Releaseably Engaged Armrest Cushion

Abstract

A cushion for releasably engaging an armrest, said cushion having a top portion, a padded portion, a bottom portion, and an attachment means configured to releasably engage the cushion to an armrest, where said armrest comprises a top portion, where said attachment means comprises a hook member and a loop member, where the hook member of the attachment means engages the cushion and the loop member of the attachment means engages the armrest.

Description

BACKGROUND

The armrest of chairs including, patio chairs, dining chairs, office chairs, etc. are not always the most comfortable or cleanest. Chair armrests are typically constructed of relatively hard materials, such as metal or plastic, and offer little, if any, padding to soften the effects of long term arm support. Passenger's forearms and elbows may become sore and achy from the lack of support and/or being in contact with such hard surfaces for prolonged period of time. Chair armrests may also be dirty or germ infested from repeated use, thereby discouraging users from contacting or utilizing the armrest and whatever little comfort it may provide.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure pertains to a cushion for releasably engaging an armrest, said cushion having a top portion having a padded portion, a bottom portion, and an attachment means configured to releasably engage the cushion to an armrest, where said armrest comprises a top portion, where said attachment means comprises a hook member and a loop member. One aspect of the disclosure is a cushion where the hook member of the attachment means engages the cushion and the loop member of the attachment means engages the armrest. Another aspect of the disclosure is a cushion, where the loop member of the attachment means engages the cushion and the hook member of the attachment means engages the armrest. Another aspect of the disclosure is a cushion where the hook member of the attachment means engages the bottom portion of the cushion and the loop member of the attachment means engages the top portion of the armrest. Another aspect of the disclosure is a cushion where the loop member of the attachment means engages the bottom portion of the cushion and the hook member of the attachment means engages the top portion of the armrest.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a cushion where the padded portion is made of velvet. Another aspect of the disclosure is a cushion where the padded portion is provided in more than one color. Another aspect of the disclosure is a cushion where the length of the attachment means is substantially the same as the length of the cushion. Another aspect of the disclosure is a cushion where the cushion has a hem extending at least a portion of the perimeter edge of the cushion. Another aspect of the disclosure is a cushion of claim 9 where the hem extends the entire perimeter edge of the cushion. Another aspect of the disclosure is a cushion of claim 9 where the hem wraps the perimeter edge of the cushion, where the hem is configured to engage the top portion of the cushion and the bottom portion of the cushion.

With those and other objects, advantages and features on the invention that may become hereinafter apparent, the nature of the invention may be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description of the invention, the appended claims, and the drawings attached hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate various embodiments of the present invention and together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cushion according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top down view of a cushion according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a bottom up view of a cushion according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cushion engaged to an armrest according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a cushion engaged to an armrest according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cushion engaged to an armrest wherein the user's arm rests comfortably atop of the cushion according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cushion according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a cushion according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a top down view of a cushion according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a bottom up view of a cushion according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cushion engaged to an armrest according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a cushion engaged to an armrest according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a cushion according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a top down view of a cushion according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a bottom up view of a cushion according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a cushion engaged to an armrest according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

The present disclosure pertains to a cushion 100, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, that can be used with an armrest 200, for example, without limitation, an armrest 200 of patio seating, dining chairs, office chairs, living room seating, lanai seating, outdoor seating, pool seating, beach seating, recreational seating, hotel seating, or the like, seat armrest, for example, without limitation, an armrest of an automobile, boat seat, trucking console, or the like, center console armrest, and other types of support structure. The armrest cushion 100 can provide a cushioned support to the user of the armrest 200.

As shown in FIGS. 2-3, cushion 100 can comprises a base 110 and a first padded portion 127. The base 110 can have a first end portion 121, a second end portion 122, a top portion 123, a bottom portion 124, and side portions 126. The base 110 can be made of any material capable of supporting a first padded portion 127, for example, a flexible material, such as fabric, semi-rigid material, or rigid material, such as plastic. The top portion 123 of the base 110 can be attached to the first padded portion 127. In one embodiment, the first padded portion 127 is interwoven into the base 110. In one embodiment, the first padded portion 127 is attached to the base 110 by way of adhesive, sewing, or the like. The first padded portion 127 can be made of any soft or smooth natural or synthetic material, for example, without limitation, velvet, sheepskin, foam, fur, neoprene, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene methylene), polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, nitrile vinyl, silicone sponge, silicone foam, or the like, could also be used without affecting the overall concept. The overall dimensions of cushion 100 can approximate those of the armrest 200. For example, without limitation, the overall length of cushion 100, as measured between first end portion 121 and second end portion 122, and is preferably between 4 and 16 inches, and the overall width of the cushion 100, as measured between opposing side portions 126, is preferably between 1 and 16 inches. The thickness of cushion 100, as measured between top portion 123 and bottom portion 124, is preferably between 10 and 15 mm, though it is also contemplated that the dimensions may be less than the dimensions of the armrest 200, may suit user preference, or may accommodate a particular application. Cushion 100 may be fabricated with various designs or patterns printed, stitched, or otherwise disposed thereon, and may also be fabricated in various colors to increase the aesthetic appeal, appearance and/or performance thereof.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4-7, the armrest cushion 100 can be releasably engaged to the armrest 200 thereby allowing a user to disengage the armrest cushion 100 from the armrest 200. Releasing the armrest cushion 100 from the armrest 200 allows for the armrest 200 to be removed for various reasons, for example, without limitation, replacing the armrest cushion 100 with another armrest cushion 100 due to user preference of a different armrest cushion 100 with different material, dimensions, color, or the like, and allowing for the armrest cushion 100 to be washed.

The cushion 100 can be attached to the top portion 223 of the armrest 200 with an attachment means 130. The attachment means 130 can be any means for releasably attaching the cushion 100 to the armrest 200. While the attachment means 130 can have a tightening, cinching, girding, and encircling function, in one embodiment, the attachment means 130 can be a non-cinching means, non-girding means or non-encircling means, wherein the components of the attachment means 130 do not wrap around or encircle an armrest 200. While the attachment means 130 can attach to, touch, and/engage multiple surfaces of the armrest 200, in one embodiment, the attachment means 130 attaches, touches, and/or engages only one surface of the armrest 200. For example, without limitation, the attachment means 130 can be a hook and loop fastener, though other means of attachment may also be employed. Where the attachment means 130 is a hook and loop fastener, the hook member 131 of the attachment means 130 can engage the bottom portion 124 of the base 110 by way of adhesive, or the like, and the loop member 132 of the attachment means 130 can engage the top portion 223 of the armrest 200 by way of adhesive, or the like.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the cushion 100 can have a hem 140 to prevent fraying of the base 110. The hem 140 can extend a portion of or the entire perimeter of the base 110. The hem 140 can wrap about the edge of the cushion 100, for example, without limitation, the hem 140 can engage the top portion 123 and the bottom portion 124 about the edge of the base 110. The hem 140 can be created by any normal means of creating a hem, for example, without limitation, a sewn hem, an adhesive hem, or the like. In one embodiment, the hem 140 is an additional piece of fabric that is folded along the edge of the cushion 100 and then secured to the cushion 100.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8-15, the armchair cushion 100 can have a cup holder 150 configured to receive and support a vessel. A vessel can be any concave utensil used for holding liquid, for example, without limitation, a cup, can, mug, or the like. The cup holder 150 can have a mounting portion 160 and a vessel portion 170. The mounting portion 160 is configured to mount the vessel portion 170 to the base 110. The mounting portion 160 can be attached to the base 110. In one embodiment, the mounting portion 160 is positioned between the bottom portion 124 of the base 110 and the hook and loop, for example, without limitation, the mounting portion 160 can be positioned between the bottom portion 124 of the base 110 and the hook, or between the bottom portion 124 of the base 110 and the loop. The bottom portion 124 can be attached to a portion of the mounting portion 160, for example, without limitation, adhesive can attach a portion of the mounting portion 160 to the bottom portion 124. The hook or loop can be attached to a portion of the mounting portion 160, for example, without limitation, adhesive can attach a portion of the mounting portion 160 to the hook or loop.

In one embodiment, the mounting portion 160 is positioned between the bottom portion 124 of the base 110 and the second padded portion 115. The bottom portion 124 can be attached to a portion of the mounting portion 160, for example, without limitation, adhesive can attach a portion of the mounting portion 160 to the bottom portion 124, and the second padded portion 115 can be attached to a portion of the mounting portion 160, for example, without limitation, adhesive can attach a portion of the mounting portion 160 to the second padded portion 115.

In one embodiment, the mounting portion 160 is positioned between the attachment means 130 and the second padded portion 115. The attachment means 130 can be attached to a portion of the mounting portion 160, for example, without limitation, adhesive can attach a portion of the mounting portion 160 to the attachment means 130, and the second padded portion 115 can be attached to a portion of the mounting portion 160, for example, without limitation, adhesive can attach a portion of the mounting portion 160 to the second padded portion 115.

The vessel portion 170 is configured to receive a vessel. The vessel portion 170 can extend from the mounting portion 160 and cantilever over an armrest 200 of a chair where the armchair cushion 100 engages the armrest 200. In one embodiment, the vessel portion 170 has a vessel receiving opening 171 defined by a receiving rim 172 positioned within the surface of the vessel portion 170. The receiving rim 172 can have any shape configured for receiving a vessel, for example, without limitation, circular, semi-circular, square, rectangular, or the like.

In one embodiment, the armrest cushion 100 can have a receiving ring 180 attached to the vessel portion 170. While the receiving ring 180 can attach to the vessel portion 170 by any conventional means, the receiving ring 180 can attach, for example, without limitation, to the vessel portion 170 by way of at least one tab 173, where the tab 173 attaches to the vessel portion 170 and the receiving ring 180. For example, without limitation, where the shape of the receiving rim 172 is substantially semi-circular, the armrest cushion 100 has a substantially circular receiving ring 180. Here, three tabs 173, substantially equidistant along the receiving rim 172, are each attached to the vessel portion 170 and the receiving ring 180.

In one embodiment, the armrest cushion 100 has a basket 190 extending from the bottom side of the vessel portion 170. The basket 190 can be attached to the underside of the vessel portion 170, to the receiving ring 180, or both. The basket 190 can be substantially cylindrical. The basket 190 can have a basket opening 191 having a substantially same size and substantially same shape as the vessel receiving opening 171. The basket 190 can be made of any material suitable for supporting a vessel, for example, without limitation, a rigid or semi-rigid material such as plastic, or the like, or a fabric, such as a mesh, or the like. Where the material of the basket 190 is mesh, the basket 190 is extended downward upon the basket 190 receiving a vessel.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8-15, the armrest cushion 100 can have a pouch 210 for receiving and storing items, for example, a portable electronic device, keys, wallet, glasses, or the like. The pouch 210 can have a first side 211, second side 212, and bottom side 213, thereby defining a cavity 214 for receiving the stored items. The pouch 210 can have an opening 215 defined by the top rim 216 of the pouch 210. While sewn lines can be used to attach the pouch 210 to the armrest cushion 100 other conventional types of structural attachment mechanisms may be utilized. The pouch 210 can be attached to the base 110, for example, without limitation, to the bottom portion 124, side portion 126, or top portion 123, the first padded portion 127, the second padded portion 115, or any combination therein. The pouch 210 can be made of any material capable of retaining a stored item, for example, without limitation, mesh fabric, or the like. In one embodiment, the material is translucent allowing for the stored items inside the pouch 210 to be viewable.

In one embodiment, the pouch 210 can have a closure device for closing the opening of the pouch 210. The closure device can engage the top rim 216 of the pouch 210. The closure device can be a mechanism for closing an opening, for example, without limitation, a zipper, buttons, snaps, hook and loop, zip lock, or the like.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the cushion 100 can have a second padded portion 115. The second padded portion 115 can be made of any soft or smooth natural or synthetic material, for example, without limitation, velvet, sheepskin, foam, fur, neoprene, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene methylene), polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, nitrile vinyl, silicone sponge, silicone foam, or the like, could also be used without affecting the overall concept.

The second padded portion 115 can be attached to the bottom portion 124 of the base 110. In one embodiment, the second padded portion 115 is attached to the base 110 by way of adhesive, sewing, or the like. In one embodiment, the second padded portion 115 is positioned between the bottom portion 124 of the base 110 and the hook and loop, for example, without limitation, the second padded portion 115 can be positioned between the bottom portion 124 of the base 110 and the hook, or between the bottom portion 124 of the base 110 and the loop. The bottom portion 124 can be attached to the second padded portion 115, for example, without limitation, adhesive can attach the second padded portion 115 to the bottom portion 124. The hook or loop can be attached to the second padded portion 115, for example, without limitation, adhesive can attach the second padded portion 115 to the hook or loop.

In one embodiment, where the cushion 100 has a mounting plate 160, at least a portion of the second padded portion 115 is positioned between the bottom portion 124 of the base 110 and the mounting plate 160. The bottom portion 124 can be attached to a portion of the second padded portion 115, for example, without limitation, adhesive can attach a portion of the second padded portion 115 to the bottom portion 124. The mounting plate 160 can be attached to a portion of the second padded portion 115, for example, without limitation, adhesive can attach a portion of the second padded portion 115 to the mounting plate 160.

The following describes a method of using the armchair cushion 100. The armrest 200 can have a first end portion 221, second end potion 222, a top portion 223, a bottom portion 224 and opposing sides 226. The user 200 can temporarily install the armrest cushion 100 by affixing the hook member 131 (or loop member 132) of the attachment means 130 onto the top portion 223 of the armrest 200, the loop member 132 (or hook member 131) of the attachment means 130 onto the bottom portion 124 of the cushion 100, and engaging the hook member 131 to the loop member 132. The user then positions the user's arm on the top portion 123 of the cushion 100.

When use of the armrest cushion 100 concludes, the user removes the user's arm from the top portion 123 of the cushion 100. The user can quickly and easily remove the cushion 100 from the armrest 200 by disengaging the loop member 132 from the hook member 131 thereby disengaging the cushion 100 from the armrest 200. The cushion 100 may then be cleaned and/or disinfected by any means known in the art and reused or stored for future use. In this manner, armrest cushion 100 can be releaseable attached to armrest 200 to provide comfort to a user during use of the armrest 200.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The foregoing has described the principles, embodiments, and modes of operation of the present invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments described above, as they should be regarded as being illustrative and not as restrictive. It should be appreciated that variations may be made in those embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims

1. A cushion for releasably engaging an armrest, said cushion comprising: a first padded portion,a base having a bottom side, andan attachment means configured to releasably engage the cushion to an armrest, wherein said attachment means comprises a hook member and a loop member, wherein said hook member attaches to the bottom side of the base, and wherein said loop member is configured to attach to an armrest.

2. The cushion of claim 1 wherein the attachment means is a non-encircling attachment means.

3. The cushion of claim 1 wherein the attachment means touches only one surface of the armrest.

4. The cushion of claim 1 further comprising a second padded portion, wherein the second padded portion attaches to the base and the attachment means.

5. The cushion of claim 4 wherein a portion of the material comprising the first padded portion is interwoven into the base.

6. The cushion of claim 4 wherein the attachment means is a non-encircling attachment means.

7. The cushion of claim 4 further comprising a cup holder comprising a mounting portion, a vessel portion, and a basket, wherein the vessel portion extends from the mounting portion and wherein the basket extends from the vessel portion.

8. The cushion of claim 7 wherein the mounting portion is attached to the base and the second padded portion.

9. The cushion of claim 7 wherein the mounting portion is attached to the second padded portion and the attachment means.

10. The cushion of claim 7 wherein the mounting portion is attached to the base and the attachment means.

11. The cushion of claim 7 wherein the vessel portion comprises a receiving opening.

12. The cushion of claim 11 wherein the receiving opening has a semi-circular shape.

13. The cushion of claim 12 further comprising a receiving ring, wherein the receiving ring attaches to the vessel portion and wherein the basket attaches to the receiving ring.

14. The cushion of claim 4 further comprising a pouch configured to receive a stored item.

15. The cushion of claim 1 further comprising a cup holder comprising a mounting portion, a vessel portion, and a basket, wherein the vessel portion extends from the mounting portion and wherein the basket extends from the vessel portion.

16. The cushion of claim 15 wherein the mounting portion is attached to the base and the attachment means.

17. The cushion of claim 15 wherein the vessel portion comprises a receiving opening.

18. The cushion of claim 17 wherein the receiving opening has a semi-circular shape.

19. The cushion of claim 15 further comprising a receiving ring, wherein the receiving ring attaches to the vessel portion and wherein the basket attaches to the receiving ring.

20. The cushion of claim 15 wherein a portion of the material comprising the first padded portion is interwoven into the base.

21. The cushion of claim 15 wherein the attachment means is a non-encircling attachment means.

22. The cushion of claim 15 further comprising a pouch configured to receive a stored item.

23. The cushion of claim 4 further comprising a pouch configured to receive a stored item.

24. The cushion of claim 23 wherein a portion of the material comprising the first padded portion is interwoven into the base.

25. The cushion of claim 23 wherein the attachment means is a non-encircling attachment means.