U.S. patent application number 13/747092 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-25 for self-storable portable padding device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mark SHELLEY. Invention is credited to Mark SHELLEY.
Application Number | 20130187415 13/747092 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48794289 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130187415 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SHELLEY; Mark |
July 25, 2013 |
SELF-STORABLE PORTABLE PADDING DEVICE
Abstract
A self-storable portable padding device is provided. The padding
device comprises a member capable of providing padding, and
securing means provided at an end portion. The securing means are
structured to secure the member to a seating arrangement. The
member is structured and dimensioned to fold or roll up into a
compact state, and the securing means are able to retain the member
in the compact state. Preferably the securing means are cuffs that
span the width of the member, thereby providing pockets. The
pocket(s) envelop the top of a chair back and/or the front of a
chair seat in order to secure the padding device to the seating
arrangement.
Inventors: |
SHELLEY; Mark; (Nova Scotia,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SHELLEY; Mark |
Nova Scotia |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
48794289 |
Appl. No.: |
13/747092 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/183.1 ;
297/219.1; 297/228.11; 297/228.12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/021 20130101;
A47C 7/0213 20180801; A47C 20/02 20130101; A47C 31/11 20130101;
A47C 7/425 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/183.1 ;
297/219.1; 297/228.12; 297/228.11 |
International
Class: |
A47C 20/02 20060101
A47C020/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 20, 2012 |
CA |
2764554 |
Claims
1. A self-storable portable padding device comprising: a pliable
padding member having first and second sides, a top end and a
bottom end that define a front face and a back face; securing means
on at least one end portion of the padding member, structured to
secure at least a portion of the padding member to a seat; wherein
the padding member is structured and dimensioned to fold or roll up
into a compact state, and the securing means are structured to
retain the padding member in the compact state.
2. The padding device according to claim 1, wherein the securing
means comprises a strap that extends from the first side to the
second side across the width of the top end and/or the bottom
end.
3. The padding device according to claim 1, wherein the securing
means comprises straps extending from each side of at least one end
portion of the padding device, the straps when fasten together and
span the width of the top end and/or the bottom end.
4. The padding device according to claim 3, wherein the free end of
each of the straps comprise fastener means to allow the straps to
fasten together.
5. The padding device according to claim 4, wherein the fastener
means are selected from the group consisting of a button, a snap, a
buckle and a hook and loop fastener.
6. The padding device according to claim 1, wherein the securing
means comprises a flap attached to the top end and/or the bottom
end of the padding member to produce a pocket on the back face of
the padding member, the pocket defining a space dimensioned to
secure the padding device to a seat and/or to receive the padding
device and retain it in the compact state.
7. The padding device according to claim 6, wherein the flap
attaches to the edges of the first and second sides, and the top
end and/or the bottom end to produce the pocket.
8. The padding device according to claim 6, wherein the flap
attaches to the back face of the top end and/or the bottom end to
produce the pocket.
9. The padding device according to claim 6, wherein the pocket is
on the back face of the padding member.
10. The padding device according to claim 6, wherein the free edge
of the pocket is elasticized.
11. The padding device according to claim 1, wherein the padding
member is partitioned into at least two sections.
12. The padding device according to claim 11, wherein the at least
two sections are different sizes.
13. The padding device according to claim 1, further comprising a
gripping member on at least a portion of the back face of the
padding member.
14. The padding device according to claim 13, where the gripping
member is on at least a portion of a top end or the bottom end of
the padding member.
15. The padding device according to claim 13, wherein the gripping
member is comprised of rubber or non-slip paint.
16. The padding device according to claim 13, wherein the gripping
member is in the shape of a strip, sheet, dimple, circle, square or
a combination thereof.
17. The padding device according to claim 1, wherein the padding
member comprises a cover filled with padding material.
18. The padding device according to claim 17, wherein the padding
material is foam, memory foam, down, polymers, polymer gels or a
combination thereof.
19. The padding device according to claim 1, wherein the padding
member comprises a cover made of an airtight material, and is water
resistant and/or waterproof.
20. The padding device according to claim 19, wherein the cover is
inflated with a fluid.
21. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a handle on
the top end and/or the bottom end.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an article that provides
comfort to a user. In particular, the present invention relates to
a collapsible, self-storable, portable padding device, which can be
used to increase seating comfort.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] When attending various functions and events, and while
travelling, people are often required to sit in uncomfortable
seating conditions. For example, the seating options at such
functions as sporting events, the theatre and concerts typically
consist of benches or hard plastic chairs, often of the folding
variety. Similarly, when attending a child's play or recital in
e.g. a school auditorium, the only seating option often available
is often a hard molded plastic chair. These seating options often
have little to no inherent padding, which provides minimal comfort
to the user. The discomfort realized with such seating conditions
is typically exacerbated over time.
[0003] Travelling excursions, such as those in planes, trains and
motor vehicles, also present seating conditions that become
uncomfortable over time. Although the seats in these types of
vehicles are typically padded to some degree, the padding may
become worn with use. Additionally, extended periods spent seated
in these vehicles during long excursions tends to compress the
inherent padding in the seat, thereby minimizing the provided
comfort.
[0004] Easily addressing the discomfort found with such seating
conditions is often difficult, or at the very least, poses some
challenges. A blanket, towel or the like, preferably when folded,
would provide additional padding if placed on the seat of a chair.
Alternatively, a pillow or a cushion would also provide additional
padding when used in a likewise manner. However, these options are
often cumbersome, which hinders their portability and limits their
use in such a role. Also, standard blankets, pillows and the like
are not able to be secured to a seating arrangement, allowing for
the potential of the additional padding and/or the user to slide
off the seat.
[0005] There have been attempts in the prior art to devise a
padding device that is compact and portable, and that can be used
to mitigate some of the discomfort associated with the described
seating conditions. Some examples are identified below.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 7,591,033 discloses a compact self-storing
seating comfort article, which comprises a blanket and an attached
seat pad that may be easily folded or rolled into an attached
reversible pouch for transportation or storage without the need for
or use of zippers, snaps or straps.
[0007] U.S. Design Patent No. 376,689 discloses a combination
chaise cushion and carry bag, which comprises a segmented cushion
attached to a carry bag. The segmented cushion is structured such
that it can be folded up and stored in the carry bag.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,125 discloses a self-contained
multipurpose comfort device, which comprises a rectangular body
portion having two pocket members disposed one on each surface
thereof. At least one pocket member serves to store the folded
comfort device, and may optionally also receive a pad.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,288 discloses a lounge chair cover,
comprising an elongated panel of fabric having end flaps secured to
the panel to define inwardly directed pockets. The pockets are
dimensioned to be inserted over the ends of a standard lounge chair
in order to secure the cover over the chair.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,654 discloses a back and lumbar support,
which comprises a strip of flexible material. The strip has a
pocket for mounting an upper end of the strip on an upper part of a
chair back, which holds the strip to the back and seat portion of
the chair. The strip preferably has a foam backing.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,605 discloses a combined tote bag and
seat cushion, which comprises a pair of cushions joined to each
other by a fabric hinge. A fabric panel is affixed to one of the
cushions and forms a pocket, which is used to secure the cushion
onto the seatback of a chair.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,225 discloses a towel adapted to remain
on a chair. The towel comprises a pouch at an upper end thereof,
which is used to secure the towel to a chair by enveloping the
upper portion of the chair seatback. Additionally, for storage
purposes when not in use, the towel is repeatedly folded lengthwise
about lateral creases, and finally is tucked into the pouch.
[0013] United States Patent Publication No. 2011/0198895 discloses
a portable beach chair cover. The beach chair cover comprises a
rectangular shaped fabric having a slip-over pouch at the upper end
thereof. The slip-over pouch slides over the upper portion of a
beach or lounge chair. The lower end of the cover can have ties or
other affixing means to secure the cover to the lower end portion
of a chair. The beach chair cover can be folded up into the
slip-over pouch for portable storage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] According to one embodiment, there is provided a
self-storable portable padding device, comprising a member capable
of providing padding; securing means provided at an end portion,
structured to secure the member to a seating arrangement; wherein
the member is structured and dimensioned to fold or roll up into a
compact state, and the securing means are able to retain the member
in the compact state.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the securing means are cuffs that
span the width of the member, thereby providing pockets. The
securing means or pocket(s) envelop the top of a chair back and/or
the front of a chair seat in order to secure the padding device to
the seating arrangement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The self-storable portable padding device will be described
in more detail having regard to the drawings in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the
self-storable portable padding device;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a top view of the front side of an embodiment of
the self-storable portable padding device shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the
self-storable portable padding device shown in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the self-storable
portable padding device shown in FIG. 1; and
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
self-storable portable padding device shown in FIG. 1, rolled up
into a compact portable position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] A better understanding of the present invention and its
objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in
this art from the following detailed description, wherein there are
described preferred embodiments of the invention. As will be
realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various
obvious respects, all without departing from the scope and spirit
of the invention. Accordingly, the description should be regarded
as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
[0023] The collapsible, self-storable, portable padding device 1 is
generally an elongated cushion, which is ideally used whenever
seating comfort needs to be increased. The padding device is
designed and dimensioned to be inherently collapsible, such that it
can be rolled up to a compact size, and preferably secured in a
self-contained manner, such as by insertion into a pocket. The
padding device 1 can be used in a variety of ways, such as by
affixing it to the back and/or seat of a chair. Additionally, it
can be laid flat on a bench or the ground.
[0024] An embodiment of the padding device 1 can be seen in FIG. 1.
In this embodiment, the padding device 1 is substantially
rectangular in shape purposed to correspond with a standard folding
chair, and comprises a cover filled with padding material, such as
foam, memory foam, down, polymers such as polymer gels or the like.
Preferably the padding material is pliable and/or resilient, which
allows the padding device 1 to be collapsed by rolling and/or
folding.
[0025] The shape and dimensions of the padding device 1 are not
limiting, and can be modified as necessary to fit the dimensions of
standard or desired seating arrangements. A non-limiting list of
contemplated seating arrangements includes folding chairs, molded
chairs, stacking chairs, car seats, airplane seats, etc.
[0026] In one embodiment, the cover of the padding device 1 (and
the padding itself) is unitary in nature (not shown), such as a
single piece of foam. However, in another embodiment, the padding
device 1 is partially or fully articulated, such as by the
introduction of seams 4 into the padding device cover 1.
Partitioning of the padding device 1 facilitates folding and/or
rolling, such as when the padding device 1 is collapsed for
storage, as well as when the padding device 1 is manipulated to
conform to a seating arrangement. The number of partitions should
not be considered limiting, however, it is preferable that the
padding device 1 is partitioned into at least two distinct sections
to aid in the collapsing and folding thereof. For example, FIGS. 1
to 4 illustrate a padding device 1 that has been partitioned into
four distinct sections, including two end portions 2 and a middle
portion 3 (which comprises multiple sections).
[0027] Often the back and seat portions of seating arrangements are
not equivalent in size, which preferably is reflected in the
dimensions and shape of the padding device 1. In other words, the
padding device 1, by virtue of its partitioning, will not always be
symmetrical, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. Rather, in this
illustrated embodiment, which has been designed for a seating
arrangement that has a longer back than seat, the padding device 1
has been partitioned, by way of seams, into four distinct segments.
One end portion 2 and a section of the middle portion 3 form the
smaller seat portion 7, whereas the opposing end portion 2 and the
remaining part of the middle portion 3 form the longer back portion
8. With such partitioning, the padding device 1 is able to easily
flex and snugly conform to the intended seating arrangement.
[0028] The modes of partitioning the padding device 1 are not
particularly limiting. For example, as illustrated in the Figures,
the padding device 1 may comprise seams, stitched or otherwise,
that completely or partially occlude each section. Alternatively,
the sections of the padding device 1 may be delineated by
depressions or indentations in the padding cover, thereby leaving
the internal portion of the padding device 1, i.e. each of the
sections, in internal communication with each other. This latter
embodiment may be preferable from a manufacturing perspective or in
such embodiments where, for example, the padding device 1 is
inflated with a fluid, such as air.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the padding device comprises
attachment/securing means 5 on at least one of the end portions 2.
For some seating arrangements it would be difficult to secure the
padding device 1 to either the back or seat thereof, so it is
contemplated that some embodiments will have attachment/securing
means on only one end portion 2. The attachment/securing means 5
can take a variety of forms, such as for example a single strap
that spans the width of an end portion 2; a plurality of smaller
straps that together span the width of an end portion 2, and attach
together by way of a button, a snap, hook and loop fastening means
or the like; and a cuff, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, which
spans the width of the end portion 2 and extends up to the end of
the padding device 1 to form a pocket 6. A cuff 5 preferably
attaches to the padding device 1 along its perimeter, and spans the
top and some or all of the side of the end portion 2, as
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The padding device 1 and the free end
of the cuff 5 define the opening to the pocket 6.
[0030] The attachment/securing means 5 are capable of providing at
least two distinct functions. When the padding device 1 is to be
used on a seating arrangement such as, for example, a folding
chair, the attachment/securing means 5 affixes the padding device 1
to the chair. An example will be discussed with reference to the
embodiment of the padding device 1 illustrated in the Figures,
where the attachment/securing means takes the form of cuffs 5 on
each end portion 2. In this embodiment, the cuff 5 from the back
portion 8 of the padding device 1 is slid over the upper portion of
the back of a folding chair, until the upper portion of the back of
the folding chair is fully enveloped by the pocket 6. The cuff 5
from the opposing seat portion 7 is likewise slid over the front
portion of the seat of the folding chair. The padding device 1
flexes and bends at the middle seam to fit the form of the chair.
This provides for a snug attachment of the padding device 1 to, in
this case, a folding chair.
[0031] Furthermore, when the padding device 1 is no longer required
or is to be transported, it is collapsed, folded and/or rolled up.
It can be secured in this state by use of the attachment/securing
means 5. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the collapsed padding
device 1 can be tucked into one of the pockets 6 created by the
cuff 5, thereby retaining the padding device 1 in its compact state
for storage or transport. A similar type of retention can be
attained when the attachment/securing means 5 are straps.
[0032] According to another embodiment, the sections of the padding
device 1 are manufactured individually, and are attached together
in a linear fashion by way of hinges. Preferably the hinges are
made of a pliable material, such as fabric.
[0033] According to another embodiment, the cover of the padding
device 1 is made from a substantially air tight material, and the
padding device itself is inflatable, such as with a fluid, e.g. air
or water. This embodiment would be more amenable to such
environments as pools or beaches, where the padding device 1 could
be used on, e.g. beach chairs, lounge chairs or sand. Similarly, in
a further embodiment, the padding device 1 is made of a water
resistant and/or waterproof material. When used outside at, e.g.
sporting events or the beach, the padding device 1 will be
potentially exposed to water, and often the elements in general.
Using water resistant and/or waterproof material will extend the
life of the padding device and make it easier to clean and
maintain.
[0034] In a further embodiment, the padding device 1 comprises at
least one handle (not shown), which can be used to carry and
transport the padding device, e.g. when it is in its compact and
stored state (see FIG. 5). Preferably, the handles are made of the
same or similar material as the remainder of the padding device 1,
such as fabric or a water resistant material. Optionally, the at
least one handle is located at the outer end of an end portion 2.
In this location, at least one handle will be accessible when the
padding device is in its compact and stored state (see FIG. 5).
[0035] In one embodiment, the padding device 1 is outfitted with at
least one gripping member (not shown) that aids in preventing or
minimizing slipping of the padding device 1 when mounted to a
seating arrangement. Preferably, the at least one gripping member
is located on the underside of the padding device 1, i.e. the side
of the padding device that will contact the seating arrangement. In
one embodiment, the gripping member is located on only a portion of
the padding device 1, e.g. half of the padding device 1. For
example, covering only a portion of the padding device 1, such as
covering the seat portion 7 or the back portion 8, would provide
gripping ability to the portion of the padding device 1 that
communicates with either the seat or the back of the seating
arrangement, respectively. In another embodiment, the gripping
member spans substantially the length of the padding device 1, such
that when the padding device 1 is mounted to a seating arrangement,
a gripping member-seating arrangement interface is provided at both
the seat portion 7 and the back portion 8.
[0036] The gripping member preferably has gripping capabilities and
ideally minimizes slipping between the padding device I and any
surface on which it is placed. Such materials would be well known
to one of skill in the art, and, for example, may comprise rubber
or other polymers. Furthermore, the gripping member may take the
form of at least one strip, sheet, dimple, circle, or any other
shape, placed on the padding device 1. The gripping member may also
comprise non-slip paint, which would allow for an endless array of
designs, patterns, text and the like on the padding device 1.
[0037] According to one embodiment, the free end of one or both
cuffs 5 are elasticized. Elasticizing the free end of one or both
cuffs 5 will provide for a snug fit when the pockets 6 are secured
over at least one of the top of a chair back or the front of a
chair seat. In addition, when the padding device 1 is collapsed and
stored inside one of the pockets 6, having an elasticized cuff 5
will help to capably retain it therein.
* * * * *