CUSHION RETENTION SYSTEM

Abstract

A cushion retention system is provided for removably securing a cushion to a furniture frame using a rotatable reinforcement strip. The system includes a generally flat, elongated strip connected to the cushion by an attachment member, at least a portion of which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the strip. The reinforcement strip may be inserted through a slot formed between adjacent slats of the frame in a first orientation and rotated to a second orientation to resist withdrawal. Horizontal and vertical slat arrangements allow selective locking or sliding of the cushion based on placement. The system supports tool-free installation and removal, enabling ergonomic adjustment in reclining furniture. The reinforcement strip may include rounded edges and may be made of rigid or semi-rigid material. The attachment member may be flexible and may be sewn, bonded, or integrally formed with the reinforcement strip to support diverse cushion structures and assembly methods.

Claims

1. A cushion retention system comprising: a reinforcement strip including a generally flat and elongated body configured to pass through a slot formed in a frame structure; an attachment member extending from a central region of the reinforcement strip and configured to secure the reinforcement strip to a cushion; wherein the reinforcement strip is dimensioned to pass through the slot when oriented in a first insertion orientation and to resist withdrawal from the slot when rotated to a second locking orientation; and further wherein the attachment member is oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the reinforcement strip.

2. The cushion retention system of claim 1, wherein the reinforcement strip is rotatable approximately ninety degrees between the first insertion orientation and the second locking orientation.

3. The cushion retention system of claim 2, wherein the reinforcement strip is configured to lie substantially flat against an interior surface of the frame structure in the second locking orientation.

4. The cushion retention system of claim 1, wherein the slot formed in the frame structure is bounded by a pair of adjacent slats.

5. The cushion retention system of claim 4, wherein the adjacent slats are oriented substantially horizontally relative to a seating surface of the frame structure.

6. The cushion retention system of claim 4, wherein the adjacent slats are oriented substantially vertically relative to a backrest portion of the frame structure.

7. The cushion retention system of claim 5, wherein the horizontal slats restrict vertical movement of the reinforcement strip after rotation into the second locking orientation.

8. The cushion retention system of claim 6, wherein the vertical slats permit sliding motion of the reinforcement strip in a vertical direction while restricting lateral withdrawal.

9. The cushion retention system of claim 1, wherein the attachment member comprises a fabric segment sewn to the reinforcement strip.

10. The cushion retention system of claim 1, wherein the attachment member comprises a fabric segment that substantially encloses the reinforcement strip.

11. The cushion retention system of claim 1, wherein the reinforcement strip comprises a rigid or semi-rigid material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, polymer, and fiber-reinforced composite.

12. The cushion retention system of claim 1, wherein the attachment member is fixed to an internal panel or seam of the cushion body.

13. The cushion retention system of claim 1, wherein the reinforcement strip includes rounded or beveled corners to facilitate insertion into the slot.

14. The cushion retention system of claim 1, wherein the slot is dimensioned to receive the reinforcement strip in the first insertion orientation and to prevent withdrawal in the second locking orientation due to geometric interference.

15. The cushion retention system of claim 1, wherein the reinforcement strip and attachment member are integrally formed from a unitary material.

16. The cushion retention system of claim 1, wherein the reinforcement strip has a width that is greater than a height of the slot in the second locking orientation.

17. The cushion retention system of claim 1, wherein the attachment member includes a flexible portion allowing limited translation of the cushion relative to the frame.

18. The cushion retention system of claim 17, wherein the flexible portion permits movement of an upper cushion segment when a reclining backrest is adjusted.

19. The cushion retention system of claim 17, wherein the flexible portion restricts movement of a lower cushion segment when a base portion of the frame remains stationary.

20. A cushion retention system comprising: a reinforcement strip having a generally flat and elongated body composed of a rigid or semi-rigid material; an attachment member comprising a fabric segment attached to the reinforcement strip and configured to secure the reinforcement strip to a cushion; a frame structure comprising a plurality of spaced-apart slats defining at least one slot dimensioned to receive the reinforcement strip in a first orientation; wherein the reinforcement strip is configured to pass through the slot when oriented in the first orientation and to resist withdrawal from the slot when rotated to a second orientation, wherein the second orientation causes the reinforcement strip to lie substantially flat against an interior surface of the frame; and further wherein a first portion of the frame includes horizontal slats forming a first slot that prevents vertical movement of the reinforcement strip after rotation into the second orientation; and further wherein a second portion of the frame includes vertical slats forming a second slot that permits vertical sliding motion of the reinforcement strip while restricting lateral withdrawal.

21. A method of securing a cushion to a furniture frame, the method comprising: providing a reinforcement strip having a generally flat and elongated body and an attachment member extending at least from a central region of the reinforcement strip; attaching the attachment member to a cushion; inserting the reinforcement strip through a slot formed in a frame structure while the reinforcement strip is oriented in a first insertion orientation; rotating the reinforcement strip to a second locking orientation in which the reinforcement strip lies substantially flat against an interior surface of the frame and resists withdrawal through the slot; wherein the slot is formed between adjacent slats of the frame structure, and further wherein the slats are oriented to either permit or restrict vertical sliding of the reinforcement strip depending on the region of the frame in which the slot is located.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:

[0040] FIG. 1 presents a side elevation view of a T-shaped cushion retention strap, showing the profile thickness of the elongated, rigid reinforcement strip configured for insertion through a frame slot;

[0041] FIG. 2 presents an end elevation view of a T-shaped cushion retention strap, illustrating the perpendicular orientation of the vertical fabric segment relative to the horizontal reinforcement strip;

[0042] FIG. 2A presents an end elevation view of a T-shaped cushion retention strap, wherein the attachment member encloses the reinforcement strip;

[0043] FIG. 3 presents a side elevation view of a T-shaped cushion retention strap, showing the perpendicular orientation of a vertical fabric segment extending from the central region of the horizontal reinforcement strip;

[0044] FIG. 4 presents a top plan view of a T-shaped cushion retention strap, illustrating the width and length of the horizontal reinforcement strip as seen from above;

[0045] FIG. 5 presents a perspective view of a T-shaped cushion retention strap, illustrating the perpendicular orientation of a vertical fabric segment relative to the elongated horizontal reinforcement strip;

[0046] FIG. 6 presents a bottom plan view of a T-shaped cushion retention strap installed within a furniture frame assembly, showing the strap extending through a horizontal slot formed in the frame and oriented in a rotated, locked position beneath the structure;

[0047] FIG. 7 presents a bottom rear perspective view of a T-shaped cushion retention strap installed in a furniture frame assembly, showing the strap extending through a horizontal slot and retained in a rotated position beneath the frame;

[0048] FIG. 7A presents a detail perspective view of the T-shaped cushion retention strap shown in FIG. 7, illustrating the strap seated flush against the inner surface of the frame after rotation into a locked configuration;

[0049] FIG. 8 presents a cross-sectional side view of a T-shaped cushion retention strap extending through a horizontal slot formed in a frame member, with the strap positioned beneath a cushion and configured for rotational engagement;

[0050] FIG. 8A presents a detail sectional view of the T-shaped cushion retention strap shown in FIG. 8, illustrating the strap in a rotated, locked configuration relative to the inner surface of the frame; and

[0051] FIG. 9 presents a top perspective photograph of a slatted frame structure, illustrating vertical and horizontal slot orientations configured to receive a T-shaped cushion retention strap in either a sliding or locking arrangement.

[0052] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0053] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word exemplary or illustrative means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, left, rear, right, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0054] Referring now to the drawings, a cushion retention system 100 is disclosed for removably securing a cushion 104 to a furniture frame 108 using a rotatable reinforcement strip 120. The reinforcement strip 120 may comprise a generally flat and elongated body composed of a rigid or semi-rigid material, which may include aluminum, polymer, or fiber-reinforced composite materials. The reinforcement strip 120 may be inserted into a slot 116 formed in the furniture frame 108 and may rotate within the slot 116 to transition between an insertion orientation and a locking orientation. The configuration may allow the reinforcement strip 120 to be retained within the frame 108 without the use of additional fasteners or tools. This mechanism may enable the secure attachment of cushions in both fixed and semi-mobile configurations depending on the specific orientation of the slot. The simplicity of this design may enhance manufacturability and user operation in a range of furniture applications.

[0055] The reinforcement strip 120 may be connected to an attachment member 112. The attachment member 112 may comprise a flexible fabric segment. The attachment member 112 May be sewn or otherwise fixed to the central portion of the reinforcement strip 120, and may be dimensioned to support a portion of the cushion 104 in a suspended manner. In some embodiments, the attachment member 112 may be integrally formed with the reinforcement strip 120 as a unitary component, thereby reducing part count and potential failure points. In an alternative embodiment, the attachment member 112 may be formed of a cloth material and substantially encloses the reinforcement strip 120. In a most preferred embodiment, the cloth material is the same as the cushion. The attachment member 112 may be designed to transmit tension and support loads applied to the cushion 104 during normal use. Materials used in the attachment member 112 May include woven textiles, synthetic straps, or other flexible substrates compatible with common upholstery techniques.

[0056] FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation view of the reinforcement strip 120, showing its elongated and relatively flat profile. The reinforcement strip 120 in this view demonstrates the thickness and profile curvature which may be designed to conform to various frame geometries. The shape and cross-section of the reinforcement strip 120 may be tailored to balance structural rigidity with ease of insertion into the slot 116. The height-to-width ratio may be configured to optimize the locking interference once rotated. Additional features such as edge chamfers or surface textures may be included to assist during manual manipulation or to increase frictional engagement.

[0057] FIG. 2 shows an end elevation view of the cushion retention system 100, revealing the attachment member 112 extending perpendicularly from the reinforcement strip 120. This perpendicular orientation may be configured to form a stable geometric relationship between the cushion 104 and the frame 108 once the reinforcement strip 120 is inserted and rotated into its locked position. The end elevation view may be used to evaluate the vertical offset distance of the cushion 104 from the slot 116 when fully engaged. This view also clearly illustrates the T-like profile formed by the strip and attachment member, which distinguishes this system from round-profile or cylindrical retention systems.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, the attachment member 112 may enclose the reinforcement strip 120. In particular embodiments where the attachment member 112 is made from the same fabric as the cushion, this arrangement can contribute to a more uniform and cohesive appearance.

[0059] FIG. 3 presents another side elevation view, further depicting the configuration and relative dimensions of the reinforcement strip 120 and attachment member 112. In this figure, the reinforcement strip 120 may be shown positioned for alignment with the slot 116, offering clarity on insertion trajectory. The figure may also include detail illustrating how the attachment member 112 is fixedsuch as with stitching lines or bonding patternsthereby emphasizing the modular or integrated nature of the assembly. This configuration allows the cushion retention system 100 to be either sewn in during upholstery or retrofit into an existing cushion design.

[0060] FIG. 4 provides a top plan view of the reinforcement strip 120, showing the full width and length of its horizontal extension. The width dimension may be particularly relevant when considering the rotational locking function, as a width greater than the slot opening may provide reliable retention after rotation. The plan view may also help illustrate the rectangular, elliptical, or contoured shape of the strip's edges. This figure may also show the location of any optional markings or indicia used to assist in proper alignment during insertion.

[0061] FIG. 5 offers a perspective view, illustrating both the attachment member 112 and the reinforcement strip 120 in their assembled configuration. This figure provides a three-dimensional representation of the spatial relationship between the components. The view may also show surface contours, fabric folds, or stress distribution paths under tension. In some embodiments, this view may include directional arrows or dotted lines to indicate the intended rotational motion of the reinforcement strip 120 within the slot 116. The perspective view helps the user understand how the component is oriented in three axes and may assist in assembly training or instruction.

[0062] FIG. 6 shows a bottom plan view where the reinforcement strip 120 is installed in a furniture frame 108 and retained in a rotated, locked position beneath the structure. This view May provide clarity on how the reinforcement strip 120 is captured between the slats 124 and retained against the inner surface 128 of the frame. Optional hardware or spacing components, such as washers or slot-limiting tabs, may also be visible in this view. The figure may be useful for determining the visual impact of the retention mechanism from the underside of the furniture, particularly for elevated or open-frame designs.

[0063] FIG. 7 presents a bottom rear perspective view of a T-shaped cushion retention strap installed in a furniture frame 108. This view may show how the strip 112 and attachment member interact with the furniture structure when fully assembled. In this configuration, the cushion 104 may be suspended above or adjacent to the slats 124 depending on the fabric tension. The bottom rear perspective allows for visualization of how multiple retention points may be positioned symmetrically or asymmetrically along the frame.

[0064] FIG. 7A presents a detail perspective view of the reinforcement strip 120 shown in FIG. 7, illustrating the strap seated flush against the inner surface 128 of the frame 108 after rotation into a locked configuration. This figure may highlight the minimal clearance between the rotated strip 112 and the surrounding frame components, ensuring stability under normal loading. The view may also demonstrate how the strip 112 resists being pulled back through the slot 116 without first being rotated into the original orientation.

[0065] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of the cushion retention system 100 in an installed state. In this figure, the reinforcement strip 120 may be shown within the slotted interface defined by adjacent slats 124, with the attachment member 112 extending into the cushion 104. Load vectors may be depicted to illustrate how downward seating pressure is transferred through the cushion and into the frame via the strip. The rotational arc used during installation and removal may also be indicated to assist understanding of user interaction with the system.

[0066] FIG. 8A presents a detail sectional view of the rotated and locked reinforcement strip 120 within the frame 108. This view may include dimensional callouts or interference points that contribute to the mechanical retention of the system. The tight tolerances between the strip and the slot edges may be demonstrated here, as well as the importance of material stiffness in maintaining the rotated shape. The figure may also include annotations identifying edge radii, slot wall surfaces, and optional wear-prevention components. 14

[0067] FIG. 9 presents a top perspective photograph of a slatted frame structure, illustrating both vertical and horizontal slat orientations. These configurations may correspond to frame segments where cushion movement is either allowed or restricted. Horizontal slots 116a may be located in the seat portion of the furniture to lock lower cushion segments 140, while vertical slots 116b May be positioned in the backrest to allow sliding of upper cushion segments 136. This distinction provides a hybrid behavior, combining fixed and adjustable cushion retention in a single piece of furniture.

[0068] In alternate embodiments, the cushion retention system 100 may be adapted to non-slotted frame structures by integrating a frame-mounted bracket or sleeve configured to receive the reinforcement strip 120 in a rotatable manner. The reinforcement strip 120 may also be formed with one or more notches, detents, or resilient tabs to provide tactile feedback or retention enhancement during rotation. The attachment member 112 may be replaced with a molded flange, integrated textile loop, or adhesive-backed interface, depending on the cushion construction. In some versions, the slot 116 may be formed in an intermediate mounting plate secured to the furniture frame 108, allowing the retention mechanism to be decoupled from the structural frame for ease of servicing or retrofit applications. Additionally, cushions 104 of varying shapes, thicknesses, or multi-layered construction may be adapted to interface with the reinforcement strip 120 and attachment member 112 through modification of attachment geometry, anchoring position, or material interfaces.

[0069] The cushion retention system 100 described herein provides a robust, adaptable, and user-friendly solution for securing cushions 104 to furniture frames 108 without the need for permanent fasteners, friction-reliant designs, or visually disruptive elements. Through the use of a rotatable reinforcement strip 120 and a perpendicular attachment member 112, the system may offer reliable engagement with a slotted frame structure in both fixed and sliding modes. The ability to control cushion mobility based on slat orientation, coupled with reversible tool-free installation, enables ergonomic and aesthetic advantages across a broad range of furniture designs. The structural simplicity, material flexibility, and geometric adaptability of the system make it suitable for both mass-produced and custom furniture configurations, while offering performance benefits over conventional cushion attachment methods.

[0070] Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, it is understood that any of the features presented in the embodiments may be integrated into any of the other embodiments unless explicitly stated otherwise. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.