TRAVEL SEAT CUSHION WITH STORABLE BLANKET

Abstract

A travel seat cushion incorporating a storable blanket having a hood, is disclosed. The travel seat cushion is formed having a resilient compressible filling such as memory foam or recycled plastic filling. The travel seat cushion may, in different embodiments, further include a plurality of handles or straps and fasteners for ease of storage of the seat cushion, or a shoulder strap for ease of transport. The blanket may be formed of a fleece material for warmth and comfort. Alternatively, the blanket section of the seat cushion may be formed having an outer waterproof layer, such as nylon, with an inner fleece layer for warmth and comfort. The blanket may also have buttons, snaps or other fasteners located at the bottom of the hood allowing for fastening of the hood in place. The blanket may also incorporate hand pocket sections at an edge of the blanket section.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of seat cushions, and more particularly relates to portable or travel seat cushions that incorporate a storable blanket, and carrying handles or a shoulder strap. In further embodiments, the present invention is an integral travel seat cushion and storable blanket, further incorporating a hood and/or pockets within the blanket. Other embodiments of the seat cushion and blanket may include one or more of the following elements: carrying handles and/or a shoulder strap for ease of storage and transportation, hand pockets, and other components as described and disclosed herein.

BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION AND REVIEW OF CERTAIN PRIOR ART

The desire for, and use of seat cushions in varied environments, whether indoors or outdoors, has been known for eons. One example of such need and use is at outdoor sporting events and in stadiums. Often times, such event locations have rigid and uncomfortable seating, which may simply be a metal board. Having a cushion for use at such locations, especially where a user may be sitting at an event for several hours, is very desirable.

In addition to having a portable cushion, often times, users may wish to have a blanket to provide warmth, or simply provide protection from the environment. With such usage of a seat cushion and blanket, there is a problem of how to readily store and transport such combined elements without such cushion and blanket being overly bulky and cumbersome.

Others have attempted to address this combination of cushion and cover or blanket issue. Indeed, some have designed elements that are not cushions, but are wearable garments with larger pockets or areas to place padding or a cushion. While there are different types of cushions and garments that may be used together, there are still issues with and improvements that can be made to such products to address the various needs of users, and still be easily stored and transported when not in use.

By way of examples, U.S. Pat. No. 4,138,742 for a Convertible Cushion, filed by Meeks, teaches a convertible cushion characterized by a cushion pad and a stylish or protective foul or cold weather garment which is attached to and be folded in cooperation with the cushion pad to be used in a conventional manner a cushion, and which can also be unfolded from the cushion pad and used in bad or cold weather with the cushion pad functioning as a seating pad. The '742 patent specifically discloses and teaches a “protective garment” and does not disclose or teach a non-garment design for a travel seat cushion that has a blanket section that may be integrally formed, or be detachable from the seat cushion.

Further, U.S. Pat. No. 6,707,343 for a Combination Cushion, Carry Device, and Garment Apparatus, filed by Ceron, teaches a combination cushion, carry device, and garment apparatus for use as a protective weather resistant garment, blanket, pillow, seat cushion, and transport device. The Ceron apparatus has, among other elements, a planar member, a hood, a right sleeve, a left sleeve, a waistband retainer, a carrying system, and a pouch. While the '343 patent specifically discloses and teaches a “garment apparatus,” and specifically includes as core “garment-type” elements, such as sleeves, waistband retainers, and hood, the '343 patent does not disclose or teach a non-garment design for a travel seat cushion that has a blanket section that may be integrally formed, or be detachable from the seat cushion.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,946,723, for a Stadium Sack, issued to DiPrato et al., discloses a garment functioning as a cushion, blanket, or poncho with a hood. Specifically, as disclosed, when the '723 patent device main sheet is folded, the handles meet and snap together to form a cushion and easily carried case. Although the '723 patent discloses and teaches a “garment,” the use of the device as a cushion requires the folding of the elements to form a cushion. In other words, the “garment” cannot be used and worn simultaneous to use of a seat cushion. Accordingly, the '723 patent does not disclose or teach a non-garment design for a travel seat cushion that has a blanket section that may be integrally formed, or be detachable from the seat cushion.

As described above, while others have designed variations of cushions or garments with cushions, some of which may appear to address some of the issues and problems identified above, none of these designs fully address or resolve the noted problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and fulfills the needs of users as described above by providing a travel seat cushion that incorporates a storable blanket, and may include additional convenience elements.

One preferred embodiment of the invention is a travel seat cushion incorporating a storable blanket, comprising a seat cushion comprising an exterior cover with a perimeter edge, wherein said exterior cover is filled with a compressible material; a blanket attached along one edge of said blanket to said exterior cover along a portion of said exterior cover perimeter edge; a hood formed in said blanket distal to where said blanket is attached to said exterior cover perimeter edge; at least one pair of straps and fasteners attached to said seat cushion to hold said seat cushion in a folded configuration; and at least one handle integrally attached to said seat cushion.

A second embodiment of the invention is a travel seat cushion is a travel seat cushion with a storable blanket, comprising a seat cushion filled with a compressible material; a blanket attached to said seat cushion, wherein said blanket further comprises a hood; at least one pair of straps and buckles attached to respective opposing sides of said seat cushion; at least one handle attached to said seat cushion; and a shoulder strap attached at one end to one side of said seat cushion, and attached at an opposing end of said shoulder strap to an opposing side of said seat cushion.

A third embodiment of the invention is a travel seat cushion with a storable blanket, comprising a seat cushion filled with a compressible material; a storable blanket attached to said seat cushion, wherein said blanket further comprises a hood; at least two pockets formed within an interior surface of said storable blanket, wherein said at least two pockets further comprise interior openings sized to allow a user's hand to fit through said interior opening while holding a smartphone; at least one pair of straps and buckles attached to respective opposing sides of said seat cushion; at least one handle attached to said seat cushion; and a shoulder strap attached at one end to one side of said seat cushion, and attached at an opposing end of said shoulder strap to an opposing side of said seat cushion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

FIG. 1A is a frontal perspective view of an embodiment of the travel seat cushion in an open configuration;

FIG. 1B is another frontal perspective view of an embodiment of the travel seat cushion in an open configuration showing further attachment sections for the blanket’

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the travel seat cushion in a closed or folded configuration;

FIG. 2B is a side cutaway view of an embodiment of the travel seat cushion in a closed or folded configuration showing the interior filling, and the folded blanket;

FIG. 3A is a detailed side view of an embodiment of the travel seat cushion showing layers of an embodiment of the blanket;

FIG. 3B is another detailed side view of an embodiment of the travel seat cushion showing layers of a further embodiment of the blanket;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the travel seat cushion in an unfolded configuration showing the retaining straps and carrying handles;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the travel seat cushion in a folded, stored, and transportation configuration showing the retaining straps, buckles, and carrying handles;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the travel seat cushion in a folded, stored, and transportation configuration showing the retaining straps, buckles, carrying handles, and shoulder strap;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the travel seat cushion in a folded, stored, and transportation configuration showing the retaining straps, buckles, carrying handles, shoulder strap; and non-slip dots located at the bottom of the seat cushion; and

FIG. 8 is a frontal perspective view of an embodiment of the travel seat cushion in an open configuration illustrating incorporation of heating elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

An innovative seat cushion that incorporates an attached, storable blanket and head covering is disclosed. Core elements of the seat cushion include an exterior cover for the cushion section, having a defined perimeter edge, with the exterior seat cushion cover being filled with a compressible cushion-type material, a blanket attached to a portion of the exterior cover perimeter edge, a hood formed as part of said blanket, a pair of straps and fasteners attached to said seat cushion to hold said seat cushion in a folded configuration, and a handle attached to said seat cushion for ease of transport.

In a core embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 8, the seat cushion 100 has as core elements, a cushion cover 10, a blanket 20 that is attached to the cushion cover 10, a hood section 21 formed within the blanket 20, a plurality of retainer straps 30 and buckles 33, 34, and at least one carrying handle 40. More particularly, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the seat cushion 100 is shown in one embodiment having cushion cover 10 filled with a compressible filling 12, an attached and storable blanket 20, along with a plurality of retaining straps 30, with each retaining strap 30 having an attachment element or buckle 33, 34 at each end of each retaining strap 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the retaining straps 30 and buckles 33, 34 may be connected together to hold a folded seat cushion 100 in a folded configuration for more compact storage and transport.

As also shown in FIG. 1A, the attachment of the blanket 20 may be along one section of the cushion cover 10, or in another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1B, the attachment length of the blanket 20 may be more substantial and along more than one section of the cushion cover 10. While the FIG. 1A embodiment, provides for more flexibility for the user in terms of wrapping and using the blanket 20, the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B provides the user with more of a “wrap-around” blanket configuration.

One preferred embodiment of the seat cushion 100, and in particular the blanket 20, is as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the incorporation of a hood section 21 into the blanket at an end distal from the blanket attachment point to the cushion cover 10. The hood section 21 may be used by a user to provide protection from the elements and added warmth. In further embodiments, the hood section 21 and blanket 20 may incorporate snaps or fasteners 22 at the bottom of the hood section 21, near the front of the user's neck, so that the user may secure the hood in place on the user's head.

In one embodiment, the blanket 20 may be attached to, and detached from the cushion cover 10 using a detaching or separating element 15, such as a zipper, snaps, or a textile hook-and-loop element. Using such a separating element 15, the two different embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, providing for different lengths of attaching the blanket 20 to the cushion cover 10, may be achieved in one configuration. Such a configuration may be provided by incorporating, for example with a zipper embodiment for the separating element 15, by having two zipper heads, allowing for separating of the blanket 20 from the cushion cover 10 from opposite ends of the attachment length.

Such a separating element 15 further provides attributes of more flexible use of the seat cushion 100 either with or without the blanket 20, but also, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, varied configurations for the blanket enveloping the user. The separating element 15 also allows for separation of the blanket 20 for cleaning or independent use, for example as a picnic or beach blanket.

The cushion cover 10 may be filled with a compressible material 12 to provide the user with a comfortable seat, as shown in the cutaway image in FIG. 2B. In different embodiments, the compressible material 12 may be recycled plastic material, or a memory foam, or any other type of cushion material that is compressible and relatively resilient.

The cushion 10 may be manufactured from a wide variety of materials including weather or rain proof materials, such as polyester, nylon, wool, oilcloth, vinyl, and polyurethane laminate or thermoplastic polyurethane, or alternatively, materials such as more traditional textiles such as cotton, jersey, linen, leather, tweed, or twill.

The blanket 20 may similarly be manufactured from a wide variety of materials, include waterproof or water-resistant materials, such as such as polyester, nylon, wool, oilcloth, vinyl, and polyurethane laminate or thermoplastic polyurethane, thereby matching the material of the cushion 10. Alternatively, the blanket 20 may be made from other more traditional textile materials, including cotton, wool, linen, tweed, twill, or fleece. Materials such as wool and fleece provide the use with the feature of providing warmth in addition to protection from the elements.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the blanket 20 may be manufactured in layers or laminates, with, by way of example, an inner layer 24 of wool or fleece, and an outer layer of waterproof material 25. This type of embodiment has the feature of providing warmth to the user, with the direct contact layer of wool or fleece, while also keeping the user dry from rain or other elements.

In other embodiments, the blanket 20 may be manufactured with more than two layers, which would provide for further protection and additional warmth for the use, but would potentially increase the thickness of the folded blanket 20. One such embodiment would include a heat reflective layer 26 as part of or within the blanket 20, as shown in FIG. 3B. The reflective layer 26 would provide the feature of reflecting the user's body heat and temperature back to the user. Other preferred embodiments of the blanket 20 provide for softer or more insulating layers in specific sections of the blanket 20, including added insulating layers at the upper back area of the blanket 20 or the hood section 21.

The seat cushion 100 is designed to allow for ready storage, transport, and usage, without a lot of steps for assembly or disassembly. More particularly, as shown in FIG. 2B, with the blanket 20 folded in place on top of the cushion 10, the seat cushion 100 is compact and ready for transport and/or storage. “Assembly” or usage is as easy as releasing the buckles 33, 34, separating the retaining straps 30, and unfolding the blanket 20, all as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

Further embodiments may include additional features incorporated into the blanket 20 to provide the user with additional comfort and effective use. One such embodiment incorporates interior pockets 28 in the blanket 20, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The interior pockets 28 may further include sub-pockets that handwarmer packets may be stored to help keep the user's hands warm. With the incorporation of interior pockets 28, the user is able to keep the blanket 20 closely wrapped around the user, especially in windy conditions, where the blanket may tend to open and flap in the wind.

Another similar embodiment that also provides the user with the ability to keep the blanket 20 closely wrapped around the user, but also allows the user to have his or her hands free, has interior partial sleeves 27, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Where the user places his or her arms through the sleeves 27, the user can maintain the blanket 20 wrapped around the user even in windy conditions, and the user may still have free hands to hold a drink, a smartphone, a camera, or any other similar device.

The seat cushion 100 further includes retaining straps 30 with attachment elements or buckles 33, 34. As shown in FIG. 4, at least two, and preferably four retaining straps 30 are attached to opposite sides of the seat cushion cover 10 such that the seat cushion 100 may be folded substantially in half, and retained in such a folded configuration by attachment of opposing straps 30 and attachment elements 33, 34 to each other, as illustrated and shown in FIG. 5. While the embodiments shown illustrate the attachment elements as buckles 33, 34, in other embodiments the attachment elements 33, 34 may be snaps, buttons, or textile hook-and-loop materials. In such a folded configuration, the seat cushion 100 may be easily transported and stored.

For further ease of transport, the seat cushion 100 may include one or more shoulder straps 50, as shown in one embodiment in FIG. 6. The shoulder straps may be attached to the seat cushion 100 at opposing ends of the seat cushion 100 for stability. The attachment means of the shoulder straps 50 to the seat cushion may be any known attachment devices such as clasps, clips, or carabiners. The shoulder straps 50 may be adjustable in length to provide further flexibility to the user.

In a further embodiment, to help with maintaining the seat cushion 100 compressible filling 12 in place within the cushion cover 10, a plurality of tufts 17 may be incorporated into the seat cushion 100 as shown, in one embodiment in FIGS. 1A and 1B. To provide some stability for the user when sitting on the seat cushion 100 on a bench, the seat cushion cover 10 bottom exterior may be formed from a non-slip fabric, including fabric having a plurality of anti-slip dots 60, as shown in FIG. 7. Such material may be a type of polyester fabric.

In a further embodiment of the seat cushion 100, the blanket 20 or cushion cover may be fabricated from a hypoallergenic material to ensure that users who may have certain allergies or allergic reactions are fully comfortable using the seat cushion 100, and more specifically using the blanket 20.

In further embodiments of the seat cushion 100, added features and elements may be incorporated in the blanket. In one such embodiment, battery powered heating elements 90 are incorporated along with rechargeable battery storage devices. With such heating elements, the user has an on-demand heat source to assist in keeping the user warm in colder conditions. Such heating elements may be incorporated into the seat cushion 100 and/or into sections of the blanket 20, as illustrated in FIG. 8. The incorporation of a battery storage device would also allow the user to charge a smart device, such as a smart phone or tablet, while using the seat cushion 100.

While preferred embodiments of the inventive seat cushion 100 have been described and disclosed, in particular with reference to certain figures and exemplary embodiments of the seat cushion 100, such exemplary representations as shown and described are not to be construed as limiting the scope of application of the inventive product and device. By way of example, different shapes, sizes, and thickness for the seat cushion 100, other than the square or rectangular as shown in several embodiments in the attached figures, may be manufactured and used. Similarly, the cushion cover 10 and blanket 20 or hood section 21 may be fabricated from different materials from each other. More specifically, each of the cushion cover 10, blanket 20, and hood section 21 may be fabricated from the same or different materials in different embodiments, each of which provides the seat cushion 100 with equal utility.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that other modifications, substitutions, and/or other applications are possible, and all such modifications, substitutions and applications are within the true scope and spirit of the present seat cushion invention. It is likewise understood that the above disclosure and attached claims are intended to cover all such modifications, substitutions, and/or applications.

Claims

1. A travel seat cushion incorporating a storable blanket, comprising: a seat cushion comprising an exterior cover with a perimeter edge, wherein said exterior cover is filled with a compressible material;a blanket attached along one edge of said blanket to said exterior cover along a portion of said exterior cover perimeter edge;a hood formed in said blanket distal to where said blanket is attached to said exterior cover perimeter edge;at least one pair of straps and fasteners attached to said seat cushion to hold said seat cushion in a folded configuration; andat least one handle integrally attached to said seat cushion.

2. A travel seat cushion with a storable blanket, comprising: A seat cushion filled with a compressible material;A blanket attached to said seat cushion, wherein said blanket further comprises a hood;At least one pair of straps and buckles attached to respective opposing sides of said seat cushion;At least one handle attached to said seat cushion; andA shoulder strap attached at one end to one side of said seat cushion, and attached at an opposing end of said shoulder strap to an opposing side of said seat cushion.

3. The travel seat cushion incorporating a storable blanket, as described in claim 1, wherein said seat cushion compressible materials is manufactured from recycled plastic fiber.

4. The travel seat cushion incorporating a storable blanket, as described in claim 1, wherein said seat cushion compressible materials is manufactured from memory foam.

5. The travel seat cushion incorporating a storable blanket, as described in claim 1, wherein said seat cushion exterior cover, and said cover section are manufactured from low-resilience polyurethane.

6. The travel seat cushion incorporating a storable blanket, as described in claim 1, wherein said seat cushion exterior cover is waterproof.

7. The travel seat cushion incorporating a storable blanket, as described in claim 1, wherein said seat cushion exterior cover has a bottom layer of non-slip material.

8. The travel seat cushion incorporating a storable blanket, as described in claim 1, wherein said storable blanket is manufactured from a fleece material.

9. The travel seat cushion incorporating a storable blanket, as described in claim 1, wherein said storable blanket comprises at least one insulating layer.

10. The travel seat cushion incorporating a storable blanket, as described in claim 1, wherein said storable blanket comprises at least one insulating layer and an outer waterproof layer.

11. The travel seat cushion incorporating a storable blanket, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one pair of fasteners comprise at least one of a snap device, a pair of magnets, a button and hole, a hook and loop textile materials, and a button and loop.

12. The travel seat cushion incorporating a storable blanket, as described in claim 1, further comprising a hood fastener to allow a user to enclose said hood around a user's head.

13. The travel seat cushion incorporating a storable blanket, as described in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of tufts within said seat cushion for cushion support.

14. The travel seat cushion incorporating a storable blanket, as described in claim 1, wherein said storable blanket further comprises at least two pockets formed within an inner surface of said storable blanket.

15. The travel seat cushion incorporating a storable blanket, as described in claim 14, wherein said storable blanket at least two pockets each further comprise sub-pockets to maintain hand warmers.

16. The combination seat cushion and wearable cover as described in claim 1, wherein at least one of said pockets comprises a zipper closing element.

17. A travel seat cushion with a storable blanket, comprising: A seat cushion filled with a compressible material;A storable blanket attached to said seat cushion, wherein said blanket further comprises: a hood;at least two pockets formed within an interior surface of said storable blanket, wherein said at least two pockets further comprise interior openings sized to allow a user's hand to fit through said interior opening while holding a smartphone;At least one pair of straps and buckles attached to respective opposing sides of said seat cushion;At least one handle attached to said seat cushion; andA shoulder strap attached at one end to one side of said seat cushion, and attached at an opposing end of said shoulder strap to an opposing side of said seat cushion.

18. The travel seat cushion with a storable blanket, as described in claim 17, further comprising a hood fastener to allow a user to enclose said hood around a user's head.