Assembly and Method for Attaching a Seat Cushion to a Chair

Abstract

An assembly, and related methods, for attaching a seat cushion to a chair is disclosed. The assembly includes a strap assembly connected, or configured to be connected, to a cushion. The strap assembly is releasably securable to itself about a structural member of a chair so as to releasably secure the cushion in place on the chair.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/664,718 filed on Jun. 26, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of seating devices, and, more particularly, to assemblies and methods for fastening seat cushions onto chairs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional seat cushions used in Chiavari style chairs are typically fastened onto a chair utilizing one of two common fastening mechanisms—VELCRO® straps or fabric ties. VELCRO® straps consist of two components, a “hook” strap and a “loop” strap, which adhere to each other. The hook and loop straps used for chair cushions wrap around the two supporting rear upright leg members of a chair and then adhere to each other to hold the seat cushion in place. Likewise, fabric ties consist of two components, a first and second fabric “lace”, which allow tying of a knot to fasten the laces together. Fabric ties wrap around the two supporting rear upright leg members of a chair and then are tied to each other to maintain proper positioning of the seat cushion.

Fabric hook-and-loop fastener straps and fabric ties both require multiple steps in order to properly position them when positioning a seat cushion on a chair. Hook-and-loop fastener straps are utilized by first placing the loop strap end over the first rear upright leg member of a chair. Next, the adhering hook strap end is placed over the loop strap end, forming a secure attachment. The process is repeated for the second rear upright leg member of the chair. Removal of the cushion then requires peeling the adhering hook-and-loop fastener straps apart to release the straps from both of the upright leg members.

Fabric ties are utilized by first placing the first fabric lace strap end over the first rear upright leg member of a chair. Next, the second fabric lace strap end is placed over the first fabric lace strap end and the lace straps are tied in a basic shoelace knot to form a secure attachment. The process is repeated for the second rear upright leg member of the chair. Removal is performed by pulling on the end of one of the fabric laces to release the knots.

Chairs utilizing attachable seat cushions are highly popular amongst agencies renting equipment to event coordinators. They may be used for marriages, formal parties, and celebrations. As such, chairs requiring installation of the attachable seat cushions may often times be rented in amounts exceeding hundreds of chairs per event, which can result in a time consuming and tedious process when attaching the seat cushions to the chairs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide an assembly, and related methods, for quickly and easily attaching and removing seat cushions on chairs. The present invention is particularly useful for seat cushions utilized on Chiavari style chairs with upright leg members and/or upright seat back members.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a cushion securing assembly is described. The assembly includes a strap assembly connected to a cushion. The strap assembly is releasably securable to itself about a structural member of a chair, such as a back or leg member, so as to releasably secure the cushion in place on the chair.

The strap assembly includes a strap, extending between proximal and distal ends and a fastener for releasably connecting the proximal and distal ends. The fastener could include any type of fastening device, such as but not limited to, snap fasteners, clasp fasteners, pass-through button-type fasteners, magnetic snap-type fasteners, and magnetic disk fasteners. An intermediate section of the strap is permanently affixed to the cushion by stitching or the like. In an alternative embodiment, the strap is secured to the cushion at the proximal end of the strap, as opposed to an intermediate section.

In accordance with a method aspect, a method for attaching a seat cushion to a chair is described. The method including positioning the seat cushion on the chair, the seat cushion including at least one strap assembly secured thereon, the strap assembly comprising at least one strap. The strap is secured to the seat cushion at or near a proximal end of the strap, and the proximal end of the strap also contains a first fastener. Next, the method includes extending and looping a distal end of the strap with a second fastener of the at least one strap around the upright seat back member of the chair, or alternatively, the upright leg member of the chair. The method also includes removably securing the second fastener to the first fastener of the at least one strap, thereby maintaining the seat cushion in a secure position on the chair for sitting thereon.

These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings, all of which illustrate the principles of the technology, by way of example only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings illustrating various embodiments of the present invention, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cushion securing assembly as secured to an upright seat back member of a chair.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cushion securing assembly in an open position, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 2 in a clasped position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an assembly with a pass-through button type fastener for attaching a seat cushion to a chair;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 4 with the fastener in the clasped position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an assembly with a magnetic disk type fastener for attaching a seat cushion to a chair;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an assembly with a snap fastener for attaching a seat cushion to a chair;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an assembly for attaching a seat cushion to a chair in an open position, according to one aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 8 in a clasped position.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements in alternate embodiments.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the indefinite articles “a”, “an” and “the” should be understood to include plural reference unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.

As used herein, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating a listing of items, “and/or” or “or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number of items, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.”

An assembly for attaching a seat cushion to a chair is disclosed. The assembly includes straps that are configured for use in securing a seat cushion to the upright leg members and/or upright seat back members of a chair. The assembly is particularly useful for attaching a seat cushion to a Chiavari style chair.

Referring to FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention a cushion securing assembly 10 includes a strap assembly 12 connected to a cushion 14. The strap assembly 12 is releasably securable to itself about a structural member 16 of a chair 20, such as a back or leg member, so as to releasably secure the cushion 14 in place on the chair 20.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the strap assembly 12 includes a strap 22, extending between proximal and distal ends 24, 26, and a fastener 30 for releasably connecting the proximal and distal ends 24, 26. Preferably, the fastener 30 includes complementary fastener portions 32, 34 affixed to the proximal and distal ends 24, 26, respectively.

An intermediate section 36 of the strap 22 is permanently affixed to the cushion 14 by stitching 40 or the like. Alternately, the strap 22 could be releasably connected to the cushion 14. Advantageously, the strap 22 is a unitary member, made from a longitudinally continuous piece of fabric or other material, although discrete but permanently connected strap sections could also be employed. Preferably, the strap 22 material matches the cushion 14 material, although use of a more elastically deformable material may be preferred, such as but not limited to rubber or rubberized materials, stretchable fabric blends, and the like. For greater strength, the strap 22 is folded to effect a double thickness at the proximal and distal ends 24, 26 and the intermediate section 36.

Preferably, more than one strap assembly 12 is utilized on each cushion 14. For example, an assembly 12 may be attached to each of two areas of a cushion 14 to correspond with the position of each of two upright seat back members. As illustrated in FIG. 1, each one of the strap assemblies 12 will loop around corresponding structural members 16 (illustrated as seat back members) and then the proximal and distal ends 24, 26 will removably attach to each other.

The fastener 30 could include any type of fastening device, such as but not limited to, snap fasteners, clasp fasteners, pass-through button-type fasteners, magnetic snap-type fasteners, and magnetic disk fasteners. In FIGS. 1-3, the fastener portions 32, 34 of the fastener 30 are complementary magnetic snaps with male and female projections. Furthermore, the male and female projections attach magnetically; yet, the male and female interactivity of the components help keep the fastener portions 32, 34 in proper alignment while attached.

The foregoing embodiment is provided for illustrative and exemplary purposes; the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. Some alternative embodiments of the invention will be described in connection with FIGS. 4-9. In the alternative embodiments, similar components are referenced by the same number followed by an “A,” “B,” etc. Where not specifically described, similar components of the alternative embodiments function essentially as described above.

Alternately, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, fastener portions 32A, 34A of fastener 30A are a button and buttonhole, respectively, making up a pass-through button-type fastener. The buttonhole of fastener portion 34A is for allowing passage of the button of fastener portion 32A such that the proximal and distal ends 24, 26 of the strap assembly 12 will removably attach to each other. The pass-through button-type fastener shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 shows the buttonhole of fastener portion 34A on the distal end 26 and the button of fastener portion 32A on the proximal end 24; however, it would be understood that these components can be correspondingly placed on either end, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 6, in a further alternative arrangement, fastener portions 32B, 34B of fastener 30B are a first magnetic disk and a second magnetic disk, respectively, making up a magnetic disk fastener. The magnetic disk fastener provides sufficient fastening ability; yet, it allows the quick disengagement of the strap assembly 12 from the chair by lifting and pulling the cushion away from the chair or by lifting the the distal end 26 away from the proximal end 24.

Referring to FIG. 7, in a further alternative arrangement, fastener portions 32C, 34C of fastener 30C are a male snap and a corresponding female snap (with internal engagement elements 70), respectively, making up a snap fastener. The male snap of fastener portion 34C is structured to engage the internal engagement elements 70 of the female snap of fastener portion 32C when the male snap is seating in the female snap. The embodiment of the snap fastener shown in FIG. 7 shows the female snap of fastener portion 32C on the proximal end 24 and the male snap of fastener portion 34C on the distal end 26; however, it would be understood that these components can be interchangeably placed on either of the ends, respectfully.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a cushion securing assembly 10D includes a strap assembly 12D connected to a cushion 14D. The strap assembly 12D includes a strap 22D secured to the cushion 14D at its proximal end 24D rather than at an intermediate section thereof. The strap assembly 12D includes a fastener 30D for releasably connecting the proximal and distal ends 24D, 26D to form a loop for attachment to the chair. Preferably, the fastener 30D includes complementary fastener portions 32D, 34D affixed to the proximal and distal ends 24D, 26D, respectively; and the fastener 30D could include any type of fastening device as described in the various embodiments herein.

The foregoing alternate embodiments are not an exhaustive list of variations possible within the scope of the invention herein shown and described. Rather, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these and other modifications, as well as adaptions to particular circumstances, will fall within the scope of the present invention, and of the claims appended hereto.

In accordance with a method aspect, a method for attaching a seat cushion to a chair is described. The method including positioning the seat cushion on the chair. The seat cushion includes at least one strap assembly secured thereon, the strap assembly comprising at least one strap. The strap is secured to the seat cushion at or near a proximal end of the strap. The proximal end of the strap also contains a first fastener. Next, the method includes extending and looping a distal end of the strap with a second fastener of the at least one strap around the upright seat back member of the chair, or alternatively, the upright leg member of the chair. The method also includes removably securing the second fastener to the first fastener of the at least one strap, thereby maintaining the seat cushion in a secure position on the chair for sitting thereon.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cushion securing assembly for a chair, comprising:

a strap assembly comprising a strap with a proximal end, an intermediate section, and a distal end, the strap configured to connect to a cushion; and a fastener having complementary fastener portions for releasably connecting the proximal end and the distal end of the strap;

wherein the strap assembly is releasably securable to itself about a structural member of the chair.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the strap is configured to connect to the cushion at the intermediate section.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the strap is folded to effect a double thickness at the intermediate section.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the strap is configured to connect to the cushion at the proximal end.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a snap fastener.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a clasp fastener.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a pass-through button-type fastener.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a magnetic snap-type fastener.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a magnetic disk fastener.

10. A cushion assembly for a chair, comprising:

a cushion; and

a strap assembly comprising a strap having a proximal end, an intermediate section, and a distal end; and a fastener having complementary fastener portions for releasably connecting the proximal end and the distal end of the strap; wherein the strap assembly is releasably securable to itself about a structural member of the chair and wherein the strap is attached to the cushion.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the strap is attached to the cushion at the intermediate section.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the strap is folded to effect a double thickness at the intermediate section.

13. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the strap is attached to the cushion at the proximal end.

14. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the strap is made of an elastically deformable material.

15. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the fastener is a snap fastener.

16. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the fastener is a clasp fastener.

17. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the fastener is a pass-through button-type fastener.

18. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the fastener is a magnetic snap-type fastener.

19. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the fastener is a magnetic disk fastener.

20. A method for attaching a seat cushion to a chair, the method comprising:

positioning the seat cushion on the chair, wherein the seat cushion comprises at least one strap assembly with at least one strap secured thereon;

extending and looping a distal end of the at least one strap comprising a second fastener around the upright seat back member of the chair;

removably securing the second fastener to a first fastener located at a proximal end of the at least one strap, thereby maintaining the seat cushion in a secure position on the chair.