CA2816228A1

CA2816228A1 - Portable thermal seat cover

Info

Publication number: CA2816228A1
Application number: CA2816228A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Scott C. Mullin; Laurie L. Mullin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-07-07
Filing date: 2013-05-16
Publication date: 2014-01-07
Also published as: US20140008949A1

Abstract

A portable seat cover that retains a user's thermal energy, and reemits the thermal energy back to the user to negate the need for a thermal energy source. The seat cover overlays an outdoor chair or bench through a pair of flaps that join together. The seat cover include a panel of insulation that has suficient heat capacity to retain the user's thermal energy, and reemit the thermal energy from the thermal cover back onto the user.
The insulation positions inside an external cover, and is comprised of two layers of double bubble polyethylene sandwiched between a metalized aluminum film. The insulation may include an aluminum lightweight, space age design that integrates closed cell foam and reflective technology with a protective poly coating within multiple thin layers. The seat cover is rolled up into a cylindrical shape with elastic bands that attach to the ends of the seat cover.

Description

Docket No. MULINO1 PATENT APPLICATION
PORTABLE THERMAL SEAT COVER
INVENTORS:
Laurie Mullin 36 Vista Place SE
Medicine, Hat, Alberta T1B4V4 Citizenship - Canadian Scott Mullin 36 Vista Place SE
Medicine, Hat, Alberta T1B4V4 Citizenship - Canadian Portable Thermal Seat Cover by Laurie Mullin and Scott Mullin FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0001] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING
APPENDIX

[0002] Not applicable.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE

[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to seat covers.
More particularly, one or more embodiments of the invention relate to insulated seat covers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

[0006] The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that a cushion is a soft bag of some ornamental material, stuffed with wool, hair, feathers, polyester staple fiber, non-woven material, or even paper torn into fragments.
It may be used for sitting or kneeling upon, or to soften the hardness or angularity of a chair or couch. Cushions and rugs can be used temporarily outside, to soften a hard ground. They can be placed on sun loungers and used to prevent annoyances from moist grass and biting insects.

[0007] Typically, thermal insulation is the reduction of heat transfer between objects in thermal contact or in range of radiative influence. Heat transfer is the transfer of thermal energy between objects of differing temperature. The means to stem heat flow may be especially engineered methods or processes, as well as suitable static objects and materials. Insulating a seat cushion to retain thermal energy may involve combining a cushion with an insulator.

[0008] In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary thermal cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary insulation portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary thermal cover joined with a mounting surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary thermal cover in a rolled up position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and [0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary thermal cover positioned overtop the mounting surface, with two mounting fasteners joining, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] an exemplary thermal cover positioned underneath a standard seat cover with a mounting fastener being used for attachment to the mounting surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention are best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

[0018] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

[0019] It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "an element" is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to "a step" or "a means" is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word "or" should be understood as having the definition of a logical "or" rather than that of a logical "exclusive or"
unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0020] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention.
Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0021] From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

[0022] Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

[0023] Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.

[0024] References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "example embodiment," "various embodiments," etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase "in one embodiment," or "in an exemplary embodiment," do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

[0025] As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

[0026] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of the foregoing steps may be suitably replaced, reordered, removed and additional steps may be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular application. Moreover, the prescribed method steps of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented using any physical and/or hardware system that those skilled in the art will readily know is suitable in light of the foregoing teachings. For any method steps described in the present application that can be carried out on a computing machine, a typical computer system can, when appropriately configured or designed, serve as a computer system in which those aspects of the invention may be embodied. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any particular tangible means of implementation.

[0027] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0028] There are various types of portable thermal seat covers that may be provided by preferred embodiments of the present invention. For example, without limitation, a thermal cover 100 may provide a portable seat cover that retains a user's thermal energy, and reemits the thermal energy back to the user to negate the need for a thermal energy source. The thermal cover may be positioned on a mounting surface, including without limitation, a chair, a bleacher, a sofa, a couch, a yard chair, the ground, and the like. The thermal cover may secure onto the mounting surface through at least one mounting fastener, including, without limitation, straps, Velcro, snap-buttoons, adhesives, and the like. However, in other embodiments, the seat cover may not join with the mounting surface, but rest loosely on the mounting surface. The thermal cover may include an insulation portion having suficient heat capacity to retain the user's thermal energy, and reemit the thermal energy from the thermal cover onto the user. In some embodiments, the insulation's capacity to reemit thermal energy negates the need for a thermal energy source, including, without limitation, a heat pack, a battery, and a thermal gel solution. In some embodiments, the insulation portion may include a metalized film, including without limitation, double bubble polyethylene aluminum. An alternate embodiment for the type of metal utilized in the polyethylene aluminum may include, without limitation, nickel and chromium. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that double bubble polyethylene aluminum may include an aluminum lightweight, space age design that integrates closed cell foam and reflective technology with a protective poly coating within multiple thin layers. The durable poly coating may protect the insulating material from potentially damaging surfaces and may be impermeable to moisture. The physical characteristics and overall design of the double bubble polyethylene make it a very effective product for insulating, retaining thermal energy from the user, and reemitting the thermal energy from the seat cover.
In some embodiments, the insulation may be sewn into the seat cover. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that padding may surround the aluminum insulation to provide enhanced comfort for a user. The padding may include, without limitation, a 1" foam pad, feathers, cotton, polyester staple fiber, and non-woven material. An alternate embodiment of the present invention may include the seat cover being rolled up and secured in a cylindrical shape with elastic bands attached to the ends of the seat cover. However, in other embodiments, the seat cover may be secured with fasteners, including, without limitation, Velcro, snap-buttons, straps, and adhesives.
Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the thermal seat cover may be an affordable and efficient option to remain warm at outdoor or indoor events, including, without limitation, camping, picnic, BBQ, watching outdoor sports, watching television indoors, and sitting on bleacher seats.

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary thermal cover 100 laid flat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the thermal cover may provide a portable seat cover that retains a user's thermal energy, and reemits the thermal energy back to the user; thereby not requiring a thermal energy source. In some embodiments, the thermal cover may include an external cover 102 that surrounds an insulation portion 104. The external cover may include a multiplicity of fabric panels joined together to securely form a perimeter around the insulation portion. The insulation portion may be configured to fit snugly within the external cover. In some embodiments, a slit is available on one side of the external cover for facilitated removal of the insulation portion. In this manner, the external cover may be washed or filled with additional padding. In some embodiments, the slit may be secured into a closed position with fasteners, including, without limitation, Velcro, pins, snap-buttons, and adhesives. An alternate embodiment may include external covers fabricated from a material capable of being wiped clean, including, without limitation, nylon and plastic. In some embodiments, the nylon external cover may not require the slit, since the insulation portion does not necessitate removal to clean the external cover.

[0030] In some embodiments, suitable materials for fabrication of the external cover may include, without limitation, fabric, cotton, vinyl, polyester, plastic, and a permeable membrane. In some embodiments, the external cover may be joined with a combination of different materials. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the external cover may be comprised of a multiplicity of panels sewn together with a four-thread method to provide strength and durability. In some embodiments, after the front and back sections of the external cover are sewn together, a bias tape may be applied along the edge to provide a more polished look.
However, in other embodiments, the multiplicity of panels may be assembled with other fasteners, including, without limitation, adhesives, staples, and tied knots.
In some embodiments, the back section of the external cover may include two extending flaps of material that overlap to form at least one mounting fastener 108. In some embodiments each mounting fastener may be an adjustable flap used for joining the external cover to most types of recreational chairs and seats. In some embodiments, the external cover may also include at least one rollup fastener 110 sewn within the top of the bias tape to provide the user with a method of rolling up and securing the seat cover. An alternate embodiment may include a handle sewn within the bias tape on the top back top edge to facilitate easy carrying. In some embodiments, the external cover may include a plethora of colors and figures on the surface, or the user may custom tailor the design, including, without limitation, color, figures, logos, and texture. In some embodiments, padding may be incorporated inside the external cover, along with the insulation portion to provide additional padding. The padding may include, without limitation, a 1" foam pad, cotton, feathers, fabric, and the like.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary insulation portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments the insulation portion may have suficient heat capacity to retain the user's thermal energy, and remit the thermal energy from the seat cover back onto the user. The insulation portion may utilize insulating properties of the external cover to create a more efficient thernmal effect. In some embodiments, the insulation portion may include a metalized film 105 for providing a reflective silver surface similar to aluminum foil.
In some embodiments, the metalized film may include, without limitation, double bubble polyethylene aluminum. An alternate embodiment for the type of metal utilized may include, without limitation, nickel and chromium. The metal film may also reduce the permeability of the metal film to light, water and oxygen. The properties of the metal film include without limitations, higher toughness, the ability to be heat sealed, and a lower density at a lower cost than an aluminum foil. The insulation portion may also include an insulator 106 that is sandwiched between two layers of the metal film. The insulator may be used to reduce the rate of heat transfer within the insulation portion. The insulator may include, without limitation, two layers of polyethylene bubbles sandwiched between the metalized film, fiberglass, foam, cotton, fibers, silicone, and polyurethane foam. For example, without limitation, the insulator may include two layers of polyethylene bubbles sandwiched between radial foil. In some embodiments, the insulation's capacity to reemit thermal energy negates the need for a thermal energy source, including, without limitation, a heat pack, a battery, and a gel. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that double bubble polyethylene aluminum may include an aluminum lightweight, space age design that integrates reflective technology with a protective poly coating to enclose multiple thin layers of polyethylene bubbles. The durable poly coating may protect the insulating material from potentially damaging surfaces and may be impermeable to moisture. The physical characteristics and overall design of the double bubble polyethylene make it a very effective product for insulating, retaining thermal energy from the user, and reemitting the thermal energy from the seat cover. In some embodiments, the insulation may be sewn into the seat cover.
Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that padding may surround the aluminum insulation to provide enhanced comfort for a user.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary thermal cover joined with a mounting surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the thermal cover fits over a mounting surface 112, including, without limitation, a seat, a chair, a sofa, a lawn chair, a beach chair, and the like. In some embodiments, the thermal cover may be sufficiently sized and dimensioned to engage with the user's buttocks and complete back side. The thermal cover may attach to the mounting surface with at least one mounting fastener that joins with the seat cover.
The at least one mounting fastener may be fabricated from the same material as the external cover, and may be an extension of the external cover. In this manner, unsightly and extraneous straps and ties may be avoided.

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary thermal cover in a rolled up position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the thermal cover may roll up into a cylindrical shape neatly for storage and portability. However, in other embodiments, the thermal cover may fold into various shapes, or crumple into a ball for storage. In some embodiments, after the thermal cover is rolled up, rollup fasteners may secure the thermal cover in the cylindrial shape with elastic bands attached to the ends of the thermal cover. However, in other embodiments, the thermal cover may be secured with fasteners, including, without limitation, Velcro, snap-buttons, straps, and adhesives.

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary thermal cover positioned overtop the mounting surface, with two mounting fasteners joining, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the thermal cover may position underneath a primary seat cover. In some embodiments, the thermal cover may be placed underneath a blanket to extend the thermal comfort over a larger area, and enhance the thermal effect. In some embodiments, the thermal cover may not include a seat cover, but rather, only an insulation portion. In some embodiments, the insulation portion may not attach to a mounting surface, yet still provide thermal comfort.
In some embodiments, the insulation portion may be positioned onto the ground, without an external cover. An alternate embodiment may include the thermal portion being sewn directly into a chair, without the external cover. In some embodiments, the external cover with the padding inside may be utilized without the insulation portion for providing an aesthetic design.

[0035] In one alternative embodiment, the external cover may be waterproof.
The multiplicity of panels may be joined so that moisture does not enter the thermal cover.
The external cover may also be fabricated from a waterproof material. In one alternative embodiment, the thermal cover may be configured to conform to different body parts other than the buttocks and back, including, without limitation, neck, leg, feet, and arms.

[0036] All the features or embodiment components disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, unless expressly stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features or components serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose as known by those skilled in the art to achieve the same, equivalent, suitable, or similar results by such alternative feature(s) or component(s) providing a similar function by virtue of their having known suitable properties for the intended purpose. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent, or suitable, or similar features known or knowable to those skilled in the art without requiring undue experimentation.

[0037] Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing a portable seat cover that retains a user's thermal energy, and reemits the thermal energy back to the user;
thereby not requiring a thermal energy source according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the portable seat cover that retains a user's thermal energy, and reemits the thermal energy back to the user; thereby not requiring a thermal energy source may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the portable seat cover that retains a user's thermal energy, and remits the thermal energy back to the user; thereby not requiring a thermal energy source described in the foregoing were principally directed to seat cover implementations; however, similar techniques may instead be applied to providing thermal energy in a bed, including a baby crib, which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.

[0038] Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

Claims

1. A thermal cover comprising:
an external cover, said external cover being configured to overlay a mounting surface;
an insulation portion, said insulation portion comprising a metalized film, said insulation portion further comprising an insulator;
at least one mounting fastener, said at least one mounting fastener being configured to join said thermal cover with said mounting surface; and at least one rollup fastener, said at least one rollup fastener being configured to secure said thermal cover in a rolled position.

2. The thermal cover of claim 1, in which said insulation portion comprises said insulator sandwiched between two layers of said metalized film.

3. The thermal cover of claim 2, in which said insulator comprises a multiplicity of layers of polyethylene bubbles.

4. The thermal cover of claim 3, in which said metalized film comprises aluminum.

5. The thermal cover of claim 4, wherein said insulator portion utilizes radiant heat to provide warmth throughout said thermal cover.

6. The thermal cover of claim 5, in which said external cover comprises a slit, said slit being configured to provide access to an inside portion of said external cover.

7. The thermal cover of claim 6, wherein said slit secures into a closed position with a fastener.

8. The thermal cover of claim 7, in which said external cover comprises a padding positioned inside said external cover.

9. The thermal cover of claim 8, wherein said padding is configured to rest adjacent to said insulation portion.

10. The thermal cover of claim 9, in which said padding comprises a foam panel.

11. The thermal cover of claim 10, in which said at least one mounting fastener comprises at least one adjustable flap used for joining said external cover to said mounting surface.

12. The thermal cover of claim 11, in which said at least one adjustable flap comprises two fabric panels that join with a fastener.

13. The thermal cover of claim 12, wherein said at least one mounting fastener is fabricated from the same material as said external cover.

14. The thermal cover of claim 13, wherein said at least one mounting fastener is configured as an extension of said external cover.

15. The thermal cover of claim 14, in which said at least one rollup fastener comprises two fabric panels that join with a fastener.

16. The thermal cover of claim 15, wherein said at least one rollup fastener is configured to be sewn within the top portion of a bias tape roll up and secure said thermal cover.

17. The thermal cover of claim 16, wherein said at least one rollup fastener being fabricated from the same material as said external cover.

18. The thermal cover of claim 17, wherein said at least one rollup fastener is configured as an extension of said external cover.

19. A thermal cover comprising:
means for unrolling said thermal cover from a rolled up position;
means for positioning said thermal cover onto a mounting surface;
means for securing said thermal cover onto said mounting surface with at least one mounting fastener; and means for retaining thermal energy in an insulation portion.

20. A thermal cover consisting of:
an external cover, said external cover being configured to overlay a mounting surface, said external cover comprising a slit, said slit being configured to provide access to an inside portion of said external cover, said external cover further comprising a padding, said padding being positioned inside said external cover;
an insulation portion, said insulation portion comprising a metalized film, said insulation portion further comprising an insulator, said insulation portion being configured to sandwich said insulator between two layers of said metalized film;
at least one mounting fastener, said at least one mounting fastener being configured to join said thermal cover with said mounting surface, said at least one mounting fastener comprising at least one adjustable flap, said at least one adjustable flap being operable to join said external cover to said mounting surface; and at least one rollup fastener, said at least one rollup fastener being configured to secure said thermal cover in a rolled position, said at least one rollup fastener comprising at least one fabric panel that join with a fastener.