WEATHERPROOF OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Abstract

Outdoor furniture that protects cushions from the elements via an internal lift mechanism and resin waterproof compartment. An operating lever controls the internal lift mechanism that lowers and raises the seat and seat cushions into and out of a resin compartment within the framework of the furniture. The lever allows the furniture to be opened and closed in seconds and does not require the cushions to be removed from the seat or seat back to be protected from the elements. The chair back is hinged, and rotates forward and closes flat creating the waterproof lid for the waterproof compartment. Seals on the chair back and on the frame of the resin waterproof compartment interlock creating the waterproof seal. The resin waterproof compartment protects the seat and seat back from the elements, extending the life of the cushions, and making the furniture easier to manage and enjoy.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/236,042, filed on Aug. 21, 2009.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present novel technology relates generally to the field of furniture and, more specifically, to outdoor furniture , such as lounge chairs, dining chairs, sofas, loveseats, sectionals, chaise lounges, ottomans, and the like.

BACKGROUND

Outdoor furniture products often make use of cushions as a way to make them more comfortable. This presents problems due to weather and other elements that can have adverse effects on them. Cushions left in the rain, for example, get wet do not allow for immediate use after a storm. In addition, this moisture can cause mold and mildew.

Outdoor furniture with cushions often goes under-utilized because of this cushion management issue. The cushions may be stored in a garage, basement or some other cushion storage area or unit. Current techniques to keep cushions dry consist of furniture covers, which may or may not be attached in some way to the piece of furniture. Specially designed cushion storage units can also be found in the market today. It's a hassle covering and uncovering outdoor furniture with furniture covers, not to mention the storage of these items. Also, these covers are not aesthetically pleasing. Storing cushions in large cushion storage devices are also a hassle and they take up lots of space. These techniques have addressed, but not solved, the cushion water management issue, which keeps the furniture from being used as much as the owner would like.

“Weather resistant” fabrics are only water repellent, which means they are treated with a finish that is resistant, but not impervious to penetration by water. Thus, there remains a need for outdoor furniture that can withstand water and other weather-related hazards and still be easily engaged for use. The present novel technology addresses this need.

SUMMARY

The present novel technology provides a waterproof/weatherproof system for managing outdoor furniture cushions. This system protects cushions from outdoor exposure risks such as wind, rain, dirt, grime and debris. With this novel technology, the cushions can remain in place with the furniture and do not need to be covered, taken inside, or stored in some other container. A lever system allows the furniture to be opened and closed in an esthetically pleasing fashion for use.

The waterproof outdoor furniture protects cushions from the elements via an internal lift mechanism and resin waterproof compartment. An operating lever controls the internal lift mechanism that lowers and raises the seat and seat cushions into and out of resin waterproof compartments within the framework of the furniture. The lever allows the furniture to be opened and closed in seconds and does not to require the cushions to be removed from the seat or seat back to be protected from the elements. The chair back is hinged, and rotates forward and closes flat creating the waterproof lid for the waterproof compartment. A seal on the chair back and on the frame of the resin waterproof compartment interlock creating the waterproof seal. The waterproof resin compartment protects the seat and seat back from the elements making the furniture able to be enjoyed more often.

In one aspect of the novel technology, a chair includes a resin waterproof compartment for the seat and seat back creating protection from the elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of an outdoor chair in the open position

FIG. 2 is a view of an outdoor chair in a closing position. The operating lever has been moved to the closed position, so the seat and seat cushion have been lowered into the waterproof compartment. This view also shows the seat back rotating forward.

FIG. 3 is a view of the outdoor chair in the closed position. The seat, seat cushion, seat back and seat back cushion are protected in the resin waterproof compartment.

FIG. 4 is a close up view of the operating lever from the exterior of the furniture.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the furniture and the internal lift mechanism in the open position.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the furniture and the internal lift mechanism in the open position.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the internal lift mechanism in the open position.

FIG. 8 shows resin bucket and seat seals in closed position to keep water out.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the novel technology and presenting its currently understood best mode of operation, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the novel technology is thereby intended, with such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device and such further applications of the principles of the novel technology as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the novel technology relates.

Furniture cushions are protected from the elements via an internal lift mechanism and resin waterproof compartment. An operating lever controls the internal lift mechanism that lowers and raises the seat and seat cushions into and out of the resin waterproof compartment within the framework of the furniture. The lever allows the furniture to be opened and closed in seconds and does not require the cushions to be removed from the seat or seat back to be protected from the elements. The chair back is hinged, and rotates forward and closes flat creating the waterproof lid for the waterproof compartment. A seal on the chair back and on the frame of the resin waterproof compartment interlock creating the waterproof seal. The waterproof resin compartment protects the seat and seat back from the elements extending the life of the cushions, and making the furniture easier to manage and enjoy.

The waterproof outdoor furniture novel technology can be used with many different furniture pieces. A chair 1 will be used to describe the novel technology. FIG. 1 shows the chair in the open position and ready for use. Both the seat cushion 2 and the seat back cushion 3 are exposed. An operating lever 4 controls the internal lift mechanism that lowers and raises the seat and seat cushions into and out of the resin waterproof compartment 9 within the framework of the furniture. The operating lever 4 is in the open position.

FIG. 2 shows the chair 1 in the process of closing. The operating lever 4 is now in the closed position. The seat 5 and seat cushion 2 were lowered into the waterproof compartment 9 while the operating lever 4 was moving to the closed position. The seat back 6 and the attached seat back cushion 3 are lowered manually into the closed position, rotating on hinges 7. FIG. 3 shows the chair in the closed position. The seat back 6 has been fully lowered creating the top of the waterproof compartment 9. FIG. 8 illustrates the waterproof seal when the chair 1 is in the closed position. A seal 14 in the seat back 6 interlocks with a seal 15 in the waterproof compartment 9 creating a substantially watertight connection or seal. A gap is shown between two seals 14, 15 to highlight each piece.

FIG. 4. is a close up of the operating lever 4. As seen in FIG. 5 the operating lever 4 controls the lift mechanism housed in the waterproof compartment 9. The waterproof compartment 9 is housed within the framework of the chair body. The operating lever 4 controls the lifting support bars 8 which are located on each side of the chair. The operating lever 4 is connected to the lifting support bars 8 using support tabs 10 and pins 10. The seat 5 is connected to the lifting support bars 8 and lowers into the waterproof compartment 9 with the help of the vertical guide rods 11. The lifting support frame 12 and horizontal stabilizing bars 13 provide support.

While the novel technology has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood that the embodiments have been shown and described in the foregoing specification in satisfaction of the best mode and enablement requirements. It is understood that one of ordinary skill in the art could readily make a nigh-infinite number of insubstantial changes and modifications to the above-described embodiments and that it would be impractical to attempt to describe all such embodiment variations in the present specification. Accordingly, it is understood that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the novel technology are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. A chair, comprising:

a seat portion;

a seat cushion positioned in the seat portion;

a recess formed in the seat portion;

a back portion pivotably connected to the seat portion;

a back cushion connected to the back portion;

a pivoting actuator portion operationally connected to the back portion;

wherein energization of the pivoting actuator causes travel of the seat portion into the recess;

wherein energization of the pivoting actuator pivots the back portion into the seat portion to define a substantially weatherproof compartment for the seat cushion and back cushion.