Spacer Mesh Concepts

Abstract

One aspect of an embodiment includes a cushion made up of a spacer mesh fabric core, an upper cover, made from a spacer mesh fabric having a finer mesh than the core and a bottom cover. Embodiments find use in lounge chair covers, beach mats, portable loungers, chair cushions, pillows, and tote bags.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/658,241, entitled "Spacer Mesh Concept," filed on Jun. 11, 2012. The content of that application is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The inventions relate generally to products utilizing spacer mesh fabrics.

SUMMARY

[0003] One aspect of an embodiment includes a cushion made up of a spacer mesh fabric core, an upper cover, made from a spacer mesh fabric having a finer mesh than the core and a bottom cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 is a top view of different types of spacer mesh fabric that may be used in various embodiment of the invention.

[0005] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a spacer mesh fabric.

[0006] FIG. 3A-B are perspective views of a lounge cover formed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0007] FIGS. 4A-B are perspective views of a mat formed in accordance with the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 5A-B are views of the mat of FIG. 4 in folded configurations.

[0009] FIG. 6A-B are perspective views of a portable lounger formed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0010] FIG. 7A-C is are perspective views of the removable frame of the portable lounger of FIG. 6.

[0011] FIGS. 8A-B are perspective views of a pillow formed in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.

[0012] FIGS. 9A-C are perspective views of a pillow formed in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.

[0013] FIGS. 10A-C are perspective views of a seat cushion formed in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.

[0014] FIGS. 11A-C are perspective views of a seat cushion formed in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.

[0015] FIGS. 12A-C are perspective views of several embodiments of bags formed in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a lounge cover or beach mat in a rolled up configuration.

[0017] FIG. 14 illustrates an alternate rolled up configuration.

[0018] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate embodiments of a tote bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] FIG. 1 shows different varieties of spacer mesh fabrics. Spacer mesh fabrics are typically composed of nylon or polyester and are available in a wide variety of thickness and size. As seen in FIG. 1,

[0020] FIG. 2 depicts how spacer mesh fabrics allow air and water to easily pass through.

Lounge Cover

[0021] FIGS. 3A-B show a lounge cover that utilizes the spacer mesh fabrics. The core of the lounge cover may be formed of a thick layer, "coarse"-grade of spacer mesh, while the upper cover may be formed of a thin layer, fine mesh spacer mesh fabric for greater comfort. The bottom cover surface may be made of nylon fabric or other suitable material. In an embodiment, double binding may be used to secure the layers together. A storage pocket may be provided on one end of the cover.

Beach Mat

[0022] FIGS. 4A-B show a beach mat that utilizes spacer mesh fabric. The core of the beach mat may be formed of a thick layer, "coarse"-grade of spacer mesh, while the upper cover may be formed of a thin layer, fine mesh spacer mesh fabric for greater comfort. The bottom surface of the mat may be made of nylon fabric or other suitable material. In an embodiment, double binding may be used to secure the layers together. A storage pocket may be provided on one end of the mat. As shown in FIGS. 5A-B, the mat may be configured so that it can be folded up and secured in a folded configuration. One or more handles may be provided for easy carrying.

Portable Lounger

[0023] FIGS. 6A-B show an embodiment of a portable lounger that utilizes spacer mesh fabric. The core of the portable lounger may be formed of a thick layer, "coarse"-grade of spacer mesh, while the upper cover may be formed of a thin layer, fine mesh spacer mesh fabric for greater comfort. The bottom cover surface may be made of nylon fabric or other suitable material. In an embodiment, double binding may be used to secure the layers together. A storage pocket may be provided on one end of the cover. As shown in FIGS. 7A-C, the lounger may further comprise a removable folding stand.

Pillow

[0024] FIGS. 8A-B show a pillow that utilizes spacer mesh fabric. The core of the pillow may be comprised of multiple layers of spacer mesh fabric. This core may be formed by either folding one piece of spacer mesh fabric one or more times, or by binding, laminating, or otherwise connecting multiple separate layers of spacer mesh fabric together. The cover may be formed of a thin, fine-mesh layer of spacer mesh fabric. In an embodiment, double binding may be used to secure the layers together. Straps may be provided so that the pillow can be attached to a lounger or chair. FIGS. 9A-B show a second embodiment of a pillow that further comprises a compartment for storing items such as beverages. A zipper may be used to close the compartment. In an embodiment, the compartment may be insulated.

Seat Cushion

[0025] FIGS. 10A-C show a seat cushion utilizing spacer mesh fabrics. The core of the seat cushion may be formed of a thick layer, "coarse"-grade of spacer mesh, while the upper cover may be formed of a thin layer, fine mesh spacer mesh fabric for greater comfort. The bottom surface of the mat may be made of nylon fabric or other suitable material. In an embodiment, double binding may be used to secure the layers together. A storage pocket may be provided on one end of the cushion. FIGS. 11A-B show a second embodiment that also provides cushioning for the back of a seat.

Tote Bags

[0026] FIGS. 12A-C show several embodiments of tote bags utilizing spacer mesh fabrics. The body of the bag may be formed using a thin, fine-mesh spacer mesh fabric, allowing for air and moisture to easily pass through the body of the bag. In an embodiment, double binding may be used to secure the sections of the bag together. Handles may be formed of nylon or polyester fabric or webbing or other suitable fabric.

[0027] The concepts described above may further be combined with other materials to enhance one or more desired features. For example, memory foam and/or microfiber may be used in combination with layers of spacer mesh in most if not all of the embodiments described above to take advantage of the different characteristics of the materials in combination with each other. It will be appreciated that other styles and sizes of bags may be formed from similar materials using similar principles of construction.

[0028] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a lounge cover or beach mat in a rolled up configuration. In this embodiment, snaps are provided in the handles to maintain the rolled up configuration.

[0029] FIG. 14 illustrates an alternate rolled up configuration in which a single fastener is used and handles are omitted.

[0030] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate embodiments of a tote bag similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 12A-C.

[0031] As will be appreciated, other meshes and other types of fabrics may find application consistent with the principles described herein in each of the above-described embodiments.

[0032] Although the inventions have been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what are currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the inventions are not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, are intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

Claims

1. A cushion comprising: a spacer mesh fabric core; an upper cover, comprising a spacer mesh fabric having a finer mesh than the core; and a bottom cover.

2. A cushion as in claim 1, wherein the upper cover is thinner than the core.

3. A cushion as in claim 1, wherein the bottom cover is a nylon fabric.

4. A cushion as in claim 1, wherein the core and covers are double bound.

5. A cushion as in claim 1, further comprising a pocket formed in the upper cover.

6. A cushion as in claim 1, further comprising a handle.

7. A cushion as in claim 1, wherein the cushion is configured and arranged to fold into a compact configuration.

8. A cushion as in claim 7, wherein, in the compact configuration, a pair of handles are brought into proximity to allow the cushion to be carried by a user.

9. A cushion as in claim 1, wherein the core comprises a plurality of spacer mesh fabric layers.

10. A cushion as in claim 1, wherein the cushion is adapted for use as a lounge cover.