Triple-layer rain shield cushion

Abstract

A cushion has an outer cover of a water-resistant material configured to slow the entry of water into the cushion. The cushion further includes a high-density foam and a water protective material positioned between the high-density foam and the outer cover, the water protective material configured to prevent water from penetrating the high-density foam.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The subject matter is related to a furniture cushion, and, more particularly, to a furniture cushion with a layered arrangement for water protection.BACKGROUND

[0002] Furniture cushions, especially those implemented with outdoor furniture, are often designed with a balance of comfort and durability in mind. That is, furniture cushions must be comfortable enough to provide a satisfactory user experience while being durable enough to be suitable for long term use. Cushions implemented with outdoor furniture, in particular, must be durable enough to withstand potentially extreme weather conditions and events. Rain, snow, and other forms of precipitation can cause outdoor furniture cushions to become water-logged, leading materials to wear overtime and be potentially damaged by mold and other fungi. The high-density foams often used for providing comfort are particularly vulnerable to water damage, as the high-density foams hold onto water and do not dry quickly. In this way, design choices intended for providing comfort can often detract from overall durability.

[0003] Some existing solutions to this problem use a spray or other coating on high-density foam, the coating effectively preventing water from seeping into the high-density foam. However, these kinds of sprays and coatings can degrade over time, requiring either the coating or the entire cushion to be replaced. Therefore, the existing sprays and coatings used to protect cushions from water damage are impermanent solutions that may hinder long term durability.

[0004] Configurations of the disclosed technology address shortcomings in the prior art.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a furniture cushion, according to an example configuration.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the furniture cushion of FIG. 1, according to the cross-section identified in FIG. 1.

[0007] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the furniture cushion of FIG. 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] As described herein, aspects are directed to a furniture cushion having a layered arrangement to protect the furniture cushion from water. In particular, aspects are directed to a multi-layered arrangement that limits the amount of water seeping into the cushion, facilitates evaporation, and otherwise provides an outflow path for water that has penetrated the other layers.

[0009] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a cushion 100. In configurations, cushion 100 is implemented with outdoor furniture, such as outdoors chairs, loveseats, sofas, chaises, and other furniture items. However, it should be noted that cushion 100 may have still other uses in additional or alternative configurations, and the described outdoor furniture items are included as examples of potential uses for cushion 100.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, cushion 100 has an outer cover 102. In configurations, outer cover 102 substantially surrounds inner components of cushion 100, described in further detail below. For the purposes of this disclosure, “substantially surrounds” means largely or essentially extending around, without requiring perfect encircling. In configurations, outer cover 102 is made of a water-resistant material having a hydrostatic head ranging from 1 mm to 20,000 mm. Preferably, outer cover 102 is made of a water-resistant material having a hydrostatic head of at least 800 mm. For instance, in some configurations, outer cover 102 is acrylic, but additional or alternative configurations implement neoprene, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), teflon, vinyl, or polyurethane-coated materials. Still other materials having the desired hydrostatic head may be implemented in configurations. In this way, outer cover 102 provides an initial layer of protection for cushion 100, slowing the inflow of water into the inner components of cushion 100 and repelling a quantity of water from the surface of outer cover 102.

[0011] Although outer cover 102 provides a first layer of protection and limits the amount of water that penetrates outer cover 102, outer cover 102 does not provide perfect water proofing for cushion 100. Seams of cushion 100 and the water-resistant material of outer cover 102 itself allow some water to pass through outer cover 102 and reach inner components of cushion 100. Accordingly, additional water protective components are implemented in configurations of cushion 100 to minimize the amount of water present within cushion 100.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of cushion 100 according to the cross section defined in FIG. 1, showing additional inner components of cushion 100. As shown, cushion 100 has a multi-layered structure comprising multiple water protective components. As mentioned above, cushion 100 is substantially covered with outer cover 102. Accordingly, outer cover 102 provides both the top and bottom layers in the multi-layered structure of cushion 100. As used in this disclosure, “top” refers to the layer nearest the top of the page, and “bottom” refers to the layer nearest the bottom of the page. Nonetheless, orientational terms are used throughout this disclosure for the purpose of clarity, and such orientational terms are not intended to be limiting. In configurations, cushion 100 may have orientations different from the one illustrated in FIG. 2. Additionally, although outer cover 102 is shown as providing the entire top and bottom layers of cushion 100 in FIG. 2, in some configurations, outer cover 102 substantially covers cushion 100 without entirely forming the top and bottom layers.

[0013] The multi-layered structure of cushion 100, described from top to bottom, includes a water protective layer 104 beneath the top layer of the outer cover 102, a quick-dry foam 106, a high-density foam 108, and the bottom layer of the outer cover 102. These inner components forming the multi-layered structure of cushion 100 are described in turn.

[0014] Referring first to the water protective layer 104, water protective layer 104 shields the inner foam layers of cushion 100 from water penetration. In configurations, water protective layer 104 is formed of a material such as acrylic, neoprene, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), teflon, vinyl, polyurethane-coated fabrics, or any combination of these materials. Water protective layer 104 provides a layer between outer cover 102 and the quick-dry foam 106 that minimizes flow of water into the quick-dry foam 106.

[0015] As previously mentioned, existing cushions designed to have a water protective component between the outer cover and the inner foam materials have implemented sprays or coatings disposed on the inner foam materials. However, such sprays or coatings degrade over time and thus hinder long term durability of the cushions on which they are applied, requiring either the coatings or the cushions themselves to be replaced. Because water protective layer 104 implemented with cushion 100 provides a separate material rather than a coating, conversely, water protective layer 104 serves the function of minimizing flow of water into inner foam components while also minimizing degradation of the layer over time. In this way, water protective layer 104 increases the lifespan of cushion 100 relative to cushions implementing sprays or coatings, providing a durability benefit relative to existing cushions.

[0016] Because water protective layer 104 provides a separate material to minimize flow of water into the inner foam components of cushion 100, the inner foam components of cushion 100 are protected from becoming water-logged. Nonetheless, in configurations of cushion 100, the inner foam components also have a multi-layered structure to prevent excessive retention of water. That is, a quick-dry foam 106 is positioned directly beneath water protective layer 104. To the extent that any water seeps through or around water protective layer 104, quick-dry foam 106 facilitates evaporation of that water before reaching the high-density foam 108.

[0017] To facilitate evaporation, quick-dry foam 106 is formed of a material low enough in density to prevent water from becoming trapped. In configurations, quick-dry foam 106 is formed of polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, neoprene foam, silicone foam, latex foam, memory foam, ethylene vinyl acetate foam, or any combination of these materials. Still other materials may be used for quick-dry foam 106 in additional or alternative configurations. Regardless of material, however, quick-dry foam 106 preferably has a density no more than 1.8 lbs / ft3 to allow water to evaporate from the material rather than become trapped. In this way, quick-dry foam 106 aids in drying the inner components of cushion 100 and prevents water retention and subsequent damage to the susceptible high-density foam 108. Quick-dry foam 106 is also dual-purpose in that quick-dry foam 106 provides comfort and support for cushion 100, in addition to providing evaporative effects that dry the inner foam components.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, high-density foam 108 is positioned adjacent to quick-dry foam 106. More particularly, high-density foam 108 is directly below quick-dry foam 106 in the orientation of FIG. 2 previously described. In configurations, high-density foam 108 is a foam having a density in the range of 1.9 lbs / ft3 to 3 lbs / ft3. Due to its density and its thickness, illustrated in FIG. 2, high-density foam 108 primarily serves the purpose of providing comfort and support to a user using cushion 100. But as previously discussed, the density of high-density foam 108 makes it susceptible to trapping water and wearing down over time or becoming damaged with mold.

[0019] The previously described components of cushion 100 work together to form a triple-layered structure to protect high-density foam 108 from water damage. Outer cover 102 serves as a first hindrance to water, slowing the inflow of water into cushion 102. Water protective layer 104 then provides a barrier that prevents the water that does seep through outer cover 102 from penetrating cushion 100 any further. Any water that manages to seep through or around water protective layer 104 then enters quick-dry foam 106, which facilitates the rapid evaporation of the water, effectively drying the inner portions of cushion 100 before it penetrates deeper into the high-density foam 108.

[0020] Although a triple-layered structure above high-density foam 108 has been illustrated in FIG. 2 and described herein, configurations of the disclosed cushion are not limited to just three layers. In still other configurations, different combinations and arrangements of the described components—an outer cover, a water protective layer, and a quick-dry foam—are implemented to prevent water from penetrating and being retained by high-density foam. For example, in configurations, an additional water protective layer is provided.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, cushion 100 may include components that have not been previously described. For example, FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of cushion 100 having a vent 110, according to configurations. Just as described with regard to FIG. 2, cushion 100 of FIG. 3 can be described as having top and bottom layers formed by outer cover 102. Vent 110 is formed as a portion of the bottom layer of outer cover 102. Specifically, vent is formed of a porous material rather than the water-resistant material forming the rest of outer cover 102.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, in configurations, vent 110 forms a rectangular portion at the center of the bottom layer of outer cover 102, while the water-resistant material forming the rest of outer cover 102 extends around the edges of the bottom layer. However, different geometries of vent 110 are possible in additional or alternative configurations. For example, in some configurations, vent 110 may form the entire bottom layer of outer cover 102. That is, in some configurations, vent 110 extends to the edges of the bottom layer, and water-resistant material is not used to form the bottom layer.

[0023] As mentioned, vent 110 is formed of a porous material, in configurations. Accordingly, vent 110 has a plurality of holes or other openings configured to allow water to easily pass through, facilitating outflow of water from cushion 100. To the extent that any water passes through the multiple layers of water protection described above and reaches the high-density foam 108, vent 110 allows such water to quickly drain out of the bottom layer of outer cover 102. In this way, vent 110 ensures that the bottom layer of outer cover 102 does not trap any unwanted water that has passed through the water-resistant outer cover 102, the water protective layer 104, and the quick-dry foam 106.

[0024] In configurations, vent 110 is also slip-resistant. For instance, in some configurations, the material forming vent 110 is porous and also has a coefficient of friction sufficient to maintain the position of the cushion 100 when implemented with an item of furniture. The material forming vent 110 may have bumps or other protrusions extending from a surface of vent 110 that interfaces with the furniture, for instance. In other configurations, vent 110 is formed of a high-friction polymer. Because vent 110 both protects cushion 100 from trapping water and maintains a stable position of cushion 100 when implemented with an item of furniture, vent 110 contributes to both the durability and comfortability of cushion 100.

[0025] When cushion 100 is implemented with furniture—for instance, any of the example items of outdoor furniture provided above—the multi-layered structure of cushion 100 minimizes the amount of water that can penetrate cushion 100 and potentially be trapped in cushion 100. Referring to FIG. 3, a first arrow 120 is illustrated to represent an initial quantity of water interfacing with outer cover 102. Put differently, one can imagine water in the form of precipitation falling onto outer cover 102, when cushion 100 is implemented with outdoor furniture. Because outer cover 102 is formed of a water-resistant material, some water will be repelled from the surface of outer cover 102. However, as discussed, outer cover 102 does not entirely prevent inflow of water, and some water may seep through outer cover 102.

[0026] Water seeping through outer cover 102 reaches water protective layer 104. Second arrow 121 represents the quantity of water that has passed through outer cover 102 and reached the water protective layer 104. Because outer cover 102 prevents at least a portion of the water represented by first arrow 120 from entering cushion 100, second arrow 121 is illustrated to be smaller, representing the smaller quantity of water reaching water protective layer 104. Because water protective layer provides a standalone layer of shielding, water protective layer 104 largely prevents water from penetrating further into cushion 100.

[0027] To the extent that any water does seep through or around water protective layer 104, this water reaches quick-dry foam 106. Quick-dry foam, having a low density, facilitates rapid evaporation of the water from cushion 100, which is represented by third arrow 122. With water rapidly evaporating from quick-dry foam 106, high-density foam 108 is protected from water. Thus, the described layers, in configurations such as the example shown in FIG. 3, provide three protective barriers to prevent high-density foam 108 from becoming water-logged. As previously mentioned, though, still other configurations may implement different combinations and arrangements of protective components, and the arrangement described with regard to FIG. 3 is intended to be an example.

[0028] In the event that any water does pass through or around the layers described above, vent 110 facilitates the draining of such water from cushion 100. In this way, in addition to the at least three layers of protection that minimize inflow of water into cushion 100, vent 110 facilitates outflow of water to ensure that any water that has penetrated cushion 100 is not retained. Thus, the several stages of water protection, drying, and draining work together to protect cushion 100—and, in particular, high-density foam 108—from becoming water-logged and potentially damaged.

[0029] Accordingly, configurations of the disclosed technology provide a cushion with multiple protective layers that shield a high-density foam from water damage, ensuring the cushion is both comfortable for a user and sufficiently durable. Additionally, because configurations of the disclosure implement layers of fabric and other materials to provide the protective benefits, as opposed to sprays or other coatings common in the art, the disclosed cushions avoid problems with protective layers degrading over time.EXAMPLES

[0030] Illustrative examples of the disclosed technologies are provided below. A particular configuration of the technologies may include one or more, and any combination of, the examples described below.

[0031] Example 1 includes a cushion, comprising: an outer cover, the outer cover comprising a water-resistant material configured to slow the entry of water into the cushion; a high-density foam; and a water protective material positioned between the high-density foam and the outer cover, the water protective material configured to prevent water from penetrating the high-density foam.

[0032] Example 2 includes the cushion of Example 1, in which the outer cover substantially surrounds the high-density foam and the water protective material.

[0033] Example 3 includes the cushion of any of Examples 1-2, in which the outer cover further includes a vent structured to allow water to flow out of the cushion.

[0034] Example 4 includes the cushion of Example 3, in which the vent comprises a portion of the outer cover being formed from a porous material.

[0035] Example 5 includes the cushion of any of Examples 3-4, in which the vent is formed of a slip-resistant material.

[0036] Example 6 includes the cushion of any of Examples 1-5, further comprising a low-density foam.

[0037] Example 7 includes the cushion of Example 6, in which the low-density foam is configured to facilitate evaporation of water out of the cushion.

[0038] Example 8 includes the cushion of any of Examples 6-7, in which the low-density foam is formed of a material chosen from the group of polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, neoprene foam, silicone foam, latex foam, memory foam, and ethylene vinyl acetate foam.

[0039] Example 9 includes the cushion of any of Examples 6-8, in which the low-density foam has a density no more than 1.8lbs / ft3 .

[0040] Example 10 includes the cushion of any of Examples 1-9, in which the high-density foam has a density between 1.9 lbs / ft3 and 3lbs / ft3 .

[0041] Example 11 includes the cushion of any of Examples 1-10, in which the water-resistant material is chosen from the group of acrylic, neoprene, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), teflon, vinyl, and polyurethane-coated fabrics.

[0042] Example 12 includes a cushion, comprising: an outer cover formed of a water-resistant material configured to slow the entry of water into the cushion; a high-density foam; a low-density foam positioned between the high-density foam and the outer cover and configured to facilitate evaporation of water out of the cushion; and a water protective material positioned between the low-density foam and the outer cover, the water protective material configured to prevent water from penetrating the high-density foam.

[0043] Example 13 includes the cushion of Example 12, in which the outer cover substantially surrounds the high-density foam, the low-density foam, and the water protective material.

[0044] Example 14 includes the cushion of any of Examples 12-13, in which the outer cover further includes a vent structured to allow water to flow out of the cushion.

[0045] Example 15 includes the cushion of Example 14, in which the vent comprises a portion of the outer cover being formed from a porous material.

[0046] Example 16 includes the cushion of any of Examples 14-15, in which the vent is formed of a slip-resistant material.

[0047] Example 17 includes the cushion of any of Examples 12-16, in which the low-density foam is formed of a material chosen from the group of polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, neoprene foam, silicone foam, latex foam, memory foam, and ethylene vinyl acetate foam.

[0048] Example 18 includes the cushion of any of Examples 12-17, in which the low-density foam has a density no more than 1.8lbs / ft3 .

[0049] Example 19 includes the cushion of any of Examples 12-18, in which the high-density foam has a density between 1.9 lbs / ft3 and 3lbs / ft3 .

[0050] Example 20 includes the cushion of any of Examples 12-19, in which the water-resistant material is chosen from the group of acrylic, neoprene, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), teflon, vinyl, and polyurethane-coated fabrics.

[0051] Aspects may operate on a particularly created hardware, on firmware, digital signal processors, or on a specially programmed general purpose computer including a processor operating according to programmed instructions. The terms “controller” or “processor” as used herein are intended to include microprocessors, microcomputers, ASICs, and dedicated hardware controllers. One or more aspects may be embodied in computer-usable data and computer-executable instructions, such as in one or more program modules, executed by one or more computers (including monitoring modules), or other devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types when executed by a processor in a computer or other device. The computer executable instructions may be stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium such as a hard disk, optical disk, removable storage media, solid state memory, RAM, etc. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed as desired in various configurations. In addition, the functionality may be embodied in whole or in part in firmware or hardware equivalents such as integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), and the like. Particular data structures may be used to more effectively implement one or more aspects of the disclosed systems and methods, and such data structures are contemplated within the scope of computer executable instructions and computer-usable data described herein.

[0052] The previously described versions of the disclosed subject matter have many advantages that were either described or would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill. Even so, all of these advantages or features are not required in all versions of the disclosed apparatus, systems, or methods.

[0053] Additionally, this written description makes reference to particular features. It is to be understood that the disclosure in this specification includes all possible combinations of those particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular example configuration, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in the context of other example configurations.

[0054] Also, when reference is made in this application to a method having two or more defined steps or operations, the defined steps or operations can be carried out in any order or simultaneously, unless the context excludes those possibilities.

[0055] Furthermore, the term “comprises” and its grammatical equivalents are used in this application to mean that other components, features, steps, processes, operations, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” or “which comprises” components A, B, and C can contain only components A, B, and C, or it can contain components A, B, and C along with one or more other components.

[0056] Also, directions such as “vertical,”“horizontal,”“right,” and “left” are used for convenience and in reference to the views provided in figures. But the cushion may have a number of orientations in actual use. Thus, a feature that is vertical, horizontal, to the right, or to the left in the figures may not have that same orientation or direction in actual use.

[0057] Although specific example configurations have been described for purposes of illustration, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A cushion, comprising:an outer cover, the outer cover comprising a water-resistant material configured to slow the entry of water into the cushion;a high-density foam; anda water protective material positioned between the high-density foam and the outer cover, the water protective material configured to prevent water from penetrating the high-density foam.

2. The cushion of claim 1, in which the outer cover substantially surrounds the high-density foam and the water protective material.

3. The cushion of claim 1, in which the outer cover further includes a vent structured to allow water to flow out of the cushion.

4. The cushion of claim 3, in which the vent comprises a portion of the outer cover being formed from a porous material.

5. The cushion of claim 3, in which the vent is formed of a slip-resistant material.

6. The cushion of claim 1, further comprising a low-density foam.

7. The cushion of claim 6, in which the low-density foam is configured to facilitate evaporation of water out of the cushion.

8. The cushion of claim 6, in which the low-density foam is formed of a material chosen from the group of polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, neoprene foam, silicone foam, latex foam, memory foam, and ethylene vinyl acetate foam.

9. The cushion of claim 6, in which the low-density foam has a density no more than 1.8 lbs / ft3.

10. The cushion of claim 1, in which the high-density foam has a density between 1.9 lbs / ft3 and 3 lbs / ft3.

11. The cushion of claim 1, in which the water-resistant material is chosen from the group of acrylic, neoprene, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), teflon, vinyl, and polyurethane-coated fabrics.

12. A cushion, comprising:an outer cover formed of a water-resistant material configured to slow the entry of water into the cushion;a high-density foam;a low-density foam positioned between the high-density foam and the outer cover and configured to facilitate evaporation of water out of the cushion; anda water protective material positioned between the low-density foam and the outer cover, the water protective material configured to prevent water from penetrating the high-density foam.

13. The cushion of claim 12, in which the outer cover substantially surrounds the high-density foam, the low-density foam, and the water protective material.

14. The cushion of claim 12, in which the outer cover further includes a vent structured to allow water to flow out of the cushion.

15. The cushion of claim 14, in which the in which the vent comprises a portion of the outer cover being formed from a porous material.

16. The cushion of claim 14, in which the vent is formed of a slip-resistant material.

17. The cushion of claim 12, in which the low-density foam is formed of a material chosen from the group of polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, neoprene foam, silicone foam, latex foam, memory foam, and ethylene vinyl acetate foam.

18. The cushion of claim 12, in which the low-density foam has a density no more than 1.8 lbs / ft3.

19. The cushion of claim 12, in which the high-density foam has a density between 1.9 lbs / ft3 and 3 lbs / ft3.

20. The cushion of claim 12, in which the water-resistant material is chosen from the group of acrylic, neoprene, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), teflon, vinyl, and polyurethane-coated fabrics.

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