Adaptable cushion system and apparatus

Abstract

The present invention discloses an adaptable cushion system comprising a first and second cushion member each having a first side and a second side parallel to the first side, wherein the first side and second side each has at least two connector straps operably connected thereto, wherein each connector strap has a female fastener and a complementary male fastener, wherein the connector straps of the first cushion member are configured to attach to the connector straps of the second cushion member to form a plurality of fastener assemblies.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

NONE

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

NOT APPLICABLE

REFERENCE A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

NOT APPLICABLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a portable and adaptable seat cushion system for supporting a hunter's position and method to use the same.

BACKGROUND ON THE INVENTION

In sporting activities such as hunting, it is necessary and desirable for a person to find a particular location to sit and observe the surroundings. Hunters typically hunt from two locations, either from a tree stand or from the ground. From any location, it is desirable for hunters, and other sportsmen, to have a comfortable and adaptable seating arrangement to adapt to varying circumstances.

Although numerous hunting chairs and other seating arrangements exist in the prior art, none have been specifically designed for the adaptability and comfort according to the present invention. Many such hunting chairs require a framing system, a specialized furniture design, or supporting hardware. Such chairs are burdensome to assemble and difficult to carry to the hunting location. Moreover, such chairs are not conveniently used in locations such as various types of hunting stands.

Other seating arrangements that utilize cushions or padded members without supporting hardware additionally have not been specifically designed for the adaptability and comfort according to the present invention. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,575 issued to William D. Gatling provides for a sportsman's cushion and backpack and U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,356 issued to Charles E. Coma provides for a portable cushion apparatus. However, these seating arrangements do not utilize the unique connection system according to the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a cushion system and apparatus designed for sportspersons, including hunters, wanting to transport a seating arrangement, namely cushions, to a certain surrounding that can adapt to varying conditions be it a tree, the ground, a blind or a stand.

The present invention discloses a cushion system with unique connector straps that allow the cushion members to adapt to various seating arrangements needed on the hunting field without use of a framing system, a specialized furniture design, or supporting hardware. The present invention is designed to adapt cushion members to numerous seating arrangements. The present invention is easy to deploy and use whether the hunter is on the ground, against a tree or in a stand. The flexibility provided by the present invention allows the hunter to determine a comfortable setup as conditions vary.

Additionally, the present invention provides numerous options for use in addition to seating arrangements, including providing a loop system for cushion attachments, a loop system for ropes and cords to assist climbing hunters to lift cushion members to their stands, and a loop system to secure the cushion members to stands or blinds.

Moreover, the unique connector straps of the present invention allow the cushions to be attached via the loop system to framing systems of various chairs presently used by hunters, to blinds, to trees and to anything else as needed by the user. The unique connector straps of the present invention allow both the cushion system and alternatively one cushion member (or the apparatus) to attach to various accessories or clothing of the user. As more particularly described in the detailed description, the cushion system may be attached to backpack straps and various other accessories via the unique connector straps. The connector straps allow for numerous attachments depending on the user's needs. The connector straps of such cushion system, or one cushion member, may be attached to any adaptor that has complementary male and female fasteners. Such adaptors are capable of being attached to any accessory contemplated by the user of the present invention.

The present invention discloses a cushion system comprising: (a) a first cushion member having a first side and a second side, wherein the second side is parallel to the first side, and the first side has at least two connector straps operably connected thereto, each of the connector straps has a female fastener and a complementary male fastener, and the second side has at least two connector straps each having a female fastener and a complementary male fastener; and (b) a second cushion member having a first side and a second side, wherein the second side is parallel to the first side, and the first side has at least two connector straps operably connected thereto, each of the connector straps has a female fastener and a complementary male fastener, and the second side has at least two connector straps each having a female fastener and a complementary male fastener, and the connector straps of the first cushion member are configured to attach to the connector straps of the second cushion member to form a plurality of fastener assemblies.

In the preferred embodiment, the first and second cushion members are rectangular and are encapsulated with camouflage material.

In the preferred embodiment, the first and second cushion members each has a carrying strap.

In the preferred embodiment, the first and second cushion members each has four connector straps.

In one embodiment, the connector straps of the first and second cushion members form four fastener assemblies. In another embodiment, the connector straps of said first and second cushion members form two fastener assemblies. The two fastener assemblies can function as a hinge.

In one embodiment, the fastener assemblies are half detached. In another embodiment, the female fastener and the complementary male fastener of one connector strap are attached and form a loop.

The present invention further discloses an apparatus comprising: (a) a cushion member having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is parallel to the second side; and (b) a plurality of connector straps operably connected to the first side and the second side, each of the plurality of connector straps has a female fastener and a complementary male fastener.

In the preferred embodiment, the female fastener is proximal to the cushion member and the male fastener is proximal to the cushion member. In the preferred embodiment, the cushion member is rectangular and encapsulated with a camouflage material.

In one embodiment, at least one of said connector straps is attached to clothing. In another embodiment, at least one of said connector straps is attached to an accessory. In another embodiment, at least one of said connector straps is attached to an adaptor that has a female fastener and a complementary male fastener.

The cushion member has a carrying strap. In another embodiment, the cushion member has a shoulder strap.

In the preferred embodiment, the first side and the second side of the cushion member each has two connector straps. In one embodiment, the plurality on connector straps are attached to an accessory pouch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the adaptable cushion system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a connector strap having a female fastener and a complementary male fastener.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a connector strap having a female fastener and a complementary male fastener.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the adaptable cushion system in the secured position.

FIG. 5 is a view of two connector straps attached to form a fastener assembly, according to the present invention along the line 5-5 in FIG. 11.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of two connector straps forming a fastener assembly and the fastener assembly functioning with a rope to lift the cushion system.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the adaptable cushion system with attachable backpack straps.

FIG. 8 is a view of a backpack strap attached to the cushion system, according to the present invention along the line 8-8 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cushion member in use with a turkey vest.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cushion member with an attached accessory pouch.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the adaptable cushion system wherein the fastener assemblies function as a hinge.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the cushion system with an attached lumbar roll cushion.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a lumbar roll cushion with connector straps.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cushion system used in conjunction with a tree stand.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the connector straps of the cushion system used in conjunction with a tree stand in FIG. 13.

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the cushion system used in conjunction with a tree stand.

FIG. 13C is a perspective view of the connector straps of the cushion system used in conjunction with a tree stand in FIG. 13B.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the cushion system attached to a tree stand.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the connector straps of the cushion system attached to a tree stand in FIG. 14.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one cushion apparatus with one cushion member and a plurality of connector straps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As used by Applicants in this application hereto:

• • (1) “cushion system” refers to two cushion members each having four connector straps that interconnect for multiple purposes as described in this application.
  • (2) “cushion member” refers to a bag of material, usually cloth, stuffed with soft material, used to provide comfort when sitting. The cushion member may be any shape, including rectangular or circular.
  • (3) “first side” refers to an upright surface of the cushion member that is opposite a second side.
  • (4) “second side” refers to an upright surface of the cushion member that is opposite a first side.
  • (5) “parallel to” means opposite to.
  • (6) “connector strap” refers to a strip of flexible material connected to the cushion member used for multiple purposes as described in this application. Each connector strap has a female fastener and a complementary male fastener.
  • (7) “female fastener” refers to a fastening device that is made to receive the male fastener to form a secure connection.
  • (8) “male fastener” refers to a fastening device that is made to be inserted into the female fastener to form a secure connection.
  • (9) “fastener assembly” refers to connection formed when a female fastener of a first connector strap attaches to a male fastener of a second connector strap and a male fastener of such first connector strap attaches to a female fastener of such second connector strap.
  • (10) “secured position” refers to the position formed when the four connector straps of each of two cushion members attach to form four fastener assemblies, best seen in FIG. 5.
  • (11) “carrying strap” refers to a strip of flexible material connected to a cushion member and used to transport the invention typically by hand.
  • (12) “shoulder strap” refers to a strip of flexible material connected to a cushion member and used to transport the invention on the user's shoulder.
  • (13) “backpack strap” refers to a strip of flexible, preferably padded, material having a female fastener and a complementary male fastener on each end allowing the backpack strap to be attached to the invention and used to transport the invention on the user's back.
  • (14) “half detached” refers to a fastener assembly that is half disconnected.
  • (15) “accessory pouch” refers to a flexible bag sufficient in size to carry various accessories.
  • (16) “loop” refers to the curved shape that is formed by a connector strap when the female fastener of such connector strap is attached to the complementary male fastener of the same connector strap.
  • (17) “apparatus” refers to one cushion member with four connector straps.
  • (18) “adaptor” refers to a device used to connect the apparatus to anything, usually hunting accessories or clothing, as needed by the user of the apparatus. Such adaptor has at least one female fastener and complementary male fastener on one end used to connect the adaptor to the connector strap of the apparatus. The connection at the other end of the adaptor will vary depending on the needs of the user.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the present invention discloses a cushion system 1 used for seating arrangements that adapts to the various surroundings and needs of sportspersons, particularly hunters. Cushion system 1 is preferably made of a first cushion member 2 and second cushion member 4. First and second cushion members 2 and 4 preferably have a width of fourteen inches but other widths may be used as desired by one of skill in the art. First and second cushion members 2 and 4 preferably have a length of sixteen inches but other lengths may be used as desired by one of skill in the art. First and second cushion members 2 and 4 preferably have a height of two inches but other heights may be used as desired by one of skill in the art. Cushion members 2 and 4 are preferably rectangular but may be other shapes may be used as desired by one of skill in the art. Cushion members 2 and 4 are preferably encapsulated with a camouflage material but other materials may be used as desired by one of skill in the art.

Cushion members 2 and 4 each have a first side 6 and a second side 8. Second side 8 is parallel to first side 6. First side 6 and second side 8 of each cushion member 2 and 4 are about sixteen inches in length and each side 6 and 8 preferably has two connector straps 10 operably connected thereto. In the preferred embodiment, first side 6 of cushion member 2 has two connector straps 10 and second side 8 of cushion member 2 has two connector straps 10. Additionally, first side 6 of cushion member 4 has two connector straps 10 and second side 8 of cushion member 4 has two connector straps 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, connector straps 10 have female fastener 12 and complementary male fastener 14. Connector straps 10 are preferably one inch wide and three inches in length. Connector straps 10 are preferably made of nylon webbing but other materials may be used as desired by one of skill in the art. One connector strap 10 is preferably attached about three inches from each corner of first side 6 and second side 8 (see FIG. 1). Each connector strap 10 has a female fastener 12 and a complementary male fastener 14. Female fastener 12 is preferably located substantially about five-eighths of an inch from the point of attachment of the connector strap 10 to cushion member 2 or 4. Male fastener 14 is preferably located substantially about one and seven-eighths inches from the point of attachment of the connector strap 10 to cushion member 2 or 4. Because female fastener 12 and male fastener 14 are preferably sewn to the connector straps 10 by hand, the locations of female fastener 12 and male fastener 14 may vary.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, connector straps 10 on cushion member 2 and cushion member 4 attach to form fastener assemblies 16 (best seen in FIG. 5). In one embodiment shown in FIG. 4, cushion system 1 is in the secured position. Four connector straps 10 of cushion member 2 are attached to four connector straps 10 of cushion member 4 to form four fastener assemblies 16. Connector straps 10 lie flat allowing female fastener 12 on each connector strap 10 of cushion member 2 to connect with a male fastener 14 on each connector strap 10 on cushion member 4 while allowing male fastener 14 on each connector strap 10 of cushion member 2 to connect with female fastener 12 on each connector strap 10 on cushion member 4. In the secured position, fastener assemblies 16 form secure connections. These secure connections can be used to lift or transport cushion system 1. For example, referring to FIG. 6, a lifting means, such as a rope or a rope with a carabineer, can be used to lift cushion system 1 while in the secured position to a designated area of use.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, in the preferred embodiment, a carrying strap 18 is fixedly attached to cushion member 2 and cushion member 4 allowing the cushion system 1 to be transported or carried to the desired location by hand. Carrying straps 18 are preferably thirteen inches in length. Carrying straps 18 are preferably attached to cushion members 2 and 4 on a side perpendicular to first side 6 and second side 8. A shoulder strap 52 (seen in FIG. 10) may be attached to cushion member 2 or 4. Shoulder strap 52 is preferably forty inches in length but varying lengths may be used as desired by one of skill in the art. Shoulder strap 52 allows the user to transport cushion system 1 on the user's shoulder.

Referring to FIGS. 7-8, from the secured position, connector straps 10 can be half detached to allow for various adaptations to cushion system 1. In one embodiment, connector straps 10 are half detached allowing backpack straps 28 to attach to cushion system 1. Backpack straps 28 allow cushion system 1 to be transported or carried to the desired location on the user's back. Backpack straps 28 allow the user to carry other needed equipment in the user's hands while hiking to the desired location. In order to half detach connector straps 10 of cushion system 1, male fastener 14 of each connector strap 10 of cushion member 2 is detached from female fastener 12 of each connector strap 10 of cushion member 4 and the connector strap 10 of cushion member 2 is folded in half in a clockwise direction, leaving both a male fastener 14 and female fastener 12 as points of attachment for backpack strap 28. Each backpack strap 28 preferably has male fastener 14 and female fastener 12 on each end of backpack strap 28 (best seen in FIG. 7) which attach to the male fasteners 14 and female fasteners 12 of the half detached connector straps 10.

Referring now to FIG. 9, connector straps 10 of cushion member 2 or 4 can be used to attach such cushion member 2 or 4 to a turkey vest 42 by attaching turkey attachment straps 54. Each turkey attachment strap 54 preferably has male fastener 14 and female fastener 12 on each end of turkey attachment strap 54 which attaches to male fastener 14 and female fastener 12 of connector straps 10 of cushion member 2. Turkey attachment straps 54 each has a male side release adapter 50 attached to the end of straps 54 which attaches to female side release adaptors 48 which are hanging from vest 42.

Referring now to FIG. 10, connector straps 10 of cushion member 2 or 4 allow accessory pouch 34 to attach to cushion member 2 or 4. Accessory pouch 34 allows the user to transport binoculars, hunting calls, food, water or any other accessory the user may need. Accessory pouch 34 has connector straps 10 which attach to the connector straps 10 of cushion member 2 or 4. Accessory pouch 34 preferably has four connector straps 10 each with male fastener 14 and female fastener 12 that attach to fasteners 14 and 12 of connector straps 10 of cushion member 2 or 4.

It is imperative to realize that anything may be attached to cushion system 1 while connector straps 10 of cushion system 1 are half detached. Attaching backpack straps 28 is an example. Other materials or accessories may be attached by using the half detached method. Additionally, materials or accessories may be attached to the connector straps 10 of cushion member 2 or 4 by adding connector straps 10 to such material or accessories. Turkey attachment straps 54 and accessory pouch 34 are illustrations. Other accessories such as a square or flag of hunters orange fabric may be attached by adding connector straps 10 to such accessory and attaching as described above.

Referring now to FIG. 11, two connector straps 10 of cushion member 4 connect with two connector straps 10 of cushion member 2 to form two fastener assemblies 16. In such embodiment, two fastener assemblies 16 function as a hinge allowing cushion member 2 to function as the back of a chair and cushion member 4 to function as the seat of a chair. Referring to FIGS. 12 and 12A, a lumbar roll 38 having connector straps 10 may be attached to connector straps 10 of cushion members 2 and 4 to provide support to the user. Other cushions, pillows or other accessory may be attached in this manner as desired by the user. Additionally, connector straps 10 allow a series of cushion members 2 or 4 and pillows, such as a lumbar roll 38, to be attached as desired by one of skill in the art.

Referring now to FIGS. 13, 13A, 13B, 13C, 14 and 14A, female fastener 12 and complementary male fastener 14 of connector straps 10 form loop 22. Loop 22 allows the cushion system 1 to be attached to stationary objects such as trees, tree stands made of various materials including lumber and pipe, tree blinds made of various materials including lumbar and pipe and furniture hardware. Loops 22 are ideal for hanging cushion member 2 or 4 as a back cushion. Various attachments are used with loop 22 to attach the cushion system such as small diameter rope 46 (as seen in FIGS. 13 and 13A), small diameter rope 46 and d rings 30 (as seen in FIGS. 13B and 13C) and bungee cords (as seen in FIGS. 14 and 14A). For example, in one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 13 and 13A, two connector straps 10 of cushion member 2 form loops 22. A small diameter rope 46 is inserted through loops 22 and such rope 46 is tied to a stationary object such as a tree. In another embodiment, seen in FIGS. 13B and 13C, two connector straps 10 of cushion member 2 form loops 22. D rings 30 are inserted through the loops 22. Rope 46 is inserted through d rings 30 and such rope 46 is tied to a stationary object such as a tree. In another embodiment seen in FIGS. 14 and 14A, two connector straps 10 of cushion member 2 and two connector straps 10 of cushion member 4 form four loops 22. Bungee cords 44 are used to secure cushion members 2 and 4 to the tree stand.

Referring to FIG. 15, apparatus 24 is made of cushion member 2 and a plurality of connector straps 10. Cushion member 2 has a first side 6 and a second side 8 parallel to first side 6. Each connector strap 10 has a female fastener 12 and a male fastener 14. Apparatus 24 preferably has a carrying strap 18. In one embodiment, apparatus 24 has a shoulder strap (not shown in FIG. 15).

In the preferred embodiment, apparatus 24 is rectangular although other shapes may be used as desired by one of skill in the art. Apparatus 24 can be attached to an accessory pouch in the same manner as shown and described in FIG. 10.

In one embodiment, at least one of connector straps 10 of the apparatus 24 is attached to the clothing of the user. In another embodiment, at least one of connector straps 10 of apparatus 24 is attached to an accessory used by the user. In another embodiment, at least one of connector straps 10 of apparatus 24 is attached to an adaptor (not shown) that has a female fastener 12 and a male fastener 14.

Claims

1. An adaptable cushion system comprising:

(a) a first cushion member having a first side and a second side, wherein said second side is parallel to said first side, and said first side has at least two connector straps operably connected thereto, each of said connector straps comprising a female fastener and a complementary male fastener, and said second side comprises at least two connector straps each having a female fastener and a complementary male fastener; and

(b) a second cushion member having a first side and a second side, wherein said second side is parallel to said first side, and said first side has at least two connector straps operably connected thereto, each of said connector straps comprising a female fastener and a complementary male fastener, wherein said second side has at least two connector straps each having a female fastener and a complementary male fastener, wherein said connector straps of said first cushion member are configured to attach to said connector straps of said second cushion member to form a plurality of fastener assemblies.

2. The cushion system of claim 1 wherein said first and second cushion members are rectangular.

3. The cushion system of claim 1 wherein said first and second cushion members are encapsulated with a camouflage material.

4. The cushion system of claim 1 wherein said first and second cushion members each has a carrying strap.

5. The cushion system of claim 1 wherein said first and second cushion members each has four connector straps.

6. The cushion system of claim 1 wherein said connector straps of said first and second cushion members form four fastener assemblies.

7. The cushion system of claim 6 wherein said fastener assemblies are half-detached.

8. The cushion system of claim 1 wherein said connector straps of said first and second cushion members form two fastener assemblies.

9. The cushion system of claim 8 wherein said two fastener assemblies function as a hinge.

10. The cushion system of claim 1 wherein said female fastener and said complementary male fastener of at least one connector strap are attached.

11. The cushion system of claim 10 wherein said attached female fastener and complementary male fastener form a loop.

12. An apparatus comprising:

(a) a cushion member having a first side and a second side, wherein said first side is parallel to said second side; and

(b) a plurality of connector straps operably connected to said first side and said second side, each of said plurality of connector strap comprising a female fastener and a complementary male fastener.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said female fastener is proximal to said cushion member.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said male fastener is proximal to said cushion member.

15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein at least one of said connector straps is attached to clothing.

16. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein at least one of said connector straps is attached to an accessory.

17. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein at least one of said connector straps is attached to an adapter, wherein said adapter has a female fastener and a complementary male fastener.

18. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said cushion member is rectangular.

19. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said cushion member is encapsulated with a camouflage material.

20. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said cushion member has a carrying strap.

21. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said cushion member has a shoulder strap.

22. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said first side and said second side each have two connector straps.

23. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said plurality of connector straps are connected to an accessory pouch.

24. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said female fastener and said complementary male fastener of at least one connector strap are attached.

25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said attached female fastener and complementary male fastener form a loop.