US20100001565A1

US20100001565A1 - Lounge chair cushion cover and method

Info

Publication number: US20100001565A1
Application number: US12/167,294
Authority: US
Inventors: Clare L. Gray; Patsy A. Adams
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-07-03
Filing date: 2008-07-03
Publication date: 2010-01-07

Abstract

A cover is provided for a chaise lounge pad that is so constructed as to fit pads of varying thicknesses.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field
The present invention generally relates to lounge chairs and more specifically to covers for lounge chair cushions (used synonymously herein with the term “pads”).
2. Related Art
Today, lounge chairs are available in two basic designs. These designs are driven by consumer preference and the market for a particular lounge chair. First, retail shops near beach communities may offer chairs of the very popular, less expensive plastic or metal-framed type that have plastic ribbons, or other material for support. Second, high-end hotels and resorts provide more expensive chaise lounges made of a wood frame, often teak, with a pad thereon to comfort their guests.
As noted, the latter type chaise lounge includes a pad, or cushion, for comfort. There are many types, shapes and material characteristics of pads. Pads are comprised of foam or a fibrous batting, or a combination of each. These pads not only vary slightly in length, they vary considerably in thickness (for example, from two to six inches). Upholstered with plastic or woven materials designed to endure the elements, these pads alone do not create the surface comfort high-end hotels and resorts desire for its guests. Thus, guests will often place towels over the pads to aid in comfort. In addition, users may find it desirable to keep personal belongs within quick reach. Towels alone will not serve this need. Some hotel and resorts may have several locations that require the chaise lounges described above. Different resorts, and even different locations at the same resort may use chaise lounges with pads of varying thicknesses to accommodate the hotels' needs.
Various lounge chair cover designs exist but these designs all secure the cover directly to the lounge chair. Most attempts are designed for a specific type of tri-fold lounge chair, none addressing varying thicknesses of lounge chair pads. One example, taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,553,785 to Duke, Jr. et al., uses a pocket, formed by folding a fabric panel and joining the edges with a hem, placed over and surrounding the opposed end portions of a tri-fold lounge chair frame. Such a pocket construction, however, cannot accommodate lounge chair frames or pads that are larger than the size of the pocket. Conversely, the pocket may be too large for another type of lounge chair, thus providing an improper fit and poor visual presentation. Another construction, such as that taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,463 to Rocha and U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,491 to Blome et al., uses an elastic hem, incorporated into the edge of the fabric panel, which allows the fabric panel corners of the cover to be stretched over and to surround the top edge of a tri-fold lounge chair frame. Again, such a construction is subject to the same limitations discussed above with respect to predetermined pocket sizes.
Some attempts have been made to use means other than a pocket to secure the cover to the lower (foot) end of a lounge chair frame. For instance, the aforementioned patent to Rocha teaches the use of a pair of Velcro straps extending longitudinally from the foot edge of the cover, those straps being engageable with mating longitudinal Velcro strips affixed to the bottom surface of the cover. However, the cover disclosed in that patent is designed for the tri-fold lounge chairs of the type previously described. There is simply no teaching of an adjustable pad cover for the high-end, wood-framed, padded chaise lounge chairs.
None of the foregoing covers are targeted toward covering the lounge chair pads alone, as all involve direct attachment to the tri-fold type metallic lounge chair frames. As such, none have achieved or even recognized the desired objectives of providing a flexible and convenient means of securely covering chaise lounge chair pads having varying thicknesses.

SUMMARY

The present invention, therefore, for the first time recognized and addresses the problem of providing a single chaise lounge cover that will fit pads which may vary as much as 2-6 inches in thickness. Toward this end and according to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a cover formed by a generally rectangular fabric sheet of sufficient length to cover the pad with extensions at one or both ends that extend around and back under the pad several inches. A fastening device that is adjustable in length then connects the adjacent sides of the sheet and extension. The fastening device is so constructed and arranged as to connect the adjacent sides of the sheet and extension and retain the sheet on the pad regardless of the thickness of the pad.
According to another aspect of the invention, the fastener devices are so arranged and/or positioned along the sides of the sheet that, when assembled on the pad, tension will always be applied to maintain the cover taut to minimize slack and folds which otherwise tend to occur.
In a preferred embodiment, the fastener device is a pair of cooperating straps, one extending laterally from the sheet adjacent the foot or head portions and the other extending laterally from the adjacent corresponding extension. The cooperating straps are connected by a clip or buckle, and at least one of the straps in adjustable in length. Alternatively, the straps could be connectable by a hook and loop fabric type fastener (Velcro®) which included fastening areas of sufficient length as to make the effective length of the fastener device adjustable. Even further, the fastening device could be a pair of cooperating cords that tie together.
In another embodiment, the sheet is provided with a plurality of spaced slits or openings along each side of the foot and/or head portion, similar to buttonholes. A cord is secured at one end to the edge of the corresponding extension. Some type of connector element such as a T-bar or button is attached to the free end of the cord, whereby the connector element, when extended through the appropriate opening above, completes the connection of the extension to the sheet to retain the sheet on the pad.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a padded chaise lounge which includes a frame having a seat/foot member and an adjustable back/head member, a pad removably placed on the frame and having length and width dimensions substantially the same as the combined seat/foot member and back/head member, and a cover as described in the preceding paragraphs.
Other aspects, features, and details of embodiments of the present invention can be more completely understood by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the drawings figures and from the appended claims.
According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention illustrating the positional relationship between a chaise lounge frame, a lounge pad, and cover.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the chaise lounge illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrating the manner in which the cover is releasably secured to the pad.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the lounge pad cover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a partial perspective view illustrating one type of releasable securing device (clips) used to connect fastener straps.

FIG. 4B is a partial perspective view illustrating another type of releasable securing device (velco).

FIG. 4C is a partial perspective view illustrating yet another type releasable securing device (T-bar).

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are partial views illustrating the cover attached to pads of various thickness.

FIG. 6 is a plan view similar to FIG. 3, except that it shows a second embodiment of the cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention as exemplified by the embodiment discussed below is generally directed to a cover for chaise lounge pads, or cushions.
FIGS. 1-3, illustrates a cover 10 constructed in accordance with a first embodiment. FIG. 1 shows the positional relationship between the cover 10, the chaise lounge pad 12, and a conventional chaise lounge frame 13 having a seat/foot portion 14 and an adjustable back/head portion 16. Pad 12 removably rests on and substantially covers the seat/foot and back/ head portions 14, 16 of the frame 13. Pad 12 has an upper portion 18 superposed upon the back/head portion 16 when in use, the upper portion 18 terminating in an upper pad end 18 a, and a lower portion 20 superposed upon the seat/foot portion 14 when in use, the lower portion 20 terminating in a lower pad end 20 a
Cover 10 includes a sheet 22 preferably constructed of an elongated, generally rectangular terry cloth fabric member. However, sheet 22 may also be constructed of any other material providing comfort and convenience to the user, such as cotton, MicroCotton®, zero-twisted cotton, or other similar fabrics. Sheet 22 is of sufficient length to extend the full length of the pad 12, down across the pad ends 18 a, 20 a, and back under the pad 12 at the ends 18 a, 20 a, regardless of the thickness of the pad 12. The distance that the cover extends back under the pad 12 may vary, but preferably should be at least 4-6 inches for the thickest pads. Obviously if the pad is less thick, the distance the cover extends beneath the pad will increase by the difference in the thickness. The shape of the sheet 22 need not be limited to a generally rectangular shape, so long as it is of sufficient dimensions to cover the pad as described in the preceding sentence.
Sheet 22 has a head portion 24, a foot portion 26, and an intermediate portion 28 extending between the head and foot portions 24, 26. Head portion 24 includes an extension 24 a and foot portion 26 includes an extension of 26 a. The portions 24, 26, 28 preferably comprise a unitary member, but alternatively the portions 24, 26 may also be separate members attached to opposed ends of intermediate portion 28 by such means as stitching. Sheet 22 also has a top surface 30, a bottom surface 32, sides 22 a, 22 b, and opposing ends 22 c, 22 d.
Looking at a plurality of fastener devices each formed of a first fastener member and a second fastener member are illustrated. First fastener members 34 a, 34 b, 34 c, 34 d extend laterally from sides 22 a, 22 b of the foot and head extensions 26 a, 24 a. Second fastener members 36 a, 36 b are spaced longitudinally (lengthwise along sheet 22) from first fastener members 34 a, 34 b, respectively, while second fastener members 36 c, 36 d are spaced longitudinally from first fastener members 34 c, 34 d, respectively. Second fastener members 36 a-d also extend laterally from the sides 22 a, 22 b of the foot and head portions 26, 24 of the sheet 22. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the fasteners are shown as straps, however, as will be described in detail, the fasteners may take other forms as well. In a strap form, the fasteners may be constructed from ⅝-inch wide webbing. The distance between and the length of the fastening straps making up the first and second sets of fasteners on each side of the sheet are sufficient to allow for attachment to each other regardless of the thickness of the pad 12. Further, the fastener members 34 a-d and 36 a-d should be so positioned along the edge of sheet 22 that tension will always be applied to head portion 24 and foot portion 26 to resist the normal tendency for these portions to move toward each other as a result of a person lounging thereon. By doing so, the first and second fastener members will be pulled toward each other to remove slack or folds. To accomplish this, the point of attachment of the strap portion 34 d to the extension 26 a should always be closer to the end of pad 12 than the point of attachment of strap portion 36 d to the foot portion 26. For example, if one wants the extension to wrap ten inches underneath the end of a pad of medium thickness (4 inches), the distance between the straps would preferably be twenty-eight inches (ten inches from strap 34 to the end of the pad 18 a, four inches for the median pad thickness, and fourteen inches from the end of the pad to strap 36). This spacing maintains longitudinal tension on surface 28, as well as tension on portions 26, and 28 thereby holding the cover taut. This concept is demonstrated in FIG. 5 a-5 c with respect to pads of different thickness.
Straps 34 a, 36 a are connectable to one another, and straps 34 b, 36 b are connectable to one another, both pairs extending from the sheet sides at head portion 24, to hold the sheet 22 onto the upper end 18 a of the pad 12. Similarly, straps 34 c, 36 c are connectable to one another, and straps 34 d, 36 d are connectable to one another, both pairs extending from the sheet sides at foot portion 26, to hold the sheet 22 onto the lower end 20 a of the pad 12. The illustrated straps may each be attached at one of their respective ends to the sides 22 a, 22 b of the sheet 22 in any manner sufficient to provide strength against separation from the sheet, such as by stitching.
The cover 10 may be provided with additional features to increase comfort and convenience to the user. Particularly, if desired, a head rest 38 may be attached to the top surface 30 of sheet 22 at the head portion 24. Alternatively or in addition to rest 38, another rest may be provided at foot portion 26. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, rest 38 may be formed as a pouch in which a pillow or cloth may be inserted, and it can be attached to top surface 30 by stitching proximate its upper edge 38 a. This permits the pillow to flip upward and out of the way should the user so desire. Also attached to top surface 30 a personal electronics pocket 40 may be placed in which the user may securely hold portable electronic devices, including but not limited to cellphones, personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), and music players such as those marketed by Apple, Inc. under the trademark ipod®. Pocket 40 is preferably laterally and longitudinally spaced from rest 38 to maximize access and be close enough to the user's head to allow for the use of earphones. The cover 10 may be additionally be provided with first and second utility pockets 42, 44, respectively, to hold such personal items as books, keys, sunglasses, suntan lotion, and a beverage container. One of said pockets may be specifically dimensioned to securely hold a magazine without folding. In order to prevent the utility pockets 42, 44 from sliding laterally when a heavy object such as a book or magazine is inserted, ties ______ are secured to the rear for selectively attaching the pocket to the side rail of the lounge chair.
The FIG. 2 shows the cover 10 in use, that is, secured to pad 12 when the pad 12 rests upon the lounge chair frame 13. In this position, the extension 24 a (not invisible) from head portion 24 is shown wrapped around upper pad end 18 a, and extension 26 a (not invisible) from foot portion 26 is shown wrapped around lower pad end 20 a. As described hereinabove, the sheet 22 extends under the pad 12 several inches at the upper and lower pad ends. Thus, in the position shown, one extension 24 a of the sheet 22 resides between the pad upper portion 18 and the adjustable back/head portion 16 of frame 13, while another extension 26 a of the sheet 22 resides between the lower pad portion 20 and the seat/foot portion 14 of frame 13. Releasable securing devices 48, 50 are schematically shown as associated with fasteners 34 b, 36 b and with 34 d, 36 d, respectively, to adjustably connect the first and second fasteners to one another so that the cover 10 can be secured to pads of varying thicknesses. See FIGS. 5A-C. Also shown in FIG. 2, the second utility pocket set 44 is shown hanging downwardly over the side of the lounge chair frame 13. Likewise, though not shown in FIG. 2, first utility pocket set 42 hangs downwardly over the opposite side of the lounge chair frame 13. In this manner, the user is provided with convenient access to a variety of personal items that can be held within the pockets of sets 42, 44.
The releasable securing devices 48, 50 shown in FIG. 2 may take several forms. For example, with reference to releasable securing device 48 as a representative securing device (meaning that the releasable securing devices for the other fasteners of the cover 10 are constructed identically to releasable securing device 48). FIG. 4A shows one example of the releasable securing device 48 schematically shown in FIG. 2. Here, a female clip member 56 is fixed to an end of second fastener (strap) 36 b opposite its attachment to side edge 22 b of sheet 22. An attachment assembly, which may be used to connect the first fastener (strap) to the side edge 22 b, comprises an attaching strap 62 directly attached to side edge 22 b at one end and at another end to one leg 64 a of a ring 64. An end of the first strap 34 b is looped around the other leg 64 b of ring 64 and is joined to a length adjustment buckle 60. In this manner, the effective length of first fastener (strap) 34 b may be adjusted according to the thickness of pad 12. Fixed to an end of first strap 34 b opposite ring 64 is a male clip member 58, the prongs 58 a of which engage the female clip member 56 in a manner known in the art. Such engagement comprises the releasable securing device 48′ associated with this particular embodiment. It is not material to the invention as to which strap is provided with the adjustment configuration, nor as to which strap is provided a male or female clip member.
FIG. 4B shows portions of the first and second fasteners 34 b, 36 b (again, shown here as straps) being provided with Velcro® fabric. Specifically, one end of first fastener (strap) 34 b has a region of hook members 52, and one end of second fastener (strap) 36 b has a region of loop members 54, such that releasable securing device 48 in this instance comprises the junction of regions 52 and 54 when those regions are pressed against one another. Preferably, one region is longer than the other, so that the user can determine the lengthwise position at which the junction occurs, in other words, control the length of the overlap between those regions in the joined position, thereby effecting an adjustment of the total length of the first and second fasteners extending across the thickness of the pad 12 when in the position shown in FIG. 2. Such adjustment allows the cover 10 to be adjusted to pads of varying thicknesses. It is noted briefly that it is not material to the invention as to which strap bears which type of region, such that it need not be restricted to the particular arrangement shown in FIG. 4B.
FIGS. 4C and 6 show a cover 210 constructed in accordance with a second embodiment, similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-3, except showing a different type of releasable securing device provided on the ends of the straps, and a plurality of openings formed along each side of the sheet at the head portion and front portion. Straps in the form of cords 74, 76, 78, and 80 extend laterally from, and are attached at proximal ends thereof, to each side 222 a, 222 b of the sheet 222 proximate opposing ends 222 c, 222 d of the sheet. Respectively attached to the distal, free ends of the cords 74, 76, 78, 80 are button or T- bar members 82, 84, 86, and 88, which are each preferably shaped as cylinders although any shape that can hold the cover in place would also suffice. A plurality of openings 90 a-d, 92 a-d, 94 a-d, and 96 a-d are formed into the sheet 222 and are longitudinally positioned along each side of the head portion 224 and the foot portion 226 for receiving the cords 74, 76, 78, 80, particularly the button members 82, 84, 86, and 88 thereof.
FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the third embodiment. The ends of the illustrated cords 76 and 80, bearing respective T- bars 84 and 88, are threaded through corresponding openings and then secured to adjustably secure the cover 210 to the pad 12. The user may select which openings receive the cords 76 and 80, depending upon the thickness of the pad 12 (see FIG. 4C). For example, button or T-bar member 88 is shown as having been pressed through opening 96 b. T-bar member 88 may be rotated after such passing if doing so provides a further securing against the button being unintentionally pulled back through opening 96 b when in use. For instance, if member 88 is cylindrical in shape and opening 96 b is a slit, rotating the member 88 so that the axis of the cylinder shape is substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the slit 96 b would serve to resist disengagement of the member 88 from that opening. To facilitate a snug attachment of cover 210 on pad 12, the cords themselves may either be adjustable in length or may be constructed of an elastic material.
The foregoing description of the invention illustrates and describes the present invention. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the invention, but it is to be understood that the invention is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art.

Claims

1. A cover for the pad of a chaise of the type that includes a frame with a selectively positionable back/head rest, a seat/foot rest, and a removable pad, the cover lounge, comprising:

an elongated generally rectangular fabric sheet having a head portion, a foot portion, an intermediate portion extending between the head and foot portions, a top surface, a bottom surface, sides, and opposing ends, the head portion and foot portions each having an extension that extends around the corresponding end of the pad and back beneath the pad for a distance;

a fastener device connecting each side of the sheet proximate an end of the sheet at least at one end of the head portion and foot portion to the corresponding edge of the extension; and

the fastener including a releasable securing device;

the fastener devices being so constructed and arranged as to retain the sheet on the pad regardless of the pad thickness.

2. The cover as in claim 1, wherein:

the fastener device comprises first fastener straps extending laterally from each side of the sheet proximate the opposing ends and second fastener straps spaced longitudinally from the first fasteners, the second fasteners also extending laterally from each edge of the corresponding extension;

the releasable securing device releasably connecting each first fastener strap to its corresponding second fastener strap; and

whereby the first and second fasteners are adjustably connected to one another so that the cover can be secured to pads of varying thicknesses.

3. The cover as in claim 1, wherein the fabric is a terry cloth.

4. The cover as in claim 2, wherein:

one set of first and second fastener straps extend laterally from each side of the sheet at the head portion; and

another set of first and second fastener straps extends laterally from each side of the sheet at the foot portion.

5. The cover as in claim 1, further comprising a rest attached to at least one of the head or foot portions.

6. The cover as in claim 1, further comprising a utility pocket attached to a side of the intermediate portion, the pocket being provided with at least one tie to selectively attach the pocket to the frame of the chaise.

7. The cover as in claim 1, further comprising a personal electronics pocket on the top surface of the sheet.

8. The cover as in claim 2, wherein the releasable securing device comprises a junction of a region of hook members on one fastener with a region of loop members on the other fastener.

9. The cover as in claim 2, wherein the releasable securing device comprises a female clip member fixed to one strap, a male clip member fixed to another strap, and a strap length adjustment buckle on one of the straps.

10. The cover as in claim 10, wherein:

the fastener comprises at least one of the head and foot portions including a plurality of spaced openings along each side thereof proximate the corresponding end;

a cord secured at one end to the corresponding edge of the extension and having a connector element on the free end thereof;

whereby the connector element is extended through a selected one of the plurality of spaced openings in the side above to retain the cover on the pad.

11. The cover as in claim 10, wherein at least two openings are longitudinally positioned along each side of the head portion and the foot portion, whereby the user may select which openings receive the connector or element, depending upon the thickness of the pad.

12. The cover as in claim 1, wherein the fastener devices are so arranged as to maintain tension on the fastener devices regardless of the pad thickness.

13. A cover for the pad of a chaise lounge of the type that includes a frame with a selectively positionable back/head rest and a removable pad, the cover comprising:

an elongated, generally rectangular sheet having a head portion, a foot portion, an intermediate portion extending between the head and foot portions, sides, and opposing ends, the head and foot portions each having an extension that extends around the corresponding end of the pad and back beneath the pad for a distance;

a first fastener strap extending laterally from each side of the sheet proximate each of the opposing ends of the sheet;

a second fastener strap spaced longitudinally from the first fastener, the second fastener extending laterally from each side of each of the extensions;

means for releasably securing the fasteners to one another when at least one of the head or foot portions is wrapped around a pad end, whereby the cover can be secured to pads of various thicknesses.

14. The cover as in claim 13, wherein the fastener straps are so arranged as to maintain tension on the fastener devices regardless of the pad thickness.

15. The cover as in claim 13, further comprising a rest attached to at least one of the head or foot portions.

16. The cover as in claim 13, further comprising a utility pocket attached to a side of the intermediate portion, the pocket being provided with at least one tie to selectively attach the pocket to the frame of the chaise.

17. The cover as in claim 13, further comprising a personal electronics pocket on the top surface of the sheet.

18. A chaise lounge assembly, comprising:

a frame having a seat/foot portion and a selectively adjustable back/head portion;

a pad that removably rests on and substantially covers the seat/foot and back/head portions of the frame, the pad having an upper portion terminating in an upper pad end and a lower portion terminating in a lower pad end; and

a removable cover for the pad comprising:

(a) an elongated, generally rectangular fabric member having opposed sides, an intermediate portion, a head portion with an extension that folds over the upper pad end and beneath the upper portion of the pad, and a foot portion with an extension that folds over the lower pad end beneath the lower portion of the pad, the fabric member being of sufficient length to extend the full length of the pad, down across the ends of the pad, and under the pad a prescribed distance at the upper and lower pad ends, regardless of the thickness of the pad;

(b) a first set of fastening straps extending laterally from the opposed sides at the head portion and a second set of fastening straps longitudinally spaced from the first set, the second set of straps extending laterally from the opposed sides of the extension of the head portion;

(i) the distance between and the length of the fastening straps making up the first and second sets on each side of the fabric member being sufficient to allow for attachment to each other regardless of the thickness of the pad;

(ii) the fastening straps of each of the first and second sets being releasably connectable to each other to hold the fabric member on the upper end of the pad;

(c) a third set of fastening straps extending laterally from the opposed sides at the foot portion and a fourth set of fastening straps spaced longitudinally from the third set, the fourth set of straps extending laterally from opposed sides of the extension of the foot portion;

(i) the distance between and the length of fastening straps making up the third and fourth sets on each side of the fabric member being sufficient to allow for attachment to each other regardless of the thickness of the pad;

(ii) the fastening straps of the third and fourth sets being releasably connectable to each other to hold the fabric member on the lower end of the pad;

(d) whereby the same cover may be used on a various pad thicknesses.

19. The chaise lounge as in claim 18, wherein the fastener straps are so arranged as to maintain tension on the fastener devices regardless of the pad thickness.

20. A chaise lounge pad assembly for chaise lounges of the type that includes a frame with a seat/foot portion and a selectively positionable back/head portion, the assembly comprising:

a pad having an upper portion terminating in an upper pad end and a lower portion terminating in a lower pad end; and

a removable cover for the pad comprising:

(a) an elongated, generally rectangular fabric member having opposed sides, an intermediate portion, a head portion with an extension that folds over the upper pad end and beneath the upper portion of the pad, and a foot portion with an extension that folds over the lower pad end beneath the lower portion of the pad, the fabric member being of sufficient length to extend the full length of the pad, down across the ends of the pad, and back under the pad a prescribed distance at the upper and lower pad ends, regardless of the thickness of the pad;

(c) a third set of fastening straps extending laterally from the opposed sides at the foot portion and a fourth set of fastening straps spaced longitudinally from opposed sides of the extension of the third set, the fourth set of straps extending laterally from the foot portion;

whereby the same cover may be used on a various pad thicknesses.

21. The chaise lounge pad assembly of claim 20, wherein the fastener straps are so arranged as to maintain tension on the fastener devices regardless of the pad thickness.