Beach lounge chair cover with storage compartments

Abstract

A removable, washable, rectangular cover for a folding chaise longue covers the chaise longue and contains a removable cushion. The cover cushions the user from the hard frame of the chaise longue and provides insulation when the chaise-lounge frame and body-support elements are hot or cold. The cushion is inserted into the cover through an opening in one of the longer edges, which is closed with a releasable fastener, preferably hook and loop fastening material. Convenience pockets depend from both sides of the cover. Deep pockets sewn to the back of cover, at the head end and the foot end, slip over the chaise-lounge frame. An oblong pillowcase, permanently attached to the head end of the cover, is sewn together along three of its edges and left open on one of its longer edges. A pillow is inserted into the pillowcase through the open edge, which is closed with a releasable fastener.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/405,312, filed Aug. 23, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to furniture covers generally, and, more specifically, to a removable, washable, beach lounge chair cover which contains a cushion that extends the full length and width of the chaise longue. The invention is designed for a beach chair of the folding, chaise lounge, type, which is frequently used for lying in the sun at the beach or at home.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Chaise longue chairs of the folding type often used by sunbathers usually are constructed with two types of body-support elements: nylon mesh strips, woven in criss-cross fashion, or tubular, plastic ribbons. Both types are stretched across the frame members and secured to the frame with fasteners, usually rivets. Both types of body support are uncomfortable. The nylon mesh strips are thin, and offer no cushioning from the frame. The tubular, plastic ribbons flatten when stretched across the frame and also provide negligible cushioning from the frame.

[0006] In the hot sun, the metal frame of the chaise lounge can become too hot to touch. In cool weather, the metal frame becomes uncomfortably chilly to the touch. Neither type of body-support element offers insulation from a hot or cold frame.

[0007] Various chair covers and cushions have been proposed to address these problems.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,553,785, issued Nov. 19, 1985, to George B. Duke, Jr. et al., titled, “Lounge Chair Cover,” discloses a removable, washable cover for a lounge chair, which has hanging pockets on each side of the cover. The cover contains no full-length, full-width cushion to insulate and cushion the user and no pillowcase. The cover possesses only retaining straps for a pillow, which leaves the pillow exposed to dirt.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,568, issued on Jun. 9, 1987, to Stephen L. Greer, titled, “Terry Cloth Mattress and Lawn Chair Cover with Continuous Elastic Border,” discloses a towel cover made of terry cloth, with a peripheral hem in which is inserted an elastic band to cause snug fitting of the towel to an air mattress or a mattress of a lawn chair. The Greer cover contains no removable, full-length cushion; no convenience pockets for personal articles; no pillowcase; and no pillow.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,725,094, issued on Feb. 16, 1988, also to Stephen L. Greer, titled, “Expandable Terry Cloth Sand or Lawn Chair Cover Having Integrally Formed Pockets,” describes a cover for a lawn chair, which only fits over a chair, and cannot be used on a beach chaise longue.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,012, issued to Victor J. LaPorte, titled, “Beach Mat Adapted for Use on a Lounge Chair,” discloses a lounge chair with a beach mat resting upon the lounge chair, in which the beach mat has a flap at one end that slips over the head of the lounge chair. The mat cannot be removed from the covering, therefore, neither the mat nor its covering can be washed easily. Further, the LaPorte invention has no convenience pockets for personal articles, no pillowcase, and no pillow.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,288, issued to Susan Lee, on Oct. 31, 1989, titled, “Lounge Chair Cover,” discloses a lounge chair cover with an elongated panel with end flaps that are secured to the panel to make pockets at the ends of the panel. The pockets are inserted over the ends of the chair to hold the cover in place. The cover contains no removable, full-length cushion, and possesses no convenience pockets to hold personal articles.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,353, issued on Jan. 9, 1990, to Dan J. Goddard, titled, “Cover for Lounge Chair,” discloses a cover for a chaise longue chair extending over the chair surface. Fitted pockets engage the head and foot ends of the lounge. Dependant, convenience pockets are provided at the sides of the cover. The Goddard invention has no removable, full-length cushion, no pillowcase, and no pillow.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,234, issued on Nov. 21, 2000, to Dorothy M. Daniels, titled, “Beach Chair Towel Retainer System,” discloses a beach-chair towel retaining system for covering a beach chair. An upper, stretchable band surrounds the upper portion of the towel and the upper portion of the beach chair to hold the upper portion of the towel to the chair. A lower, stretchable band surrounds the lower portion of the towel and the lower portion of the beach chair to hold the lower portion of the towel to the chair. A saddle bag containing convenience pockets at each end rests across the intermediate portion of the towel, with the pockets depending from the chair. A pillow and a pillowcase are detachably attached to the outer surface of the upper, stretchable band. The Daniels invention possesses no removable, full-length cushion. The cover is affixed to the chair with separate, stretchable bands that are not an integral part of the cover, and therefore susceptible to loss. The convenience pockets, constructed as a saddle bag, must be attached separately and also are not an integral part of the cover.

[0015] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention is a removable, washable, cover for a beach chair of the folding, chaise longue type frequently used for sunbathing. The cover extends the full length and width of the chaise lounge and contains a removable cushion, which also extends the full length and width of the chaise lounge.

[0017] The cover of the instant invention cushions the user from the hard, metal frame of the chaise longue. The cover also provides insulation when the frame and body-support elements, such as nylon mesh and plastic tubing, become uncomfortably hot or cold.

[0018] The cover is made of two, rectangular layers of fabric sewn together along the outer edges, except for an opening at least eighteen inches long in one of the longer sides. The cushion is inserted into the cover through the opening. The opening is closed with a releasable fastener, such as hook-and-loop fastening material.

[0019] Convenience pockets for storage of personal articles are permanently attached to each of the two longer edges of the cover, and freely depend from the cover. Panels of fabric sewn to the back of the cover, at the head end and the foot end of the cover, form deep pockets, which slip over the chaise longue frame, securing the cover to the chaise longue.

[0020] An oblong pillowcase is permanently attached to the head end of the cover. The pillowcase is sewn together along three edges, leaving one of the longer edges open. A pillow is inserted into the pillowcase through the open edge, which is sealed with a releasable fastener, such as hook-and-loop fastening material.

[0021] After the full-length cushion and the pillow are removed, the cover can be washed easily, as a single piece, in a standard home washing machine.

[0022] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a beach chaise longue cover that contains within it a removable cushion that extends the full length and width of the chaise longue, the cushion being removable so that the cover may be washed.

[0023] It is another object of the invention that the cover possess permanently attached convenience pockets for personal articles, which depend from each of the longer sides of the rectangular cover.

[0024] It is a further object of the invention that the cover possess a permanently attached-pillowcase at the head end of the cover.

[0025] It is another object of the invention to provide a cover for a beach lounge chair having pockets at the head and foot ends of the cover for securely attaching the cover to the lounge chair.

[0026] Still another object of the invention is to provide a beach lounge chair cover with storage compartments, with a, removable full length cushion encased within the cover by hook and loop fastening material for quick and easy removal of the cushion, and having a pillowcase at the head end of the cover with hook and loop closure material sealing the pillowcase for quick and easy removal of the pillow, whereby the cover is easily prepared for washing.

[0027] It is an additional object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

[0028] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a chaise-lounge cover according to the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 2 is an environmental, perspective view of the chaise-lounge cover, showing the opening in one edge of the cover for insertion and removal of a full length cushion.

[0031] FIG. 3 is an environmental, perspective view, showing the beach lounge chair cover and the full-length cushion.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the full-length cushion, in rolled-up position.

[0033] FIG. 5 is, a perspective view, showing the full-length cushion partially inserted into the beach lounge chair cover.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a partial, perspective view, showing the pocket on the head end of the cover.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a fragmented, perspective view of the foot end of the cover.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a partial, perspective view of the head end of the cover, showing the attached pillowcase.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a fragmented perspective view of the cover showing the opening in the pillowcase through which the pillow is inserted.

[0038] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0039] The present invention is a removable, washable, cover for a beach lounge chair of the folding, chaise longue type frequently used for sunbathing. The cover extends the full length and width of the chaise longue and contains a removable cushion, which also extends the full length and width of the chaise longue, and is positioned inside the cover.

[0040] The cover is composed of two, rectangular layers of fabric sewn together along the outer edges, except for an opening at least eighteen inches long in one of the longer sides. The cushion is inserted into the cover through the opening. The opening is closed with a releasable fastener, preferably hook and loop fastening material.

[0041] Convenience pockets for storage of personal articles are permanently attached to each of the longer edges of the cover, and freely depend from the cover. Panels of fabric sewn to the back of the cover, at the head end and the foot end of the cover, form deep pockets, which slip over the chaise longue frame, securing the cover to the chaise longue.

[0042] A pillowcase is permanently attached to the head end of the cover. The pillowcase is sewn together along three edges, leaving one of the longer sides open. A pillow is inserted into the pillowcase through the open edge, which is closed with a releasable fastener, such as hook and loop fastening material.

[0043] After the full-length cushion and the pillow are removed, the cover can be washed easily as a single piece in a standard home washing machine.

[0044] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of the beach lounge chair cover 10. The cover 10 extends the full length and width of the chaise longue, protecting the user from uncomfortable elements of the chaise longue. The cover 10 may be made of any washable material. The cover 10 is shown with attached pillowcase 20. Convenience pockets 110 for sunglasses, suntan lotion, and other personal articles, depend from the longer sides of the cover 10. The lower edge of the retaining pocket 90 on the back of the head end of the cover 10 is shown adjacent to the exposed frame 150 of the chaise longue. The upper edge of the retaining pocket 100 on the back of the cover 10 at the foot end of the cover 10 is shown adjacent to the exposed frame 150 of the chaise longue.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a partial, perspective view of the cover 10 of the present invention. An upper layer of rectangular fabric 210 and a matching lower layer of rectangular fabric 220 are sewn together along the edges, except for an opening at least eighteen inches long. Mating strips of hook and loop fastening material 30 and 40 are sewn to the edges of the upper 210 and lower 220 layers, respectively, in order to provide quick and easy access for inserting and removing a full length cushion. Alternatively, a zipper or other releasable fastener may be used.

[0046] FIG. 3 is an environmental, perspective view of the cover 10 with the full-length, full-width cushion 120 removed. The cushion 120 is shown in fully extended, unrolled position.

[0047] FIG. 4 depicts the full-length, full-width cushion 120 in rolled position, prior to insertion into the cover 10.

[0048] FIG. 5 shows the full-length, full-width cushion 120 partially inserted into through the opening in the cover 10. The user unrolls the cushion 120 after it has been inserted fully into the cover 10.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a partial, perspective view of the rear of the head end of a chaise longue with the cover 10 attached. An oblong panel 160 of fabric is sewn to the back of the cover 10, along the top and sides of the panel 160, to form a deep pocket 90. The pocket 90 slips over the chaise longue frame 150, securing one end of the cover 10 to the chaise longue. A typical chaise longue body-support element is shown: Strips of plastic mesh material or nylon webbing 170 are interwoven and affixed to the chaise longue frame.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a partial, close-up view of the foot end of the cover 10. The upper edge of the retaining pocket 100 on the back of the cover 10 is shown adjacent to the exposed frame 150 of the chaise longue. The pocket 100 at the foot end of the cover slips over the foot end of the beach lounge chair for securing the cover 10 to the chair.

[0051] FIG. 8 is a partial, environmental view of the head end of the cover 10. A pillowcase 20 is permanently attached to the head end of the cover with strips 180 of fabric. One end of each strip 180 is sewn to the head end of the cover 10. The other end of each strip 180 is sewn to the pillowcase 20.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a partial, close-up view of the head end of the cover 10. A pillowcase 20 is permanently attached to the top edge of the cover 10. The pillowcase 20 is sewn together along the top and side edges, leaving the bottom edge open. The user inserts a pillow into the pillowcase 20 through the open edge. The open edge is closed with a releasable fastener, preferably hook and loop fastening material, although a zipper or other fastener may also be used. Mating strips of hook and loop fastening material 190 and 200 are attached to opposite sides of the pillowcase opening to provide for quick and easy insertion and removal of a pillow.

[0053] The cover 10 is made from a machine washable fabric so that the cushion 120 and pillow may be removed from the cover 10 for easy cleaning of the cover 10.

[0054] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A beach lounge chair cover, comprising:

a first elongated, rectangular sheet of fabric having a head end, a foot end, and two opposing sides;

a second elongated, rectangular sheet of fabric having a head end, a foot end, and two opposing sides, the second sheet being equal in size to the first sheet and being dimensioned and configured for covering a beach lounge chair, the first and second sheets being permanently attached to each other about their perimeter in order to define a cover, the cover having an opening defined therein along one of the opposing sides;

a releasable fastener attached to the opposing sides of the first and second sheets about said opening;

an elongated cushion inserted between the first and second sheets, said cushion being dimensioned and configured for extending between the head end and the foot end and between the opposing sides of the first and second sheets, said cushion being insertable and removable through the opening in said cover;

first and second panels of fabric attached to the second sheet at the head end and the foot end, respectively, in order to define pockets for securely attaching said cover to the beach chair lounge; and

a pillowcase attached to the head end of the first sheet.

2. The beach lounge chair cover according to claim 1, wherein the releasable fastener comprises mating strips of hook and loop fastening material.

3. The beach lounge chair cover according to claim 1, wherein the comprises a zipper.

4. The beach lounge chair cover according to claim 1, further comprising first and second strips of fabric, each of said strips of fabric having a first end sewn to the head end of the first sheet and a second end sewn to the pillowcase, whereby the pillowcase is tethered to the cover.

5. The beach lounge chair cover according to claim 1, wherein said pillowcase has an opening defined therein adapted for receiving a pillow.

6. The beach lounge chair cover according to claim 5, further comprising a releasable faster defined about the opening defined in said pillowcase.

7. The beach lounge chair cover according to claim 7, wherein said releasable faster comprises mating strips of hook and loop fastening material.

8. The beach lounge chair cover according to claim 7, wherein said releasable faster comprises a zipper.

9. The beach lounge chair cover according to claim 1, wherein said pillowcase is sewn directly to the head end of said first sheet.

10. The beach lounge chair cover according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of storage pockets depending from the opposing sides of said first sheet.

11. The beach lounge chair cover according to claim 1, wherein said first and second sheets and said pillowcase are made from a washable fabric material.