Abstract:
A therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets for increasing the convenience of conducting therapy treatment in an individual&#39;s home. The furniture assembly houses embedded magnets used in the improvement of an individual&#39;s overall health: improvements in circulation, reduction of pain, and relief of osteoarthritis. While a user may rest, and simultaneously treat, an individual body member, whole-body therapy may be achieved by an individual resting his or her entire body on the furniture item within close proximity of the static magnetic field.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/544,811, filed Oct. 7, 2011 which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
         [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates generally to the field of furniture coverings and more specifically relates to therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets. 
         [0006]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0007]    Furniture pieces designed to allow an individual to sit, recline, or otherwise rest are customized by many individuals in modern society according to the individual&#39;s needs and preferences. Many of these furniture pieces are limited in function to offering generally pleasing aesthetics and basic ergonomic comfort. In some cases, the function of these furniture pieces extends to providing an individual specialized support, such as that of a hospital bed, wheelchair, and the like. As more health and wellness treatments are developed and prescribed, individuals suffering from varying ailments seek treatment options that may be conducted from the privacy and comfort of their individual homes. Often, individuals pursuing home treatment options must not only procure supportive furniture but therapeutic devices in addition to the furniture pieces. This may lead not only to cumbersome, mis-matched, and awkward furniture pieces gracing an individual&#39;s home but also to the reduction of valuable storage space. Also, an individual required to assemble a therapeutic system prior to using it may find a prescribed therapy too tiresome and inefficient to maintain a rigid schedule of treatment. 
         [0008]    Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,326,170; 7,678,041; 2007/0225780; 2008/0171954; and 2004/0247528. This prior art is representative of furniture systems. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
         [0009]    Ideally, a furniture system offering therapeutic effects for an individual should be compact, user friendly, aesthetically pleasing and, yet, would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets to provide convenient therapy treatments to improve the overall health of an individual avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known furniture system art, the present invention provides a novel therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a stylish and convenient means of conducting therapy treatment in an individual&#39;s home. 
         [0011]    Therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets is designed to improve circulation, reduce pain, and provide other health benefits through the use of magnets. Many individuals in modern society utilize magnets to aid in improving circulation and in reducing pain in afflicted body members. In the present invention, magnets are preferably embedded into furniture coverings so that a user may reap therapeutic effects while expending minimal effort. This concept may be applied to pieces of furniture such as sofas, mattresses, recliners, loveseats, and more. In addition to embedded magnets, therapeutic furniture may be made using natural fabrics, such as leather to assist in improving the overall health of a user. 
         [0012]    A therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets for conducting therapy treatment in a user&#39;s home is disclosed herein preferably comprising a furniture assembly. A furniture item of this furniture assembly is preferably covered by an outer surface, ideally a fabric covering, which encases an inner volume. At least one magnet is preferably ensconced in this inner volume. Ideally supported by a frame, the furniture item may be used as a resting place for a user. In preferred embodiments, the furniture item comprises a sofa. 
         [0013]    To improve the overall health of a user, the furniture item may house at least one magnet. A static magnetic field may be provided by at least one such embedded magnet, allowing a user to reap the beneficial health effects of the magnetic field when the user rests on the furniture assembly in close proximity to the magnetic field. Several potential health benefits of such magnet therapy include: improving circulation, reducing pain, and treating osteoarthritis in a body of an individual. While a user may rest, and simultaneously treat, an individual body member, whole-body therapy may be achieved by an individual resting his or her entire body on the furniture item within close proximity of the static magnetic field. 
         [0014]    Any magnets embedded within the furniture item are preferably independent of a power source; however, the possibility exists for embedded magnets to be in communication with a power supply. While the presence of at least one embedded magnet is essential to providing the therapeutic effects of the furniture assembly, any magnet encased in the furniture item need not diminish the ergonomic comfort or aesthetic effect of the furniture assembly. In preferred embodiments, each magnet embedded in the furniture item may be about 3 cm in diameter and about 3 mm in depth. Each magnet may be embedded about 10 cm apart from one another at a depth of about 2 cm beneath the outer surface of the furniture item. 
         [0015]    A method of using a therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets is also described herein preferably comprising the steps of: resting upon at least one furniture item; positioning at least one afflicted body member within close proximity to at least one embedded magnet; adjusting positioning of the afflicted body member as needed to maximize comfort and exposure to the magnetic field; and maintaining optimal body member positioning during an exposed period. The method preferably further comprises the step of removing the afflicted body member from close proximity to at least one embedded magnet and re-exposing the afflicted body member at a future time. 
         [0016]    The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 1A-1C  show perspective views illustrating a therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are perspective views illustrating the therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets as a sofa and a loveseat, respectively, with embedded magnets according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1A-1C . 
           [0020]      FIGS. 3A-3C  are perspective views illustrating the therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets as a chair, an office chair, and a recliner, respectively, with embedded magnets according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1A-1C . 
           [0021]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are perspective views illustrating the therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets as a bed and a pillow with a pillow case, respectively, with embedded magnets according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1A-1C . 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use of the therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1A-4B . 
       
    
    
       [0023]    The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a furniture covering device and more particularly to a therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets as used to improve the convenience of conducting therapy treatment in an individual&#39;s home. 
         [0025]    Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C , perspective views illustrating therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets  100  in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0026]    Generally speaking, therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets  100  provides individuals with at least one furniture item  110  with at least one embedded magnet  140  used to improve a user&#39;s health. Any individual resting on furniture item  110  may benefit from improved circulation and reduction of pain within his or her body when resting on furniture assembly  105  and in close proximity of at least one embedded magnet  140 . This concept may be applied to a variety of furniture item(s)  110 , including sofa  149 ; loveseat  151 ; chair  153 ; recliner  155 ; mattress  159 ; and pillow  161 , with or without pillow case  163 . Embedded magnet(s)  140  are preferably disc-shaped. In the preferred embodiment, the remainder of the furniture assembly  105  may be made using rubber foam, leather, and the like. Furniture item(s)  110  may be manufactured in a wide variety of colors and designs. The exact specifications may vary according to user preferences. 
         [0027]    Therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets  100  preferably comprises furniture assembly  105 . Furniture assembly  105  in the preferred embodiment may comprise at least one furniture item  110  and at least one embedded magnet  140 . Furniture item  110  preferably comprises: outer surface  120 ; inner volume  130 ; and frame  115 . At least one embedded magnet  140  may be located within inner volume  130  of furniture item  110 . In the present embodiment, outer surface  120  preferably covers furniture item  110  such that inner volume  130  may be encased by outer surface  120 . Within the preferred embodiment, outer surface  120  may be comprised of leather covering  125 . In combination with at least one embedded magnet  140 , leather covering  125  may assist in improving the overall health of individual users. Alternatively, outer surface  120  may comprise fabric covering  123  or any suitable material for encasing inner volume  130  such as plastic, wood, or the like. Inner volume  130  may comprise an air- or material-filled void. 
         [0028]    Embedded magnet  140  may be disc-shaped 3950 Gauss ceramic North facing permanent magnets made by mixing ceramic clay and iron powder. It should be noted that other Gauss levels may be used as per a desired strength of embedded magnet  140 . Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other magnetic arrangements such as, for example, Neodymium Iron Boron, Samarium Cobalt, Alnico etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0029]    Materials used to fill inner volume  130  may include natural or synthetic fibrous material (cotton, polyester, etc.); Styrofoam® blocks, beads, or forms; or the like. Frame  115  preferably supports furniture item  110  in such a manner that at least one individual may rest upon furniture assembly  105 . Frame  115  may be constructed using various materials such as wood, metal, plastic, or the like. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other outer surface, inner volume, and frame material arrangements such as, for example, rubber foam, bamboo, etc., may be sufficient. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of furniture construction as described herein, methods of constructing furniture assemblies will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , perspective views illustrating therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets  100  as sofa  149  and loveseat  151 , respectively, with embedded magnet(s)  140  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1A-1C . 
         [0031]    The preferred embodiment of therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets  100  may comprise furniture item  110 . Furniture item  110  preferably comprises sofa  149 . Based on user needs and preferences, the present invention may comprise loveseat  151 . Varying styles and sizes may be manufactured to accommodate individual user preferences. Encased within inner volume  130  of furniture item  110  is at least one embedded magnet  140 . Embedded magnet(s)  140  of the preferred embodiment may take the shape of a disk and may measure about 3 cm in diameter and about 3 mm in depth. Other manifestations of the invention may comprise embedded magnet(s)  140  of alternate shapes and sizes. To provide uniform distribution throughout furniture item  110 , embedded magnet(s)  140  are preferably spaced approximately 10 cm apart from one another at a depth of about 2 cm beneath outer surface  120  of furniture item  110 . Other embodiments may provide for alternate spacing and placement of embedded magnet(s)  140  within or upon furniture item  110 . 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-3C , are perspective views illustrating therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets  100  as chair  153 , office chair  165 , and recliner  155 , respectively, with embedded magnet(s)  140  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1A-1C . 
         [0033]    In addition to multiple-seat furniture item(s)  110  of the present invention, single-seat furniture item(s)  110  may be manufactured. Furniture item  110  of the present embodiment may comprise chair  153 , office chair  165 , and recliner  155 . Whether multiple seat or single seat arrangements are provided by furniture item  110  of the present embodiment, embedded magnet(s)  140  encased in furniture item  110  provide static magnetic fields. These static magnetic fields assist an individual resting on furniture assembly  105  in improving blood flow and treating osteoarthritis within a body, while offering other potential health benefits. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of magnet therapy as described herein, methods of improving health using magnet therapy will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , perspective views illustrating therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets  100  as bed  157  and pillow  161  with pillow case  163 , respectively, with embedded magnet(s)  140  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1A-1C . 
         [0035]    Therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets  100  of the present embodiment may comprise bed  157 , including mattress  159 . Mattress  159  preferably encloses at least one embedded magnet  140 . Similarly, pillow(s)  161  may encase at least one embedded magnet  140 , comprising bedding assembly  167 . Pillow(s)  161  may be covered by pillow case(s)  163  or may rest uncovered on furniture item  110  such as bed  157 , sofa  149 , loveseat  151 , chair  153 , or the like. Pillow(s)  161  may also be used independent of other furniture item(s)  110  and placed on floors, tables, or other available surfaces. 
         [0036]    As embedded magnet(s)  140  are diverse in shape, size, and strength, so are they versatile in function. Therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets  100  preferably comprises embedded magnet(s)  140  independent of a power source. In other embodiments, therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets  100  may comprise embedded magnet(s)  140  in communication with a power source. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of magnets, magnetism, and magnetic fields as described herein, methods of supplying magnetic fields will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
         [0037]    Therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets  100  may be sold as kit  240  comprising the following parts: at least one furniture item  110  at least one embedded magnet  140 ; and at least one set of user instructions. Therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets  100  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , flowchart  550  illustrating method of use  500  of the therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1A-4B . 
         [0039]    A method of using (at least hereby enabling method of use  500 ) a therapeutic furniture covering system using magnets  100  preferably comprises the steps of: step one  501  resting upon at least one furniture item  110 ; step two  502  positioning at least one afflicted body member within close proximity to at least one embedded magnet  140 ; step three  503  adjusting positioning of afflicted body member as needed to maximize comfort and exposure to magnetic field; and step four  504  maintaining optimal body member positioning during an exposed period. The method of use  500  preferably further comprises the step of: step five  505  removing afflicted body member from close proximity to at least one embedded magnet  140  and re-exposing afflicted body member at a future time. 
         [0040]    It should be noted that step three  503  is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method  500  are illustrated using dotted lines in  FIG. 5  so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method  500 . 
         [0041]    It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0042]    The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.