CHAIR ACCESSORY ARTICLE

Abstract

Embodiments of a chair accessory article are described. In one embodiment, the article includes a flexible spread, a cushion attached to one end of the flexible spread, and a pouch attached to another end of the flexible spread. The article may be draped over a chair to provide a back, neck, or head rest on one end, and a pouch to store items off the ground on another end. The article may also include a handle at a proximate center of the flexible spread, for carrying the article. In some embodiments, the article may also include a stiffener affixed to the flexible spread at the proximate center of the flexible spread.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/871,043, filed Aug. 28, 2013, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Depending upon the activity, bags, organizers, and the like are widely used as a matter of convenience. These bags and organizers are typically designed for use in a certain situation or for a certain purpose. For example, several variations on backpacks are available for hands free transportation of items when hiking or travelling. Likewise, various shapes, sizes, and styles of women's handbags are available for carrying items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the embodiments and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying figures briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an article according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the article according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the article draped over a chair according to one example of use.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the article which encloses a space according to one example.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the article comprising a shoulder strap and a cushion pouch.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the article comprising an aperture handle.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the article comprising a cooler pouch.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the article comprising stabilizers.

The drawings illustrate only example embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of the scope described herein, as other equally effective embodiments are within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or positionings may be exaggerated to help visually convey certain principles. In the drawings, similar reference numerals between figures designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily the same, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following paragraphs, the embodiments are described in further detail by way of example with reference to the attached drawings. The described embodiments are not limited in application to the examples set forth herein.

Turning now to the drawings, a general description of exemplary embodiments of a system and its components are provided, followed by a discussion of the operation of the same.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an article 10 according to one example embodiment. In one embodiment, the article 10 includes a flexible spread 120, a cushion 140 stitched or attached to one end of the flexible spread 120 and a pouch 160 stitched or attached to another end of the flexible spread 120. Generally, the article 10 may be relied upon in various circumstances, such as at the beach, in the car, or at a sporting event, for example, and may be relied upon for various purposes, such as a cushion, an organizer, a bag, a flotation-assistance device, or for other purposes. Generally, the article 10 may be embodied in various shapes and sizes. In FIG. 1, the article 10 is of approximate width B and approximate length A, although it should be appreciated that the width and/or length of the article 10 may vary. For example, the width B may be about 16 inches, and the length A may be about 24 inches. It is noted, however, that the width B and length A of article 10 may vary among embodiments.

The article 10 may be formed in part from one or more pieces of material and, in various embodiments, may be sewn, glued, woven or otherwise constructed using any suitable means or manner for the application. It is noted that the article 10 may include one or more different types of materials in one embodiment. In this context, the materials may include cloth (e.g., cotton, flax, wool, denim, nylon, polyester, other synthetics, etc.), leather, plastic, rubber, or other materials suitable for the application. In one embodiment, the flexible spread 120 may be formed from a breathable or permeable material, while one or more pockets of the pouch 160 may be formed from a waterproof material. It is additionally noted that the material or materials used to form the article 10 may be embodied in various colors and textures. Additionally, the materials may include certain graphics and/or symbols including text, logos, advertisements, trade names, or trademarks, etc., which may be applied to or upon the materials by screen-printing, silk-screening, laser or thermal printing, or any other suitable means or manner.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the flexible spread 120 may comprise a handle 122, a stiffener 124, a connector 126, and/or other elements. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the flexible spread 120 is embodied as having a substantially rectangular shape. It is noted, however, that the flexible spread 120 may be embodied as any shape or size. For example, the flexible spread 120 may be embodied as rectangular, triangular, octagonal, or any other shape.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the flexible spread 120 comprises at least two side edges 132a and 132b, a first end 130a, a second end 130b, and/or other elements. The first end 130a may be coupled to the cushion 140, and the second end 130b may be coupled to the pouch 160. In this regard, the flexible spread 120 may be embodied as a rectangular shaped fabric spread having a length and a width. The length of the flexible spread 120 may be a distance between the first end 130a and the second end 130b of the flexible spread 120. Similarly, the width of the flexible spread may be a distance between the side edges 132a and 132b of the flexible spread 120. For example, the width of the flexible spread 120 may be about 16 to about 18 inches while the length of the flexible spread 120 may be about 8 inches to 12 inches. In one embodiment, the width of the flexible spread 120 may be about 18 inches while the length of the flexible spread 120 may be 10 inches.

However, it should be appreciated that the length and width of the flexible spread 120 may vary among embodiments. In one embodiment, the length of the flexible spread 120 may be less than or equal to 1 inch. In another embodiment, the article 10 may omit the flexible spread 120. In such an embodiment, one end of the cushion 140 may be attached or stitched, for example, directly to one end of the pouch 160. In this regard, the portion of the article 10 where the cushion 140 and the pouch 160 are attached together may rest upon a top portion of a chair, for example, when the article 10 is in use.

Further, the article 10 may comprise a handle 122. The handle 122 may be stitched or attached to a top of the flexible spread 120 at a proximate center of the top of the flexible spread 120. For example, in an embodiment where the flexible spread 120 is about 10 inches long, the handle may be positioned at about 5 inches from the first end 130a or the second end 130b of the flexible spread. In particular, the handle 122 may be of a width less than or equal to the width of flexible spread 120. In one embodiment, the handle 122 may have a width of about 18 inches.

As an example use of the handle 122, a user of the article 10 may carry the article 10 by holding the handle 122 which may be attached proximate to a center of a top of the flexible spread 120. While the user is holding the article 10 by the handle 122, both sides of the article 10 on either side of the handle 122 may bend downward relative to the handle 122 such that the portion of the flexible spread 120 attached to the handle 122 supports the weight of the article 10. In particular, the flexible spread 120 may support the weight of both the cushion 140 and the pouch 160. Generally, the flexible spread 120 may be formed from a flexible cloth material suitable for laying or draping over a chair, as further described below with reference to FIG. 3. Although the flexible spread 120 may be formed from any suitable material, in exemplary embodiments, the flexible spread 120 may be formed from a permeable, semi-transparent, and/or breathable material.

The flexible spread 120 may also comprise a stiffener 124. The stiffener 124 may be affixed to the flexible spread 120 proximate to a center of the flexible spread 120 and generally under the handle 122. Here, it is noted that the stiffener 124 may be embodied as a relatively stiff, elongated piece of plastic. In one embodiment, the stiffener 124 may extend substantially across the entire width of the flexible spread 120. In various embodiments, the stiffener 124 may be embodied as a relatively flat or cylindrical stiffener, and the primary purpose of the stiffener 124 is to maintain the shape of the article 10 when it is lifted using the handle 122.

In one embodiment, the article 10 may omit the stiffener 124. In such an embodiment, the article 10 may include a pre-defined crease proximate to a center of the flexible spread 120. The crease may extend substantially along a width of the flexible spread 120. Additionally, the handle 122 may be attached or stitched, for example, on top of the flexible spread 120 at a proximate center of the crease. In this regard, the crease may facilitate in maintaining the shape of the article 10 when the article 10 is lifted via the handle 122.

According to some embodiments, the article 10 may comprise the cushion 140. In one embodiment, cushion 140 may have a width of about 14 to about 15 inches, a length of about 8 inches, and a depth of about 2 inches to about 5 inches, depending on the embodiment. However, it should be appreciated that the cushion 140 may vary in saize. In one embodiment, the cushion 140 may be coupled directly to the flexible spread 120. In another embodiment, the cushion 140 may be enclosed within a bounded area of a pouch. In such an embodiment, the pouch comprising the cushion 140 may be opened or closed at one or more sides in various embodiments, as will be further described below with reference to FIG. 5.

In one embodiment, the pouch comprising the cushion 140 or the cushion 140 itself may be attached or stitched, for example, to the flexible spread 120. Alternatively, the pouch comprising the cushion 140 or the cushion 140 itself may be detachably attached to the flexible spread 120 via the connector 126. The connector 126 may be embodied as one or more zippers, hooks, buttons, pins, snaps, or other suitable binding means such as VELCRO®, for example. The connector 126 may be selectively attached such that the cushion 140 is attached to the flexible spread 120. The connector 126 may also be selectively detached such that the cushion 140 is not attached to the flexible spread 120.

According to some embodiments, the cushion 140 may include an outer fabric covering that encloses cushion material. As examples, the cushion material within the cushion 140 may comprise foam, sponge, and/or any other suitable material. As further described below with reference to FIG. 4, the cushion 140 may be relied upon as a back, neck, or head rest when the article 10 is draped over a chair. In certain embodiments, the cushion 140 may be buoyant in water. As an example, the cushion 140 may be inflatable and filled with air. In this regard, the cushion 140 may include an air vent such that air may pass through the air vent and inflate the cushion 140 to a desired size. In addition, the cushion 140 may also include an air stopper, which may close the air vent such that air may not leak from the cushion 140 through the air vent. The inflatable cushion 140 may be used for frequent travelers because the inflatable cushion 140 may be deflated using the air vent and placed in a suitcase. When deflated, the inflatable cushion 140 may take up minimal space in a suitcase. Once the traveling user reaches his or her destination, the cushion 140 may be manually inflated through the air vent and inserted into the pouch of the article 10 built to receive the cushion 140.

In this context, as may be the case for certain types of foam materials, for example, the cushion 140 may also be relied upon as a flotation-assistance device because the cushion 140 is buoyant and may thereby float in water. For example, if the article 10 were to be dropped into a pool or other body of water, the cushion 140 may prevent the article 10, and any items stored within the pouch 160, from sinking. Additionally, a user may detach the cushion 140 from the article 10 via the connector 126 and use the cushion 140 as a floatation-assistance device by placing the cushion 140 under the arms or legs of the user while in the water.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the cushion 140 may comprise additional pockets and/or pouches. In one embodiment, a pocket may be attached or stitched, for example, to an external surface of the cushion 140. In this embodiment, the pocket may be embodied with dimensions suitable to receive and store a cellular telephone. Further, in certain embodiments, a logo 142 may be applied to or upon the outer fabric covering of the cushion 140. Although a dolphin is illustrated in FIG. 1, it should be appreciated that any text, design, logo, advertisement, trade name, trademark, or other marking may be applied to the outer fabric covering of the cushion 140.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the article 10 may comprise the pouch 160. In one embodiment, the pouch 160 may have a width of about 15 to about 18 inches, a length of about 10, and a depth of about 1 inch to about 15 inches. However, it should be appreciated that the dimensions of the pouch 160 may vary among embodiments. The pouch 160 may include a first pocket 160a and a second pocket 160b. In one embodiment, an additional pocket 160c is enclosed entirely within the pocket 160b. In another embodiment, the additional pocket 160c may be at least partially enclosed and disposed on an external surface of the pouch 160. The pouch 160 and each of the pockets 160a, 160b, and 160c may be opened or closed at one or more sides in various embodiments. In FIG. 1, the pouch 160 may be opened or closed at the side adjacent and stitched or attached to the flexible spread 120. It is noted that the pouch 160 may be opened or closed at the opposite end of the pouch 160 further away from the flexible spread 120.

In particular, the pouch 160 may be selectively opened or closed by a binder 162, which may be embodied as one or more zippers, hooks, buttons, pins, snaps, or other suitable binding means such as VELCRO®, for example. In the example embodiment of FIG. 1, the binder 162 is embodied as a zipper that opens or closes at least one bounded area of the pouch 160. Among the various types of zippers which may be relied upon, the embodiments described herein may incorporate one or more metallic, plastic, invisible, airtight, or watertight zippers. Although not illustrated, the additional pocket 160c may be opened or closed at one or more sides using one or more binders similar to the binder 162.

Although the pouch 160 is illustrated in FIG. 1 to include two main pockets 160a and 160b and one additional pocket 160c, the pouch 160 may be embodied in different configurations of one or more pockets. For example, the pouch 160 may include one or more larger pockets (e.g., for holding a tablet computing device), smaller pockets, nested pockets (e.g., for holding a cellular telephone), and pockets formed of different respective types of materials. In FIG. 1, for example, the pocket 160a may be formed from a permeable, semi-transparent, and/or breathable material 164a, and the pocket 160b may be formed from a waterproof semi-transparent, transparent, and/or opaque material 164b. Thus, when used at a beach, for example, certain pockets may be relied upon for protecting sensitive items such as handheld electronics, while other pockets may be relied upon for permitting items to air dry. In this context, certain pockets and binders may be relied upon in the article 10 for protecting sensitive items from sand and/or other environmental hazards. For example, a waterproof material may be incorporated with a watertight binder, to create a relatively watertight bounded area. Further, certain nested or hidden pockets (e.g., the enclosed pocket 160c) may be relied upon to hide relatively costly or expensive items such as cellular telephones, portable music players, cameras, or other similar items.

Alternatively, exterior pockets of various sizes may be disposed on the outer fabric of pouch 160 so that a user may access certain items with ease. For example, items such as sunscreen, cellular telephones, keys, or other similar items, may be placed in small exterior pockets so that the user may easily retrieve the items. Specifically, in an embodiment of article 10 comprising an exterior cellular telephone pocket, the pocket may have a length of about 5 inches and a width of about 4 inches. However, it should be appreciated that the exterior cellular telephone pocket size may vary among embodiments. In this embodiment, the exterior cellular telephone pocket may be bound at three ends and open at one end so that the user may slip his or her cellular telephone in and out of the pocket with ease. In this regard, the user may easily access these frequently used items without manually opening the pouch 160.

In an alternative embodiment, the pouch 160 may include insulating material suitable for keeping food, drinks, or other items cool or warm and isolating them from environmental conditions. In this context, at least a portion of the pouch 160 or one or more pockets of the pouch 160 may be lined with an insulating material. For example, the insulating material may comprise foil lining material, such as silica aerogel, polyurethane, polystyrene, fiberglass, polyethylene, combinations thereof, or other suitable insulating materials.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the article 10 may include a first clip 170a tethered to a first side 132a of the flexible spread 120 and a second clip 170b tethered to a second side 132b of the flexible spread 120. The first and second clips 170a and 170b may be tethered to the flexible spread 120 using respective tethers 172a and 172b, which may be embodied as flexible cord, rope, or elastic, for example, among other materials. In one embodiment, the length of the tethers 172a and 172b may be about 3 to about 4 inches. However, it should be appreciated that the length of the tethers 172a and 172b may vary among embodiments.

In one embodiment, the first and second clips 170a and 170b may be attached to the portion of the flexible spread 120 that is between the cushion 140 and the connector 126. In this embodiment, the first and second clips 170a and 170b proximate to the cushion 140 may remain connected to a chair in the event that a user detaches the remaining portion of the article 10 from the cushion 140 using the connector 126. For example, if a first user of the article 10 is resting his or her head on the cushion 140 attached to a beach chair using the first and second clips 170a and 170b, a second user may detach the pouch 160 from the cushion 140 while the first user is still resting his or her head on the cushion 140. In this example, the second user's detachment of pouch 160 via the connector 126 will have little to no effect on the first user's use of the cushion 140. It is noted, however, that the first and second clips 170a and 170b may remain tethered to any portion of the opposing side edges 132a and 132b of the flexible spread 120.

Generally, the clips 170a and 170b may be relied upon to anchor the article 10 to the back of a chair, for example, or other structure. Alternatively, the clips 170a and 170b may be relied upon to hold one or more items, such as towels, purses, T-shirts, or other items when the article 10 is draped over a chair or other structure. In various embodiments, the clips 170a and 170b may take an ornamental form and be representative of certain designs, animals, characters, or mascots, for example. It is noted that, in some embodiments, the clips 170a and 170b may be omitted from article 10.

According to some embodiments, a length of the flexible spread 120 may be adjustable so that the cushion 140 may be positioned as desired for a user of the article 10. For example, if a relatively short child utilizes the article 10 as an accessory for a chair, then the length of the flexible spread 120 may need to be adjusted so that the cushion 140 may reach further down the back rest of the chair so that the cushion 140 will reach the head or back of the child.

In one embodiment, the flexible spread 120 may be of a relatively longer length and the user of the article 10 may shorten the length of the flexible spread 120 by folding at least a portion of the flexible spread 120 until a desired length is achieved. Once the desired length is achieved by folding the flexible spread 120, then the folded portion may be secured using, for example, zippers, hooks, buttons, pins, snaps, or other suitable securing means such as VELCRO®. Once the folded portion of the flexible spread 120 has been adjusted and secured to a desired length, a user may use the article 10 as an accessory for a chair, for example.

According to some embodiments, the article 10 may be formed of an outer layer, the outer layer material comprising, for example, terry cloth of medium grade. In such an embodiment, the flexible spread 120 may be made of terry cloth. Moreover, the pouch 160 and any external or embedded pockets of the pouch 160 may also be made of terry cloth. However, the internal lining of the pouch 160 and the internal lining of the external and/or embedded pockets of the pouch 160 may comprise material that is waterproof and/or insulating, as described above. Similarly, the cushion 140 may be at least partially bound within the outer layer of terry cloth.

Turning to FIG. 2, a side view of the article 10 is illustrated according to one example embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the cushion 140 may be of the height C while the pouch 160 may be of height D. As described above, the height C of cushion 140 may range between about 2 inches to about 5 inches. The height D of pouch 160 may range between about 1 inch and about 15 inches. It is noted, however, that the height D and height C may vary among embodiments. In some embodiments, the height C of the cushion 140 may be less than or equal to the height D of the pouch 160. Alternatively, the height C of the cushion 140 may be greater than the height D of the pouch 160. For example, the pouch 160 may be relatively large and thus resemble the size and shape of an insulating cooler, as will be further described with reference to FIG. 7. In such an embodiment, the height D of the pouch 160 may be greater than the height C of the cushion 140. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the pouch 160 may resemble a laptop sleeve and thus the height D of the pouch 160 may be less than the height C of the cushion 140.

Further, it is noted that the position 144 where the flexible spread 120 is stitched or attached to the cushion 140 may vary among embodiments. For example, the flexible spread 120 may be stitched or attached to the cushion 140 near the relative bottom of the cushion 140, as illustrated in FIG. 2. It is noted, however, that other positions of attachment along the height C of the cushion 140 (e.g., relative center, top, etc.) are within the scope and spirit of the embodiments described herein. Similarly, other positions of attachment along the height D of the pouch 160 (e.g., relative center, top, etc.) are within the scope and spirit of the embodiments described herein. It is additionally noted that, in one embodiment, the article 10 includes a second handle, similar to the handle 122, stitched or attached to the bottom of the flexible spread 120 at the proximate center of the bottom of the flexible spread (i.e., below the handle 122). As further described below with reference to FIG. 4, the second handle may be relied upon as an alternative means to carry the article 10.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the article 10 draped over a chair 20 according to one example of use. In FIG. 3, the article 10 is draped over a back of the chair 20, with the cushion 140 resting on a back rest of the chair 20 while the pouch 160 hangs over the other side of the back rest of the chair 20. In the context of FIG. 3, the back rest of the chair 20 may be a head rest and/or neck rest of the chair 20. Thus, it is noted that a user of the article 10 may drape the article 10 over the back of the chair 20 to provide a back, neck, or head rest, while additionally maintaining the pouch 160 off the ground. Further, as illustrated, for embodiments including the clips 170a and 170b, it is noted that the clips 170a and 170b may be relied upon to secure the article 10 to the chair 20. Specifically, the clips 170a and/or 170b may be clipped to the chair 20 on the edges of the back rest of the chair 20 to ensure that the cushion 140 remains in a desired position on the back rest of the chair 20.

As an illustrative example of using article 10, a user of article 10 may carry article 10 to the chair 20 using the handle 122. While carrying the article 10, the stiffener 124, which may be disposed substantially underneath the handle 122 on the flexible spread 120, may facilitate in maintaining the shape of the article 10 such that any items located within the pouch 160 does not dislodge while being carried. In this regard, a weight of the cushion 140 and one portion of the flexible spread 120 may balance the weight of the pouch 160 and the other portion of the flexible spread 120 of the article 10.

The user may then drape the article 10 over the back rest of the chair 20 by placing at least a portion of the flexible spread 120 on the top edge of the back rest of the chair 20 such that the cushion 140 is placed somewhere upon the back rest and the pouch 160 hangs off of the back rest of the chair 20. When the user sits on the chair 20, the user may rest his or her head, neck, and/or back upon the cushion 140. Additionally, the pouch 160 may function as a cooler, for example, and contain beverages, snacks, and/or refreshments so that the user can easily reach around the chair 20 and pull out a fresh chilled beverage.

Turning to FIG. 4, a perspective view of another embodiment of the article 10 which encloses a space according to one example. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the article 10 additionally includes a zipper 180 stitched or attached along a periphery of the article 10. The zipper 180 secures a peripheral edge of the cushion 140 and the flexible spread 120 to a peripheral edge of the pouch 160 and the flexible spread 120, enclosing an area within the article 10. In this way, items may be enclosed within the article 10, and the items and the article 10 may be secured for easy transportation by the handle 122. Here, the clips 170a and 170b may be enclosed within the article 10. In this context, the article 10 itself becomes a type of pouch. It is noted here that, in alternate embodiments, the zipper 180 may be embodied as another binding means, such as one or more hooks, buttons, pins, snaps, or other suitable binding means such as VELCRO®, for example.

In one embodiment, the zipper 180 may be embodied as a reversible-type zipper, and the cushion 140 may be enclosed within the article 10. In this case, access to the pouch 160 (and the pouch 160 itself) may be hidden, and the article 10 may resemble a pillow. As discussed above with reference to FIG. 2, the article 10 may include a handle stitched or attached to the bottom of the flexible spread 120. Thus, if the cushion 140 is enclosed within the article 10 by a reversible-type zipper 180, then the article 10 may be carried by the handle attached to the bottom of the flexible spread 120.

Turning to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the article 10 from FIG. 4 is illustrated in which the article 10 further comprises a shoulder strap 205, a cushion pouch 210, and a cushion pouch binder 215. A user may carry the article 10 via the shoulder strap 205. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the article 10 comprises two loops 220a and 220b respectively attached or stitched, for example, to two side edges of a proximate center of the flexible spread 120. The shoulder strap 205 comprising two mutually opposing strap ends may be attached or stitched, for example, to respective clamps 222a and 222b. The clamps 222a and 222b may respectively be hooked onto the two loops 220a and 220b of the flexible spread. In this regard, the shoulder strap 205 may be detachable from article 10.

In some embodiments, the article 10 may comprise a length adjuster 225. In this regard, the user can adjust the length of the shoulder strap 205 by adjusting the length adjuster 225 accordingly. In some embodiments, a shoulder pad may be attached to a portion of the shoulder strap 205 where the user's shoulder will come to into contact with the shoulder strap 105. In these embodiments, the shoulder pad may provide some comfort to the user while carrying the article 10. In various embodiments, the article 10 may omit the shoulder strap 205.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the article 10 may be embodied with two pouches, as described above with reference to FIG. 1. In this regard, article 10 may comprise pouch 160 and a cushion pouch 210. The cushion pouch 210 may comprise the cushion 140. The cushion pouch 210 may further comprise a cushion pouch binder 215, which may be embodied as one or more zippers, hooks, buttons, pins, snaps, or other suitable binding means such as VELCRO®. In this regard, the cushion pouch 210 may be selectively opened or closed at one or more sides in various embodiments via the cushion pouch binder 215. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the cushion pouch binder 215 may be disposed at a bottom of the cushion pouch 210. Notably, other positions of the cushion pouch binder 215 along the cushion pouch 210 (e.g., relative center, top, etc.) are within the scope and spirit of the embodiments described herein.

In this embodiment, the cushion 140 may be removed from the cushion pouch 210, which may result in the article 10 having two pouches on either side of the flexible spread 120. In this regard, the article 10 comprising two pouches may be used alternatively as a bag when carried by the handle.

Turning to FIG. 6, a perspective view of the article 10 of FIG. 5 is shown. In particular, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 comprises at least one slide clip 250, a different type of handle, hereinafter referred to as an aperture handle 255, and/or other components. The side clip 250 may comprise an elongated loop that can be opened and closed via a hinged connection. The side clip 250 may receive other attachments by opening and closing the elongated loop. For example, if the user would like to keep the user's car keys within the user's range of vision when using the article 10 the on chair 20, the user may manually open the loop of the side clip 250 and attach the keys through the loop. As another illustrative example, a user may desire to have additional pouches attached to the article 10. In this regard, the user may attach a portion of the additional pouch through the loop of the side clip 250. As may be appreciated, any additional components may be attached to the article 10 via the side clip 250.

The side clip 250 illustrated in FIG. 6 may be attached or stitched, for example, proximate to a center of side edge 132a and/or 132b of the flexible spread 122. As an illustrative example, the flexible spread 120 may comprise at least one hole proximate to a center of side edge 132a and/or 132b of the flexible spread 120. The side clip 250 may be connected directly through the hole in the flexible spread 120 or indirectly connected to the hole in the flexible spread 120 via at least one connector, such as a keychain loop.

In some embodiments, the article 10 may comprise the aperture handle 255. The aperture handle 255 may comprise at least one aperture disposed through the flexible spread 120 and positioned proximate to a center of the flexible spread 120. In one embodiment, the aperture handle 255 may comprise two apertures disposed at a proximate center of the flexible spread. The two apertures may be respectively disposed on either side of a proximate center of the flexible spread 120. In this regard, the two apertures may each be of respectively the same length and width or respectively different lengths and widths.

In one embodiment, the two apertures may be positioned such that they are less than about five inches between of each of the apertures. In this regard, the two apertures comprising the aperture handle 255 may be embodied as a handle for article 10. A user may simply place a portion of his or her hand through the apertures of the aperture handle 255 and at least a thumb of the user across a portion of the flexible spread 120 separating the apertures. The apertures of the aperture handle 255 may be shaped as rectangles, trapezoids, ovals, or any other shape suitable to receive a hand of the user.

In one embodiment, the article 10 comprising the aperture handle 255 may omit the stiffener 124. In such an embodiment, the flexible spread 120 of article 10 may include a pre-defined crease at a proximate center of the flexible spread 120 to facilitate in maintaining the shape of the article 10 while carried. Alternatively, the article 10 comprising the aperture handle 255 may include the stiffener 124.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the article 10 comprising a cooler pouch 160. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the pouch 160 may at least partially be lined with an insulating material for keeping beverages, refreshments, snacks, and any other items cooled. In this regard, the pouch 160 illustrated in FIG. 7 may be a rectangular prism that protrudes out from the article 10. Particularly, the pouch 160 illustrated in FIG. 7 may be of a length of about 10 inches, a width of about 16 inches, and a depth of about 15 inches. However, it should be appreciated that the cooler pouch 160 may vary in size.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the article comprising stabilizers 260a and 260b. In one embodiment, the stabilizers 260a and 260b may be coupled to a back of the cushion 140. The stabilizers 260a and 260b may comprise rubber strips that may at least partially couple to the back rest of the chair 20 to facilitate securing the cushion 140 to the back rest of the chair 20. In one embodiment, the stabilizers 260a and 260b may further comprise intermittent ridges protruding out from the rubber strips to further secure the cushion 140 onto to back rest of the chair 20, for example. In embodiments where the article 10 comprises the cushion pouch 210, the stabilizers 260a and 260b may be disposed on the back of the cushion pouch 210.

In addition, the embodiment of article 10 illustrated in FIG. 8 further comprises pocket 160a and pocket 160b. As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the pocket 160a is embodied as a cooler and may be at least partially lined with insulating material to function as a cooler. In one embodiment, the pocket 160a may be structured similar to the pouch 160b with reference to FIG. 7. In this regard, the pocket 160a may be opened and closed via a binder 162a. Additionally, the pocket 160b may lie behind the pocket 160a. For example, the pocket 160b may be embodied as a laptop holder and thus be at least partially lined with waterproof material to protect a laptop. Accordingly, pocket 160a and pocket 160 may be embodied as pockets having different structures that function to provide for safe and effective packaging and storing.

Although embodiments have been described herein in detail, the descriptions are by way of example. The features of the embodiments described herein are representative and, in alternative embodiments, certain features and elements may be added or omitted. Additionally, modifications to aspects of the embodiments described herein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined in the following claims, the scope of which are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass modifications and equivalent structures.

Claims

1. An article, comprising:

a flexible spread comprising at least two side edges, a first end, and a second end, the flexible spread having a length and a width, the length being between the first end and the second end, and the width being between the at least two side edges;

a handle;

a first pouch attached to the first end of the flexible spread, the first pouch comprising a first binder that opens and closes a first bounded area of the first pouch;

a cushion within the first bounded area of the first pouch; and

a second pouch attached to the second end of the flexible spread, the second pouch comprising a second binder that opens and closes a second bounded area of the second pouch.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the handle is attached proximate to a center of a top of the flexible spread.

3. The article of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises at least one aperture disposed through the flexible spread and positioned proximate to a center of the flexible spread.

4. The article of claim 1, further comprising a strap having opposing strap ends including respective fasteners to attach to the flexible spread, the strap comprising an adjuster to adjust a length of the strap.

5. The article of claim 1, wherein the flexible spread further comprises a stiffener proximate to a center of the flexible spread.

6. The article of claim 1, wherein the cushion comprises a foam material buoyant in water.

7. The article of claim 1, wherein the second pouch is at least partially lined with a material that is waterproof and insulating.

8. An article, comprising:

a flexible spread comprising at least two side edges, a first end, and a second end, the flexible spread having a length and a width, the length being between the first end and the second end, and the width being between the at least two side edges;

a handle;

a cushion attached to the first end of the flexible spread; and

a pouch attached to the second end of the flexible spread, the pouch being lined with a material that is waterproof and insulating, the pouch comprising a binder that opens and closes a bounded area of the pouch.

9. The article of claim 8, further comprising a handle comprising at least one aperture disposed through the flexible spread and positioned proximate to a center of the flexible spread.

10. The article of claim 8, wherein the flexible spread further comprises a zipper disposed between the pouch and the cushion.

11. The article of claim 10, further comprising:

a first clamp tethered to a first one of the side edges of the flexible spread; and

a second clamp tethered to a second one of the side edges of the flexible spread.

12. The article of claim 8, further comprising a strap having opposing strap ends including respective fasteners to attach to the flexible spread, the strap comprising an adjuster to adjust a length of the strap.

13. The article of claim 8, wherein the pouch further comprises a plurality of other pouches within the pouch, at least one of the plurality of other pouches being at least partially lined with waterproof or insulating material.

14. An article, comprising:

a flexible spread comprising at least two side edges, a first end, and a second end, the flexible spread having a length and a width, the length being between the first end and the second end, and the width being between the at least two side edges;

a handle disposed at a proximate center of a top of the flexible spread;

a cushion attached to the first end of the flexible spread; and

a pouch attached to the second end of the flexible spread, the pouch being lined in part with a material that is waterproof or insulating, the pouch comprising a binder that opens and closes a bounded area of the pouch.

15. The article of claim 14, further comprising a zipper attached along a periphery of the article that secures an edge of the cushion to an edge of the pouch, enclosing an area within the article.

16. The article of claim 14, further comprising a clip coupled to a first one of the side edges of the flexible spread.

17. The article of claim 14, wherein the pouch further comprises another pouch including waterproof material, the other pouch positioned on an external surface of the pouch.

18. The article of claim 14, wherein the flexible spread further comprises a stiffener proximate to a center of the flexible spread.

19. The article of claim 14, wherein the flexible spread further comprises fasteners to facilitate adjusting the length of the flexible spread such that the fasteners can compress a portion of the flexible spread until a desired length of the flexible spread is achieved.

20. The article of claim 14, further comprising a strap having opposing strap ends including respective fasteners to attach to the flexible spread, the strap comprising an adjuster to adjust a length of the strap.