Abstract:
A cushion system includes an interchangeable cushion cover having atop member and a band portion extending downwardly from the top member. The band portion includes atop edge portion attached to the top member and a bottom edge portion. A bottom member is attached to the bottom edge portion and an interior space is defined between the top member, the band portion, and the bottom member. A bottom opening is defined in the bottom member that is arranged for insertion of a conformable cushion insert into the interior space and draining of the cushion insert while the bottom member retains the cushion insert within the interior space. A releasable fastener system is located within the interior space on the bottom member such that it is concealed within the cushion cover and is selectively attachable to and detachable from a bottom face of the cushion insert.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/672,533, filed Nov. 8, 2012, and entitled “Cushion Covers, Cushions, and Methods of Using the Same,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Furniture is used in homes, offices, schools, churches, backyards, on porches, decks, patios, etc. Cushions are commonly provided with furniture to make the furniture more comfortable. However, cushions are notoriously susceptible to stains and/or damage from spills, pets, dirt, water, sun, rain, and/or the like. Moreover, cleaning a cushion in a washing machine can be problematic because it can often result in a volume reduction and/or change of shape so that in the washed state the cushion no longer has an attractive appearance. In addition, when tastes, trends, or fashions change, the purchase of new cushions can be expensive and complicated. Further, if a cushion is ruined by snow or spilled wine, it may be difficult to find a replacement, cushion having the right shape and size to match a particular piece of furniture. 
         [0003]    Therefore, manufacturers and users of cushions continue to seek improved cushion designs and methods of use. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Cushion covers, cushions, and methods of using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a cushion cover may include atop portion, a bottom portion spaced from the top portion, and one or more side portions extending between the top portion and the bottom portion. The cushion cover may further include an interior space at least partially defined between the top portion, the bottom portion, and the one or more side portions. The interior space may be configured to selectively receive and house a cushion insert having a bottom face. The cushion cover may further include a bottom opening positioned in the bottom portion. The bottom portion may include one or more outer edge portions connected to the one or more side portions and one or more inner edge portions at least partially defining the bottom opening. The bottom opening may be configured to promote drying and/or draining of the cushion insert by exposing at least a portion of the bottom face of the cushion insert to an area external to the cushion cover when the cushion insert is positioned within the interior space. 
         [0005]    In an embodiment, a cushion may include a cushion insert having a bottom face including an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a plurality of through openings extending between the interior surface and the exterior surface. One or more of the through holes may exhibit a lateral opening dimension configured to allow passage of air and/or water between the interior surface and the exterior surface. The cushion may further include a cushion cover having a top portion and a bottom portion. One or more side portions may extend between the top portion and the bottom portion. The cushion cover may further include an interior space at least partially defined between the top portion, the bottom portion, and the one or more side portions. The cushion insert may be selectively received and housed in the interior space. The cushion cover may also include a bottom opening positioned in the bottom portion of the cushion cover. The bottom opening may expose one or more of the through openings to an area external to the cushion cover. The bottom opening and the through openings may collectively be configured to promote drying and/or draining of the cushion insert by allowing passage of air and/or water between the cushion insert and the area external to the cushion cover. 
         [0006]    In an embodiment, a method assembling a cushion may include providing a cushion insert having a bottom face having a plurality of through openings. The method may further include positioning the cushion insert inside a cushion cover. The cushion cover may include a top portion, a bottom portion spaced from the top portion, and one or more side portions extending between the top portion and the bottom portion. The cushion cover may further include an interior space at least partially defined between the top portion, the bottom portion, and the one or more side portions. The cushion insert may be positioned within the interior space. The cushion cover may further include a bottom opening formed in the bottom portion of the cushion cover. At least a portion of the through openings of the cushion insert may be exposed to an area external to the cushion cover through the bottom opening. 
         [0007]    Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used in combination with one another without limitation. In addition, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    To further clarify at least some of the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a, top perspective view of a cushion according to an embodiment; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the cushion shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cushion shown in  FIG. 1  taken along line  3 - 3 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top perspective view of the insert shown in  FIG. 1  removed from the cushion cover; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the insert shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  illustrates a detailed bottom view of the insert shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  illustrates a detailed bottom view of an insert according to another embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  illustrates a detailed bottom view of an insert according to another embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  illustrates a detailed bottom view of a insert according to another embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the cushion cover shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIGS. 11A through 11D  illustrate steps for assembling a cushion according to an embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  illustrates a top perspective view of a cushion according to another embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the cushion shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  illustrates a top perspective view of the cushion shown in  FIG. 13  positioned on an article of furniture; 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  illustrates a top perspective view of a cushion according to another embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the cushion shown in  FIGS. 15 ; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 17  illustrates a top perspective view of the cushion shown in  FIG. 15  positioned on an article of furniture. 
       
    
    
       [0026]    It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. It also should be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of example configurations of the present disclosure. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    Embodiments of the invention generally relate cushion covers, cushions, and methods of using the same. 
         [0028]      FIGS. 1 through 3  illustrate a top view, a bottom view, and cross-sectional view, respectively, of a cushion  100  according to an embodiment. The cushion  100  may include a cushion insert  104  and a cushion cover  102  sized and configured to selectively receive and house the insert  104 . In an embodiment, the cushion  100  may be configured for use on an article of furniture. For example, the cushion  100  may be sized and/or shaped to be positioned on a bench, a folding lawn chair, a deck chair, a chaise lounge chair, a couch, a loveseat, a stool, a bed, or any other suitable article of indoor anchor outdoor furniture. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the cushion  100  may be configured and/or utilized as a stand-alone unit (e.g., not associated with an article of furniture). 
         [0029]    As described in more detail below, the cushion  100  may be configured to promote drying and/or draining of the cushion  100 . The cushion  100  may also be configured to allow a user and/or a manufacturer to install and/or remove the cushion cover  102  and/or the insert  104  from the cushion  100  as desired. For example, in the event something is spilled on the cushion cover  102 , the cushion cover  102  may be removed from the insert  104  for washing without having to wash the entire cushion  100 , thereby helping to preserve the shape and/or volume of the cushion  100 . In another embodiment, if a user&#39;s fashion preferences change, a user can exchange or swap the cushion cover  102  out for another cushion cover having a different color, texture, style, and/or design without having to repurchase the entire cushion  100 . In other embodiments, the cushion  100  may be offered for sale with a plurality of cushion covers, each exhibiting a different color, design, or fashion. Accordingly, a user may have the ability to customize the cushion  100  as desired. In yet other embodiments, the cushion  100  may include cushion covers  102  and/or inserts  104  configured for use in different weather conditions. For example, in an embodiment, the cushion  100  may include a summer cushion cover  102  for use in the summer and a winter cushion cover  102  for use in the winter. Accordingly, a user may insert the insert  104  into one cushion cover  102  or another depending on the season. In other embodiments, if the cushion cover  102  and/or the insert  104  is damaged, the user may simply replace one or the other without having to purchase a whole new cushion  100 . 
         [0030]    In addition, the configuration of cushion  100  may help streamline inventory management. For example, in an embodiment, one or more inserts  104  may exhibit a standard and/or generic configuration. The cushion covers  102 , on the other hand, may be customizable (i.e., including different colors, styles, designs, materials) and be manufactured and stored separate from the inserts  104 . In an embodiment, the cushion covers  102  may be configured to be installed on the inserts  104  by an end user such that a manufacturer may produce, ship, and/or offer to sell a variety of different cushion covers  102  separately from the inserts  104 . Such a configuration may help streamline the manufacturer&#39;s storage, inventory, and shipping costs. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , the cushion cover  102  may exhibit any number of different configurations. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the cushion cover  102  may include a generally planar square top portion  106 , a bottom portion  108  (best shown in  FIG. 2 ), and side portions  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116 . The side portions  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  may be connected to the top portion  106  and may extend generally downward therefrom. The side portions  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  may be connected to the top portion  106  in any suitable manner. For example, an upper edge portion of the side portions  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  may be connected an edge portion of the top portion  106  via stitching thereby forming one or more seams between the top portion  106  and the side walls  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116 . In other embodiments, the side portions  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  may be connected to the top portion  106  via adhesives, mechanical fasteners, clips, snaps, buttons, combinations thereof, or any other suitable type of connection. The bottom portion  108  may be connected to the side portions  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  generally opposite the top portion. Similar to the top portion  106 , the bottom portion  108  may be connected to the side portions  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  in any suitable manner. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a lower edge portion of the side portions  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  may be connected to an outer edge portion of the bottom portion  108  via stitching, thereby forming one or more seams between the bottom portion  108  and the side walls  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116 . 
         [0032]    Together, the top portion  106 , the side portions  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116 , and the bottom portion  108  may define an interior space  118  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) within the cushion cover  102 . As will be discussed in more detail below, the cushion  100  may be configured such that the insert  104  may be inserted and/or removed from the interior space  118  of the cushion cover  102  as desired. Thus, the cushion  100  may be customizable and/or modifiable by changing the cushion cover  102  and/or the insert.  104  of the cushion  100 . 
         [0033]    In an embodiment, the interior space  118  may be sized and/or shaped to generally correspond to the size and/or shape of the insert  104 . Such a configuration may help the cushion cover  102  fit the insert  104  so as to provide the appearance of an integral cover. In other embodiments, the cushion cover  102  may be fitted, semi-fitted, or non-fitted relative to the insert  104 . 
         [0034]    In an embodiment, the side portions  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  may comprise a single band-like member extending between the top portion  106  and the bottom portion  108 . In other embodiments, the side portions  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  may comprise two, three, four, or any other suitable number of band-like members extending between the top portion  106  and the bottom portion  108 . In other embodiments, the side portions  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  may comprise a plurality of fabric panels extending at least partially between the top portion  106  and the bottom portion  108 . Optionally, the side portions  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  may be omitted. For example, in an embodiment, the top portion  106  may be connected to the bottom portion  108  to define the interior space  118 . 
         [0035]    In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom portion  108  may exhibit a generally border-like or frame-like configuration including an inner edge portion defining a, generally square opening  120  into the interior space  118 . The bottom portion  108  may include a first member  108 A, a second member  108 B, a third member  108 C, and a fourth member  108 D. In an embodiment, the first member  108 A may extend along the lower edge portion of the side portion  116  between side portions  114  and  110 . The second member  108 B may extend along the lower edge of the side portion  112  between side portions  114  and  110 . The third member  108 C may extend along the lower edge portion of the side portion  110  between the first and second members  108 A and  108 B. The fourth member  108 D may extend along the lower edge portion of the side portion  114  between the first and second members  108 A and  108 B. 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the bottom portion  108  may exhibit a width W defined between the opening  120  and the side portions  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116 . In an embodiment, the width W of the bottom portion  108  may vary between different portions of the bottom portion  108 . For example, the width of member  108 B may be greater than the width W of members  108 A,  108 C, and  108 D. In other embodiments, the width of member  108 A may be greater than the width of members  108 C and  108 D, in yet other embodiments, the width W of the bottom portion  108  may be generally constant. 
         [0037]    In an embodiment, one or more portions of the bottom portion  108  may exhibit a width W of greater than about one (1) inch, about one and a half (1.5) inches, about two (2) inches, about three (3) inches, or about four inches (4). In other embodiments, one or more portions of the bottom portion  108  may exhibit a width W of between about one-half (0.5) inch and about four (4) inches, about one (1) inch and about two (2) inches, about one and a half (1.5) inches and about two and a half (2.5) inches, or about one (1) inch and about four (4) inches. In other embodiments, the width W may be greater or smaller. 
         [0038]    The bottom portion  108  of the cushion cover  102  may be configured to help enhance the appearance and/or structure of the cushion  100 . For example, the bottom portion  108  may interconnect the lower edge portions of the side portions  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  thereby reinforcing the cushion  100  against outward forces exerted by the insert  104 . In other embodiments, the width W of the bottom portion  108  may be configured to promote the retention of the insert.  104  within the cushion cover  102  by physically retaining one or more selected portions of the bottom face  126  of the insert  104  within the cushion cover  102 . 
         [0039]    In other embodiments, when the cushion  100  is positioned on an article of furniture or another support surface, the width of the bottom portion  108  may selected to help conceal the opening  120  of the cushion cover  102  as the cushion  100  shifts or moves under the weight of a user or an object. In addition, the width W of the bottom portion  108  may be configured to promote the appearance of an integral cover by covering selected portions of the bottom face  126  of the insert  104 . 
         [0040]    While the cushion cover  102  is illustrated exhibiting a generally square configuration, in other embodiments, the cushion cover  102  may exhibit a generally rectangular configuration, a generally cylindrical configuration, a generally irregular geometric configuration, or any other suitable shape. Further, while the top portion  104  is described being generally planar, in other embodiments, the top portion  104  may include one or more curved portions, one or more non-planar portions, planar and curved portions, combinations thereof, or any other suitable configuration. In some embodiments, the cushion cover  102  may include one or more pockets (not shown). For example, the top portion  106 , the bottom portion  108 , and/or the side portions  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  may include one or more pockets configured to store items such as care instructions, deodorizers, money, or the like on or within the cushion cover  102 . In other embodiments, the pockets may be omitted. 
         [0041]    Moreover, while the bottom portion  108  is shown including four members, in other embodiments, the bottom portion  108  may include one, two, three, five, six or any other suitable number of members. Further, while the members  108 A and  108 B are shown extending between side portions, in other embodiments, the members  108 C and  108 D may extend between the side portions  112  and  116 . In other embodiments, the members  108 A,  108 B,  108 C, and  108 D may exhibit any suitable configuration. In addition, while the bottom portion  108  is shown exhibiting a frame-like configuration, in other embodiments, the bottom portion  108  may comprise a single member having one or more openings  120  cut or otherwise formed therein or any other suitable configurations. While a single opening  120  is shown, in other embodiments, the bottom portion  108  may define two, three, five, or any other suitable numbers of openings  120 . Moreover, while the opening  120  is shown exhibiting a square-like configuration, in other embodiments, the opening may exhibit a generally rectangular configuration, a generally elliptical configuration, a generally oval configuration, an irregular geometric configuration, combinations thereof, or any other suitable shape. Moreover, while the cushion cover  102  is shown and described in connection with insert  104 , in other embodiments, the cushion cover  102  may be sized and configured for use with different cushions and/or cushion inserts. 
         [0042]    The cushion cover  102  may be formed of any suitable material. For example, one or more portions of the cushion cover  102  may be formed of one or more polyester materials. In other embodiments, one or more portions of the cushion cover  102  may include woven fabrics, cloth, canvas, polyamides, woven acrylics, wicker materials, plastic materials, burlap, hemp, composite materials, or any other suitable materials. Optionally, the side portions  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  may include one or more materials exhibiting a desired stiffness configured to help the cushion cover  102  maintain its shape. In other embodiments, the top portion  106  may include one or more materials exhibiting a, selected softness or feel. Such a, configuration may help accommodate for a user&#39;s anatomical characteristics and/or comfort preferences. In yet other embodiments, one or more portions of the cushion cover  102  may be treated. For example, in an embodiment, one or more portions of the cushion cover  102  may include one or more coats of waterproofing materials, stain resistant materials, deodorizing materials, ultra-violet protectants, combinations thereof, or any other suitable materials. Moreover, one or more portions of the cushion cover  102  may include any suitable number of layers. For example, in an embodiment, the cushion cover  102  may include an inner liner attached to an outer layer. In other embodiments, the cushion cover  102  may include one or materials exhibiting one or more different colors, textures, or designs. 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the insert  104  may be sized and/or configured to be removably positioned within the interior space  118  of the cushion cover  102 . For example, in an embodiment, the insert  104  may comprise a top portion or face  124 , a bottom portion or face  126 , and side portions  128 ,  130 ,  132 , and  134  extending between the top face  124  and the bottom face  126 . Together, the top face  124 , the bottom face  126 , and the side portions  128 ,  130 ,  132 , and  134  may define an interior space  136  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Like the cushion cover  102 , the insert  104  may be formed on any suitable materials. For example, in an embodiment, the insert  104  may include one or more polyester materials. 
         [0044]    The insert  104  may further include one or more fill materials  138  positioned within the interior space  136 . The one or more fill materials  138  may comprise any suitable fill materials. For example, in an embodiment, one or more of the fill materials may comprise foam, polyester fibers, poly fill, poly wrap, quilt-batting materials, down materials, gel materials, combinations thereof, or any other suitable fill material. Optionally, the insert  104  may include a closable opening configured to provide access to the interior space  136 . Such a configuration may allow a user to position, move, add, and/or remove the one or more fill materials from the interior space  136  through the closable opening in order to accommodate for the user&#39;s anatomical characteristics and/or comfort preferences and/or fashion preferences. In addition, the closeable opening may provide a user the ability to customize the type of fill material within the interior space  136 . For example, in the event a user is allergic to feathers, a user may replace any features within the interior space  136  with poly fill, for instance, through the closable opening. 
         [0045]    The cushion  100  may include one or more features configured to help the cushion  100  resist damage from spills, rain, and/or other weather conditions. For example, the bottom face  126  of the insert  104  may include one or more materials  141  having an interior surface, an exterior surface, and one or more pores, openings, and/or slots extending between the interior surface and the exterior surface. As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the bottom face  126  may comprise a mesh material  141  having a plurality of generally rectangular openings  140  extending therethrough. 
         [0046]    In an embodiment, one or more of the openings  140  may exhibit a selected size configured to at least partially obstruct passage of the fill materials  138  therethrough. In other embodiments, one or more of the openings  140  may exhibit a, selected size configured to at least partially allow passage of air, water, and/or other fluids or materials therethrough. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , one or more of the openings  140  may exhibit a, selected lateral opening dimension D (e.g., a diameter) configured to help prevent the fill materials  138  from falling out through the bottom face  126  of the insert  104 . The selected lateral opening dimension D may further be configured to promote drying and/or draining of the insert  104  by allowing air, water, and/or other fluids or materials to pass through the openings  140 . In an embodiment, the lateral opening dimension D of one or more of the openings  140  may be greater than about 0.01 inches, greater than about 0.05 inches, greater than about 0.1 inches, greater than about 0.2 inches, greater than about 0.3 inches, greater than about 0.4 inches, greater than about 0.5 inches, or greater than about 1 inch. In other embodiments, the lateral opening dimension D of one or more of the openings  140  may be between about 001 inches and about 1 inch, between about 0.03 inches and about 0.75 inches, between about 0.1 inches and about 0.6 inches, between about 0.2 inches and about 0.5 inches, or between about 0.1 inches and 0.4 inches. In other embodiments, the lateral opening dimension D of one or more of the openings  140  may be larger or smaller. In the event cushion  100  is spilled upon or is left outside and becomes saturated with moisture, the lateral opening dimension D of one or more of the openings may help the cushion  100  dry out by allowing air to circulate through the openings  140  and the fill materials  138 . The lateral opening dimension D of the one or more openings  140  may also promote draining and/or drying of the cushion insert  104  by allowing moisture in the fill materials  138  to drain out through the bottom face  126 . Such a configuration may help extend the useful life of the cushion  100 . 
         [0047]    While the bottom face  126  of the insert  104  is shown comprising a mesh material, in other embodiments, the bottom face  126  of the insert  104  may include one or more woven materials, perforated materials, honeycomb materials, combinations thereof, or any other suitable materials. For example, in an embodiment, a first portion of the bottom face  126  may comprise a poly-vinyl-chloride (PVC) mesh material and a second portion of the bottom face  126  may comprise a polyester material. In other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 7 , at least a portion of the bottom face  126  may comprise a woven material  141 A having through openings  140 A. Such a configuration may influence the tensile, flexural, and/or compressive properties of the bottom face  126 . In yet other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 8 , at least a portion of the bottom face  126  may comprise one or more materials  141 B having a honeycomb type structure including through openings or cells  140 B. Such a configuration may influence the strength of the bottom face  126 . In addition, the shape and/or size of the through openings or cells  140 B may influence the passage of fluids and/or materials through the openings or cells  140 B. In still other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 9 , at least a portion of the bottom face  126  may comprise one or more materials  141 C having one or more through slots  140 C formed therein. Such a configuration may influence the tensile, flexural, and/or compressive properties of the bottom face  126 . In addition, the shape and size of the slots  140 C may influence the passage of fluids and/or materials through the slots  140 C. Moreover, while the bottom face  126  is shown in  FIG. 6  including generally rectangular openings  140 , in other embodiments, the size, shape, and/or configuration of the openings  140  may vary. For example, in an embodiment, the bottom face  126  may include one or more openings  140  that are larger than other ones of the openings  140 . In yet other embodiments, a portion of the openings  140  may exhibit an elliptical-like configuration and another portion of the openings  140  may exhibit an elongated slot configuration. 
         [0048]    Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the opening  120  of the cushion cover  102  and the bottom face  126  of the insert.  104  collectively may be configured to promote drying and/or draining of the cushion  100  by exposing at least a select portion of the through openings  140  to an area external to the cushion cover  102  and/or the cushion  100 . In an embodiment, the opening  120  may have an area greater than about forty (40) percent, about fifty (50) percent, about sixty (60) percent, about seventy (70) percent, about eighty (80) percent, about ninety (90) percent, or about ninety-five (95) percent of the area of the bottom face  126  of the insert  104 . In other embodiments, the opening  120  may have an area between about thirty (30) percent and about ninety-five (95) percent, between about forty (40) percent and ninety (90) percent, between about seventy (70) percent and about ninety (90) percent, between about fifty (50) percent and about eighty (80) percent, or between about sixty (60) percent and about seventy (70) percent. Accordingly, the opening  120  of the cushion cover  102  and the bottom face  126  of the cushion insert  104  may collectively allow a desired amount of heat, air, water, other materials or fluids, or the like to pass between the fill materials  138  and the environment and/or a support surface through the opening  120  and/or the through openings  140  of the cushion insert  104 . Such a configuration may help the cushion  100  resist damage and saturation from spills, rain, other weather conditions, and/or the like. 
         [0049]    Optionally, the cushion  100  may include one or more features configured to help retain or secure the insert.  104  in the cushion cover  102 . For example, in an embodiment, the cushion  100  may include a securing system comprising a hook-and-loop fastener system  142  (e.g., VELCRO®) to help retain or secure the insert  104  in the cushion cover  102 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the bottom face  126  of the insert  104  may include one or more strips of the hook portion of the system  142 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the interior surface of the side portions  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  may include one or more strips of the loop portion of the system  142 . To help retain the insert  104  within the interior space  118  of the cushion cover  102 , a user may connect the one or more hook portions of the system  142  attached to the insert  104  to the one or more loop portions of the system  142  attached to the cushion cover  102 . 
         [0050]    While the insert  104  is described including the one or more hook portions of system  142  and the cushion cover  102  is described including the one or more loop portions, it will be appreciated that the insert  104  may include the one or more loop portions of the system  142  and the cushion cover  102  may include the one or more hook portions of the system  142 . Moreover, while the cushion  100  is shown in  FIGS. 5 and 10  including a hook-and-loop fastener system, in other embodiments, the cushion  100  may include zippers, magnets, snaps, clips, buttons, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, combinations thereof or any other suitable securing system. 
         [0051]      FIGS. 11A through 11D  illustrates a method  500  of assembly the cushion  100  according to an embodiment. While the method  500  is illustrated using cushion  100 , it will be appreciated that the cushion may be any cushion disclosed herein, such as cushion  600  ( FIGS. 12-14 ) and cushion  700  ( FIGS. 15-17 ). The method  500  includes an act  552  of providing the cushion cover  102  and the insert  104  as shown in  FIG. 11A . Next, the method  500  includes an act  554  of positioning at least a portion of the bottom portion  108  and a side portion (e.g.,  110 ) of the cushion cover  102  on a side portion of the insert  104 . As shown in  FIG. 11B , positioning the cushion cover  102  on the end portion of the insert  104  may facilitate the connection of at least a portion of the hook-and-loop fastener system  142  of the cushion  100  between the cushion cover  102  and the insert  104 . Next, the method  500  may include an act  556  of moving or pulling the top portion  106 , the side portions  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  and/or a part of the bottom portion  108  of the cushion cover  102  over the top face  124 , side portions  128 ,  130 ,  132 , and  134 , and a portion of the bottom face  126  of the insert  104  in manner such that the insert  104  is substantially positioned within the interior space  118  of the cushion cover  102 . The opening  120  may be configured to provide access to the interior space  118 . For example, the opening  120  may be configured to allow insertion of the insert  104  into the interior space  118  and/or removal of the insert  104  from the interior space  118  (shown in  FIG. 11C ). Next, the method  500  may include an act of  558  of pulling or positioning any remaining portions of the bottom portion  108  over the bottom face  126  of the insert  104 . As shown in  FIG. 11D , the opening  120  of the cushion cover  102  may be positioned over the bottom face  126  of the insert  104  so as to leave a select number of the through openings  140  of the insert  104  substantially uncovered by the cushion cover  102 . Thus, the opening  120  of the cushion cover  102  and the bottom face  126  of the insert.  104  may collectively promote drying and/or draining of the cushion  100 . In act  558 , the hook-and-loop fastener system  142  may be connected between the insert  104  and the cushion cover  102  such that the insert  104  may be selectively secured within the cushion cover  102 . Optionally, method  500  may further include the act of positioning or placing the cushion  100  on an article of furniture (e.g., chair, bench, ottoman, couch, or the like). It will be appreciated that method  500  may be performed by an end user and/or manufacturer of the cushion  100 . In the event that a user or manufacturer desires to remove the insert  104  from the cushion cover  102 , the steps of method  500  may be generally performed in reverse order. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 12 through 14  illustrate a cushion  600  according to another embodiment. The cushion  600  has many of the same components and features that are included in the cushion  100  of  FIGS. 1 through 11D . Therefore, in the interest of brevity, the components and features of the cushions  100  and  600  that correspond to each other have been provided with identical reference numbers, and an explanation thereof will not be repeated. However, it should be noted that the principles of the cushion  600  may be employed with any of the embodiments described in relation to  FIGS. 1-11D  and vice versa. 
         [0053]    The cushion  600  may include an insert  604  and a cushion cover  602  sized and configured to selectively receive and house the insert  604  within the cushion cover  602 . In an embodiment, the cushion cover  602  may exhibit a generally rectangular configuration including a top portion  606 , a bottom portion  608  (shown in  FIG. 13 ), and side portions  610 ,  612 ,  614 , and  616 . As shown, the side portions  610 ,  612 ,  614 , and  616  may extend between the top portion  606  and bottom portion  608 . Like the side portions of cushion  100 , the side portions  610 ,  612 ,  614 , and  616  may be connected between the top and bottom portions  606 ,  608  by any suitable type of connection. Together, the top portion  606 , the side portions  610 ,  612 ,  614 , and  616 , and the bottom portion  608  may define an interior space within the cushion cover  602 . The bottom portion  608  may include an inner edge portion defining an opening  620  into the interior space. The insert  604  may be sized and configured to be selectively positioned within the interior space of the cushion cover  602 . Moreover, like the insert  104 , the insert  604  may include a bottom face  626  including one or more materials having one or more pores, openings, and/or slots extending therethrough. 
         [0054]    As shown, the opening  620  of the cushion cover  602  may be sized and configured so as to expose a substantial portion of the openings in the bottom face  626  of the insert  604 . Thus, water, for example, may pass from fill materials within the insert  604  to the environment and/or the support surface through the opening  620  of the cushion cover  602  and the openings of the bottom face  626 . Accordingly, the cushion cover  602  and the bottom face  626  of the insert  604  may collectively promote drying and/or draining of the cushion  600 . In addition, like cushion  100 , the cushion  600  may be configured so as to allow a user and/or a manufacture to install and/or remove the cushion cover  602  and/or the insert  604  from the cushion  600  as desired. 
         [0055]    Like cushion  100 , the cushion  600  may be configured for use on an article of furniture. For example, as shown in  FIG. 14 , the cushion  600  may be sized and/or shaped to be positioned on a bench  660 . While cushion  600  is shown on the bench  660 , in other embodiments, the cushion  600  may be sized and/or shaped for use with a folding lawn chair, a deck chair, a chaise lounge chair, a couch, a loveseat, a stool, a bed, or any other suitable article of outdoor and/or indoor furniture. In other embodiments, the cushion  600  may be configured and/or utilized as a stand-alone unit (e.g., not associated with an article of furniture). 
         [0056]      FIGS. 15 through 17  illustrate a cushion  700  according to another embodiment. The cushion  700  has many of the same components and features that are included in the cushions  100  and  600  of  FIGS. 1 through 14 . Therefore, in the interest of brevity, the components and features of the cushions  100 ,  600 , and  700  that correspond to each other have been provided with identical reference numbers, and an explanation thereof will not be repeated. However, it should be noted that the principles of the cushion  700  may be employed with any of the embodiments described in relation to  FIGS. 1-14  and vice versa. 
         [0057]    As shown, the cushion  700  may exhibit a generally cylindrical configuration and may include an insert  704  and a cushion cover  702  sized and configured to selectively receive and house the insert  704  within the cushion cover  702 . In an embodiment, the cushion cover  702  may include atop portion  706 , a bottom portion  708  (shown in  FIG. 16 ), and a side portion  710 . As shown, the side portion  710  may extend between the top portion  706  and bottom portion  708 . Like the side portions of cushion  100 , the side portion  710  may be connected between the top and bottom portions  706 ,  708  by any suitable type of connection. Together, the top portion  706 , the side portion  710 , and the bottom portion  708  may define an interior space within the cushion cover  702 . The bottom portion  708  may include an inner edge portion defining an opening  720  into the interior space. 
         [0058]    The insert  704  may be sized and configured to be selectively positioned within the interior space of the cushion cover  702 . Moreover, like the insert  104 , the insert  704  may include a bottom face  726  including one or more materials having one or more pores, openings, and/or slots extending therethrough. As shown, the opening  720  of the cushion cover  702  may be sized and configured so as to expose a substantial portion of the openings in the bottom face  726  of the insert  704  to the environment and/or a support surface. Thus, air, for example, may pass between fill materials within the insert  704  and the environment and/or the support surface through the opening  720  of the cushion cover  702  and the openings of the bottom face  726 . In addition, like cushion  100 , the cushion  700  may be configured so as to allow a user and/or a manufacture to install and/or remove the cushion cover  702  and/or the insert  704  from the cushion  700  as desired. 
         [0059]    Like the cushion  100 , the cushion  700  may be configured for use on an article of furniture. For example, as shown in  FIG. 17 , the cushion  700  may be sized and/or shaped to be positioned on a stool  760 . While cushion  700  is shown on the stool  760 , in other embodiments, the cushion  700  may be sized and/or shaped for use with a folding lawn chair, a deck chair, a chaise lounge chair, a couch, a bench a loveseat, an ottoman, a bed, or any other suitable article of outdoor and/or indoor furniture. In other embodiments, the cushion  700  may be configured and/or utilized as a stand-alone unit (e.g., not associated with an article of furniture). 
         [0060]    While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, the words “including,” “having,” and variants thereof (e.g., “includes” and “has”) as used herein, including the claims, shall be open ended and have the same meaning as the word “comprising” and variants thereof (e.g., “comprise” and “comprises”).