NON-SLIP ATTACHABLE THERMALLY-INSULATING ARMREST COVER FOR OUTDOOR SEATING

Abstract

An armrest cover is disclosed for an item of outdoor furniture, such as a chair, a chaise lounge, a bench, or a loveseat. The armrest cover includes: an elongated weather resistant and thermally insulating cushioning pad, the elongated cushioning pad being shaped and sized so as to cover a top surface of an armrest of the outdoor furniture, the elongated cushioning pad having an outer layer made from or bearing attached non-slip material capable of substantially reducing slippage of the elongated cushioning pad along the armrest of the outdoor seating unit when a user of the outdoor seating unit rests an arm on the elongated cushioning pad. An attachment tie or an attachment strap is attached at each end of the elongated cushioning pad, each attachment tie or attachment strap being of a length needed to wrap around the armrest so as to form an attaching structure under the armrest.

Description

FIELD

This invention relates to outdoor seating, and particularly to armrest covers suitable for outdoor seating, such as chairs, chaise lounges, benches, and other patio furniture with armrests.

BACKGROUND

People enjoy sitting outside in the sun on chairs, chaise lounges, and other patio furniture. Such patio furniture often has armrests.

Patio furniture must be capable of enduring the elements, such as rain, heat, and intense direct sunlight. Consequently, such patio furniture is often made of very durable material that can resist degradation by the elements, such as iron, steel, or other alloys or metals. Such metal furniture is often covered partially by seating cushions that cover the seat and the back of the chair, lounge, or bench.

When outdoor furniture is subjected to direct sun for extended periods of time, the metal of the furniture absorbs the heat and becomes warm or hot to some extent. The longer the direct sun impacts the metal, the warmer the metal becomes, which can become so hot it becomes painful to touch. This effect is even more rapid and pronounced if the metal is painted black, due to the tendency of black objects to absorb heat more than other colors. Nevertheless, patio furniture is often painted in dark colors, including black. Consequently, the armrests of such patio furniture can get quite hot during the day after sufficient exposure to direct sunshine.

When a person sits in a patio chair and finds that the arm rests are too hot to rest on with their arms in contact with the armrests, the person will attempt to cover each armrest with a towel, or a garment, such as a spare shirt, etc. Sometimes it is not possible to find a towel or a garment. Even if garments and/or towels are found, when used as armrest covers they make the outdoor seating look sloppy, and also do not offer sufficient protection against the heat. They can also slide off the armrest if someone sitting in the chair leans against the armrest so-covered.

SUMMARY

An armrest cover for patio furniture or other outdoor seating units is provided that enables a person to sit and rest their arm on the armrest of the patio furniture without concern that they might burn their arm, while also providing cushioning that stays in place on the arm rests. The armrest cover can be made from weather-resistant material that is color coordinated and/or pattern coordinated with existing seat cushions and/or back cushions of the patio furniture. Each armrest cover is attachable to an armrest in a convenient and attractive manner.

A general aspect of the invention is an armrest cover for an outdoor seating unit, such as a patio chair, a chaise lounge, a bench, a love seat, or a sofa.

The armrest cover includes: an elongated cushioning pad having a first end and a second end, the elongated cushioning pad being shaped and sized so as to cover a top surface of an armrest of an outdoor seating unit; two attachment ties, a first attachment tie being attached to the elongated cushioning pad near the first end of the elongated cushioning pad, and a second attachment tie being attached to the elongated cushioning pad near the second end of the elongated cushioning pad, each attachment tie being of a length needed to wrap around the armrest and form an attaching knot under the armrest; and a non-slip pad bonded to the bottom of the elongated cushioning pad capable of substantially reducing slippage of the elongated cushioning pad along the armrest when a user of the outdoor seating unit rests an arm on the elongated cushioning pad.

In some embodiments, the elongated cushioning pad has a top surface suited for presenting ornamentation. In further embodiments, the ornamentation is pre-selected to match ornamentation on cushions already available on outdoor seating units. In other further embodiments, the ornamentation matches ornamentation on an outdoor seating cushion sold with the armrest cover.

In some embodiments, each attachment tie includes a non-slip coating on a surface that makes contact with an underside of the armrest so as to further reduce slippage of the elongated cushioning pad along the armrest of the outdoor seating unit when a user of the outdoor seating unit rests an arm on the elongated cushioning pad.

In some embodiments, the elongated cushioning pad includes: an inner cushioning material that resists mold and mildew; and an outer layer that resist heat and light damage.

Another general aspect of the invention is an armrest cover for an outdoor seating unit, where the armrest cover includes: an elongated cushioning pad having a first end and a second end, the elongated cushioning pad being shaped and sized so as to cover a top surface of an armrest of an outdoor seating unit; two attachment straps, a first attachment strap being attached to the elongated cushioning pad near the first end of the elongated cushioning pad, and a second attachment strap being attached to the elongated cushioning pad near the second end of the elongated cushioning pad, each end of each attachment strap bearing a patch of one of a hook and loop material, and being of a length needed to wrap around the armrest so as to form a hook and loop material connection under the armrest; and a non-slip pad bonded to the bottom of the elongated cushioning pad capable of substantially reducing slippage of the elongated cushioning pad along the armrest when a user of the outdoor seating unit rests an arm on the elongated cushioning pad.

In some embodiments, the elongated cushioning pad has a top surface suited for presenting ornamentation. In further embodiments, the ornamentation is pre-selected to match ornamentation on cushions already available on outdoor seating units. In other further embodiments, the ornamentation matches ornamentation on an outdoor seating cushion sold with the armrest cover.

In some embodiments, each attachment strap includes a non-slip coating on a surface that makes contact with an underside of the armrest so as to further reduce slippage of the elongated cushioning pad along the armrest of the outdoor seating unit when a user of the outdoor seating unit rests an arm on the elongated cushioning pad.

In some embodiments, the outdoor seating unit is one of: a chair, a chaise lounge, a bench, a love seat, a sofa.

In some embodiments, the elongated cushioning pad includes: an inner cushioning material that resists mold and mildew; and an outer layer that resist heat and light damage.

Another general aspect of the invention is an armrest cover for an outdoor seating unit, the armrest cover including: an elongated cushioning pad having a first end and a second end, the elongated cushioning pad being shaped and sized so as to cover a top surface of an armrest of an outdoor seating unit, the elongated cushioning pad having an outer layer made from a non-slip material capable of substantially reducing slippage of the elongated cushioning pad along the armrest of the outdoor seating unit when a user of the outdoor seating unit rests an arm on the elongated cushioning pad; and two attachment ties or attachment straps, a first attachment tie or attachment strap being attached to the elongated cushioning pad near the first end of the elongated cushioning pad, and a second attachment tie or attachment strap being attached to the elongated cushioning pad near the second end of the elongated cushioning pad, each attachment tie or attachment strap being of a length needed to wrap around the armrest so as to form an attaching structure under the armrest of the outdoor seating unit.

In some embodiments, the attaching structure is one of a knot or a hook and loop material connection.

In some embodiments, the elongated cushioning pad has a top surface suited for presenting ornamentation, and the ornamentation is pre-selected to match ornamentation on cushions already available on outdoor seating units. In further embodiments, the ornamentation matches ornamentation on an outdoor seating cushion sold with the armrest cover.

In some embodiments, each attachment tie or attachment strap includes a non-slip coating on a surface that makes contact with an underside of the armrest so as to further reduce slippage of the elongated cushioning pad along the armrest of the outdoor seating unit when a user of the outdoor seating unit rests an arm on the elongated cushioning pad.

In some embodiments, the elongated cushioning pad includes: an inner cushioning material that resists mold and mildew; and an outer layer that resist heat and light damage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the Detailed Description, in conjunction with the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pair of Outdoor Seating Armrest Covers each having two attachment ties, the pair of Outdoor Seating Armrest Covers being attached to a respective pair of arm rests of an outdoor chaise lounge.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the top, front, and right side of an exemplary embodiment of the Outdoor Seating Armrest Cover, the attachment ties being in an unattached state and hanging downward from the bottom of the elongated cushioning pad.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the bottom, front, and left side of the Outdoor Seating Armrest Cover of FIG. 2, showing the front and rear attachment ties hanging downward from the bottom of the elongated cushioning pad, and showing a non-slip pad bonded to the bottom of the elongated cushioning pad.

FIG. 4 is a cutaway side view of one of the Outdoor Seating Armrest Covers of FIG. 1 showing the front attachment tie tied around the armrest of the chaise lounge, thereby securing the elongated cushioning pad to the armrest.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pair of Outdoor Seating Armrest Covers each having two attachment straps that close with hook and loop material such as VELCRO®, the pair of Outdoor Seating Armrest Covers being attached to a respective pair of arm rests of an outdoor chaise lounge.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the top, front, and right side of an exemplary embodiment of the Outdoor Seating Armrest Cover, the attachment straps being in an unattached state and hanging downward from the bottom of the elongated cushioning pad.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the bottom, front, and left side of the Outdoor Seating Armrest Cover of FIG. 6, showing the front and rear attachment straps hanging downward from the bottom of the elongated cushioning pad, and showing a non-slip pad bonded to the bottom of the elongated cushioning pad.

FIG. 8 is a cutaway side view of one of the Outdoor Seating Armrest Covers of FIG. 5 showing the front attachment strap secured around the armrest of the chaise lounge, thereby securing the elongated cushioning pad to the armrest.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an outdoor chaise lounge 10 is shown, wherein a pair of Outdoor Seating Armrest Covers 12, 14 is shown, one armrest cover being attached to each arm 16, 18 respectively of the chaise lounge 10. Each armrest cover 12, 14 has a pair of attachment ties 13, 15 attached to an elongated cushioning pad 17, 19, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 2, the Outdoor Seating Armrest Cover 12 is shown, having the pair of attachment ties 13, which consist of a front attachment tie 20, and a rear attachment tie 22, the front and rear attachment ties 20, 22 being in an unattached state and hanging downward from the bottom of the elongated cushioning pad 17.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the bottom of the Outdoor Seating Armrest Cover 12 of FIG. 2, showing the front and rear attachment ties 20, 22 hanging downward from the bottom of the elongated cushioning pad 17, and showing a non-slip pad 30 bonded to the bottom of the elongated cushioning pad 17.

FIG. 4 is a cutaway side view of the left Outdoor Seating Armrest Cover 14 of FIG. 1 showing the front attachment tie 15 tied around the armrest 18 of the chaise lounge 10, thereby securing the elongated cushioning pad 19 to the armrest 18.

With reference to FIG. 5, a perspective view of an outdoor chaise lounge 10 is shown, wherein a pair of Outdoor Seating Armrest Covers 12, 14 is shown, one armrest cover being attached to each arm 16, 18 respectively of the chaise lounge 10. Each armrest cover 12, 14 has a pair of attachment straps that close with hook and loop material such as VELCRO® (not visible in FIG. 5) attached to an elongated cushioning pad 17, 19 respectively.

Referring to FIG. 6, the Outdoor Seating Armrest Cover 12 is shown, having front attachment strap 60 and rear attachment strap 62, front attachment strap 60 having hook portion 64 and loop portion 65, and rear attachment strap 62 having hook portion 66 and loop portion 67. The front and rear attachment straps 60, 62 are shown in an unattached state and hanging downward from the bottom of the elongated cushioning pad 17.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the bottom of the Outdoor Seating Armrest Cover 12 of FIG. 6, showing the front and rear attachment straps 60, 62 hanging downward from the bottom of the elongated cushioning pad 17, and showing a non-slip pad 30 bonded to the bottom of the elongated cushioning pad 17.

FIG. 8 is a cutaway side view of the left Outdoor Seating Armrest Cover 14 of FIG. 5 showing the front attachment strap 60 wrapped snugly around the armrest 18 of the chaise lounge 10 such that the hook portion 64 securely mates with the loop portion 65, thereby attaching the elongated cushioning pad 19 to the armrest 18.

Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the above description is not intended to limit the invention, except as indicated in the following claims.

Claims

1. An armrest cover for an outdoor seating unit, the armrest cover comprising:

an elongated cushioning pad having a first end and a second end, the elongated cushioning pad being shaped and sized so as to cover a top surface of an armrest of an outdoor seating unit;

a pair of attachment ties, a first attachment tie being attached to the elongated cushioning pad near the first end of the elongated cushioning pad, and a second attachment tie being attached to the elongated cushioning pad near the second end of the elongated cushioning pad, each attachment tie being of a length needed to form an attaching knot under the armrest of the outdoor seating unit; and

a non-slip pad bonded to the bottom of the elongated cushioning pad capable of substantially reducing slippage of the elongated cushioning pad along the armrest of the outdoor seating unit when a user of the outdoor seating unit rests an arm on the elongated cushioning pad.

2. The armrest cover for the outdoor seating unit of claim 1, wherein the elongated cushioning pad has a top surface suited for presenting ornamentation.

3. The armrest cover for the outdoor seating unit of claim 2, wherein the ornamentation is pre-selected to match ornamentation on cushions already available on outdoor seating units.

4. The armrest cover for the outdoor seating unit of claim 2, wherein the ornamentation matches ornamentation on an outdoor seating cushion sold with the armrest cover.

5. The armrest cover for the outdoor seating unit of claim 1, wherein each attachment tie includes a non-slip coating on a surface that makes contact with an underside of the armrest so as to further reduce slippage of the elongated cushioning pad along the armrest of the outdoor seating unit when a user of the outdoor seating unit rests an arm on the elongated cushioning pad.

6. The armrest cover for the outdoor seating unit of claim 1, where the outdoor seating unit is one of: a chair, a chaise lounge, a bench, a love seat, a sofa.

7. The armrest cover for the outdoor seating unit of claim 1, wherein the elongated cushioning pad includes:

an inner cushioning material that resists mold and mildew; and

an outer layer that resist heat and light damage.

8. An armrest cover for an outdoor seating unit, the armrest cover comprising:

an elongated cushioning pad having a first end and a second end, the elongated cushioning pad being shaped and sized so as to cover a top surface of an armrest of an outdoor seating unit;

two attachment straps, a first attachment strap being attached to the elongated cushioning pad near the first end of the elongated cushioning pad, and a second attachment strap being attached to the elongated cushioning pad near the second end of the elongated cushioning pad, each end of each attachment strap bearing a patch of one of a hook and loop material, and each attachment strap being of a length needed to form a hook and loop material connection under the armrest of the outdoor seating unit; and

a non-slip pad bonded to the bottom of the elongated cushioning pad capable of substantially reducing slippage of the elongated cushioning pad along the armrest of the outdoor seating unit when a user of the outdoor seating unit rests an arm on the elongated cushioning pad.

9. The armrest cover for the outdoor seating unit of claim 8, wherein the elongated cushioning pad has a top surface suited for presenting ornamentation.

10. The armrest cover for the outdoor seating unit of claim 9, wherein the ornamentation is pre-selected to match ornamentation on cushions already available on outdoor seating units.

11. The armrest cover for the outdoor seating unit of claim 9, wherein the ornamentation matches ornamentation on an outdoor seating cushion sold with the armrest cover.

12. The armrest cover for the outdoor seating unit of claim 8, wherein each attachment strap includes a non-slip coating on a surface that makes contact with an underside of the armrest so as to further reduce slippage of the elongated cushioning pad along the armrest of the outdoor seating unit when a user of the outdoor seating unit rests an arm on the elongated cushioning pad.

13. The armrest cover for the outdoor seating unit of claim 8, where the outdoor seating unit is one of: a chair, a chaise lounge, a bench, a love seat, a sofa.

14. The armrest cover for the outdoor seating unit of claim 8, wherein the elongated cushioning pad includes:

an inner cushioning material that resists mold and mildew; and

an outer layer that resist heat and light damage.

15. An armrest cover for an outdoor seating unit, the armrest cover comprising:

an elongated cushioning pad having a first end and a second end, the elongated cushioning pad being shaped and sized so as to cover a top surface of an armrest of an outdoor seating unit, the elongated cushioning pad having an outer layer made from a non-slip material capable of substantially reducing slippage of the elongated cushioning pad along the armrest of the outdoor seating unit when a user of the outdoor seating unit rests an arm on the elongated cushioning pad; and

a pair of attachment ties or attachment straps, a first attachment tie or attachment strap being attached to the elongated cushioning pad near the first end of the elongated cushioning pad, and a second attachment tie or attachment strap being attached to the elongated cushioning pad near the second end of the elongated cushioning pad, each attachment tie or attachment strap being of a length needed to wrap around the armrest so as to form an attaching structure under the armrest.

16. The armrest cover for an outdoor seating unit of claim 15, wherein the attaching structure is one of a knot or a hook and loop material connection.

17. The armrest cover for the outdoor seating unit of claim 15, wherein the elongated cushioning pad has a top surface suited for presenting ornamentation, and the ornamentation is pre-selected to match ornamentation on cushions already available on outdoor seating units.

18. The armrest cover for the outdoor seating unit of claim 17, wherein the ornamentation matches ornamentation on an outdoor seating cushion sold with the armrest cover.

19. The armrest cover for the outdoor seating unit of claim 15, wherein each attachment tie or attachment strap includes a non-slip coating on a surface that makes contact with an underside of the armrest so as to further reduce slippage of the elongated cushioning pad along the armrest of the outdoor seating unit when a user of the outdoor seating unit rests an arm on the elongated cushioning pad.

20. The armrest cover for the outdoor seating unit of claim 15, wherein the elongated cushioning pad includes:

an inner cushioning material that resists mold and mildew; and

an outer layer that resist heat and light damage.