GB2579051A - A chair cover device - Google Patents

Abstract

A chair cover device 99 comprising an elongate substantially rectangular sheet 1 of towelling material configured to overlay a lounger 105, with a chair securement mechanism 10, and pocket attachment means 3 to either long side, said pocket attachment means arranged with displaceable pockets 4, and a headrest pouch 2, said pouch configured to include a displaceable towel. The pocket attachment means may be zippers, press studs, hook and loop material, or ferromagnetic. The securement means may be a strap, and may comprise an elastomer. The securement means may be spaced from the end to leave a flap 9. One pocket may be a bottle holder, and may comprise a cooling pad mechanism which preferably comprises a displaceable gel. At least one inflatable part may be included, and the headrest pouch may comprise an inflatable cushion.

Description

A CHAIR COVER DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a chair cover device, in particular a cover device for a chair in a hot, warm and/or wet environment; more particularly but not exclusively a cover device for a lounger or similar chair.

Background

Increasing numbers of people enjoy being outdoors or on holiday, particularly in hot weather conditions, near the sea or by the poolside.

Given ageing populations with more free time, it can be problematic for older people in particular to both sit on the sand or floor and maintain oversight of possessions.

Therefore many such users will use a lounger chair or similar, and will need storage 20 at the chair.

Prior Art

EP 2 850 979 (AKRITIDIS et al) discloses a wind-resistant beach towel which comprises lateral pockets for storing items. The pockets may have a water-repellent lining for the protection of the items therein. The headrest pocket is used for fitting the towel on a deckchair, so that the towel is not entrained by the wind. For safety reasons, the pockets may have a zipper, buttons, a rubber element or Velcro elements to secure. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the pockets are removable as desired by the user.

US 9 072 393 (FRIEDMAN et al) discloses a beach chair cover has a slip-over pouch which slides over the upper portion of a beach or lounge chair, with a lower portion 35 that affixes to a beach chair. The cover has pockets hanging off of its sides, to hold various objects. The pockets can be open, or closable via a fastening device, with fold over flap. Underneath the cover's lower portion is a hidden pouch, securable via a small lock, or otherwise. The pouch, invisible to passers-by, can hold wallets, cash, or other items. The cover can have a series of sewn-in loops, e.g., on its sides, which can hold a wire for earphones or a small speaker. The beach chair cover can be folded up into a slip-over pouch, and carried by means of an integrated handle.

US 4 553 785 (DUKE et al) discloses a readily removable and washable cover for a beach lounge chair includes opposing end pockets which are slipped over cantilevered ends of the lounge chair. Between the end pockets is a contiguous panel which covers the seat area of the lounge chair. Depending free-hanging skirt portions on opposite sides of the cover are equipped with convenience pockets in ready reach of a user. Head pillow securing straps and slits enabling the attachment of a side table to the lounge chair can be included.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a chair cover device comprising an elongate substantially rectangular sheet of towelling material configured to overlay a lounger, with a chair securement mechanism, and pocket attachment means to either long side, said pocket attachment means arranged with displaceable pockets, and a headrest pouch, said pouch configured to include a displaceable towel.

Some embodiments of the device are envisaged to be provided with pockets. For example some embodiments may include multiple pockets, which pockets may be provided on a single part. In other embodiments the pockets may be provided on multiple parts.

In some embodiments the pocket attachment means may comprise a zipper means. In some embodiments the pocket attachment means may comprise press studs. In some embodiments the pocket attachment means may comprise hangers, such as 35 hooks, where the pockets comprise corresponding eyes. In some embodiments the pocket attachment means may comprise hook and loop portions such as Velcro (RIM).

In some embodiments the pockets comprise closure means, such closure means 5 may comprise a lid or cover. Such lid or cover may comprise a further closure means, for example zipper, press studs, Velcro (RTM) or ferromagnetism.

Some embodiments of the device may comprise a locking means for the pockets or pocket attachment means.

The present invention therefore revolutionises a bathing experience for users of all ages, in particular, advantageously given an ageing population and users with physical health problems, it can be problematic, in particular to both sit on the sand or the floor, therefore many such users will use a lounger chair or similar, and will need storage at the chair to maintain oversight and easy access to personal possessions.

The headrest pouch may be permanently connected to the sheet. The greatest pouch may comprise an aperture. For example the headrest pouch may comprise a 20 pocket for receipt of padding in use The headrest pouch may alternatively or additionally comprise internal padding.

For example the headrest pouch may comprise an opening for insertion of padding. Such padding may be envisaged to comprise a towel in use, for example enabling 25 the user to dry different parts of themselves without affecting or utilising their main towelling options.

In some embodiments part or all of the device may comprise inflatable parts. For example in some embodiments the device may comprise inflatable cells which fill 30 with air at rest, wherein the device may be rolled for storage, in a manner known to camping mats or the like. In this way the device may be rendered more comfortable.

In some embodiments the pouch may include an inflatable cushion which may or may not be displaceable. Such cushion can be displaceable from a headrest 35 compartment to within the pouch to allow parts to be machine washable The cushion may comprise an inflation mechanism which may be a rubber mouth inflator with a rubber closure to retain air within the cushion.

The cushion deflation mechanism may be arranged to operate by releasing the 5 rubber closure.

It may be envisaged that the pouch or headrest compartment can also be used for storing additional personal possessions, I.e. towel, clothing, other type of padding.

In some embodiments the chair securement mechanism may comprise one or more straps or bands which straps or bands may be arranged to tie the sheet to the chair in use. Such chair securement mechanism may comprise elastomeric parts.

In other embodiments in addition or the alternative the chair securement mechanism 15 may comprise ferromagnetic parts.

In some embodiments the chair securement mechanism is configured to engage with the chair. In some embodiments the chair may consequently be included within the device of the present invention.

In some embodiments the chair securement mechanism comprises parts arranged to adapt the chair for securement of the device, which parts are separable from the device itself, comprising a kit of parts.

Alternatively or additionally the chair securement mechanism comprises a mechanism to securement the device to itself, or parts thereof, for example so as to sandwich the chair between parts of the device. For example by providing a pocket, strap or band or loop.

In some embodiments the chair securement mechanism may comprise an adjustable strapping mechanism, which may be arranged to surround and tighten against the chair at one or more points. For example the strapping mechanism may comprise two points to either side of the chair.

In some embodiments the headrest is adjustable up and down the back rest of the chair according to user preference wherein the headrest or pouch closure may be effected temporarily or controlled by either zipper, press stud closure, Velcro (RTM) closure or ferromagnetism.

Some embodiments may include a bottle holder, which may be comprised in a pocket, strap or similar.

Some embodiments may include a displaceable cooling part, for example a temperature control gel part. This may be operated in reference to the bottle holder for example.

In some embodiments the device may comprise an electrical energy source, for example a battery, photovoltaic cell or harvesting means, and/or mains electrical hook-up. Such energy source may permit powering of a cooling mechanism, which may operate with reference to the bottle holder.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Fiuures

Figure 1 shows an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of the device of the present invention and a chair; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in use on the chair; Figure 3 shows a second isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; And Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Fiuures

With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment generally comprising a chair cover device 99 comprising a substantially rectangular sheet 1 of towelling material configured to overlay a lounger 105, with a chair securement mechanism 10, and pocket attachment means 3 to either long side, said pocket attachment means arranged with displaceable pockets 4, and a headrest pouch 2, said pouch configured to enable incorporation of a displaceable towel (not shown).

In some further embodiments the headrest pouch comprises an inflatable section in part or whole.

In particular reference to the pictured embodiment the embodiment comprises a single rectangular sheet of towelling 1, which may have a rear surface 11 that is waterproofed or impermeable or otherwise differing in material characteristics from its front 1.

The chair 105 as shown comprises a fold between the seat and back, whereby the back may be tilted upwards for a seat 100 and folded down for a bed.

The sheet comprises a fold portion 8 between a head end and the seat end. Such 20 portion 8 may comprise different material or properties for example providing an aeration portions, being perforated or similar.

This sheet comprises two side pocket attachment means 3, which are located in use to either side of the seat, at the seat end of the lounger chair.

In this way the user is enabled to easily reach down in use to access items from the pockets 4.

The pocket attachment 3 means comprises a zipper along the perimetric edge of the 30 sheet.

The pockets 4 are provided on a backing 5, and comprise four pockets side-by-side arranged along the backing. In other embodiments the pockets may comprise four pockets side-by-side arranged along either side of the sheet with no backing.

A bottle holder pocket 44 is provided to one side of the pockets, which may comprise a cooling mechanism,.

Each pocket has a fold-over flap 6 for closure, so as to close over items or the like.

The flap may comprise press stud closure, Velcro (RTM) closure, zipper closure or magnetic closure.

In some further embodiments one of the pockets may be a bottle holder pocket, with 10 or without a lid closure.

Such bottle holder pocket may have an integrated instant cooling pad mechanism, such as a displaceable gel, allowing items within the pocket to cool or remain at a cooler temperature.

The pockets could be provided with or without a backing sheet.

The pockets may comprise translucent covering, or frosted in colour to protect items within from passersby and the pocket's sewing seams will be colour co-ordinated 20 with lid/cover.

It may be envisaged that in some embodiments the pockets, backing, and/or closure flaps may be waterproof or water-resistant material.

The headrest pouch 2 is located towards the head end of the sheet but spaced apart therefrom to allow a fold-over 9 of sheet over the chair end.

The headrest pouch comprises a top opening 12 to a contained volume, into which padding or a folded towel may be added. The opening may comprise popper 30 buttons, or a zipper for closure means.

The headrest pouch comprises an outer and a sheet backing 22, which are parallel and joined in the embodiment as pictured but may be joined by sides in use or other embodiments. In some further embodiments the pouch may comprise a self-35 contained bag or container, attached to the sheet.

In the pictured embodiment the backing sheet 22 may comprise a separate part from the sheet, for example comprising a different material or properties.

The headrest pouch 2 may comprise a backing sheet 22 that enables loss of 5 moisture, for example comprising a perforated mesh or net, so as to enable damp padding or folded towels to be used as a headrest within the pouch.

In addition or the alternative the pockets may be secured and displaceable from a backing sheet, for example using a zipper mechanism.

The outer of the headrest pouch may comprise a waterproof material, or may have a water inner face, so as to limit moisture travel from damp padding.

The chair securement mechanism comprises an adjustment strap 10 which is located at the head end of the chair in use, spaced some way from the end of the sheet, and comprises an elastomeric strap which is passed around the chair 105 in use, and may in some embodiments be passed around the remainder of the sheet between the headrest pouch and sheet the end; so as to allow a loose flap 9 of sheet for drying hands or the like without disturbing the rest of the sheet.

In some embodiments the rear strap 13 may be bonded to the flap 9, and may have loose ends 10 that comprise Velcro (RTM) to secure to the rear 11 of the sheet.

In other embodiments the chair securement mechanism may comprise two straps to 25 either side of the sheet spaced apart from the end and arranged to attach to the sheet at or near the headrest pouch, for example on the reverse thereof.

The chair securement mechanism may comprise two points to either side of the sheet and may comprise elastic material. The chair securement mechanism may 30 have an adjustable mechanism to either tighten or loosen and to secure to the chair.

The chair securement mechanism may be used to adjust and secure the headrest to the users desired height, and may comprise a means of attaching a displaceable pouch to the device in some embodiments.

In some embodiments the chair securement mechanism may also be used to strap in the loose excess sheet or to hang items, for example; towel, clothing, etc. for example comprising an extending or extendable band or skirt.

Such skirt may by elastomeric so as to be passed around items, and may be water-repellent.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing 10 from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims (18)

1. Claims 1 A chair cover device comprising an elongate substantially rectangular sheet of towelling material configured to overlay a lounger, with a chair securement mechanism, and pocket attachment means to either long side, said pocket attachment means arranged with displaceable pockets, and a headrest pouch, said pouch configured to include a displaceable towel.
2. 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the pocket attachment means comprises a zipper.
3. 3. A device according to claim 1 wherein the pocket attachment means comprises a press stud.
4. 4. A device according to claim 1 wherein the pocket attachment means comprises hook and loop material like Velcro (RTM).
5. 5. A device according to claim 1 wherein the pocket attachment means comprises ferromagnetism.
6. 6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the pockets comprise a series of pockets on a backing.
7. 7. A device according to any preceding claim wherein at least one pocket comprises closure means.
8. 8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the chair securement mechanism comprises a strap.
9. 9. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the chair securement mechanism comprises elastomer.
10. 10. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the headrest pouch comprises a compartment.
11. 11. A device according to claim 10 wherein the compartment is capable of closure.
12. 12. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the chair securement mechanism is located towards an end but spaced therefrom so as to leave a loose flap.
13. 13. A device according to any preceding claim wherein a pocket is a bottle holder pocket
14. 14. A device according to claim 13 wherein the bottle holder has a lid closure.
15. 15. A device according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the bottle holder has an integrated instant cooling pad mechanism.
16. 16. A device according to claim 15 wherein the mechanism comprises a displaceable gel.
17. 17. A device according to any preceding claim comprising at least one inflatable part.
18. 18. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the headrest pouch comprises an inflatable cushion.