Abstract:
A seat cushion is disclosed for use as a display surface and as a temperature regulated seating surface, the seating cushion comprising a first flexible sheet having a first outer periphery; a second flexible sheet having a second outer periphery; and a first connector joining at least a portion of the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet together adjacent the first outer periphery and the second outer periphery, the first connector forming a cavity between the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet, and the connector forming a first opening between the first sheet and the second sheet, into the cavity wherein the first opening has a first given length, the cavity adapted to removably retain a heating or cooling device.

Description:
REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATION 
   This patent application claims benefit of pending prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/642,313, filed Jan. 7, 2005 by Regina M. Pontes et al. for SEAT CUSHION. 
   The above-identified patent application is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to cushions in general, and more particularly to heated and/or cooled seat cushions for indoor and/or outdoor use. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   For centuries, spectators of various outdoor and indoor events have endured various uncomfortable conditions including excessive heat, cold, wet, snow, uncomfortable seating and/or any combinations thereof. Therefore, such spectators will benefit from a seating cushion that may heat or cool, and deliver comfort in a unique form. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One object of the present invention is to provide a novel seat cushion. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a seat cushion which allows for the placement of a heating or cooling element. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a pocket for receiving a hand of the spectator for alternatively using the seating cushion as a novel hand-held promotional display item. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative use of the seat cushion as a hand warmer or hand coolant by providing a cavity in the seat cushion for receiving the hands. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a seat cushion constructed of flexible materials such as a highly durable fabric. 
   And still another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative use of a seat cushion carrying case or bag as an additional heating and/or cooling source for a seatback surface of a stationary or portable chair by inserting the heating or cooling element into the case or bag and placing the heating or cooling element between the stationary or portable chair and the user&#39;s back. 
   Another object of the present invention is to present a light weight and portable heated or cooled circular seating cushion for use by individuals attending outdoor or indoor events. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel circular poly-filled seat cushion for added seating comfort. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a circular seat cushion which allows for the placement of a circular heating or cooling element. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a stitched pocket on the underside of the cushion for receiving a hand to alternatively use the circular seating cushion as a novel team promotional item. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative use of the circular seat cushion as a hand warmer or hand coolant by utilizing openings at opposite ends of the seat cushion for receiving the hands of the spectator. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a circular seat cushion constructed of water-proofed fire resistant or fire retardant highly durable flexible fabric materials. 
   And still another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative use of the seat cushion carrying case or bag as an additional heating and/or cooling source for a stationary or portable seat backed chair by inserting a heating or cooling element into the case or bag and placing the case or bag between the chair and the user&#39;s back. 
   These and other objects of the present invention are addressed by the provision and use of a novel seat cushion. 
   In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a seat cushion for use as a display surface and as a temperature regulated seating surface, the seat cushion comprising: 
   a first flexible sheet having a first outer periphery; 
   a second flexible sheet having a second outer periphery; and 
   a first connector joining at least a portion of the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet together adjacent the first outer periphery and the second outer periphery, the first connector forming a cavity between the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet, and the first connector forming a first opening between the first sheet and the second sheet, into the cavity, wherein the first opening has a first given length; 
   a message displayed on the first flexible sheet on a first side thereof in opposition to the second flexible sheet; and 
   a hand-sized pocket attached to the second flexible sheet on a second side thereof in opposition to the first flexible sheet; 
   wherein the given length of the opening into the cavity of the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet is configured to admit placement and withdrawal of a temperature regulating component therethrough so as to provide one of heating and cooling to the seating surface of the seat cushion; and 
   wherein the hand-sized pocket provides a handle for waiving the seat cushion with a single hand so as to display the message on the first side of the first flexible sheet. 
   In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a seat cushion system for use as a display surface and as a temperature regulated seating surface, the seat cushion system comprising: 
   a first flexible sheet having a first outer periphery; 
   a second flexible sheet having a second outer periphery; and 
   a first connector joining at least a portion of the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet together adjacent the first outer periphery and the second outer periphery, the first connector forming a cavity between the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet, and the first connector forming a first opening into the cavity between the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein the first opening has a first given length; 
   a temperature regulating element configured for disposition into the cavity through the first opening; 
   a message displayed on the first flexible sheet on a first side thereof in opposition to the second flexible sheet; and 
   a hand-sized pocket attached to the second flexible sheet on a second side thereof in opposition to the first flexible sheet; 
   wherein the given length of the opening into the cavity of the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet is configured to admit placement and withdrawal of a temperature regulating component therethrough so as to provide one of heating and cooling to the seating surface of the seat cushion; and 
   wherein the hand-sized pocket provides a handle for waiving the seat cushion with a single hand so as to display the message on the first side of the first flexible sheet. 
   In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a seat cushion for use as a temperature regulated seating surface, the seat cushion comprising: 
   a first flexible sheet having a first outer periphery; 
   a second flexible sheet having a second outer periphery; and 
   a connector joining a portion of the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet together adjacent the first outer periphery and the second outer periphery, the connector forming a cavity between the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet, and the connector forming an opening between the first sheet and the second sheet, into the cavity, wherein the opening has a given length; 
   wherein the given length of the opening into the cavity of the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet is configured to admit placement and withdrawal of a temperature regulating component therethrough so as to provide one of heating and cooling to the seating surface of the seat cushion. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above and other objects and features of the present invention will be more fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by, the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which is to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts, and further wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic view illustrating a top portion of a seat cushion; 
       FIG. 2  is an schematic view illustrating a bottom portion of the seat cushion; 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic view of an internal cavity formed by permanently binding together sections of the top portion and the bottom portion of the seat cushion, with the sections being bound together so as to form a selectively openable entrance between the permanently bound sections, the selectively openable entrance including operable closure mechanisms for selectively closing off the top portion and bottom portion together when desired; 
       FIG. 4  is a plan view showing another larger entrance into the internal cavity, with the smaller entrance of  FIG. 3  and the larger entrance exposed to reveal the closure mechanisms; 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic view of a heating and/or cooling element designed for insertion directly into the internal cavity of the seat cushion; and 
       FIG. 6  displays a storage bag or carrying case for storing the seat cushion within its confines. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is shown a seat cushion  5  having a first portion  10  and a second portion  15  permanently joined together so as to form an internal cavity  20 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3 , in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, first portion  10  preferably comprises a first flexible sheet  25  and a second flexible sheet  30  stitched together, with a compact poly-filled material (not shown) placed therebetween, so as to create a first soft pillow, i.e., first portion  10 . Second portion  15  preferably comprises a third flexible sheet  35  and a fourth flexible sheet  40  stitched together, with a less densely-packed poly-filled material (not shown) placed therebetween, so as to create a second soft pillow, i.e., second portion  15 . First portion  10  and second portion  15  are selectively connected at their perimeters so that they collectively form the seat cushion  5 . More particularly, section  45 A on one side of the cushion perimeter, and section  45 B on the other side of the cushion perimeter, are preferably stitched together with a connector  50 A and a connector  50 B so as to form internal cavity  20  of seat cushion  5 . 
   Preferably, first portion  10  and second portion  15  are each circular in shape. The diameters of first portion  10  and second portion  15  are each preferably about 16.5 inches to about 19 inches. In addition, first portion  10  and second portion  15  generally comprise waterproof and/or fire resistant or fire retardant fabric. In other preferred embodiments of the present invention, first portion  10  and second portion  15  are shaped in various forms including, but not limited to, rectangles, squares and octagons. 
   As shown, first portion  10  and second portion  15  are similarly sized and shaped relative to one another. In other preferred embodiments of the present invention, first portion  10  and second portion  15  are differently sized and/or shaped relative to one another. 
   In addition, one or both of first portion  10  and second portion  15  may include only a thin sheet of material rather than a filled pillow structure. 
   Looking now at  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is shown connector  50 A and connector  50 B joining together first portion  10  and second portion  15 . Generally, connector  50 A and connector  50 B are placed adjacent to the perimeters of first portion  10  and second portion  15 . The placement of connector  50 A and connector  50 B creates a cavity  20  internal to connector  50 A and connector  50 B, and the separations between connector  50 A and  50 B create a first entrance  60  ( FIG. 3 ) and a second entrance  65  ( FIG. 4 ). 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , first entrance  60  preferably has an opening of about 6 inches to 7 inches and second entrance  65  preferably has an opening of about 16 inches to 18.5 inches. First entrance  60  and second entrance  65  each lead to the interior cavity  20 . 
   Looking now at  FIGS. 1 and 2 , connector  50 A and connector  50 B preferably include, but are not limited to, the use of thread, binding, gluing, heat sealing, riveting or other similar closure mechanisms for permanently attaching sections of first portion  10  and second portion  15  to one another. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, connector  50 A and connector  50 B include a zig-zag stitch to attach first portion  10  and second portion  15  to one another. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, connector  50 A and connector  50 B include heat sealing. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 1 , in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is shown a display message  70  disposed on the outer surface of first portion  10 . Display message  70  may include a sports team logo or a promotional advertisement. Preferably, connector  50 A and connector  50 B are placed symmetrically and extend to a midpoint  52 A and a midpoint  52 B, respectively, so as to center first entrance  60  and second entrance  65  with respect to one another and provide a smaller opening in first entrance  60  than second entrance  65 . 
   Referring again to  FIG. 2 , in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is shown an elastic stretch band  75  disposed on second portion  15  for attachment of seat cushion  5  to a seating surface. Elastic stretch band  75  preferably has fastening elements at one or both ends thereof. Preferably, elastic stretch band  75  has a width of about 1 inch and comprises a shrink-resistant braided elastic material. 
   Still referring to  FIG. 2 , there is shown an external pocket  85  disposed on second portion  15  for receiving a user&#39;s hand so as to allow vertical display of seating cushion  5  and display message  70 . Pocket  85  is uniquely constructed to allow insertion of a hand into seat cushion  5  for use at sporting events as a team spirit promotional item. By way of example but not limitation, external pocket  85  may comprise, a three-sided centered stitched pocket about 6 inches wide and about 10 inches long. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 3 , in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is shown a closure  90  disposed on first portion  10  and second portion  15  at first entrance  60 . Preferably, closure  90  allows selective opening and closing of entrance  60  so as to form an opening with a length of about 6 inches to about 7 inches. Closure  90  may be formed out of various mechanical closures of the sort known in the art for holding two pieces of fabric in selective engagement, e.g., snaps, zippers, etc. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 4 , in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is shown first entrance  60  and second entrance  65  in opened positions for access into internal cavity  20  ( FIG. 3 ) of seat cushion  5 . Closure  90  is disposed along the perimeter of portions  10  and portion  15  at the first entrance  60 . A closure  95  is disposed on first portion  10  and portion  15  at second entrance  65 . Preferably, second entrance  65  has an opening with a length of about 16 inches to about 18.5 inches. Closure  95  may be formed out of various mechanical closures of the sort known in the art for holding two pieces of fabric in selective engagement, e.g., snaps, zippers, etc. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 5 , in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is shown an element  100  that contains either a heating component or a cooling component. Preferably, heating and/or cooling element  100  is designed to be inserted directly into cavity  20  ( FIG. 3 ) of seat cushion  5  through first entrance  60  or second entrance  65 . Element  100  contains heating or cooling chemicals that are preferably chemically activated or induced by either exposure to air or by compression initiated by the user. Element  100  is preferably about 16 inches to 18.5 inches in diameter for optimum compatibility for insertion into recess  20  ( FIG. 3 ) of seating cushion  5 . In addition to use as a passageway for placing element  100  into cavity  55 , first entrance  60  or second entrance  65  allow placement of hands therethrough as to use seat cushion  5  as a hand-warming device, e.g., as a sort of “hand muff”. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 6 , in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is shown a portable carrying case or storage bag  105  sized to hold seat cushion  5  and designed to double as a container for another heating or cooling element  100  for use on the seatback of a stationary or portable chair (not shown). Preferably, there is provided a draw string  110  that closes storage bag  105 . In addition, there is shown a loop  115  for attachment of a D-ring (not shown). The D-ring is preferably an optional accessory. Generally, portable carrying bag  105  uses the same component fabric materials as seat cushion  5 . Preferably, bag  105  does not to exceed a size of 16 inches by 16 inches by 3 inches. 
   MODIFICATIONS 
   It will be understood that many additional changes in the details, materials, steps and arrangements of parts, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the invention, may be made by those skilled in the art while remaining within the principles and scope of the present invention.