| United States Patent Application |
20020195845
|
| Kind Code
|
A1
|
|
Southwick, Linda S.
|
December 26, 2002
|
Event chair cover system
Abstract
A system for attaching accessories to a chair back. The chair-band system
provides a material-covered elastic band with one or more removable
attachment systems in the face of the band that allow for accessories,
such as decorations, to be attached to the band. It also provides a
chair-band that stretches to fit over the back of a chair and grip it
tightly. The accessories are connected to an attacher that attaches to
the band. In addition, the system provides for a business method for
using elastic bands, decorations, accessories, signage, and attachers,
with the following steps: warehousing a large plurality of elastic bands,
decorations, accessories, signage, and attachers; permitting each
customer to select an appropriate number and kind of such elastic bands,
decorations, accessories, signage, and attachers; renting or delivering
to such customer such appropriate number and kind of such bands and
either one of the following: such decorations, attachers and bands, or
specially providing for such customer custom decorations usable with such
attachers and bands.
| Inventors: |
Southwick, Linda S.; (Phoenix, AZ)
|
| Correspondence Name and Address:
|
STONEMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD
3113 NORTH 3RD STREET
PHOENIX
AZ
85012
US
|
| Serial No.:
|
180839 |
| Series Code:
|
10
|
| Filed:
|
June 25, 2002 |
| U.S. Current Class: |
297/188.06 |
| U.S. Class at Publication: |
297/188.06 |
| Intern'l Class: |
A47C 007/62 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1) An event chair accessory system, for use with at least one chair having
an upright back, to assist in the display of at least one removable
accessory having fastening means compatible with said system, comprising
in combination: a) receiving means for receiving the fastening means of
the at least one accessory; and b) elastic gripping means for elastically
gripping at least one portion of the upright back; c) wherein said
elastic gripping means removably holds said receiving means to the
upright back; and d) wherein said receiving means comprises removability
means for assisting in removably retaining the at least one accessory.
2) The system according to claim 1 wherein said receiving means comprises:
a) aperture means for accepting at least one engageable portion of the
fastening means.
3) The system according to claim 1 wherein said receiving means comprises:
a) magnetic attracting means for magnetically attracting at least one
magnet of the fastening means to assist in forming a removable magnetic
attachment.
4) The system according to claim 1 wherein said elastic gripping means
comprises: a) encircling means for encircling at least one portion of the
upright back.
5) An event chair accessory system, for use with at least one chair having
an upright back, to assist in the display of at least one removable
accessory, comprising in combination: a) fastening means for assisting in
the removable fastening of the at least one accessory to said system; b)
receiving means for receiving said fastening means; and c) elastic
gripping means for elastically gripping at least one portion of the
upright back; d) wherein said elastic gripping means comprises holding
means for removably holding said receiving means to the upright back.
6) The system according to claim 5 wherein said receiving means comprises:
a) aperture means for accepting at least one engageable portion of said
fastening means.
7) The system according to claim 6 wherein said fastening means comprises:
a) contacting means for contacting at least one portion of the at least
one accessory; and b) engagement means for engaging said aperture means;
c) wherein said engagement means comprises retaining means for removably
retaining said engagement means while engaged within said aperture means;
d) whereby said contacting means enables the adhering of said fastening
means to the at least one accessory.
8) The system according to claim 7 wherein: a) said engagement means
consists essentially of two pins; and b) said aperture means consists
essentially of two apertures.
9) The system according to claim 5 wherein said elastic gripping means
comprises: a) encircling means for encircling at least one portion of the
upright back.
10) An event chair accessory system, for use with at least one chair
having an upright back, for assisting in the display of at least one
removable accessory having at least one fastener compatible with said
system, comprising in combination: a) at least one receiver structured
and arranged to receive the at least one fastener of the at least one
accessory; and b) at least one elastic gripper structured and arranged to
elastically grip at least one portion of the upright back; c) wherein
said at least one elastic gripper comprises a holder structured and
arranged to removably hold said at least one receiver to the upright
back; and d) wherein said receiver is further structured and arranged to
assist in removably retaining the at least one accessory.
11) The system according to claim 10 wherein said at least one receiver
comprises: a) at least one aperture structured and arranged to accept at
least one engageable portion of the fastener.
12) The system according to claim 10 wherein said at least one receiver
comprises: a) at least one magnet attractor structured and arranged to
magnetically attract the at least one fastener to assist in forming a
removable magnetic attachment.
13) The system according to claim 10 wherein said at least one elastic
gripper comprises: a) at least one encircler structured and arranged to
encircle at least one portion of the upright back.
14) An event chair accessory system, for use with at least one chair
having compatible accessory receiving means, comprising in combination:
a) at least one accessory; and b) at least one fastener structured and
arranged to assist in the removable fastening of the at least one
accessory to the compatible accessory receiving means; c) wherein said at
least one accessory is joined to said at least one fastener.
15) The system according to claim 14 wherein said at least one fastener
comprises: a) at least one magnet.
16) The system according to claim 14 wherein said at least one fastener
comprises: a) at least one engageable portion structured and arranged to
engage with at least one aperture of the compatible accessory receiving
means.
17) A chair cover system to removably attach accessories to a chair back
of a chair having a seat and a chair back, comprising: a) at least one
flexible material band structured and arranged to: i) fit over the chair
back, ii) encircle the chair back, iii) elastically grip the chair back,
and b) at least one aperture in said band structured and arranged to
accept at least one aperture attachment.
18) The system according to claim 17 further comprising at least one
removable aperture attachment structured and arranged to fit into said
aperture and be affixed therein in such manner that said aperture
attachment is not removable without un-affixing of said aperture
attachment.
19) The system according to claim 18 wherein said at least one removable
aperture attachment is selected from the following group: a) a cuff-link
attacher, b) a turn-and-lock attacher, c) a bendable-wire attacher.
20) The system according to claim 18 further comprising at least one
decoration attachment structured and arranged to assist attaching
decoration means for decorating the chair to said at least one removable
aperture attachment.
21) A method for using elastic bands, decorations, accessories, signage,
and attachers, comprising the following steps: a) warehousing a large
plurality of elastic bands, decorations, accessories, signage, and
attachers; b) permitting each customer to select an appropriate number
and kind of said elastic bands, decorations, accessories, signage, and
attachers; and, c) renting to such customer said appropriate number and
kind of said bands.
22) The system according to claim 24 further comprising the step of: a)
renting to such customer said decorations, attachers and bands.
23) The system according to claim 25 further comprising the step of: a)
specially providing for such customer custom decorations usable with said
attachers and bands.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is related to applicant's prior U.S.
Provisional Application Serial No. 60/300,790, filed Jun. 25, 2001,
entitled "Event Chair Cover System", the contents of all of which are
hereby herein incorporated by reference and are not admitted to be prior
art with respect to the present invention by their mention in this
cross-reference section.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This invention relates to a system for providing a portable,
re-usable, temporary chair-back cover system and further provides an
attachment system for a plurality of interchangeable decorative
attachments.
[0003] Typically, group events and gatherings, such as conventions,
weddings, meetings or a multitude of other such events may utilize
chairs, such as stackable chairs, in which it is desirable to decorate
the chairs or attach temporary indicia to the chairs. In the past,
several methods of decorating chairs have been used. For example,
slipcovers have been used to cover the entire chair, and various methods
of attaching decorations or indicia to the slipcovers have been utilized.
In addition, chairs have been decorated by tying fabric around the back
of the chair and attaching decorations to the fabric by pinning. Tapes
and adhesives have been used to attach signage, decorations and other
attachments.
[0004] Additionally, when people have events, they generally prefer two
kinds of decorations on the chairs: those that are custom and only used
once; or those that are warehoused and may be used multiple times.
Typically, the warehoused items may be rented. Heretofore, the people who
did banquets, the suppliers, were primarily supplying special items for
each special occasion, mainly for a single use. With the present
invention, it is much easier and provides more variable rental choices to
warehouse and rent re-usable decorations. Such decorations may be
differentiated by several categories, such as what may be utilized, for
example, for: weddings; conventions; trade shows, high fashion events;
and/or informal events. There are literally hundreds of events that might
utilize such decorations.
[0005] Further, there are companies that rent out assorted decorations and
covers for chairs. The installation of these covers and decorations onto
the chairs is very time consuming. Slipcovers need to be carefully placed
over chairs to avoid tearing the slipcover or damaging the chair. The
attachments must be aligned and attached to the chair. If multiple chairs
are utilized, each attachment preferably is aligned with the other
attachments, a time-consuming task. In addition, the covers and
decorations often need to be laundered after each use. The cost of such
laundering increases the costs of the rental. Laundering the covers
and/or decorations reduces the use life of the chair cover or decoration,
as they wear out more quickly.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide
a portable, re-usable, temporary chair-back cover system which further
provides an attachment system with a plurality of interchangeable,
removable attachments for use in decorating event chairs.
[0007] It is another object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a system for easily installing chair attachments onto a
chair back, particularly using a continuous band having sufficient
elasticity to be fit onto the chair back and grip the back.
[0008] It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a system in which the chair-back covers and a plurality of
either custom or warehoused accessories or decorations may be rented out.
[0009] It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a system which allows for multiple uses of the device prior
to cleaning, thereby reducing the laundering costs and increasing the
usable life of the device.
[0010] A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to
provide such a system which is efficient, inexpensive, and handy. Other
objects and features of this invention will become apparent with
reference to the following descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides an event chair accessory system, for use with at least one chair
having an upright back, to assist in the display of at least one
removable accessory having fastening means compatible with such system,
comprising in combination: receiving means for receiving the fastening
means of the at least one accessory; and elastic gripping means for
elastically gripping at least one portion of the upright back; wherein
such elastic gripping means removably holds such receiving means to the
upright back; and wherein such receiving means comprises removability
means for assisting in removably retaining the at least one accessory.
[0012] It also provides such a system wherein such receiving means
comprises: aperture means for accepting at least one engageable portion
of the fastening means. And, it provides such a system wherein such
receiving means comprises: magnetic attracting means for magnetically
attracting at least one magnet of the fastening means to assist in
forming a removable magnetic attachment. Further, it provides such a
system wherein such elastic gripping means comprises: encircling means
for encircling at least one portion of the upright back.
[0013] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides an event chair accessory system, for use with at least
one chair having an upright back, to assist in the display of at least
one removable accessory, comprising in combination: fastening means for
assisting in the removable fastening of the at least one accessory to
such system; receiving means for receiving such fastening means; and
elastic gripping means for elastically gripping at least one portion of
the upright back; wherein such elastic gripping means comprises holding
means for removably holding such receiving means to the upright back.
[0014] Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such receiving means
comprises: aperture means for accepting at least one engageable portion
of such fastening means. And, it provides such a system wherein such
fastening means comprises: contacting means for contacting at least one
portion of the at least one accessory; and engagement means for engaging
such aperture means; wherein such engagement means comprises retaining
means for removably retaining such engagement means while engaged within
such aperture means; whereby such contacting means enables the adhering
of such fastening means to the at least one accessory.
[0015] Additionally, it provides such a system wherein: such engagement
means consists essentially of two pins; and such aperture means consists
essentially of two apertures. Further, it provides such a system wherein
such elastic gripping means comprises: encircling means for encircling at
least one portion of the upright back.
[0016] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides an event chair accessory system, for use with at least
one chair having an upright back, for assisting in the display of at
least one removable accessory having at least one fastener compatible
with such system, comprising in combination: at least one receiver
structured and arranged to receive the at least one fastener of the at
least one accessory; and at least one elastic gripper structured and
arranged to elastically grip at least one portion of the upright back;
wherein such at least one elastic gripper comprises a holder structured
and arranged to removably hold such at least one receiver to the upright
back; and wherein such receiver is further structured and arranged to
assist in removably retaining the at one accessory.
[0017] It also provides such a system wherein such at least one receiver
comprises: at least one aperture structured and arranged to accept at
least one engageable portion of the fastener. And, it provides such a
system wherein such at least one receiver comprises: at least one magnet
attractor structured and arranged to magnetically attract the at least
one fastener to assist in forming a removable magnetic attachment.
Further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one elastic
gripper comprises: at least one encircler structured and arranged to
encircle at least one portion of the upright back.
[0018] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides an event chair accessory system, for use with at least
one chair having compatible accessory receiving means, comprising in
combination: at least one accessory; and at least one fastener structured
and arranged to assist in the removable fastening of the at least one
accessory to the compatible accessory receiving means; wherein such at
least one accessory is joined to such at least one fastener.
[0019] Furthermore, it provides such a system wherein such at least one
fastener comprises: at least one magnet. And, it provides such a system
wherein such at least one fastener comprises: at least one engageable
portion structured and arranged to engage with at least one aperture of
the compatible accessory receiving means.
[0020] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a chair cover system to removably attach accessories
to a chair back of a chair having a seat and a chair back, comprising: at
least one flexible material band structured and arranged to: fit over the
chair back, encircle the chair back, elastically grip the chair back, and
at least one aperture in such band structured and arranged to accept at
least one aperture attachment.
[0021] Even further, it provides such a system further comprising at least
one removable aperture attachment structured and arranged to fit into
such aperture and be affixed therein in such manner that such aperture
attachment is not removable without un-affixing of such aperture
attachment. Still further, it provides such a system wherein such at
least one removable aperture attachment is selected from the following
group: a cuff-link attacher, a turn-and-lock attacher, and a
bendable-wire attacher.
[0022] Moreover, it also provides such a system further comprising at
least one decoration attachment structured and arranged to assist
attaching decoration means for decorating the chair to such at least one
removable aperture attachment.
[0023] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a method for using elastic bands, decorations,
accessories, signage, and attachers, comprising the following steps:
warehousing a large plurality of elastic bands, decorations, accessories,
signage, and attachers; permitting each customer to select an appropriate
number and kind of such elastic bands, decorations, accessories, signage,
and attachers; and, renting to such customer such appropriate number and
kind of such bands. It also provides a system further comprising the step
of: renting to such customer such decorations, attachers and bands. And,
it provides such a system further comprising the step of: specially
providing for such customer custom decorations usable with such attachers
and bands.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the event chair cover system in
place on a chair according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the event chair cover system in
place on a chair according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the event chair cover system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the event chair cover system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a top view of the event chair cover system showing the
continuous looped configuration of the event chair-band according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the event chair cover system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the event chair cover system
showing fabric, elastic band and seam according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the event chair cover system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a preferred attacher according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the preferred attacher in a locked
position according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a receiver assembly according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a perspective view, in partial cut-away, of the receiver
assembly installed within the flexible material of event chair cover
system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 13 is a perspective view, partially in section, through
section 13-13 of FIG. 3, illustrating a first step in the attachment of
an accessory to the chair-band according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0037] FIG. 14 is a perspective view, partially in section, through
section 13-13 of FIG. 3, illustrating a second step in the attachment of
an accessory to the chair-band according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0038] FIG. 15 is a perspective view, illustrating several preferred
embodiments of the attachment system, according to the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 16 illustrates a securable holder that provides a locking
mechanism, which is preferable for a round aperture, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 17 illustrates a preferred embodiment comprising a magnetic
attachment according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the event chair cover system
illustrating a decorative accessory according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the event chair cover system
illustrating a sign-with-indicia signage accessory according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the event chair cover system
illustrating another decorative accessory according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the event chair cover system 20 in
place on a chair 21 according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The event chair cover system 20 preferably comprises an event
chair-band 24 that is installed over a chair back 35, as shown.
Preferably, one or more accessories 66 are attached to the event
chair-band 24, as shown.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the event chair cover system 20
(herein embodying at least one flexible material band structured and
arranged to: fit over the chair back; encircle the chair back;
elastically grip the chair back; and at least one aperture in such band
structured and arranged to accept at least one aperture attachment) in
place on a chair 21 according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. Preferably, the chair-band 24 is sized such that it will
easily fit over the chair back(s) 35 of most chairs. Preferably, the
chair-band 24 may be slipped over a chair-back 35 having a decorative
chair slipcover 28 that may be installed onto the chair 21, such as
shown. Preferably, the chair-band 24 will encircle the chair back 35 and
grip it tightly (herein embodying encircling means for encircling at
least one portion of the upright back and herein embodying at least one
encircler structured and arranged to encircle at least one portion of the
upright back).
[0046] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the event chair cover system
20 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Preferably, the system comprises a chair-band 24 and attachment system
30, as shown. The chair-band 24 is preferably constructed of flexible
material 26. The preferred use of the attachment system 30 allows an
almost unlimited number of accessories to be attached to the chair-band
24. Preferably, the attachment system 30 further comprises a receiver
assembly 100 (herein embodying receiving means for receiving the
fastening means of the at least one accessory and herein embodying
removability means for assisting in removably retaining the at least one
accessory and further herein embodying at least one receiver structured
and arranged to receive the at least one fastener of the at least one
accessory wherein such receiver is further structured and arranged to
assist in removably retaining the at least one accessory) permanently
fastened to the flexible material 26 of the chair-band 24, as shown.
Preferably, receiver assembly 100 is located opposite the elastic band 27
such that, while installed on chair back 35, it is oriented to the back
facing portion 23 of the chair 21 (as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2). In
addition, the attachment system 30 further comprises a corresponding
attacher 44 (herein embodying fastening means for assisting in the
removable fastening of the at least one accessory to such system and
herein embodying at least one fastener structured and arranged to assist
in the removable fastening of the at least one accessory to the
compatible accessory receiver wherein such at least one accessory is
joined to such at least one fastener and herein embodying at least one
removable aperture attachment structured and arranged to fit into such
aperture and be affixed therein in such manner that such aperture
attachment is not removable without un-affixing of such aperture
attachment), as shown. Preferably, attacher 44 is connected to an
accessory 66, either permanently or removably. Connection methods are
well-known by those knowledgeable in the art and include adhesives,
stitching, hook and loop material and other methods of connection (herein
embodying at least one decoration attachment structured and arranged to
assist attaching decoration means for decorating the chair to such at
least one removeable aperture attachment). The preferable connection
utilizes an adhesive to permanently join the accessory 66 to the attacher
44. Under appropriate circumstances, a removable attachment between
accessory 66 and attacher 44 using hook and loop fasteners 104 may be
preferred (e.g., it is necessary for accessory 66 to be quickly
interchanged during an event).
[0047] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the event chair cover system
20 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Preferably, chair-band 24 comprises at least one elastic band 27 (herein
embodying elastic gripping means for elastically gripping at least one
portion of the upright back wherein such elastic gripping means removably
holds such receiving means to the upright back and herein embodying at
least one elastic gripper structured and arranged to elastically grip at
least one portion of the upright back wherein such at least one elastic
gripper comprises a holder structured and arranged to removably hold such
at least one receiver to the upright back) covered by a fabric 29 or
other material (e.g., leather, satin, silk etc.). Preferably, the elastic
band 27 is completely covered on all sides. The fabric 29 may be a single
fabric or a combination of fabrics, and may preferably be reversible.
Preferably, the elastic band 27 is attached at seam 31 and seam 33 with
the fabric 29 attached at only the seams 31 and 33, as shown. Preferably,
the fabric is gathered such that the elastic band 27 can be stretched
over the chair-back 35 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) without tearing the fabric
29.
[0048] FIG. 5 is a top view of the event chair cover system 20 showing the
continuous looped configuration of the event chair-band 24 according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the event chair cover system
20 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Preferably, the rear portion of the chair-band 24 is about ten inches in
height, as indicated by dimension "A". Receiver assembly 100 is
preferably located symmetrically between seams 31 and 33, about 4" below
the upper edge 37 of chair-band 24, as shown. Under appropriate
circumstances, other mounting positions to accommodate a specific
accessory design may be used.
[0050] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the event chair cover system
20 showing fabric 29, elastic band 27 and seam 31 according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the event chair cover system
20 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Preferably, the elastic band 27 is about six inches in height.
Preferably, the front portion of the chair-band 24 is about 6 inches in
height, corresponding to the preferred height of elastic band 27, as
indicated by dimension "B", as shown.
[0052] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the preferred attacher 44 (herein
embodying engagement means for engaging such aperture means wherein such
engagement means comprises retaining means for removably retaining such
engagement means while engaged within such aperture means and herein
embodying at least one engageable portion structured and arranged to
engage with at least one aperture of the compatible accessory receiving
means) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Preferably, attacher 44 comprises a one-piece assembly having at least
one, preferably two, adjacent oval-shaped locking mechanisms 42 (herein
embodying wherein such engagement means consists essentially of two
pins), extending from an essentially rectangular plate 50 (herein
embodying contacting means for contacting at least one portion of the at
least one accessory whereby such contacting means enables the adhering of
such fastening means to the at least one accessory), as shown. The
preferred use of two side-by-side locking mechanisms 42 prevents rotation
of the attacher 44 and any mounted accessories. Attacher 44 is preferably
constructed of a rigid moldable thermoplastic, preferably general-purpose
polystyrene (such as "Styron 668", as manufactured by Dow Plastics, USA)
or a general-purpose polyethylene. Under-appropriate circumstances, other
suitable rigid materials, including metal or other plastics, may be used
to fabricate the attacher 44 when high durability or strength is a
concern.
[0053] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the preferred attacher 44 in a
locked position according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention (herein embodying a turn-and-lock attacher). Preferably,
locking mechanism 42 is a "turn and lock" arrangement similar to that
used in many purse covers, whereby a semi-circular disc 48 is
swivel-attached such that the semi-circular disc 48 may be turned (i.e.,
twisted) in either a clock-wise or counter-clockwise manner and locked
(maintained) in a position in about 90 degrees increments, as shown.
[0054] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of receiver assembly 100 according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, receiver
assembly 100 comprises a one-piece assembly having at least one,
preferably two apertures, aperture 32 and aperture 34 (herein embodying
aperture means for accepting at least one engageable portion of the
fastening means and herein embodying wherein such aperture means consists
essentially of two apertures and herein embodying at least one aperture
structured and arranged to accept at least one engageable portion of the
fastener), as shown. Preferably, aperture 32 and aperture 34 are spaced
about one and one-half inches apart, center to center (about one-half
inch apart measured from the outer aperture peripheries; with a preferred
such separation range of about one-half inch to about one and one-half
inches). Receiver assembly 100 is preferably constructed of a rigid
moldable thermoplastic, preferably a general-purpose polyethylene or
similar thermo-polymer. Under appropriate circumstances, other suitable
rigid materials, including metal, may be used to fabricate the receiver
assembly 100 when durability or strength is of concern. Preferably,
aperture 32 and aperture 34 are oval to mate with the oval-shaped locking
mechanism(s) 42 of attacher 44. Preferably, aperture 32 and aperture 34
each comprise a grommet-receiving flange 43, as shown. Preferably, a
grommet 45 is used to stiffen and firmly retain each of the apertures,
preventing tearing of the chair-band 24. The grommet 45 preferably has a
diameter of about one-half to five-eighths inch. Such attachment is
well-known by those knowledgeable in the art, and under appropriate
circumstances, other such attachments may suffice.
[0055] FIG. 12 is a perspective view, in partial cut-away, of receiver
assembly 100 installed within the flexible material 26 of event chair
cover system 20 according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. Each grommet 45 is mechanically pressed onto its respective
grommet-receiving flange 43 of aperture 32 and aperture 34 to firmly and
permanently retain receiver assembly 100 to the flexible material 26, as
shown. Such attachment is well-known by those knowledgeable in the art,
and under appropriate circumstances other attachment methods, such as
adhesive application, may suffice.
[0056] FIG. 13 is a perspective view, partially in section, through
section 13-13 of FIG. 3, illustrating a first step in the attachment of
an accessory to the chair-band 24 according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0057] FIG. 14 is a perspective view, partially in section, through
section 13-13 of FIG. 3, illustrating a second step in the attachment of
an accessory 66 to the chair-band 24 according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Preferably, the semi-circular disc(s) 48 of
attacher 44 are inserted through the wide portion of the oval apertures
of receiver assembly 100, as shown. Preferably, the semi-circular disc(s)
48 are then swiveled 90 degrees such that the semi-circular disc 48 will
not pass back through the oval aperture, as shown in FIG. 14.
[0058] FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating several preferred
embodiments of the attachment system 30 according to the present
invention. Under appropriate circumstances, to address issues of economy
and convenience, the attachment system 30 may comprise an attacher 44
having a single locking mechanism 42 and a receiver assembly 100 having a
single aperture 36, as shown. Also shown in FIG. 15 is the suitability of
attachment system 30 to comprise a plurality of locking mechanisms and
apertures, which under appropriate circumstances, may be used to
accommodate especially wide or heavy accessories. Under appropriate
circumstances, attacher 44 may comprise a bendable wire inserted through
receiver assembly 100 before twist bending (herein embodying a
bendable-wire attacher).
[0059] FIG. 16 illustrates a securable holder 38 (herein embodying a
cuff-link attacher) that provides a locking mechanism 46, which is
preferable for a round aperture 41, according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 16, the aperture 41
may comprise one or more grommets of a type well-known by those
knowledgeable in the art for use in fabric and canvas. Preferably,
locking mechanism 46 comprises a lever 150. Preferably, lever 150 is
attached to a base 52 by a pin 54 such that lever 150 may be rotated from
a vertical position to a horizontal position, and vice-versa, thereby
operating similar to a "cuff-link". Under appropriate circumstances,
other lever shapes may suffice.
[0060] FIG. 17 illustrates an optional preferred embodiment comprising a
magnetic attachment (e.g., a plate 80 of magnetically attractive material
and a magnet 81) according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. Plate 80 may preferably be placed around an aperture, adjacent
to an aperture, or instead of an aperture; and, in this case, accessory
66 includes a magnet 81 capable of firm attachment to plate 80 (herein
embodying magnetic attracting means for magnetically attracting at least
one magnet of the fastening means to assist in forming a removable
magnetic attachment and herein embodying at least one magnet attractor
structured and arranged to magnetically attract the at least one fastener
to assist in forming a removable magnetic attachment). FIG. 18 is a
perspective view of the event chair cover system 20 illustrating a
decorative accessory 70 according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0061] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the event chair cover system 20
illustrating a sign-with-indicia signage accessory 72 according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0062] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the event chair cover system 20
illustrating another decorative accessory 74 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. The accessory 66 may be almost any
of an unlimited number of accessories. Preferably, the accessories are of
a weight and size that will not pull or tear the chair-band 24.
Preferably, such accessories would comprise: decorations, for example,
decorative accessory 70 or 74; signage 72 or other indicia; and other
such suitable accessories as would be selected by those knowledgeable in
the art. Under appropriate circumstances, other accessory designs may
also suffice.
[0063] Preferably, a business method (herein embodying a method for using
elastic bands, decorations, accessories, signage, and attachers,
comprising the following steps: warehousing a large plurality of elastic
bands, decorations, accessories, signage, and attachers; permitting each
customer to select an appropriate number and kind of such elastic bands,
decorations, accessories, signage, and attachers; renting to such
customer such appropriate number and kind of such bands; renting to such
customer such decorations, attachers and bands; and specially providing
for such customer custom decorations usable with such attachers and
bands) is also embodied herein for using chair-bands 24, decorative
accessories 70 or 74, signage accessory 72, and an attachment system 30,
with the following steps:
[0064] Step 1: Warehousing a large plurality of chair-bands 24, decorative
accessories 70, signage 72, and an attachment system 30.
[0065] Step 2: Permitting each customer to select an appropriate number
and kind of chair-bands 24, decorative accessories 70, signage 72, and
attachment system 30.
[0066] Step 3: Renting or delivering to such customer such appropriate
number and kind of such chair-bands 24 and either one of the following:
such decorative accessories 70, attachers 44 and chair-bands 24, or
specially providing for such customer, custom decorative accessories 70
usable with such attachers 44 and chair-bands 24.
[0067] Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this
invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and sizes and
materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in
connection with the above specification.
[0068] Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the
below claims.
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