member of dimensions (length and width) and shape (e.g., in some non-limiting embodiments, generally rectangular shape) sufficient to cover from the neck to the waist of the wearer. In other embodiments, the protective draping fabric member may be of dimensions and shape to cover any other sections of the wearer without limitations. These embodiments also include a securing mechanism to which the protective draping fabric member removably attaches, such that from the upper edge of the fabric member, the securing mechanism holds the protective draping fabric member in position around the neck of the wearer. In particular, the securing mechanism is formed of jewelry or jewelry-like components, for example, a certain style of necklace or equivalent piece of jewelry.
Embodiments of the inventive protective draping system 200 provide an attractive, yet comfortable, decorative material with the look and feel of high accessory quality. Prior solutions for protecting clothing use unattractive and uncomfortable materials, including waterproof material, plastic-like material, terrycloth, stiff paper-like material, and the like. In contrast, embodiments of the protective draping system use decorative materials of accessory quality and means worn to protect clothing, which may be of high enough quality to even be worn while dining at weddings or other such formal events. In this way, embodiments of the protective draping system may be worn for protecting clothing while eating/drinking, without limitation, during the drive to work, at one's desk at work, at a coffee shop or restaurant, during community dining at a retirement facility or rehabilitation facility, and the like, or any other activity at these locations or other public surroundings which may warrant the protection of clothing while keeping with appropriate attire. In these embodiments, the decorative material that forms the protective layer or main fabric member is also lightweight so it can flow (fall) loosely, freely, and comfortably over the clothing being protected. In this way, the decorative material (fabric member) may be comfortable enough to be worn over clothing on a regular basis, such as part of a daily routine (e.g., a daily morning routine). The material (fabric member) is also sufficiently durable to protect clothing from spills, splatters, drips, and smudges (such as makeup, food, beverages, and the like) and to withstand frequent washing. In embodiments, the main fabric member may be formed of a polyester material, which resembles silk but is durable enough for machine washing, soft tee shirt material, such as cotton or cotton blend, and various other accessory quality fabric options. In other embodiments, the fabric member may be of a disposable material that is sufficiently durable for protecting clothes.
Further, the fabric member of these embodiments may be ornamented to appeal to different age groups, demographics, style preferences, and other such personal preferences of wearers. The fabric member may include designs, patterns, colors, messages, one or more utility pockets at the front of the fabric member, and the like that are fashionable (trendy), fun, inspirational, or otherwise pleasant in appearance based on the personal preferences of the wearer. For examples, the decorative material may include floral patterns, geometric patterns (shapes), symbols, school logos, company logos, scenery, animal shapes/designs, inspirational messages, and any other designs without limitation. In regards to embodiments of the fabric member including inspirational messages, in some of these embodiments, the fabric member may include a single message (presented once or multiple times) without limitation, such as “Be kind Today!” In other of these embodiments, the fabric member may include multiple messages (each presented once or multiple times) without limitation, such as including “Be Creative,” “Be Optimistic,” “Be Kind,” and “Be Forgiving” together on the fabric member. In this way, the fabric member may be uplifting to the various individuals who wear the protective draping system, by providing these individuals happy feelings or inspiration while wearing the decorative fabrics. For instance, individuals who wear the protective draping system during their morning routine (e.g., applying make-up, drinking coffee, and the like) find that embodiments contribute to a pleasant start to their days or during formal gatherings.
In embodiments of the protective draping system 200, the fabric member is configured in dimensions and shape sufficient to cover the wearer's front body from the neck down to the waist of the wearer. The upper edge of the fabric member further includes a pocket (sleeve, cuff, casing, and such), grommets, or other such feature that enables removable attachment or coupling to a securing mechanism that secures the fabric member around the neck of the wearer. Other manners of securing the fabric member around the neck of the wearer (e.g., including long ties or extra material) are suitable. Such securing allows the configured fabric member to effectively function covering the wearer's clothing and protecting that clothing against spills, stains, drips, smudges, and the like.
The securing mechanism in embodiments of the protective draping system positions the fabric member effortlessly and comfortably around the neck of the wearer. In particular, the securing mechanism enables positioning and attaching, via the top end or upper edge area, the fabric member around the wearer's neck such that the fabric member falls loosely (drapes) from the neck down the wearer's body in front of the chest to below the waist. The securing mechanism further enables the fabric member to remain in place in front of the chest to below the waist.
Embodiments of the protective draping system 200 provide jewelry-like components (items or elements) as the securing mechanisms for positioning the fabric member (also referred to as a “make-up drape” in one example embodiment) around the wearer's neck. The jewelry-like components provide a stylish appearance, so that wearers of the protective draping system feel that they are wearing a fashionable (trendy) and fun accessory, which may add pleasure to their day. The jewelry-like components also provide the convenient function of securing the protective draping (fabric member) around the wearer's neck with little or no effort by the wearer (and without the wearer needing assistant from someone else). Securing the protective draping (fabric member) with the jewelry-like components enable the protective draping (fabric member) to loosely fall, and remain in place, from the wearer's neck down the front of the wearer's body. As shown in
In some embodiments, the choker-style necklace 20 or chain-style necklace 70 removably inserts into a fabric pocket (cuff, sleeve, casing, or such) 30 along the upper edge of the fabric member 25. The respective jeweled stoppers 10, 15 of the choker necklace 20 or the respective connector ends of the clasp 50, 55, 60, 65 are exposed at opposite ends 16, 18 of the fabric pocket 30. In this inserted position, the choker-style necklace 20 or chain-style necklace 70 is housed by pocket 30 and is removably coupled to the fabric member 25. The choker-style necklace 20 or chain-style necklace 70 is of a length and other physical characteristics that enable the necklace 20, 70 to carry the fabric member 25.
The flexibility of the material of the choker-style necklace 20 enables the wearer to elastically bend (or flex) the necklace, temporarily widening the opening, and to fit the necklace 20, carrying the removably attached fabric member 25, firmly, yet comfortably, around the wearer's neck. Thereafter the opening ends of the choker-style necklace 20 lay in their natural shape behind the wearer's neck (i.e., the ends of the necklace 20 not meeting each other) so that the wearer can easily and conveniently (with one hand, for example) pull the necklace 20 (carrying the fabric member 25) off and push it on the wearer's neck without requiring two handed operation or needing assistance from anyone else. Due to the mix or blend of flexibility and stiffness of the necklace 20, the substantially circular or “C” shape necklace 20 firmly and comfortably holds (maintains) the fabric member 25 in place without requiring any attachment of the necklace ends to each other behind the wearer's neck.
In particular, the choker-style necklace 20 is flexible yet sufficiently sturdy and stiff so as to not buckle, unfold or fail under the weight of the fabric member 25, especially during handling by the wearer (user). The wearer may pick up the protective draping apparatus from a table surface (for non-limiting example) by holding one end of the choker-style necklace 20 and not supporting the opposite end of the choker-style necklace 20. The stiffness of choker-style necklace 20 allows the wearer to handle the apparatus that way (perhaps with one hand) from table top to insertion onto the neck. Meanwhile throughout this process, the choker-style necklace 20 maintains its substantially circular or “C” shape and without falter carries (supports the weight of) the fabric member 25. Stoppers 10, 15 on the ends of choker-style necklace 20 prevent or hinder the fabric member 25 from freely or randomly sliding off the choker-style necklace 20. At the same time in the above handling, the choker-style necklace 20 is sufficiently flexible during insertion onto the wearer's neck. Choker-style necklace 20 is sufficiently flexible under such slight pressure to temporarily adjust (e.g., widen, reorient, etc.) the opening of choker-style necklace 20. Thus the blend of stiffness and flexibility especially allows a wearer to handle the apparatus one-handed throughout the process of putting the apparatus on (from stored position to position worn on the neck) and taking it off.
In
In other embodiments, the clasps 50, 55, 60, 65 may be replaced with touch fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, magnetics, elastic, ties, a button/button hole, and the like positioned at each top corner of the fabric member 25, such that the top corners of the fabric member 25 may be securely and firmly fastened together behind the wearer's neck. In another example embodiment, the fabric member 25 is shaped to include a long tail on the upper left side of the fabric member and a similar tail on the upper right side of the fabric member 25. The distal ends of the tail portions are brought together behind the wearer's neck and used to removeably tie a knot to comfortably secure the fabric member 25 around the wearer's neck, enabling the fabric member 25 to flow loosely down the front of the wearer's body.
In the embodiments of
In some embodiments, the protective draping system also includes a messaging apparatus. In these embodiments, the protective draping system is configured to removably secure patches or badges on a front surface of the fabric member 25 to deliver a positive inspirational message, or other such message (e.g., advertising) to the wearer or those surrounding the wearer. When people receive positive messages, particularly in their first interactions in the morning, the messages can positively influence how their day unfolds. Further, reminding them of the positive messages may further influence how they proceed through their day. For example, presenting the positive message to the wearer to “Be” at their best selves “Today!” may assist in positively influencing their day. In this way, a protective draping fabric member 25 may include on its front surface the printed word “Be”, followed by a blank space (area) to removably attach one or more patches (badges or other pieces of material), followed by the printed word “Today!” The blank space may be configured with fastening mechanisms, such as hooks, loops, snaps, buttons, elastic, or any other fastening technology for attaching the one or more patches configured with the same or compatible fastening mechanisms. The blank space may also be configured with utility-type pockets for inserting the one or more patches in a manner that exposes the presentation on the patch. The one or more patches present a printed word, phrases, pictures, and the like to complete the personalized message “Be <word or phrase> Today!” In these embodiments, the patches may be configured to include various words, phrases, pictures, and such so that wearers may attach a different patch to provide a different message specifically meant for them on a particular day. The patches may provide, without limitation, the words “kind,” “creative,” “trusting,” confident,” “fearless,” “the recipient of my gratitude . . . Thank You,” “wise” with a picture of an owl, “happy” with a picture of a smiley face,” and the like. In some embodiments, the fabric member 25 may include at multiple locations on its front surface the printed word “Be,” followed by a blank space (area) to removabaly attach one or more patches, such that the attaching of the one or more patches at each respective location provides a separate message on the decorative fabric, thereby presenting multiple messages on the fabric member 25.
The teachings of all patents, published applications and references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.
For example, Applicant has combined the unlikely components of jewelry and a clothing-quality fabric member to form a protective draping apparatus. The combination is suitable for wearing in public where there is a need for protective layering that is not cumbersome, uncomfortable and/or awkward. Further the jewelry piece may be a choker-style necklace 20 or chain-style necklace 70 previously owned by or readily available to the user (so as to retrofit to the fabric member 25). The pocket or sleeve 30 and/or grommets 80, 81, 82, 83 are of dimensions (e.g., inner diameter, circumference, etc.) that accommodate and retrofit common such necklaces.
Also in addition to the above described fabric member 25, other dimensions, configurations, geometries, or features of fabric member 25 are suitable. For non-limiting example, utility pockets for optional use by the wearer may be provided by the fabric member 25. Dimensions of the fabric member may be in the range of about 20-25 inches long by about 15-20 inches wide in finished dimensions, for non-limiting example.
Further the front body or torso of a wearer of embodiments 200 is described above as the targeted clothing area being protected. The clothing of other upper body parts or other body areas (surface areas) may similarly be the subject of protection by embodiments.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/206,029, filed on Aug. 17, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/205,984, filed on Aug. 17, 2015. The entire teachings of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62206029 | Aug 2015 | US | |
| 62205984 | Aug 2015 | US |
