A system for mounting a covering (e.g., a fabric material) upon a frame is constructed from a plurality of elongated frame parts. Each frame part has two mitered ends and a channel formed therein. The related mounting method includes the steps of: (a) using a jig to hold the fabric material against the frame; (b) inserting a plurality of retaining splines within respective channels so as to capture the fabric material within the channels between one retaining spline and a corresponding floor of the channel, whereby a plurality of corner pleats are formed; and (c) using a tool to invert each corner pleat into a corner joint formed between respective adjacent frame parts so as to form an internal fold at each corner of the frame.

A system for mounting a covering (e.g., a fabric material) upon a frame is constructed from a plurality of elongated frame parts. Each frame part has two mitered ends and a channel formed therein. The related mounting method includes the steps of: (a) using a jig to hold the fabric material against the frame; (b) inserting a plurality of retaining splines within respective channels so as to capture the fabric material within the channels between one retaining spline and a corresponding floor of the channel, whereby a plurality of corner pleats are formed; and (c) using a tool to invert each corner pleat into a corner joint formed between respective adjacent frame parts so as to form an internal fold at each corner of the frame.

An improved embroidery hoop is provided. The hoop includes a closed outer loop having a receiving groove in an inner perimeter surface. The receiving groove cooperates with and receives a retaining loop according to a predetermined fit appropriate for holding a fabric workpiece. The outer loop is rigid while the inner retaining loop is sufficiently flexible to be fitted by hand in the receiving groove. The embroidery hoop may optionally include a pull tab for assisting a user in removing the retaining loop from the receiving groove. Moreover, the outer perimeter of the outer loop has a geometry that is arbitrary and independent of the geometry of the receiving groove and retaining loop. Accordingly, the outer loop may comprise fanciful designs.

A woven brushed elastic fabric includes a fabric blank and a plurality of yarn segments. The fabric blank is formed by interweaving a plurality of first yarns and composite yarns. Each composite yarn is composed of a second yarn and an elastic yarn. The second yarn is wound around the elastic yarn. The fabric blank has a first side, and a second side opposite to the first side and formed with a plurality of yarn loops. The yarn loops are formed by the interweaving of the first yarns and the composite yarns in a skip manner along a first direction or a second direction transverse to the first direction. The yarn segments are formed on the second side of the fabric blank by breaking at least some of the yarn loops.

A device for holding a textile area of a textile piece is provided, for a process of washing and/or drying the textile piece. The device includes at least two opposing clamping surface elements which can be closed by means of a pre-clamping device. The pre-clamping device grips the textile area introduced between the clamping surface elements and extended parallel to the clamping surface, by application of a pre-clamping force between the clamping surface elements. The textile area can be held immovably in the extension surface of the clamping surface relative to the clamping surface elements. The clamping surface elements have a clamping surface with a surface area at least as large as the textile area. The device includes a nozzle for application of a fluid and/or a washing agent to the textile area for washing the textile area or for application of air to the textile area for smoothing drying.

A device for holding a textile area of a textile piece is provided, for a process of washing and/or drying the textile piece. The device includes at least two opposing clamping surface elements which can be closed by means of a pre-clamping device. The pre-clamping device grips the textile area introduced between the clamping surface elements and extended parallel to the clamping surface, by application of a pre-clamping force between the clamping surface elements. The textile area can be held immovably in the extension surface of the clamping surface relative to the clamping surface elements. The clamping surface elements have a clamping surface with a surface area at least as large as the textile area. The device includes a nozzle for application of a fluid and/or a washing agent to the textile area for washing the textile area or for application of air to the textile area for smoothing drying.

The present invention relates to a method of shaping a fibrous material and treatment compositions therefor. The method comprises providing a treatment composition comprising an active agent and a photocatalyst, applying the treatment composition to the fibrous material to form a treated fibrous material, mechanically shaping the treated fibrous material, and exposing the treated fibrous material to electromagnetic radiation. The treatment composition comprises an active agent, wherein the active agent comprises a high-polarity functional group, preferably selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl groups, carboxylic acid groups, and combinations thereof; and a photocatalyst.

The present invention relates to a method of shaping a fibrous material and treatment compositions therefor. The method comprises providing a treatment composition comprising an active agent and a photocatalyst, applying the treatment composition to the fibrous material to form a treated fibrous material, mechanically shaping the treated fibrous material, and exposing the treated fibrous material to electromagnetic radiation. The treatment composition comprises an active agent, wherein the active agent comprises a high-polarity functional group, preferably selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl groups, carboxylic acid groups, and combinations thereof; and a photocatalyst.

The system invention herein disclosed and claimed is an art work frame that can easily be folded into a smaller area such that shipping container and costs are reduced. Upon arrival at its destination, it can easily be unfolded into frame suitable for art work mounting.

The system invention herein disclosed and claimed is an art work frame that can easily be folded into a smaller area such that shipping container and costs are reduced. Upon arrival at its destination, it can easily be unfolded into frame suitable for art work mounting.