Abstract:
Methods and systems for a protective system are provided. The 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.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    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. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to fabric protective systems and more particularly, to methods and systems for facilitating reducing soiling of fabrics. 
         [0003]    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&#39;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. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    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. 
         [0005]    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. 
         [0006]    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. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are perspective views of an exemplary protector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0008]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are side views of protector shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a fabric article and exemplary protectors in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0010]      FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C are side views of protector installed on an exemplary fabric article, such as a free-standing drape. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0011]    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. 
         [0012]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are perspective views of an exemplary protector  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiment, protector  100  includes a wire frame  102  comprising a first substantially straight leg  104 , a second substantially straight leg  106 , and two arcuately-shaped legs  108 ,  110  extending between respective ends of legs  104  and  106 . In various other embodiment, frame  102  comprises a planar material shaped to fit the contours of a protected fabric article  111  as described in detail below. A cover  112  or sheath surrounds at least a portion of frame  102  such that an opening  114  formed between legs  104 ,  106 ,  108 , and  110  is substantially covered by cover  112 . In the exemplary embodiment, frame  102  is formed in a shape that is complementary to a shape of article  111  for example, a side edge  116  and a portion of a first pleat  118  of article  111 . In an alternative embodiment, frame  102  does not extend around first pleat  118 , but rather only extends to approximately line  120 . 
         [0013]    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 . 
         [0014]    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 . 
         [0015]    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. 
         [0016]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are side views of protector  100  (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ).  FIG. 2A  illustrates a bias clamping member  200  that includes a pivot  202  about which a grip portion  204  is configured to rotate. A bias member  206  such as a coil spring or a leaf spring. Bias member  206  is configured to apply a force that causes grip portion  204  to bear against article  111  to maintain protector  100  in position attached to article  111 .  FIG. 2B  illustrates protector  100  having an attachment flap  208  that is configured to surround side edge  128 . In the exemplary embodiment, attachment device  126  is positioned on an inside surface of protector  100 . 
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a fabric article  111  and exemplary protectors  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, protector  100  includes a portion that extends around pleat  118 . In another embodiment, protector  100  extends only as far as line  120  and does not reach to an outer extent of pleat  118 . When installed on article  111 , a pet attempting to move fabric article  111 , for example, but not limited to a drapery panel with its snout will place its muzzle against protector  100  and not against article  111 . In the exemplary embodiment, article  111  is a free-hanging curtain or drape that is supported in front of a window (not shown). Protector  100  may be positioned at a height that is best suited for the size and behavior of the pet. Additionally, protector  100  may extend along side edge  128  from a hem  300  to a connection point or pleat pinch point  302 . In some instances, two or more articles  111  may be positioned adjacent one another such that complementary side edges  128  adjoin, a protector  100  may be positioned along each side edge  128 . In addition, multiple protectors may be positioned along side edge  128  to accommodate different behaviors of the same pet or to accommodate plural pets of various sizes or behaviors. 
         [0018]      FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C are side views of protector  100  installed on an exemplary fabric article, such as a free-standing drape. In one embodiment, protector  100  includes a portion that extends to and around a front side of pleat  118 . Protector  100  is positioned vertically along side edge  128  at a height  400  that is most probable for a pet to contact article  111  when the pet wants to view out the window. Protector  100  may be relocated to any desired height  400 . In an alternative embodiment, protector  100  extends along side edge  128  toward pleat  118  but does not extend around a front side of pleat  118 . Protector  100  is positioned vertically along side edge  128  at a height  400  that is most probable for a pet to contact article  111  when the pet wants to view out the window. Protector  100  may be relocated to any desired height  400 . In another embodiment, protector  100  extends along side edge  128  for a substantial portion of side edge  128 . In such an embodiment, protector  100  may further serve as an accent to article  111  while protecting article  111  from various size pets. In any configuration, protector  100  may be easily removed for aesthetic purposes or for laundering or may be wiped clean if configured using a plastic, vinyl, or other impermeable or semi-permeable material. 
         [0019]    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. 
         [0020]    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.