CHAIR SEAT CUSHION, COMFORT SET AND MATCHING CHAIR

The clip-based fastening system on chair seat cushions addresses the challenges of secure and easy installation, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal by engaging around the chair's lateral edges, thus maintaining the cushion's position and comfort.

FR3165764A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-03-06ETS TORDO BELGRANO
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2024009429
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-05
Publication Date
2026-03-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing chair seat cushion fastening systems are either tedious to install, prone to detachment, aesthetically unpleasing, or lose effectiveness over time, failing to provide a secure and easy attachment.

Method used

A seat cushion with clips that engage around the lateral edges of the chair, ensuring quick and secure installation without complex adjustments, using durable materials like metal or plastic.

Benefits of technology

The clip-based fastening system provides easy, secure, and durable attachment, maintaining the cushion in place during use, enhancing comfort and aesthetics while reducing slippage and wear.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a seat cushion (10) for a chair (15) comprising a seat (20) with two lateral edges (23), the seat cushion (10) having a front edge (11), a rear edge (12), and two lateral edges (13). According to the invention, at least a portion of the two lateral edges (13) has a clip (14) for engaging around the lateral edges (23) of the chair (15) to secure the seat cushion (10) to the seat (20) of the chair (15). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 4
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Description

Title of the invention: CHAIR SEAT CUSHION, COMFORT SET AND ASSOCIATED CHAIR technical field

[0001] The technical field of the present invention relates to improving the comfort or support of chair seat cushions, sometimes called "pads." When this seat cushion is combined with a back cushion, they form a comfort unit, which is also the subject of the present invention. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a chair incorporating the seat cushion and optionally the back cushion.

[0002] More specifically, the seat cushion of the present invention aims to improve the connection and positioning of the seat cushion on the chair. Thus, the invention finds advantageous application in improving the comfort and stability of the seat in various contexts of use. Previous art

[0003] Seat cushion fastening systems on chairs are essential to ensure that the cushion remains in place during use, thus providing comfort and safety to the user. Several types of fastening systems are commonly used, each with its own specific advantages and disadvantages.

[0004] Laces are one of the simplest and most common fastening systems. Seat cushions equipped with laces are secured by tying the ends of the laces to the seat or legs of the chair. However, this system can be tedious to install, requiring time to tie and adjust the laces. Furthermore, the laces can come undone with use, causing the cushion to shift. In addition, this system is not always aesthetically pleasing, as visible knots can detract from the overall appearance of the chair.

[0005] Straps, often used with adjustable buckles, are also used to secure the seat cushion by looping them around the backrest or seat of the chair. While this system allows for a relatively secure fit, it is complex to install, especially if the straps are misaligned. The buckles can also wear out or break over time, reducing the system's effectiveness. Furthermore, the straps can exert pressure on the contact points, potentially causing marking or premature wear of the cushion or chair.

[0006] Elastic bands are another commonly used method for securing seat cushions. They are usually threaded under the seat or around the back of the chair. Although quick and easy to install, this system can lose its elasticity with Over time, the fastening becomes less effective. The elastic bands can also twist or shift, which can cause discomfort or poor cushion support.

[0007] Some seat cushions use a non-slip material on the underside to prevent the cushion from sliding without requiring additional fastening. This type of fastening is dependent on the chair surface and may not work effectively on all materials. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the non-slip system may decrease over time, especially if the cushion is frequently moved or cleaned. It also does not offer as secure a fastening as the systems mentioned previously, which may result in the cushion shifting during use.

[0008] Some other solutions use snap fasteners or hook-and-loop fasteners to attach the cushion to the chair. While these systems can provide a secure attachment, they often require modifications to the chair itself, which may not be desirable. Furthermore, hook-and-loop fasteners tend to lose their effectiveness over time due to the accumulation of dust and fibers. Snap fasteners, on the other hand, can break or come loose, rendering the attachment useless.

[0009] In conclusion, there is a technical problem in supplying a chair seat cushion that is both easy and quick to fix while remaining securely in place during use. Description of the invention

[0010] To address this technical problem, the invention proposes a seat cushion for a chair comprising a seat with two lateral edges, the seat cushion comprising an upper face, an lower face, a front edge, a rear edge and two lateral edges.

[0011] The invention is characterized in that at least a part of the two lateral edges has a clip intended to engage around the lateral edges of the chair to fix the seat cushion to the seat of the chair.

[0012] By securing the seat cushion on both lateral edges with clips, the invention offers an innovative solution that improves both the ease of installation and the stability of the cushion during use. This fastening method ensures quick and intuitive assembly, allowing the user to position the cushion in a single movement without requiring complex adjustments. Furthermore, the clips engage firmly on the side edges of the chair, guaranteeing that the cushion remains securely in place, even during movement or changes of position, thus eliminating the common problems of slippage or displacement of the cushion observed with traditional fastening systems.

[0013] The invention relates to a particular type of chair: chairs with curved or straight, continuous or discontinuous side edges. These chairs typically incorporate a support structure comprising a frame, preferably a backrest, and three or four legs. Where applicable, the backrest is rigidly fixed to the chair frame, ensuring structural stability and adequate back support for the user.

[0014] The chair seat is fixed to the chair frame and provides a support surface for the user. This seat consists of a central base, which is substantially flat, with lateral edges, preferably curved downwards. The central base may be formed by a plate, which therefore has continuous edges, or by an arrangement of a plurality of parallel strips, thus defining discontinuous edges.

[0015] Preferably, the side edges of the seat are shaped so as to curve gradually downwards relative to the central base. This downward curvature of the side edges is designed to limit sharp angles, thereby reducing the risk of injury and improving the overall aesthetics of the chair, while also facilitating the retention of the seat cushion clips engaged around said edges.

[0016] The clips used to attach the seat cushion to the side edges of the chair can take different forms, each offering specific advantages in terms of secure attachment, ease of use, and durability. For example, the clips can be hook-shaped.

[0017] The hook-shaped clips attach under the side edges of the chair, with a curved end that hooks firmly under the side edges of the chair seat. This type of attachment ensures secure support by firmly anchoring the cushion, making it resistant to the vertical forces caused by users repeatedly moving from the seated to the standing position. Furthermore, the discreet design of the hooks, often concealed under the cushion, preserves the chair's aesthetics while offering a durable solution thanks to robust materials such as metal or reinforced plastic.

[0018] Preferably, to guarantee the mechanical resistance and durability of the clips, the clips are preferably made of metal or plastic.

[0019] In addition, to guarantee the mechanical resistance and durability of the bond between the clips and the cushion, typically made of fabric, the clips are preferably fixed to the lateral edges of the seat cushion by means of a seam, rivets, a zipper or hook and loop fasteners.

[0020] Furthermore, the rear edge of the seat cushion may have cutouts to allow the chair backrest fixing posts to pass through. Thus, the seat cushion is positioned between these two posts, which helps to keep it in place.

[0021] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a comfort set comprising a seat cushion according to the first aspect of the invention, associated with a back cushion.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the back cushion comprises a pocket for receiving the lower part of the chair back and an upper flap for covering the upper part of the back and attaching to the rear of the pocket. This embodiment ensures that the back cushion remains securely in place while providing a cushion that is easy to install and remove from the chair back.

[0023] Preferably, the pocket and the upper flap have a zip closure and hook and loop fasteners for attaching the back cushion around the back of the chair.

[0024] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a chair comprising: - a base; - a frame; and - a seat fixed to the frame of the chair and having a support surface for the user, this seat comprising a central base having lateral edges; - said chair comprising a seat cushion according to the first aspect of the invention, the clips of which are engaged around the lateral edges of the seat of the chair.

[0025] Of course, when the chair has a backrest, it may also have a back cushion as previously described. Brief description of the figures

[0026] The manner of implementing the invention and the resulting advantages will become clear from the following embodiments, given by way of example but not limitation, with support from the accompanying figures in which:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a side perspective view of a seat cushion according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0028] [Fig.2] is a top perspective view of the seat cushion of [Fig.1];

[0029] Figure 3 is a perspective view from a first angle of a first stage of mounting the seat cushion of the [Fig.1] on a chair;

[0030] Fig. 4 is a perspective view from a second angle of a second mounting stage of the seat cushion of Fig. 1 on a chair;

[0031] Figure 5 is a third-angle perspective view of a third mounting stage of the seat cushion of Figure 1 on a chair; and

[0032] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an enlargement of Fig. 5 from a fourth angle. Detailed description of the invention

[0033] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a seat cushion 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. This seat cushion 10 has a front edge 11, i.e., intended to be placed on the front of the chair 15, and a rear edge 12, i.e., intended to be placed on the rear of the chair 15. As illustrated in [Fig. 2], the front edge 11 and the rear edge 12 preferably have a curve intended to extend towards the front and rear of the chair 15.

[0034] In addition, the rear edge 12 also has notches to allow the fixing uprights 17 of the backrest 18 of the chair 15 to pass through so as to extend between said fixing uprights.

[0035] The seat cushion 10 can be made of fabric incorporating padding. Furthermore, the seat cushion 10 can be padded with materials such as memory foam or gel, thus providing ergonomic support and increased comfort for the user. Some seat cushions 10 have waterproof covers, often made of plastic or vinyl, for outdoor use or to protect against stains.

[0036] To obtain the specific shapes described above, the padded fabric can be closed with a seam or any other means of fastening, for example rivets.

[0037] In addition, this seam can also be used to fix clips 14, preferably made of metal or plastic, extending over the lateral edges 13 of the seat cushion 10.

[0038] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], these clips 14 have a hook shape and extend along the entire length of the side edges 13. The clips 14 are then in the form of a rectangular strip, one long side of which is folded over to form the hook. Alternatively, these clips 14 can extend over only part of this length and have another shape adapted to engage around the outer edges 24 of the side edges 23 of a chair 15. To do this, the shape of the clips 14 must have dimensions adapted to the dimensions of the side edges of the chair.

[0039] Figures 3 to 6 illustrate how the seat cushion 10 can be easily mounted on a chair 15. To do this, the chair 15 must incorporate a seat 20 consisting of a central base 22 and having lateral edges 23 preferably curved towards the ground.

[0040] The chair includes a base preferably comprising four legs 19 supporting a frame 16 and a seat support structure 20. On the frame 16, backrest uprights 17 are also fixed to place a backrest 18 relative to the seat 20.

[0041] To mount the seat cushion 10 onto the seat 20, the first step consists of engaging a first clip 14 around a first lateral edge 23, as illustrated in [Fig. 3] with only the right-hand clip 14 engaged. In a second step illustrated in [Fig. 4], the seat cushion 10 is deformed to adapt to the shape of the seat 20. Deforming the seat cushion 10 allows the second clip 14 to be engaged around the second lateral edge 23, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. The cushion has a certain elasticity that allows the clips 14 to be moved apart to engage them around the edges and ensure a firm hold. If the cushion is not elastic, consideration may be given to attaching at least one clip to the cushion by means of an elastically deformable means, such as an elastic or elastomeric band.

[0042] After this assembly phase, the seat cushion 10 is securely anchored to the seat 20. Disassembly of the seat cushion 10 is just as simple because the user can simply extract a first clip 14 from a first lateral edge 23 before extracting the second.

[0043] In addition to the seat cushion 10, the invention can also be sold directly with a chair and / or in a comfort set incorporating a back cushion.

[0044] Preferably, and according to features not shown, the back cushion includes a pocket for covering the lower part of the backrest 18 of the chair 15. The back cushion also includes an upper flap for covering the upper part of the backrest 18 and for attaching to the rear part of the pocket. To secure the upper flap to the pocket, the pocket and the upper flap preferably include a zipper for attaching the back cushion around the backrest 18 of the chair, or alternatively, a tab system attached to one part (flap or rear part) can be used, designed to engage in a clip attached to the other part.

[0045] The seat cushion, whether or not combined with a back cushion, not only improves the aesthetics of the chair but also the well-being of users during prolonged sitting.

[0046] In an outdoor environment, garden or patio chairs are often exposed to the elements, which can affect the stability and comfort of traditional cushions. The invention ensures that the cushion stays firmly in place, even in windy conditions, while providing comfortable seating for users. For public establishments such as restaurants, cafes, or waiting rooms, which require robust and aesthetically pleasing solutions for their chairs, the seat cushion of this invention offers not only increased comfort for customers but also a practical solution for keeping the cushions in place despite intensive use.

Claims

Demands

1. Seat cushion (10) for a chair (15) having a seat (20) with two side edges (23), the seat cushion (10) having a front edge (11), a rear edge (12) and two side edges (13); characterized in that at least a part of the two side edges (13) has a clip (14) intended to engage around the side edges (23) of the chair (15) to fix the seat cushion (10) to the seat (20) of the chair (15).

2. Seat cushion according to claim 1, wherein the clips (14) correspond to hook-shaped clips.

3. Seat cushion according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clips (14) are fixed to the side edges (13) of the seat cushion (10) by means of stitching, rivets, a zipper or hook and loop fasteners.

4. Seat cushion according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear face (12) of the seat cushion (10) has cutouts to allow passage of fixing uprights (17) of a backrest (18) of the chair.

5. Seat cushion according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cushion has a certain elasticity allowing the clips 14 to be moved apart to engage around the side edges (23) of the chair (15).

6. Seat cushion according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the clips (14) is attached to the cushion by means of an elastically deformable means.

7. Comfort set comprising a seat cushion (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, associated with a back cushion (18).

8. Comfort assembly according to claim 7, wherein the back cushion has a pocket for covering the lower part of the backrest (18) of the chair (15) and an upper flap for covering the upper part of the backrest (18) to be attached to the rear part of the pocket.

9. Comfort set according to claim 8, wherein the pocket and the upper flap have a zipper closure for securing the back cushion around the backrest (18) of the chair (15).

10. Chair (15) comprising: - a base (19); - a frame (16), and - a seat (20) fixed to the frame (16) of the chair (15) and having a support surface for a user, this seat (20) comprising a central base (22), having lateral edges (23); characterized in that said chair (15) comprises a seat cushion according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the clips (14) of which are engaged around the lateral edges (23) of the seat (20).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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