U.S. patent application number 16/425999 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-03 for seat cover for linearly-tufted automobile seats.
This patent application is currently assigned to ADC Solutions Auto, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is ADC Solutions Auto, LLC. Invention is credited to Diner Mondragon.
Application Number | 20200376992 16/425999 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004131696 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200376992 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mondragon; Diner |
December 3, 2020 |
SEAT COVER FOR LINEARLY-TUFTED AUTOMOBILE SEATS
Abstract
A seat covering for a tufted automobile seat cushions has cover
sheets adapted to fit over and around the cushions with a plurality
of open-ended channels integrated therewith. Each channel is
aligned and associated with a tuft of the cushion after the cover
sheet has been fitted over and around the cushion. The covering has
a plurality one or more straps, each passing loosely through an
associated one of the channels and having strap ends extending from
each open-end thereof. Pulling the extending strap ends of each
strap after the cover has been fitted over and around the cushion
causes the strap to be pulled into the associated tuft to cause the
cover sheet to conform to the tuft. A fastener allows for simple
and organized connection of the pulled strap ends.
Inventors: |
Mondragon; Diner; (Dalton,
GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ADC Solutions Auto, LLC |
Costa Mesa |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ADC Solutions Auto, LLC
Costa Mesa
CA
|
Family ID: |
1000004131696 |
Appl. No.: |
16/425999 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/6027
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60N 2/60 20060101
B60N002/60 |
Claims
1. A covering for a tufted cushion comprising; a cover sheet
adapted to fit over and around the cushion and having one or more
channels, each with first and second open-ends, each channel
integrated with the cover sheet and aligned and associated with a
tuft of the cushion after the cover sheet has been fitted over and
around the cushion; and one or more straps, each passing loosely
through an associated one of the channels and having first and
second strap ends extending from the first and second open ends,
respectively; whereby pulling the extending first and second strap
ends of each strap after the cover sheet has been fitted over and
around the cushion causes the strap to be pulled into the
associated tuft to cause the cover sheet to conform to the
tuft.
2. The covering of claim 1 wherein each channel is integrated to
cover sheet by sewing the cover sheet into a channel
3. The covering of claim 1 wherein each channel is integrated to
the cover sheet by sewing them to the cover sheet
4. The covering of claim 1 wherein each channel is integrated to
the cover sheet by adhering them to the cover sheet
5. A covering for a tufted automobile seat comprising; one or more
cover sheets each adapted to fit over and around one or more
cushions of the seat and each having one or more channels; each
channel having first and second open-ends, and each channel
integrated with an associated one of the cover sheets and aligned
and associated with a tuft of one of the cushions after the cover
sheet has been fitted over and around the one of the cushions; and
one or more straps, each passing loosely through an associated one
of the channels and having first and second strap ends extending
from the first and second open ends, respectively; whereby pulling
the extending first and second strap ends of each strap after the
cover sheet has been fitted over and around the associated cushion
causes the strap to be pulled into the associated tuft to cause the
cover sheet to conform to the tuft and the covering to conform to
the tufting of the automobile seat.
6. The covering of claim 5 wherein each first strap end comprises a
fastener.
7. The covering of claim 6 wherein the fastener comprises parallel
slots for receiving the associated second strap end.
8. The covering of claim 7 wherein each strap is from the group
comprising fabric strapping, cord, string, plastic line, cable, and
wire.
9. The covering of claim 8 wherein each strap has a strap width and
each parallel slot has a slot width smaller than the strap width to
receive strap by compression fit.
10. The covering of claim 9 wherein each channel is integrated to
cover sheet by sewing the cover sheet into a channel
11. The covering of claim 9 wherein each channel is integrated to
the cover sheet by sewing them to the cover sheet
12. The covering of claim 9 wherein each channel is integrated to
the cover sheet by adhering them to the cover sheet
13. A covering for a tufted automobile seat comprising; a cover
sheet adapted to fit over and around cushions of the seat and
having one or more channels; each channel having first and second
open-ends, and each channel integrated with the cover sheet and
aligned and associated with a tuft of the cushions after the cover
sheet has been fitted over and around the cushions; and one or more
straps, each passing loosely through an associated one of the
channels and having first and second strap ends extending from the
first and second open ends, respectively; whereby pulling the
extending first and second strap ends of each strap after the cover
sheet has been fitted over and around the cushions causes the strap
to be pulled into the associated tuft to cause the cover sheet to
conform to the tuft and the covering to conform to the tufting of
the automobile seat.
14. The covering of claim 13 wherein each first strap end comprises
a fastener.
15. The covering of claim 14 wherein the fastener comprises
parallel slots for receiving the associated second strap end.
16. The covering of claim 15 wherein each strap is from the group
comprising fabric strapping, cord, string, plastic line, cable, and
wire.
17. The covering of claim 16 wherein each strap has a strap width
and each parallel slot has a slot width smaller than the strap
width to receive strap by compression fit.
18. The covering of claim 17 wherein each channel is integrated to
cover sheet by sewing the cover sheet into a channel
19. The covering of claim 17 wherein each channel is integrated to
the cover sheet by sewing them to the cover sheet
20. The covering of claim 17 wherein each channel is integrated to
the cover sheet by adhering them to the cover sheet
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to automobile seat covers. More
specifically, the invention relates to seat covers which eliminate
the problem of "trampoline effect" covered tightened over
linearly-tufted or cross- tufted automobile seats.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Existing covers for automobile seats lie flat and taut over
any depressions and contours (tufting) in the seats, thereby
causing the seats to be flat and elastic, rather than cushioning.
Such "trampolining" causes the covered seat to look plain and
defeats the aesthetic and functional purposes of the tufting.
Existing covers tend shift and slip when the user repeatedly gets
in and out of the seat. Existing covers are provided with various
forms of attachment means, such as elastic straps, hooks, or straps
that are tied together after fitting the cover over the seat. Such
means are rife with deficiencies. Among other things, elastic
straps stretch permanently and become loose, hooks often damage
seats, and tied-together straps are unsightly and difficult to
remove.
[0003] There exists the need for a seat cover for tufted automobile
seats which eliminates such trampolining, and such is an object of
the invention. There exists the need for a seat cover that holds
firm to the seat as the user repeatedly gets in and out, and such
is an additional object of the invention. There also exists the
need for a simpler and easier-to-install attachment system for seat
covers for automobiles, and such is an additional object of the
invention.
[0004] Further needs and objects exist which are addressed by the
present invention will become apparent by the included disclosure
of an exemplary embodiment thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The invention may be exemplified by or practiced using seat
covers that have captive but unaffixed straps which align with
linear and cross tuft depressions in the seat and are adapted to be
pulled tight such that the straps and cover sheet are drawn into
the tuft depressions. The invention may be exemplified by or
practiced using seat covers that have straps or strings loosely
captured within and extending from channels on the inner side of
the cover panels, so that when the two ends of a strap or string
are pulled tightly and attached together the channels and cover
sheet are drawn down into the tuft depressions and the cover sheet
then follows the exact contours of the seat, without trampolining.
Tightening of the straps or strings pulls the cover into snug fit
with the seat, while also pulling the panel down into the tuft
depressions. This is advantageous over the prior art for at least
the following reasons;
[0006] 1) The covered seats maintain the aesthetically pleasing
tufted appearance.
[0007] 2) The covered seats maintain the functional advantages of
the tufted seat.
[0008] 3) No "trampoline" is formed over the tuft depressions.
[0009] 4) The seat covers are more securely affixed to the seat to
prevent slipping from repeated use.
[0010] The invention may be exemplified by or practiced using a
covering for a tufted cushion having a cover sheet adapted to fit
over and around the cushion and having one or more channels, each
with first and second open-ends, each channel integrated with the
cover sheet and aligned and associated with a tuft of the cushion
after the cover sheet has been fitted over and around the cushion,
and one or more straps, each passing loosely through an associated
one of the channels and having first and second strap ends
extending from the first and second open ends, respectively.
Pulling the extending first and second strap ends of each strap
after the cover sheet has been fitted over and around the cushion
may cause the strap to be pulled into the associated tuft to cause
the cover sheet to conform to the tuft.
[0011] The invention may also be exemplified by or practiced using
a covering for a tufted automobile seat having one or more cover
sheets each adapted to fit over and around one or more cushions of
the seat and each having one or more channels, each channel having
first and second open-ends, and each channel integrated with an
associated one of the cover sheets and aligned and associated with
a tuft of one of the cushions after the cover sheet has been fitted
over and around the one of the cushions, and one or more straps,
each passing loosely through an associated one of the channels and
having first and second strap ends extending from the first and
second open ends, respectively. Pulling the extending first and
second strap ends of each strap after the cover sheet has been
fitted over and around the associated cushion may cause the strap
to be pulled into the associated tuft to cause the cover sheet to
conform to the tuft and the covering to conform to the tufting of
the automobile seat.
[0012] The invention may also be exemplified by or practiced using
a covering for a tufted automobile seat having a cover sheet
adapted to fit over and around cushions of the seat and having one
or more channels, each channel having first and second open-ends,
and each channel integrated with the cover sheet and aligned and
associated with a tuft of the cushions after the cover sheet has
been fitted over and around the cushions, and one or more straps,
each passing loosely through an associated one of the channels and
having first and second strap ends extending from the first and
second open ends, respectively. Pulling the extending first and
second strap ends of each strap after the cover sheet has been
fitted over and around the cushions may cause the strap to be
pulled into the associated tuft to cause the cover sheet to conform
to the tuft and the covering to conform to the tufting of the
automobile seat.
[0013] Each first strap end may have a fastener. The fastener may
have parallel slots for receiving the associated second strap end.
Each strap may be from the group comprising fabric strapping, cord,
string, plastic line, cable, and wire. each strap has a strap width
and each parallel slot has a slot width smaller than the strap
width to receive strap by compression fit. Each channel may be
integrated to cover sheet by sewing the cover sheet into a channel,
sewing them to the cover sheet, or adhering them to the cover
sheet.
[0014] Further features and aspects of the invention are disclosed
with more specificity in the detailed description and drawings
provided herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
[0015] Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with
reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 1A is an exploded front perspective view of a prior art
seat cover being attached to a linear-tufted front automobile
seat;
[0017] FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of the prior art seat
cover of FIG. 1A attached to the seat of FIG. 1A;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of a novel seat
cover according to a first embodiment being attached to the
linear-tufted front automobile seat of FIG. 1A;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the seat cover of FIG.
2 being attached to the seat of FIG. 1A;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the seat cover of FIG.
2 being attached to the seat of FIG. 1A;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the seat cover of FIG.
2 attached to the seat of FIG. 1A;
[0022] FIGS. 6A through 6E are a sequential series of views of the
cord connection system of the seat cover of FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 7A is a partial cross-sectional view of the seat cover
of FIG. 2 being attached to a linear tufted automobile seat;
[0024] FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional view of seat cover of
FIG. 7A attached to the seat of FIG. 2;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a linear-tufted
automobile seat wearing a novel seat cover according to a second
embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a cross-tufted
automobile seat wearing a novel seat cover according to a third
embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a novel seat cover
according to a fourth embodiment being attached to a linear-tufted
rear automobile seat;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the seat cover of FIG.
10 being attached to the linear-tufted rear automobile seat of FIG.
10;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the seat cover of
FIG. 10 attached to the linear-tufted rear automobile seat of FIG.
10;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the fastener of the seat
cover of FIG. 10; and
[0031] FIG. 14 is an inside view of the seat cover of FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS:
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a typical prior art seat cover
500 and typical automobile seat 502 are show. It can be seen in
FIG. 1A that the seat has linearly tufted depressions 504 (tufts).
It can also be seen in FIG. 1B that after installation, the tufts
are gone. These tufts have numerous intended advantages that are
thereby lost; including the increased comfort provided by the
tufting, the airflow that the tufting enabled between the seat and
the sitter, and the aesthetic improvement that the tufting
provided. Not shown is the unsightly tying together of the affixing
straps 506 behind the seat. Because easily-untieable bows have a
tendency to come untied inadvertently, most users tie the straps in
"granny knots", which are unlikely to untie inadvertently but are
ugly and very difficult to purposely untie in the event that the
seat cover is to be removed . . . especially when considering the
awkward access to the knots because of their position in the
automobile.
[0033] FIGS. 2 through 5 show the same tufted seat 502, but now
with a seat cover 100 according to a first exemplary embodiment of
the invention. It can be readily appreciated from viewing FIG. 5
that the linear tufts 504 of the seat are maintained after
installation of seat cover 100.
[0034] While the seat cover 100 of the first embodiment employs a
two-part arrangement with separate cover sheets 110T and 110B for
the top and bottom automobile seat cushions, respectively, the
cover sheet could alternatively be a one-part arrangement, as in
the bench seat embodiment 200 described later in this disclosure,
wherein a larger cover sheet covers both the top and bottom
cushions and also has straps extending from the center of the
sheet, tied to a double-fastener 250 that is passed through the gap
between the cushions. The straps may be made of fabric strapping,
cord, string, plastic line, cable, wire, or any suitable
material.
[0035] Seat cover 100 is equipped with straps 106 which are
positioned to align with the tufts 504 of the seat once the seat
cover is installed. A variety of such seat covers would be made
available, each with straps in position specifically chosen to
align with the tufts of a specific automobile model. For instance,
a first automobile model may have three evenly spaced tufts. A
second may have four unevenly spaced tufts. A third may have tufts
going side-to-side. And a fourth may have both front-to-back and
side-to-side tufts (cross-tufting). The purchaser would choose and
purchase the seat cover that was intended to fit the seat of his
specific automobile model. FIGS. 8 and 9 show typical arrangements
for a linear two-tuft seat 560 and cover 300 and a cross-tufted
seat 562 and cover 400, respectively. In the cross-tufted seat
cover 400, additional horizontal straps 406H are provided to pull
the cover sheet into the horizontal tufts 504H.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, it can be seen that fabric
channels 108 are integrated with the cover sheets 110 of the seat
cover, and that straps 106 "float" within and unattached to the
channels . . . similar to the drawstring of a hooded sweater.
Referring back to the bottom cover sheet 110B of FIG. 2, it is seen
that the ends (forward end 112F and back end 112R) extend from the
channels and cover sheets. Back ends 112R have tied or otherwise
affixed thereto a novel fastener which will be later described.
Pulling of one of the ends at this stage will cause the strap to
slide within the channel Pulling on both ends while the channel is
wrapped around something will cause the channel to compress, just
as the aforesaid drawstring causes the hood of the aforesaid seater
to compress when both ends of the drawstring are pulled.
[0037] The straps may be integrated with the cover sheet by any
functional means, such as sewing the sheet into a channel, sewing a
channel to the sheet, of otherwise adhering a channel to the
sheet.
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the initial installation steps of
the seat cover is the same as with prior art; the cover sheets 110T
and 110B are first fitted loosely over the top 502T and bottom 502B
cushions, respectively, of the seat, and the ends of each strap are
passed either over, under, or between the top and bottom cushions,
as applicable, and pulled tightly from behind the seat as a pair to
initially snug the cover sheet to the cushion.
[0039] Unique to the present seat covers is that, as in FIG. 4, the
pulling of the ends of each pair of strap ends pulls the strap,
channel, and coversheet down into the tuft with which it is
aligned, as in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5 it can be seen that the covered
seat mimics the exact tufted shape of the uncovered seat.
[0040] In FIGS. 6A through 6E a novel fastener 150 is shown which
may be used with seat cover 100 or which may be used in other
applications. It is therefore intended that the fastener may be
considered a feature of the present invention or may sometimes be
useful in other applications as an independent invention on its
own. The fastener simplifies seat cover installation, allows for
simple and fast removal, and maintains strap organization, making
the seat cover more pleasing to the eye.
[0041] As initially supplied, a fastener 150 is tied or otherwise
permanently affixed to back end 112R of each the strap. The back
end with the fastener is fed under or over the automobile seat
cushion the position shown in FIG. 6A. FIGS. 6A to 6E show
attachment to the seat's top cushion, so the fastener has been fed
between the top and bottom seat cushions and the forward strap end
112F hangs down. For the bottom cover sheet and seat cushion, the
orientation of these Figs would be flipped upside-down.
[0042] As seen in FIG. 6B, the forward end 112F of the strap is
then fed through hole 152 of the fastener.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 6C, the forward end of the strap is then
pulled taut to secure the coversheet over the top cushion and to
pull the strap into the related seat tuft.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 6D, the tautly-pulled forward end is then
wound around the fastener in an "X" fashion as it is fitted into
slots 154, which have a slot width slightly smaller than the width
of the strap to tightly grasp the strap by compression fit. FIG. 6E
shows the final arrangement.
[0045] FIGS. 10 through 14 show a bench seat cover embodiment 200
for use with a tufted automobile bench seat 602. In this case, a
single larger cover sheet 210 serves to cover both the top and
bottom cushions, 602T and 602B, respectively, of the seat. The seat
shown has three linear tufts 604, so there are accordingly three
sets of straps 206T and 206B, with associated channels 208 for each
the top and bottom seat cushion. Referring to FIG. 14, which looks
at the inside of the seat cover, it can be seen that the channels
are discontinued and open midway up the seat cover. This horizontal
line of openings 208D corresponds to the gap between the automobile
seat's top and bottom cushions. Each top cushion strap 206T extends
both from the open top of its channel 208T and from the open
discontinuance 208D of its channel, where it has been affixed to
double-fastener 250. Each bottom cushion strap 206B extends both
from the open bottom of its channel 208B and from the open
discontinuance 208D of its channel, where it has also been affixed
to the double-fastener.
[0046] Each double fastener with its affixed strap ends is pushed
through the gap between the seat's top and bottom cushions, the
cover sheet is draped over the top and bottom cushions, and the
strap ends are all pulled to snug the cover to the seat. The
double-fastener 250 functions similarly to the single fastener 150
previously described, except has a pair of slots 254 at each end,
as shown in FIG. 13, for receiving the strap ends from over the top
cushion and under the bottom cushion. The strap ends are then wound
around the fastener in "X" fashion while being fitted into the
associated slots, just as in the single fastener previously
described.
[0047] It should be noted that the embodiment shown herein is not
intended to limit the scope of the invention. The invention
therefore only be limited by the follow claims, including any
equivalent interpretation to which they are entitled.
* * * * *