CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 14/066,461 filed Oct. 29, 2013 and also claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Design Application No. 29/417,569 filed Apr. 5, 2012. The disclosure of each of the aforementioned applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for any purpose whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosed Embodiments

The disclosed embodiments relate to seat cushions and slip covers for chairs used in recreational and entertainment venues.

2. Background of the Disclosure

Traditional slip covers known in the art, such as those that cover entire couches, sofas or love seats are generally without any function other than to change the appearance and look of the furniture. Similarly, conventional chair pads are made of fabric covered cushions that either are placed on or tied to a chair and also generally only change the appearance of the chair. Traditional slip covers do not enhance an individual's seating experience. Conventional chair pads may provide little comfort but they are flimsy at best.

Other types of seat covers known in the art concern the automobile industry. Such seat covers surround a car's seat's cushion where the seat and the cushion are attached to the car. Such seat covers are not intended to cover chairs or seats that can be moved or rearranged such as those chairs or seats found at indoor and outdoor receptions, galas, halls and auction houses.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

In general, in a first aspect, the disclosure features a seat cushion made of a foam cushion which is enclosed in fabric. The cushion can be inserted into the fabric through an opening defined through the fabric and placed on top of a chair's seat. The fabric also can contain integral opposing pockets where personal articles and items can be held. The pockets can be disposed to the left and right side of the seat. A back panel can be disposed at the back of the seat once the cushion is secured to the chair. The fabric can include ties that secure the cushion to the back legs of the chair. The disclosure also provides a seat slip covering made of fabric which covers the back spine of a chair and either the back legs of the chair or all the legs of the chair, such that the fabric touches the floor. The seat slip cover includes an integral back panel pocket for the insertion of personal articles and items. The back panel pocket can be positioned at any point on the slip cover. Side pockets can be included on the seat slip cover.

The fabric covered cushion can fit directly onto a chiavari chair, for example, without a need for separate fasteners or tools. In another embodiment, the cushion can be configured to fit various models of chairs or can be measured or made to order depending on the style or model of chair. The cushion can be slipped into the fabric through an opening defined in the fabric. The inserted cushion allows the fabric to be taut which allows the design of the fabric to be more apparent. The fabric opening, into which the cushion is inserted preferably faces downwardly toward the seat portion of the chair. The fabric can also be configured with two fabric ties which can be integrally connected to the fabric covering the cushion. The ties can be integral to the fabric and can be tied around the wooden frame of the chiavari chair, or other types of chairs, where the seating platform meets the back chair legs. In another embodiment, additional ties can be integral to the fabric or otherwise be attached to the cushion. The amount of fabric ties is dependent on the chair or the cushion desired. In addition, the type and amount of ties may be dependent on the desire of the consumer or the desire of the reception venue.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosed embodiments. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the disclosed methods and systems. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain principles of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an illustrative side view of the seat cushion with side pockets and a back panel installed on a chair.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative side view of the seat cushion with side pockets and a back panel installed on a chair.

FIG. 3 is an illustrative view of a slip cover installed on a chair with an exterior pocket positioned on the midway point of the slip cover.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative view of a slip cover installed on a chair with an exterior pocket positioned on the upper back panel of the slip cover.

FIG. 5 is an illustrative view of a slip cover installed on a chair covering only the top portion of a chair.

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view of the slip cover installed on a chair with exterior side pockets.

FIG. 7 is an illustrative perspective view of the seat cushion installed on a chair.

FIG. 8 is an illustrative front view of the seat cushion.

FIG. 9 is an illustrative rear view of the seat cushion.

FIG. 10 is an illustrative left side view of the seat cushion.

FIG. 11 is an illustrative right side view of the seat cushion.

FIG. 12 is an illustrative top view of the seat cushion.

FIG. 13 is an illustrative bottom view of the seat cushion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

The majority of chairs used at formal and informal and indoor and outdoor receptions, galas, and other like functions are typically chiavari brand chairs. Such chairs have a unique design and function. The special design of the chiavari chair is achieved by structural sections. Each component is designed according to the specific stresses it will carry. The seat portion of the chiavari chair is made with thin strips of willow wood and is often deemed uncomfortable especially when a person sits for extended periods of time. Similar chairs often have wooden bases for a seat platform and typically lack comfort. Other parts of the chiavari chair and other chairs used at such functions are made of resin and metal which add to the discomfort for an individual sitting. The present application addresses this discomfort problem by creating a comfortable seat cushion coupled with the functional use of pockets and panels for retaining important objects and belongings.

Applicant has also come to appreciate that at indoor or outdoor receptions or parties, guests, often are without a place to store their clutches, personal belongings and the like. As a result, reception tables are often cluttered. Aggravating this situation, if a drink spills or food falls, the risk of damage to a person's belongings that are situated on the table is very real. Also, at such events and receptions, the belongings of guests are often placed on the floor. This can lead to other guests kicking and subsequently damaging these belongings or an individual's belongings can be lost. A cluttered table or floor also disrupts the form and ambiance of the event and can be unsafe. Moreover, in an outdoor event, wind can be problematic as it can blow items away (e.g. napkin).

Embodiments of the present disclosure address these concerns by providing a seat cushion and slip cover with pockets that are able to hold and protect the important, sentimental and sometimes expensive items an individual brings to a reception, party, gala or other function.

For purposes of illustration, and not limitation, as shown in FIG. 1, a chair 50 is shown with the seat cushion 40 connected to the chair 50 via fabric ties 30. The fabric covering the seat cushion includes three exterior panels. The first panel 10A is integrally attached to the fabric which covers the seat cushion 40 and includes a pocket 10A and is positioned on the exterior of the chair to the left of a person's side when seated. As shown in FIG. 2, the right panel is integrally attached to the fabric which covers the cushion and includes a pocket 10B which is positioned on the exterior of the chair to the right of a persons side when seated. As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the third panel 20 is integrally attached to the fabric which covers the cushion and is positioned on the exterior of the chair near the back of a person when seated. In another embodiment, the third panel 20 can include a pocket. In another embodiment, the fabric panel pockets 10A, 10B can be integrally attached to the seat cushion 40. The fabric used for covering the seat cushion insert and the fabric ties is polyester. However, any fabric can be used.

The cushion can be made from a polyurethane, environmentally safe, high-density, and high purity foam. Depending on the make of the chair, the seat cushion can be of any desired length, width, depth or tapered from front to back. Additional seat cushion thicknesses and heights can be made depending on desired comfort. The cushion can be taken out of the fabric and the fabric can be washed.

The measurements of the seat cushion match the measurements of the chiavari chair or whatever chair the seat cushion is intended for, and can be, for example as follows: 2â€³ thickness; 16â€³ length; and 16 total width but the cushion begins to taper down towards the rear of the seat at about 13â€³ of the width. The measurements of the fabric panel pockets 10A, 10B can be, for example, as follows: 13â€³ in length; 8â€³ in height/width; and contain an interior pocket depth of 5â€³. The pockets are 8â€³ in depth and can expand to accommodate a variety of objects. Depending on the make and model of the chair and the desire of the individual hosting a party at a reception venue, the pocket can be of any length, width or depth. The pockets can preferably hold up to 2 pounds each in weight without disturbing the other empty pocket or seat cushion.

The pocket is preferably capable of receiving multiple items, such as: auction bidding paddles, clutches, wallets, umbrellas, evening bags, menus, party favors, programs, playbills, cell phones, and cameras. In another embodiment, the pocket can be sealed via hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers, magnets or other fastener means. The fabric panel or pockets can be various colors and sizes and are preferably aesthetically pleasing. The exterior design of the pocket can be decorative such as an inverted box pleat and may also contain piping details or other adornments.

Any fabric can be used for the pocket, panel and to cover the cushion. The fabric can be, for example, velvet, taffeta, or polyester. In a preferred embodiment, the fabric can be made of a high quality, upholstery-grade bengaline fabric. Heavy duty polyester stitching can be used everywhere to ensure the ties do not detach from the fabric. The fabric of the pockets can be of a heavier thread count or fabric grade, so as to receive heavier objects such that the seat cushion can remain on the chair whether a person is sitting on the seat cushion or not.

As shown in FIG. 3, the fabric panel pocket 32 is integrally attached to the fabric which includes a slip cover 36. The slip cover 36 fits directly over the full length of the spine backing of a chiavari chair 34 (or other chair). The slip cover 36 proceeds down to the floor such as to create a skirt around the back two chair legs of the bottom of the chair 38. As shown in FIG. 3, the back panel pocket 32 is located in the midway portion of the slip cover in a position slightly above the seating platform. In another embodiment, the slip cover as shown in FIG. 3 may include a back panel pocket positioned slightly below the seating platform of the chair. The pocket 32, similar to the seat cushion pockets can hold individual belongings and items of importance. Similar to the fabric covering the cushion inserts, the slip covers can be made of various fabric types, colors and designs for aesthetic reasons.

As shown in FIG. 4, the slip cover 48 fits directly over the full length of the spine backing of a chiavari chair 44 (or any other make and model of chair), covers the seating platform of the chair and all four legs of the chair 44, and proceeds to create a skirt at the bottom 46 of the chair 44. As shown in FIG. 4, the back panel pocket 42 is positioned on the upper portion of the fabric of the slip cover 48. The pocket 42, similar to the seat cushion pockets, can hold individual belongings and items of importance.

As shown in FIG. 5, the slip cover 56 covers only the top portion of the back of the chair 54. In FIG. 5, the pocket 52 is located slightly above where the seating platform meets the back legs of the chair 54. In another embodiment, the length of the slip cover can be raised or lowered on the chairs spine depending on the individual's preferences. Likewise, the back panel pocket 52 can be positioned at any desired location on the slip cover 56.

In another embodiment, the slip covers shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 may include side pockets on either side of the seat platform. In another embodiment, the slip cover shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 may be used in conjunction with the aforementioned and described seat cushion wherein the seat cushion is still tied to the back legs where the seat meets the back legs of the chair.

Similar to FIG. 4, the slip cover 68 as shown in FIG. 6, covers the entire chair 64. The slip covers the back spine of the chair, the seating platform of the chair and proceeds down to the bottom of the chair 66, thereby creating a skirt around the four legs of the chair. The slip cover 68 in FIG. 6 includes side pockets 62 (right side pocket not shown). Similar to the seat cushion pockets, all slip cover pockets are configured to retain personal belongings of individuals at receptions, galas, auctions and the like.

In another embodiment, the cushion or the fabric may be equipped with an adhesive or high friction layer (e.g. rubber or silicone) on it's underside that can be adhered to the chair's seating platform or the chair's existing cushion. In any scenario, the seat cushion preferably provides greater comfort to the individual while providing a feeling of security that their personal items and belongings are protected and secure.

In another embodiment, the seat cushion can include two side pockets and not have a back panel. FIG. 7 shows a seat cushion 70 with only side pockets installed on the chair 78. The first panel 72 is integrally attached to fabric of the seat cushion 70 and includes a pocket 74. When the seat cushion 70 is installed on the chair 78, the first panel 72 is positioned on the exterior of the chair 78 to the left of a person's side when seated. The second panel 76 is integrally attached to fabric of the seat cushion 70 and includes a pocket (not shown). When the seat cushion 70 is installed on the chair 78, the second panel 76 is positioned on the exterior of the chair 78 to the right of a person's side when seated. The seat cushion includes fabric ties 73 which, when the seat cushion 70 is installed on a chair 78, are tied where the seating platform meets the spine of the chair 78.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a seat cushion 80. The ties 81, the left side panel 82 and left side pocket 83, and the right side panel 84 and the right side pocket 85 are shown. FIG. 9 is a rear view of a seat cushion 80. FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show the left side and right side views of the seat cushion 80, respectively. FIG. 12 shows the top view of the seat cushion 80. FIG. 13 shows the bottom view of the seat cushion 80. The bottom of the seat cushion 80 includes a horizontal opening 1302 for a cushion to be inserted into the fabric 1304.

All statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

In the disclosure hereof any element expressed as a means for performing a specified function is intended to encompass any way of performing that function. Applicants thus regard any means which can provide those functionalities as equivalent to those shown herein. It is intended that the present disclosure include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the subject disclosure and equivalents.