Reusable, Adjustable Fabric Wrap
This invention is a reusable, adjustable, fabric wrapping apparatus. The embodiments are fabric to allow for repeated use, and multiple washings. Embodiments of this invention comprise a flexible fabric wrapping sheet, a fabric sizing-strip, a fabric movable band, and fabric bow-loops. The fabric wrapping apparatus is self-sufficient for closure which utilizes a single, or plurality of securements, or no fasteners. The fabric sizing-strip enables size adjustment if desired, each time it is used, but is not required when not needed. The decorative fabric movable band provides occasion versatility.
Claiming the Benefit of Provisional Application 62/389,930 dated Mar. 14, 2016.
FEDERAL RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNA
NAME OF PARTIES TO JOINT RESEARCHNA
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTINGNA
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONResearch indicates millions of tons of wrapping paper waste each year are added to landfills in the United States. They have historically been used one time and discarded. The color dye and laminated surface of many paper wraps can prohibit recycling successfully. Fabric is an excellent alternative, including man-made or natural renewable resource materials. Wrapping with these usually requires the use of scissors and tape. Millions of tons of paper waste is created just during the Christmas holiday. Figuring out the correct measured amount and cutting the paper requires a certain amount of fine motor skills and can be difficult for some individuals, and requires a considerable amount of flat space. Traveling and attempting to wrap a gift in a vehicle is not easy. A person must carry scissors and tape or buy these items. Anytime one wraps with paper, cutting the paper on roll, or flat sheet, generally leaves a wasted segment unless the full width is needed, and this results in small wasted pieces if not needed. Once cut, the only way to add to the size is to re-cut and use more tape. Ribbon, bows, and tissue paper are generally also used one time, become torn, misshapen, or have a loss of adhesiveness, and are thrown away thus creating more waste. Bows are flattened during stacking and shipping. One prior design (It's a Wrap! U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,983) reflects a wrapping sheet with a fixed, attached ribbon and bow, resulting in a box type gift with predetermined bow placement, and which may require gluing by the user to secure the wrap. Another prior design reflects an invention creating a box-type container which contains ribbon slots with corresponding tabs on the bow which affix into the slots (Fonar, U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,509). This requires that the top decoration piece be used in order to secure it, thus necessitates the use of the top decoration in order to cover the holes. Stretch material fabric wraps or tubular embodiments have been designed and utilized which slide or encase over a gift by being pulled on and off, and may conform to the shape of the gift, but result in some measure of extra fabric on one end, or both ends. Childs, U.S. Pat. No. 7,926,702 utilizes drawstrings and constricting cuffs on ends to secure the wrapped item, and the design by Wrapeez, LLC, U.S. Pat. No. 9,174,783 results in a wrapping embodiment with two sleeves which meet and have elastic ends and fasteners to secure the item, and these do not generally result in a traditional wrapped appearance. Another version with a top opening and a closure plate, requires the user to pull the open end excess fabric up to the top and press a closure plate down around the excess, which secures it, but excess fabric extends up out of the top (Sardo, U.S. Pat. No. 8,931,242). Prior limited-stretch or non-stretch fabric wrap designs have resulted in models which would not allow for some adjustments in size to accommodate differences, but allowed for only very slight size differences, or contained excessive hook and loop strips for adjustment, (Yates, U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,125), reflecting an invention which utilizes multiple, fixed, aligned and perpendicular hook and loop strips on a fabric sheet, for extra sizing options, whether or not the extra sizing is needed. This can result in an unnecessary burden on the fabric, which may affect the shape of the fabric, particularly post-washing, and may be unnecessary when adjustment of size is not needed. Extensive use of mating hook and loop strips such as this may adhere to, or gather, excessive lint during the laundering process. Another prior version did not appear to mention stretchable fabric, and describes the use of sewn hook and loop fasteners which may restrict bow placement options (Selga, U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,144). The present invention utilizes a movable fabric band enabling many different bow positions. The need to adjust the width when wrapping a gift is not unusual, as generally, when a gift is put into a gift box, this can add a significant amount of size to the middle of the gift. Therefore, the girth is the section that often needs extra width. Prior removable hook and loop features involved fasteners which may be removed prior to washing, (Hagan, U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,289) but which then requires the user to reapply the fasteners which could be less convenient, and which has the bow fastened directly to the fabric wrap rather than a movable apparatus for increased options for bow placement. Reflected in another prior patent, adhesive may need to be added to tabs by the user (It's a Wrap! U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,983) which can be less convenient for the user. Some prior designs have also required the user to cut and apply the removable hook and loop fasteners. These have not allowed for the option of no fasteners with an alternate method for securement, as does this present invention, and other possible embodiments comprising the aforementioned fabric movable band. Further, in addition to versatility in sizing, we must address the need for versatility in occasions. Wrapping paper is frequently exclusively related to reason for giving, holiday, etc. Therefore there needs to be an efficient product to address occasion versatility. This invention and the alternative embodiments provide for this, as the wrap can be solid color and be paired with any theme-related fabric movable band, thereby creating less manufacturing and less paper wrap needed. Prior fabric designs indicate that they can be constructed of varying fabric designs individually, but fail to offer multi-themed use of a single wrap. The prior design by “It's a Wrap!” U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,983 included the use of fabric markers to be used to decorate a solid fabric in order to offer decorative versatility, however, the requirement for the user to draw on a solid wrap can be time consuming and possibly artistically limited. Therefore, the idea of fabric wrap has spawned some thought and designs, however, these have not been widely used, or ideal, and have not solved the multitude of limitations of paper wrap. Therefore the history of mass application and use of fabric wrap has been extremely limited due to the lack of a practical solution for the need for adjustability and versatility. There is also a need for a cost effective manner for providing this for the masses of people who wrap gifts, so that a real environmental difference can occur, and which will allow an individual to spend less money on paper wrap each year as they reuse fabric wrap annually. This invention addresses these issues.
SUMMARY OF INVENTIONEmbodiments of this invention comprise a pre-sized, pre-cut, flexible fabric sheet, fabric sizing-strip, fabric movable band, bow-loops, and fabric movable and loops. This allows the fabric wrapping and fabric components to be washed and dried, for repeated uses, while maintaining an attractive wrapped appearance which conceals the object within. Wrapping can be completed without the use of scissors and tape, as it is self-sufficient for closure which may involve the use of any plurality of multiple fasteners which may be secured to the fabric, or no fasteners. For persons with limited motor skills, this type of wrapping process may be easier than cutting and taping. Sizing versatility is addressed with a uniquely structured fabric sizing-strip allowing the user to quickly and easily resize the circumference of the wrap by adding to the width, but only when needed. The issue of occasion versatility is addressed with the fabric movable band, which is interchangeable, and which may be reversible, for varied holidays and occasions. A decorative fabric movable band is a continual, or finite and secured, fabric loop which adds decorative color, designs, or patterns, and may be used to secure the wrap. Use of fabric bow-loops and fabric movable band-loops, and/or pockets, are optional components. Any of the embodiments of this invention should not be construed or interpreted as exhaustive, or as the finite limited set of embodiments which may be generated within this invention. This invention is capable of other embodiments. The intention, and scope of this invention, should not be limited to the preferred and original embodiments contained herein. The spirit in which written descriptions and illustrations are provided is not intended to be limiting, but are provided for greater description and understanding of some of the possible embodiments.
Embodiments comprise multiple sizes of fabric wrapping sheets that may include traditional mass produced gift box sizes including but not limited to 15″×9.5″×2″, 17″×11″×2.5″, 11″×7″×1.5″, 19″×12″×3″, 24″×14″×4″, which are commonly referred to as shirt, sweater, glove, robe, coat, boxes, etc., and which generally have some slight variation in size dependent upon box manufacturer, etc.
The flat fabric wrapping sheet embodiment (
An embodiment of the fabric wrapping sheet, has sizing versatility by utilizing an optional reusable, sizing-strip. The user can adjust the width each time it is used, if desired, depending upon the need based on the girth of the object being wrapped. The fabric sizing-strip described and illustrated is a fabric strip which may be of varying dimensions which corresponds to the fabric wrap. When placed between the two meeting edges of the fabric wrap, (
The process of wrapping with the embodiments which may contain aligned secured fasteners, allows the process to be completed in a significantly faster time-frame than traditional wrapping, due to the elimination of measuring, cutting, taping, and the need for a large flat space, as no tools are required.
The embodiments in this invention's wrapping process produces ends which array cover the ends of the item being wrapped, but not reach to wrap around to the bottom (
Uniquely, the embodiments of this invention offer multi-theme versatility for each individual wrap. Any of the embodiments of this invention provide the ability to utilize a wrap, which is compatible with a multitude of decorative fabric movable bands, enabling a fabric wrapping sheet to be reusable for different themes/occasions, as it is paired with a different fabric movable bands. The bow-loops can be mixed, matched, and coordinated by multiple attributes such as color, design, size, etc., which allows the bow to be constructed for each use, based on color scheme, and design desired, which adds occasion and appearance versatility of the bow. The reusable nature of the embodiments requires less fabric to create a themed appearance, which further benefits the environment as less raw materials are used. For example, the same green fabric wrap used for a holiday gift, (solid green fabric wrap for with Christmas holiday print on fabric movable band), could also be used for a birthday, by using the same solid green wrap but swapping an alternate, or reversible, fabric movable band which has a pattern and color(s) appropriate for use with the green fabric wrapping sheet as a birthday gift.
How to Make the Embodiment Components:
The fabric wrap sheet is cut to the desired dimensions based on object to be wrapped. If a lining is desired, equivalent dimensions should be cut from a compatible material and sewn around all edges with outer/decorative sides together, leaving a small opening to pull the fabric through after stitching. The opening will then need to be stitched closed.
Preferred fasteners can be added at intervals along the edges which can align for closure, or, no fastener use is also an option.
If creating an attached fabric sizing-strip is utilized, the fabric sizing-strip (
If creating the fabric wrap comprising the double parallel fasteners on the inner side as a sizing mechanism (
If creating a sizing-strip as a separate strip (
If an embodiment of the fabric wrapping sheet comprises a reversible lining, one side of the fabric wrapping sheet may have fasteners and the reversed side may have no fasteners, or both sides may be the same with or without fasteners. When no fasteners are used on either side of the fabric wrapping sheet, or if one side has no fasteners and this is the desired side to be used as the outside of the wrapped gift, the fabric movable band may be used to secure the fabric wrapping sheet.
The fabric movable band is a fabric band of desired length and width to encircle the item being wrapped, vertically (
If creating a fabric movable band with band-loop (
Embodiments of the fabric movable band are able to be slid up and down, or side-to-side which allows the decorative fabric movable band to be centered or closer to one edge or another, top or bottom. If the fabric bow embodiment is attached to the fabric movable band, this enables the user to ensure the bow is positioned as desired such as closer to the top, in the center, or near a corner, etc.
The fabric bow-loops (
How to Use the Embodiments:
The fabric wrapping sheet, which may contain fasteners, is placed right/outer/decorative side down (
The embodiment of the fabric wrapping apparatus has alternative variations, and has been described in considerable detail, with reference to certain possible embodiments, however, other embodiments are possible. Therefore the scope of the claims and specifications should not be limited to the embodiments reflected.
The preferred embodiment in
Claims
1. A fabric wrapping apparatus comprising:
- a reusable flexible fabric wrapping sheet; and
- a reusable fabric sizing-strip and
- a reusable fabric movable band; and
- a reusable fabric bow-loops
2. The invention of claim 1, wherein said fabric wrapping apparatus is constructed of non-stretchable fabric.
3. The invention of claim 1, wherein said fabric wrapping apparatus is constructed of stretchable fabric.
4. The invention of claim 1, wherein said fabric wrapping apparatus is formed with a lining.
5. The invention of claim 1, wherein said fabric wrapping apparatus components are reversible.
6. The invention of claim 1, wherein said fabric wrapping apparatus can be washed and dried.
7. The invention in claim 1, wherein said fabric wrapping apparatus components contain a single removable fastener.
8. The invention in claim 1, wherein said fabric wrapping apparatus components contain a single non-removable fastener.
9. The invention in claim 1, wherein said fabric wrapping apparatus contains a plurality of removable fasteners.
10. The invention in claim 1, wherein said fabric wrapping apparatus contains a plurality of non-removable fasteners.
11. The invention in claim 1, wherein said fabric wrapping sheet contains an attached, concealable, fabric sizing-strip.
12. The invention as in claim 1, wherein said fabric wrapping sheet includes aligned pairs of fasteners, which, during the act of securement, will pull fabric towards the opposite fastener, and after fastening, results in narrower fabric dimension.
13. The invention as in claim 1, wherein said fabric movable band is formed flat, without constrictions.
14. The invention as in claim 1, wherein said fabric movable band is formed with one or more fastened constrictions.
15. The invention as in claim 1, wherein said fabric movable band is a closed loop.
16. The invention as in claim 1, wherein said fabric movable band has two ends, and contains a removably attached fastener at each end, which when aligned, can be releasably fastened together.
16. The invention as in claim 1, wherein said fabric movable band has two ends, and contains an irremovably attached fastener to both ends, which when aligned, can be releasably fastened together.
17. The invention as in claim 1, wherein said fabric movable band contains
18. The invention as in claim 1, wherein said fabric movable band further comprises a pocket formed of compatible fabric.
19. The invention as in claim 1, wherein said fabric movable band further comprises a band-loop.
20. The invention as in claim 1, wherein said fabric bow-loops secure interchangeably to said band-loop on said fabric movable band.
21. The invention as in claim 1, wherein said fabric bow-loops secure collectively, to said band-loop on said fabric movable band.
22. The invention as in claim 1, wherein said fabric wrapping apparatus components comprise decorative variations for multi-occasion utility.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 14, 2017
Publication Date: Sep 14, 2017
Inventors: Donna Rae Crossno (Smithville, AR), Jennifer Sue Crossno (Smithville, AR)
Application Number: 15/458,926