Abstract:
Furniture intended for outdoor, includes framework defining structure providing a storage compartment, or compartments, for receipt of, e.g. cushions or other items when not in use. The compartment protects the contents from the elements and, because it is incorporated into the framework of the furniture, provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of the filing dates of provisional application Ser. No. 60/605,663, filed Aug. 30, 2004, and Ser. No. 60/644,424, filed Jan. 14, 2005. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention is directed to furniture intended for outdoor use, such as tables, chairs, benches, chaise lounges, gliders, ottomans, and the like. The framework or support structure for the furniture includes integral storage for a cushion (or cushions) that may be associated therewith, or for other items. The storage compartments are intended to easily receive the intended contents in order to protect them when not in use from detrimental environmental conditions.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Furniture having cushions as a component thereof is becoming increasingly popular for outdoor use. As can be appreciated, cushions associated with the furniture are exposed to detrimental environmental conditions. Such conditions can include precipitation, wind, sunlight, windborne dirt, dust and debris, and exposure to contact by plants and animals. Each of these can be detrimental to both the appearance and the integrity of the fabrics and padding that comprise the cushions. Further, such environmental exposure can also render the use of the furniture unpleasant until the cushions have sufficiently dried out or otherwise been cleaned off.  
         [0004]     One way protection of outdoor furniture from the elements has been provided is by a cover. See, e.g., Waters U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,637, which shows a slip cover arrangement for chairs, such as glider rockers. See also, Gengler et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,709,055 and Blome et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,491. While such covers are generally effective in protecting the furniture, some persons may consider them to be aesthetically unpleasing. In addition, there is a general need for convenient weather-proof storage of various outdoor accessories.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     The present invention is directed to furniture intended for outdoor use. The framework of the furniture includes structure providing a permanent compartment, or compartments, for receipt of any cushions that may be associated therewith, or other outdoor accessories, when not in use. The compartment protects the contents from the elements and, because the storage compartment is incorporated into the framework of the furniture, it provides a more pleasing appearance than a cover.  
         [0006]     In one aspect of the invention, a chair is provided with a compartment suitable for storing seat or back cushion. A compartment for a seat cushion is typically provided under the seat frame, while a compartment for a back cushion is provided on the back side of the backrest. In another aspect of the invention, storage compartments for tables are provided underneath the table top.  
         [0007]     The compartments are made by adding framework to the existing support frame of the particular type of furniture. The additional framework is covered with a material, preferably waterproof or weather resistant, suited for outdoor use that may be complementary to or identical with material that covers the remaining framework. This results in the storage compartment(s) being less visually objectionable.  
         [0008]     The interior of the storage compartment(s) may be lined with a waterproof or water-resistant material, and the opening of the compartment may include a closure, such as a hinged or sliding door, or a weighted flap, to further protect the contents stowed therein from adverse environmental exposure.  
         [0009]     It is accordingly a general aspect or object of this invention to provide an improved article of outdoor furniture that facilitates protection of cushions that may be associated therewith, or other items, from detrimental environmental conditions when not in use.  
         [0010]     Another aspect or object of the invention is to provide a support frame for such outdoor furniture that has integral storage compartments for storage of cushions or other items.  
         [0011]     Another aspect or object of this invention is to provide a weather-protective storage compartment in an unobtrusive location, whereby a user can quickly and conveniently store in or remove from the compartment an associated cushion or other item.  
         [0012]     Other aspects, objects and advantages of the present invention will be understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, specifically included stated and unstated combinations of the various features which are described herein, relevant information concerning which is shown in the accompanying drawings.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS  
       [0013]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a cushioned chair of the type suitable for the present invention with the cushions in place;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of a chair shown in  FIG. 1 , showing the integral storage compartments; and  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view similar to  FIG. 2 , except that the cushions are stowed in the storage compartments.  
         [0016]      FIGS. 4-6  show a table incorporating a weatherproof storage compartment in accordance with the present invention, with the opening of an associated closure door or panel shown in sequence. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0017]     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriate manner.  
         [0018]     Turning to the drawings, a chair generally designated  10 , is shown in  FIG. 1 . While the preferred embodiment is in the form of a chair for storage of any cushions associated therewith, it will be appreciated that the invention is suitable for use in connection with other types of outdoor furniture. The illustrated chair  10  is an armchair intended for outdoor use that has a frame which may be made of, e.g., aluminum tubing, cast aluminum, wrought iron, wood, etc. The frame is covered with a material suitable for outdoor use, such as, e.g., a synthetic waterproof or water-resistant material, to provide for a more attractive finish. Preferably, the chair is covered in a synthetic wicker material. However, other materials can be used to cover the frame without departing from the invention.  
         [0019]     The chair  10  includes a backrest  14  and a seat frame or support  16 , which support cushions  18 ,  20 , respectively, to provide for enhanced seating comfort. Storage compartments, generally designated  22  and  24  (seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ), are provided integrally with the frame of the chair  10  and are sized to receive the back cushion  18  and seat cushion  20 , respectively.  
         [0020]     The back cushion storage compartment  22  has a size and shape adapted to receive the back cushion  18  and extends from the backrest  14  of the chair. The storage compartment  22  comprises frame member  26 , seen in dotted lines in  FIG. 2 . As illustrated, the frame members  26  extend from the top of the backrest to the mid-section of the rear legs of the chair. The frame members  26  are joined by a sufficient number of cross-frame members  28  (also shown in dotted lines) to provide structural rigidity. The frame members  26 ,  28  support a covering material  30  to define the storage compartment  22 .  
         [0021]     The covering material  30  is preferably chosen to create an unobtrusive appearance when combined with the covering on the remainder of the chair frame. The covering material  30  may be different from the synthetic wicker material covering the remainder of the frame, or the covering material  30  can be made of a material identical to that covering the remainder of the frame to further disguise the storage compartment  22 . Additionally, the covering material is preferably a waterproof/water-resistant material, which is suitable for outdoor use and provides a barrier to the elements with respect to the interior of the compartment.  
         [0022]     Alternatively, or additionally, the interior of the compartment  22  can be provided with a waterproof/water-resistant lining to further protect the cushion when stored therein. If a lining is employed, it is preferably made of a material having a low co-efficient of friction so as to facilitate easy insertion and removal of the seat cushion from the compartment. The low co-efficient of friction for the lining may permit the storage compartment to be made slightly undersized (and, therefore, less visually obtrusive), as the cushion can be slightly compressed when placed into the compartment.  
         [0023]     The upper end of the compartment  22  is open to facilitate receipt of the back cushion  18 . The opening may be provided with a closure, such as a hinged lid  31  or weighted flap (not shown) in order to provide more complete protection for a cushion stored therein. The lid or flap is also preferably made of a material that would complement or match that covering the remainder of the chair frame and back cushion storage compartment.  
         [0024]     Similarly, the seat cushion storage compartment  24  comprises frame members  32 ,  34  (shown in dotted lines in  FIG. 2 ) that extend between the legs of the chair underneath the seat frame  16 . These frame members  32 ,  34  support a covering material (not shown) like cover material  30  to define a storage compartment sized to receive the seat cushion  20 . Similar to storage compartment  22 , the covering material is suited for outdoor use and provides a barrier to environmental elements entering the compartment  24 . In addition, a protective lining can be provided on the interior of the compartment  24 , as well as a closure lid  36  or flap (not shown), to provide fuller protection for a cushion stored therein.  
         [0025]     As is appreciated, some outdoor chairs have only seat cushions, and not back cushions. In such circumstances, only a single storage compartment, preferably under the seat frame, is needed. Additionally, the furniture item having the integral storage compartment need not be the same furniture item for which the cushion is used.  
         [0026]     Turning to the  FIGS. 4-6 , there is seen a second embodiment of the present invention in the context of a table, generally designated  38 . As is typical, the table  38  includes a table top  40  and four legs  42 , although more or fewer (i.e., at least three) legs may be used. Supported between the legs  42  underneath the table top  40  is a shelf  44  for supporting cushions or other items. The shelf  44  is defined by four frame members that extend between the legs  42  and which, in the illustrated embodiment, are covered with a waterproof/water-resistant material, as described above. However, the shelf  44  may be made of, e.g., a solid panel or sheet, without departing from the invention. In addition, a storage compartment is defined by the shelf  44 , in combination with three of the four sides that bound the shelf  44 , and the table top  40  (or a partition or panel  46  supported between the legs beneath the table top). In the illustrated embodiment, the sides bounding the shelf are defined, in part, by the legs  42 , and are closed by, e.g. covering with waterproof/water-resistant material. The compartment, as thus described and illustrated, is closed on five of six sides. As noted above, the interior of the compartment can also be provided with a waterproof/water-resistant lining.  
         [0027]     To close the open side of the storage compartment, the table  38  includes a door or closure panel  48  that slides and pivots with respect to a track (not shown) mounted to the table  38  adjacent to the table top  40 . The panel  48  preferably comprises a frame that supports waterproof/water-resistant material like that defining the remainder of the storage compartment, and also may include a waterproof/water-resistant lining on its interior side.  
         [0028]     With reference to  FIGS. 4-6 , to obtain access to the storage compartment, the door or closure panel  46  is pivoted upwardly and then slid along the track so that it underlies the table top  40 . Various contents may then be placed into the storage compartment, such as cushions  50  that may be associated with other furniture, or other items (such as dinnerware, table linens, etc.). To close the storage compartment, the closure panel  48  is simply slid along the track outwardly from the table  38 , and then pivoted downwardly once the end of the track is reached.  
         [0029]     It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention which have been described are illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, including combinations of the features that are individually disclosed or claimed herein.