U.S. patent application number 14/959584 was filed with the patent office on 2017-06-08 for protective cover with retention straps.
The applicant listed for this patent is GREEN POINT DECOR, LLC. Invention is credited to Evan Markowitz.
Application Number | 20170156509 14/959584 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57324057 |
Filed Date | 2017-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170156509 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Markowitz; Evan |
June 8, 2017 |
PROTECTIVE COVER WITH RETENTION STRAPS
Abstract
Disclosed herein is an anti-slip protective cover used to
protect the outer surface of a furniture article. The anti-slip
protective cover includes a first layer formed of a protective
material and a second layer formed of an anti-slip material. The
cover also includes a retention tie connected to at least one of
the first layer or the second layer. The retention tie is operable
to extend around a first portion of the furniture article such that
the retention tie operably anchors the first layer and the second
layer to the furniture article. The retention tie is attached to at
least one of the first layer or the second layer such that the
anti-slip material of the second layer is held against the first
portion of the furniture article such that the friction between the
anti-slip material and the furniture article limits relative
movement between the cover and the furniture article.
Inventors: |
Markowitz; Evan; (Brooklyn,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GREEN POINT DECOR, LLC |
Mount Kisco |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57324057 |
Appl. No.: |
14/959584 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 31/10 20130101;
A47C 31/113 20130101; B60N 2/6018 20130101; A47C 31/11 20130101;
B60N 2/58 20130101; B60N 2/609 20130101; B60N 2/60 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47C 31/11 20060101
A47C031/11 |
Claims
1. An anti-slip protective cover for protecting a furniture
article, comprising: a layer formed of a protective material or an
anti-slip material, with the layer having a plurality of different
panels extending in separate directions from a central region with
the central region operable to extend over a seat portion and the
different panels operable to extend over a back portion, and arm
portions of a chair or couch; and a retention tie connected to the
layer with the retention tie sufficiently long to extend around one
or more seat cushions forming a part of the furniture article such
that the retention tie operably anchors the layer to the one or
more seat cushions.
2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the retention tie is attached to
the layer such that an anti-slip material is held against the one
or more seat cushions such that the friction between the anti-slip
material and the seat cushions limits relative movement between the
layer and the seat cushions
3. The cover of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
retention ties.
4. The cover of claim 3, wherein at least some of the plurality of
retention ties extend transversely across a portion of the central
region such that at least one of the plurality of retention ties is
operable to extend around a first seat cushion with another one of
the plurality of retention ties being operable to extend around a
second seat cushion.
5. The cover of claim 3, wherein at least some of the plurality of
retention ties extend latterly across a portion of the central
region extending around one or more seat cushions.
6. The cover of claim 3, wherein at least one retention tie of the
plurality of retention ties extends across a portion of the central
region in a direction different than a second retention tie of the
plurality of retention ties such that the separate retention ties
cross one another.
7. The cover of claim 1, wherein a second retention tie is
configured to extend around a back rest of the furniture article,
such that the cover operable to be anchored to the back rest and
the one or more seat cushions.
8. The cover of claim 1, wherein the retention tie is elastic with
sufficient length to stretch around the one or more cushions, with
the retention tie connected to the cover at opposite ends of the
central portion in a transverse or lateral direction ends.
9. The cover of claim 1, wherein the retention tie is a strap.
10. The cover of claim 1, wherein a portion of the retention tie is
detachable by hand from the cover.
11. The cover of claim 10, wherein the retention tie is detachably
connected to the cover by a fastener engaged with a loop on a strap
portion.
12. The cover of claim 11, wherein the fastener includes a hook
portion on one portion of the retention tie operable to engage a
loop portion on another portion of the retention strap.
13. The cover of claim 11, wherein each end of the retention tie
includes a fastener such that the portion of the retention tie that
is removable from the cover is a middle portion of the retention
tie.
14. The cover of claim 1, wherein the retention tie is adjustable
in length to fit around different sizes and lengths of
cushions.
15. The cover of claim 1, further comprising a retention loop
positioned on the second panel with the retention tie being
positioned relative to the retention loop to enable the retention
tie to pass through the retention loop when the retention tie is
extended around the one or more seat cushions thereby enabling the
retention loops to bias the layer toward the one or more cushions
by anchoring the layer to the retention tie at a location different
than the connection location.
16. An anti-slip protective cover for protecting a furniture
article, comprising: a layer having a peripheral region surrounding
an interior portion and a plurality of different panels extending
in separate directions from a central region with the central
region operable to extend over a seat portion and the different
panels operable to extend over a back portion, and arm portions of
a chair or couch; and a plurality of retention ties connected to
the layer with at least a first retention tie of the plurality of
retention ties extending across a portion of the central region in
a direction different than a second retention tie of the plurality
of retention ties such that the first and second retention ties
cross one another.
17. The cover of claim 16, wherein the plurality of retention ties
are sufficiently long to extend around one or more seat cushions
forming a part of the furniture article such that the retention
ties operably anchor the cover to the one or more seat
cushions.
18. The cover of claim 16, wherein the retention ties are attached
to the layer such that an anti-slip material is held against the
one or more seat cushions causing the friction between the
anti-slip material and the seat cushions limits relative movement
between the layer and the seat cushions
19. The cover of claim 16, wherein the connection is a connective
material that is arranged in intervals extending across a portion
of the interior portion of the anti-slip material and the
protective material.
20. The cover of claim 19, wherein the connections extend from a
first portion of the peripheral region to a second portion of the
peripheral region with the connections traversing the interior
portions in two different directions.
21. An anti-slip protective cover for protecting a furniture
article, comprising: a first layer formed of a protective material,
with the protective material having a peripheral region surrounding
an interior portion; a second layer formed of an anti-slip
material, with the anti-slip material having a peripheral region
surrounding an interior portion; and a retention tie connected to
at least one of the first layer or the second layer with the
retention tie operable to bias the anti-slip material against a
portion of the furniture article increasing the friction between
the anti-slip material and the furniture article to limit relative
movement between the cover and the furniture article.
22. An anti-slip protective cover for protecting a furniture
article, comprising a layer of material that comprises: a seat
panel operable to extend over a seat portion of the furniture
article; a second panel extending from the seat panel and operable
to extend over front and back sides of another portion of the
furniture article; a retention loop positioned on the second panel;
and a retention tie connected to the second panel at a connection
location so that the retention tie is operable to extend around the
other portion of the furniture article and bias the second panel
toward the other portion of the furniture article at the connection
location, wherein the retention tie is positioned relative to the
retention loop to enable the retention tie to pass through the
retention loop when the retention tie is extended around the other
portion of the furniture article thereby enabling the retention
loops to bias the second panel toward the other portion of the
furniture article by anchoring the second panel to the retention
tie at a location different than the connection location.
23. The anti-slip protective cover of claim 22, wherein the
retention tie is connected to the second panel at a plurality of
connection locations.
24. The anti-slip protective cover of claim 22, wherein the
connection locations are disposed near lateral edges of the second
panel.
25. The anti-slip protective cover of claim 22, wherein the
connection location is displaced closer to the seat panel than the
loop and is spaced from the loop sufficiently to be located on an
opposite side of the furniture article from the loop when the
second panel is extended over and around the other furniture
article.
26. The anti-slip protective cover of claim 22, wherein the
retention loop comprises a plurality of retention loops.
27. The anti-slip protective cover of claim 23, wherein the
retention loops are positioned proximal to opposing lateral edges
of the second panel.
28. The anti-slip protective cover of claim 22, wherein the
furniture article is a chair or couch.
29. The anti-slip protective cover of claim 28, wherein the second
panel is a back panel and the other portion is the back rest of the
chair or couch.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/715,388 filed on May 18, 2015 and entitled "Anti-Slip
Protective Cover," which is hereby incorporated by reference herein
in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Disclosed herein are furniture protectors and, more
particularly, furniture protectors having retention straps.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Typical furniture articles including couches, chairs, or the
like encounter high usage, causing wear and tear. These furniture
articles benefit from the use of surface protection to extend their
lives by reducing the wear and tear directly to the furniture
themselves. In addition, most of these furniture articles are
further benefited by the use of a movement reduction element that
helps hold the surface protection in place so that the maximum
benefit from the surface protection can be achieved.
[0004] Numerous different forms of movement reduction elements are
used in the furniture protective cover industry. For example, high
friction material is sometimes used as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,809,595 or 7,159,257. For example, flaps are sometimes
incorporated into the surface protection. The flaps are appendages
that extend from the surface protection to be tucked between
cushions or the like. The pressure on the flaps between the
cushions resists the movement of the surface protection when in
use. These flaps may be located behind the seat cushion, or under
the seat cushion. Examples of this are discussed in U.S. Pat. No.
7,431,394.
[0005] A suitable solution to overcome slippage problems in the
furniture protective cover industry has not been provided.
Specifically, a light-weight protective cover with an anti-slip
material and/or retention straps that allows the cover to drape in
an aesthetic manner over a furniture article. It is desirable that
the solution does not significantly alter the flexibility or
usability of the protective cover while at the same time it
securely retains the cover on the furniture article.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to the present invention there is provided
furniture protectors having retention straps for securing the
protector to the furniture.
[0007] The anti-slip protective cover may be suitable for use with
various furniture articles, such as couches, loveseats, chairs,
ottomans, or the like. The anti-slip protective cover protects the
outer surface of furniture. In accordance with various embodiments,
the anti-slip protective cover includes a first layer formed of a
protective material and a second layer formed of an anti-slip
material. The cover also includes a retention tie connected to at
least one of the first layer or the second layer. The retention tie
is operable to extend around a first portion of the furniture
article such that the retention tie operably anchors the first
layer and the second layer to the furniture article. The retention
tie is attached to at least one of the first layer or the second
layer such that the anti-slip material of the second layer is held
against the first portion of the furniture article such that the
friction between the anti-slip material and the furniture article
limits relative movement between the cover and the furniture
article.
[0008] In accordance with various embodiments, the cover may also
include a plurality of retention ties. At least some of the
plurality of retention ties may extend transversely across a
portion of the central region such that at least one of the
plurality of retention ties is operable to extend around a first
seat cushion with another one of the plurality of retention ties
being operable to extend around a second seat cushion. At least
some of the plurality of retention ties may extend latterly across
a portion of the central region extending around one or more seat
cushions. At least one retention tie of the plurality of retention
ties may extend across a portion of the central region in a
direction different than a second retention tie of the plurality of
retention ties such that the separate retention ties cross one
another. A second retention tie may be configured to extend around
a back rest of the furniture article, such that the cover operable
to be anchored to the back rest and the one or more seat
cushions.
[0009] In accordance with various embodiments, the retention tie is
elastic with sufficient length to stretch around the one or more
cushions. The retention tie may be connected to the cover at
opposite ends of the central portion in a transverse or lateral
direction ends. The retention tie may be a strap. A portion of the
retention tie may be detachable by hand from the cover. The
retention tie may be detachably connected to the cover by a
fastener engaged with a loop on a strap portion. The fastener
includes a hook portion on one portion of the retention tie
operable to engage a loop portion on another portion of the
retention strap. Each end of the retention tie may include a
fastener such that the portion of the retention tie that is
removable from the cover is a middle portion of the retention tie.
The retention tie is adjustable in length to fit around different
sizes and lengths of cushions.
[0010] In accordance with various embodiments, the anti-slip
protective cover includes a layer having a peripheral region
surrounding an interior portion and a plurality of different panels
extending in separate directions from a central region with the
central region operable to extend over a seat portion. The
different panels are operable to extend over a back portion, and
arm portions of a chair or couch. The cover includes a plurality of
retention ties connected to the layer with at least a first
retention tie of the plurality of retention ties extending across a
portion of the central region in a direction different than a
second retention tie of the plurality of retention ties such that
the first and second retention ties cross one another.
[0011] In accordance various embodiments, the plurality of
retention ties are sufficiently long to extend around one or more
seat cushions forming a part of the furniture article such that the
retention ties operably anchor the cover to the one or more seat
cushions. The retention ties are attached to the layer such that an
anti-slip material is held against the one or more seat cushions
causing the friction between the anti-slip material and the seat
cushions limits relative movement between the layer and the seat
cushions. The connection is a connective material that is arranged
in intervals extending across a portion of the interior portion of
the anti-slip material and the protective material.
[0012] In accordance with various embodiments, the anti-slip
protective cover includes a first layer formed of a protective
material and a second layer formed of an anti-slip material having
a peripheral region surrounding an interior portion. The cover may
also include a second layer formed of an anti-slip material. The
anti-slip material may have a peripheral region surrounding an
interior portion. The cover may also include a retention tie
connected to at least one of the first layer or the second layer.
The retention tie may operable to bias the anti-slip material
against a portion of the furniture article increasing the friction
between the anti-slip material and the furniture article to limit
relative movement between the cover and the furniture article.
[0013] Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in
the description that follows, and will become apparent to those
skilled in the art upon examination of the specification or may be
learned by the practice of the disclosed subject matter. A further
understanding of the nature and advantages of the present
disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions
of the specification and the drawings, which forms a part of this
disclosure. One of skill in the art will understand that each of
the various aspects and features of the disclosure may
advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in
combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in
other instances.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The description will be more fully understood with reference
to the following figures, which are presented as various
embodiments of the disclosure and should not be construed as a
complete recitation of the scope of the disclosure, characterized
in that:
[0015] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a furniture article
with protective cover thereon in accordance with various
embodiments;
[0016] FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of a furniture article
with protective cover thereon in accordance with various
embodiments;
[0017] FIG. 1C is a front perspective view of a furniture article
showing retention straps fastened to the cushions of the furniture
article;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a top view of a protective cover in accordance
with various embodiments;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a protective cover in accordance
with various embodiments;
[0020] FIGS. 4A-E are bottom views of various protective covers
illustrating connecting-material arrangements; and
[0021] FIG. 5 is a cross section view taken along section line 5-5
shown in FIG. 4D.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The subject matter of the disclosure herein may be described
and implemented in various configurations and embodiments, and some
particular embodiments may be described for purposes of explanation
and illustration. It is to be understood, however, that other
embodiments are within the scope of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a furniture
article 5 with and embodiment of a protective cover 10 thereon in
accordance with various embodiments. As shown, the protective cover
10 may be drapable over a furniture article 5 such that the
frequently used areas of the furniture article 5 are covered by the
protective cover 10, thereby reducing wear and tear on the
furniture article. For example, the protective cover 10 may extend
over one or more of the seat, leg area (as used herein the leg area
also reference generally to any draped portion that could extend
down from the main panel in the absence of other features like
legs, arms, or a back on the furniture), arms, or back of the
furniture article 5. Areas of coverage may also or instead be
selected for changing their appearance or texture.
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 2, the protective cover 10 may have
one or more panels to cover the various portions of the furniture
article 5. For example, the protective cover 10 may have a seat
panel 12 positioned to cover the seat portion of the furniture
article 5. The protective cover 10 may have a back panel 18
positioned to cover the back portion of the furniture article 5.
The protective cover 10 may have a leg panel 14 positioned to cover
the lower portion of the furniture article 5 on which legs may
contact and apply wear and tear. The protective cover 10 may have
one or more arm panels 16a, 16b positioned to cover the arm portion
of the furniture article 5.
[0025] Each panel of the protective cover 10 can be made of a
separate panel sewn to one or more of the other panels or each
panel can be a part of a larger fabric panel forming the main
portion of the protective cover (e.g., the seat panel 12). As
illustrated in the examples below, a single fabric panel of
continuous weave can include two furniture portion panels, such as
the seat and leg panels; or alternatively, these can be made of
panels of continuous weave, connected together such as by sewing or
other suitable method. Additionally, each furniture panel can be
made of a single manufactured panel or of multiple, independently
manufactured panels that are attached to each other.
[0026] In accordance with various embodiments, and shown in FIGS. 2
and 3, the protective cover 5 may have a central panel. The central
panel, depending on size or orientation, may be configured and
operable as any of the above mentioned panels. In one example, the
central panel may be the seat panel 12. One or more panels may
extend from the central panel either laterally (e.g., arm to arm)
or transversely (e.g., foot to back). For example, a back panel 18
may extend transversely from one edge of the seat panel 12. The
back panel 18 and the seat panel 12 may be connected along a
connecting seam 34. In one example, a leg panel 14 may extend along
one side of the seat panel. The leg panel may also be connected to
the seat panel 12 along connecting seam 34 or may be a contiguous
portion of the seat panel 12. In another example, arm panels 16a,
16b may extend laterally from the seat panel 12. These arm panels
16a and 16b may likewise be connected along a seam 34 on each
lateral end of the seat portion.
[0027] In various embodiments, one or more of the back panel 18,
the leg panel 12, or the arm panels 16a, 16b may form a contiguous
portion of the seat panel 12. In such embodiments, the cover may be
sufficiently sized to extend over the back of furniture article 5,
over the seat of furniture article 5 toward the floor, and/or
laterally over the arms. Any one of the panels may extend any
suitable length to provide a desired level of coverage of its
corresponding furniture portion. For example, the seat panel or the
main panel may extend about 80%, 90%, or 100% over the main area of
the furniture (e.g., the seat of a chair or the table top of a
table). Likewise the tertiary panels, e.g., the arm panels, the leg
panels, or the back panels, if present, may extend between 10-100%
over their respective areas of the furniture. For example, the leg
panel 12 may extend to a desired length relative to the floor or
down from the seat portion. For example, the leg panel may end
approximately 8'' from the floor. Alternatively, the leg panel 12
may extend all the way to the floor. In various embodiments, the
protective cover may be limited to extending over one or two
elements of the future article such as the seat portion and
armrest, the seat portion and the backrest, the seat portion and
the leg portion, or any other combination of furniture article
elements. In various embodiments, the protective cover may extend
over three or more of the elements in any combination. In various
embodiments, the protective cover may extend over all wear and tear
surfaces of the furniture article such as the backrest, the
armrests, and the seat. The protective cover may include a draped
portion extending down from the main panel (e.g., the seat
portion).
[0028] In the furniture industry, furniture articles are made in a
variety of sizes. For example, common configurations include chair,
loveseat, and sofa size furniture articles. The protective cover as
disclosed herein, however, may be applicable to varied types of
furniture of different sizes, including tables, counters, benches,
or the like. However, as way of example, it may be noted that for
typical furniture, the protective cover may typically have a
transverse width of about 75 inches and a lateral width L (as shown
in FIG. 2) of about 65 inches to 120 inches, with chair sizes being
closer to the 65 inch side of the range and couches being closer to
the 120 inch side of the range, with loveseats being between.
However, the furniture may be any width.
[0029] Each protective cover 10 may have a peripheral region 11
(also referred to as the periphery 11) and an interior portion 13,
surrounded by the peripheral region 11. The peripheral edge 11 may
be that portion of the protective cover 10 that is proximal to the
peripheral region. The interior portion 13 may be the portion of
the protective cover 10 that lies within the peripheral edge 11. In
one example, the peripheral edge 11 may be considered the portion
of the protective cover 10 having a finished edge 32 wherein the
protective material 20 is folded back on itself along the
peripheral region. The interior portion 13 may be areas of the
protective cover 10 central to this feature.
[0030] In accordance with various embodiments, the protective cover
10 may be configured such that slippage on the furniture article 5
is minimized. As shown in FIG. 3, depicting a bottom view of a
protective cover 10, the protective cover 10 may include a top
layer 20 and a bottom layer 30 of material. The top layer 20 and
the bottom layer 30 may be connected to one another at their
respective peripheries 11 and/or their interiors 13. Such
connections are discussed in more detail below.
[0031] In accordance with various embodiments, the top layer 20 or
the cover layer may be the layer in direct contact with the user of
the protective cover 10. This top layer 20 may be a protective
material that may be operable to reduce the wear and tear discussed
above. This protective material may have characteristics that
provide equal to or greater protection or wear resistance as
compared to the furniture material itself. However, in some
embodiments, the protective material may have relatively weak
protective or wear resistance characteristics but may still serve
as a sacrificial layer for the furniture. Regardless of the
heightened or lowered protective qualities of the top layer it may
be referred to herein as a protective layer. This protective
material is also shown for example in FIGS. 1A and 2. For example,
the material may be made from a micro-suede product. Such a
material may be knitted from 75 D.times.T225 D sea island
filaments. Other materials may be used, however, such as natural
materials (e.g., leathers, cottons, linins etc.) or synthetic
materials (e.g., acetate, acrylic, nylon, polyester, rayon, etc.)
These materials may be woven, knitted, non-woven, or a hybrid. For
example, a natural material may be a polycotton blend or a
synthetic material may be a polyrayon blend. Any hybrids or
non-hybrids may be used.
[0032] Another layer 30 may be formed by an anti-slip material. The
anti-slip material 30 may extend over a sufficient portion of the
protective material 20 such that the movement of the protective
cover 10 (over/across the surface of) the furniture article 5 is
minimized. By increasing the coverage of the anti-slip material 30
relative to the protective material 20, the likelihood that
pressure from a user of the protective cover 10 will force the
anti-slip material 30 against the surface of the furniture article
5 and resist or stop sliding these between increases. In accordance
with various embodiments, the anti-slip material 30 may extend over
more than 1/4 of the protective material. In some embodiments, the
anti-slip material 30 may extend over more than half of the
protective material 20. In some embodiments, the anti-slip material
30 may extend over between 50% and 95% of the protective material
20. In various embodiments, the anti-slip material 30 may be
substantially co-extensive with the protective material 20.
[0033] The anti-slip material 30 may have a suitably high
coefficient of friction to minimize sliding of the protective cover
10. For example, the anti-slip material 30 on the surface of
furniture article 5 particularly has a coefficient of friction that
is significantly greater than the protective material 20 on the
surface of the same furniture article 5. To achieve this or a
similar desired coefficient of friction increases, a variety of
materials can be used. The anti-slip material 30 may be made from
any of a variety of polymers, fabrics (natural or synthetic), and
composites of the two or other materials offering anti-slip
properties. For example, a mesh material may be formed via a
polymer or polymer fabric mesh and then sewn to the protective
cover 10. In one example, the anti-slip material 30 may be made
from a polymer-coated mesh fabric. In one example, the polymer may
be a polyvinyl chloride (pvc) coating that coats a fabric such as a
polyester mesh. In another example, the polymer may be an
acrylonitrile-styrene resin that coats the same or similar type
mesh fabric. However, it may be noted that any anti-slip material
may be used to form the bottom layer 30. Other materials may
include silicones, rubbers, polymers, other artificial materials or
natural fibers. In one example, a mesh of adhesive may be formed by
designing the mesh with an adhesive and then allowing it to dry.
The dried adhesive may then form the anti-slip layer and be sewn to
the protective layer forming the protective cover.
[0034] The cover 10 may be held in position on the furniture
article 5 in a variety of manners. For example, the anti-slip layer
30 provides friction to limit movement of the cover 10 relative to
the furniture article 5. In another example, one or more retention
ties (e.g., 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a, or 68a) are connected to the cover
10 via at least one of the protective layer 20 or the anti-slip
layer 30. With regards to embodiments having the retention tie, the
cover 10 can include a single layer of material (e.g. the
protective layer 20 or the anti-slip layer 30) or multiple layers
of material. The retention tie (e.g., 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a, or 68a)
is positioned to extend around a portion of the furniture article
5. By extending around the portion of the furniture article 5, the
retention tie (e.g., 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a, or 68a) anchors the cover
10 to the furniture article 5. The retention tie is attached to at
least one of the protective layer 20 or the anti-slip layer 30 such
that the anti-slip material of the anti-slip layer 30 is held
against the first portion of the furniture article increasing the
friction between the anti-slip material and the furniture article,
thereby limiting relative movement between the cover and the
furniture article.
[0035] Any number of retention ties may be used. In one example,
the anti-slip material may be solely relied on to limit relative
movement between cover 10 and the furniture article 5. In another
example, a single retention tie may be used (e.g., 60a or 62a).
While in other examples, a plurality of retention ties (e.g., 60a,
62a, 64a, 66a, or 68a) may be attached to the cover 5. When
multiple retention ties are used, the different retention ties may
secure the cover 5 at different locations or to different portions
of the furniture article 5. As illustrated in the examples depicted
in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the furniture article 5 includes various
portions to which the cover 10 can be secured. For example, one
portion may be one or more cushions 6, as shown in FIG. 1C. In
another example, the portion may be the back support 7 of the
furniture article 5 as shown in FIG. 1B. Other portions may include
the arms, the seat, legs, or a base portion. The various retention
ties may be positioned on the cover 10 in locations that allow the
cover to be secured to the intended portions of furniture article
5. As discussed herein, the cover 10, which includes the protective
layer 20 and the anti-slip layer 30 may also include different
panels extending from a central region. The central region may
include the seat panel 12 with additional panels extending
therefrom which may extend over the back portion and arm portions
of the furniture article 5.
[0036] In accordance with various embodiments, one or more
retention ties (e.g., 64a, 66a, and 68a) extend transversely across
a portion of the central region, for example the seat panel 12. The
cover 10 may include the same number of transverse retention ties
such that a separate retention tie is operable to extend around a
separate seat cushion 6. In this way, each seat cushion 6 secures
the cover 10 to the furniture article 5. In accordance with various
embodiments, one or more retention ties (e.g., retention tie 62a)
extend laterally across a portion of the central region, for
example, the seat panel 12. The retention tie 62a is of sufficient
length to extend around a portion of the furniture article 5 such
as a cushion. Alternatively, the retention tie 62a extends around
successive portions such as multiple cushions 6 or all of the
cushions 6 as shown in FIG. 1C. As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality
of retention ties (e.g., 62a, 64a, 66a, and 68a) may all be present
together, such that various retention ties extend in different
directions as compared to other retention ties located in the same
region of the cover 10. As indicated some ties may extend
transversely (e.g., ties 64a, 66a, and 68a) and some ties may
extend laterally (e.g., tie 62a). In one example, the different
ties extending in different directions are separate from one
another and independently movable. In another example, the ties are
connected to each other either permanently or detachably. The
various retention ties may extend in other directions that provide
improved engagement between the cover 10 and the furniture article
5.
[0037] In accordance with various embodiments, one or more
retention ties (e.g., 60a) extend transversely across a portion of
the furniture article such as the back rest 7. The retention tie
60a may extend around the back rest 7 such that the anti-slip
material is held against the furniture article 5 thereby increasing
the friction between the anti-slip material and the furniture
article 5 to limit relative movement between the cover and the
furniture article. As the back panel 18 may be configured to extend
over and drape back across the back rest 7, the retention tie 60a
may extend transversely across the back panel 18 such that the
retention tie 60a is operable to extend across the front of the
back rest 7 pulling the cover 10 against the back of back rest 7 as
shown in FIG. 1B. Other configurations of the back panel 18 and the
retention tie 60a are also envisioned herein for example, the
retention tie 60a may extend around the back of the back rest 7
pulling the cover 10 against the front of the back rest 7.
Alternatively, two different portions of the back panel 18 may be
connected on the transverse sides of the back panel 18 such that
the back panel 18 forms a pocket that can be pulled down and over
the back rest 7. The retention ties may be utilized to extend
around multiple portions of the furniture article. For example tie
60a may extend around the back rest portion 7 and the tie or ties
62a, 64a, 66a, and 68a may extend around the cushion portion 6 of
the furniture article.
[0038] In accordance with another embodiment, the retention tie 60a
increases the friction between the back panel 18 and the back rest
7 by engaging with one or more of retention loops 63a-c. The
retention loops 63a-c may be positioned on the back panel 18. For
example, either a single loop engages the retention tie 60a or a
pair of loops engages the retention tie 60a, such as loops 63a,
loops 63b, or loops 63c. While FIG. 3 is shown with three loop
pairs 63a, 63b, and 63c, this merely by way of example as in one
embodiment a single loop is used. Alternatively, in another
embodiment, a single loop pair is used. In yet another embodiment,
a plurality of loops or loop pairs are used. The loops 63a-c are
utilized to increase the friction between the back panel 18 and the
back rest 7 on both the front of the back rest 7 and on the back of
the back rest 7. In one example, the retention tie 60a is attached
to the back panel via attachments 60e on the lateral sides of the
pack panel 18. The retention loops are located a transverse
distance from the retention tie 60a. As shown in FIG. 3, the loops
can be located at the lateral sides of the back panel 18. In other
embodiments, the loops are additionally or alternatively located at
various locations along the interior space of the back panel. The
transverse distance is a distance that allows the retention tie 60a
and the retention loops 63a-c to be located respectively along the
transverse distance of the back panel 18 such that when the back
panel 18 is laid over a back rest 7, the retention tie 60a and the
retention loops 63a-c are located on opposite sides of the back
rest from one another. In this position, the retention tie 60a is
able to pass thorough one or more of the loops 63a-c as the
retention tie 60a extends around the back rest 7. By engaging the
retention tie 60a with the loops 63a-c, the retention loops are
able to bias the back panel 18 toward the back rest 7. In this way,
the connection between the retention tie 60a and the back panel 18
biases the back panel 18 to the back rest 7 on a first side when
the retention tie 60a is extended around the back rest 7 and the
retention loops 63a-c variously anchor the back panel 18 to the
retention tie 60a on a second side of the back rest 7. By biasing
the back rest on each of the two sides of the back rest 7, friction
between the back rest 7 and the back panel 18 is increased.
[0039] In accordance with various embodiments, the back panel 18
may include multiple pairs of retention loops 63a-c. Each of the
multiple pairs of retention loops may be positioned at different
traverse locations on the back panel 18. By locating these
retention loops at different locations, the back panel 18 is
adaptable to different furniture having different heights of back
rests. For example, a low back rest 7 can utilize retention loops
63c, a medium height back rest 7 can utilize retention loops 63b,
and a tall back rest can utilize retention loops 63a.
[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates the retention tie 60a being closer to the
seat panel 12 than the retention loops 63a-c. However, in other
embodiments, the retention loops 63a-c may be located closer to the
seat panel 12 than the retention tie 60a. In this embodiment, the
retention tie 60a may extend forward from the back panel 18 around
the front of the back rest 7 and through the retention loops, which
are located in such and embodiment proximal to the front of the
back rest 7. The retention loops 63a-c are connected to any one of
the various panels on the cover. In one example, the connection may
be a fixed connection via a sewn stitch, staple, adhesive or other
similar fixed connections located at a seam or across the interior
surface of a panel. In another example, the connection may be a
removable connection via a fastener such as a button, snap, hook
and loop, a tie or other similar removably attached connections.
The retention loops 63a-c can be formed from a variety of materials
including fabric or non-woven straps, string, elastic or similar
type structures. Additionally or alternatively, the retention loops
63a-c can be hardware such as rings, wires, ties, or other suitable
hardware.
[0041] While the various embodiments of the retention loops 63a-c
are discussed herein with respect to the loops being positioned to
be utilized with a furniture back rest 7, it should be appreciated
that the loops may be positioned on or relative to any other panel
to allow for other retention straps to engage the loops and secure
the cover to both sides of other furniture portions. For example,
loops could be located on the leg panel 14 and engage with the
retention strap 62a by folding the leg panel 14 under the seat
cushions. Additionally or alternatively, a panel extending from
between the back panel 18 and the seat panel 12 could tuck under
the seat cushions and this panel would also benefit from the
retention loops being located thereon.
[0042] In accordance with various embodiments, the retention tie is
formed of a material in a shape or form operable to connect, attach
or secure the cover 10 to a portion of the furniture article 5. In
some examples, the retention tie is a flexible material such as an
elastic material. An elastic material can automatically tighten
from an elongated length to a shorter on. As such, as long as the
portion of the furniture article 5 enclosed in the elastic material
has a size between the minimum and maximum lengths of the elastic
material then the elasticity will collapse the length of the tie to
secure it to the furniture article 5. Alternatively, the retention
tie is an inelastic having features to tighten the retention tie as
opposed to relying on its change in length due to flexibility. The
retention tie may include combinations of materials and properties.
The retention tie may be a thread, string, cable, strap, band, or
other suitable structure operable to secure the cover 10. For
example, the retention tie may be a strap that forms an
aesthetically pleasing appearance with the furniture article.
[0043] In one example, the retention tie is connected to the cover
at a seam between panels. In another example, the retention tie is
connected to the panel surface. The retention tie may also be
connected in a combination of these methods or in other methods as
would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.
[0044] In accordance with various embodiments, a portion of the
retention tie is removable by hand from the cover. In this way, the
retention tie may be formed of multiple parts. For example, the
retention tie may include fastener (e.g., 60b, 62b, 64b, 66b, and
68b) suitable to disengage and reengage the retention tie with the
cover 10. Examples of fasteners may include hook and loop type
fasteners (e.g., Velcro), hardware style fasteners (e.g., buttons,
snaps, zippers, buckles etc.). In one specific example, one portion
of the tie may include a male engagement such as a plastic hook
with an opposing portion of the tie forming a female engagement
such as a loop on the end of the tie portion. In various
embodiments, each end of the retention tie includes a fastener such
that a middle portion of the retention tie is fully detachable from
the cover via the removable fastener such that the retention tie
may be removed. As shown in FIG. 3, one end of the retention tie
62a includes a fastener 62b and the other end includes fastener
62d. The two fasteners may be the same type or they may be
different types. In embodiments, having a plurality of retention
ties, some or all of the ties may also be detachable have fasteners
on each end.
[0045] In embodiments, with retention ties being multiple parts,
the fasteners (e.g., 60b, 62b, 64b, 66b, and 68b) are attached to
the removable portion of the retention tie (e.g. 60a, 62a, 64a,
66a, and 68a). The removable portions of the retention tie are
connected to a fixed portion of the retention tie (e.g. 60e, 62e,
64e, 66e, and 68e). In some embodiments, the fixed portion of the
retention tie is formed of the same material as the removable
portions of the retention tie. In other embodiments, the fixed
portion of the retention tie is a different material, such as a
hardware portion that is attached to the panel portions of the
cover. In one example, the fixed portion (e.g. 60e, 62e, 64e, 66e,
and 68e) is a short elastic loop operable to receive hardware such
as a hook attached to the retention tie (e.g. 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a,
and 68a).
[0046] In accordance with various embodiments, the retention ties
(e.g., 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a, or 68a) are adjustable in length. As
indicated above, the retention ties may be flexible such that the
retention ties are adjustable in length due to their flexible
nature. Additionally or alternatively, the retention ties may
include length adjusting hardware or structure. For example, each
retention tie may include a buckle (e.g., 60c, 62c, 64c, 66c, or
68c) operable to allow changes in the length of the retention tie.
In another example, the retention tie may have a hook and loop
surface with a return loop allowing the tie to double back on
itself and adjusting its length by engaging the hook surface with
the loop surface (e.g., Velcro.)
[0047] In accordance with various embodiments, as shown in FIGS.
1A-3, the movement between the anti-slip material 30 and the
protective material 20 may be minimized or negated by including
attachment locations between the anti-slip material 30 and the
protective material 20. The attachment locations 40 may be formed
by any suitable device, method or material that connects the
protective layer and the anti-slip layer. In various embodiments,
the attachment locations may be formed by direct attachment of the
two layers. This direct attachment may be made by welding one layer
to the other. For example, the anti-slip layer may be made entirely
of or partly of an elastomer that could be adhered or melted to the
anti-slip layer. In another embodiment, the attachment locations
may be formed by a connecting material 40. For example, the
connecting material 40 may be a stitching material used to sew or
quilt one layer to the other. The stitching material may be any
type of thread. In various examples, the thread may be similar in
consistency, texture, color, or other characteristic as the
protective layer or the second layer. Examples of these threads may
include a thread formed of the same or similar material as the
protective layer. In other examples, these threads may include a
thread formed of the same or similar material as the anti-slip
layer. In one example, polyester thread may be used in any of the
various embodiments providing good strength while being
inexpensive. In another example, the connecting material 40 may be
an adhesive that binds the protective layer to the anti-slip layer.
Adhesives may include traditional fabric glues, two sided tape, or
strips of adhesive (as opposed to allover fabric coverage). In
various embodiments, a laminate may be used. The laminate, however,
may glue significant portions of the two fabrics together. Other
adhesive method might include applying heat to the two fabrics so
that they fuse. Another adhesive method may include using pinsonic
quilting (which is high frequency sound waves plus rollers which
put pressure between the two fabrics together). Another adhesive
method may include hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro).
[0048] Other connecting materials may include staples, adhesive, or
similar types of mechanisms that can attach the layers of material
together. The application may make reference to connecting material
but it may be noted that this is merely by way of example, while
each embodiment may also include the direct attachment or any form
of attachment or embodiment of attachments disclosed herein.
[0049] In various embodiments, the attachment locations (e.g.,
connecting material 22, 24, 25, 26, 27 as shown in FIGS. 4A-4E) may
be spacing from one another. The positioning of the attachment
locations with the spacing may be arranged across one or more
directions of the material. An example of an arrangement in two
directions would be a quilting pattern of attachments locations
connecting anti-slip layer and the protective layer. In this way an
attachment may extend from edge to edge of the cover or only a
partial distance across the cover connecting the layers with a
parallel attachment spaced apart from the first attachment with an
unattached portion 50 extending between the two attached portions.
In a different direction a similar arrangement may occur, with an
angled attachment extending all the way or part way across the
cover connecting the layers. This angled attachment being
positioned at an angle to the first attachment. The angled
attachment may also have a parallel attachment extending across or
part way across the cover immediately adjacent two it. Each of the
parallel attachments may have a space therebetween with the
materials not being attached. The intervals of attached layers and
unattached layers may provide a sufficiently discontinuous
arrangement on the cover, such that it does not significantly
modify the flexibility or rigidity of the protective cover 10. Each
of the unattached portions 50 may be of sufficient size such that
the flexibility of the cover 10 is not significantly modified. For
example, in a quilted arrangement the unattached areas may be
defined on each side by attached locations. In any of the various
embodiments, parallel attached locations may define some portion of
the unattached area between the layers. In various examples, the
unattached portion 50 may be between 1/5 the lateral distance W or
transverse length T of the cover and 1/30 of the lateral length W
or transverse length T of the cover. In various embodiments, the
unattached locations may extend between 2-10 inches in the lateral
length and between 2-10 inches in the transverse length.
[0050] The connecting material may be discontinuous in one or more
of two dimensional directions of the layers. The connecting
material may, for example, be continuous in a lateral direction at
various intervals but be discontinuous in the transverse direction
as shown in FIG. 4B. Or, the connecting material may, for example,
be continuous in a transverse direction at various intervals but be
discontinuous in the lateral direction as shown in FIG. 4A. A
combination of these two patterns may form a quilting pattern as
shown in FIG. 4D. In this way the connecting material may form
attached and unattached portions of the two layers at intervals
across the cover in multiple directions. Each interval of
unattached materials may be of other suitable sizes. The unattached
portions may be increased in size by having the intervals between
connecting materials increased. Conversely, the unattached portions
may be decreased in size by having the intervals between the
connecting materials decreased. By having the intervals of attached
portions and unattached portions the flexibility is improved over
the anti-slip layer continuously attached to the protective layer
such as in laminating or gluing of the anti-slip layer to the
protective layer.
[0051] For example, separate discrete dollops of adhesive (see
connections 47, e.g., FIG. 4E) may be used to form separate
discrete connection points between the protective layer 20 and the
anti-slip layer 30. In another embodiment, separate discrete
stitches may connect the protective layer 20 and the anti-slip
layer 30. In another example, the connection between the protective
layer 20 and the anti-slip layer 30 may be continuous for at least
a short distance. The length of the continuous connection point may
be minimized for an adhesive as it may affect the flexibility or
the rigidity of the protective cover 10. In some embodiments the
stitching material may extend across only a potion or across a few
different portions of the cover 10. In other embodiments, the
stitching material may extend all the way across or around the
protective cover 10.
[0052] In accordance with various embodiments, as shown in FIGS.
1-4, the connecting material may form a connected periphery 22
between the protective layer 20 and the anti-slip layer 30. In
accordance with various embodiments, the connecting material may
also be located at the interior of the protective layer 20 and the
anti-slip layer 30 forming an interior connection (e.g., 24, 25,
26, 27 of FIGS. 4A-E) between the two layers. By connecting the two
layers at their respective interiors, movement between the two
layers is minimized, negating need to increase the coefficient of
friction between the two materials. Regardless of the locations of
the connection material 40, it may be placed discretely or
continuously. For example, the protective layer 20 and the
anti-slip layer 30 may be connected by the connecting material 40
around the periphery with either discrete connection points or
continuous expanse of connection material. Similarly, the
protective layer 20 and the anti-slip layer 30 may be connected
with either discrete connection points or a continuous expanse of
connection material across the interior of the protective cover
10.
[0053] FIGS. 4A-E are various bottom views of protective covers
illustrating various connecting material arrangements in accordance
with various embodiments. In various examples, the protective layer
and the anti-slip layer may be quilted together, with connection
material extending in multiple directions across the cover 10.
FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4D illustrate this configuration. FIG. 4A
illustrates another example with connection material 24 extending
transversely across the cover 10, with each portion of connection
material extending in the same directions. In still another
example, the connection material 26 may extend in a lateral
direction as shown in FIG. 4B. In yet another example, the
connection material 25 may include both a transverse component and
a lateral component as shown in FIG. 4C. In another example, the
protective layer and the anti-slip layer may be connected with
discrete connections 27 as shown in FIG. 4E. As shown in each of
these particular examples, the protective cover is formed from the
protective layer and the anti-slip layer, which are connected at
both their periphery and their interior.
[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 5, which is a schematic cross section
of a protective cover such as that shown in FIG. 4D across cross
section line 5-5, a protective cover 10 may include the plurality
of attachment locations 40. These attachment locations may be mere
contact points between the layers (e.g., such as when to materials
are sewn together) or the attachment locations may be fixed
attachments such as welding or adhesive. As shown in this example,
a connective thread 24 may extend between the two layers 20, 30 to
attach them. Unattached portions 50 may be located between the
attachment points. The layers are shown with no contact along this
unattached region 50 in FIG. 5, this is to illustrate their
unattached nature allowing them to move freely from one another.
However, the layers may maintain full contact along these regions
as well. The periphery of the cover 5 may have a finished edge 32
having an attachment shown by the connecting thread 22.
[0055] In accordance with various embodiments, the stitched
connection material may be sewn into the protective layer 20 and
the anti-slip layer 30. Traditional furniture fabric stitching
machines have been found by the inventor to be unable to handle the
200 cm width fabrics. Also, quilting the protective cover 10
increases the stress on sewing needles significantly. When using
insufficiently capable needles, the needles would overheat and
break going through both the anti-slip material and the protective
layer. Traditional quilting machines proved insufficient at
handling the stress on the needle. The use of traditional quilting
machines, e.g., multi-needle sewing machines, caused excessive
needle breakage in sewing through PVC-coated mesh fabric that is
layered with a protective cover. As such, sewing through 2 layers
of the anti-skid material and 2 layers of the protective material
(see, e.g., seams 34) proved too much for quilting-style sewing
machines. To overcome the deficiencies of traditional quilting
machines, a wide multi-needle quilting machine with larger needles
may be used to attach the protective layer to the anti-slip layer
(e.g., the protective fabric to the anti-slip backing). Also, a
side hem or binding may be sewn around the periphery connection 22
on the protective cover without experiencing significant broken
needles. Similarly, seam 34 may be sewn without experiencing a
significant number of broken needles. A larger gauge needle in the
single-needle sewing machine may be used to sew through four layers
of fabric at, for example, the seams 34. For example, sewing
machines for industrial carpet-manufacture may be used to stitch
the protective layer to the anti-slip layer, particularly at the
seams 34. The carpet-style sewing machine is also sufficient to
handle the 200 cm width fabrics used to form the protective cover
10.
[0056] In accordance with various other embodiments, the protective
layer and the anti-slip layer may be laminated together, but his
often causes a significant stiffening of the protective cover in
its multi-layer regions. In such an embodiment extensive adhesives,
temperatures, and/or pressures may be used to laminate the
protective layer to the anti-slip layer. In various embodiments,
the anti-slip material may be printed directly to the protective
material in the form of discrete dots. In various embodiments, the
anti-slip material may be attached by a hook and loop fastener
system to the protective material. In various embodiments, the
protective material may be impregnated or embossed with anti-slip
materials.
[0057] Having described several embodiments herein, it will be
recognized by those skilled in the art that various modifications,
alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used. The various
examples and embodiments may be employed separately or they may be
mixed and matched in combination to form any iteration of the
alternatives. Additionally, a number of well-known processes and
elements have not been described in order to avoid unnecessarily
obscuring the present invention. Accordingly, the above description
should not be taken as not limiting the scope of the invention.
[0058] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the presently
disclosed embodiments teach by way of example and not by
limitation. Therefore, the matter contained in the above
description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The
following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific
features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope
of the present method and system, which, as a matter of language,
might be said to fall there between.
* * * * *