Abstract:
A releasably attachable cushion that can be used with chair armrests, seat armrests, and other types of support structures, to provide extra cushion support for the user&#39;s arm. The cushion has a cushioning layer that is enclosed in the outer covering. A skirt with a tightening strap is extends below the outer covering. The tightening strap allows a user to adjust and securely apply the cushion to armrests of various shapes and sizes without unduly compressing the cushioning layer.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/812,190, filed on Mar. 19, 2001, now allowed, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to cushion and more particularly, to cushions which are removably attachable to an arm of a chair.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Armrest cushions are provided on an armrest of a chair to provide comfort and support to users of the chair. Armrest cushions are especially useful and necessary for persons who must sit on a chair for an extended period of time or use a chair that does not provide adequate support and comfort for an extended use.  
           [0004]    Often users must sit in a chair to perform a task for an extended period of time. The armrests of chairs are typically made of various hard materials such as plastic and come in various shapes. Because most of the armrests are without any cushion or padding, an extended use of the chairs may cause fatigue and stress to the users, and sometimes cause occupational hazards. Thus it is desirable to provide cushions for the chairs&#39; arms. The problem is more severe for computer users. With the advent of the Internet and computer age, a larger number of the population now use a computer on a daily basis. The computer users often engage in very intensive work sessions that require their continuous presence in front of the computer screens.  
           [0005]    Conventional armrest cushions are provided for beach chairs, wheelchairs, and automobile armrests. However, conventional chairs and armrest cushions, even those designed for such purposes, do not provide adequate support and cushion to the computer users. Also, conventional cushions do not provide adequate flexibility and adjustability to the users.  
           [0006]    Further, most conventional armrests are designed to work with some specific types of chairs such as beach chairs or wheelchairs. Since they are designed to fit with certain types of chairs, they are often not very flexible and their applicability is limited.  
           [0007]    In view of the foregoing, it is highly desirable to provide an armrest cushion that has cushion support and flexibility without losing the necessary rigidity to provide adequate support to the users. It is also desirable to provide an armrest cushion that allows users to adjust the cushion to apply to arms of various sizes and shapes.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    The present invention provides a cushion that can be used with chair armrests, seat armrests, and other types of support structure. The cushion of the present invention is releasably attachable to the armrest or a support structure to provide a cushion support for the user of the armrest or the support structure.  
           [0009]    In one embodiment, the present invention provides a cushion for removable attachment to the arm of a chair, comprising an outer covering and a multi-layer inner structure. The multi-layer inner structure includes at least two layers: a cushion layer and a support layer. In a preferred embodiment, the cushion and support layers are enclosed in the outer covering. The support layer is thinner and made of harder material than said cushion.  
           [0010]    The cushion has a plurality of straps attached to it so that a user can tighten the straps and secure the cushion on the armrest. In a preferred embodiment, the support layer and the outer covering have holes to accommodate and pass through the straps.  
           [0011]    In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the cushion of the invention comprises an outer covering, an inner layer or cushion, and a skirt attached to the outer covering. The inner cushion is enclosed in the outer covering, and the skirt comprises tightening means. In one embodiment, the skirt has tightening means such as a string so that a user can secure the armrest cushion to the armrest without losing cushion support or softness.  
           [0012]    The alternate embodiment is flexible and accommodating of various sized and shaped structures or armrests. When the size of the armrest is smaller than the size of the cushion, the user can still use and enjoy the alternate embodiment of the cushion by placing the cushion on the small size armrest and secure the cushion on the armrest by tightening the string. Tightening the string on a smaller size armrest causes the cushion end portions to bend and wrap around the end side of the armrest, providing a well-fit and adjusted cushion support. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an armrest cushion of the invention in conjunction with a chair.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an armrest cushion constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention:  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3(A) is a top perspective view of the second layer and shows the holes in the second layer in one embodiment of the invention:  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 3(B) shows a detail showing the holes in greater detail;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of armrest cushion of the invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 5(A) illustrates the cushion of the invention in conjunction with a small size armrest; and  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 5(B) illustrates the cushion of the invention applied to the armrest. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0021]    In overview, the present invention provides for a cushion that can be used with chair armrest, seat armrest, and other types of support structure. The cushion of the present invention is releasably attachable to the armrest or a support structure to provide a cushion support for the user of the armrest or the support structure.  
         [0022]    The present invention provides an armrest cushion comprising an outer covering and a layered inner structure.  
         [0023]    The outer covering made of soft fabric has a tightening means attached around the fringe of a skirt so that the armrest cushion may be applied to armrests of various sizes. When the armrest cushion is applied to a chair that has relatively shorter armrests, the user can pull the tightening means tight and fit the cushion on the shorter armrest and prevent slip-off.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an armrest cushion of the invention in conjunction with a chair. In FIG. 1, the chair  101  has two (2) armrests  103  and  105 . Armrest cushions  107  and  113  are placed on the armrests  103  and  105 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the armrest cushion  107  of the invention has straps  109  and  111  that wrap around the armrest  103  in order to secure the armrest cushion  107  to the armrest  103 . Similarly, the armrest cushion  113  has straps  115  and  117  that wrap around the armrest  105  in order to secure the armrest cushion  113  to the armrest  105 .  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an armrest cushion constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The armrest cushion  200  has outer skin or covering  201 , first layer  203 , and second layer  205 . The outer skin or covering  201  is provided to cover and protect the inner layers. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the outer covering  201  has a bottom  219 , and encloses the first layer  203  and second layer  205 . The outer covering can be made of any soft fabric that provides comfort and softness to human contact. The first layer  203  is made of some soft material with some thickness so that when pressed down by an elbow, it provides sufficient cushion and softness to the person putting an elbow on the armrest cushion. Typically, the first layer  203  is made of foam material of some thickness that has softness and elastic quality. Any material that provides cushion support may be used as the first layer  203 .  
         [0026]    The second layer  205  is made of thinner and harder material so that it provides sufficient support for the whole armrest cushion, but still flexible enough to allow a little bending in order to accommodate armrest of various shapes. In one embodiment of the invention, the top and bottom surface of the second layer  205  are made to be non-slippery in order to prevent slippage. Various methods and materials can be used to provide a non-slippery surface. For example, small bumps of non-slippery material  231  may be formed on the surfaces of the second layer  205 , as best shown in FIGS.  2 ,  3 (A) and  3 (B). In an alternate embodiment, the surfaces of the second layer  205  may be filed in order to provide fine grain bumps and scratches.  
         [0027]    In one embodiment of the invention, the top surface  215  of the second layer  205  is designed to be non-slippery so as to prevent slippage between the upper and lower layers. Various methods can be used to provide a non-slippery exterior surface. For example, small bumps  231  of non-slippery exterior may be formed on the top surface  215  of the second layer  205 . In an alternate embodiment, the top surface  215  may be filed in order to provide fine grain bumps and scratches. The bottom surface  217  of the second layer  205  may also be made non-slippery in order to prevent slippage.  
         [0028]    The bottom surface  219  of the outer covering  201  has a non-slippery exterior surface to help prevent it from slipping off the structure such as an armrest. For example, small bumps of non-slippery material may be formed on the bottom surface  219  of the outer covering  201 . In an alternate embodiment, the bottom surface  219  may be filed in order to provide fine grain bumps and scratches.  
         [0029]    In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the first layer  203  and second layer  205  are enclosed by the outer covering  201 . The first layer  203  and second layer  205  are coextensive so that they have similar length and width when viewed from the top of the cushion  200 . In FIG. 2, the first layer  203  is thicker than the second layer  205 . However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the first and second layers may be swapped in position so that the second layer  205  takes the position of the fist layer  203  and vice versa.  
         [0030]    In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the outer covering has an opening  221  so that the first layer  103  and second layer  105  can be inserted into or removed from the covering  201 . The location of the opening  221  can be anywhere on the outer covering  201  and/or  219  where it is convenient to insert or remove the inner layers. In one embodiment of the invention, the opening  221  has a zipper as illustrated in FIG. 2. However, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other methods can be used to open and close the opening  221 . For example, buttons instead of a zipper may be used to open and close the opening  221 .  
         [0031]    The straps  207  and  209  are used to secure the armrest cushion to the attached structure, for example an armchair. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the straps  207  and  209  pass through holes  223 ,  225 ,  227 , and  229  in the second layer  205 . The bottom  219  of the outer covering  201  also has holes  233 ,  235 ,  237  and  239  to allow the straps  207  and  209  to pass through, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The straps  207  and  209  can be made of any suitable materials such as cotton, or other synthetic material. Alternatively, any other suitable tightening means may be used in place of the straps  207  and  209 . For example, strings, Velcro based mechanism or rubber based mechanism may be used as tightening means in place of the straps  207  and  209 .  
         [0032]    In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the straps only pass through the bottom  219  of the outer covering  201  without passing through the second layer  205 . In this alternate embodiment, the second layer  205  does not require holes to allow the straps  207  and  213  to pass through.  
         [0033]    In operation, a user attaches the armrest cushion  200  to an armrest, for example, and fasten the straps  207  and  209  around the armrests using buckles or clamps  211  and  213  to secure the armrest cushion  200  to the armrest. Although two (2) clamps are disclosed for a strap, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that any proper number of straps may be used in conjunction with the invention. For example, three (3) or more (6) may be used instead of two (2). Alternatively, only one strap may be used to secure the cushion  200  to an armrest if one strap is sufficient for the purpose of securing it in view of the dimension and design of the armrest. To remove the cushion  200 , the user loosens the straps  207  and  209 , and removes the cushion  200  from the secured position.  
         [0034]    Although clamps  211  and  213  are shown in FIG. 2, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that any other proper fastening method may be used to tighten the straps  207  and  209 . For example, the straps  207  and  209  may be tightened by knotting the straps without using a clamp.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 3(A) illustrates the holes  223 - 229  in the second layer  205  in one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3(B) illustrates the holes  223 - 229  in greater detail. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3(B), the holes  223 - 229  have saw-tooth shaped edges. Also, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3(B), the hole  223  has one edge protruding longer into the cavity than the opposite edge. For example, in FIG. 3(B), the edge  301  has recesses  305  and  307  and extends longer than the edge  303  into the cavity  223 . When the armrest cushion  200  is applied to an armrest having a round cross-section, the longer edge  301  will bend and fit the contour of the round armrest, allowing the rest of the second layer  205  to remain flat enough to provide support for the user. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the second layer  205  has grooves  309  cut partially into the second layer in order to further facilitate the bending of the edge  301 .  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of armrest cushion of the invention. The armrest cushion  400  comprises outer covering  401 , inner layer  403 , and skirt  405 . Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the outer covering  401  can be made of any soft fabric that provides comfort and softness to human contact. The inner layer  403  is made of some soft material with some thickness so that when pressed down by an elbow, it provides sufficient cushion and softness to the person putting an elbow on the armrest cushion. Similar to the first layer  203 , the inner layer  403  is made of foam material of some thickness that has softness and elastic quality.  
         [0037]    The bottom part  409  of the outer covering  401  has a surface  411  made of non-slippery material to help prevent slipping of the armrest cushion  400  off the structure such as an armrest. For example, small bumps of non-slippery exterior may be formed on the bottom surface  411 . In an alternate embodiment, the bottom surface  411  may be filed in order to provide fine grain bumps and scratches.  
         [0038]    As shown in FIG. 4, the inner layer  403  is enclosed by the outer covering  401 . The outer covering  401  has an opening  407  so that the inner layer  403  can be inserted into or removed from the covering. The opening  407  can be located anywhere on the outer covering  401  and/or  409  where it allows to insert the inner layer  403  into, and remove the inner layer  403  from, the outer covering  401 . In one embodiment of the invention, the opening  407  has a zipper so that insertion or removal of layers can be achieved quickly and efficiently. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other methods can be used to implement the opening  407 . For example, buttons or Velcro based mechanism instead of a zipper may be used to open and close the opening  407 . Alternatively, the opening  407  may be closed by overlapping sheets of cloth attached to the outer covering  401  without using a zipper, or other closing mechanisms.  
         [0039]    The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 dose not use straps  207  and  209 . Instead, the outer covering  401  has a skirt  405 , which attaches to the outer covering  401  so that it at least partially extend over the armrest  413 . The skirt  405  has on its fringe a passageway for a string  408  so that it holds and passes the string  408 , which can be tightened and fastened to secure the armrest cushion to the armrest  413 . In one embodiment of the invention, the passageway for the string  408  may be created by stitching or seaming. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that any other suitable method can be used in conjunction with the invention to pass and hold the strap around the fringe of the skirt  405 .  
         [0040]    The string  408  can be tightened and fastened using a clamp or any other suitable method such as simple knotting. In alternate embodiments of the invention, other types of tightening means may be used in place of the string  408 . For example, a string, rubber based tightening means or Velcro based tightening means, or any other suitable methods can be used to secure the skirt  405  on the armrest. In yet another embodiment of the invention, any combination of a strap, string, Velcro, rubber can be used as the tightening means.  
         [0041]    The alternate embodiment in FIG. 4 is flexible and accommodating of various sized and shaped armrests and structures. For example, if the length of the armrest  413  is shorter then the length of the cushion  400 , the user can still use and enjoy the cushion  400  by placing the cushion  400  on the small size armrest and secure the cushion on the armrest by tightening the string  408 . Tightening the string  408  on a smaller size armrest causes the cushion end portions to bend and wrap around the end side of the armrest. Depending on the placement of the cushion  400  and the shape of the smaller size armrest, it is possible for either end portion or both end portions to be bent.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 5(A) illustrates the cushion of the invention in conjunction with a small size armrest. In FIG. 5(A), the side length  501  of the armrest cushion  400  is larger then the side length  503  of the armrest  500 . Unlike conventional armrest cushions, the armrest cushion  400  of the invention allows proper fitting on the small armrest  500  so that the user may use the same armrest cushion  400  on different-shaped and sized armrests without having to modify or break the cushion or having to purchase a new cushion. With conventional cushions, when the larger size cushion is placed on the smaller sized armrest, the end portions such as  502  and  504  will be left without vertical support and will be left dangling in midair, creating potential hazard of causing injuries or at least inconvenience to the users. In contrast, the cushion  400  of the invention allows the end portions  502  and  504  to bend and wrap around the side ends of the smaller armrest  500  so that there is much better fitting of the armrest cushion  400 .  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 5(B) illustrates the cushion  400  of the invention applied to the armrest  500 . In FIG. 5(B), the flexibility of components of the armrest cushion  400  and the overall design allow the end portions  502  and  504  of the cushion  400  to bend and wrap around the side ends of the armrest  500  without breaking or damaging the armrest or losing cushion support.  
         [0044]    Specifically, the outer covering  401  and inner layer  403  are sufficiently flexible to allow bending on end portions  502  and  504  of the armrest cushion  400  and wrap around the both ends of the small armrest  500 , as illustrated in FIG. 5(B). The bending of the cushion  400  on end portions  502  and  504  allows the cushion  400  to fit better on the smaller-sized armrests and prevents cushion end portions  502  and  504  from unnecessarily protruding and dangling without vertical support underneath, so that the user may feel more comfortable and have better support using the cushion  400 .  
         [0045]    In operation, the user places the cushion  400  on the armrest  500  and tightens or pulls the string  408 , causing the cushion  400  to bend and wrap around on side ends. The user can secure the cushion  400  by adjusting the buckle or tightening clamp  506 .  
         [0046]    One benefit of providing skirt  405  is that it shields the outer covering  401  from the effect of tightening string  408 . By providing attaching a skirt having a string, the invention shields the inner layer  403  from the tension and pressure caused by tightening of the string  408 , thus maintaining the softness of cushion. When the user tightens the string  408 , the cushion  400  dose not lose, but maintains the original cushion softness because the size of the space inside the outer covering  401  is relatively unaffected by the tightening so that the outer covering  401  provides space large enough to hold the inner layer  403  without compressing it even when the end portions  502  and  504  may bend, thereby allowing the inner layer to maintain its softness.  
         [0047]    It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, that the invention can be used in conjunction with any suitable types of chairs such as computer chairs, wheelchairs, bench chairs, and automobile armrests. Further, although an armrest cushion has been described in conjunction with an armrest of a chair, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention can be used for any other suitable purpose and application than chairs. For example, the cushion of the invention may be applied where there is a need to provide cushion support without involving an armrest.  
         [0048]    While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.