U.S. patent application number 13/111292 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-10 for protective seat cover.
Invention is credited to Robyn McDonald.
Application Number | 20110272982 13/111292 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40158212 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110272982 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McDonald; Robyn |
November 10, 2011 |
Protective Seat Cover
Abstract
A protective seat cover including at least one waterproof
portion and at least one correspondingly shaped absorbent portion,
at least one of the waterproof portion or the absorbent towel
portion having attachment means to releasably attach the other of
the portions thereto and at least one of the respective portions
having seat attachment means to locate and maintain the seat cover
relative to a seat.
Inventors: |
McDonald; Robyn; (Currumbin
Waters, AU) |
Family ID: |
40158212 |
Appl. No.: |
13/111292 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/AU2009/001509 |
Nov 19, 2009 |
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13111292 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/219.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/6036 20130101;
B60N 2/60 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/219.1 |
International
Class: |
A47C 31/00 20060101
A47C031/00 |
Claims
1. A protective seat cover comprising at least one substantially
waterproof portion and at least one correspondingly shaped
absorbent portion, at least one of the waterproof portion or the
absorbent towel portion having attachment means to releasably
attach the other of the portions thereto.
2. The protective seat cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein at
least one of the respective portions has seat attachment means to
locate and maintain the seat cover relative to a seat.
3. The protective seat cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein at
least one of the portions is substantially rectangular with a
tapered upper portion.
4. The protective seat cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at
least one absorbent portion includes at least one fabric layer
functioning to absorb a liquid and at least one substantially
waterproof layer functioning to prevent migration of the liquid
onto the seat.
5. The protective seat cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at
least one absorbent portion is a flexible portion.
6. The protective seat cover as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at
least one absorbent portion is a layer of water absorbent porous
polymeric foam material.
7. The protective seat cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at
least one waterproof portion and the at least one absorbent portion
are finished at their edges to prevent unravelling or fraying.
8. The protective seat cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
attachment means is flexible.
9. The protective seat cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein a
portion of the attachment means is provided on each portion or
layer provided.
10. The protective seat cover as claimed in claim 1, the cover
further including a loop attached to either of the portions at an
upper end to assist with the location of the cover relative to a
seat particularly when used as a car seat cover wherein the loop
can be placed over a head rest of the seat to position the
cover.
11. The protective seat cover as claimed in claim 10, wherein a
single loop is attached to one of the portions.
12. The protective seat cover as claimed in claim 10, wherein the
loop is length adjustable in order to be tightened or loosened when
fitting and removing the cover from the seat.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority and is a
continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No.
PCT/AU2009/001509 filed on Nov. 19, 2009.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to seat covers and
particularly those used to protect a car seat from unnecessary
dampness or liquid penetration.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Seat covers in general and car seat covers in particular are
known. One example is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,925 which
also contains a good description of the reason for the seat covers
and their potential drawbacks. The "Background Art" portion of that
specification is reproduced below verbatim.
[0004] People active in outdoor activities such as mountain biking,
hiking, rollerblading, running, water sports, and snow sports, must
often use their car to travel to parks and other outdoor recreation
areas. Such outdoor areas frequently do not provide facilities for
showering or changing clothing. Thus, unless some temporary
protective covering is applied to the car seat prior to the drive
home, any accumulated sweat, dirt, dust, water, snow, or mud will
be passed to the car seat's upholstery.
[0005] Such active individuals, interested in preserving their
valuable upholstery, often use bath towels, T-shirts, Sweatshirts,
and other various types of clothing to fashion a temporary,
make-shift seat cover that can be easily removed and washed along
with their workout apparel when they arrive home. Such make-shift
seat covers are lacking in several respects. Namely, they are time
consuming and difficult to install due to the awkward shapes of the
apparel used with respect to the car seat. In particular, the seat
back is especially difficult in this respect since no simple method
of firmly anchoring apparel to it is available. Additionally, this
inconsistency between apparel geometry and seat geometry often
results in incomplete coverage of the seat's upholstery.
Furthermore, it is difficult to enter the seat without disturbing
the arrangement and inadvertently exposing the seat's upholstery.
Finally, these make-shift seat covers are not waterproof, and will
transmit moisture and suspended dirt particles to the underlying
seat upholstery.
[0006] Commercially available car seat covers are commonly designed
for semi-permanent installation, and to closely conform with the
dimensions of a particular seat. For example, some designs utilize
a multi-piece approach where separate coverings for the seat
bottom, back, and headrest have been specifically dimensioned to
fit a particular make and model of car seat. Integral fasteners
such as zippers, elastic straps, and drawcords are typically used
to secure these pieces to the seat. Such designs can be constructed
using a variety of materials to achieve a desired aesthetic
quality, comfort quality, durability, or protective quality. For
example, lamb's wool is often used to provide excellent aesthetics
and comfort, denim may be used to provide durability, and vinyl
coated canvas may be used for protection from water, dirt, and mud.
Such multi-piece seat covers are inherently high in cost, time
consuming to install and remove, cannot be transferred for use in a
different car, and are difficult or impossible to clean using
conventional household laundering methods.
[0007] Simplified seat cover designs employing two-piece or
one-piece configurations are also commonly available. However, all
of these designs utilize fastening schemes or mechanisms that
substantially increase installation and removal time. In addition,
they are generally not easily transferred from one car to another,
and often present the laundering difficulties indicated above.
[0008] Finally, all of the commercially available seat covers are
deficient with respect to solving the primary problem outlined
above. Specifically, these products have not been designed to
satisfy the needs of active individuals who desire an easy to use,
aesthetically pleasing, protective car seat cover that has been
designed and fabricated to facilitate and withstand frequent
installation-removal-laundering cycles. Additionally, none of these
commercially available seat covers are capable of providing a
breathable or comfortable seating surface that adequately protects
the underlying upholstery from sweat, water, dirt, mud, and other
contaminants typically accumulated during the outdoor activities
indicated above.
[0009] Temporary use protective car seat covers have been proposed
in the past. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,676,376 (1987) and
4,884,839 (1989) both to Keiswetter disclose disposable seat covers
formed from two layers of plastic film. While these inventions
provide protection to a car seat, they do not provide a breathable
characteristic, or any reasonable degree of comfort, and cannot be
laundered or used multiple times. Furthermore, seat covers formed
from such plastic films are highly undesirable from an aesthetics
standpoint.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 3,371,957 to Cook (1968) shows a car seat
cover having a textile outer surface to which a plastic foam
backing has been selectively adhesively bonded. Cook's seat cover
has been designed for semi-permanent, or permanent installations,
and would require a substantial amount of time to install and
remove. The preferred embodiment depicts a configuration that in
some cases would require complete removal of the car seat from the
vehicle to allow installation. Also, the foam backing and adhesives
used in Cook's seat cover would not be compatible with conventional
washing and tumble drying operations. Finally, the materials
specified for Cook's cover would not provide adequate protection
from sweat, mud, water, and the like."
[0011] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art
publication is referred to herein, this reference does not
constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the
common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other
country.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention is directed to a protective seat
cover, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the
abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful
or commercial choice.
[0013] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one
form, resides broadly in a protective seat cover including at least
one waterproof portion and at least one correspondingly shaped
absorbent portion, at least one of the waterproof portion or the
absorbent towel portion having attachment means to releasably
attach the other of the portions thereto.
[0014] The seat cover of the present invention is described herein
with particular applicability to use as a car seat cover but it is
anticipated that the seat cover find application in other areas
such as a seat cover for an outdoor chair such as one surrounding a
pool or the like.
[0015] In one form, the at least one of the respective portions may
have seat attachment means to locate and maintain the seat cover
relative to a seat
[0016] The seat cover of a preferred embodiment will typically be
shaped to suit the chair or seat with which it is to be used. The
cover will preferably be available in a variety of shapes and
sizes. However, the general shape will normally be substantially
rectangular with a tapered upper portion. The rectangular portion
will normally be a body portion which is adapted to overlie the
seat and backrest portion of the seat with which the cover is
used.
[0017] Normally the absorbent layer will be located uppermost on
the seat with the waterproof portion located adjacent the seat.
[0018] The body portion will normally be dimensioned according to
the size of the seat as well. For example, in the car seat cover
embodiment, the body portion will normally be between approximately
100 cm and 200 cm in length and normally approximately 140 cm in
length. The body portion will also normally be between
approximately 50 and 100 cm in width but normally approximately 70
cm in width. The preferred dimensions will typically be similar to
the dimensions of a towel as well as provide sufficient size to
substantially cover a car seat.
[0019] The seat cover will normally be formed from at least one
fabric layer, preferably functioning to absorb liquids and a
substantially waterproof layer which will typically function to
prevent migration of the liquid of the fabric layer through the
fabric layer and onto the seat.
[0020] The fabric layer may be of any type of fabric but will
normally be a towelling or similar absorbent layer. Super absorbent
materials such as artificial chamois materials, an example of which
is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,341,832 may be used as the
absorbent portion. These materials are typically soft, water
absorbent porous polymeric foams. These layers are normally tacky
as such, whilst they may find use in the cover of the present
invention, are not preferred as the outermost layer. More natural
fibres will normally be preferred for their feel.
[0021] The at least one waterproof portion will normally be
manufactured from substantially impermeable material such as
plastic. A flexible sheet of polyvinyl chloride is preferred for at
least one of the waterproof portions.
[0022] Each of the layers, including the waterproof layers and the
fabric layers will typically be finished at their edges to prevent
unravelling or fraying. Normally, the absorbent portion will have
its edges turned and attached to the main body such as by sealing
or stitching and the waterproof layers will be similarly configured
albeit with a different securing method.
[0023] The absorbent portion(s) and the waterproof portion(s) will
preferably be removably attachable to one another. Any attachment
system may be used but it is anticipated that buttons, clips or
hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro.RTM. will be used. It is
preferred that harder fastening systems not be used as these may
detract form the comfort of a user if poorly located when the cover
is used on a seat and also may cause discomfort when using the
absorbent portion as a towel or the like.
[0024] Normally, portions of the attachment system will be provided
on each portion. As there will normally be only two layers, a
waterproof layer and an absorbent layer, normally one portion will
have part of the attachment system and the other portion will have
the other part of the attachment system.
[0025] There will also preferably be a loop attached to either of
the portions at an upper end, normally to the tapered portion of
the body of one of the portions. The loop will typically assist
with the location of the cover relative to the seat particularly
when used as a car seat cover as the loop can be placed over the
head rest of the seat to position the cover.
[0026] There may be a single loop attached to one of the portions
or there may be a loop attached to each of the portions. According
to a particularly preferred embodiment, the loop may be an elastic
strap. Additionally, the loop may be length adjustable in order to
be tightened or loosened when fitting and removing the cover from
the seat.
[0027] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the portions
may be provided with one or more cut-out portions at an upper end
thereof. In this embodiment of the invention, the loop may simply
extend from one side of the one or more cut-out portions to the
other. In use, it is envisaged that the cut-out portion will be
placed over the head rest of a cat seat and held in place by the
loop. By providing a cut-out portion, the shoulders of the car seat
may also be covered by the cover.
[0028] In this embodiment, the loop may be provided on the
absorbent portion and/or the waterproof portion.
[0029] In some embodiments of the invention, the cover may be
provided with reinforcement. Any suitable reinforcement may be
provided, such as using thicker material, more heavy-duty
stitching, inserts of a stronger material or the like, or a
combination thereof.
[0030] In use, the cover may be separated for use of the absorbent
portion as a towel for example when at the beach. When it is time
to return, the absorbent portion can be reattached to the
waterproof portion and the cover located relative to a car seat in
order that the person's swimming costume, which is likely to not be
completely dry, can still be worn when the person drives the car
home, without the water from the swimming costume transferring from
the costume through the absorbent layer and into the seat. This
movement is prevented by the waterproof layer adjacent the seat.
Water can still transfer from the costume to the absorbent layer,
this drying the costume and increasing the comfort of the user.
[0031] The cover can be separated for washing and drying and then
reassembled for future use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with
reference to the following drawings, in which:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a waterproof portion of the
protective seat cover according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an absorbent portion of the
protective seat cover according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred portions of
the protective seat cover according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention separated from one another.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a protective seat cover
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
showing the fabric side uppermost.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a protective seat cover
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
showing the protective side uppermost.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a protective seat cover
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
showing the fabric side uppermost.
[0039] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the protective seat cover of
FIG. 6 when in use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0040] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a
protective car seat cover 10 and illustrated generally in FIGS. 1
to 7 is provided.
[0041] As illustrated in these Figures and in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
protective seat cover 10 includes a waterproof portion 11 and a
correspondingly shaped absorbent portion 12, both portions having
one half of a Velcro.RTM. attachment means to releasably attach the
portions thereto and the absorbent portion 12 having a seat
attachment loop 13 to locate and maintain the seat cover 10
relative to a seat.
[0042] The seat cover 10 of the preferred embodiment is shaped to
suit the chair or seat with which it is to be used. The general
shape is a substantially rectangular body portion 14 with a tapered
upper portion 15 as illustrated schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2. The
rectangular body portion 14 adapted to overlie the seat and
backrest portion of the seat with which the cover 10 is used.
[0043] Normally, the absorbent layer will be located uppermost on
the seat with the waterproof portion located adjacent the seat in
use.
[0044] The body portion 14 will normally be dimensioned according
to the size of the seat as well. For example, in the preferred car
seat cover embodiment illustrated, the body portion is normally
approximately 140 cm in length approximately 70 cm in width. The
preferred dimensions are similar to the dimensions of a towel as
well as providing sufficient size to substantially cover a car
seat.
[0045] The seat cover is formed from a fabric, normally towelling
layer illustrated in FIG. 2 functioning to absorb liquids and the
waterproof layer illustrated in FIG. 1 which will typically
function to prevent migration of the liquid which may contact the
fabric layer, onto the seat.
[0046] The waterproof portion of the illustrated embodiment is
manufactured from substantially impermeable material, namely a
flexible sheet of polyvinyl chloride.
[0047] As illustrated, half of the Velcro.RTM. attachment system 16
is provided on each portion. As there will normally be only two
layers, a waterproof layer and an absorbent layer, one portion has
part of the attachment system and the other portion has the other
part of the attachment system as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0048] A loop 13 is attached the tapered portion 15 of the
absorbent body portion. The loop assists with the location of the
cover 10 relative to the seat particularly when used as a car seat
cover, as the loop can be placed over the head rest of the seat to
position the cover.
[0049] In use, the cover can be separated for use of the absorbent
portion 12 as a towel for example when at the beach. When it is
time to return, the absorbent portion 12 can be reattached to the
waterproof portion 11 and the cover 10 located relative to a car
seat in order that the person swimming costume, which is likely to
not be completely dry, can still be worn when the person drives the
car home, without the water from the swimming costume transferring
from the costume through the absorbent layer 12 and into the seat.
This movement is prevented by the waterproof layer 11 adjacent the
seat. Water can still transfer from the costume to the absorbent
layer 12, this drying the costume and increasing the comfort of the
user. The cover can be separated for washing and drying and then
reassembled for future use.
[0050] In FIG. 6 the protective seat cover 20 includes a waterproof
portion 21 and a correspondingly shaped absorbent portion 22, both
portions having one half of a Velcro.RTM. attachment means to
releasably attach the portions thereto and the absorbent portion 22
having a seat attachment loop 23 to locate and maintain the seat
cover 20 relative to a seat.
[0051] The seat cover 20 of the preferred embodiment is shaped to
suit the chair or seat with which it is to be used. The general
shape is a substantially rectangular body portion 24. The
rectangular body portion 24 adapted to overlie the seat and
backrest portion of the seat with which the cover 20 is used. Both
the absorbent portion 22 and the waterproof portion 21 are provided
with a cut-out portion 25 in an upper region thereof. The loop 23
extends from one side of the cut-out portion 25 to the other.
[0052] Normally, the absorbent layer will be located uppermost on
the seat with the waterproof portion located adjacent the seat in
use.
[0053] The body portion 24 will normally be dimensioned according
to the size of the seat as well. For example, in the preferred car
seat cover embodiment illustrated, the body portion is normally
approximately 140 cm in length approximately 70 cm in width. The
preferred dimensions are similar to the dimensions of a towel as
well as providing sufficient size to substantially cover a car
seat.
[0054] The seat cover is formed from a fabric, normally towelling
layer illustrated in FIG. 6 functioning to absorb liquids and the
waterproof layer illustrated in FIG. 6 which will typically
function to prevent migration of the liquid which may contact the
fabric layer, onto the seat.
[0055] The waterproof portion of the illustrated embodiment is
manufactured from substantially impermeable material, namely a
flexible sheet of polyvinyl chloride.
[0056] In FIG. 7, the seat cover 20 of FIG. 6 is illustrated when
in use. It may be seen that the cut-out portion 25 of the cover 20
is passed over the head rest 26 of the car seat, such that the loop
(obscured) is positioned behind the head rest 26 to maintain the
cover 20 in place during use.
[0057] Once in place, the body 24 of the cover 20 may be positioned
so as to substantially cover the car seat (obscured) to prevent
migration of the liquid onto the seat.
[0058] It may be seen in this Figure that the rectangular body 24
of the cover 20 may be used to cover the shoulders 27 of the car
seat. In this way, the entire car seat may be protected from the
migration of liquid onto the fabric.
[0059] In the present specification and claims, the word
"comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and
"comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude
the inclusion of one or more further integers.
[0060] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an
embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the
particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.
* * * * *