CUSHION WITH INTEGRAL PROTECTIVE COVERING

Abstract

Camping gear has a storage bag permanently attached thereto which provides an internal storage chamber for receiving and storing the camping gear therein when the gear is in a collapsed position. A pocket is secured to a surface of the gear and the storage bag is secured at one end within the pocket and stored therein when not in use. Prior to placing the camping gear in the collapsed position, the storage bag is pulled from the pocket and is either rolled over the collapsed gear for placing the gear within the storage chamber or the collapsed gear is inserted into the storage chamber of the bag through an elongated opening formed in the bag. An opening can be formed in one end of the bag for inserting the gear into the storage chamber and is closed by a drawstring. A handle or strap is attached to the storage bag for carrying the camping gear after being placed in the storage bag. Alternatively, the invention is a cushion having an integral waterproof protective covering permanently attached to the cushion. The protective covering includes and opening communicating with a storage chamber formed within the protective covering, and wherein the cushion is insertable through the opening and into the storage chamber.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/238,948, filed Sep. 26, 2008; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The invention relates to storage devices and in particular to a self-contained storage device securely attached to an article such as a piece of camping gear. Even more particularly, the invention relates to camping gear having a storage bag affixed to the gear for storing the camping gear within the bag after the camping gear has been placed into a collapsed position. Alternatively, the invention relates to a seat cushion having a waterproof protective covering affixed to the cushion for selectively protecting the cushion from water.

2. Background Information

Camping items and sports event items are used intermittently and usually must be hand carried to and from the camping area or sporting event. Items such as sleeping bags and collapsible chairs or seats generally have a separate storage or carrying bag in which the sleeping bag or chair is stored when in a collapsed position which could include a handle or strap for ease in carrying the item. These carrying and storage bags must be kept nearby when the sleeping bag or chair is in use so that when the user is finished with the item and it is collapsed, it can then be reinserted into the storage bag.

This storage bag occasionally becomes lost or misplaced making it extremely difficult to carry the item, especially folding chairs to and from the event. It also requires that a new bag be used for the sleeping bag to prevent it from becoming damaged or soiled by the terrain and environment to which it is exposed if the original bag is lost.

Therefore there is a need for a storage and transportation bag for various articles and in particular, for camping gear such as sleeping bags, tents, folding chairs, etc. which is permanently attached to the gear and which is easily utilized for placement about the gear without excessive manipulation of the gear and protective carrying and storage bag.

In addition to storage, it may be necessary to provide protection from weather elements for various outdoor articles, such as outdoor furniture seat cushions. Seat cushions are often left on outdoor furniture during inclement weather and may become water-logged and moldy from this exposure. Due to the low weight and balloon-like structure of typical protective coverings, wind may blow the protective covering away. Therefore there is a need for a protective covering which is permanently attached to various articles and in particular, for an outdoor seat cushion which has a non-waterproof outer layer.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a type of camping gear such as a sleeping bag, tent, folding chair etc. with a storage and carrying bag that is permanently attached to the piece of gear preventing its loss or misplacement when not used, for subsequent storing and carrying the particular piece of gear after being folded into a collapsed position.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide such a piece of camping gear in which the storage and carrying bag attached thereto is easily pulled from a protective pocket formed or attached to the piece of camping gear. Afterwhich the bag is inverted and rolled over the collapsed camping gear and secured in a closed position by various types of fasteners. Alternately, the storage bag can be provided with an elongated opening for insertion of the camping gear into the storage chamber formed by the bag afterwhich the elongated opening is securely closed.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide the storage bag with carrying handles or straps to facilitate manually carrying the stored piece of gear to and from a camping site or sporting event.

A further feature of the present invention is to secure a pocket onto the back of the seat of a foldable sporting chair or on an outside surface of the sleeping bag in which the storage bag is secured, such as by stitching within the interior of the pocket, enabling the bag to be pulled from the pocket into an elongated extended position, with one end of the bag being open and the opposite end being closed and secured in the pocket. After the elongated bag is pulled from the pocket and elongated, it is inverted and rolled over the sleeping bag, tent, camping chair or the like. The opening is then secured preferably by a drawstring, Velcro® fastener, etc.

These objectives and advantages of the present invention are obtained by camping gear which is movable between an expanded usable position and a collapsed storage position; and which has a storage bag permanently attached to the camping gear that has an end opening communicating with a storage chamber formed within said bag, and wherein the camping gear is insertable through the bag opening and into the storage chamber when in the collapsed position.

One aspect of another embodiment of the present invention is to provide a protective covering affixed to a seat cushion to provide an encasement to protect the seat cushion from weather elements. The protective covering may be a bag-like structure having one closed end of the bag affixed to the seat cushion, and an open opposite end for encasing the seat cushion.

Another aspect of this embodiment is to provide a waterproof protective covering affixed to a non-waterproof outer layer of a seat cushion.

Another feature of this embodiment of the present invention is to provide a storage chamber formed within the protective covering to selectively encase the seat cushion.

A further aspect of this embodiment is to provide a pocket on the outer layer of the seat cushion, to provide a storage area for the protective covering.

These features and advantages of this further embodiment of the present invention are obtained by a seat cushion with an integral protective covering, and comprising a padding surrounded by a case and a protective covering permanently attached to the case, wherein the protective covering includes an opening communicating with a storage chamber formed within the protective covering, and wherein the cushion is insertable through the opening and into the storage chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated of the best mode in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic top perspective view of a sleeping bag with the pocket and storage bag shown in dot-dash lines stitched on the outside surface of a bottom corner of the bag.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic top view showing the sleeping bag being in a partially folded position.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the sleeping bag in a fully rolled collapsed position with the storage bag being pulled from the storage pocket.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the storage bag being inverted and partially rolled over the rolled collapsed sleeping bag.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view similar to FIG. 4 with the storage bag being pulled further over the rolled collapsed sleeping bag.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view similar to FIGS. 4 and 5 showing the sleeping bag completely stored within the storage bag and the drawstring in a tightened closed position.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view of another type of camping gear illustrated as a folding chair with the storage bag attached to the rear of the seat back.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic back elevational view of the folding camping chair of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view similar to FIG. 8 showing the storage bag in an extended position after being pulled from the pocket on the back of the chair seat.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic elevational view showing the camping chair in a collapsed position and the storage bag being inverted and partially pulled over the collapsed chair.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the collapsed camping chair of FIG. 10 completely closed within the storage bag and the drawstring in a tightened closed position.

FIG. 12 is a rear elevational view of a camping chair as shown in FIG. 8 with a modified storage bag attached thereto.

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic rear elevational view of the folding chair of FIG. 12 with the modified storage bag in an extended position from the storage pocket.

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view showing the collapsed chair of FIG. 12 being enclosed within the storage bag of FIG. 13 with the access opening partially open.

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view similar to FIG. 14 with the chair being fully inserted and stored within the storage bag with the access opening shown in a fully closed position.

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic top view showing a further embodiment of the present invention wherein a protective covering is permanently attached to a cushion.

FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic top view similar to FIG. 16 with the protective covering extending from a storage pocket.

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic top view with the protective covering partially folded back and forming a storage chamber.

FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic top view similar to FIG. 18 with the cushion partially inserted into the storage chamber formed by the protective covering and with the inserted portion of the cushion shown in phantom.

FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic top view with the cushion completely inserted into the storage container formed by the protective covering and with the cushion shown in phantom.

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the cushion with the protective covering fully removed from the pocket.

FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the cushion with the protective covering partially folded back and forming a storage container.

FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic perspective view similar to FIG. 22 with the cushion partially inserted into the storage container formed by the protective covering.

FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic perspective view with the cushion completely inserted into the storage container formed by the protective covering.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One type of camping gear incorporating the features of the present invention is a sleeping bag indicated generally at 1, and shown in FIGS. 1-6. Sleeping bag 1 is of a usual construction having an outer shell indicated generally at 3, preferably having a closed end 4 and at least one closed side 5 with another side 6 which could have a zipper closure (not shown), all of which terminate in a top opening 8. Sleeping bag 1 will have a complimentary shaped inner shell 11 with various layers and types of insulation material (not shown) located between outer shell 3 and inner shell 11.

In accordance with one of the features of the invention, a pocket indicated generally at 13 is secured such as by stitching to outer shell 3, preferably in a lower corner of the sleeping bag adjacent closed end 4. Pocket 13 will have an opening 15 and preferably will have some type of closure therefore such as a hook and pile Velcro® fastener, snaps or similar closure devices.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a storage bag indicated generally at 17 (FIG. 3), is contained within pocket 13 preferably having a lower end 19 thereof secured within the interior of pocket 13 by stitching 21 or other type of attachment device. Bag 17 has a second end 23 providing a generally circular opening 25 and preferably having some type of closure device such as a drawstring 27. Bag 17 when in an extended position and pulled out of pocket 13 as shown in FIG. 3, will have an elongated tubular configuration which provides an internal storage chamber 29 into which the sleeping bag is received as shown in FIGS. 4-6 and described below.

When the storage bag of the present invention is used with sleeping bag 1, pocket 13 retains storage bag 17 therein when in a collapsed or folded secured position without affecting the manner of use of sleeping bag 1 nor adding any appreciable weight or bulk thereto. After the sleeping bag has been used, the camper usually will fold the sleeping bag in half as shown in FIG. 2, afterwhich it is then rolled into a cylinder such as shown in FIG. 3. The camper then pulls bag 17 from within pocket 13 to a full extended position as shown in FIG. 3, afterwhich bag 17 is inverted and pulled over the rolled sleeping bag in the direction of Arrow A as shown in FIG. 4, with the sleeping bag extending into the formed storage chamber 29 through bag end opening 25. Storage bag 17 is pulled completely along the outer surface of rolled sleeping bag 1 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 until reaching a full inverted extended position as shown in FIG. 6 in which the entire sleeping bag is located within storage compartment 29. End opening 25 is then closed easily by use of drawstring 27 providing the completely rolled sleeping bag fully protected by storage bag 17. If desired, a carrying handle 31 could always be attached to bag 17 so that it is located externally of the bag when the bag is in its fully inverted position for enclosing bag 1 therein as shown in FIG. 6, to facilitate the carrying of the stored sleeping bag if desired.

Storage bag 17 and pocket 13 can be formed of various materials such as nylon or other synthetic materials, and if desired, storage bag 17 could be formed of a water impervious or resistant material to further protect the sleeping bag from rain or snow when stored therein as shown in FIG. 6.

A modified form of the present invention is shown particularly in FIGS. 7-15 and is in the form of a readily collapsible folding sports or camp chair indicated generally at 35. Chair 35 is of the usual known construction having a frame formed by a plurality of vertical tubular members 37 and a plurality of interconnected diagonally extending tubular members 39 which are hinged at 40 and 42 enabling the chair to be collapsed into an elongated configuration as shown in FIG. 10. Tubular members 37 and 39 join at three or more supporting feet 38. Chair 35 has a fabric seat 41 supported on the tubular members and will have a flexible fabric rear back support 43 connected at the upper ends of vertical support members 37. The chair may also have flexible fabric arms 45 which when fully expanded forms a comfortable chair with seat 41 and back support 43, yet is easily collapsible into a compact condition as shown in FIG. 10. Some examples of collapsible chairs similar to chair 35 are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,984,406; 6,454,348; 6,601,912 and 6,899,383. However, it is readily understood that various types of foldable or collapsible chairs can be utilized than those in the above identified patents and shown in the drawings.

In accordance with one of the features of the invention, a storage pocket 47 is secured by sewing, an adhesive etc., to a back surface 46 of back support 43. Pocket 47 has an opening 48 into which is secured a storage bag 49 as shown in FIG. 9. Bag 49 is secured within pocket 47 preferably by stitching 50 as shown in FIG. 9, or by other attachment means. Storage bag 49 when in a fully extended position (FIG. 9) after being pulled out of pocket 47 preferably with have an elongated tubular configuration similar to that of storage bag 17. Bag 49 has a top end opening 51 which can be secured in a closed position by a drawstring 53 or other types of closures. Furthermore, a carrying strap 55 preferably is secured to bag 49 for carrying the collapsed, stored chair.

The features and manner of use of storage bag 49 which is attached to chair 35 is similar to that of storage bag 17 and sleeping bag 1, and is shown particularly in FIGS. 9-11. When chair 35 is in use as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, bag 49 is concealed and secured within storage pocket 47 and is accessible through opening 48. Prior to collapsing folding chair 35 to a position as shown in FIG. 10, storage bag 49 will be pulled out of storage pocket 47 through opening 48 to a fully extended position (FIG. 9) afterwhich the chair is then collapsed into the folded elongated condition as shown in FIG. 10. Storage bag 49 is then inverted and rolled over the elongated collapsed chair in the direction of Arrow B through end opening 51 which will expose carrying strap 55. The chair will slide easily within the internal storage chamber 58 formed within storage bag 49 through end opening 51 as the bag is pulled completely over the folded chair in the direction of Arrow B, FIG. 10 until completely enclosing the chair in bag 49. Afterwhich drawstring 53 is tightened to further close open end 51 completely enclosing and securing collapsed chair 35 therein. The enclosed end of storage bag 49 is maintained attached to chair 35 either to storage pocket 47 or flexible back support 43 of the chair, and cannot be lost or misplaced after the chair has been removed from within storage chamber 58. The storage bag is easily collapsed and reinserted into storage pocket 47 through opening 48 after it is rolled off the collapsed chair and retained within the internal storage chamber 58 as shown in FIG. 11 when the chair is being used.

Again the procedure for storing chair 35 is similar to that of storage of sleeping bag 1 within storage bag 17. That is, storage bags 17 and 49 are easily pulled outwardly from their respective storage pockets 13 and 47 and then are inverted and rolled along collapsed sleeping bag 1 and chair 35 respectively, until completely enclosing the bag and chair within the respective storage chambers, afterwhich the open ends of the bags are fully or partially closed by use of drawstrings 27 and 53.

A slightly modified form of the chair storage bag is shown in FIGS. 12-15 in which a modified storage bag 60 is secured within storage pocket 47 by stitching 50. Bag 60 has a similar elongated tubular configuration as that of storage bags 17 and 49 when removed from the pocket, except that an elongated opening 62 is formed longitudinally along bag 60 replacing the circular top openings 25 and 51 of bags 17 and 49. Bag 60 is provided with a pair of mating hook and pile strips 64 and 65 such as Velcro®, extending along elongated opening 62. A pair of carrying handles 67 may also be secured to bag 60 similar to carrying handle or strap 55 of bag 49.

After bag 60 has been pulled outwardly from pocket 47 to a fully extended position as shown in FIG. 13, chair 35 is collapsed to the position of FIG. 14 and inserted into the interior of bag 60 through opening 62 as bag 60 is slipped about the folded chair to the position as shown in FIG. 14. After folded chair 35 has been inserted into the interior of storage bag 60, through opening 62, the hook and pile strips 64 and 65 are mated to form a fully closed storage bag as shown in FIG. 15. Handles 67 enable the stored chair to be carried easily to and from the campsite or outdoor event.

It is readily understood by referring to FIG. 9, that the storage bag 49 could actually be stitched directly to flexible chair back support 43 and be folded into itself to function both as its own storage pocket eliminating the need for a separate storage pocket 47 as shown in the drawings and described below. However, a separate storage pocket in which the storage bag is contained is preferable to provide for a more pleasing and compact construction and increased protection for the storage bag.

In summary, the camping gear of the present invention, whether it be a sleeping bag or chair as shown in the drawings and described below, or a backpacker's tent or similar piece of camping equipment, will have its own self-contained and permanently attached storage bag which also functions as a carrying bag for the gear when collapsed into a compact storage condition. The bag is either folded into itself or placed in a separate storage pocket which is permanently attached to the camping gear, with the storage bag being permanently attached either directly to the camping gear itself or to the interior of the pocket. The bag is easily pulled out and rolled over the collapsed camping gear and closed by a drawstring, Velcro® fastener or other types of closure devices to provide a very compact piece of camping equipment stored or other portable article stored within its own outer protective bag, which bag also functions as the means for carrying the article. The bag preferably will have an elongated tubular configuration having a length slightly greater than the length of the article when in a folded position to completely enclose the article as shown in FIGS. 6 and 11.

It is also readily understood that although the invention is described above with respect to a sleeping bag and chair for camping equipment, it also could be used for other types of portable equipment, articles or the like, not necessarily used for camping, wherein it is desired to provide a device which is easily collapsible, preferably into an elongated configuration, so as to be stored within the storage bag. Furthermore, the storage bag could have a more rectangular shape which would not require the complete collapsing of an article prior to folding the extended storage bag over the device for storage.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 16-24 in which a seat cushion 100 is formed with an integral protective covering 117. Cushion 100 preferably has a square or rectangular shape, but may be formed in any shape, including circular. Cushion 100 includes a padding 103 surrounded by a case 102, and further includes a first end 104 and a spaced apart second end 106, and a storage pocket 113 affixed to case 102. Pocket 113 includes a pocket opening 115 wherein a lower end 119 of protective covering 117 is affixed. An upper end 123 of protective covering 117 is generally spaced apart from lower end 115 and forms an opening 125.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, protective covering 117 preferably is packed and held entirely within pocket 113 when not protecting cushion 100 from the weather. Protective covering 117 is released from pocket 113 through pocket opening 115 to expose the entire protective covering 117 from upper end 123 to lower end 119 which remains affixed within pocket 113. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 21, protective covering 117 is generally formed in the same size and shape of cushion 100, and sized to extend from first end 104 of cushion 100 to second end 106.

Once protective covering 117 is fully removed from within pocket 113, it is inverted to encase cushion 100 in the method shown in FIGS. 18-20 and 22-24. Protective covering 117 is inverted about a fold 121 which is formed by retracting a first surface 109 of protective covering 117 whereby upper end 123 is generally proximate lower end 119, with first surface 109 folded back onto itself. This creates fold 121 and exposes a second surface 111 formed opposite first surface 109 on protective covering 117.

The inverting of protective covering 117 further creates a storage chamber 129, in which cushion 100 is inserted. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 23, first end 104 of cushion 100 is inserted into storage chamber 129 though opening 125 in protective covering 117. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 24, once first end 103 of cushion 100 is enveloped by storage chamber 129, the user simply inserts the remaining portion to completely encase cushion 100 within protective covering 117. Opening 125 may be closeable by various closings such as drawstring 27 as shown in FIGS. 3-6, or a zipper, or Velcro® 64, 65, as shown in FIG. 13. Cushion 100 is removably held within storage chamber until the user desires to remove cushion 100. When the user wishes to remove cushion 100 from within storage chamber 129, the process of folding protective covering 117 about fold 121 is simply reversed, and protective covering 117 is stored within pocket 113.

If desired, carrying handles similar to carrying handle 55 or 67 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 15, may be attached to a second surface 111 of protective covering 117 to facilitate the carrying of cushion 100.

It is readily understood by referring to FIGS. 16-24 that protective cover 117 could be stitched directly to case 102 without a separate storage pocket 113.

It is readily understood that protective cover 117 may be used to prevent water from penetrating cushion 100. As such, protective cover 117 preferably is formed from a waterproof material, and case 102 may be formed from a non-waterproof material.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Claims

1. A cushion with an integral protective covering comprising:

a cushion; and

a protective covering permanently attached to the cushion, wherein the protective covering includes an opening communicating with a storage chamber formed within the protective covering, and wherein the cushion is insertable through the opening and into the storage chamber.

2. The cushion defined in claim 1 wherein the protective covering includes a closure for closing the opening of the protective covering after the cushion is inserted into the storage chamber.

3. The cushion defined in claim 2 wherein a pocket is affixed to the cushion, and wherein the protective covering is securely attached within the pocket and is expandable therefrom for receiving the cushion.

4. The cushion defined in claim 3 wherein the protective covering has an elongated configuration with first and second opposed ends, wherein the first end is secured within the pocket and wherein the opening is formed in the second end of the protective covering.

5. The cushion defined in claim 3 wherein the cushion is formed of a non-waterproof material, and the protective covering is formed of a waterproof material.

6. The cushion defined in claim 1 further comprising a carrying strap attached to the protective covering.

7. The cushion defined in claim 1 wherein the opening is an elongated opening extending along the protective covering, and wherein a closure extends along at least a portion of the opening.

8. The cushion defined in claim 7 wherein the closure is one of a drawstring and Velcro® extending about the opening of the protective covering for closing the opening when the cushion is in the storage chamber.

9. A combination seat cushion and protective covering, wherein the seat cushion comprises:

a padding; and

a case surrounding the padding, wherein the case is formed of a non-waterproof material; and

the protective covering is formed of a waterproof material and permanently attached to the case, wherein the protective covering includes an opening communicating with a storage chamber formed within the protective covering, and wherein the seat cushion is insertable through the opening and into the storage chamber.

10. The article defined in claim 9 wherein the protective covering includes a closure for closing the opening after the seat cushion has been inserted into the storage chamber.

11. The combination defined in claim 10, further comprising a pocket affixed to the case, whereby the protective covering is securely attached within the pocket, and wherein the protective covering is expandable therefrom for receiving the seat cushion.

12. The combination defined in claim 9, further comprising a carrying strap attached to the protective covering for carrying the seat cushion when the seat cushion is in the storage chamber.

13. The combination defined in claim 9 wherein the protective covering has an elongated configuration with a length greater than a length of the seat cushion, and whereby the seat cushion is completely enclosed within the protective covering.

14. A method of removably encasing a cushion within a protective covering comprising the steps of:

providing a protective covering securely attached to the cushion and forming an internal storage chamber;

expanding the protective covering to an elongated configuration;

inverting the expanded protective covering and pulling the protective covering over the cushion to place the cushion in the storage chamber.

15. The method defined in claim 14 including the steps of providing an end opening in a free end of the expanded protective covering; and closing said end opening by a drawstring after the cushion has been placed in the storage chamber.

16. The method defined in claim 14 including the steps of providing the cushion with a pocket secured to an external surface of the cushion; securing a first end of the protective covering to the cushion; and storing the protective covering within the pocket until the protective covering is expanded into the elongated configuration and pulled over the cushion.

17. The method defined in claim 16 including the step of providing a carrying strap on the protective covering.

18. The method defined in claim 16 including the step of forming the protective covering of a waterproof material.