Patent Publication Number: US-8534755-B2

Title: Detachable chair cushion and backpack assembly

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a detachable chair cushion and backpack assembly. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a chair cushion adaptable for transport on a backpack and adaptable to industry-standard seating devices for safety and comfort. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In many convention halls, classrooms, gymnasiums, or similar venues, it is very common to utilize industry-standard seating such as folding chairs, benches, etc. to accommodate any number of persons in adjustable seating configurations within the venue. While the industry-standard seating is often quite hard, it is generally inexpensive and allows for event versatility, making it an optimal choice for many venue owners and operators. However, individuals who have to attend an event in any such venues may find the seating to be uncomfortable, and possibly even dangerous to a person&#39;s health (i.e., spine alignment, posture, etc.). 
     Attempts have been made to provide a seat cushion device that individuals may carry with them to place on the surface of the seat, and provide increased comfort when seated. However, such known seat cushions often slide during use, causing a person a different type of discomfort. Similarly, such seat cushions must often be carried around by hand, which is not always convenient, for example, if an individual is attending a lecture in a city&#39;s convention hall, such individuals may not be able to return home or to a hotel room until hours before and/or after the lecture. 
     Thus, there is a need for a chair cushion adaptable for transport on a backpack and adaptable to industry-standard seating devices for safety and comfort. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention broadly relate to a chair cushion adaptable for transport on a backpack and adaptable to industry-standard seating devices for safety and comfort. In one embodiment of the present invention, a portable chair cushion apparatus comprises a back support portion, having an outer casing surrounding a cushion material, and back support attachment means protruding from a rear surface thereof, a seat portion, having an outer casing surrounding a cushion material, and a backpack connection means protruding from a bottom surface thereof, and a connection strap attached to the rear surface of the back support portion on a first end, and attached to the bottom surface of a seat portion on a second end. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a detachable chair cushion and backpack assembly comprises a portable chair cushion comprising a back support portion, having an outer casing surrounding a cushion material, and back support attachment means protruding from a rear surface thereof, a seat portion, having an outer casing surrounding a cushion material, and a backpack connection means protruding from a bottom surface thereof, and a connection strap attached to the rear surface of the back support portion on a first end, and attached to the bottom surface of a seat portion on a second end; and a backpack comprising an accessible voluminous storage portion defined by at least a woven or non-woven fabric, having a resealable access seam across a portion thereof, at least a first shoulder strap extending from a location proximate the top of the accessible voluminous storage portion to a location proximate a bottom of the accessible voluminous storage portion, and a portable chair cushion connection means extending from an outer surface of the voluminous storage portion. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method of increasing an individual&#39;s comfort when seated, comprises providing an individual with a detachable chair cushion and backpack assembly comprising a portable chair cushion comprising a back support portion, having an outer casing surrounding a cushion material, and back support attachment means protruding from a rear surface thereof; a seat portion, having an outer casing surrounding a cushion material, and a backpack connection means protruding from a bottom surface thereof; and a connection strap attached to the rear surface of the back support portion on a first end, and attached to the bottom surface of a seat portion on a second end; and a backpack comprising an accessible voluminous storage portion defined by at least a woven or non-woven fabric, having a resealable access seam across a portion thereof; at least a first shoulder strap extending from a location proximate the top of the accessible voluminous storage portion to a location proximate a bottom of the accessible voluminous storage portion; and a portable chair cushion connection means extending from an outer surface of the voluminous storage portion; connecting the portable chair cushion to the backpack by engaging the backpack connection means with the chair cushion connection means; transporting the detachable chair cushion and backpack assembly to a desired location having at least an industry-standard seating device; removing the portable chair cushion from the detachable chair cushion and backpack assembly; and affixing the portable chair cushion to the industry-standard seating device utilizing the back support attachment means. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of embodiments of the present invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of embodiments encompassed within the scope of the present invention, and, therefore, are not to be considered limiting, for the present invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a bottom view of an extended cushion of a detachable chair cushion and backpack assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of a back support of a cushion in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of a seat portion of a cushion in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a side view of a cushion in use on a chair in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a rear view of a backpack in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 6  depicts a flowchart of a method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a detachable chair cushion and backpack assembly. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a chair cushion adaptable for transport on a backpack and adaptable to industry-standard seating devices in numerous public locations for safety and comfort. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a bottom view of an extended cushion of a detachable chair cushion and backpack assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. A cushion  100  generally comprises a back support portion  110  and a seat portion  120 , connected by at least one connection strap  130 . Although two connection straps  130  are shown, any number of connection straps  130  may be provided to connect the back support portion  110  to the seat portion  120 , including a single connection strap  130  extending the entire width of the cushion  100 . 
     In one embodiment, the back support portion  110  generally comprises a plurality of straps  140  having buckles  145  positioned thereon. The strap and buckle assembly allows for the back support portion to attach to a back support of an industry standard seating device (e.g., a folding chair, a bench, etc.) (not shown). Embodiments of the present invention further contemplate a variety of other attachment means for positioning the back support portion  110  against a seating device, and are discussed in detail below. 
     In another embodiment, the seat portion  120  of the cushion  100  generally comprises at least one strap  150  having either one of a male or female end of a buckle  155  affixed thereon. Generally, the end of the buckle  155  will connect with an opposing buckle end on a backpack (not shown) or other device to allow for ease of transport of the cushion  100 . Embodiments of the present invention further contemplate a variety of other attachment means for attaching the cushion to a transport medium, such as a backpack, and are discussed in detail below. 
     The size of the cushion  100  may generally be dependent upon the size of the user, and may be manufactured to any size, scale or shape suitable for embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, the cushion  100  may be between about 18 inches to about 54 inches in total length, as would be measured in an extended position, as shown in  FIG. 1 . In another embodiment, the back support portion  110  is between about 10 inches to about 30 inches in length, and between about 10 inches to about 24 inches in width. In yet another embodiment, the seat portion  120  is between about 8 inches to about 24 inches in length, and between about 10 inches to about 24 inches in width. In further embodiments, the height of both the back support portion  110  and the seat portion  120  may be between about 0.25 inches to about 3 inches. 
     In one specific exemplary embodiment, the back support portion  110  comprises dimensions of approximately 17 inches in length, 14 inches in width and about an inch in height, and the seat portion comprises dimensions of approximately 12 inches in length, 14 inches in width and about an inch in height. In such an exemplary embodiment, each of the straps provided therein are approximately one inch in width and may have varying lengths depending on their applicability. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of a back support of a cushion in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The back support portion  210  generally comprises an outer casing  212  surrounding a cushion material (not shown). The outer casing  212  may comprise any woven or non-woven fabric, which may include any natural or synthetic fibers or materials. In one embodiment, the outer casing  212  comprises any one of a standard fabric (e.g., cotton, canvas, denim, or the like), a decorative fabric (e.g., satin, sateen, velvet, felt, silk, or the like), a waterproof or water resistant synthetic fabric (e.g., rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, silicone elastomer, wax-coated fibers, or the like), or the like. In many embodiments, it may be desirable to provide an outer casing  212  that is machine or hand washable without being damaged. 
     The cushion may comprise any cushion material suitable for embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, the cushion may comprise any of an open- or closed-cell foam, a natural or synthetic rubber, a natural or synthetic fiber, an air-filled polymer encasement (i.e., a polymer balloon), or the like. In certain embodiments, the cushion may comprise a heating element. The heating element may comprise any known heating elements for seating devices, including heating coils, hot water storage compartments, chemically-induced heating means (e.g., heating packs using exothermic oxidization of iron or exothermic crystallization of super-cooled materials like sodium acetate), or the like. 
     As discussed above, the back support portion  210  is generally connected to at least one connection strap  230 . In many embodiments, the connection strap  230  is merely stitched on a first end  232  to the outer casing  212  of the back support portion  210 . In alternative embodiments, the connection strap  230  may be removably attached to the back support portion  210 , for example with mechanical snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro), or the like. In another embodiment, the connection strap  230  may be formed integral with the outer casing  212 , during the manufacturing of the outer casing  212 . In such an embodiment, the outer casing  212  of the back support portion  210  and the outer casing (not shown) of the seat portion (not shown) may likely be manufactured as a single unit. 
     The back support portion  210  further comprises a back support attachment means  240 , for attaching the back support portion  210  to a back support of an industry standard seating device (e.g., a folding chair, a bench, etc.) (not shown). The back support attachment means  240  may comprise any mechanical attachment device suitable for embodiments of the present invention. Exemplary back support attachment means include: a strap and buckle assembly, a suction cup, a hook and loop fastener assembly, an adhesive (e.g., a removable adhesive leaving little to no residue on a surface of the back support of the industry standard seating device), a tie strap (e.g., a plurality of ropes, straps, etc.), a bracket assembly (e.g., a rigid mechanical member for extending from the back support portion  210  over a back support of the industry standard seating device, using a clamp or similar resistive type retaining mechanism), a slip cover or pocket (e.g., an extension of cloth forming a pocket or cover on the back of the back support portion  210  for covering or surrounding the back support of the industry standard seating device, particularly a folder chair, or other seating device having an individual back support) 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , in one exemplary embodiment, the back support attachment means  240  comprise a strap and buckle assembly  245 . The strap and buckle assembly  245  may generally be stitched to the outer casing  212  of the back support portion  210 , for example, on each of its ends, as shown with a first end  242 . In alternative embodiments, the back support attachment means  240  may be removably attached to the back support portion  210 , for example with mechanical snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro), or the like. By providing a removable attachment, various types of back support attachment means  240 , as described above, may be interchangeable depending on the nature of the industry-standard seating device. 
     A strap and buckle assembly  245  generally comprises a first strap  243  connected to a male end of a snap buckle  244 , and an opposing second strap  247  connected to a female end of the snap buckle  248 . As is generally understood with snap buckles, when the male end  244  is inserted into the female end  248 , the resilience of each of the protrusions of the male end  244  force certain projections into apertures in the female end  248 , allowing the buckle to remain in a locked position. In order to unlock the buckle, a user may squeeze the projections of the male end  244  and pull the apparatus apart. While a snap buckle is shown, any type of buckle, including a threaded buckle or a tang buckle (e.g., a traditional belt buckle) is suitable for embodiments of the present invention. 
     In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide a resealable access seam  260  on one end of the outer casing  212  to allow access to the cushion material therein. In many embodiments, the reasealable access seam  260  comprises at least one of a zipper, a plurality of mechanical snaps, a plurality of buttons, a hook and loop fastener assembly, or the like. As shown, a zipper  262  is provided as a means to open and close the resealable access seam  260 , in which instance, a plurality of zipper teeth would be provided along the resealable access seam  260 . 
       FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of a seat portion of a cushion in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The seat portion  320  generally comprises an outer casing  322  surrounding a cushion material (not shown). The outer casing  322  may be substantially similar to the outer casing of the back support portion, and may comprise any woven or non-woven fabric, which may include any natural or synthetic fibers or materials. In one embodiment, the outer casing  322  comprises any one of a standard fabric, a decorative fabric, a waterproof or water resistant synthetic fabric, or the like. In many embodiments, it may be desirable to provide an outer casing  322  that is machine or hand washable without being damaged. 
     In certain embodiments, at least a portion of a bottom surface of the outer casing  322  of the seat portion  320  may be provided with a non-skid material, for example, rubber or polymerized fabrics, having a high coefficient of friction therein. As an alternative to replacing the material of the outer casing  322 , a non-skid retention mechanism, such as a suction cup, a rubber pad, or the like, may be provided thereon. 
     Also similar to the back support portion, the cushion material may comprise any cushion material suitable for embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, the cushion may comprise any of an open- or closed-cell foam, a natural or synthetic rubber, a natural or synthetic fiber, an air-filled polymer encasement, or the like. In certain embodiments, the cushion may comprise a heating element. The heating element may comprise any known heating elements for seating devices, including heating coils, hot water storage compartments, chemically-induced heating means, or the like. 
     The seat portion  320  is generally connected to at least one connection strap  330 . In many embodiments, the connection strap  330  is merely stitched on a first end  332  to the outer casing  322  of the seat portion  320 . In alternative embodiments, the connection strap  330  may be removably attached to the seat portion  320 . In another embodiment, the connection strap  330  may be formed integral with the outer casing  322 , during the manufacturing of the outer casing  322 . In such an embodiment, the outer casing  322  of the seat portion  320  and the outer casing (not shown) of the back support portion (not shown) may likely be manufactured as a single unit. 
     In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide a resealable access seam  360  on one end of the outer casing  322  to allow access to the cushion material therein. In many embodiments, the reasealable access seam  360  comprises at least one of a zipper, a plurality of mechanical snaps, a plurality of buttons, a hook and loop fastener assembly, or the like. As shown, a zipper  362  is provided as a means to open and close the resealable access seam  360 , in which instance, a plurality of zipper teeth would be provided along the resealable access seam  360 . 
     The seat portion  320  generally comprises a backpack connection means  350  extending from the bottom surface thereof. In many embodiments, the backpack connection means  350  comprises any mechanical attachment device for connecting the portable seat cushion to a backpack, or similar means of transport. Exemplary backpack connection means  350  comprise at least one of a strap and buckle assembly, a hook and loop fastener assembly, a tie strap or the like. Although two backpack connection means  350  are shown, any number of backpack connection means  350  is contemplated by various embodiments of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the backpack connection means  350  comprises one end of a strap and buckle assembly. The strap  357  may be affixed to the outer casing  322  on a first end  352 , and connected to an end (either male or female) of a buckle  358 . The opposing end of the buckle is generally provided on a backpack (not shown) and will be discussed in more detail below. While a snap buckle is shown, any type of buckle, including a threaded buckle or a tang buckle (e.g., a traditional belt buckle) is suitable for embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a side view of a cushion in use on a chair in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the Figure, an industry-standard seating device  402  (e.g., a folding chair) may generally comprise a plurality of legs  404 , a seat  406 , a back support  409 , and a frame for the back support  408 . When the cushion is properly positioned on the seating device  402 , the back support portion  410  is positioned against the back support  408 , and retained in place using the back support attachment means. The seat portion  420 , which is connected to the back support portion  410  using a connection strap  430 , generally lays flat against the top surface of the seat  406 . In certain embodiments, where a non-skid material is provided on a bottom surface of the seat portion  420 , the seat portion  420  would remain substantially in place, even when a user adjusted his or her body position, due to the high coefficient of friction on the seat surface. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a rear view of a backpack in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. A backpack  500  generally comprises voluminous storage portion  510  having a resealable access seam (not shown) across a portion thereof. The voluminous storage portion  510  is generally defined by a pattern of stitched woven or non-woven fabric, creating a substantially defined volume. The woven or non-woven fabric may comprise any type of fabric suitable for embodiments of the present invention, and may include any of the materials described hereinabove. 
     The backpack  500  generally comprises at least a shoulder strap  520  extending from a location proximate the top of the accessible voluminous storage portion to a location proximate a bottom of the accessible voluminous storage portion. As understood by embodiments of the present invention, any number of shoulder straps  420  may be provided with the backpack to accommodate various stylistic and function purposes. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a backpack  500  may generally comprise at least one portable chair cushion connection means  530  extending from an outer surface of the voluminous storage portion  510 . The portable chair cushion connection means  530  may comprise any type of mechanical attachment to receive the backpack connection means of a cushion, as described above. Generally, the nature of the portable chair cushion connection means  530  is dependent upon the type of backpack connection means, and in one embodiment, comprises at least one of a strap and buckle assembly, a hook and loop fastener assembly, a tie strap or the like. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the portable chair cushion connection means  530  comprises one end of a strap and buckle assembly. The strap may be affixed to the outer casing voluminous storage portion  510  on a first end  532 , and connected to an end (either male or female) of a buckle  534 . The opposing end of the buckle is generally provided on a portable chair cushion (not shown) as discussed above. While a snap buckle is shown, any type of buckle, including a threaded buckle or a tang buckle (e.g., a traditional belt buckle) is suitable for embodiments of the present invention. 
     Although shown as a traditional backpack, embodiments of the present invention appreciate that other types of voluminous storage bags may be utilized. For example, a backpack may also include a satchel bag, suitcase, purse, briefcase, duffel bag, or the like. In one example, wherein a satchel bag is utilized, the bag may generally comprise the components as described above with  FIG. 5 ; however, the shoulder strap may extend from a location proximate the top of the accessible voluminous storage portion on a first end to a location proximate the top of the accessible voluminous storage portion on a second end. 
       FIG. 6  depicts a flowchart of a method of increasing an individual&#39;s comfort when seated, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The method  600  generally begins at step  610 . At step  620 , a portable chair cushion is provided. In one embodiment, the portable chair cushion generally comprises a back support portion, having an outer casing surrounding a cushion material, and back support attachment means protruding from a rear surface thereof; a seat portion, having an outer casing surrounding a cushion material, and a backpack connection means protruding from a bottom surface thereof; and a connection strap attached to the rear surface of the back support portion on a first end, and attached to the bottom surface of a seat portion on a second end. 
     At step  630 , a backpack is provided. In one embodiment, the backpack comprises an accessible voluminous storage portion defined by at least a woven or non-woven fabric, having a resealable access seam across a portion thereof; at least a first shoulder strap extending from a location proximate the top of the accessible voluminous storage portion to a location proximate a bottom of the accessible voluminous storage portion; and a portable chair cushion connection means extending from an outer surface of the voluminous storage portion. 
     At step  640 , the portable chair cushion is connected to the backpack. In one exemplary embodiment, the portable chair cushion is connected to the backpack by engaging a backpack connection means, often comprising one end of a strap and buckle assembly, with a portable chair cushion connection means, often comprising a mating end of a strap and buckle assembly. Once engaged, regardless of the nature of the mechanical connection, the portable chair cushion is substantially and removably affixed to the backpack. 
     At step  650 , the portable chair cushion may be transported to a location, for example, a venue having industry-standard seating devices (e.g., metal folding chairs). At step  660 , the portable chair cushion may be removed from the backpack. In one embodiment, the portable chair cushion is removed from the backpack by pressing in the protrusion from the male end of buckle, and releasing it from the female end of the buckle assembly. 
     At step  670 , the portable chair cushion may be affixed to the industry-standard seating device. In one embodiment, the seat portion of the portable chair cushion is positioned over a seat of the seating device, and the back support portion of the portable chair cushion is held against the back support of the seating device. The back support attachment means is then positioned around the back support of the seating device and locked into place. 
     At step  680 , when the user wishes to leave the venue, change seats, or merely remove the portable chair cushion, the portable chair cushion may be removed from the seating device by disconnecting the back support attachment means from around the back support of the seating device. At step  690 , the method  600  returns to step  640 , at which time the portable chair cushion is connected to the backpack for further transport. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention may further comprise aesthetic designs or advertisements, as a means to generate revenue. For example, in one embodiment, at least one surface of the cushion may comprise a licensed trademark or logo (e.g., a professional sports team, a college, a cartoon character, or the like). Alternatively, embodiments of the present invention may be utilized for promotion, such as corporate sponsorships, charities, community events, or the like. 
     It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.