DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENT

[0015] In accordance with the invention, and with reference to FIG. 1, the device 10 is adapted to be installed upon a typical upholstered sofa 11, having a seat portion 12, first and second arm portions 13 and 14 and a back portion 15. Normally, the sofa will be supported on a plurality of legs 16 so that an under surface may be accessed. The sofa will normally include a plurality of rectangular cushions 17.

[0016] The device 10 includes a plurality of parts, typically formed from a knit fabric or woven comprising approximately 90% cotton and 5% resilient material such as lycra. It forms a shell 21 having a lower free edge 22 with a continuous elastic band 23 wherein the shell formed by the component parts may be conveniently installed in normal manner (see FIGS. 2 and 3), tucking material into crevices and positioning the lower edge adjacent to the lower surface of the sofa, at which point the elastic means will contract to maintain the device in taut condition. Alternatively, it is possible to use a chenille type fabric comprising approximately 54% polyester, 40% rayon, and the remainder lycra which, although a woven fabric possess a sufficient resliency to provide an equivalent result.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated one of a plurality of cushion cover parts 30 of generally rectangular configuration including a front panel 31 (FIG. 1) an upper panel 32, side panels 33 and first and second rear panels 34 and 35 which may be a single piece of material of somewhat greater area than the area of the top panel of the cushion enclosed therebeneath.

[0018] The cover is installed (FIG. 2) by placing the same over the upper surfaces of the cushions as well the side, rear and back panels, wherein the cover is held in place by the elastic material incorporated into the peripheral edge 22 of the main shell. This will result in excess material at the rear upper edge of each of the cushions, which is accommodated by tucking the same when the cushion is positioned on the sofa.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the cushion covering portion of the device is positioned such that the excess material formed by the L-shaped rear panel is tucked into the space or gap 36 formed by the lower edge of the back of the sofa, following which a foam tube 37, as described above is inserted (FIGS. 4 and 5) to be positioned thereon which serves to distribute stresses imparted when the underlying cushion is sat upon. A similar installation is made at the rear of each cushion as well as at the area beneath the armrests of the sofa.

[0020] When a user sits on the cushion, there is a tendency to pull the fabric on the upper panel comprising the cushion cover 30 distorting the same. Because of the excess material provided by the L-shape of the rear panel 35, this stretching is accommodated, and after the user arises, the elastic tension of the rear panels 35 and 36 returns the cover to initial position. The tucked portion is maintained by the pressure of the foam tube 37 (FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0021] Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7 in the drawings there is illustrated a tensioning clip 40 which is selectively employed to improve the appearance of the installed cover in areas which do not fit the enclosed sofa as tautly as desired.

[0022] Each clip includes an elongated elastic band 41 approximately three quarters of an inch in width, and about thirty inches in length in relatively unstressed condition. A first end 42 is provided with a grasping jaw 43 and lever actuator 44 which is manually moved. A second end 45 includes a length adjusting buckle 46 of known type, and a tongue 47 which is inserted into an interstice before the tube 37 is positioned, as is the excess material of the cushion cover.

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a typical installation position of a clip, for example, at the lower edge of the shell of the cover, or at a forward edge of a seat cushion engaging portion of the cover. In both cases, once installation is completed, the clips will not be exposed to view.

[0024] It may thus be seen that I have invented novel and highly useful improvements in furniture slip covers construction, in which the substantial equivalent of a custom fitted cover may be obtained as a ready made product, and at considerable reduction in cost. The cover may be installed by users having only ordinary skills.

[0025] Separate or interconnected cushion cover panels are provided which are equally conveniently installed to be elastically retained. The cushion cover panels are provided with a rear panel arranged at an angle to absorb the stretching effect of a user when sitting down, so that upon rising, the elastic tension in the rear panel will return the cover to its original position.

[0026] I wish it to be understood that I do not consider the invention to be limited to the precise details of structure illustrated and described in the specification, for obvious modifications will occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.