SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CARPET TRANSITION

Abstract

A transitional carpet to be used between two different carpet types that are generally adjacent or abutting the transitional carpet. In example forms, the transitional carpet is generally a hybrid of two different carpet types, wherein the transitional carpet includes a combination of characteristics of the two different carpet types. By providing a transitional carpet having a combination of characteristics of the two different carpet types, the transition therebetween is less distinct and visually appealing. The characteristics that can be applied to the transitional carpet, which generally stem from the two different carpet types, can at least include a variation of pile heights, yarn materials, pile densities, pile types (cut, looped, or combination), colors, patterns, etc. Preferably, with the two different carpet types being known, the transitional carpet can be manufactured to include a desired combination of the characteristics thereof.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/982,671 filed Apr. 22, 2014, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of textiles and carpets, and more particularly to systems and methods for providing a transition between two different types of carpet in adjacent spaces.

BACKGROUND

Carpet is commonly used in homes, businesses and may be used in other buildings or areas. In many cases, two or more types of carpets are used in proximity to one another, for example, a first carpet for large areas or highly occupied areas and a second carpet for bedrooms, offices, bathrooms, etc. Similarly, a lower pile, more wear-resistant carpet may be used in a hallway or other high-traffic area, and a more luxurious carpet used in offices off the hallway. Often, these carpets are substantially different, and in most cases do not provide a visually appealing transition when installed immediately adjacent one another.

Accordingly, it has been found that needs exist for systems and methods of transitioning characteristics or patterns/colors between two different types of carpet. It is to the provision of a system and method of transitioning characteristics or patterns/colors between two different types of carpet meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present invention provides systems and methods of transitioning characteristics or patterns/colors between two different types of carpet in adjacent spaces. The transition carpet can be custom-made, as a hybrid of any two or more specified carpets between which a transition is desired; or alternatively can be selected from a predetermined group of transition carpet styles for use in connection with families or lines of carpets between which a transition may be desirable.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a transitional carpet for placement between two carpet types. The two carpet types each include one or more patterns, colors, yarn materials, pile densities and/or pile types, and the transitional carpet includes a combination of the one or more patterns, colors, yarn materials, pile densities and/or pile types of the two carpet types.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a transitional carpet section including a hybrid carpet having one or more characteristics of two different carpet types. In example forms, the characteristics are in the form of one or more patterns, colors, yarn materials, pile densities and/or pile types.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to a method of transitioning characteristics or patterns/colors between two different types of carpet in adjacent spaces. The method includes identifying a first carpet having a first plurality of characteristics; identifying a second carpet having a second plurality of characteristics; and designing and/or producing a transitional carpet comprising a hybrid or combination of characteristics from the first and second carpets for placement as a transitional piece between pieces of the first and second carpet.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a transition carpet positioned between carpets adjacent thereto according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a transition carpet positioned between carpets adjacent thereto according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a transition carpet positioned between carpets adjacent thereto according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a transition carpet positioned between carpets adjacent thereto according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a carpeted floor plan or office space according to another example embodiment of the present invention, showing a hallway having a first carpet, an office space having a second carpet, and a transition carpet positioned between the first carpet and the second carpet.

FIG. 6 is a schematic elevation view of a transitional tufted carpet positioned between first and second tufted carpets according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic elevation view of a transitional tufted carpet positioned between first and second tufted carpets according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic elevation view of a transitional tufted carpet positioned between first and second tufted carpets according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic elevation view of a transitional tufted carpet positioned between first and second tufted carpets according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic elevation view of a transitional tufted carpet positioned between first and second tufted carpets according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 11-14 show plan views of transitional tufted carpets according to additional example embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows a plan view of a plurality of patterned carpets in a plurality of colors that are capable of being used with the transitional tufted carpets according to additional example embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 16A-B show plan views of patterned carpets in a plurality of colors that are capable of being used with transitional tufted carpets according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows a plan view of a transitional carpet according to another example embodiment of the present invention, the transitional carpet comprising characteristics of the carpets of FIGS. 16A-B.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a plurality of transitional carpets covering an office floor according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

Generally described, the present invention relates to a transitional carpet to be used between two or more different base carpets that are installed in visual proximity to one another, that are generally adjacent or abutting the transitional carpet, for example along opposite sides of a section of the transitional carpet. In example forms, the transitional carpet comprises a hybrid of two different carpet types, for example wherein the transitional carpet comprises a combination or blend of characteristics of the two different base carpet types. Thus, by providing a transitional carpet having a combination of characteristics of the two different carpet types, the transition therebetween is less abrupt and more visually appealing. Generally, the characteristics that can be applied to the transitional carpet, which generally stem from the two different carpet types, can include a variation of pile heights, yarn materials, pile densities, pile types (cut, looped, or combination), colors, patterns, and/or other carpet characteristics. Preferably, with the two different carpet types being known, the transitional carpet is designed and manufactured to comprise a desired combination of one or more selected characteristics of each of the different carpet types that it will transition between.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a transitional carpet 10 positioned between a first carpet A and a second carpet B. Preferably, the transition carpet 10 provides a visually appealing transition between the first and second carpets A, B. In one form, the first carpet A generally comprises one or more colors and patterns (color A and pattern A) and the second carpet B generally comprises one or more colors and patterns (color B and pattern B). In one example form, pattern A of the first carpet A generally comprises plurality of spaced-apart lines extending lengthwise and pattern B of the second carpet B generally comprises a plurality of spaced-apart zig-zag lines extending along the width thereof. As such, the transitional carpet 10 positioned therebetween comprises a combination of the first and second carpets A, B, which includes the pattern A of the first carpet A and the color B of the second carpet B. Similarly, FIG. 2 shows a transitional carpet 20 positioned between the first carpet A and the second carpet B. As shown, the transitional carpet comprises pattern B of the second carpet B and color A of the first carpet A.

In example forms, the transitional carpet can be shaped and sized as desired, for example, having a length L, a width W and shaped to have edges that can be linear, jagged, curvy, lobed, arcuate, or shaped otherwise. In one form, the transitional carpet can be provided in a doorway or in a border along the side of a hallway or room. Typically, the area (L×W) of the transitional carpet is generally less than the area (L×W) of the first and second carpets A, B, for example when the transitional carpet is used as a border, but in some forms, the transitional carpet can have an area that is equal to or greater than the area of the first and second carpets A, B. For example, the transitional carpet can comprise a border along one or both of the first and second carpets, a transition strip for example extending within a doorway between two rooms or between a hallway and a room, or a strip extending between two different sections of carpet in visional proximity to one another (i.e., wherein a viewer can observe both the first and second carpets and the transition carpet from a single vantage point within the viewer's normal field of vision).

In another example embodiment, the transitional carpet can comprise a combination of both colors and patterns of the two carpet types (carpets A, B). For example, as depicted in FIG. 3, a transitional carpet 30, which is positioned between the first carpet A and the second carpet B, comprises both the pattern and color A of the first carpet A and the pattern and color B of the second carpet B. Generally, the characteristics of the transitional carpet 30 are substantially uniform along the width W of the carpet 30. Optionally, as depicted in FIG. 4, one or more of the characteristics can vary across the width of the carpet. For example, the pattern and color A of the first carpet A can vary across the width W of the transition carpet such that at the side or edge of the carpet 40 adjacent the first carpet A, the color A and pattern A are clearly defined, and wherein as the pattern and color A repeat along the width W (moving from left to right), the pattern and color A become less prominent and defined within the transitional carpet 40.

FIG. 5 shows another example embodiment of the present invention wherein a transitional carpet 50 is provided between two different types of carpet in adjacent spaces. As depicted, an office or room comprises a floor covered with the first carpet A (comprising pattern A and color(s) A) and a hallway or adjacent space is provided with the second carpet B (comprising pattern B and color(s) B). A doorway D is provided between the office and the hallways. In one example form, the transitional carpet 50 is provided along a side of the office that is proximal the doorway D such that a visually appealing transition is provided between the first carpet A and the second carpet B. Similarly, as described in FIG. 3, the transitional carpet 50 comprises a combination of characteristics of the first and second carpets A, B. Optionally, the transitional carpet 50 can be provided along other areas of adjacent spaces and are preferably at least partially provided between two different carpet types. For example, in one form, carpet A may be a more wear-resistant carpet where there is a good amount of foot traffic, and carpet B may be a more ornate to be used in an executive's office. Thus, in this case, the transitional carpet 50 can provide a visually appealing transition between the two different carpets A and B.

FIGS. 6-10 show schematic elevation views of the carpets according to additional example embodiments of the present invention. Generally, each of the carpets or tufted fabrics comprise a primary backing 5 and a plurality of yarns. Preferably, as will be described below, the pile heights, yarn materials, pile densities and pile types (cut, looped, or combination) may be varied as desired to provide a visually appealing transitional carpet comprised of characteristics of the two different carpet types.

FIG. 6 shows a transitional carpet 60 positioned between the first carpet A and the second carpet B. The first carpet A comprises looped pile 62 of height HA and the second carpet B comprises cut pile 64 of height HB. The transitional carpet 60 generally comprises a combination of alternating looped and cut piles 62, 64. The pile height of the left side of the transitional carpet defined as H1 and the pile height of the right side of the transitional carpet is defined by H2. Preferably, the heights HA, HB and H1 are substantially similar.

FIG. 7 shows a transitional carpet 70 positioned between the first carpet A and the second carpet B. The first carpet A comprises looped pile 72 of height HA and the second carpet B comprises cut pile 74 of height HB. Generally, the height HA of the looped pile 72 is greater than the pile height HB of the cut pile 74. The transitional carpet 70 generally comprises a combination of the looped piles 72 and cut piles 74. As depicted, the looped piles comprise a height H1 that is substantially similar to the height HA and the cut piles comprise a height H2 that is substantially similar to the height HB.

FIG. 8 shows a transitional carpet 80 positioned between the first carpet A and the second carpet B. The first carpet A comprises looped pile 82 of height HA and the second carpet B comprises looped pile 82 of height HB. Generally, the height HA of the looped pile 82 of the first carpet A is greater than the height HB of the looped pile 82 of the second carpet B. The transitional carpet 80 generally comprises a plurality of looped pile 82 that is configured in a ramped or sloped configuration, for example wherein the height H1 of the looped pile 82 of the left edge is substantially greater than the height H2 of the looped pile of the right edge. Thus, when the transitional carpet 80 is installed between carpets A, B, the heights H1-H2 of the pile 82 provide for a gradual reduction in height from the first carpet A to the second carpet B, thereby providing a visually appealing transitional carpet.

FIG. 9 shows a transitional carpet 90 positioned between the first carpet A and the second carpet B. The first carpet A comprises a combination of looped pile 92 and cut pile 94 of height HA, and the second carpet B comprises a combination of looped pile 82 and cut pile 94 of height HB. Generally, the height HA of the looped and cut pile 92, 94 of the first carpet A is greater than the height HB of the looped and cut pile 92, 94 of the second carpet B. The transitional carpet 90 generally comprises a combination of looped and cut pile 92, 94 that is configured in a ramped or sloped configuration, for example wherein the height H1 of the pile of the left edge is substantially greater than the height H2 of the pile of the right edge. Thus, when the transitional carpet 90 is installed between carpets A, B, the heights H1-H2 of the pile provide for a gradual reduction in height from the first carpet A to the second carpet B, thereby providing a visually appealing transitional carpet.

FIG. 10 shows a transitional carpet 100 positioned between the first carpet A and the second carpet B. Generally, the transitional carpet is substantially similar to the transitional carpet 90, as described above. Preferably, one or more cut and looped piles can comprise different yarn materials. For example, the transitional carpet comprises looped pile 102 of yarn type A, cut pile 104 of yarn type A, looped pile 106 of yarn type B and cut pile 108 of yarn type B. And, carpet A comprises the looped pile 106 of yarn type B and carpet B comprises the cut pile 104 of yarn type A. Optionally, one or more additional yarn type can be combined as desired. Preferably, in addition to the pile types, heights, the pile color, pattern, density, etc. may be varied as desired to produce a visually appealing transitional carpet between two different carpet types.

FIG. 11 shows a transitional carpet comprising one pattern that is transitioning between two different colors. FIG. 12 shows a transitional carpet comprising one pattern that is transitioning between a plurality of colors. FIGS. 13-14 show greater details of the transitional carpet of FIG. 12. As depicted in FIG. 13, the arrows point out at least some of the plurality of colors being used along the transition. FIG. 15 shows a collection of carpets in a plurality of different colors. Preferably, in one example embodiment, two or more of the carpets can be combined to form a transitional carpet.

In additional example embodiments, the present invention relates to coordinating two individual pieces of carpet to produce a beautifully textured, sophisticated hybrid middle-piece carpet. Preferably, the middle-piece carpet allows carpet themes to flow into one another, regardless of weight or texture. In one example form, the transitional carpet seamlessly and subtly combines two carpets together as one carpet. In some forms, architects and designers will particularly embrace transitional carpet as described herein for example, since it promotes vastly more flexibility in aligning accents and décor, assisting professionals in easily creating variations and coordinating themes throughout their projects. In another form, the transitional tufted carpet preferably comprises an exceptional service and durability over the life of the carpet.

In additional example embodiments, the present invention relates to a method of transitioning characteristics or patterns/colors between two different types of carpet in adjacent spaces. The method generally comprises providing a first carpet comprising a first plurality of characteristics, providing a second carpet comprising a second plurality of characteristics, and providing a transitional carpet comprising a combination of characteristics from the first and second carpets for placement between the first and second carpet.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A transitional carpet for placement between two carpet types, the two carpet types each comprising one or more patterns, colors, yarn materials, pile densities and/or pile types, the transitional carpet comprising a combination of the one or more patterns, colors, yarn materials, pile densities and/or pile types of the two carpet types.

2. The transitional carpet of claim 1, wherein the two carpet types comprises a first carpet and a second carpet.

3. The transitional carpet of claim 2, wherein the first carpet is provided within an office or room and the second carpet is provided in a hallway or adjacent space near the office or room.

4. The transitional carpet of claim 3, wherein an opening is provided between the room and hallway, and wherein the transitional carpet is provided at least between the first and second carpets within at least a portion of the opening.

5. The transitional carpet of claim 2, wherein the first carpet comprises a first pile height and the second carpet comprises a second pile height, the first and second pile heights being substantially different, and wherein the transitional carpet comprises a variable pile height that gradually transitions from the first pile height to the second pile height.

6. The transitional carpet of claim 2, wherein the first carpet comprises a first pile height and the second carpet comprises a second pile height, wherein the first and second pile heights are substantially similar, and wherein the transitional carpet comprises a pile height that is substantially similar to the first and second pile heights.

7. A transitional carpet section comprising:

a hybrid carpet comprising one or more characteristics of two different carpet types.

8. The transitional carpet section of claim 7, wherein the characteristics are in the form of one or more patterns, colors, yarn materials, pile densities and/or pile types.

9. The transitional carpet of claim 8, wherein the transitional carpet is positioned between the two different carpet types.

10. The transitional carpet of claim 8, wherein the transition of the transitional carpet between the two different carpet types is less distinct and visually appealing.

11. A method of transitioning characteristics or patterns/colors between two different types of carpet in adjacent spaces, the method comprising:

identifying a first carpet comprising a first plurality of characteristics;

indentifying a second carpet comprising a second plurality of characteristics; and

providing a transitional carpet comprising a combination of characteristics from the first and second carpets for placement between the first and second carpet.

12. The method of transitioning characteristics or patterns/colors between two different types of carpet in adjacent spaces of claim 11, wherein the first plurality of characteristics of the first carpet includes one or more patterns, colors, yarn materials, pile densities, and/or pile types.

13. The method of transitioning characteristics or patterns/colors between two different types of carpet in adjacent spaces of claim 11, wherein the second plurality of characteristics of the second carpet includes one or more patterns, colors, yarn materials, pile densities, and/or pile types.

14. The method of transitioning characteristics or patterns/colors between two different types of carpet in adjacent spaces of claim 11, wherein transitional carpet comprises a combination of the one or more patterns, colors, yarn materials, pile densities, and/or pile types of the first and second carpets.