Transportable cushioning device

• US 6,457,773 B1
• Filed: 08/31/2001
• Issued: 10/01/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Richard L. Gates
• Original Assignee: Richard L. Gates
• Inventors: Gates, Richard L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cuomo, Peter M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): HARRIS, STEPHANIE N
• Application Number:
  US09/944,010
• Time in Patent Office: 396 Days
• Field of Search: 297/452.21, 297/452.22, 297/452.23, 297/452.24, 297/452.27, 297/452.284, 297/452.47, 297/452.46, 297/452.17, 297/219.1, 297/228.12, 565/3, 565/54
• US Class Current: 297/228.12
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 7/021 Detachable or loose seat cushions
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 7/029 of non-adjustable shape adapted to a user contour or ergonomic seating positions

Abstract

A transportable cushioning device for supporting a buttocks portion of a user while sitting in a seat. The transportable cushioning device includes an inner cushioning assembly for supporting the buttocks portion of the user sitting in the seat. The inner cushioning assembly includes a support layer for supporting the buttocks portion of the user and a comfort layer for contouring to the buttocks portion of the user in order to provide comfort to the user. A covering is provided for covering all of the layers.

Claims

1. A transportable cushioning device for supporting a buttocks portion of a user while sitting in a seat, the seat including a seat support portion, said device comprising:

an inner cushioning assembly for supporting the buttocks portion of the user sitting in the seat, said inner cushioning assembly including;

a support layer for supporting the buttocks portion of the user;

a comfort layer for contouring to the buttocks portion of the user providing comfort to the user being positioned on said support layer; and

a covering for covering all of said layers;

wherein said inner cushioning assembly has a top and a bottom and a front end and a back end, said inner cushioning assembly having a length measured between said front and back ends, said inner cushioning assembly having a width measured in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to said length, said inner cushioning assembly having a thickness between said top and bottom;

wherein said width of said inner cushioning assembly tapers narrower from said back end toward said front end such that said inner cushioning assembly is wider at said back end than said front end;

wherein said thickness of said inner cushioning assembly tapers thinner from said back end toward said front end such that said inner cushioning assembly is thicker at said back end than said front end;

wherein said inner cushioning assembly has a channel extending from said rear end toward said front end for selectively receiving and supporting a tailbone portion of user, said channel extending between the top and the bottom of said inner cushioning assembly.

2. The transportable cushioning device of claim 1 wherein a thickness of said support layer tapers from said back end toward said front end of said support layer.

3. The transportable cushioning device of claim 1, wherein a width of said support layer tapers from said back end toward said front end.

4. The transportable cushioning device of claim 1, wherein said support layer comprises a resiliently compressible material.

5. The transportable cushioning device of claim 1, wherein a thickness of said comfort layer tapers from a back end of said support layer toward a central portion of said support layer.

6. The transportable cushioning device of claim 1, wherein said comfort layer comprises a plurality of foam beads.

7. The transportable cushioning device of claim 1, additionally including an intermediate layer being mounted on said support layer for separating said comfort layer from said support layer, and a channel extending through said intermediate layer.

8. The transportable cushioning device of claim 1, wherein a back portion of said covering is positioned in a channel extending through said support and comfort layers.

9. The transportable cushioning device of claim 8, wherein said back portion of said covering has a plurality of holes extending therethrough for allowing air in each of said layers to escape.

10. The transportable cushioning device of claim 1, additionally including a securing member for securing said inner cushion assembly to the seat, said securing member being mounted on said covering member and releaseably couplable to the seat.

11. The transportable cushioning device of claim 10, wherein a first end of said securing member is mounted on said covering, a second end of said securing member extending about the back support portion of the seat and releasably mounted on covering an elongated strap.

12. The transportable cushioning device of claim 11, wherein said securing member comprises an elongated strap.

13. The transportable cushioning device of claim 11, additionally including a fastening member for releasably fastening said second end of said securing member to said covering, said fastening member being mounted on said covering and releaseably couplable to said second end of said securing member.

14. The transportable cushioning device of claim 13, wherein said fastening member includes a first portion and a second portion, said first portion being mounted on said covering, said second portion being mounted said securing member and positioned generally adjacent to said second end of said securing member.

15. The transportable cushioning device of claim 13, wherein said fastening member comprises a hook and loop fastener.

16. A transportable cushioning device for supporting a buttocks portion of a user while sitting in a seat, the seat including a seat support portion, said device comprising:

an inner cushioning assembly for supporting the buttocks portion of the user sitting in the seat, said inner cushioning assembly including;

a support layer for supporting the buttocks portion of the user;

a comfort layer for contouring to the buttocks portion of the user providing comfort to the user being positioned on said support layer; and

a covering for covering all of said layers;

wherein said inner cushioning assembly has a top and a bottom and a front end and a back end, said inner cushioning assembly having a length measured between said front and back ends, said inner cushioning assembly having a width measured in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to said length, said inner cushioning assembly having a thickness between said top and bottom;

wherein said width of said inner cushioning assembly tapers narrower from said back end toward said front end such that said inner cushioning assembly is wider at said back end than said front end;

wherein said thickness of said inner cushioning assembly tapers thinner from said back end toward said front end such that said inner cushioning assembly is thicker at said back end than said front end;

wherein said inner cushioning assembly has a channel extending from said rear end toward said front end for selectively receiving and supporting a tailbone portion of user, said channel extending between the top and the bottom of said inner cushioning assembly;

wherein a thickness of said support layer tapers from said back end toward said front end of said support layer;

wherein a width of said support layer tapers from said back end toward said front end;

wherein said support layer comprises a resiliently compressible material;

wherein a thickness of said comfort layer tapers from a back end of said support layer toward a central portion of said support layer;

an intermediate layer being mounted on said support layer for separating said comfort layer from said support layer, and a channel extending through said intermediate layer;

wherein a back portion of said covering is positioned in a channel extending through said support and comfort layers;

wherein said back portion of said covering has a plurality of holes extending therethrough for allowing air in each of said layers to escape;

a securing member for securing said inner cushion assembly to the seat, said securing member being mounted on said covering member and releaseably couplable to the seat;

wherein a first end of said securing member is mounted on said covering, a second end of said securing member extending about the back support portion of the seat and releasably mounted on covering an elongated strap;

wherein said securing member comprises an elongated strap;

a fastening member for releasably fastening said second end of said securing member to said covering, said fastening member being mounted on said covering and releaseably couplable to said second end of said securing member;

wherein said fastening member includes a first portion and a second portion, said first portion being mounted on said covering, said second portion being mounted said securing member and positioned generally adjacent to said second end of said securing member;

wherein said fastening member comprises a hook and loop fastener.