Textile component

Abstract

A textile component includes pockets and/or channels woven directly into a fabric web using a jacquard or dobby weaving method. The textile component may be used in a variety of applications for attachment to an article or structure. In addition, the component may include a seam/cut line formed by a binding weave and a seaming weave defining the perimeter shape of the textile component and defining an intended path for a cutting device. The component may be woven inside out so that the binding and seaming weaves conceal the seam when the component is turned inside out. A decorative pattern or motif can be woven with reverse weaves so that, when the component is turned rightside out, the decorative face is exposed.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

The present invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/913,741 which was filed on Aug. 6, 2004 (now U.S. Pat. No. ______). This application claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 10/913,741, which was filed on Aug. 6, 2004 (now U.S. Pat. No. ______).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to woven textile components, and more particularly to textile components formed by a jacquard weaving method, and in some cases by a dobby weaving method, for covering an article.

Decorative and plain fabrics are well known for use in a wide variety of applications, such as upholsteries for seating applications, office partitions, and accessories. These fabrics are generally woven fabrics that have particular designs, patterns, and colors, depending on the application. The patterns and designs are generally woven into a large web of fabric on a loom. The web of fabric is commonly woven for a desired length, and supplied as a large roll from which parts are cut into the desired shape. For example, fabric covers for a seat and/or back cushion of a chair are commonly cut out of the web as two separate panels from the same roll, with each panel cut to a desired pattern or shape. The panels are individually cut out of the web and sewn together as required about their peripheries. A foam cushion may be inserted between the panels before they are completely sewn together, and the entire assembly can be attached to the seat or back structure or shell of a chair by a variety of methods.

A variety of methods are known for weaving patterns and designs into a web of fabric. Two primary methods are dobby and jacquard. A dobby loom uses harnesses, usually from 8 to 30 harnesses, to control the warp ends, and weave plain fabrics or small simple geometric patterns. The jacquard method uses a jacquard head to control the warp ends individually, in many cases from 200 to 1,200 ends, which enables manufacturers to weave an infinite range of pattern, size, and design variation into the fabric. Because of the aesthetic advantage of jacquard fabrics, manufacturers have traditionally used jacquard fabrics to decoratively enhance many different products, such as the seat cushion described above, in order to improve the aesthetics of these articles and ultimately boost consumer interest.

Upholstering is an inherently time consuming process. It requires a great deal of labor in the cutting and sewing of the fabric parts. Generally a worker will cut a number of fabrics parts by following a pattern that is laid on a stack of rectangular fabric panels that have been precut from the roll of fabric. The individual fabric parts are then sewn together to make a fabric component ready for inserts or stuffing. There is great room for error and quality variation in these types of traditional upholstery methods. Consequently, manufacturers are continually searching for more efficient and cost effective methods for improving and differentiating the aesthetics of these fabrics and for manipulating and attaching the fabrics to particular articles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned problems are overcome by the present invention wherein the overall part shape, pockets and/or channels may be woven directly into a web of fabric using the jacquard method, and in some cases the dobby method, to form various combinations of multiple layered weaves, and seaming and binding weaves.

In one embodiment, the fabric is used as a component in seating applications. A design or pattern may be woven into the fabric to cover a seat or a back support. One or more pockets of a desired size and shape may be woven into the fabric for receiving a cushioning material such as foam and/or for fitting the fabric over the seat or back support. The component can be woven inside out, allowing for a binding weave to function as a seam so that once cut from the web of fabric and turned inside out, a finished piece with a concealed seam is created. Decorative weaves can be woven in reverse face, putting any pattern or decorative motif on the face of the component to the inside when woven, and to the outside final face when turned inside out.

In another embodiment, the fabric includes one or more channels for use in a variety of applications. The channels are also woven into the fabric using multiple layer weaves. In one example, a pair of channels may be woven into a web of fabric, with a panel of fabric extending between them. The channels may be pulled over a pair of upstanding support beams to form a partition for an office environment. The panel that extends between the pair of channels may include a pocket woven into the fabric for receiving an additional material such as an acoustic tile, or a structural member.

In another embodiment, the fabric may include a cut line woven into the fabric to facilitate cutting the pattern or design out of the web of fabric. The cut line is woven into the fabric so it is distinguishable from the rest of the fabric, and is generally located around the periphery of the design or pattern to define the periphery of the pattern and distinguish it from the rest of the fabric web. After the web has been woven, a manufacturer can cut the pattern out of the web by cutting along the outer edge of the cut line.

The present invention provides a textile component with all of the advantages of a jacquard or dobby woven fabric, as well as the additional advantages of improved aesthetics and a more efficient and cost effective way of attaching the fabric to an article. The pockets provide manufacturers with an easy way to provide inserts in components, and the channels provide an easy way to attach the fabric to an article by simply sliding the channels over the article. At the same time, the aesthetic value of the fabric is maintained and enhanced because of the wide variety of intricate designs and controlled location of motif and/or function that can be placed in the fabric with the jacquard method.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the current embodiments and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roll of the textile component for attachment to a back support component.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an office chair in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the fabric panels in accordance with the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the office chair of the first embodiment showing the location of the panels.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a roll of the fabric for attachment to a seat component.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the textile component for attachment to a seat component.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the textile component for attachment to a seat component.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the textile component of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the textile component of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the office chair in accordance with the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a roll of fabric according to another aspect of the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a triple layer seat back cover.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a triple layer seat back cover.

FIG. 14 is a front plan view of a triple layer seat back cover.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a triple layer seat back cover.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of cushioned inserts for the triple layer seat back cover.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the insert and triple layer seat back cover.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the triple layer seat back cover.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the triple layer seat back cover turned inside-out.

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of a structural seat back component and the triple layer seat back cover.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the triple layer seat back cover with structural seat back component inserted.

FIG. 22 is a close-up view of the bottom edge of the triple layer seat back cover.

FIG. 23a is a side view of the bottom edge of the triple layer seat back cover.

FIG. 23b is a side view of the bottom edge of the triple layer seat back cover according to an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a chair including the triple layer seat back cover.

FIG. 25 is a front view of a one-piece seat cover.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the one-piece seat cover.

FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the one-piece seat cover turned inside-out and a structural seat component insert.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the one-piece seat cover with structural seat component inserted.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the one-piece seat cover.

FIG. 30 is an exploded view of the one-piece seat cover with cushioned insert.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the one-piece seat cover with cushioned insert inserted.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the one-piece seat cover turned inside-out.

FIG. 33 is a side view of a chair including a seat cover and seat back cover.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a chair including a seat back cover and seat cover.

FIG. 35 is a front view of a double layer seat back cover.

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of a double layer seat back cover.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a double layer seat back cover.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a double layer seat back cover turned inside-out.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a chair including a double layer seat back cover and a seat cover.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a roll of fabric according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of one aspect of the second embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of another aspect of the second embodiment.

FIG. 43 is an exploded view of the second embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the second embodiment.

FIG. 45 is an exploded view of a panel for insertion into a pocket of the second embodiment.

FIG. 46 is cross-sectional views of two aspects of the second embodiment.

FIG. 47 is close-up views of the corners of the second embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of an elongated screen according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of an accordion screen according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 50 is a front view of a screen according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a roll of fabric according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of the roll of fabric according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of a privacy screen according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 54 is a front view of the third embodiment.

FIG. 55 is a top view of the third embodiment.

FIG. 56 is an exploded view of the third embodiment including a stand.

FIG. 57 is a roll of fabric according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 58 is a roll of fabric according to another aspect of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 59 is a close-up view of the roll of fabric according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 60 is a top view of a fabric cover according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 61 is a close-up view of the bottom edge of the fabric cover of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of the fabric cover of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 63 is an exploded view of an item for insertion into the fabric cover of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of a fabric cover according to the fourth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS

I. First Embodiment

A textile component in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1, and generally designated 10. In this embodiment, the textile component is shown in connection with an office chair 12. For illustrative purposes, the component 10 will be described in connection with the particular office chair 12 shown, however, the component 10 is adaptable for use with many different applications, including a variety of seating applications, such as, pedestal chairs, residential, automotive and transportation seating. Shown in FIG. 2, the chair 12 generally includes a base 20, a seat component 22, and a back support component 24.

As shown in FIG. 1, the textile component 10 is generally woven into a web of fabric 14. The web 14 may be formed into a variety of widths and lengths, and formed out of a variety of fibers and yarns set at a variety of end counts (number of yarns per inch in the warp) and pick counts, (number of yarns per inch in the fill), and in a variety of colors. Generally the web of fabric is formed into a continuous length, for some yards as a web of fabric 14 that can be transported in a roll 15. The textile, or fabric, 10 is generally formed on a loom (not shown) from one of many conventional types of material and/or fibers that are capable of being woven into a fabric. The textile 10 is formed on the loom using a jacquard weaving method. The jacquard method for weaving a web of fabric is well known in the fabric industry, and therefore will not be described in great detail. In short, the jacquard method differs from other methods of weaving fabric in that the warp ends of the fabric to be woven are independently controlled. This provides greater flexibility in the designs and patterns that can be woven into the fabric. In most modern jacquard weave applications the loom is automated, so that a manufacturer can enter data corresponding to a particular pattern into a central processor, and then actuate the loom to produce a web of woven fabric that matches the data entered. As shown in FIG. 1, a number of patterns 16 can be created on the same web of fabric 14 in order to prevent waste and maintain an efficient process.

a. Back Support Component Cover

The pattern 16 shown in FIG. 1 is shaped to fit onto the back support component 24 of the office chair 12. As shown, the pattern 16 includes a design 30 of concentric semi-circles, however, as mentioned above the jacquard method allows for the inclusion of an infinite wide variety of designs, patterns, or graphic motifs 30. The pattern 16 defines a first panel 18 shaped to fit over a portion of the front surface 26 of the back support 24, and a second panel 28 that is shaped to fit over a portion of the rear surface 31 of the back support 24. The front panel 18 includes a pocket 40 woven into the textile 10. The pocket 40 may be of any desired size or shape. As shown, it is shaped to cover the lower portion of the front panel 18, and extends from the bottom edge 38 of the panel 18. The pocket 40 is woven into the textile with the jacquard method, for instance, by a double-cloth weave in the location of the pocket 40. Shown in FIG. 4, the pocket 40 may be filled with an insert 44 comprised of a variety of materials, such as foam spray, a foam insert cut to the size of the pocket 40, down feathers, or any other desired material. Each panel 18, 28 further includes a periphery 32, that is defined by a cut line 34. The cut line 34 surrounds the periphery 32 and defines a margin 33 between the periphery 32 of the panels 18, 38 and the design 30 included within the panels 18, 38. The cut line 34 is woven into the web 14 such that it can be distinguished from the rest of the web 14 and the design 30. For instance, the cut line 34 may be formed by the edge of a binding weave and is differentiated from the rest of the web 14. The cut line 34 facilitates removing the pattern 16 from the web 14 by allowing a manufacturer to cut along the cut line 34 with a conventional tool or machine, such as a scissors, laser, or a die cutting machine (not shown). FIG. 3 shows the panels 18, 28 removed from the web 14.

FIGS. 2 and 4 show the panels 18, 28 of FIG. 1 attached to the back support component 24 of the office chair 12. In this embodiment, the front panel 18, including the pocket 40 and desired insert 44 are positioned against the front surface 26 of the back support 24, and the lower edge 38 of the panel 18 is attached to the office chair 12 in a conventional manner, such as by sewing a portion of the panel 18 to the back support 24, or with a conventional adhesive or mechanical fastening device (not shown). The back panel 28 is positioned against the rear surface 31 of the back support 24, and the two panels 18, 28 are attached together in a conventional manner, such as by sewing the panels 18, 28 together.

In another aspect of this embodiment, one-piece seat back support covers 316 and 318 are formed wherein the back panel 28 is eliminated and a pocket 29 is woven into the seat back covers 316 and 318 for fitting over the back support 24, or as illustrated, over the alternative back support 328. FIG. 11 shows the web 314 woven with a set of two-layer seat back support covers 316, a set of seat covers 318 (described below), and a set of two three-layer seat back support covers 320.

The two-layer seat back support covers 316 are shown in FIGS. 34-39. Similar to the front panel 18 described above, the two-layer cover 316 is formed in the web 314 by weaving a pocket 322 into the web 314. The pocket 322 is formed by a multiple layer weave, such as a double cloth weave. The pocket 322 is surrounded at its periphery 324 by a binding weave and/or a seaming weave woven into the web 314 in the shape of the seat back support 328. FIG. 36 shows a cross section of this aspect, wherein the pocket is a double cloth weave 8, which is surrounded by a seaming weave 7 that tightly binds the two layers of fabric together and a binding weave 1 that loosely binds the layers together. The cover 316 may be cut out of the web by following the binding weave 1 with a cutting device. As shown, in FIGS. 35 and 37, the cover 316 may include a design 330 that may be woven in reverse face on the loom. Shown in FIG. 38, the cover 316 may then be turned inside out to reveal the correct face of the design 330 and also conceal the periphery 324. Shown in FIG. 39, the cover 316 may then be slid over the back support 328 of a chair 11. Alternatively, a structural back support insert 329 (such as that shown in FIG. 20) may be inserted into the pocket 322 before attaching the cover 316 or back support insert 329 to the chair 11.

The three-layer cover 320 is shown in FIGS. 12-24, and is generally similar to the two-layer cover 316, except that as shown in FIG. 13, it includes a first pocket 322 similar to the pocket 322 of the two-layer cover 316, and a layer of second pockets 332. As illustrated, the cover 320 includes two pockets 332. The pockets 322 and 332 are woven into the fabric with a multiple layered weave 4. Referring to FIG. 13, the pockets 332 are separated from each other by areas of double cloth weave 3 where two of three layers of fabric are bound together. Similar to the two-layer cover 316, the pockets 322 and 332 are separated from the web 314 by a periphery 334 that is shaped to match the shape of the seat back support 328 and is formed by a seaming weave 2 and a binding weave 3. Referring now to FIGS. 14-19, the second pockets 332 may be shaped to receive cushioned inserts 336. Of course, while two second pockets 332 are illustrated, the second layer of pockets may include any desired number of pockets 332. Shown in FIG. 15, a cut line 338 may be woven into the second pockets 332 to define a location for cutting an opening 340 in the second pockets 332. When cutting the opening 340, only one layer of fabric is cut with a cutting device. The inserts 336 may then be stuffed into the pockets 332 through the openings 340 and the openings may be sealed by tape (not shown) or another conventional method. Similar to the two-layered cover 316, any design (not shown) on the cover 320 may be woven in reverse face, and the cover 320 may be turned inside out to reveal the correct face of the design and conceal the openings 340 and the periphery 334. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, a structural seat back support 329 may be inserted into the first pocket 322 of the cover and attached to a chair 11. Alternatively, the first pocket 322 may be slid over the seat back of a chair 11. Shown in FIGS. 22 and 23a-b, the bottom edge 344 of the cover 320 (or cover 316) may be finished by a number of methods. FIG. 23b shows a welt cord 346 sewn to the bottom edge 344. FIG. 23a shows a zipper 348 attached to the bottom edge 344.

b. Seat Component Cover

FIGS. 5-10 shows the fabric 10 used to cover the seat component 22 of the office chair 12. As shown in FIG. 5, the fabric 10 is created on a web 54 that may be formed into a roll 55. In this case, the pattern 56 includes an upper panel 58 and a lower panel 68. The panels 58, 68 are shaped to cover the seat component 22 of the office chair, and may each include a design 60 and a cut line 64 similar to the design 30 and cut line 34 used with the pattern 16. Referring now to FIG. 6, the pocket 80 may be included in the upper panel 58 and sized to cover approximately all of the panel 58. Alternatively, the pocket 80 could be included in the lower panel 68 or both panels 58, 68. Similar to the pocket 40 on the back support, the pocket 80 may be filled with an insert 84 (shown in FIG. 8) comprised of a variety of different materials, such as a foam cushion.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, after the panels 58, 68 are removed from the web 54, they may be attached together, for instance, by sewing the panels 58,68 together at their peripheries. Referring now to FIG. 10 the panels 58, 68 are shown attached to the office chair 12. As illustrated, the panels are secured to the seat component 22 of the chair 12 by a conventional method. For instance, the upper panel 58 may be positioned on top of a flat seat plate (not shown), and the lower panel may be stretched around the bottom of the seat plate to cover the seat plate before it is attached to the upper panel 58.

In another aspect of this embodiment, a one piece seat cover 318 may be formed. The one piece cover 318 is formed similar to the one-piece back support covers 316 and 320. Shown in FIGS. 25-32, the seat cover 318 includes first pocket 350 and a second pocket 352. The pockets 350 and 352 are woven into the fabric with a triple layer weave 4 (shown in FIG. 26). The first pocket 350 is shaped to fit over a structural seat insert 354, and the second pocket 352 is shaped to receive a cushioned insert 356. Shown in FIG. 26, the second pocket 352 may be surrounded by a double cloth weave 3, and both pockets 350, 352 surrounded by a periphery 358 formed by a seaming weave 2 and a binding weave 1. The periphery 358 may also form a cut line for cutting the cover 318 from the web 314. The second pocket 352 may be cut open along a cut line 362 similar to the cut line 338 in the triple-layer cover 320, forming an opening 364 for inserting the cushioned insert 356. Shown in FIG. 31, the opening 356 may be sealed closed with tape 360 or another conventional method. The seat cover 318 may be turned inside out to conceal the periphery 358 and opening 364. The structural seat component 354 may be inserted into the first pocket 350 and then attached to a chair 11. Alternatively, the pocket 350 can be slid over a seat component. The bottom edge 370 can be finished with a welt or zipper (not shown) as described in connection with the cover 320, or by another method.

In addition to the office chair 12 application illustrated, the present invention may be used in a variety of different seating applications, such as different types of chairs or automotive seating, by weaving a web of fabric to have a desired size, shape, design, and pocket, filling the pocket with an insert, and attaching the web of fabric to the seating application. The component may attach to the seat, for instance, similarly to that described above in connection with the office chair, or by another method.

II. Second Embodiment

FIGS. 40-50 show a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the textile component is attached to a privacy screen. As shown in FIG. 40, the textile 100 is formed by the jacquard method into a web 102 and disposed on a roll 104 similar to that described in the first embodiment. In this case, the web 102 includes a series of repeating (or non-repeating) patterns 106, that can be divided into panels 120. The patterns 106 may each include a desired design 108, and a periphery 110. The peripheries 110 of each sequential pattern may be separated by a cut line 112. The cut line 112 is similar to the cut lines 34, 64 described in connection with the first embodiment in that it is typically a binding weave that defines the periphery 110 of the pattern and is distinguishable from the rest of the web 102 and the design 108. After the web 102 is formed, the individual panels 120, shown in FIG. 44, may be separated by cutting along the cut line 112 with a conventional tool (not shown).

Each panel 120 may additionally include a pair of channels 122. As shown, the channels 122 extend from a top edge 124 of the panel 120 to a bottom edge 126 of the panel 120, on opposing sides 128, 130 of the panel 120. Each channel 122 is generally a pocket that extends through the length of the panel 120. The channels are formed by the jacquard method in a similar manner as the pocket of the first embodiment. FIG. 42 shows an exemplary cross section of the panel 120, including channels 122, the channels 122 are formed by double cloth weaves 6, separated by areas of seaming weaves 7. As shown in FIG. 42 the panel is a single layer cloth 9 between the channels 122. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 41 and 45, each panel 120 may also include a pocket 132. The pocket 132 is also woven by the jacquard method as described in connection with the first embodiment, and may be of any desired size and shape. As shown, it is a double cloth weave 8 that extends through substantially all of the panel 120 between the channels 122, and may be separated from the channels 122 by a binding weave 121. The pocket 132 may be filled with an insert 134 comprised of a variety of different materials, such as a structural metal, an acoustic tile, or a tack board. Alternatively, the pocket 132 may cover only a portion of the panel 120.

As shown in FIG. 43, the panels 120 are designed to attach to a base 136 to form a privacy screen, such as an office partition. The base 136 may include a cross member 138 and a pair of vertical support beams 140, 142. The panels attach to the base by sliding the channels 122 over the side beams 140, 142. Another embodiment of the privacy screen is shown in FIGS. 48-49. In this embodiment, multiple panels 120 are used to form an elongated screen 150, with multiple beams 152 supported by bases 154. Another embodiment of the privacy screen is shown in FIG. 50, wherein a plurality of vertical support cables 131 are hung from a ceiling 133 and extend through the channels 122 for supporting the screen 150. An example of the cross section of the textile 100 of this embodiment is shown in FIG. 53, wherein each panel 120 is separated by only one channel 122 (formed by a double cloth weave 6), and the cut line (not shown) is included only intermittently between panels 120, depending on the desired length of the screen. In one method of manufacture of this embodiment, a simple plain surface screen and/or panel could be achieved on a dobby loom (not shown) with harnesses set up in a custom position for weaving a particular screen size. This dobby potential may be practical based on production volume justifying the custom harness set up that would be required. In another method of manufacture, the jacquard loom is easily capable of both the simple dobby type of designs and all the complexity afforded by the jacquard head.

III. Third Embodiment

A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 51-52 and FIGS. 54-56. In this embodiment, the textile component 200 is shown attached to a lampshade base 202. As shown in FIG. 56, the lamp shade base 202 includes a weight 204, a stem 206, four cross members 208 arranged in approximately a square, a pair of vertical support beams 210 extending from each corner of the cross members 208. In order to attach the textile component 200 to the base 202, four panels 212 are positioned in a square, with a pair of channels 214 extending over each pair of beams 210. As shown in FIG. 51, the textile component 200 is formed on a roll 216 similar to the first two embodiments. In this case, the fabric 200 includes cut lines 218 every fourth panel 212 to form a web 215 (shown in FIG. 54) of sequential panels that will remain connected for attachment to the base 202. Shown in FIG. 54, the cut lines 218 define a margin 220 at the periphery of each web 215. The remaining margin 220 extends inside the lampshade when the textile 200 is attached to the base 202. FIG. 52 shows a cross sectional view of the textile 200, with cut lines 218 defining the width of the web 215. Each web 215 includes a single channel 214 near the cut line 218, and three channels 214 inside the web 215 to accommodate for the upstanding beams 210. Each panel 212 may additionally include a pocket (not shown) of a desired size and shape for accommodating a desired insert. Of course, the lampshade illustrated is merely exemplary of the many different configurations of lampshades that are possible with a textile component attached to a base. Again as with the screen 150, a simple plain version of the lampshade could be possible on a dobby loom with a custom harness set up for a particular size of lamp shade.

IV. Fourth Embodiment

A fourth embodiment of the textile component is shown in FIGS. 57-64. In this embodiment, multiple fabric covers 400 are formed in a web 414 of fabric for covering an item such as a pillow. Each cover 400 may include a multiple layered cloth weave, forming a pocket 412 that is separated from the web 414 by a periphery 420 formed by a seaming and/or binding weave. In the illustrated embodiment, each cover includes a cut line 422 woven into the periphery 420 that is distinguishable from the rest of the web 414 for following with a cutting device to cut each cover 400 from the web 414. When following the cut line 420, an opening 426 is formed in one end 428 of the cover 400 for inserting an item 430, such as the pillow shown in FIG. 63. As illustrated, the cover 400 may be turned inside out before inserting the item 430, to conceal the periphery 420. As in the seat covers 316, 318 and 320, any design 440 on the cover 400 may be woven in reverse face so that is shows in correct face when the cover 400 is turned inside out. Shown in FIGS. 61 and 63, the open end 428 may be finished with a zipper 442 or other closure to retain the item 430 inside the cover. Alternatively, the cover 400 may be shape to cover a wide variety of items 430 in a similar manner.

The above descriptions are those of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the Doctrine of Equivalents.

Claims

1. A seating article comprising:

a seating component; and

a fabric cover woven by a jacquard weaving method, said cover being attachable to said component, said cover including a pocket woven into said cover by said jacquard weaving method, said pocket receiving an insert.

2. The chair of claim 1 wherein said chair component includes at least a seat component and a back support component, said cover attachable to one or both said seat component and said back support component.

3. The chair of claim 2 wherein said seat component includes an upper surface, and said insert is a cushioning material, said cover attached to said seat component such that it fits over said upper surface.

4. The chair of claim 1 wherein said cover includes a front panel and a rear panel, at least one of said panels including said pocket, said panels attached together about said back support component.

5. The chair of claim 4 wherein said panels each include a periphery and said panels are sewn together about a portion of said peripheries.

6. The chair of claim 5 wherein said back support component includes a front surface and a rear surface, said rear panel covering an upper portion of said rear surface, said front panel covering the majority of said front surface and including said pocket.

7. The chair of claim 1 wherein said insert is a foam pad.

8. The chair of claim 1 wherein said cover includes a design woven into said cover by said jacquard method.

9. A web of woven fabric comprising a cut line woven into the web, said cut line being distinguishable from the rest of the web, said cut line identifying an intended path of a cutting device.

10. The web of claim 9 further comprising a pattern woven into the web, said pattern including a decorative design woven into said pattern.

11. The web of claim 10 wherein said pattern is shaped to cover a portion of a chair, said chair including a back support component and a seat component.

12. The web of claim 11 wherein said back support component includes a front surface and a rear surface, and said pattern includes first and second panels, said first panel covering a majority of said front surface, said second panel covering an upper portion of said rear surface.

13. A fabric-covered component comprising:

a support structure including at least one support element;

a fabric cover woven by a jacquard method or dobby method, said cover including at least one channel woven into said cover by said jacquard method or said dobby method, said channel receiving said support element.

14. The textile component of claim 13 wherein said web includes at least one pocket for receiving an insert, said pocket woven into said web by said jacquard method or said dobby method.

15. The textile component of claim 13 wherein said article is a privacy screen base including at least two vertical support beams, said web of fabric including at least two said channels for extending over said beams.

16. The textile component of claim 15 wherein said web includes at least one said pocket disposed between said channels, and an insert disposed in said pocket.

17. The textile component of claim 15 wherein said privacy screen includes a plurality of vertical support beams, and said web of fabric includes a plurality of channels, with one channel corresponding to each beam, said channels capable of extending over each of said beams.

18. The textile component of claim 16 wherein said insert is an acoustic and tackable tile.

19. The textile component of claim 13 wherein said article is a lamp shade base including a plurality of vertical support beams, said web of fabric including a plurality of said channels, with one said channel corresponding to each said beam, said channels capable of extending over said beams.

20. The textile component of claim 19 wherein said web includes a plurality of said pockets extending between said channel.

21. The textile component of claim 13 wherein said web includes a plurality of channels, and at least one pocket between said channels, said pocket formed by weaving multiple layers of fabric.

22. The textile component of claim 21 wherein said channels are separated from said pocket by a seaming or binding weave.

23. The textile component of claim 22 wherein at least one of said plurality of channels is an end channel, said end channel including a connector for attaching said textile component to another textile component.

24. A seating article comprising:

at least one seating component including an element; and

a fabric cover including a first pocket formed by weaving multiple layers of fabric, said multiple layers joined on the loom by a seaming and binding weave in the desired shape of the cushion, said pocket receiving said element.

25. The seating article of claim 24 wherein said fabric cover includes a second pocket formed by weaving said multiple layers of fabric, said second pocket receiving an insert.

26. The seating article of claim 24 wherein said fabric cover is woven by a jacquard weaving method.

27. The seating article of claim 24 wherein said fabric cover includes a design woven into said cover.

28. The seating article of claim 27 wherein said design is woven in reverse face, such that said first pocket can be turned inside out with said seaming and binding weaved turned inside said pocket.

29. A woven fabric article comprising:

a binding weave woven into the article by a jacquard weaving method, said binding weave defining the periphery of the article and identifying cut lines in the article; and

a pocket woven into said cover within said binding weave, said pocket formed by weaving multiple layers of fabric by the jacquard weaving method.

30. The woven fabric article of claim 29 wherein a design is woven into at least one of said multiple layers of fabric.

31. The woven fabric article of claim 29 wherein said design is woven into said fabric in reverse face, such that said fabric cover can be turned inside out to conceal said first and second seaming and binding weaves.

32. The woven fabric article of claim 31 wherein said cover includes first and second ends extending between said first and second binding weaves, one of said ends being closed, the other of said ends being closable such that an item may be inserted into said second end and said second end closed to hold said item in said pocket.