UPHOLSTER-EASE DETACHABLE UPHOLSTERY FURNITURE

MOBILIER A CAPITONNAGE FACILEMENT DETACHABLE

Description

CA 02571580 2006-12-19
Appendix A
1.1 Inventor's Name:
Bev Callaghan
RR 1
Coleman, PE
COB 1HO
902-859-1743
1.2 Title of Invention: Upholster-Ease Detachable Upholstery Furniture
1.3 Brief Description of Invention:
Upholster-Ease is furniture that is specially designed to accommodate
upholstery
fabric that is removable, replaceable, and interchangeable. Broadcloth' is
used
to provide a foundation for the furniture piece. Hook and loop tape is used to
attach the upholstery fabric to the foundation. The benefits of this idea are
many.
Fabric can be removed from the furniture for washing, dry-cleaning or
replacement. Spills and stains can be cleaned immediately. Damaged material
can be replaced.
In a matter of minutes, users can change the look of their piece from one
colour
to another, from a solid to a design, from leather to tapestry, or they can
even
mix fabric and styles to create their own new look. This method can be applied
to
a variety of products where fabric is used.
Appendix A -1
' Broadcloth or a similar fabric

CA 02571580 2006-12-19
2.1 Drawbacks:
Today's furniture comes in a variety of styles, designs and fabrics.
Unfortunately,
if the consumer wants to clean or replace their upholstery fabric, they often
have
to rely on the services of professionals or do the job themselves. This can be
time consuming and expensive. One alternative has been the use of furniture
coverings. Coverings do serve to protect and/or dress up furniture, but they
are
often ill fitting, do not stay in place and come in limited colors, designs
and sizes.
Upholster-Ease would solve these problems.
2.2 Advantages:
The Upholster-Ease method implements broadcloth and hook and loop tape in
the process of upholstering furniture, car seats, camper furniture and many
other
products where fabric is used. In the case of furniture, a specially designed
hardwood frame is constructed to ensure upholstery fabric will mold to the
structure. Springs, padding etc are added to the piece as is normally done.
Broadcloth is used to cover all padded sections. Hook and loop tape is sewn
into
the broadcloth in some areas and stapled unto the frame where possible.
Covering the piece with broadcloth and hook and loop tape provides a base or
foundation for the upholstery fabric to be fastened on to. The hook and loop
tape
is sewn onto the inside of the fabric in hidden areas and connected to 'the
foundation to keep the fabric in place while still allowing for easy removal.
Furniture companies can with few changes and with little expense develop
several styles of furniture pieces with replaceable fabric. Options such as
welts,
buttons and skirting can be incorporated into the design. Many current
furniture
designs could be modified to accommodate removable upholster.
Fabric can be sold as a three-piece ensemble for most chairs and four pieces
for
most sofas. After the initial cost of the furniture consumers can enjoy a
variety of
changes in the appearance of their pieces by simply changing the upholster
fabric. If fabric becomes worn/damaged or furniture owners want to make decor
changes it can easily be replaced. Best of all - the fabric will stay in
place.
The Upholster-Ease method offers an affordable alternative to re-uphoistering,
replacing and covering up furniture. It can be done without compromising the
look, function, or style of a piece. Upholster-Ease is an innovative idea that
can
change the approach of furniture covering in the future.
Appendix A - 2

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3.1 Method of Assembly:
The basic concept behind Upholster-Ease Detachable Upholstery is the use of
hook and loop tape. The hook and loop tape allows for secure placement of the
fabric as well as easy removal and replacement. Hook and loop tape is fastened
in hidden areas such as under frames, below cushion lines and to edges of
frames.
Step 1 - Broadcloth
Hook and loop tapes strips are sewn into broadcloth below the cushion line on
the arms, seat backs and the front top of seats. Furniture, including padding,
is
then covered with the broadcloth. (Figure 1)
Step 2-Hook and Loop Tape
Hook and loop tape strips are then stapled through the broadcloth foundation
onto the frame on the corners of the backsides, corners of sides and under
arms
(figure 1). Figure 2 shows where the hook and loop tape is stapled to lower
back
panels, under arms and the underside of the frame.
The foundation is now in place.2
Step 3 -Seat Back
For the seat back upholstery is sewn together with seams or using welt as is
normally done. Strips of hook and loop tape are sewn onto the inside of the
material at the side backs and front bottoms to match up with the hook and
loop
tape on the broadcloth. The upholstery is then slipped over the back and
secured into place. (Figure 3) The bottom back is attached under the frame.
Step 4-Arms and front facing panels
Arms pieces are cut out and hemmed with hook and loop tape. Strips are sewn
to the edges of the material and under the arms (figure 4). The front arm
panel
and front facing panel are cut and hemmed as one piece and hook and loop tape
strips sewn onto the front and bottom of the front facing panel (figure 4).
The
arm pieces and front arm panel are sewn together creating one piece. This one
piece is then slipped over the furniture and secured into place. The amount of
hook and loop tape used on the arm will depend on the design of the piece.
Step 5 - Cushion
The cushion is sewn together with seams or welts leaving the backside open
with
a flap. Hook and loop tape is then sewn onto the inside of each side of the
flap
and secured (Figure 5). The process is now complete. The material can now be
removed for cleaning or replacement.
Appendix A - 3
Z Modifications such as buttons and extra padding are discussed on page 5.

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4.1 Options in Style: It is important to allow for variations in the design
and
style of furniture pieces. Some options such as welt, skirting, buttons, and
extra
padding can add character, uniqueness and elegance to furniture. These options
can easily be incorporated into the Upholster-Ease approach to covering
furniture. The amount of hook and loop tape needed to provide proper support
for
each piece of furniture will depend on the design of a particular piece.
Welt can easily be included in the design of this furniture. It is simply sewn
into
the pieces as they are put together.
Skirting is added by attaching hook and loop tape to the bottom of the piece
as
well as to the inside of the skirt material.
Buttons are secured to the furniture piece through the broadcloth. The
upholstery fabric is secured to the piece with the buttonholes. Buttons could
be
snap on so that they would also be interchangeable or material could be made
to
slip over existing buttons.
Areas where Extra padding is used such as with headrests may need more
reinforcement. This can be accomplished by drawing hook and loop tape strips
onto the furniture below the padding and attaching them to the upholstery
fabric.
The broadcloth may also need to be reinforced with a heavier material to
ensure
strength.
The Upholster-Ease method is certainly not limited to furniture upholstery.
The
method can also be applied to car seats and camper upholster. The
possibilities
are endless. With little effort or additional costs Upholster-Ease can open
the
door to a new approach to the use of fabric in our daily lives and become a
household name.
Appendix A - 4

Representative Drawing