Abstract:
A cushion intended for outdoor use includes a pouch or pocket for receiving and preferably concealing the protective shroud. The shroud, when removed from pocket, covers all or substantially all of the cushion. If the cushion is associated with a supporting frame, the shroud may be sized to envelop substantially all of the cushion and the frame. The shroud is made of a material which will protect the cushion from environmental hazards.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of the filing dates of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/603,127, filed Aug. 20, 2004 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/605,595, filed Aug. 30, 2004. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to cushions especially cushions associated with furniture, including chairs, sofas, loveseats, loungers, benches, stools and the like. A protective shroud is included within or on the cushion in a manner by which the shroud is enclosed and often generally concealed when not in use, and need not be separately stored apart from the cushion. The protective shroud, when deployed, accommodates the size and shape of the cushion and/or furniture as a whole in a manner intended to protect same from detrimental environmental conditions. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Cushions often are used in an environment that exposes same to conditions detrimental to the cushion and/or their associated support frame. For example, items of this type can be intended for outdoor use or are suitable for locations which are exposed to the environment. Environmental exposure can include precipitation, wind, sunlight, exposure to contact by plants and animals, and other environmental hazards or influences. Non-limiting examples of same include rain, thunderstorms and hail, each of which can be detrimental to fabrics, and particularly to cushions including padding that will deteriorate upon such exposure. Cushions also typically can be susceptible to damage by animals, either by direct contact with the animal or animal excretions. Of concern is the likelihood of substantial damage to the cushion fabric and cushioning material, as well as a concern that same will be a haven for bacteria, mold, mildew and the like. 
     References such as Waters U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,637, incorporated by reference hereinto, suggest a slip cover arrangement for chairs such as in glider rockers. This particular patent recognizes the advantage of a multi-layered slip cover which has an upper layer of fabric material and a liner of a moisture-repellant material. It does not provide a location which is a component of the chair and which provides concealing storage for a protective shroud. The slip cover is indicated as being useful for protection from infants, but suitability for use in an outdoor environment or for use and protection against environmental hazards is not specifically indicated. 
     Blome et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,491, incorporated by reference hereinto, propose a chaise lounge cover and towel as a transportable personal covering. Such contemplates a product made of a towel material such as terry cloth rather than a waterproof or water resistant material. Also, the teaching of this patent is to provide a cover which folds into a pouch to be carried apart from the chaise lounger. 
     Certain types of cushions are particularly intended for outdoor use. Articles of this type tend to have external material that is resistant or substantially impervious to water and the like. However, these are uncomfortable either when in contact with the skin or due to limited air flow therethrough. Accordingly, it is desirable to have a cushion for outdoor use which does not have to exhibit such a high level of water resistance as to create user discomfort. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to cushions and is especially useful for cushions intended for outdoor use. The cushion itself includes a permanent pouch or pocket location which preferably is not fully detachable from the portion of the unit to which it is secured and preferably provides a concealing function. A shroud having protective characteristics is provided in a form such that it covers all or substantially all of the cushion, or the cushion and its associated support frame, while at the same time being capable of readily collapsing or folding to a size suitable for fitting within the pouch or pocket. The shroud is made of a material which will protect the cushion from environmental hazards. The shroud substantially covers the surfaces needing protection from the environment. 
     It is accordingly a general aspect or object of this invention to provide an improved cushion with protective shroud provided as a unitary product for sale to consumers. 
     Another aspect or object of the invention is to provide cushions and/or cushioned furniture which include a non-detachable pouch or pocket within which is stored a weather-protective shroud that is large enough to substantially fully encapsulate the cushion components and/or its associated support frame. 
     Another aspect or object of this invention is that a weather-protective shroud is provided in a permanent, accessible location of a cushion, whereby a user can quickly remove the shroud, open it up, and place it over the surfaces which otherwise would be damaged or rendered unsuitable for use for a considerable time. 
     Other aspects, objects and advantages of the present invention will be understood from the following description according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, specifically including stated and unstated combinations of the various features which are described herein, relevant information concerning which is shown in the accompanying drawing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a cushioned chair of the type suitable for the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an elevational rear view of a chair as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a detail view similar to  FIG. 2  and illustrating a shroud component in the process of being removed from a pocket; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing the shroud substantially fully removed from the pocket and prior to its deployment into a protective orientation; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates deployment in progress of the shroud; and 
         FIG. 6  shows the shroud in full deployment over the chair. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a cushion of the type suitable for the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective rear view of a cushion as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , showing the exterior of a pouch or pocket along an edge of the cushion; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 7  and illustrating a shroud component after having been removed from the pouch pocket and pulled over the cushion to provide integral protection of the cushion; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view showing another embodiment having a pouch or pocket on a major surface thereof, showing a stored condition; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates deployment in progress of the shroud of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  shows the shroud in the course toward further progress in deployment over the cushion; and 
         FIG. 13  shows the shroud of  FIG. 10  with same moving toward covering the bottom surface of the cushion from which the shroud originated in full storage mode. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     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, 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. 
     A chair, generally designated by reference numeral  11 , is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . This particular chair has multiple cushions  12  and  13 . It will be appreciated that the invention also is suitable for many other types of furniture or equipment, specifically including cushions per se, which can be moveable, and which are used as seating or supporting surfaces which provide a comfortable feel. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a pouch or pocket which is in a preferred arrangement of an attached component that is not intended to be removable from the cushion or chair. The illustrated pouch or pocket  14  is shown in this view at a location in the upper part of the back side cushion  12 , with the pocket being sized to receive the upper portion of the backrest of the chair so as to secure the cushion thereto. Other suitable arrangements are possible. These include having the pouch or pocket area be on the front side of the cushion, thereby providing a pillow-like element. Another embodiment positions the pouch more toward the lower portion of the cushion  12  in order to provide lumbar support, for example. The further embodiment provides the pouch area at a location on the underside of the cushion  13 . 
     Wherever the pouch is located, it is sized, shaped and positioned to readily accommodate a protective shroud member  15 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . As can be seen in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , it is preferred that the protective shroud  15  be itself secured to or integral with the cushion or furniture, such as at location  16 , at least partially visible in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 . 
     The protective shroud  15  is made of a material, preferably of a lightweight type, which prevents or at least significantly retards the penetration of moisture or other undesirable environmental elements therethrough. The result is protection of whatever is positioned therebeneath. Materials include so-called waterproof or water protective nylon, GORTEX®, polytetrafluoroethylene materials of this general type, TYVEK® protective material, vinyl material, and other suitable protective materials. The shroud preferably is breathable as well as lightweight. 
     Shrouds having properties such as these are to be suitable for collapsing or folding into a volume as provided by the pouch or pocket, which conceals same when not in use. In addition, the shroud, when unfurled or deployed, will substantially or fully cover the chair, cushion or other item of the unit which needs to be protected. 
     With more particular reference to the location  16  and the size and shape of the shroud  15 , these elements of the illustrated embodiment are further evident from  FIGS. 5 and 6 .  FIG. 5  illustrates movement of the shroud from the substantially fully unfurled orientation of  FIG. 4  to a substantially protective deployed orientation shown in  FIG. 5 . In moving between these orientations, the user pulls at least a portion of the shroud  15  over the top of the cushion, while another portion of the shroud remains over the back of the cushion.  FIG. 6  illustrates a substantially fully deployed orientation of the shroud  15 .  FIG. 6  also illustrates an optional, preferred arrangement wherein a securement member  17  is exposed during deployment in order to help retain the deployed shroud in its proper protective position. The illustrated securement member is a double draw-string of generally known construction. 
     It will be appreciated that, with this arrangement, the item to be protected has the protective shroud secured to it as a generally permanent component thereof. This shroud has the ability to move from its stowed location such as evident from  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 . The shroud further has the capability of unfurling to a size and shape which neatly and closely provides a protective barrier for the item itself. With such an arrangement, the cushions can be made of comfortable and very breathable materials which are especially suitable for contact with the skin while at the same time having the capability to quickly and surely have a member deployed over the comfortable yet vulnerable cushion surfaces without having to be concerned about locating same, such as in the event of a rapidly approaching rainstorm. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a cushion, generally designated by reference numeral  21 , is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . This particular cushion has a top surface  22  and a side end or edge  23 . It will be appreciated that the invention also is suitable for many other types of cushions, which can be moveable, and which are used as seating or supporting surfaces that provide a comfortable feel and need not be especially water resistant. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the cushion having a pouch or pocket which is in a preferred arrangement of an attached component that is not intended to be removable from the cushion. The illustrated pouch or pocket  24  is shown in this view at a location in the back edge or end  23  of the cushion  21 . Other suitable arrangements are possible. These include having the pouch or pocket area be on the side edge of the cushion, or along its bottom surface in order to provide the pouch area at a location on the underside of the cushion  21 . 
     Wherever the pouch is located, it is sized, shaped and positioned to readily accommodate a protective shroud member  25 , as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . It is preferred that the protective shroud  25  be itself secured to or integral with the cushion, such as at a location accessible by opening a zipper  26 , or other closure arrangement such as hook and loop material, gussets, pleated locations, snaps, buttons and so forth. The integral connection is typically achieved by sewing, heat welding, ultrasonic action, or actinic type energy application. 
     With more particular reference to the securement, size and shape of the shroud  25 , these elements of the illustrated embodiment are further evident from  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  for another embodiment.  FIGS. 10–13  illustrate an embodiment where the shroud  25  is on the cushion underside. This shows the substantially fully folded and stored orientation of  FIG. 10  to a substantially protective deployed orientation shown in  FIG. 13 . In moving between these orientations, the user pulls at least a portion of the shroud  25  over the top of the cushion, while another portion of the shroud remains over the back of the cushion. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates the shroud fully out of a pocket  27  which is formed from the shroud  25  itself. Securement location  28  maintains connection between the shroud  25  and the cushion  21 .  FIG. 13  also illustrates an optional, preferred arrangement wherein a securement member  29 , such as the strapping shown, is exposed during deployment in order to help retain the deployed shroud in its proper protective position. The illustrated securement member is an elastomeric band of generally known construction. 
       FIGS. 10 ,  11  and  12  further illustrate the approach by which the pocket or pouch  27  is formed from the shroud itself. Firstly, substantially permanent securement is provided at  28 , such as by stitching, heat welding and so forth. The shroud material is releasably secured to the cushion  21  by one or more selective connection members  30 , such as hook and loop material, snaps, hooks and eyelets, buttons, zippers and the like. Each selective connection member is positioned on both the shroud and the cushion such that the shroud is folded and shaped into a pocket or pouch  27 . This arrangement is evident from  FIG. 12  wherein a cushion location for the selective connection members  30  is shown on the cushion face. Corresponding attachment locations  31  show where pocket formation is found on the shroud. When the shroud is again formed into the pocket or pouch, the bulk of the shroud material is folded onto itself while attachment locations  31  remain available for resecurement with the respective selective connection members  30 . 
     The substantially permanent securement is of particular advantage in facilitating action for folding the shroud itself. This arrangement provides stability to one edge of the shroud. Then the user can more easily manipulate, such as by folding and/or rolling, the shroud onto itself and into the pocket. A solid working base position is provided to the shroud which enables a single person to handle the rest of the shroud to position it as needed. 
     In another embodiment, members can be provided to also assist in folding of the shroud. These include elongated tabs along the side edges of the shroud which can be grasped in order to size the width and/or to better control manipulation or positioning of the shroud prior to folding or rolling same and insertion into the pocket. 
     It will be appreciated that, with this arrangement, the item to be protected has the protective shroud secured to it as a generally permanent component thereof. This shroud has the ability to move from its stowed location such as evident from  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 10 . The shroud further has the capability of unfurling to a size and shape which neatly and closely provides a protective barrier for the item itself. With such an arrangement, the cushions can be made of comfortable and very breathable materials which are especially suitable for contact with the skin while at the same time having the capability to quickly and surely have a member deployed over the comfortable yet vulnerable cushion surfaces without having to be concerned about locating the same, such as in the event of a rapidly approaching rainstorm. 
     It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention which have been described are illustrative of some of the applications 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 those combinations of features that are individually disclosed or claimed herein.