SEAT CUSHION

Abstract

An improved seat cushion for use by one or two persons includes a dual-use pocket. In one use the pocket facilitates folding the cushion into a smaller package to allow easy transport. In another use the pocket facilitates placement of the cushion over a seat back to prevent the cushion from slipping from the seat.

Description

The present invention provides an improved seat cushion for use by one or two persons. The cushion includes a dual use pocket. In one use the pocket facilitates folding the cushion into a smaller package to allow easy transport. In another use the pocket facilitates placement of the cushion over a seat back to prevent the cushion from slipping from the seat.

The cushion is preferably sized to accommodate two persons when the cushion is laid flat on a bench. In one embodiment the cushion measures between about 18 and 20 inches wide and between about 30 and 36 inches long. In one preferred embodiment the cushion is about 19 inches wide and about 33 inches long. The cushion may be about two inches thick, or it may be another thickness appropriate for use as a seat cushion. It is to be appreciated that the appropriate thickness of the cushion may depend on the cushioning material used.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-5 show the seat cushion device according to one embodiment. Illustrated cushion device 10 includes a cushion member 11 having a first end 11a and a second end 11b. Cushion device 10 is illustrated to show cushion surface 11c facing upward in FIG. 1, while the opposite cushion surface 11d is facing upward in FIG. 2.

Pocket 12 is illustrated in FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment pocket 12 extends the entire width of the cushion. Illustrated pocket 12 extends about one-third the length of the cushion. The pocket 12 is adapted to hold one end of cushion 11 in a folded configuration. More particularly, pocket 12 is sized and effective for surrounding one end of cushion 11 when the ends of the cushion are folded together by folding the device near its middle.

Handle 13 is illustrated in FIG. 2. Handle 13 is sized and positioned so as to be effective for carrying the cushion device, particularly when the device is folded as shown below. In an alternative embodiment the handle may be positioned at cushion end 11b where it may be utilized by causing the handle to protrude through an opening in pocket 12. In another embodiment handle 13 may be positioned at another location on cushion 11, such as near the middle 11c of cushion 11.

FIG. 3 illustrates how the cushion may be folded to facilitate carrying. In the illustration, cushion end 11b is folded at middle 11e toward cushion end 11a, where it is folded into pocket 12. Pocket 12 keeps the cushion in its folded configuration so that the device may be more easily stored or transported.

One or more fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners 14, may optionally be included on surface 11d of cushion 11, as illustrated in FIG. 2. A corresponding fastener or fasteners may also be included on the inside of pocket 12, as illustrated (in phantom) in FIG. 3. The fasteners on surface 11d and in pocket 12 are positioned so as to cooperate to more securely hold cushion end 11b in pocket 12.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the use of the device. In FIG. 4 the device is used to cushion a bench 20 for one or two people. The device is simply placed on the seat portion 21 of the bench and is used as a cushion in the conventional manner. In an alternative embodiment the device may be sized and used to cushion a larger area so that three or more people may simultaneously use the device.

In FIG. 5 the device is used to cushion a single seat (or chair) 30. In the illustrated embodiment pocket 12 is placed over seat back 31 and the cushion 11 is positioned so as to cushion seat back 31 and seat bottom 32. In an alternative embodiment one or more straps 40 may be incorporated into the cushion used to secure cushion 11 to seat bottom 32.

The device may be made of foam cushioning material, such as polyurethane foam or Latex foam, or it may be a batting material such as cotton, linen, or polyester batting or any combination or blend of such materials. In one preferred embodiment the cushion material is 100% natural cotton batting

Claims

1. A device for cushioning a seat, said device comprising a cushioning member having a first end and a second end, and a pocket member near said first end, wherein said pocket member is sized and effective for holding the cushioning member in a folded configuration, and wherein said pocket member is also sized and effective for placement over the back of a chair to hold the cushion in place over the seat.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the device further includes one or more hook and loop fasteners adapted to secure the device in its folded configuration.