Patent Publication Number: US-2023148765-A1

Title: Protective cover for outdoor apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/726,083 entitled “PROTECTIVE COVER FOR OUTDOOR APPARATUS,” and filed on Apr. 21, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/113,511 entitled “PROTECTIVE COVER FOR OUTDOOR APPARATUS,” and filed on Dec. 7, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/750,305 entitled “PROTECTIVE COVER FOR OUTDOOR APPARATUS,” and filed on Jan. 23, 2020 (Issued Dec. 8, 2020 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,856,669), which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US19/32299 entitled “PROTECTIVE COVER FOR OUTDOOR APPARATUS,” and filed on May 14, 2019, which in turn claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/671,347, entitled “Outdoor Apparatus and Integrated Protective Cover,” and filed on May 14, 2018. The contents of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a protective cover for a chair. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Consumer demand for outdoor furniture is at an all-time high. Outdoor furniture is a $9 billion dollar per year business in the US and is one of the fastest growing categories in the furniture market. 92% of all new single-family homes built in the US in 2017 have a patio, porch, or deck. An “outdoor living room” is a highly requested specialty room, surpassing the home office for the past six consecutive years, according to the American Institute of Architects. 
     Outdoor furniture is subject to environmental conditions that are much more extreme than most other furniture. These conditions include hot and cold temperatures, cycling between extreme temperatures, humidity, extremely dry air, rain, snow, sleet and other precipitation, ice, wind, UV exposure from the sun, environmental pollutants, salt, chlorine and other swimming pool chemicals, and a myriad of other environmental contaminants. Furthermore, outdoor furniture comes in contact with all types of substances that have the potential to dirty, stain, or degrade the materials of construction, including dirt, leaves, sap, pollen, and other debris from plants, bird droppings, mold, mildew, and other fungi, bacteria, pet hair, food and beverages, natural skin oils, sunscreen, body lotion, makeup, and more. To add to the challenge, these conditions vary drastically throughout different parts of the United States, throughout different countries, and across seasons. Conventional outdoor furniture is not designed for certain geographies or seasonal periods; nevertheless, conventional outdoor furniture products are used in all conditions. 
     To meet the requirements necessary to withstand such a wide range of harsh conditions, some conventional outdoor furniture is made from very durable materials. This durability often correlates with hard, stiff, and heavy material properties; and such materials are often high in cost. In contrast to the design of conventional furniture, customers prefer comfortable and usable products that are not too costly. Therefore, the environmental performance requirements and customer demands are often in conflict. 
     To balance these conflicts, traditional furniture designers take one of two approaches. The first approach is to design products that are strong, sturdy, hard, and do not absorb water. An example is a chair made entirely of aluminum. Made from a strong, lightweight, non-absorbent and relatively inert (corrosion resistant) material, an aluminum chair can withstand many seasons outside. This approach suffers from a lack of comfort and can be limited aesthetically. 
     The second approach is to design products that use soft, comfortable materials which require covers to protect the materials from the elements. An example of this is an outdoor sofa with foam cushions and fabric cushion covers that requires a large “rain cover” to be placed over the furniture between uses, in order to ensure the product survives many seasons. This approach requires much more user effort to maintain the furniture. Rain covers are large and bulky; they require a place for storage, and time and effort to cover the furniture after each time it is used. The covers can get wet, dirty, and often require two people to cover the furniture. Because of these inconveniences, owners of outdoor furniture frequently describe the use of a rain cover as among the most frustrating and disliked aspects of ownership (even though the use of a rain cover is often limited to just a few times per season). However, not using a rain cover dramatically reduces the lifetime of these products and makes their limited use much less enjoyable, as owners are left with wet, dirty, and often moldy furniture. This inconvenience of using a rain cover, or the lack of a cover, leads many owners to store the entire furniture or components of the furniture, such as cushions and pillows, between uses. Storage occupies valuable space in the garage, shed, cover patio, or other living spaces. Dirty stacked cushions are unsightly. And transporting the furniture or components to and from storage takes time, effort (usually multiple trips), and is unpleasant when the products are wet or dirty. 
     Neither of the existing design approaches results in satisfied customers. For this reason, owners of outdoor furniture frequently describe dissatisfaction with, and ultimately limit their use of, the furniture and their enjoyment of outdoor spaces. 
     SUMMARY 
     The various examples of the present disclosure are directed towards a protective covering, which includes a cover portion, an elongated piece of fabric, a first coupling mechanism, and a second coupling mechanism. The cover portion is for a seat cushion. The elongated piece of fabric extends from the cover portion. The first coupling mechanism couples the cover portion to a first end of the elongated piece of fabric. The second coupling mechanism is configured to couple the cover portion to a second end of the elongated piece of fabric. 
     In some examples, the first coupling mechanism includes any of: male and female connectors, hook and loop fasteners, Velcro, an adhesive element, sewn seams, and a zipper. 
     In some examples, the protective cover further includes a handle, which is proximally located to the second end of the elongated piece of fabric. 
     In some examples, the second coupling mechanism includes a ferromagnetic rod affixed to the second end of the elongated piece of fabric. The second coupling mechanism further includes at least one magnet affixed to the cover portion. The magnet is located on the cover portion, corresponding to a location of the rod when the elongated piece of fabric is wrapped in a first direction around the cover portion. 
     In some examples, the magnet and the rod provide a magnetic force stronger than a gravitational weight of the cover portion, the cushion, and a second cushion. 
     In some examples, the cover portion is configured to receive a cushion. 
     In some examples, a length of the elongated cover is sufficient to wrap around both the cover portion when the cover portion has received the cushion and a second cushion. 
     In some examples, the protective cover includes weather resistant synthetic material. 
     In some examples, the first coupling mechanism includes a zipper, and the second coupling mechanism includes Velcro. 
     Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides for a seat system, which includes a chair with a back portion and a seat portion; a seat cushion; a back cushion; and a protective covering. The protective covering can be as described above. 
     In some examples, the first coupling mechanism comprises a zipper, and wherein the second coupling mechanism comprises Velcro. 
     In some examples, the second coupling mechanism includes a rod at the second end of the elongated piece of fabric and at least one magnet at the second end of the cover. 
     In some examples, the magnet and the rod provide a magnetic force stronger than a gravitational weight of the cover portion, the cushion, and a second cushion. 
     In some examples, the cover portion is configured to receive a first cushion. 
     In some examples, a length of the elongated cover is sufficient to wrap around both a second cushion and the cover portion when the cover portion has received the first cushion. 
     In some examples, the first coupling mechanism comprises at least one of: male and female connectors, hook and loop fasteners, Velcro, an adhesive element, sewn seams, and a zipper. 
     In some examples, the protective covering includes a handle, which is proximally located to the second end of the elongated piece of fabric. 
     In some examples, the cover portion includes at least one magnet corresponding to a location of the rod when the elongated piece of fabric is wrapped in a first direction around the cover portion. 
     In some examples, the protective cover includes weather resistant synthetic material. 
     In some examples, the protective cover and the back portion are further configured to removably couple with a third coupling mechanism. 
     The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure. Rather, the foregoing summary merely provides an example of some of the novel aspects and features set forth herein. The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of representative embodiments and modes for carrying out the present invention, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings exemplify the embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain and illustrate principles of the invention. The drawings are intended to illustrate major features of the exemplary embodiments in a diagrammatic manner. The drawings are not intended to depict every feature of actual embodiments nor relative dimensions of the depicted elements, and are not drawn to scale. 
         FIG.  1 A  shows an exemplary chair and cover apparatus secured in a first position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  1 B  shows an exemplary chair and cover apparatus secured in a second position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2 A  shows an exemplary chair and cover apparatus in a first user configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2 B  shows an exemplary chair and cover apparatus in a second user configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3 A  shows a rear view of an exemplary chair and cover apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3 B  shows another rear view of an exemplary chair and cover apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    shows an exemplary cover apparatus in a carrying configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    shows an integrated cover apparatus with side portions. 
         FIG.  6 A  shows an exemplary sectional seat system in a first user configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6 B  shows an exemplary sectional seat system in an intermediate storage configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6 C  shows an exemplary sectional seat system in a storage configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7 A  shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a cover apparatus for a table, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7 B  shows a side view of the cover apparatus of  FIG.  7 A , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7 C  shows a side view of the cover apparatus of  FIG.  7 A  where the cover apparatus is extended, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7 D  shows another side view of the cover apparatus of  FIG.  7 A  where the cover apparatus is extended, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8 A  shows another exemplary cover apparatus in a retracted position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8 B  shows the exemplary cover apparatus of  FIG.  8 A  in an extended position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9 A  shows an exemplary ottoman system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9 B  shows the exemplary ottoman system of  FIG.  9 A  where a cover portion is in an extended position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9 C  shows the exemplary ottoman system of  FIG.  9 A  where a cover portion is stored in a storage flap, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10 A  shows an exemplary lounge chair cushion apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10 B  shows the exemplary lounge chair cushion apparatus of  FIG.  10 A  where the cushion is folded, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10 C  shows the exemplary lounge chair cushion apparatus of  FIG.  10 A  where the cushion is configured to be carried, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  11    shows an exemplary cushion storage system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  12    shows an exemplary angled cushion cover, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  13    shows an exemplary complete cover for an armchair, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS.  14 A- 14 B  show an exemplary ottoman cover, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  15    shows another exemplary ottoman cover, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention is described with reference to the attached figures, where like reference numerals are used throughout the figures to designate similar or equivalent elements. The figures are not drawn to scale, and are provided merely to illustrate the instant invention. Several aspects of the invention are described below with reference to example applications for illustration. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a full understanding of the invention. One having ordinary skill in the relevant art, however, will readily recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the invention. The present invention is not limited by the illustrated ordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts or events are required to implement a methodology in accordance with the present invention. 
     The present disclosure is directed to outdoor furniture apparatuses which provide comfort, durability, cleanliness, maintenance, and convenience. An exemplary apparatus of the present disclosure provides an integrated zip on/zip off cover that allows the customer to cover outdoor furniture cushions quickly and easily from the elements. When in a covering configuration, the cover covers both back and seat cushions, and can be optionally secured to the bottom of a seat cushion via a hook and loop fastener. In some examples, the cover hangs over the front the cushions. In some examples, the cover is secured in its hanging position to the front of the furniture with magnets. When not in use, the cover can be stowed behind the back cushion where it is out of sight but easily accessible to quick deployment. In some examples, stowage behind the back cushion is done by (1) rolling the cover around a rigid internal member, (2) placing the rolled cover at the upper back edge of the seat cushion, and (3) replacing the back cushion. In some examples, the cover is hung over the back of the chair or sofa. 
     The present disclosure therefore provides a quick and simple method of protecting the cushions from the environment without the need for a separate rain cover. Therefore, the present disclosure provides systems and apparatuses for fast and easy protection of outdoor furniture cushions from the elements. 
       FIG.  1 A  shows an exemplary seat system  100  in a first position  100 A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Seat system  100  includes a chair  102 , an integrated cover apparatus  104 , a small cushion  106 , a large cushion cover  108 , a first attachment point  110 , a second attachment point  112 , a handle  114 , an elongated piece of fabric  116 , a receiving portion  118 , and a third attachment point  120 . 
     The integrated cover apparatus  104  is configured to be put on a chair  102 . The integrated cover apparatus  104  includes a cover portion for the large cushion cover  108  and an elongated piece of fabric  116 . The elongated piece of fabric  116  and the cover portion for the large cushion cover  108  can have various coupling mechanisms to couple the fabric  116  to the large cushion cover  108 . 
     For example, a first coupling mechanism can be found at location  110 , at a junction between a first end of the elongated piece of fabric  118  and a first end of the large cushion cover  108 . In some examples, the first coupling mechanism is a permanent or semi-permanent attachment mechanism, including glue, tape, a sewn seam, or any other permanent or semi-permanent attachment mechanism as known in the art. In other examples, the coupling mechanism is a removable coupling mechanism, including male and female connectors, hook and loop fasteners, Velcro, an adhesive element, snaps, buttons, tongue-in groove, magnets, and a zipper. The removable coupling mechanism allows the elongated piece of fabric  118  and the large cushion cover  108  to be separated for storage and/or cleaning. 
     A second coupling mechanism includes a pair of mechanism at locations  112  and  120  and couples a second end of the elongated piece of fabric  116  to the large cushion cover  108 . In some examples, the coupling mechanism includes a rod at location  112  on the elongated piece of fabric  116 . The rod is made of a ferromagnetic material. In some examples, the rod is a steel rod spanning the entire width of the integrated cover  104  and sewn into the front edge of the elongated piece of fabric  116 . The steel rod has a powder coated finish to prevent rusting. In other examples, the rod is made from plastic. In other examples, the rod is a flat plate or a plurality of small weights. 
     The second coupling mechanism further includes one or more magnets at location  120 , on a bottom portion of the large cushion cover  108 . In some examples, the magnets are embedded into an underside of the large cushion cover  108  and are parallel to a front edge  108   a . Location  120  is located such that an end of the elongated piece of fabric  116  is directly adjacent to location  120 , when the elongated piece of fabric has wrapped around the small cushion  106  and the large cushion cover  108 . Therefore, this magnetic coupling mechanism allows convenient coupling between the elongated piece of fabric  116  and the large cushion cover  108  through automatic magnetic coupling. 
     In other examples, the second coupling mechanism is any removable coupling mechanism as known in the art, including male and female connectors, hook and loop fasteners, Velcro, an adhesive element, snaps, buttons, tongue-in groove, magnets, and a zipper. 
     The large cushion cover  108  receives a cushion, for example, through a zipper along the receiving portion  118 . The large cushion cover  108  can receive a seat cushion. The small cushion  106  can be a back seat cushion. 
     The elongated piece of fabric  116  is a length of fabric with dimensions that allow for full coverage of the width and depth of the large cushion cover  108  and small cushion  106 . For example, a length from a first end (e.g., location  110 ) to a second end (e.g., location  112 ) of the elongated piece of fabric  116  is long enough to: (1) wrap over the small cushion  106  and the large cushion cover  108  (when a cushion has been received); (2) cover a front portion  108   a  of the large cushion cover  108 ; and (3) wrap under the large cushion cover  108  enough to secure the second end of the elongated piece of fabric  116  to coupling mechanism located on the large cushion cover  108  at location  120 . In some examples, the elongated piece of fabric  116  is secured by simply a weight of small cushion  106  and a cushion housed in cover  108 . 
     In some examples, a width of the elongated piece of fabric  116  is wider than a width of the large cushion cover  108  and a height  108  of the large cushion cover  108  and the small cushion  106 . Referring momentarily to  FIG.  5   , the elongated piece of fabric  116  covers the entirety of cushions  106  and  108  to protect the cushions  106  and  108 . For example, the elongated piece of fabric  116  includes side panels  116   a , which have a length equal to a height  108  of the large cushion cover  108  and the small cushion  106 . 
     In some examples, the elongated piece of fabric  116  and the large cushion cover  108  have a coating that is water resistant and highly stain resistant. The small cushion  106  is made from the same fabric. In some examples, the fabric is a solution-dyed fabric that is fade resistant, mold resistant, and mildew resistant. In some example, the fabric is woven from recyclable, solution-dyed olefin polymer yarn; this yarn resists fading from UV exposure and is wear resistant, stain resistant, mold resistant and mildew resistant. In other examples, the fabric includes decorative designs, or contains text/graphic instructions, or other visual cues to enhance user experience. In some examples, lower cost materials are used for the fabric that are not recyclable or as resistant to fading, wear, and/or staining. In some examples, the fabric is made from synthetic materials including any of acrylic, polyester, nylon, and any combination thereof. 
     In some examples, a bottom portion of the large cushion cover  108  (i.e., the portion of the large cushion cover  108  which directly abuts chair  102 ) is coated with a waterproof material, such as polyurethane or rubber. 
     Therefore,  FIG.  1 A  demonstrates how the integrated cover apparatus  104  provides a protective barrier to a back cushion (e.g., cushion  108 ) and a seat cushion (e.g., cushion  106 ), thereby extending the lifespan of the cushions. The elongated piece of fabric  116  in particular, offers a lower cost alternative to replacing the entire cushion or cushion cover  108 . By simply unzipping and replacing the elongated piece of fabric  116 , a user has cost-effective alternative to replacing the integrated cover  104 . 
       FIG.  1 B  shows the exemplary system  100  of  FIG.  1 A  secured in a second position  100 B, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG.  1 B  includes similar components and identical labels to  FIG.  1 A . In addition,  FIG.  1 B  shows magnets  122  along a front edge of the chair  102 . In some examples, the chair  102  includes a rail along a width of the chair, and the rail includes a plurality of magnets configured to couple with a rod along a first edge  112  of the elongated piece of fabric  116 .  FIG.  1 B  shows a secured position  100 B where a user simply drapes the elongated piece of fabric  116  over the small cushion  106  and the large cushion cover  108 , where the elongated piece of fabric  116  is automatically secured due to a magnetic connection without the user needing to manually secure the cover. A rod along a width of the front edge  112  of the elongated piece of fabric  116  further keeps the elongated piece of fabric  116  flattened (i.e., not folded over) for ease of automatic magnetic connection. 
     Therefore,  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B  provide a chair and cover apparatus with a convenient, low effort way to protect the furniture from the environment by securing the elongated piece of fabric over the cushions. The elongated piece of fabric  116  protects the small cushion  106  and large cushion cover  108  from light rain, morning dew, dust, sand, pollen, bird droppings, UV rays, and any other environmental elements. The elongated piece of fabric  116  provides light duty protection from these elements, and additionally reduces the time needed to cover patio furniture. Accordingly, the furniture remains clean, dry, and quickly ready to use for many seasons. 
       FIG.  2 A  shows a side view of system  100  in a first user configuration  200 A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG.  2 A  includes similar components and identical labels to  FIG.  1 A .  FIG.  2 A  further shows a back rest  202  of the chair  102  and a seat portion  204  of the chair  102 . In configuration  200 A, the small cushion  106  is positioned against the back rest  202 . The elongated piece of fabric  116  is curled around a rod at location  112  and position behind the small cushion  106 . Therefore, in configuration  200 A, the user can sit on the chair  102  without interference from the elongated piece of fabric  116 . Additionally, neatly storing the elongated piece of fabric  102  behind the small cushion  106  provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance. 
     In some examples, the elongated piece of fabric  116  is configured to automatically retract into configuration  200 A when the elongated piece of fabric  116  is not coupled in another position (for example, coupled at locations  122  or  120 , as shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , respectively). For example, the elongated piece of fabric  116  automatically retracts via a spring mechanism. 
       FIG.  2 B  shows a side view of system  100  in a second user configuration  200 B, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG.  2 B  includes similar components and identical labels to  FIG.  2 A . In configuration  200 B, the elongated piece of fabric  116  is shown fully extended over the back rest  202  of the chair  102 . In some examples, the rod  112  acts as a weight to keep the elongated piece of fabric  116  weighed down in configuration  200 B. A length of the elongated piece of fabric  116  between location  110  and  112  is short enough so that a front edge  112  of the elongated piece of fabric does not reach an end portion  206  of the chair  102 . 
       FIG.  3 A  shows a rear view of system  100  in configuration  300 A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG.  3 A  includes similar components and identical labels to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B . In some examples, configuration  300 A shows a rear view of configuration  200 B of  FIG.  2 B .  FIG.  3 A  shows a full width  301  of the elongated piece of fabric  116 . Configuration  300 A demonstrates a position where the elongated piece of fabric  116  is wrapped around a backrest  202  of the chair  102 . For example, a user can sit on a front portion of the chair (as shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B ). Furthermore, a rod at location  112 , according to embodiments discussed above, provides a weight for the elongated piece of fabric  116  to further secure the elongated piece of fabric  116  in configuration  300 A. 
       FIG.  3 B  shows another rear view of system  100  in configuration  300 B, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG.  3 B  includes similar components and identical labels to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B . In some examples, configuration  300 B shows a rear view of configuration  200 B of  FIG.  2 B .  FIG.  3 B  further shows a plurality of coupling mechanisms  330  along a bottom edge  112  of the elongated piece of fabric  116 . These coupling mechanisms  330  couple with corresponding elements on the back rest  202  (not shown). In some examples, these coupling mechanisms  330  are magnets which couple with another magnetic element along the back rest  202 . In other examples, these coupling mechanisms  330  are any removable coupling mechanism as known in the art, including male and female connectors, hook and loop fasteners, Velcro, an adhesive element, snaps, buttons, tongue-in groove, and a zipper. 
       FIG.  4    shows system  100  in a carrying configuration  400 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG.  4    includes similar components and identical labels to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B . Configuration  400  corresponds to position  100 A of  FIG.  1 A , where an end portion  112  of the elongated piece of fabric  116  is coupled with the large cushion cover  108  at location  120 . Thereby, the integrated cover  104  can be carried by a user by handle  114 . In configuration  400 , the orientation of the cushions  106  and  108  is vertical to allow for carrying more than one set of cushions. 
     In some examples, the handle  114  is made from the same fabric as the elongated piece of fabric  116 . In other examples, the handle  114  is made from webbing, plastic, or another material. In some examples, the handle is a rigid component, which could have additional features built in. In other examples, the handle is laminated or adhered to the elongated piece of fabric  114 . 
     Therefore, configuration  400  shows how the integrated cover  104  can be used as a carrying case so that users can easily carry the cushions  106  and  108 , thereby minimizing the number of trips to and from the storage location when the user needs to store multiple integrated cover  104 . Configuration  400  further shows that during storage, the elongated piece of fabric  116  protects the small cushion  106  and the large cushion cover  108  from getting dirty. Configuration  400  additionally helps keep a plurality of systems  100  organized in a neat and uniform way. In some examples, the integrated cover  104  is hung by the handle  114 . 
     Although particular chair apparatuses are shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 5    as discussed above, the present disclosure contemplates that the integrated cover  104  can be used and readily adapted to any chair apparatus, as would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. For example, the integrated cover  104  can have dimensions adapted for exterior furniture, interior furniture, futons, sofas, loveseats, lounge chairs, and any other seating apparatus. 
     Chaise Sectional Component 
       FIGS.  6 A- 6 C  show an exemplary sectional seat system  600 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Seat system  600  includes back cushions  602 ,  604 , and  606 ; a chair frame  608 ; seat cushions  610 ,  612 , and  614 ; a fabric cover  616 ; and a handle  618 . As would be readily understood by one skilled in the art, the disclosed integrated cover can be adapted for a seat system with multiple back cushions  602 ,  604 ,  606  and seat cushions  610 ,  612 ,  614 . Any examples and additional features of the seat systems shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 5    can be provided for in system  600 .  FIG.  6 A  shows a position  600 A where back cushions  602 ,  604 , and  606  are propped against the chair frame  608 , allowing user seating or lounging access to system  600 .  FIG.  6 B  shows an intermediate position  600 B where back cushions  602 ,  604 , and  606  lie against seat cushions  610 ,  612 , and  614 .  FIG.  6 C  shows a covered position  600 C where fabric cover  616  is extended over back cushions  602 ,  604 ,  606  and seat cushions  610 ,  612 ,  614 . 
     Table Apparatus 
       FIGS.  7 A- 7 D  show an exemplary embodiment of a cover apparatus  700  for a table.  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D  show various angles of a table system  700 , including: (1) a top view  700 A where the cover apparatus is not extended in  FIG.  7 A ; (2) a side view  700 B where the cover apparatus is not extended in  FIG.  7 B ; (3) a side view  700 C where the cover apparatus is extended in  FIG.  7 C ; and (4) a lateral side view  700 D where the cover apparatus is extended in  FIG.  7 D . As shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D , system  700  includes a table  701  with a top  702  and a table opening  704 ; a cover housing  706 ; a cover portion  708 ; and a zipper  710 . 
     The cover housing  706  attaches underneath the table top  702 . The cover portion  708  is completely stored within cover housing  706 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7 C- 7 D , the cover portion  708  wraps over the table top  702  and can be zippered along zipper  710  to provide a secure cover. 
     In some examples, (not shown) the cover portion  708  attaches along the outside edge of the table top  702  to one of several places. In a first example, the cover portion  708  attaches underneath the table top  702  (similar to attaching under the chair cushion as shown in  FIG.  1 A ). In another example, the cover portion  708  hooks to the edge of the table top  702  and has an elastic portion along an exterior edge of the cover portion  708  to maintain tension and keep the cover portion  708  in such a position. In another example, the cover portion  708  attaches at corners of the table  701  and tucks into pockets. An elastic portion along an edge of the cover portion  708  can further maintain tension and secure the cover portion  708  in such a position. In another example, the cover portion  708  does not attach to the table  701  and instead hangs with a weighted end. In another example, tension is provided to the cover portion  708  by adding weight to the cover close to the cover housing  706 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7 C and  7 D , the cover housing  706  can be inverted to provide an angled surface for the cover portion  708 . Therefore, debris, water, pollen, dust, and ice can slide off the cover portion  708  due to the angling of the cover housing  706 . 
       FIGS.  8 A- 8 B  show another exemplary cover apparatus  800 , in a retracted position ( 800 A of  FIG.  8 A ) and an extended position ( 800 B of  FIG.  8 B ). Cover apparatus  800  includes a table  802 , rollershade mechanisms  804  and  806 , and a cover  808 . In this embodiment, cover  808  extends over the table  802  from one rollershade mechanism  804  and attaches to another rollershade mechanism  806  at an opposite end of the table  802 . In some examples, the cover  808  is on a spring-wound mechanism (e.g., like a window shade) which automatically stores in the rollershade mechanisms  804  and  806  when the cover  808  is not extended. 
     Users often prefer to keep a table surface clean, especially is the surface sensitive to the environmental conditions. The cover apparatuses as shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 8 B  provide protection for the tables. Additional details and embodiments of the cover apparatuses can be as described above with respect to the cover apparatuses disclosed in  FIGS.  1 A- 5   . Although particular tables are shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 8 B , the present disclosure contemplates that a cover apparatus can be readily modified for any table. 
     Ottoman 
       FIGS.  9 A- 9 C  show an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure as used for an ottoman system  900 . Ottoman system  900  includes a cushion portion  902 , handle  904 , cover portion  906 , ottoman body  908 , rod  910 , and storage flap  912 .  FIG.  9 A  shows a position  900 A where the cushion portion  902  and cover portion  906  are separate from an ottoman body  908 .  FIG.  9 B  shows a position  900 B where the cover portion  906  extends over the cushion portion  902 .  FIG.  9 C  shows a position  900 C where the cover portion  906  is stored in the storage flap  912 . 
     For example, the cover portion  906  is attached to the underside of the cushion portion  902 . A user can lift cushion portion  902  to access stowed cover portion  906 . A user can wrap around and secure the cover portion  906  to a bottom of an edge of the cushion portion, or simply hang the cover portion  906  over a side of the cushion portion  902  (as shown in  FIG.  9 B ). 
     In some examples, of system  900  (not shown) the cover portion  906  is a two-piece cover that meets in the middle and fastens together with hook and loop (Velcro). For storage, the cushion portion  902  can be flipped over, then a first piece of the cover portion  906  can be laid flat and a second piece of the cover portion  906  can be laid over the first piece and secured with Velcro or removable coupling elements. 
     In some examples, as shown in  FIG.  9 C , the underside of the cushion portion  902  has a storage flap  912 . The storage flap  912  can be configured as a pouch or storage pocket that the cover portion  906  tucks into when not in use. In another example of system  900  (not shown), a vertical panel (e.g., panel  902   a ) as a flap, pocket, or pouch, that the cover portion  906  tucks into when not in use. 
     Any additional examples of ottoman system  900  can include the characteristics and features as discussed above with respect to the seat systems of  FIGS.  1 A- 5   . For example, the rod  910  and the handle  904  can correspond to the rod and handle of seat systems of  FIGS.  1 A- 5   . 
     Poolside Lounge Chair 
       FIGS.  10 A- 10 C  show an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure where a cushion apparatus  1000  is provided for a lounge chair. For example, the lounge chair can be a pool chair. Apparatus  1000 A includes a plurality of cushions  1002 ,  1004 , and  1006 ; a chair  1008  with a back rest  1010  and a body portion  1012 ; a handle  1014 ; and a rolled fabric cover  1016 . 
       FIG.  10 A  shows position  1000 A where the cushion apparatus  1000  is fully extended along a chair  1008 ;  FIG.  10 B  shows position  1000 B where the cushion apparatus is folded into position  1000 B; and  FIG.  10 C  shows position  1000 C where the cushion apparatus  1000  is configured to be carried by handle  1014 . 
     The rolled fabric cover  1016  can be similar to the elongated piece of fabric  116 , as discussed above. For example, the rolled fabric cover  1016  can be long enough to cover the entire chair. In some examples, the rolled fabric cover  1016  rolls up and stows in a pocket, or on hooks/shelves on the backside of the headrest area (not shown). 
     The cushions  1002 ,  1004 ,  1006  couple together with a mechanical coupling mechanism, including, for example, hook and loop, Velcro, zipper, male and female connectors, snaps, magnets, or a sewn seam.  FIGS.  10 B- 10 V  show the cushions  1002 ,  1004 , and  1006  in a folded format. In some examples, the rolled fabric cover  1016  is configured to unroll and complete cover an exterior portion of the cushions  1002 ,  1004 , and  1006 . 
     Cushion Storage System 
     The present disclosure further provides a cushion storage system  1100 , as shown in  FIG.  11   . System  1100  includes some elements from  FIGS.  10 A- 10 C , including seat systems  1000 A and  1000 C. In addition, system  1100  includes storage container  1102 . 
     System  1100  provides for the quick and easy set up and take down of furniture in hotel and resort settings, and reduces the amount of time needed by hotel staff to deploy and store cushions. Conventional resorts with pool or beachfront on their properties have hundreds of outdoor seating options for their guests. Each morning, the pool staff must set up each chair by putting the cushion on each chair. In the evenings, they must remove each cushion and store it securely for the next day&#39;s use. System  1100  improves the efficiency of setting up each chair and also incorporates the gathering and storage of the cushions into one transportable unit. 
     Storage container  1102  is a cushion storage unit on casters. As users set up each chair for the day, users remove a cushion set  1000 C from the rolling storage unit  1102 ; open up the cushions that are enclosed by the integrated cover; and place the cushion on the seat to provide system  1000 A. At the end of the day, users follow the reverse process. First, users use the disclosed integrated cover to fold up/pack up the cushions ( 1000 C), and either hang the cushion on a rod or place it on a shelf in the storage container  1102 . 
     Storage container  1102  includes wheels and can be rolled around to speed up the deployment and retrieval of the cushions. In addition, storage container  1102  can be used as a lockable storage unit. 
     Alternative Embodiments for Cover Apparatus 
     In some additional embodiments of the disclosed cover apparatus, a single cover spans the width of several cushions to provide protection for the cushions. Such an apparatus provides more complete protection than separate covers on each cushion because separate covers would include gaps between each cover.  FIG.  12    shows an exemplary cover apparatus  1202  which covers an entire sofa. For example, the cover apparatus  1202  can be slanted along a middle portion  1204  so that water, dust, debris, pollen, and other external materials slide off the apparatus. 
     In some examples, the present disclosure contemplates several extra wide covers that overlap and optionally attach together to eliminate gaps between multiple covers. 
     Altogether,  FIG.  12    demonstrates an angled weather cover. The cover can include a plurality of separate panels (e.g., panels  1202   a ,  1202   b ,  1202   c ,  1202   d ,  1202   e ,  1202   f ,  1202   g , and  1202   h ) which are sewn together and prevent water from pooling. The cover  1202  provides a tight, tailored fit to a piece of furniture. 
     Some conventional furniture covers are made using a 5-panel fabric construction, including front, back left, right, and top panels. The present disclosure contemplates a unique 7 panel construction technique, including front, back, left, right, and top panels; and additionally, two wedge shaped panels that would form a water shedding angle to the top panel. These wedge-shaped panels provide a more tailored weather cover for furniture, and act as a design feature that helps rain to flow off of the weather cover. 
     The present disclosure further contemplates full rain cover with a zipper on one edge that makes the cover easy to align and secure. The zipper allows a user to orient the direction of the cushion using the unzipped edge and place it over the furniture. Once aligned, the cover can be zipped shut by pulling the zipper down. In some examples, the cover is slightly tapered to ensure a tighter fit as the cover is fully zipped closed. 
       FIG.  13    shows an exemplary complete cover  1300  for an armchair, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the cover has one corner that has a waterproof zipper. This allows a user to orient the position of the cover  1300  and easily drape it over the furniture. Once the cover  1300  is in place, the user can zip the cover shut. In some examples, the cover  1300  is tapered from the top to the bottom which maintains a snug fit once zipped closed. This is to prevent updrafts on windy days to lift the rain cover off the furniture. 
       FIGS.  14 A- 14 B  show an exemplary ottoman cover  1400 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIGS.  14 A- 14 B  include velcro  1402  along a surface of the ottoman cover, and a pocket  1404 . In this example, a Velcro type strip secures the cover  1400  and allows a user to transport the cushion. The underside of the ottoman cushion can have a pouch that the cover  1400  can be tucked into when it is not deployed. 
       FIG.  15    shows another exemplary ottoman cover  1500 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ottoman of  FIG.  15    includes an interlocking mechanism  1502  on the cushion cover. In this example, the cover  1500  is attached to the underside of the ottoman cushion. When deployed, the shell has an interlocking mechanism allowing the shell to be closed. 
     While various examples of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Numerous changes to the disclosed examples can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described examples. Rather, the scope of the invention should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. 
     Although the invention has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including,” “includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” or variants thereof, are used in either the detailed description and/or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Furthermore, terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.