AU2010201741B2

AU2010201741B2 - A cushion

Info

Publication number: AU2010201741B2
Application number: AU2010201741A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mark Palmarini
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-07-02
Filing date: 2010-04-30
Publication date: 2011-09-15
Anticipated expiration: 2025-07-01
Also published as: AU2010201741A1; AU2005202896B2; AU2005202896A1

Abstract

A cushion including a cover and a mattress, the cover being shaped to receive and secure the mattress therein; and the mattress being resiliently compressible for arrangement within the cover. C.\NRPortbl\DCC\KXM\2913505_l.DOC - 29/4/10 24 Figure 3 Figure 4

Description

Australian Patents Act 1990 - Regulation 3.2 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title "A cushion" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: P/00/0II A CUSHION The disclosure of the complete specification of Australian Patent Application No. 2005202896, as originally filed, is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cushion which includes a cover and a mattress which is held in the cover in a collapsed condition. Background of the Invention Furniture items and the like which have the versatility to be able to accommodate people for both sitting and sleeping are popular, especially in living areas of dwellings having a limited number of bedrooms, such as apartments. A common example is the well-known "sofa-bed". the configuration of which can be altered from that of a sofa to that of a bed. Sofa-beds generally are heavy and must be located at a specific position in a room, such as against a wall. Furniture items such as these, because it is typically impractical, if not impossible, to move them, may necessitate compromises in the layout of a room so that there is sufficient space for them to be reconfigured from a sofa to a bed. Moreover, comfort or aesthetic requirements may be such that something other than a sofa is preferable for seating purposes. Summary of the Invention According to a lirst aspect of the present invention. there is provided a cushion comprising a cover and a mattress which is held within the cover and retained in a collapsed condition by the cover so as to decline filling of' the cushion, whereby the cushion is useable in the manner of' a beanbag, wherein the mattress is releasable from the cover to be expanded for use to support a person lying thereon. The mattress is preferably of a standard bed mattress size, e.g. a single-, double-, queen- or king-sized mattress. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the mattress resiliently bears against an C \NRI'o bl\DCC\MMU74126_ IDOC - 1217/11 -2 interior surface of the cover when secured therein and thereby resiliently supports the cover in an expanded condition of use, and cushion is adapted to support the weight ofa person. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mattress resiliently bears against an interior surface of" the cover when secured therein and thereby resiliently supports the cover in an expanded condition of use. The mattress may include a Filling which comprises resiliently compressible pieces of material which can move with respect to each other. According to a second aspect of' the present invention, there) is provided a method of assembling a cushion which accords with any one of' the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: (1) doubling the mattress over about an axis to bring opposed portions of' the mattress together; (2) with the cover in an opened condition, effecting receipt. by the cover, of a section of' the doubled-over mattress which is frontward in a direction along the axis ("the front section"); (3) effecting receipt, by the cover, of'a remainder of the mattress; and (4) closing the cover. Preferably, step (3) comprises doubling the doubled-over mattress over about a further axis which extends transverse to said axis ("the first axis") such that a section thereof' which is rearward in the direction along the first axis ("the rear section") overlies the front section. In one preferred embodiment of' the invention. the mattress is rectangular and the method comprises: (a) folding the mattress so that diagonally opposite first and second corners thereof overlay one another; (b) inserting one of the other two corners of the mattress into the cover; and (c) folding the mattress so that the remaining portion of the mattress is located inside the cover. C \NRI hbl\DC;C\A7.M0744260 _ I DOC - 12/7/11 I1 In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises: (a) folding the mattress so that its shape is substantially rectangular; (b) inserting one end of the folded mattress into the cover through an opening therein: and (c) inserting the remaining portion of the mattress into the cover through said opening. The mattress may comprise a loose-Fill material killing, which confers pliability to the mattress and may facilitate placement of the mattress into the cover. The filling may instead comprise a fibrous material or fabric, which may be a synthetic polyester fabric, such as Dacron. Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereafter described, by way of non limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a plan view of a cushion; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of a side view of the cushion shown in Figure 1 arranged in a condition of use: Figure 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of a side view a cushion shown in Figure I arranged in another condition of use; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of a side view of a cover of the cushion shown in Figures I to 3; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of a plan view of a mattress of the cushion shown in Figures 1 to 3; Figure 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of a side view of the mattress shown in Figure 5: Figure 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of a plan view of the mattress shown in Figures 5 and 6 arranged in another condition of use; Figure 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of a plan view of the mattress shown in Figures 5 and 6 arranged in yet another condition of use; C DOC - 12/7/11 -4 Figure 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of a plan view of the cushion shown in Figures 1 to 3 arranged in yet another condition of use; Figure 10 is a diagrammatic illustration of a plan view of the cushion shown in Figures I to 3 arranged in yet another condition of use; Figure I I is a diagrammatic illustration of' a plan view of the cushion shown in Figures I to 3 arranged in yet another condition of use; Figure 12 is a diagrammatic illustration of a plan view of the cushion shown in Figures I to 3 arranged in yet another condition of use; FigTrIIc 13 is a diagrammatic illustration of a plan view of the mattress shown in Figures 5 and 6 arranged in another condition of use; Figure 14 is a diagrammatic illustration of' a plan view of' the mattress shown in Figures 5 and 6 arranged in yet another condition of use; Figure 15 is a diagrammatic illustration of the cushion shown in Figure I to 3 arranged in one condition of'assembly; Figure 16 is a diagrammatic illustration of the cushion shown in Figure 1 to 3 arranged in yet another condition of assembly; Figure 17 is a diagrammatic illustration of a plan view of the cushion shown in Figures I to 3 arranged in yet another condition of'assembly; and Figure 18 is a diagrammatic illustration of' a plan view of' the cushion shown in Figures I to 3 arranged in final condition of assembly. Detailed description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention The cushion 10 shown in Figures I and 2 is a furniture item that can be used in a similar manner to a beanbag. The cushion 10 is shaped to receive a body portion of a person and is resiliently compressible so as to support the weight of the person in a position suspended over a floor surface on which the cushion 10 is located. The cushion 10 includes a cover 12 and a mattress 14 as shown in Figure 3. The mattress 14 is resiliently compressible and the cover 14 is shaped to receive and secure the mattress 14 therein. C \NRIolbI\Di)CC\AZn\3744260_ I DOC- t2/7/1) The cover 12 shown in Figure 4 includes a cylindrical wall 20 closed at both ends by top and bottom faces 16, 18. The cover 12 is made of a flexible material and the shape of the 10 cushion is dependent on the manner in which the resiliently compressible mattress bears against inner surfaces of the cover 12. For example, when the mattress 14 is arranged within the cover 12, the sidewall 20 of the cover 12 is generally cylindrical in shape. However, when the mattress 14 is removed from the cover 12, the wall 20 is in a collapsed state. The cover 12 is preferably made of suede or leather. The cover 12 is also preferably made of a material that is suitable for outdoor use of the cushion 10. The cover 12 is preferably durable and waterproof, or water resistant, for outdoor use. The cover 12 includes an opening 22 through which the mattress 14 can be inserted into, or withdrawn from, the cover 12. The opening 22 extends laterally around the periphery of the wall 20. The opening 22 is large enough to allow the mattress 14 to be inserted into, or withdrawn from, the cover 12. The opening 22 includes a zipper 24 arranged along the extent of the opening 22. The zipper 24 is used to open and close the opening 22. The mattress 14 is secured within the cover 12 when the zipper 24 has closed the opening 22. It would be understood by those skilled in the relevant art that the opening 22 could be opened and closed by any other suitable means. The opening 22 can alternatively be located at abutting portions of the top face 16 and the wall 20 of the cushion 10. Alternatively, the opening 22 is formed between adjacent portions of' the bottom face 18 and the sidewall 20 of the cushion 10. The opening 22 can alternatively be located in any suitable position on the cover 12 and can be of any suitable shape. The mattress 14 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is of a suitable size to accommodate the length and width of'a person. The mattress 14 is resiliently compressible so as to support the weight of a person. The mattress 14 is suitable for use as a bed. The mattress 14 includes a cover 26 that is filled with resiliently compressible shredded foam pieces (not shown). The resiliently compressible shredded foam pieces can move with respect to each other within the cover 26. The shredded foam pieces are loosely packed within the cover 12. The shredded foam pieces may be, for example, shredded polyurethane, or polypropylene, foam pieces. The shredded C- NR'lh\DCCI'\%.U 174 60 1 DOC - 12/7/11 -6 foam pieces are preferably made of Dacron synthetic polyester. The covcr 26 can be filled with polyester fibre, for example. The cover 26 can alternatively be filled with wool, fabric pieces or any other suitable material that permits deformation of the mattress for arrangement within the cover 12. The mattress 14 can be deformed for insertion into the cover 12 as a result of the cover 26 being provided with a pliable filling. In one example of the cushion 10, the mattress 14 is a queen-sized mattress 14 Filled with 14 kilograms of shredded polyurethane foam pieces. Alternatively, the mattress 14 is filled with 9 kilograms of 6 denier fibre crumbed foam. The mattress 14 preferably includes an inner cover (not shown) that encases the shredded foam pieces. The inner cover is preferably made of nylon or polypropylene. The shredded foam pieces are preferably, 6 denier fibre crumbed foam. The cover 26 is made of' a woven fabric that is a blend of 50% polyester and 50% cotton. The cover 26 is. alternatively, made of microfibre; polyester fibre; or double knit polyester fibre. It would be understood by those skilled in the relevant art that the cover 26 could alternatively be made of any one of a number of suitable types of fabric. The cover 26 can be made of a material that reduces creasing or wrinkling. The cover is made of double knit polyester, for example. Further, the cover 26 is preferably machine washable. In one example of the invention, the cushion 10 has a diameter of 48 inches; weighs 13.5 kilograms. The mattress 14 is 72 inches wide; 80 inches long and 10 inches thick. The mattress 14 can be arranged within the cover 12 by performing the following steps: 1. Opening the zipper 26 of the cover 12. Folding the mattress 14 in the manner shown in Figure 7 so that a first corner 28 of the mattress 14 overlies a second corner 30 of the mattress 14 that is diagonally opposite the first corner 28. The resultant shape of the mattress 14 is generally triangular, as shown in Figure 8. C \NRiobl\)CC\AZM\3744260_.DO(: - 12/7/1 I -7 3. Inserting a first corner 32 of' the generally triangular mattress 14 into the cover 12 through the opening 22, in the manner shown in Figure 9, until the apex 34 of the generally triangular mattress 14 draws close to the opening 22. 4. Rotating the generally triangular mattress 14 in the manner shown in Figure 10 so that the apex 34 and the first corner 32 of the generally triangular mattress 14 is located inside the cover 12. 5. Folding the mattress 14 in the manner shown in Figure I I so that a second corner 36 of the generally triangular mattress 14 overlies the First corner 32 of the generally triangular mattress 14. The resultant shape of the mattress 14 is once again generally triangular and the mattress is largely located inside the cover 12, as shown in Figure 12. 6. Tucking the mattress 14 into the cover 12 and using the zipper 24 to close the opening 22. The mattress 14 can be removed from the cover 12 by opening the zipper and pulling the mattress 14 through the opening 22. The cushion 10 can be formed in any shape, whereby the cover 12 can receive and secure the mattress 14 therein. The cushion 10 may be formed in the shape of a cube, for example. Alternatively, the mattress 14 can be arranged within the cover 12 by performing the following steps: 1. Opening the zipper 24 of the cover 12. 2. Folding the mattress 14 in half in the manner shown in Figure 13. The resultant shape of the mattress 14 is generally rectangular, as shown in Figure 14. 3. Arranging the cover 12 on a floor or ground surface (not shown) so that the zipper 26 is accessible from above the floor or ground surface. 4. Arranging a first end 40 of the mattress 14 so that it is adjacent the open zipper 24, as shown in Figure 15. 5. Inserting the first end 40 of' the mattress 14 into the cover 12 through the C 'NiRIab mAZ m ni I por . 12/mi i - 8 zipper 24, as shown in Figure 16. 6. Inserting the extent of the mattress 14 into the cover 12 by moving the mattress 14 in direction "X", as shown in Figure 17. 7. Using the zipper 24 to close the opening 22. The mattress 14 can be removed from the cover 12 by opening the zipper 24 and pulling the mattress 14 out through the opening 22. While we have shown and described specific embodiments of the present invention, further modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art. We desire it to be understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular forms shown and we intend in the append claims to cover all modifications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this invention. Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of' suggestion that the prior art forms part of' the common general knowledge in Australia. I '\lRI ,bl\D)CC\AM 74I2''I DOC - 12/7/1I

Claims

1. A cushion comprising a cover and a mattress which is held within the cover and retained in a collapsed condition by the cover so as to define filling of the cushion, whereby the cushion is useable in the manner of a beanbag, wherein the mattress is releasable from the cover to be expanded for use to support a person lying thereon.

2. A cushion according to claim 1, wherein the mattress is adapted to deform resiliently upon receipt of a body portion of a person by the cushion.

3. A cushion according to claim I or claim 2. wherein the mattress is of a standard bed mattress size.

4. A cushion according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mattress comprises a pliable filling whereby it can be placed into the collapsed condition.

5. A cushion according to claim 4, wherein the pliable filling comprises loose-fill material.

6. A cushion according to claim 5, wherein the loose-fill material is in the form of crumbs.

7. A cushion according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the pliable filling is fbam.

8. A cushion according to claim 4, wherein the pliable Filling comprises a fibrous material.

9. A cushion according to claim 8, wherein the fibrous material comprises polyester fibre.

10. A cushion according to claim 8, wherein the fibrous material comprises wool. C \NR Ptbl\DCC\AMI\37-11260 1.DOC - 12/7/11 - 10

11. A cushion according to claim 4, wherein the pliable filling comprises fabric pieces.

12. A cushion according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mattress is a futon mattress.

13. A cushion according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover can be opened out to faciliate removal of the mattress therefrom and replacement of the mattress therein.

14. A cushion according to claim 13, wherein the cover includes a closure which extends around the mattress, the closure being openable to permit separation of portions of the cover whereby the cover is opened out.

15. A cushion according to claim 14, wherein the closure extends around a generally upright axis.

16. A method of' assembling a cushion which accords with any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: (1) doubling the mattress over about an axis to bring opposed portions of the mattress together; (2) with the cover in an opened condition, effecting receipt, by the cover, of a section of the doubled-over mattress which is frontward in a direction along the axis ("the front section"); (3) effecting receipt, by the cover, of a remainder of the mattress; and (4) closing the cover.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein step (3) comprises doubling the doubled over mattress over about a further axis which extends transverse to said axis ("the first axis") such that a section thereof which is rearward in the direction along the first axis ("the rear section") overlies the front section. C:\NR'ohblCC\A7.M\374426 _ I DOC - 12/7/11 -11

18. A method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the mattress is rectangular and step (1) comprises bringing diametrically opposite corners of' the mattress adjacent each other.

19. A method according to claim 18 as appended to claim 17, wherein step (3) comprises bringing one of the other corners which is at the rear section adjacent the other of' the other corners which is at the front section.

20. A cushion according to any one of' claims I to 15, substantially as hercinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

21. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. C \NRIDIIl)CC\AMU74426f_ I I)OC - 12/7/11