Slipcover with integrated padded and decorative component

Abstract

A slipcover includes a fitted, semi-fitted or unfitted sheet of fabric and a decorative and padded multi-layered component integrated with the sheet of fabric in selected locations. The multi-layered component includes a cushion material and at least a top layer of material. The multi-layered component of fabric and cushion material is tufted, quilted, or assembled such that the layers are secured in position to provide an aesthetic quality to the slipcover. The multi-layered component and the sheet of fabric are integrated either by attachment, or by replacement or substitution of portions of the sheet of fabric with the multi-layered component. The multi-layered component can also be removable.

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of furniture covers and in particular to a new and useful slipcover construction having a decorative and padded component in selected locations. [0002] There are several kinds of slipcovers. Fitted slipcovers are used for covering a specific type of furniture with a specific shape, style, and size. [0003] Fitted slipcovers are constructed to fit the dimensions of the specific shape, size and style of the furniture to be covered. For example, for a fitted slipcover for a sofa, there are often multiple, separate parts including covers for separate seat cushions and / or back cushions sized to fit the specific cushion, frequently using a zipper closure to neatly enclose the cushion. [0004] Semi-fitted slipcovers fit specific types of furniture (e.g., a sofa, a chair, an oversized chair, or a love seat, etc.) having a range of shapes, sizes, styles. [0005] Semi-fitted slipcovers are typically...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018] It is an object of the present invention to provide a slipcover with a frame of reference at selected portions of the cover so that the slipcover can be installed with ease.

[0019] It is another object of the present invention to provide cushioning to only selected areas of a slipcover for providing a comfortable seat surface, for example, and for smoothing out and / or reshaping or redefining the landscape or contour of the seating area.

[0020] It is a further object of the present invention to provide aesthetic qualities to a slipcover which surpasses mere colored decoration.

[0021] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a protective cover for furniture which is waterproof and remains substantially in position even after people sit on the cover.

[0022] Accordingly, a slipcover is provided which comprises a fitted, semi-fitted or unfitted sheet of fabric and a decorative and padded multi-layered component selectively integrated with the sheet of fabric in selected locations. The multi-layered component comprises a cushion material and at least one additional layer covering the cushion material. The multi-layered component of fabric and cushion material is tufted, quilted, or assembled in some other manner to secure the component layers in their relative positions while providing an aesthetic quality to the slipcover.

[0024] Finally, the bottom of the sheet of fabric includes means for preventing slipping of the slipcover. The multi-layered component also includes means for preventing slipping if it is substituted for portions of the sheet of fabric in selected locations. The fitted, semi-fitted or unfitted sheet of fabric, the multi-layered component, or the entire slipcover are also preferably made of fabric that is water-resistant or waterproof, or may be chemically treated so as to be water resistant or waterproof.

Problems solved by technology

However, unlike the fitted slipcover, the construction of the semi-fitted cover for a sofa cushion fits more than one specific cushion size.

Thus, semi-fitted slipcovers are structured to some degree in that they correspond to the contours of the furniture which they cover, but are sufficiently unstructured due to their dimensionless or bag-like portions.

Although some structure is provided in semi-fitted slipcovers, it can still be very difficult for the consumer to determine which parts of the slipcover should cover which parts of furniture due to the large size and unstructured or baggy areas of such slipcovers.

Also, a single layer of fabric used as a slipcover is not likely to be any more comfortable than the seat cushion it covers.

Furniture cushions can be lumpy or uneven.

Semi-fitted slipcovers also have the problem that excess fabric, which is initially tucked into the crevices of furniture, tends to become displaced and accumulates in an irregular or lumpy pattern outside of the crevices, and particularly near the center of the seat area of the furniture.

A traditional problem with slipcovers is that they become easily disheveled with use.

This problem can be most evident with leather furniture which is smooth and slippery.

This is burdensome to the consumer and has caused an exceptionally high product return rate to the retailer or manufacturer in the semi-fitted slipcover category as compared to other product categories in the home furnishings industry.

If the consumer keeps the product, it often results in the consumer enduring a less than satisfactory product.

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