US20150230617A1

US20150230617A1 - Cover for Outdoor Furniture

Info

Publication number: US20150230617A1
Application number: US14/183,481
Authority: US
Inventors: Frederick Yawe
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-02-18
Filing date: 2014-02-18
Publication date: 2015-08-20

Abstract

A cover for protecting cushions for outdoor furniture including a top cover including a top surface made of an impermeable material that extends over the top surface of a cushion to be protected, a flap that extends from the surface beyond the top surface of the cushion, and a plurality of attachment means secured around the perimeter of the top surface. The cover further including a bottom cover including a bottom surface that extends over the bottom surface of the cushion, and a plurality of attachment means corresponding in number and location with the plurality of the attachment means of the top cover secured around the perimeter of the bottom surface. The flap of the top cover overlaps the bottom cover when the top cover and bottom cover are attached by their respective attachment means.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/765,447, entitled “Cover for Outdoor Furniture,” filed Feb. 15, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Outdoor furniture can be damaged by various elements such as sunlight, rain, and dirt. In order to prevent damage to the furniture some users install protective covers. However, the covers are often bulky and can be an eyesore for the user. Further, removal of the covers, whether for seasonal use or a more limited time period, can be time consuming each time the furniture is needed for use.
Additionally, much of the popular outdoor furniture also uses removable cushions, which can be particularly susceptible to damage from the elements. However, should the user choose to remove the cushions when not in use to protect them, the user is subjected to the inconvenience of moving the cushions whenever they desire to use the furniture and must have access to sufficient and ready storage space for the cushions when not in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cover for outdoor furniture, and in particular a seat cushion cover, which protects outdoor furniture, and in particular cushions used with such outdoor furniture, from damage caused by the elements and that allow the user to quickly and easily enjoy the outdoor furniture.
The device preferably includes a waterproof cover secured to the exterior of a seat cushion with a clip and a universal base. The clip is attached to the base, and the cover is then attached to the clip and placed over the furniture. A user can detach the cover and roll back toward the base for sitting on the chair. Alternately, a disposable cover can be used, which can be detached from both ends and recycled. The device protects the seat cushions from dust, water and sun, while allowing quick and simple access to outdoor furniture when desired. The device eliminates any storage space requirement for the cover and also enables the user to easily roll back or remove during use.
To attain the above object, according to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a cover for protecting cushions for outdoor furniture including a top cover having a top surface that extends over the top surface of a cushion to be protected and made of an impermeable material, a flap that extends from the surface beyond the top surface of the cushion, and a plurality of attachment means secured around the perimeter of the top surface; and a bottom cover made of the impermeable material having a bottom surface that extends over the bottom surface of the cushion, and a plurality of attachment means secured around the perimeter of the bottom surface for attachment to the plurality of attachment means of the top cover. The plurality of attachment means of the bottom cover correspond in number and location with the plurality of the attachment means of the top cover, and the flap of the top cover overlaps the bottom cover when the top cover and bottom cover are attached by their respective pluralities of attachment means.
In a feature of the invention, the plurality of attachment means of the top surface include a strap with a fastening means on the distal end of the strap. Preferably, the strap is adjustable in length and the fastening means include one of a quick-release snap, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, buckles, and a snap button.
In another feature of the invention, the plurality of attachment means of the bottom surface include a strap with a fastening means on the distal end of the strap. Preferably, the strap is adjustable in length and the fastening means include one of a quick-release snap, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, buckles, and a snap button.
In a further feature of the invention, the impermeable material is a durable and impermeable fabric.
In yet another feature, the impermeable material is a disposable material for temporary use.
In a still further feature of the invention, the bottom cover further comprises an additional attachment means for attaching the bottom cover to the bottom surface of the cushion.
In another feature, the bottom cover further includes an additional attachment means for attaching the bottom cover to the article of furniture associated with the cushion.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a cover for protecting cushions for outdoor furniture including a top cover having a top surface that extends over the top surface of a cushion to be protected and made of an impermeable material, and a plurality of attachment means secured around the perimeter of the top surface; and a bottom cover made of the impermeable material having a bottom surface that extends over the bottom surface of the cushion, and a plurality of attachment means secured around the perimeter of the bottom surface for attachment to the plurality of attachment means of the top cover. The plurality of attachment means of the bottom cover correspond in number and location with the plurality of the attachment means of the top cover.
These and other exemplary features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other exemplary purposes, aspects and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the top cover of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the bottom cover of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the invention installed on outdoor furniture.

FIG. 5 shows the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4 with cushions in place.

FIG. 6 shows the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4 in an enclosed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, there are shown exemplary embodiments of the outdoor furniture cover according to the present invention.
FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary embodiment of the present invention covering outdoor furniture cushions. The device includes a top cover 10 and a bottom cover 30, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. The top cover 10 and bottom cover 30 are made of an impermeable and weatherproof material and are appropriately sized to accommodate a particular seat cushion. Preferably, the material is a durable and impermeable fabric that may include various designs to suit the user's preferences, such as to match or complement any design that may be present on the cushions or furniture. Alternately, the material may be a disposable material, such as polymer sheeting, that can be readily recycled for temporary use.
As shown in FIG. 1, the top cover 10 includes a primary surface 12 that extends over the top surface of the cushion to be protected and a flap 14 that extends beyond the top surface of the cushion. Depending on the material used for the top cover 10, the primary surface 12 and flap 16 may or may not be demarcated by a fold or crease 16. The top surface 10 further includes a plurality of attachment means 18 secured around the perimeter of the primary surface 12 for attachment to corresponding attachment means 34 of the bottom cover 30. The attachment means 18 preferably include a strap 20 with a fastening means 22 on its distal end. The strap 20 is preferably adjustable in length to allow for proper fit around a cushion and may be affixed to the primary surface 12 at its proximal end 24 via any suitable means, such as stitching, riveting, gluing, or any other known manner of attachment. Alternately, the straps 20 may be custom sized to fit particular cushions. The fastening means 22 may be any known detachable mechanical connector suitable for connecting the attachment means 18 of the top cover 10 with the attachment means 34 of the bottom cover 30. For example, the fastening means 22 may be a quick-release snap, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, buckles, snap buttons, etc.
As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom cover 30 includes a primary surface 32 that extends over the bottom surface of the cushion to be protected. Similar to the top surface 10, the bottom surface 30 also includes a plurality of attachment means 34 secured around the perimeter of the primary surface 32 corresponding in number and location to the attachment means 18 of the top cover 10. The attachment means 34 also preferably include a strap 36 with a fastening means 40 on its distal end. The strap 36 is preferably adjustable in length to allow for proper fit around a cushion and may be affixed to the primary surface 32 at its proximal end 38 via any suitable means, such as stitching, riveting, gluing, or any other known manner of attachment. Alternately, the straps 36 may be custom sized to fit particular cushions. The fastening means 40 may be any known detachable mechanical connector. Preferably, the fastening means 40 includes a corresponding element of the fastening means 22 of the top cover 10, such as, for example, corresponding male and female connectors of a snap.
Preferably, the bottom cover 30 further includes an additional attachment means 42 for attaching the bottom cover 30 to the bottom surface of the cushion and/or attaching the bottom cover 30 to the article of furniture associated with the cushion. The attachment means 42 may be any known detachable mechanical connector suitable for connecting the bottom cover 30 with furniture and/or cushion. For example, the attachment means 42 may be a quick-release snap, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, buckles, snap buttons, each with or without straps associated therewith. In this manner, the cushion and cover may be fixedly attached to the furniture to prevent slippage between the furniture, cushion and/or cover due to use or wind.
In typical use, the bottom cover 30 is placed underneath a cushion to be protected and a top cover 30 is placed above the cushion. The top surface 10 and bottom surface 30 are then connected together by their respective attachment means 18,34 by way of their respective connecting means 22,40. Once connected, the device envelopes the cushion, thereby protecting the cushion from external elements. The top cover 10 attachment means 18 preferably attach to the top cover 10 in a location so that the top cover 10 extends in length beyond the attachment means 18 to form the flap 16. Such a position for the attachment means 18 allows the flap 16 of the top cover 10 to overlap with the bottom cover 30 to form a more complete enclosure around the cushion.
FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment and use of the present invention in which the furniture cover 50 may be used to protect two or more cushions. For example, the cover 50 may be used to protect both the bottom cushion 52 and back cushion 54 of a chair, loveseat or sofa. As shown in FIG. 3, the bottom cushion 52 rests or is laid upon the bottom cover 56. The back cushion 54 may be separate from the bottom cushion 52 and simply stacked upon one another, or the back cushion 54 may be attached to the bottom cushion 52, in which case the back cushion 54 is simply folded on top of the bottom cushion 52. Once the bottom and back cushions 52,54 are stacked on the bottom cover 56, the top cover 58 is placed on top of the cushions 52,54 and attached to the bottom cover 56 using their respective attachment means 60,62 to envelope and protect the cushions 52,54. As noted above, the top cover 58 preferably includes a flap 64 that overlaps the bottom cover 56 to more fully enclose the cushions 52,54.
Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, there are shown multiple views of an article of outdoor furniture illustrating an exemplary use of an exemplary embodiment of the device.
As shown in FIG. 4, the cover may be placed upon the seating area of the furniture 70, wherein the bottom cover 72 lies upon the seat bottom area of the furniture 70 and the top cover rests against the back support area of the furniture 70. Preferably, the bottom cover 72 includes an attachment means, described above, for securing the bottom cover 72 to the furniture. The top cover 74 and bottom cover 72 both include a plurality of corresponding attachment means 76,78. for securing the top cover 74 to the bottom cover 72. The top cover 74 preferably further includes a flap 80, as described above. Preferably, the top cover 74 and bottom cover 72 are connected along the back edge of each by the corresponding attachment means 76,78 situated thereon to improve the stability of the top cover 74 in that position and facilitate the ease of use of the device.
When the device is situated in the seating furniture 70 in the above manner, the back cushions 82 and seat cushions 84 of the furniture 70 may be installed on the furniture 70 to substantially obscure the device from view, as shown in FIG. 5. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 5, the top cover 72 may be rolled onto itself and situated behind the seat cushions 84 so as to be readily available for use and eliminate the need for separate storage of the top cover 74. However, it should be understood that the top cover 72 may remain against the back support behind the back cushions 82 or may be separated from the bottom cover 72 and removed. Additionally, the attachment means 78 of the bottom cover 72 may be tucked underneath the seat cushions 84 to obscure the attachment means 78 from view to improve the aesthetics.
FIG. 6 shows the cover being used to enclose the cushions 82,84 to protect the cushions 82,84 of the seating furniture 70 from the elements. As described above, the back cushions 82 may be folded down or stacked upon the seat cushions 84. The top cover 74 is then laid upon the top of the cushions 82,84 and attached to the bottom cover 72 using the respective attachment means 76,78. As previously described, the flap 80 overlaps the bottom cover 72 to more fully enclose the cushions. Additionally, the flap 80 obscures the attachment means 76,78 situated near the front of both covers 72,74 to improve the appearance of the furniture when the cushions 82,84 are being protected and furniture not in use.
While the invention has been described in terms of several exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Further, it is noted that, Applicant's intent is to encompass equivalents of all claim elements, even if amended later during prosecution.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A cover for protecting cushions for outdoor furniture comprising:

a top cover comprising:

a top surface that extends over the top surface of a cushion to be protected comprising an impermeable material;

a flap that extends from the surface beyond the top surface of the cushion; and

a plurality of attachment means secured around the perimeter of the top surface; and

a bottom cover comprising:

a bottom surface that extends over the bottom surface of the cushion comprising the impermeable material; and

a plurality of attachment means secured around the perimeter of the bottom surface for attachment to the plurality of attachment means of the top cover,

wherein the plurality of attachment means of the bottom cover correspond in number and location with the plurality of the attachment means of the top cover, and the flap of the top cover overlaps the bottom cover when the top cover and bottom cover are attached by their respective pluralities of attachment means.

2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the plurality of attachment means of the top surface comprise a strap with a fastening means on the distal end of the strap.

3. The cover of claim 2, wherein the strap is adjustable in length.

4. The cover of claim 2, wherein the fastening means comprise one of a quick-release snap, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, buckles, and a snap button.

5. The cover of claim 2, wherein the plurality of attachment means of the bottom surface comprise a strap with a fastening means on the distal end of the strap.

6. The cover of claim 5, wherein the strap is adjustable in length.

7. The cover of claim 5, wherein the fastening means comprise one of a quick-release snap, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, buckles, and a snap button.

8. The cover of claim 1, wherein the impermeable material comprises a durable and impermeable fabric.

9. The cover of claim 1, wherein the impermeable material comprises a disposable material for temporary use.

10. The cover of claim 1, wherein the bottom cover further comprises an additional attachment means for attaching the bottom cover to the bottom surface of the cushion.

11. The cover of claim 1, wherein the bottom cover further comprises an additional attachment means for attaching the bottom cover to the article of furniture associated with the cushion.

12. The cover of claim 10, wherein the bottom cover further comprises a second additional attachment means for attaching the bottom cover to the article of furniture associated with the cushion.

13. A cover for protecting cushions for outdoor furniture comprising:

a top cover comprising:

a top surface that extends over the top surface of a cushion to be protected comprising an impermeable material; and

a bottom cover comprising:

wherein the plurality of attachment means of the bottom cover correspond in number and location with the plurality of the attachment means of the top cover.