Waterproof Slipcover for Cushions

Abstract

A slipcover fabricated from a waterproof material, wherein the slipcover is configured to closely fit over a furniture cushion. The slipcover is fabricated from a composite textile comprising a first layer fabricated from a water-resistant textile sheeting, and a second layer fabricated from a waterproof layer. The second layer resides along an inner surface of the first layer. The first layer is preferably fabricated from hydrophobic yarns, while the second layer is preferably fabricated from polyurethane laminate fabric. A slipcover systems is also provided.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 63/043,880 entitled “Slipcover for Cushions.” That application was filed on Jun. 25, 2020, and is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This section is intended to introduce selected aspects of the art, which may be associated with various embodiments of the present disclosure. This discussion is believed to assist in providing a framework to facilitate a better understanding of particular aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that this section should be read in this light, and not necessarily as admissions of prior art.

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to the field of textile fabrics. More specifically, the present invention relates to fabrics that are waterproof. The present invention further relates to a system of slipcovers that may be placed over cushions and furniture frames to provide a fluid-proof barrier.

Discussion of Technology

Individuals who purchase furniture desire to keep the cushions clean and dry. However, for furniture owners with pets this can be a challenge. Dogs and cats are known to drool, urinate, salivate and defecate on furniture. Young children and older incontinent adults can also cause cushions to become soiled beyond repair.

Many items of furniture now come with water-resistant fabric placed over cushions. Stain-resistant coatings or sealants may also be applied to furniture fabric. However, over time moisture from animals, children or incontinent adults can still penetrate through fabric and into cushions.

A need exists for slipcovers fabricated from waterproof textile materials. A need further exists for a set of slipcovers wherein a first slipcover is dimensioned to snugly fit over a furniture frame, and then at least two additional slipcovers are dimensioned to snugly fit over seat cushions and/or back cushions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A slipcover fabricated from a waterproof material is first provided. The slipcover is configured to closely fit over a furniture cushion. The slipcover is fabricated from a composite textile comprising a first layer fabricated from a water-resistant textile sheeting, and a second layer fabricated from a waterproof layer. The second layer resides along an inner surface of the first layer.

Preferably, the first layer is fabricated from hydrophobic yarns while the second layer is fabricated from polyurethane laminate fabric. The hydrophobic yarns may be fabricated from synthetic fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, nylon, or combinations thereof.

Preferably, the second layer is attached to the first layer so as to form an integral cover having distinct layers. Optionally, a non-woven material is added as a third layer and is held as an inner-most layer for the slipcover. The non-woven material may be a synthetic rubber held together using a thermo-plastic binder to provide added cushioning.

A slipcover system is also provided herein. In one aspect, the slipcover system comprises:

a first slipcover configured to closely fit around a first cushion of an item of furniture;

a second slipcover configured to closely fit around a second cushion of the item of furniture; and

a third slipcover configured to closely fit over a frame of the item of furniture, and under the first and second cushions.

The slipcover is fabricated from a composite textile comprising a first layer fabricated from a water-resistant textile sheeting, and a second layer fabricated from a waterproof layer and residing along an inner surface of the first layer. Optionally, a non-woven material is added as a third layer and is held as an inner-most layer for the slipcover. The non-woven material may be held in place by an under-layer that serves as a non-slip layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front, perspective view of a chair, with the chair having a single cushion. The cushion has received a slipcover of the present invention, in one embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the cushion and slipcover of FIG. 1A. Here, an under-surface of the cushion is shown.

FIG. 2A is a first perspective view of a couch, with the couch having a series of cushions. Each cushion has received the slipcover of FIG. 1B.

FIG. 2B is a second perspective view of a portion of the couch of FIG. 2A. In this view, a middle cushion is flipped up, exposing an under-side of the cushion and an elastic trim holding the slipcover in place.

FIG. 3 is a front, perspective view of a couch in an alternate design. Here, the couch includes a single cushion for a seat, but a series of back cushions. The seat cushion has received a slipcover of the present invention, in one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front, perspective view of a couch in still another alternate design. Here, the couch includes two seat cushions. In this view, only one of the seat cushions has received a slipcover of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sectional sofa. The sofa includes both seat cushions and back cushions. Each of the cushions has received a slipcover of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sofa in another design. Here, a slipcover in the form of a throw is placed over a frame of the sofa.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the slipcover of the present invention, in one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1A is a front, perspective view of chair 100. The chair 100 comprises a base 110, and a pair of arm rests 120. The base 110 is supported by legs 115.

The chair 100 also includes a back 130. In this case, no separate back cushion is provided. However, the chair 100 does offer a seat cushion 150 supported by the base 110.

The seat cushion 150 has received a slipcover 155 of the present invention, in one embodiment. The slipcover 155 is fabricated from a waterproof (or otherwise fluid-proof) material. The slipcover is comprised of at least a first layer and a second layer, wherein the second layer resides along an inner surface of the first layer.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the cushion 150 and slipcover 155 of FIG. 1A. Here, an under-surface 153 of the cushion 150 is exposed.

It is observed that the slipcover 155 does not completely encompass the cushion 150; rather, the slipcover 155 includes an elastic edge 157 used to releasably remove the slipcover 155 from the cushion 150. Of course, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide a slipcover that completely slides over a so-called box cushion.

To further secure the slipcover 155 to the cushion 150, an optional draw string 159 is provided. Here, the draw string 159 has been cinched and tied.

FIG. 2A is a first perspective view of a couch 200. The couch 200 comprises a base 210, and a pair of arm rests 220. The base 210 is supported by legs 215.

The couch 200 also includes a back 230. As with the chair 100 of FIG. 1, no separate back cushion is provided. However, the couch 200 does offer a series of three separate and removable seat cushions 250 supported by the base 210.

Each of the seat cushions 250 has received a slipcover 255 of the present invention, in one embodiment. The slipcovers 255 are again fabricated from a waterproof (or otherwise fluid-proof) material. The slipcovers are comprised of at least a first layer and a second layer, wherein the second layer resides along an inner surface of the first layer.

FIG. 2B is a second perspective view of the couch 200 of FIG. 2A. In this view, a middle cushion 250′ is flipped up for illustrative purposes, exposing an under-side 253 of the cushion 155′. An elastic trim 257 is again used to hold the slipcover 255 in place.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a couch 300, in an alternate design. The couch 300 comprises a base 310, and a pair of arm rests 320. The base 310 is supported by legs 315.

The couch 300 also includes a back 330, and a single, elongated seat cushion 350. The seat cushion 355 includes a slipcover 355 in accordance with slipcovers 155 and 255 described above, and FIG. 7 described below.

FIGS. 1A, 2A and 3 demonstrate that the slipcover may be used for any size cushion or any type of furniture to prevent underlying seat cushions from being soiled.

FIG. 4 is a front, perspective view of a couch 400 in still another alternate design. Here, the couch 400 includes a base 410 with legs 415, and opposing arm rests 420. The couch 400 also includes two back cushions 435 and two seat cushions 450′, 450″. In this view, only one of the seat cushions 450″ has received a slipcover 455 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sectional sofa 500. The sofa 500 includes both seat cushions and back cushions. Each of the cushions has received a slipcover 255 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sofa 600 in still another design. The sofa 600 includes a base 610, and opposing arm rests 620. The couch 600 also includes a back support 630, preferably with integral cushioning. One or more seat cushions (not visible) are also provided.

In this view, a slipcover 655 is provided for the sofa 600. However, instead of being a form-fitted slipcover, the slipcover is a throw 655. The throw 655 includes a seat portion 662, a back portion 664, and side arm portions 660a, 660b. Information concerning fabrication and dimensions of such a throw 655 are disclosed in U.S. Patent Publ. No. 2016/0338502 entitled “Anti-Slip Protective Cover.” The published application is referred to and incorporated herein in its entirety.

The throw 655 form-fits over the frame of the sofa 600. Cushions (such as cushion 450′ of FIG. 4) are then placed over the throw 655. Alternatively, the throw 655 is placed over the cushions (not shown in FIG. 6).

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the slipcover of the present invention, in one embodiment. The slipcover is indicated at 700; however, it is understood to be representative of any of slipcovers 155, 255, 355, or 455, and including throw 655 described above.

In one aspect, the slipcover 700 represents a composite textile comprising a first layer 710 fabricated from a water-resistant textile sheeting, and a second layer 720 fabricated from a waterproof (or water impermeable) layer. Preferably, the first layer 710 is fabricated from hydrophobic yarns while the second layer 720 is fabricated from polyurethane laminate fabric.

The hydrophobic yarns of the first layer 710 may be fabricated from synthetic fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, nylon, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the first layer 710 may be fabricated from waxed cotton, or canvas. The water-resistant second layer 720 may be fabricated not only from polyurethane laminate, including thermoplastic polyurethane.

The second layer 720 is attached to the first layer 720 so as to form distinct layers of a composite textile material. The slipcover 700 is ideally stretchable so as to closely fit over a furniture cushion.

In one aspect, the slipcover 700 includes a third layer 730 fabricated from non-woven particles. The nonwoven particles are preferably a synthetic rubber or polymeric material, providing a degree of cushioning. The particles are preferably fabricated in a thin, air laid substrate and held together using a core binder. The core binder is preferably a bicomponent fiber binder, a latex binder, a thermoplastic powder or a mixture thereof.

In the illustrative arrangement of FIG. 7, a fourth layer 740 is provided as an underlayer. The fourth layer 740 may be, for example, a liquid-impermeable and breathable layer such as a polymeric film, for example a film of polyethylene or polypropylene. According to different embodiments, the materials which may be used for the fourth layer 740 include thin and flexible fluid impermeable plastic films, or fluid impermeable nonwoven materials, fluid impermeable foams and fluid impermeable laminates. Alternatively, the fourth layer 740 may simply be another layer of the first layer 710. In any instance, the fourth layer 740 holds the cushioning material 730 in place.

A slipcover system is also provided herein. In one aspect, the slipcover system comprises:

a first slipcover configured to closely fit around a first cushion of an item of furniture;

a second slipcover configured to closely fit around a second cushion of the item of furniture; and

a third slipcover configured to closely fit over a frame of the item of furniture, under the first and second cushions.

The slipcover is fabricated from a composite textile comprising a first layer fabricated from a water-resistant textile sheeting, and a second layer fabricated from a waterproof layer and residing along an inner surface of the first layer. The first layer is preferably fabricated from hydrophobic yarns while the second layer is fabricated from polyurethane laminate fabric.

The second layer is attached to the first layer so as to form distinct layers of a composite textile material.

Preferably, the first layer is fabricated from a textile formed from a plurality of yarns comprising cotton yarns and microfiber yarns. The hydrophobic yarns may be fabricated from synthetic fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, nylon, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the first layer is a canvas material. In any instance, the first layer is preferably treated with a sulfonic acid material.

Optionally, the slipcover includes a third layer fabricated from non-woven particles that serve as a cushioning agent. Preferably, the slipcover material is both washable and stretchable, that is, has elasticity. Preferably, the slipcover has a stretchable elastic band or draw string along a periphery.

Claims

1. A slipcover, comprising:

a first layer fabricated from a water-resistant textile sheeting; and

a second layer fabricated from a waterproof layer and residing along an inner surface of the first layer;

and wherein: the first layer serves an outer surface, while the second layer is configured to reside between the first layer and a furniture cushion; and the second layer is attached to the first layer so as to form distinct layers of a composite textile material as an integral slipcover.

2. The slipcover of claim 1, wherein:

the slipcover is configured to closely fit over the furniture cushion; and

the first layer and the second layer are connected by sewn threads.

3. The slipcover of claim 2, wherein the second layer is fabricated from polyurethane laminate fabric.

4. The slipcover of claim 3, wherein the first layer is fabricated from hydrophobic yarns.

5. The slipcover of claim 4, wherein the hydrophobic yarns are fabricated from synthetic fibers.

6. The slipcover of claim 5, wherein the synthetic fibers comprise polyester, polypropylene, nylon, or combinations thereof.

7. The slipcover of claim 5, wherein the first layer is fabricated from waxed cotton.

8. The slipcover of claim 4, wherein:

the first layer and the second layer together have an elasticity, allowing the slipcover to be stretched over the furniture cushion.

9. The slipcover of claim 8, wherein the first layer is a textile formed from a plurality of yarns comprising cotton yarns and microfiber yarns.

10. The slipcover of claim 8, wherein the first layer is treated with a sulfonic acid material.

11. The slipcover of claim 8, wherein the slipcover is a concave three-dimensional object having an elastic trim to closely and removably receive the furniture cushion, or a draw string about a periphery to closely and removably receive the furniture cushion.

12. The slipcover of claim 8, further comprising a third layer attached to the second layer opposite the first layer, with the third layer comprising air-laid polymeric material held together by means of a binder.

13. A slipcover system, comprising:

a first slipcover configured to closely fit around a first cushion of an item of furniture, and

a second slipcover configured to closely fit around a second cushion of the item of furniture; and

wherein each of the first and second slipcovers comprises: a first layer fabricated from a water-resistant textile sheeting, a second layer fabricated from a waterproof layer, and the first layer serves an outer surface, while the second layer is attached to the first layer and is configured to reside between the first layer and a furniture cushion.

14. The slipcover system of claim 13, wherein the second layer of each slipcover is fabricated from polyurethane laminate fabric.

15. The slipcover system of claim 14, wherein the first layer of each slipcover is fabricated from hydrophobic yarns.

16. The slipcover system of claim 15, wherein the synthetic fibers comprise polyester, polypropylene, nylon, or combinations thereof.

17. The slipcover system of claim 13, wherein the first layer of each slipcover is fabricated from waxed cotton.

18. The slipcover system of claim 13, wherein:

the first layer and the second layer of each cushion together have an elasticity, allowing the slipcover to be stretched over the respective first and second furniture cushions.

19. The slipcover system of claim 18, wherein the first layer of each slipcover is a textile formed from a plurality of yarns comprising cotton yarns and microfiber yarns.

20. The slipcover system of claim 18, wherein each slipcover defines a concave three-dimensional object having an elastic trim or a draw string to closely and removably receive the furniture cushion.