Abstract:
The present invention is an improved outdoor cushion sleeve that is adapted to fit existing outdoor furniture cushions. The cushion sleeve, in its preferred embodiment, includes a rectangular prism shape with an opening for inserting a seat cushion. The opening is attached to a short flap and a long flap, where the short flap folds under the long flap. The long flap also has a strip of fasteners that is attached to a matching strip of fasteners on the exterior of the sleeve to secure the cushion within the device. The cushion sleeve further includes of at least one set of ties to fasten the newly layered cushion to the existing outdoor furniture. The present invention improves the durability of existing cushions, eliminates the need for users to purchase new outdoor furniture due to deterioration on accompanying cushions, and provides a fresh appearance to existing patio furniture.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/901,297 on Nov. 7, 2013. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a covering device for an outdoor furniture. More specifically, the present invention pertains to an improved exterior cover or sleeve to cushions of a patio furniture set. The cover or the sleeve is designed to fit various types of outdoor cushions and is composed of durable material. In some embodiments, the present invention may be waterproof, and may comprise a printed design thereon. 
         [0004]    The arrival of warm weather usually marks a new season of outdoor fun and entertaining. Patio (outdoor) furniture is a way to bring people together in one&#39;s home and encourage them to enjoy the splendor of warmer weather. Patio furniture provides the key to a fun setting and surrounding oneself with family, friends and nature. 
         [0005]    It can be difficult and expensive to revamp existing patio furniture whether it is old, damaged, worn-out or simply out-of-fashion. Specifically, cushions suffer the most wear and tear as they are only made of a fabric material. Replacing the entire patio furniture set to replace cushions would be costly and sometimes impractical. Purchasing the matching set of cushions from the manufacturer can also be costly, while searching for cushions to properly fit the existing furniture may be difficult. A viable and practical solution to this problem is to add an additional sleeve over the original cushion to improve durability. Adding a new layer would improve the life-span of existing patio furniture, while providing a fresh new look for a more practical price. 
         [0006]    The present invention provides an additional cover or sleeve to different types, sizes and shapes of cushions to an existing patio furniture set. The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a rectangular prism shaped sleeve with an opening on one side. Attached to the opening is a pair of flaps, wherein the flaps are disposed on opposing sides of the opening. The flaps comprise different lengths, so that one flap is slightly longer than the other flap. The shorter flap folds under the longer flap folds such that it is concealed thereunder. The longer flap also includes a strip of hook fasteners that is aligned with a strip of loop fasteners on the exterior of the sleeve where the longer flap folds over to secure a cushion in the sleeve. In some embodiments, the cover also includes four sets of ties, wherein each set is located on the corners of the rectangular prism shape to fasten the newly covered cushion to the existing furniture. Without limitation, the present invention may be used to cover seat cushions, lounge chair cushions, and ottoman cushions, among others. 
         [0007]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0008]    Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to outdoor seat cushions and covers. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. Some of these patents describe cushions for cushion-less outdoor chairs, wherein the cushions may be composed of a waterproof and high friction material. Other devices describe a loosely fitting drape over the entire chair or pads for outdoor furniture. These devices, however, do not disclose an additional cover for outdoor cushions including seat, back and ottoman cushions. The foregoing is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art. 
         [0009]    Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,100 to Hitt is focused on a seat cover for a cushion-less outdoor chair. The seat cover includes a seat panel, back panel, and right and left side panels. The back panel has adjustable straps on both the left and right side that pull around and that fasten around the back support of the chair. The side panels also comprise adjustable straps that can fasten around the arm rests of the chair. The seat panel is attached to all the other panels and lays on the posterior of a chair. 
         [0010]    Distinctly different from the foregoing invention, the present invention is directed to outdoor furniture having existing cushions. Each cushion in an outdoor furniture set may be placed in an individualized sleeve so as to alter the appearance of the cushions while protecting the same. The Hitt device also uses adjustable straps to fasten the invention around the outdoor chair; whereas the current invention uses a hook and loop fastener function to snugly secure each cushion within the sleeve and utilize sets of ties to secure the newly sleeved cushion to the furniture. 
         [0011]    Another device, U.S. Pat. No. 6,830,293 to Vanderminden, is a free-standing seat pad that provides a seat and a back. The Vanderminden device is comprised of a pair of parallel bars, and a fabric sleeve disposed over the bars and padding. The present invention is distinguishable from the foregoing invention in that, it is not a free-standing structure and it can be used with existing seat cushions. The Vanderminden device is also limited in that it can only be used with cushions having a seat and back panel that are attached together. In contrast, the current invention is a cover that is used for individual cushions for various types of existing patio cushions. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,248,147 to Testa is related to a removable upholstery cover that includes an outside back portion, an inside back portion, arm portions having an outer side and an inner side, and a deck portion. A first set of elastic tabs are affixed at one end of the junction between the inside back portion and the deck portion of the cover. A second set of elastic tabs are also affixed to the junctions between the inner side of the arm portions and the deck portion. The first and second set of tabs can be pulled through openings disposed on the cover to secure the same to a chair. The Testa device is distinguishable in that it discloses a cover that is designed to enclosure an entire chair, and not individual cushions of the chair. The current invention comprises individualized sleeves for outdoor cushions and not a unitary cover that will cover the entire outdoor furniture. The current invention can be placed over the existing cushion and then fastened to the frame of the outdoor furniture. The current device also uses a hook and loop fastening mechanism to fit the cushion into the exterior sleeve and has a set of loose ties on both ends to secure the newly sleeved cushion to the furniture frame. 
         [0013]    Some devices in the prior art disclose seat cushions that are specifically designed for an outdoor use. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,295,235 to Deitz discloses a waterproof cushion that is formed of opposed woven fabric side layers. The side layers and an interlayer are attached along their peripheral edges so as to define isolated chambers that is filled with a filler material. The outer surface of at least one of the side layers is adapted to remain dry or remain resistant to water even after either one of the side layers of the cushion is exposed to wet weather conditions. Thus, Deitz discloses a waterproof outdoor seat cushion, and does not disclose a cushion sleeve that is adapted to enclose an existing cushion therein. 
         [0014]    Another device, U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2004/0172763 to Sachs discloses an outdoor cushion having a non-slip material disposed on the underside thereof. In this way, the cushion is prevented from shifting over a metal or a wooden frame of an outdoor furniture when placed thereon. Thus, Sachs does not disclose a cushion sleeve comprising an opening with a pair of flaps that secure a cushion within the interior of the sleeve. Further, Sachs does not disclose ties that can removably secure the seat cushion to the furniture on which it is placed. 
         [0015]    The devices disclosed in the prior art have several known drawbacks. The prior art devices are limited in that they are designed for use with specific types of seat cushions or that they are adapted for covering an entire chair or a similar furniture. Thus, none of the devices in the prior art are suitable to enclose individual seat cushions to alter the appearance of existing cushions for patio furniture while protecting the same from further wear and tear. The present invention overcomes these limitations by disclosing a sleeve that may be placed over existent patio furniture cushions. The sleeve comprises an opening for receiving a cushion therethrough, and a pair of flaps that can be overlapped to prevent the cushion from escaping the sleeve. Furthermore, the cover can thereafter be secured to a chair or other furniture via a plurality of adjustable straps. 
         [0016]    It is therefore submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing options for patio furniture care and maintenance. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of patio furniture cushion care now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new and improved outdoor cushion sleeve where in the same can be utilized for increasing the durability of cushions in existing patio furniture, thereby improving the care and maintenance of existing patio furniture. 
         [0018]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved outdoor cushion sleeve that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
         [0019]    It is an object of the present invention provide a new and improved outdoor cushion sleeve that can conform to the shape and dimension of an existing patio furniture cushion. 
         [0020]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved outdoor cushion sleeve that can completely enclose existing patio furniture cushions without removal of its original layers. 
         [0021]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved outdoor cushion sleeve having at least one set of ties to secure the furniture cushions to the furniture. 
         [0022]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved outdoor cushion sleeve that is suitable for use with different sizes, shapes, and types including chairs, ottomans, lounge chairs, or couches. 
         [0023]    Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein the numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  shows a view of a cushion being inserted into the sleeve of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  shows a view of the present invention with a cushion inserted therein. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  shows a view of the present invention, in several embodiments, as installed on a patio furniture. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    References are made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numeral are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the outdoor cushion sleeve. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for increasing the durability of seat cushions in a patio furniture set. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the cushion sleeve  20  of the present invention, wherein the cushion sleeve  20  is adapted to cover a seat cushion of an existing outdoor furniture. It is contemplated, however, that the cushion sleeve  20  may be used with new seat cushions. The present invention comprises two juxtaposed sheets of material that are directly aligned and attached together about the edges thereof to form a cushion sleeve  20  in the shape of a rectangular prism. The cushion sleeve  20  comprises defined corners, a first end  26 A opposite a second end  26 B, and a third end  26 C opposite a fourth end  26 D. The first end  26 A is open, while each of the second end  26 B, the third end  26 C, and the fourth end  26 D is closed. The first end  26 A provides access to a defined interior volume therein, wherein the interior volume of the cushion sleeve  20  is configured to receive a seat cushion therein. 
         [0031]    The opening  27  comprises a short flap  22  and a long flap  23 , wherein both flaps are substantially rectangular in shape. The flaps are configured so that the long flap  23  is greater in length than the short flap  22 . In this way, the long flap  23  extends beyond the short flap. The short flap  22  is on a first side  31 A of the cushion sleeve  20  and the long flap  23  is on a second side  31 B of the cushion sleeve  20 , so that the short flap  22  and the long flap  23  are on opposing sides of the opening  27 . In the illustrated embodiment, the short flap  22  is integral with the first side  31 A of the cushion sleeve  20  while the long flap  23  is integral with the second side  31 B of the cushion sleeve  20 . The long flap  23  comprises a strip of hook fasteners  24  along the peripheral end thereof. The matching strip of loop fasteners  25  are on the first side  31 A of the cushion sleeve  20  and run parallel to the strip of hook fasteners  24 , so that the hook fasteners  24  and the loop fasteners  25  can directly align when the long flap  23  is folded onto the first side of the cushion sleeve  20 . The short flap  22  is adapted to fold over a cushion that is inserted within the interior volume so as to cover the opening  27 , while the long flap  23  folds over the short flap  22 . The strip of hook fasteners  24  is then removably attached to the strip of loop fasteners  25  to secure the seat cushion within the cushion sleeve  20 . The strip of hook and loop fasteners  24  and  25  is an exemplary mechanism to secure a seat cushion within the cushion sleeve  20 ; without limitation, other fasteners such as zippers, a line of buttons, or snap buttons, may be used. 
         [0032]    Each of the corners of the cushion sleeve  20  comprises a plurality of ties  21  attached thereto. The ties  21  may be stitched directly onto the first side  31 A of the cushion sleeve  20 . Alternatively, the ties  21  may be secured between the two juxtaposed sheets of material that form the cushion sleeve  20 . Some embodiments ties  21  are sewn directly on the corners of cushion sleeve  20  to allow cushion sleeve  20  to fasten to the furniture framework itself or apertures thereon. In other embodiment, ties  21  may be offset from the corners of cushion sleeve  20 , but still allows cushion sleeve  20  to be fastened to the furniture framework or the apertures thereon. The ties  21  may comprise an elongated strap that is sewn about the substantial midpoint thereof to the cushion sleeve  20 , such that the terminal ends of the strap are free. Alternatively, the ties  21  may comprise a pair of straps that are individually sewn onto the cushion sleeve  20 . 
         [0033]    The number of ties  21  may vary dependent upon the shape of the cushion sleeve and the type of furniture on which it is used. For example, in the case of a circular cushion sleeve, there are not any corners to sew loose ties. However, the cushion sleeve may comprise loose ties sewn around the circumference thereof, wherein the ties are separated at regular intervals. Thus, the specific number of ties  21  is not of primary relevance with regard to the intent of the present invention, which portends to provide a securing means to removably secure a seat cushion to a furniture. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is a view of a cushion  40  being inserted through the opening  27  of the cushion sleeve  20 . In this particular view, the cushion sleeve  20  is placed flat with the short flap  22  on top of the long flap  23 . The short flap  22  lifts up to permit the seat cushion to slide through the opening  27  of the cushion sleeve  20 . The seat cushion presses against the sleeve so that it snugly fits the same. Thereafter, the short flap  22  and long flap  23  are folded over the opening  27  to secure the seat cushion within the cushion sleeve  20 . 
         [0035]    In substantially all cases, the cushion sleeve  20  should be similarly shaped to the cushion. This ensures that the sleeve is a snug fit to prevent the cushion from shifting or moving within the cushion sleeve  20 . The cushion does not have to be removed from its original encasing. The cushion sleeve  20  is designed to encompass the cushion with its original layers to improve the durability of the same as well as maintain its shape. The fabric composition of the sleeve may include many different types of fabrics and blends. In one embodiment, the sleeve may be composed of a water resistant or a waterproof material. For example, the fabric compositions may include, but are not limited to wool, cotton, polyester, viscose, and any blends of these fabrics. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a cushion as completely enclosed within the cushion sleeve  20 . Once the cushion has fully been inserted into the cushion sleeve  20 , the short flap  22  folds towards the long flap  23 , covering the opening and the cushion thereunder. Short flap  22  is folded so that it is tucked into the interior volume of the sleeve, along the side of the cushion. The long flap  23  then folds over the short flap  22 , to encompass both the short flap  22  and the cushion within the sleeve. 
         [0037]    The long flap  23  is secured onto the first side  31 A of the sleeve via fasteners. In the illustrated embodiment, the long flap  23  comprises a strip of hook fasteners  24  along an edge thereof. The first side  31 A of the cushion sleeve  20  comprises a counterpart strip of loop fasteners  25 . The loop fastener  25  is positioned parallel to the strip of hook fasteners  24 , and is adapted to directly align with the hook fasteners  24 . The strip of hook fasteners  24  and loop fasteners  25  may be stitched onto the cushion sleeve  20 . In this way, the strip of hook fasteners  24  on the long flap  23  can removably attach to the counterpart strip of loop fasteners  25  on the first side of the cushion sleeve  20 . In other embodiments, other fastening means such as a zipper and buttons may be used to secure the cushion within the cushion sleeve  20 . 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a perspective view of various embodiments of the present invention as installed on an outdoor furniture set. Namely, the present invention comprises a back cushion sleeve  30  that is adapted to enclose a back cushion, a seat cushion sleeve  29  that is adapted to enclose a seat cushion, and an ottoman cushion sleeve  28  that is adapted to cover an ottoman cushion. 
         [0039]    Each of the embodiments comprise a generally rectangular shape with corners having ties  21  attached thereto. Each of the ties  21  is looped through the apertures disposed along the framework of the furniture to removably secure the cushions to the furniture in a desired position. For example, each of the ties  21  on the back cushion sleeve  30  are fastened horizontally to the back portion of the chair so that the back cushion is in a substantially upright position. Specifically, two pairs of loose ties  21  can be fastened near the top of the back portion, while two other pairs of loose ties  21  can be fastened near the bottom of the back portion. Similarly, the ties  21  on the seat cushion sleeve  29  and the ottoman cushion sleeve  28  can hang down from the sleeves and fasten directly below itself to firmly attach to the furniture. Thus, where to fasten the sleeve to the furniture framework will largely depend on the furniture. 
         [0040]    It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in sizes, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to the those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specifications are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0041]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.