Cushion cover apparatus with connection mechanisms

Children have used cushions and pillows to create temporary play structures. The pillows and cushions are normally used with sitting furniture in a living room of a house but when they are removed from the furniture, they can be used as components of a play structure. The cushions that form the walls are balanced against each other and then a roof cushion can be placed on top of the wall cushions.

A problem with these structures that are only balanced against each other is that they are very fragile. What is needed is a mechanism that allows the cushions to be temporarily secured to each other.

The present invention is directed towards a system for connecting cushions to allow children to build structures. Cushion covers are attached to cushions with straps that wrap around the cushion and attach to another portion of the cover. In an embodiment, the straps may use a hook and loop coupling mechanism. An inner portion of one end of the strap may be covered with a loop surface and an outer portion of the opposite end of the strap may be covered with a hook surface. The strap can be adjusted so that the cover is snug around the cushion and then the opposite ends of the strap can be coupled. While a single strap can be sufficient to hold the cover in place, the cover can also be held around the cushion with multiple straps. In other embodiments, the coupling mechanism can be: hooks and hooks, buckles, temporary adhesives, snaps, buttons, etc. It is also possible to tie the cover to the cushion with lines that are coupled to the cover. In this embodiment, the lines can be tied in knots to secure the cover to the cushion.

Once the covers have been placed around the cushions, the cushions can be coupled together. In an embodiment, the outer surface of the cover includes hooks and loops. The cushions are held together when the hook portion of a first cushion contacts the loop portion of a second cushion. Ideally, the connection area will have sufficient area for the connection to be fairly strong. Additional cushions can be connected until the desired structure is formed.

In an embodiment, the cushion cover includes a flap portion that extends from the outer surface. The flap preferably includes a connector mechanism that allows the cushions to be coupled to the flap. The flap adds some flexibility because it can rotate relative to the cushion and provides a strong connection to other cushions while allowing the connected cushions to move. Thus, the cushions do not have to be precisely aligned.

In addition to cushions, other objects can be used in the structure. A flexible sheet of material may be used as a tent like cover to the structure. A pole can be attached to the connection covers and used to support the tent. The pole may having a flat base that allows the pole to stand upright. In an embodiment, the pole can be made of a soft and flexible material such as foam. While strong enough to support a cover, it can also be flexible so that it can be bent into an arch. This flexibility can be useful in providing a safer play structure component and provides more options for creating different types of structures. Portions of the pole may be covered with connectors such as hook and/or loop surfaces so that it can be coupled to a cushion. In an embodiment, the length of the pole is adjustable. For example, the pole may have separate upper and lower portions that are concentrically arranged so the pole can be extended telescopically.

Accessories can also be used with the connector cushion covers. Examples include, a steering wheel, controls, levers, pedals, brakes, lights, sound recordings, etc. The cushion covers are preferably made of a cloth material that can easily be stored in a compact manner and washed in a washing machine.

In another embodiment, the inventive cover is secured to the cushion with elastic rather than straps. The cover may resemble a bag having an open end and a closed end. The elastic may surround the open end so that when the cushion is inserted into the cover, the elastic will contract around the cushion and hold the cover in place. The elastic can be an elongated structure that runs around the open end. Alternatively, some or all of the cover can be made of elastic cloth that can stretch in all directions. When the cushion is inserted into the cover, the cover can contract around the cushion and conform to the shape of the cushion. The cover can also have open areas which expose the cushion and may reduce the costs of production of the cover. The outer surface of the cover includes coupling mechanisms so the cover can be coupled to other cushions. In an embodiment, the coupling mechanism includes areas of hooks and loops or any other described fasteners.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a view of a cushion and a cover;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a cushion and a cover;

FIG. 3 is a view of a cushion and a cover;

FIG. 4 is a view of a cushion and a cover having a strap and buckle;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a cushion and a cover having a strap;

FIG. 6 is a view of cover that completely covers the cushion;

FIG. 7 is a view of two cushions each having covers;

FIG. 8 is a view of a flap that is coupled to an edge of a cover;

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Previous Patent Application:
Moveable headrest for viewing images from different directions
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Seating accessory
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Chairs and seats

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