Fabric Article, Method of Making and Use

Abstract

An article or covering that has a means for fitting the covering on a top rail of a chair, a means for releasably securing the covering when folded; and a means for carrying the covering when folded.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

The application relates generally to an accessory, in particular as a covering or protective device.

Current coverings or protective devices are cumbersome, often of improper weight or thickness and/or difficult to use.

SUMMARY

The article disclosed herein relates to a protective device or covering that solves one or more problems observed in the prior art.

Generally, an elongate flexible fabric covering has four corners an outer surface, inner surface, top end, bottom end and two side ends.

A covering described herein includes an article having an outer surface, an inner surface, at least one top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges. Furthermore, a covering generally includes at least one strip or webbing for releasably securing the covering; and a pocket fit portion for securing the covering over the top rail of a chair.

In still further embodiments, a covering, comprises an article that includes an outer surface, an inner surface, at least one top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges, at least one strap for releasably securing the covering when folded, at least one panel for holding the at least one strap when not in use, and a pocket fit portion for securing the covering over the top rail of a chair.

Said coverings may further comprise a handle affixed to the straps for carrying the covering when folded. In addition, the pocket fit is generally provided by folding the top edge over so that the top edge does not abut the bottom edge and adding at least two vertical seams to the folded portion. The covering may further comprise one or more closures selected from the group consisting of snap, hook, tie, clip, clamp, buckle, zipper, button, hook and loop, other engagement device and combinations thereof. The strap may be selected from the group consisting of cord, wire, belt, tie, webbing, band and combinations thereof. The covering may further comprise a flap on a portion of the top edge that folds over a portion of the outer surface when in use. The covering may further comprises one or more holes on the folded portion excluding the pocket fit. The covering may further comprise a means for gathering the bottom edge. The covering is often surged on all or most edges. The pocket fit portion may be about 19 inches to 26 inches in width. The covering may still further comprise an accessory, such as a heating or cooling accessory.

In addition, embodied herein is a covering comprising a means for fitting the covering on a top rail of a chair, a means for releasably securing the covering when folded; and a means for carrying the covering when folded. The means for fitting includes a pocket prepared by folding the top edge over so that the top edge does not abut the bottom edge and providing at least two seams along the folded portion. The means for releasably securing the covering includes snap, hook, tie, clip, clamp, buckle, zipper, button, hook and loop type, other engagement device and combinations thereof. The means for carrying includes a handle connected to at least means for releasably securing the covering.

Still further, embodied herein is a method of fabricating a covering comprising providing an article that includes an outer surface, an inner surface, at least one upper edge, a bottom edge and two side edges, adding at least one strap or webbing to the covering for releasably securing the covering when folded, affixing at least one panel to the covering for holding the at least one strap when not in use and fabricating a pocket fit portion for securing the covering over the top rail of a chair. The covering may be provided as a single material surged on all edges. The at least one strap or webbing may be sewn onto the covering. The at least one panel is generally sewn onto the covering. The pocket fit portion is generally provided by folding the upper edge over so that the upper edge does not abut the bottom edge and providing at least two seams along the folded portion.

Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the above-noted features and advantages of the invention together with other important aspects thereof upon reading the detailed description that follows and in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the inventions described herein, reference is now made to a description of the invention along with accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a covering described herein;

FIG. 2 depicts a representative outer surface view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts a representative inner surface view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts a first side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 depicts an opposite side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 depicts a top end view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 depicts a bottom end view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of another representative embodiment of a covering described herein;

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of still another representative embodiment of a covering described herein;

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a representative covering described herein in use;

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of another representative covering described herein in use;

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of yet a further representative covering described herein in use

FIG. 13 depicts a representative covering described herein after folding with a portable folding chair;

FIG. 14 depicts a another representative covering described herein after folding; and

FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of a further representative embodiment of a covering described herein.

DESCRIPTION

Although making and using various embodiments are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the description provides many inventive concepts that may be embodied in a wide variety of contexts. Any specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of ways to make and use the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention.

References will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like or similar parts throughout. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat generalized or schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

Referring to the drawings, representative examples of a covering are shown. Covering 10, as depicted in FIGS. 1-9, is generally in an elongated shape with at least four corners. Alternative shapes are suitable and any practical shape may be fabricated as desired, determined, in part, by the shape and dimensions of that which is to be protected. Covering 10 has an outer surface 12, inner surface 14, a top edge 13, a bottom edge 15, a first side edge 17 and a second side edge 19. A covering as depicted in FIGS. 1-8 may also optionally include one or more elements in a number of combinations of one or more of the following: strip 16, hole 18, flap 21, band 20, panel 22, closure 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 46 and/or 48, fastener 40, and mate 42. Covering 10 that includes an outer surface 12, inner surface 14, a top edge 13, a bottom edge 15, a first side edge 17 and a second side edge 19, may be fabricated from a single material, from more than one material forming a single layer or from one or more materials forming a layered covering. Strip 16, hole 18, flap 21, band 20, panel 22, closure 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 46 and/or 48, fastener 40, and mate 42 may be formed from the same material as that of covering 10. Often, said elements are formed from one or more different materials as suited to their utility and function, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. The elements are joined directly or indirectly to the covering article by a means for joining including any one of or combination of stitching, gluing, melding, clipping, clamping, fastening, buckling, zippering, hooking, snapping, tying and the like that includes any suitable means apparent to one of ordinary skill for joining said element to the article or by using an engagement device known now or later developed.

As a covering, the material is flexible, generally a fabric or fabric blend. When provided as a protective covering, the material will include generally thermal (insulating), wind resistance, air circulating, water resistance and/or water repellant properties. Said properties may be distributed evenly throughout the material or may be localized, offering site specific regulation of one or more properties (e.g., wind-blocking, air circulation, insulation, water resistance, and the like). Examples of fabrics suitable for use with one or more coverings described herein include but are not limited to those made from natural fibers (e.g., wool, cotton, silk, linen, fleece, hemp, ramie, jute, blends), made from man-made or synthetic fibers (e.g., polypropylene, acetate, acrylic, lastex, nylon, rayon, polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene, spandex, blends), and may include combinations thereof. Said fabrics may also include recyclable materials. The material used to manufacture the covering will be suitably flexible to allow folding and/or rolling so as to combine portability and ease of storage. In one or more embodiments, covering 10 is constructed of a material that allows storage with a portable chair or in a bag, suitcase, storage bag or back pack, or other storage space. In one or more embodiments, a material used is a fleece or a fleece blend. In other embodiments a covering material is a wool or wool blend. In still additional embodiments, a covering material is a waterproof fabric or a fabric having a coating that offers weatherproofing, such as insulation, waterproofing, wind resistance, and/or water resistance. Materials may also be treated before use with a resin or chemical that forms a surface on the material for resistance to pilling and/or abrasions. The edges of coverings described herein are a majority of the edges, generally including at least the side edges and bottom edge, may be surged to prevent fraying and/or tearing of the edges.

An article of covering as described herein may be transported in a carrying case; the carrying case may be size and configured to hold the covering after folding. In addition, a covering as described herein will generally include at least one strip on its bottom edge useful for assisting in holding the covering in a folded position and/or for carrying the covering, generally when in a folded position.

Coverings described herein further include a pocket fit technology fabricated following the rolling of a portion of the top end of the covering over and onto the exterior surface. The rolling over of a portion of the top end forms at least two layers now bounded by a region, an example of which is depicted by region 50 of FIGS. 1-9 and 15. The two layers are affixed to one another, generally by an attachment, an example of which is depicted by seam 23 and 27, that, in turn forms an opening bounded or pocket, such as that depicted by boundary 44 of FIGS. 1-9 and 15. Thus, with fabrication, a covering described herein is comprised of a shaped and sized article of one or more materials and/or one or more layers of which a region bounded by seams 23 and 27 forms a pocket fit technology. The generally vertical attachments, represented as seam 23 and 27, may be affixed by any means for attachment, such as stitching, clipping, clamping, gluing, snapping, hooking, zipping, or other suitable means understood by one of ordinary skill in the art or using an engagement device known now or later developed, for example, devices that include but are not limited to a snap-fit, hook and loop, hook and latch, zipper, etc.

Coverings as described herein will further comprise, when desired, one or more optional holes. Representative holes are depicted as holes 18 or 170 in FIGS. 1-2, 9, 11, 12 and 15. Holes, when provided, may be positioned anywhere and generally near the top edge of the covering, such as in the areas bounded by region 50 and region 52 or region 50 and region 54 as depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 9 and 15. Thus, there may be no holes, one hole or a pair of holes or numerous holes spaced apart and positioned on at least one layer formed by the pocket fit technology in order to provide various accommodations for the covering when in use. Generally the holes when provided are on at least the outermost layer and on the exterior surface of the covering; holes do not often pass through all layers but may when desired or suitable for use. Holes when provided offer a place to insert hands for further warmth when the covering is in use.

Coverings as disclosed herein will also include one or more strips. Representative strips are depicted as strip 16 on bottom edge 15 of covering 10 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 and 15. A strip or webbing is affixed to the covering by a means for joining including any one of or combination of stitching, fastening, clipping, zipping, gluing, snapping, hooking, or other suitable means understood by one of ordinary skill in the art known now or developed later. It will be appreciated that the strip may also be removably attached to the covering using, for example one of snaps, hooks, ties, clip, clamp, buckle, zipper, button, hook and loop type, or other such engagement device now known or later developed. Strip or webbing, such as that depicted by strip 16 of FIGS. 1-9 and 15 is often provided as a pair with at least one band, such as that depicted by band 20 (FIGS. 1-9 and 15) adjoined to each strip, such that the band may also serve as support and/or as a handle for carrying the covering when in a folded or rolled shape. The band may be formed from a separate and different material than the one or more strips. As an alternative, a band and strip may be formed from a single, continuous piece of material. When of a separate or independent material, the band will often be provided and will be attached to each strip or webbing by a means for attachment, such as stitching, clipping, clamping, gluing, snapping, hooking, or other suitable means understood by one of ordinary skill in the art or using an engagement device known now or later developed. Either or both the band and strip may be of only one or of a number of layers for added strength and durability. Often both band and strip will be of a durable and high performance material, such as that used for carrying, including but not limited to a cord, belt, tie, band, strap or webbing. The strip may be of an elastic material such as rubber, cotton, nylon, polypropylene or polyester that are often a single piece of material, knitted, woven and/or blended, and may alternately be relatively inelastic. The strip will generally take the form of a cord, wire, belt, tie, band, strap, webbing and may be knitted, woven or extruded with or without additional padding or accessories.

Each strip may further include a fastener and mate, such as that represented by fastener 40 and mate 42 of FIGS. 1-9 and 15. Fastener and mate may take the form of a snap, buckle, clip, hook, tie, zipper, button, hook and loop, or other means for engagement or engagement device known now or later developed. Fastener 40 and mate 42 generally engage with one another. Examples of physical engagement include but are not limited to the following examples: snap-fit, hook and loop, hook and latch, buckle, zipper. In use, the one or more strips assist in wrapping and tying or otherwise keeping a covering described herein in a folded position. Strips in addition to fastener and mate (or some suitable means of holding) are useful for wrapping around the outer surface of a covering after folding. Fasteners and mates may be included with strips to more fixedly hold the covering in the folded position. When a fastener and mate are included, they will include a releasable configuration when one no longer desires to keep the covering in a folded position.

In several embodiments, a covering further includes a moveable flap which, as will be appreciated will serve as an additional covering especially during inclement weather. Looking now to flap 21 of FIGS. 1-9 and 15, the flap may be stitched or sewn to the covering on a portion of its upper edge, attached by a hook and latch or hook and loop mechanism, or other suitable means, including clamps, clasps, clips, buttons, glue, ties, buckles, adhesives, zippers or the like. The flap may be constructed of the same material as the covering or a different material, such as a weatherproof material.

An article of covering as described herein may optionally include a utility space or pocket, such as that formed by a joining of a portion of panel 22 to covering 10 as illustrated, in one form, in FIGS. 1, 2, 4-9 and 15. Generally, such a panel is provided by the addition of an independent and shaped material joined, such as by affixing or adherence, to the covering in such a way as to form a seam at the periphery or edges of the panel with the covering. In one form, the panel is adhered by the formation of a seam with the covering on 50% or more of its periphery or edges, wherein there is no seam on 50% or less of its periphery or edges, thereby forming at least one space between the panel and the covering. A seam may be provided by stitching, gluing, melding or, in some forms, with addition and assistance of an engagement device, such as a zipper, that aids in engagement of 50% or more of the panel edges or periphery with the covering, thereby forming at least one opening. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 4-9, after forming a seam between covering 10 and more than 50% of the edges of panel 22, an opening between panel 22 and covering 10 is created as referenced by boundary 24.

In some forms an opening, space or pocket may be created when the covering is fabricated from one or more layers of material, such that at least one of the layers or a portion thereof is not joined in its entirety to a neighboring layer. Referring again to the illustrated drawings, panel 22 is shown to be in a particular shape; however, it will be appreciated that a panel may be in any shape as desired and/or suitable for use. In addition, more than one panel may be positioned on the covering and in any desired location in addition to that shown in the drawings. When a panel has an opening in a location such as that depicted by boundary 24 of panel 22 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 4-9), the panel will serve an additional purpose to hold and/or store strip 16 when not in use.

Positions of elements including one or more of the strips, holes, flaps, bands, panels, closures, fasteners and mates, as shown in the drawings, are merely illustrative and not limiting in their position, shape or size. For example, a strip, such as strip 16 may be sized and positioned anywhere along the bottom edge of the covering. One or more strips are generally purposefully provided in a desired configuration and location, such as that shown in the FIGS. 1, 9 and 15, to assist in keeping the covering in a rolled or folded position. When selected and desired, one or more strips, such as depicted in FIGS. 1-9 and 15, may be further shaped and configured to assist in holding the covering when in a rolled or otherwise folded position. One or more holes, such as holes 18 or 170 of FIGS. 1-2, 9, 11, 12 and 15, may be positioned anywhere, in any configuration or spacing and generally near the upper edge of the covering when desired. Optionally, a hole or more than one hole may be positioned on the upper portion of the covering. A pair of holes may be positioned on the upper portion of the covering. As an alternative, one or numerous holes may be spaced apart and positioned on the covering in order to provide various accommodations for the covering when in use. A flap, such as flap 21 of FIGS. 1-9 and 15, which is often provided and when combined with one or more holes will often be designed to cover the one or more holes, is generally located in such a way and in such a configuration so at to cover all or a portion of the upper portion of the covering. When used, not all holes, however, are required to be covered and, thus, the flap may be more or less than what is shown in the drawings.

A band, such as band 20 illustrated at least in FIGS. 1-9 and 15, may be positioned as shown in the drawings, and may comprise a single band or a number of bands in parallel. The band is generally located in such a configuration so that it may assist in holding the covering when in a rolled or otherwise folded position.

A panel, such as panel 22 of FIGS. 1, 2, 4-9, may be positioned anywhere, in any configuration or spacing as desired. For example, a panel may be positioned as shown in the drawings to provide a pocket for placing the one or more strips when not in use.

Closures, such as closures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 46 and 48 of FIGS. 1-9 and 15, may be positioned anywhere, in any configuration or spacing, as desired. For example, upper and lower closures 30 may be purposefully positioned as shown in FIGS. 1-2 in order that they mate with upper and lower closures 38 of FIG. 3, when the covering is in one of its folded positions, such as that depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12. Closures, such as closures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 46 and 48 of FIGS. 1-9 and 15, are often attached or affixed to the covering and, are of the type that offer a releasable mating with another. Any suitable mating configuration useful for releasable mating, such as a hook and latch strip, hook and loop, clamp, clasp, button, snap, zipper, ties, and combinations thereof, may be used.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 8 and 9, the exterior view of representative coverings 10 are illustrated, which is shown to include outer surface 12, top edge 13, bottom edge 15, first side edge 17, second side edge 19, a pocket fit technology bounded by boundary 44, two parallel strips 16 optionally connected with band 20, flap 21, panel 22 with boundary 24, closures 30, 32 and 34, and seams 23, 25, 27 and 29.

FIG. 3 illustrates an interior view of a representative covering 10. The figure, as shown, includes inner surface 14, top edge 13, bottom edge 15, first side edge 17, second side edge 19, two parallel strips 16 optionally connected with band 20, flap 21, closures 36, 38, 46 and 48, and seams 23, 25, 27 and 29.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show side views the coverings described herein, while top and bottom views are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively.

In use, a covering described herein will rely on the pocket fit technology to secure said covering over a chair, such as a stadium chair, lounge chair, folding chair, as examples. Any chair having a top rail one or more stiles and at least a seat may be used. Said chair may optionally include legs. A representative illustration is depicted in FIG. 10, which shows covering 100 with a portable seat 110 on surface 120.

With the pocket fit technology, which may extend as much as or may be more than 30% of the width of the covering and is generally near or off-set from the center of the covering, the technology allows a portion of covering to be positioned on a chair while the remainder of the covering may be folded or wrapped around for use. In use, and referring again to FIGS. 10-12, after positioning the pocket fit segment 130 over the top rail of a chair, other portions of covering 100, such as that shown in FIGS. 10-12 including portions showing in cross hatch as sections 150 and 160 may overlay one another for added protection as depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 also depicts a covering relying on holes 170 for inserting hands and/or arms. FIG. 12 depicts a covering relying on a flap 180 generally for covering hands and/or arms.

Coverings described herein are portable and may be folded in various ways as depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12, showing a folding over a body, or FIGS. 13 and 14, FIG. 13 showing folding with portable chair 310 and FIG. 14 showing folding in a rolled shape. Folding as depicted with FIGS. 11 and 12 generally includes folding the covering in approximately thirds such that about one-third of the covering is resting on a chair and the remaining two-thirds are positioned over a body, resting on the chair. Folding as depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14 may first rely on a similar method of folding as just described, such that the covering is initially folded in thirds along the side edges (e.g., see 17 and 19 of FIGS. 1-9, 15) with the outer surface of the covering showing when in the initially folded position, which is further followed by a rolling or added folding. The covering may be folded with a chair as shown in FIG. 13 for convenience and ease of transport. Straps or webbing, such as those depicted as straps 320 of FIGS. 13 and 14, encircle the fully folded covering to keep it in the fully folded position. Straps as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 show snap fit 330 for securing the straps in the fully folded position. Straps, however, may tie by any means suitable, such snaps, hooks, ties, clip, clamp, buckle, zipper, webbing, button, hook and loop type, or other engagement device. Straps may or may not include an extra means for carrying as depicted with loop 340 in FIGS. 13-14. Indeed, other manners of folding and carrying the covering are acceptable as desired and/or suitable for use.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exterior view of another representative covering 10 that includes a means for drawing in a portion of the bottom edge of the covering. Examples of suitable means for drawing include drawstring, tie, puckering, hooking.

In further embodiments, a covering as described herein may include one or more accessories, such as temperature elements on a portion of the covering, powered by and operably connected with a power plug to a power outlet for supplying AC or DC power (not shown) or powered using a rechargeable battery unit, a solar powered battery unit, or other suitable means or desired combination. The accessory may also include a pocket capable of housing a temperature element, the pocket having a releasable fixture for affixing to the pocket to the covering. The temperature element may be a hand and/or body warming device. The temperature element may be a hand and/or body cooling device. The temperature element may be affixed to the covering, generally on its interior surface or may insert in a pocket or opening that is already on the covering or may become later part of the covering, generally by a releasable assembly, such as a hook and loop assembly. The temperature element will be positioned anywhere suited to raise or cool the ambient temperature inside the covering or to maintain a desired temperature. In some embodiments, the temperature element is preferably located near or along all or a portion of the lower edge of the covering, as depicted by bottom edge 15 in FIGS. 1-9. The temperature element may also lie or be affixed to other suitable locations, such as near holes and/or in the mid-region. The temperature element may be a heating element or a cooling element and includes material(s) or a unit that heats or cools or can be operated by battery, electricity and/or by other means, such as solar. As such, accessories for coverings that include temperature elements will include but are not limited to affixable pockets or affixable panels, hand and body cooling and/or warming devices, batteries (rechargeable or non-rechargeable), a solar panel, a fan, a power plug, a timer, a thermostat, and combinations thereof.

In an example, a covering is fabricated from a material that adds warmth, such as a recyclable fleece, such as Polartec® (a trademark of ADS Properties Corp., Burlington, Vt.). The covering has a top edge, bottom edge and two side edges. The length along the side edges are at or about 3 feet to 8 feet or at or about 4 feet to 6 feet or at or about 5 feet. The width along the top and bottom edges are at or about 4 feet to 8 feet or at or about 5 feet to 6 feet or at or about 76 inches. All edges are surged. The covering has a pocket fit technology, a flap and two holes for arms or hands on its upper portion on the outer surface and a utility pocket on the lower portion of the outer surface. The pocket fit is formed from a folding over of about 10 to 12 inches of the top edge after surging. Seams at about 19 inches from one side edge and another at about 32 inches from the other side edge complete the pocket fit, which ends up being about 18 to 28 inches or at or about 19 to 26 inches or at or about 24 inches or at or about 25 inches. A flap positioned at the top edge and covering two holes is about 20 inches to about 36 inches in length by 10 to about 12 inches in width. Several closures of Velcro (a trademark of Velcro Industries, B.V., Castorweg, The Netherlands) are provided, such as in positions represented by closures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 46, 48 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The covering has two strips as webbing affixed to the bottom edge. One strip is affixed to the bottom edge about 24 inches from one side edge and the other is affixed about 32 inches from the other side edge. Each strip is about 60 inches long with a horizontal handle that is at or about 17 inches from the bottom edge. The utility pocket is positioned above the strips and is about 17 square inches with seams on its bottom and sides edges, its bottom lying generally along the bottom edge of the covering.

The designing of a pattern for a covering will be known to one of ordinary skill in the art in which either a unitary fabric material or a number of materials are patterned in a predetermined shape and size as suitable for use. The elements are then included after the initial pattern is created and cut.

As described, a protector servers a number of functions. For example, as a covering, it provides line of defense for protecting against environmental elements, such as wind, rain, cold air. A number of advantages are provided by coverings described herein. The article may be worn as a single layer that effectively replaces multiple layers of clothing. The article allows a user to keep selected regions of the body warm. In one from, formation of the garment as a single layer may reduce manufacturing costs (e.g., cutting and sewing) and reduce wastage. In addition, the fewer seams should reduce potential failure points. Extremely intricate patterns of varying thickness may also be achieved with a covering described herein. A covering may be used to create an infinitely varied regions of insulating warmth, range of motion and breatheability in the fabric, e.g., customized for any number of applications and/or uses.

Although the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments has shown, described and pointed out certain novel features of the invention, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the detail as illustrated as well as the uses thereof, may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention. Particularly, it will be appreciated that the preferred embodiments may manifest itself in other shapes and configurations as appropriate for the end use of the article made thereby.

Claims

1. A covering, comprising:

an article that includes an outer surface, an inner surface, at least one top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges;

at least one strap for releasably securing the covering when folded;

at least one panel for holding the at least one strap when not in use; and

a pocket fit portion for securing the covering over the top rail of a chair.

2. The covering of claim 1, wherein the covering further comprises a handle affixed to the straps for carrying the covering when folded.

3. The covering of claim 1, wherein the pocket fit is provided by folding the top edge over so that the top edge does not abut the bottom edge and adding at least two vertical seams to the folded portion.

4. The covering of claim 1, wherein the covering further comprises one or more closures selected from the group consisting of snap, hook, tie, clip, clamp, buckle, zipper, button, hook and loop, other engagement device and combinations thereof.

5. The covering of claim 1, wherein the strap is selected from the group consisting of cord, wire, webbing, belt, tie, band and combinations thereof.

6. The covering of claim 1, wherein the covering further comprises a flap on a portion of the top edge that folds over a portion of the outer surface when in use.

7. The covering of claim 3, wherein the covering further comprises one or more holes on the folded portion excluding the pocket fit.

8. The covering of claim 1, further comprising a means for gathering the bottom edge.

9. The covering of claim 1, wherein the covering is surged on all edges.

10. The covering of claim 1, wherein the pocket fit portion is about 19 inches to 26 inches in width.

11. The covering of claim 1 further comprising an accessory that include a heating or cooling element or a releasable pocket.

12. A covering comprising

a means for fitting the covering on a top rail of a chair;

a means for releasably securing the covering when folded; and

a means for carrying the covering when folded.

13. The covering of claim 12, wherein the means for fitting includes a pocket prepared by folding the top edge over so that the top edge does not abut the bottom edge and providing at least two seams along the folded portion.

14. The covering of claim 12, wherein the means for releasably securing the covering includes snap, hook, tie, clip, clamp, buckle, zipper, button, hook and loop type, other engagement device and combinations thereof.

15. The covering of claim 12, wherein the means for carrying includes a handle connected to at least means for releasably securing the covering.

16. A method of fabricating a covering comprising:

providing an article that includes an outer surface, an inner surface, at least one upper edge, a bottom edge and two side edges;

adding at least one strap to the covering for releasably securing the covering when folded;

affixing at least one panel to the covering for holding the at least one strap when not in use; and

fabricating a pocket fit portion for securing the covering over the top rail of a chair.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the covering is provided as a single material surged on all edges.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one strap is sewn onto the covering.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one panel is sewn onto the covering.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the pocket fit portion is provided by folding the upper edge over so that the upper edge does not abut the bottom edge and providing at least two seams along the folded portion.