LOUNGE CHAIR CUSHION COVER AND METHOD
A cover is provided for a chaise lounge pad that is so constructed as to fit pads of varying thicknesses.
1. Technical Field
The present invention generally relates to lounge chairs and more specifically to covers for lounge chair cushions (used synonymously herein with the term “pads”).
2. Related Art
Today, lounge chairs are available in two basic designs. These designs are driven by consumer preference and the market for a particular lounge chair. First, retail shops near beach communities may offer chairs of the very popular, less expensive plastic or metal-framed type that have plastic ribbons, or other material for support. Second, high-end hotels and resorts provide more expensive chaise lounges made of a wood frame, often teak, with a pad thereon to comfort their guests.
As noted, the latter type chaise lounge includes a pad, or cushion, for comfort. There are many types, shapes and material characteristics of pads. Pads are comprised of foam or a fibrous batting, or a combination of each. These pads not only vary slightly in length, they vary considerably in thickness (for example, from two to six inches). Upholstered with plastic or woven materials designed to endure the elements, these pads alone do not create the surface comfort high-end hotels and resorts desire for its guests. Thus, guests will often place towels over the pads to aid in comfort. In addition, users may find it desirable to keep personal belongs within quick reach. Towels alone will not serve this need. Some hotel and resorts may have several locations that require the chaise lounges described above. Different resorts, and even different locations at the same resort may use chaise lounges with pads of varying thicknesses to accommodate the hotels' needs.
Various lounge chair cover designs exist but these designs all secure the cover directly to the lounge chair. Most attempts are designed for a specific type of tri-fold lounge chair, none addressing varying thicknesses of lounge chair pads. One example, taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,553,785 to Duke, Jr. et al., uses a pocket, formed by folding a fabric panel and joining the edges with a hem, placed over and surrounding the opposed end portions of a tri-fold lounge chair frame. Such a pocket construction, however, cannot accommodate lounge chair frames or pads that are larger than the size of the pocket. Conversely, the pocket may be too large for another type of lounge chair, thus providing an improper fit and poor visual presentation. Another construction, such as that taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,463 to Rocha and U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,491 to Blome et al., uses an elastic hem, incorporated into the edge of the fabric panel, which allows the fabric panel corners of the cover to be stretched over and to surround the top edge of a tri-fold lounge chair frame. Again, such a construction is subject to the same limitations discussed above with respect to predetermined pocket sizes.
Some attempts have been made to use means other than a pocket to secure the cover to the lower (foot) end of a lounge chair frame. For instance, the aforementioned patent to Rocha teaches the use of a pair of Velcro straps extending longitudinally from the foot edge of the cover, those straps being engageable with mating longitudinal Velcro strips affixed to the bottom surface of the cover. However, the cover disclosed in that patent is designed for the tri-fold lounge chairs of the type previously described. There is simply no teaching of an adjustable pad cover for the high-end, wood-framed, padded chaise lounge chairs.
None of the foregoing covers are targeted toward covering the lounge chair pads alone, as all involve direct attachment to the tri-fold type metallic lounge chair frames. As such, none have achieved or even recognized the desired objectives of providing a flexible and convenient means of securely covering chaise lounge chair pads having varying thicknesses.
SUMMARYThe present invention, therefore, for the first time recognized and addresses the problem of providing a single chaise lounge cover that will fit pads which may vary as much as 2-6 inches in thickness. Toward this end and according to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a cover formed by a generally rectangular fabric sheet of sufficient length to cover the pad with extensions at one or both ends that extend around and back under the pad several inches. A fastening device that is adjustable in length then connects the adjacent sides of the sheet and extension. The fastening device is so constructed and arranged as to connect the adjacent sides of the sheet and extension and retain the sheet on the pad regardless of the thickness of the pad.
According to another aspect of the invention, the fastener devices are so arranged and/or positioned along the sides of the sheet that, when assembled on the pad, tension will always be applied to maintain the cover taut to minimize slack and folds which otherwise tend to occur.
In a preferred embodiment, the fastener device is a pair of cooperating straps, one extending laterally from the sheet adjacent the foot or head portions and the other extending laterally from the adjacent corresponding extension. The cooperating straps are connected by a clip or buckle, and at least one of the straps in adjustable in length. Alternatively, the straps could be connectable by a hook and loop fabric type fastener (Velcro®) which included fastening areas of sufficient length as to make the effective length of the fastener device adjustable. Even further, the fastening device could be a pair of cooperating cords that tie together.
In another embodiment, the sheet is provided with a plurality of spaced slits or openings along each side of the foot and/or head portion, similar to buttonholes. A cord is secured at one end to the edge of the corresponding extension. Some type of connector element such as a T-bar or button is attached to the free end of the cord, whereby the connector element, when extended through the appropriate opening above, completes the connection of the extension to the sheet to retain the sheet on the pad.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a padded chaise lounge which includes a frame having a seat/foot member and an adjustable back/head member, a pad removably placed on the frame and having length and width dimensions substantially the same as the combined seat/foot member and back/head member, and a cover as described in the preceding paragraphs.
Other aspects, features, and details of embodiments of the present invention can be more completely understood by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the drawings figures and from the appended claims.
According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the invention.
The invention as exemplified by the embodiment discussed below is generally directed to a cover for chaise lounge pads, or cushions.
Cover 10 includes a sheet 22 preferably constructed of an elongated, generally rectangular terry cloth fabric member. However, sheet 22 may also be constructed of any other material providing comfort and convenience to the user, such as cotton, MicroCotton®, zero-twisted cotton, or other similar fabrics. Sheet 22 is of sufficient length to extend the full length of the pad 12, down across the pad ends 18a, 20a, and back under the pad 12 at the ends 18a, 20a, regardless of the thickness of the pad 12. The distance that the cover extends back under the pad 12 may vary, but preferably should be at least 4-6 inches for the thickest pads. Obviously if the pad is less thick, the distance the cover extends beneath the pad will increase by the difference in the thickness. The shape of the sheet 22 need not be limited to a generally rectangular shape, so long as it is of sufficient dimensions to cover the pad as described in the preceding sentence.
Sheet 22 has a head portion 24, a foot portion 26, and an intermediate portion 28 extending between the head and foot portions 24, 26. Head portion 24 includes an extension 24a and foot portion 26 includes an extension of 26a. The portions 24, 26, 28 preferably comprise a unitary member, but alternatively the portions 24, 26 may also be separate members attached to opposed ends of intermediate portion 28 by such means as stitching. Sheet 22 also has a top surface 30, a bottom surface 32, sides 22a, 22b, and opposing ends 22c, 22d.
Looking at a plurality of fastener devices each formed of a first fastener member and a second fastener member are illustrated. First fastener members 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d extend laterally from sides 22a, 22b of the foot and head extensions 26a, 24a. Second fastener members 36a, 36b are spaced longitudinally (lengthwise along sheet 22) from first fastener members 34a, 34b, respectively, while second fastener members 36c, 36d are spaced longitudinally from first fastener members 34c, 34d, respectively. Second fastener members 36a-d also extend laterally from the sides 22a, 22b of the foot and head portions 26, 24 of the sheet 22. In the embodiment shown in
Straps 34a, 36a are connectable to one another, and straps 34b, 36b are connectable to one another, both pairs extending from the sheet sides at head portion 24, to hold the sheet 22 onto the upper end 18a of the pad 12. Similarly, straps 34c, 36c are connectable to one another, and straps 34d, 36d are connectable to one another, both pairs extending from the sheet sides at foot portion 26, to hold the sheet 22 onto the lower end 20a of the pad 12. The illustrated straps may each be attached at one of their respective ends to the sides 22a, 22b of the sheet 22 in any manner sufficient to provide strength against separation from the sheet, such as by stitching.
The cover 10 may be provided with additional features to increase comfort and convenience to the user. Particularly, if desired, a head rest 38 may be attached to the top surface 30 of sheet 22 at the head portion 24. Alternatively or in addition to rest 38, another rest may be provided at foot portion 26. As illustrated in
The
The releasable securing devices 48, 50 shown in
The foregoing description of the invention illustrates and describes the present invention. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the invention, but it is to be understood that the invention is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art.
Claims
1. A cover for the pad of a chaise of the type that includes a frame with a selectively positionable back/head rest, a seat/foot rest, and a removable pad, the cover lounge, comprising:
- an elongated generally rectangular fabric sheet having a head portion, a foot portion, an intermediate portion extending between the head and foot portions, a top surface, a bottom surface, sides, and opposing ends, the head portion and foot portions each having an extension that extends around the corresponding end of the pad and back beneath the pad for a distance;
- a fastener device connecting each side of the sheet proximate an end of the sheet at least at one end of the head portion and foot portion to the corresponding edge of the extension; and
- the fastener including a releasable securing device;
- the fastener devices being so constructed and arranged as to retain the sheet on the pad regardless of the pad thickness.
2. The cover as in claim 1, wherein:
- the fastener device comprises first fastener straps extending laterally from each side of the sheet proximate the opposing ends and second fastener straps spaced longitudinally from the first fasteners, the second fasteners also extending laterally from each edge of the corresponding extension;
- the releasable securing device releasably connecting each first fastener strap to its corresponding second fastener strap; and
- whereby the first and second fasteners are adjustably connected to one another so that the cover can be secured to pads of varying thicknesses.
3. The cover as in claim 1, wherein the fabric is a terry cloth.
4. The cover as in claim 2, wherein:
- one set of first and second fastener straps extend laterally from each side of the sheet at the head portion; and
- another set of first and second fastener straps extends laterally from each side of the sheet at the foot portion.
5. The cover as in claim 1, further comprising a rest attached to at least one of the head or foot portions.
6. The cover as in claim 1, further comprising a utility pocket attached to a side of the intermediate portion, the pocket being provided with at least one tie to selectively attach the pocket to the frame of the chaise.
7. The cover as in claim 1, further comprising a personal electronics pocket on the top surface of the sheet.
8. The cover as in claim 2, wherein the releasable securing device comprises a junction of a region of hook members on one fastener with a region of loop members on the other fastener.
9. The cover as in claim 2, wherein the releasable securing device comprises a female clip member fixed to one strap, a male clip member fixed to another strap, and a strap length adjustment buckle on one of the straps.
10. The cover as in claim 10, wherein:
- the fastener comprises at least one of the head and foot portions including a plurality of spaced openings along each side thereof proximate the corresponding end;
- a cord secured at one end to the corresponding edge of the extension and having a connector element on the free end thereof;
- whereby the connector element is extended through a selected one of the plurality of spaced openings in the side above to retain the cover on the pad.
11. The cover as in claim 10, wherein at least two openings are longitudinally positioned along each side of the head portion and the foot portion, whereby the user may select which openings receive the connector or element, depending upon the thickness of the pad.
12. The cover as in claim 1, wherein the fastener devices are so arranged as to maintain tension on the fastener devices regardless of the pad thickness.
13. A cover for the pad of a chaise lounge of the type that includes a frame with a selectively positionable back/head rest and a removable pad, the cover comprising:
- an elongated, generally rectangular sheet having a head portion, a foot portion, an intermediate portion extending between the head and foot portions, sides, and opposing ends, the head and foot portions each having an extension that extends around the corresponding end of the pad and back beneath the pad for a distance;
- a first fastener strap extending laterally from each side of the sheet proximate each of the opposing ends of the sheet;
- a second fastener strap spaced longitudinally from the first fastener, the second fastener extending laterally from each side of each of the extensions;
- means for releasably securing the fasteners to one another when at least one of the head or foot portions is wrapped around a pad end, whereby the cover can be secured to pads of various thicknesses.
14. The cover as in claim 13, wherein the fastener straps are so arranged as to maintain tension on the fastener devices regardless of the pad thickness.
15. The cover as in claim 13, further comprising a rest attached to at least one of the head or foot portions.
16. The cover as in claim 13, further comprising a utility pocket attached to a side of the intermediate portion, the pocket being provided with at least one tie to selectively attach the pocket to the frame of the chaise.
17. The cover as in claim 13, further comprising a personal electronics pocket on the top surface of the sheet.
18. A chaise lounge assembly, comprising:
- a frame having a seat/foot portion and a selectively adjustable back/head portion;
- a pad that removably rests on and substantially covers the seat/foot and back/head portions of the frame, the pad having an upper portion terminating in an upper pad end and a lower portion terminating in a lower pad end; and
- a removable cover for the pad comprising: (a) an elongated, generally rectangular fabric member having opposed sides, an intermediate portion, a head portion with an extension that folds over the upper pad end and beneath the upper portion of the pad, and a foot portion with an extension that folds over the lower pad end beneath the lower portion of the pad, the fabric member being of sufficient length to extend the full length of the pad, down across the ends of the pad, and under the pad a prescribed distance at the upper and lower pad ends, regardless of the thickness of the pad; (b) a first set of fastening straps extending laterally from the opposed sides at the head portion and a second set of fastening straps longitudinally spaced from the first set, the second set of straps extending laterally from the opposed sides of the extension of the head portion; (i) the distance between and the length of the fastening straps making up the first and second sets on each side of the fabric member being sufficient to allow for attachment to each other regardless of the thickness of the pad; (ii) the fastening straps of each of the first and second sets being releasably connectable to each other to hold the fabric member on the upper end of the pad; (c) a third set of fastening straps extending laterally from the opposed sides at the foot portion and a fourth set of fastening straps spaced longitudinally from the third set, the fourth set of straps extending laterally from opposed sides of the extension of the foot portion; (i) the distance between and the length of fastening straps making up the third and fourth sets on each side of the fabric member being sufficient to allow for attachment to each other regardless of the thickness of the pad; (ii) the fastening straps of the third and fourth sets being releasably connectable to each other to hold the fabric member on the lower end of the pad; (d) whereby the same cover may be used on a various pad thicknesses.
19. The chaise lounge as in claim 18, wherein the fastener straps are so arranged as to maintain tension on the fastener devices regardless of the pad thickness.
20. A chaise lounge pad assembly for chaise lounges of the type that includes a frame with a seat/foot portion and a selectively positionable back/head portion, the assembly comprising:
- a pad having an upper portion terminating in an upper pad end and a lower portion terminating in a lower pad end; and
- a removable cover for the pad comprising: (a) an elongated, generally rectangular fabric member having opposed sides, an intermediate portion, a head portion with an extension that folds over the upper pad end and beneath the upper portion of the pad, and a foot portion with an extension that folds over the lower pad end beneath the lower portion of the pad, the fabric member being of sufficient length to extend the full length of the pad, down across the ends of the pad, and back under the pad a prescribed distance at the upper and lower pad ends, regardless of the thickness of the pad; (b) a first set of fastening straps extending laterally from the opposed sides at the head portion and a second set of fastening straps longitudinally spaced from the first set, the second set of straps extending laterally from the opposed sides of the extension of the head portion; (i) the distance between and the length of the fastening straps making up the first and second sets on each side of the fabric member being sufficient to allow for attachment to each other regardless of the thickness of the pad; (ii) the fastening straps of each of the first and second sets being releasably connectable to each other to hold the fabric member on the upper end of the pad; (c) a third set of fastening straps extending laterally from the opposed sides at the foot portion and a fourth set of fastening straps spaced longitudinally from opposed sides of the extension of the third set, the fourth set of straps extending laterally from the foot portion; (i) the distance between and the length of fastening straps making up the third and fourth sets on each side of the fabric member being sufficient to allow for attachment to each other regardless of the thickness of the pad; (ii) the fastening straps of the third and fourth sets being releasably connectable to each other to hold the fabric member on the lower end of the pad; whereby the same cover may be used on a various pad thicknesses.
21. The chaise lounge pad assembly of claim 20, wherein the fastener straps are so arranged as to maintain tension on the fastener devices regardless of the pad thickness.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 3, 2008
Publication Date: Jan 7, 2010
Inventors: Clare L. Gray (Hickory, NC), Patsy A. Adams (Hudson, NC)
Application Number: 12/167,294
International Classification: A47C 31/00 (20060101); A47C 3/00 (20060101);