Child Car Seat Cover

- EMMALU, LLC

A child car seat cover is disclosed. This device provides an easily removable, cleanable and adjustable cover for a child car seat that restricts the passage of food, dirt and liquids to the car seat material. The device is comprised of multiple layers of fabric, strap covers, strap openings and strap closures, and has waterproof backing.

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Description

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of and is a continuation-in-part of United States Utility Patent Application having a title of CHILD CAR SEAT COVER, filed on Oct. 17, 2005 and assigned Ser. No. 11/251,731, which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technology described herein relates to child car seat covers. Specifically, the technology described herein relates to child car seat covers having a waterproof backing that can easily be removed from the car seat and cleaned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Children frequently soil while in their car seat, i.e., spill, wet, vomit. Historically, if the car seat material on which the child rests gets wet or dirty because of soiling, one has to remove the entire car seat from the car and take the car seat apart in order to remove the car seat material to wash it. This process takes several minutes and one is left without a functional car seat until the car seat material is washed, dried, and put back on the car seat, and the car seat is then put back in the car.

Additionally, existing aftermarket car seat covers generally have at least one of the following other problems:

    • A gap where the straps pull through, which allows food, dirt and liquid to get through and dirty the car seat material. When these crumbs, particles and liquids dirty the car seat material one still has to take out the car seat from the vehicle and remove both the aftermarket car seat cover and the car seat material for cleaning.
    • Exposed straps. This poses a problem when the child soils the straps with liquids, food or vomit.
    • Having to take off the bottom part of the cover in order to tighten the harness strap.

This poses a problem when one needs to adjust the harness straps, which is generally every time one puts a child in the seat.

These and other problems exist. Previous attempts to solve these and other problems include the following.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,478,453 discloses an adjustable cover for an infant car seat, having front and rear sections with fastening straps and an elastic securing strip.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,621,004 discloses a disposable liner for a car seat comprised of absorbent composite material with a rectangular body and L shaped side members.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,761,032 discloses a cover for an infant seat having a rolled blanket and a protective hood attached to the ends of the cover pad and place-able over an infant seat.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,883,701 discloses an infant car seat liner with shoulder strap and leg receiving slots for fitting the infant seat liner to an infant car seat.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,891,454, issued to Lee E. Perdelwitz, Jr. and David E. Hanke on Jan. 2, 1990, discloses an infant car seat liner with strap-receiving slots selectively operable and optionally being perforated.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,769 discloses a fire resistant infant seat liner made of a thermo-bonded material with a resistant component giving a low flame propagation rate.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,221 discloses an infant seat cover comprised of a water-repellent cover which extends loosely and continuously over the entire seat except for the central face opening.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,090 discloses a baby blanket for a car seat, having multiple apertures through which a restraining harness passes.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,532 discloses a pad which has an upper cotton layer quilted to an underlying soaker layer formed of needle-punched nonwoven polyester fibers having good absorbency and wickability. A plurality of longitudinally and transversely extending stabilizing strips underlies the soaker layer. The strips are preferably formed of nylon fabric having a dry polymer coating which renders the fabric waterproof and heat-bondable. The pad also includes a lower layer formed of the same type of coated nylon fabric. The stabilizing strips are connected by stitching to the upper layer and the soaker layer of the pad, and are bonded to the pad's bottom layer. The bonding is effected by application of heat and pressure sufficient to effect melding of the coatings upon the stabilizing strips and the lower layer.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,095 discloses a multi purpose baby wrap which converts to a blanket, a bunting, a pad, a fitted wrap, or a shoulder wrap, to provide warmth and/or protection from the elements. A hood (either detachable or integral) may also be provided. It is adaptable for use with a child's car seat (or the like) which is fitted with a restraint system, a front or back carrying pack for carrying infants or toddlers, a stroller or walker, a swing or jumping unit which contains a child, a grocery cart, a high chair, or like equipment in which the infant's legs must be separated.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,576 discloses a head support which grows with the child from small infant to advanced toddler. A soft body structure has a central portion comprising an upper, intermediate and lower section and a pair of flanking padded wing portions secured to the upper central portion and having a fold seam at the junction with the upper central portion. The intermediate central portion has a pair of flanking tab portions each provided with a fastener strip, and the lower central portion terminates in a pair of leg portions separated by a gap. The upper side edges of the lower central portion are provided with a plurality of fastener strips. A plurality of fastener tabs are attached to the lower edge of each wing portion in order to provide adjustment in three dimensions of the relative attitudes of the wing portions in the central body portion. The support can be used in a folded attitude or an upstanding attitude, depending on the size of the child.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,261 discloses a blanket wrap tailored to mount to a car seat or infant carrier. Safety restraints at the support mount through the wrap to permit attachment of the straps to the infant or toddler prior to fitting the wrap to the infant. An integral cushioned pad is centered to the wrap and fasteners are arrayed about the wrap to assure a snug fitting, once the infant is strapped to the seat or carrier. A hood and sleeves can be provided at the wrap.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,744 discloses a child safety seat is disclosed which is intended to be used in combination with a hard surface seating device. The safety seat comprises a flat panel of a fabric covered resilient element having an articulated joining portion which allows free movement of an upper section and a lower section of the flat panel. The upper section of the seat comprises an elongated upper torso support element that is designed to support the back of the child and extends upward to the area which would be contacted by the back of the head of a child and the lower section comprises a lower seating panel having integral leg support elements and a waist belt that may be adjustably connected to the elongated torso element and to the lower seating panel by a connecting element.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,355 discloses a cover for a child's car seat comprised of a fabric hood with an elasticized hem and an access flap with a meshed opening.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,274,520 discloses a waterproof fabric sheet for a baby crib, a bassinet, a bed for a health care facility or the like. The fabric sheet is a five-layer laminated waterproof cloth, light in weight, absorbent, breathable, optionally antimicrobial, and washable. The first top layer comprises a material made from polyester fibers and/or cotton fibers. The second layer is a needle punch soaker or a high loft batting soaker made from rayon fibers, polyester fibers and/or cotton fibers being needle punched into a nonwoven polyester or polypropylene scrim material or high loft batting. The third layer comprises a sheet material of polyester and/or acrylic. The fourth layer can be either identical to the second layer or without soaker properties. The fifth layer comprises either polyester, nylon or acrylic material. The second and/or the fourth layers optionally include antimicrobial fibers. The layers are laminated by ultrasonic energy bonding. If the first layer contains greater than 40% cotton fibers, the layer is bonded to the second layer with a water-based urethane glue.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,543 discloses a covering for a children's car seat, having a divided opening in the main body portion for passage of harness straps and blanket flap portions which can be folded over the child's body.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,764,134 discloses a travel wrap with a central portion for covering a seat structure, first and second wing members for selectively blanketing a seat occupant, and a cap portion for retaining the central portion relative to a seat. First and second apertures can receive seat belt straps to enable the seat occupant to be secured relative to the seat structure. Third and fourth apertures can enable the seat belt straps to be threaded through the travel wrap to allow the seat belt arrangement to be fastened exterior to a blanketed configuration of the wing members. The cap portion can have first and, possibly, second pockets for receiving the upper end of the seat back, and a pillow can be associated with one face of the travel wrap for enabling the travel wrap to be applied reversibly and to enable the selective provision of a pillow.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,926,359 discloses a cover for a child seat in the form of a pad with slots through the pad that facilitate simple removal and reinstallation of the cover. Some of the slots accommodate the seat safety harness and merge with side slots that are held closed by mating separable fastening elements. The side slots extend at least partially along the junction between the backrest portion and the side bolster portions of the pad. A pair of back slots extend from respective strap anchoring locations in the backrest region to respective side slots. A release slot may be included at each side of the pad, extending from the respective side slot to the adjacent outer side edge of the pad—this being especially useful with three-point harness seats. A five-point harness version has a pair of lap strap slots through the pad to accommodate the lap straps of the harness. The lap straps slots extend outwardly to the adjacent side slots. Adding release slots as described gives this latter cover universal application.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,192,086 discloses a seat cover for an infant/child seat having a seat portion and a back portion and straps for securing an infant/child within the seat comprises a cover member for mounting on at least a part of the seat portion and/or back portion of the infant/child seat. At least one aperture is formed in the cover member for receiving a strap to allow a part of the strap to pass therethrough. A fastener is formed on at least one of the apertures for opening and closing at least a portion of the aperture.

U.S. Patent Publication 2003/0215600, inventor Caron Ammons, published on November 2003 discloses a removable protector for a child seat comprised of a sheet of porous material, a sheet of absorptive material and a sheet of non-porous material.

While these patents, published patent applications, and other previous methods have attempted to solve the above mentioned problems, none have addressed facilitating cleaning after soiling, protecting the straps, closing the strap gap and facilitating harness tightening.

Therefore, a need exists for an improved child car seat cover that incorporates solutions to these problems.

The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a view toward discharging the inventor's acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the patentability of the technology described herein. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing patent and other information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when considered in combination, the inventors' claimed invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The general purpose of the technology described herein, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a child car seat cover that provides a measure of protection against soiling of the car seat, is easily removable from the car seat, and is washable.

In particular, the technology described herein solves the above-mentioned problem of cleaning a soiled child car seat cover. The technology described herein easily goes on over a car seat. The technology described herein has a waterproof layer and keeps the car seat material clean. The technology described herein is easily removable when it gets dirty. Because of the waterproof material layer, a user's car seat remains functional when the technology described herein is soiled and removed. The technology described herein has adjustable harness straps that grow with the child. The technology described herein functions similar to a slip cover; a user opens the hook-and-loop fastener “fingers” to slip the cover on and off.

The technology described herein is comprised of at least three layers: a top absorbent layer, a middle soaker layer and a third waterproof backing layer. The top absorbent layer is made of a fabric that has been made flame retardant, e.g., cotton, cotton/poly blend, polyester. The middle soaker layer is made of a material especially designed for absorbing liquids, such as the materials used in diapers. The waterproof backing layer is made a waterproof material, e.g., nylon, polyurethane laminate or vinyl. This layered construction allows liquid that seeps through the top layer to be absorbed into the soaker layer and then to stop penetrating at the waterproof backing layer.

The technology described herein is further comprised of openings for straps and closures, e.g. snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, closing off any extra space where the straps pull through. This prevents any liquid and/or food from soiling the original car seat. The technology described herein is further comprised of coverings for the child car seat straps. These strap covers are easily removable, secured on by snaps, buttons, VELCRO®, hook-and-loop fasteners, or the like. The strap covers allow for harness adjustment. The technology described herein allows for easy loosening and/or tightening of the car-seat straps by having an opening, e.g. slit, for the strap to come through.

One advantage of the technology described herein is that it is easily removed from the child car seat.

Another advantage of the technology described herein is that it is easy to clean.

Another advantage of the technology described herein is that it provides protection from soiling for a child car seat.

Another advantage of the technology described herein is that is provides for tightening of the harness strap without removing the child car seat cover.

Another advantage of the technology described herein is that is can be made from inexpensive and easy to obtain materials.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the technology disclosed herein in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the technology disclosed herein that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the technology disclosed herein in detail, it is to be understood that the technology disclosed herein is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The technology disclosed herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the technology described herein. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technology described herein.

The above summary of the technology described herein is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the technology described herein. The figures and detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The technology described herein will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various embodiments of the invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention to the specific embodiments, but are for explanation and understanding only.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view which illustrates a child car seat cover fitted over a traditional child car seat according to an embodiment of the technology described herein.

FIG. 2 is a back side plan view of a child car seat cover according to an embodiment of the technology described herein.

FIG. 3 is a front side plan view of a child car seat cover according to an embodiment of the technology described herein.

FIG. 4 is a front side plan view of a child car seat cover with the elastic removed so it can be laid flat according to an embodiment of the technology described herein.

FIG. 5 is a back side plan view of a child car seat cover with the elastic removed so it can be laid flat according to an embodiment of the technology described herein.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a strap covering in the open position for a child car seat cover according to an embodiment of the technology described herein.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a strap covering in the closed position for a child car seat cover according to an embodiment of the technology described herein.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a child car seat cover showing the layered construction according to an embodiment of the technology described herein.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a child car seat cover according to an embodiment of the technology described herein.

FIG. 10 is a front plan view of elements of a child car seat cover prior to assembly, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a child car seat cover according to an embodiment of the technology described herein.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a child car seat cover according to an embodiment of the technology described herein.

FIG. 13 is a front plan view of a child car seat cover according to an embodiment of the technology described herein.

FIG. 14 is a rear plan view of a child car seat cover according to an embodiment of the technology described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the technology described herein. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that these specific details need not be employed to practice the technology described herein. In other instances, well known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the technology described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 1, car seat cover 10 is illustrated. Strap opening 80 is positioned to permit the passage of the child car seat belt from the child car seat through car seat cover 10. Left strap cover 130 is placed over the left harness strap and closed using one or more of harness strap strap-closure 160 (not shown) and right strap cover 140 is placed over the right harness strap and closed using one or more of harness strap strap-closure 160 (not shown). Buckle strap opening 90 is positioned to permit passage of the child car seat buckle strap. Strap tightening opening 100 is positioned to facilitate the tightening of the harness straps.

Referring now to FIG. 2, left harness strap opening 110 and right harness strap opening 120 are positioned to allow the harness straps passage. A plurality of harness strap opening-closure 150 is positioned roughly as shown in order to close the openings so to restrict passage of particles of food and dirt. Buckle strap opening 90 is positioned roughly as shown, as is strap tightening opening 100. Elastic band 70 is positioned at the periphery of the child car seat cover in order to facilitate the easy installation and removal of the car seat. Once the child car seat cover is installed outer layer border 60 is roughly positioned on the back periphery of a child car seat.

Referring now to FIG. 3, bottom layer 20 is shown. Outer layer 60, buckle strap opening 90, strap tightening opening 100, left harness strap opening 110, right harness strap opening 120 and harness strap opening-closure 150 are also illustrated.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the elastic band and the bottom layer have been removed in order to lay the remaining assembly flat for illustrative purposes, showing multiple-layer area 50 and middle area 40. Outer layer border 60, buckle strap opening 90, strap tightening opening 100, left harness strap opening 110, right harness strap opening 120 are also illustrated to show their relative positions and dimensions.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the elastic band and the bottom layer have been removed in order to lay the remaining assembly flat for illustrative purposes, illustrating outer layer border 60, buckle strap opening 90, strap tightening opening 100, left harness strap opening 110 and right harness strap opening 120.

Referring now to FIG. 6, left strap cover 130 is shown in the open position, with a plurality of harness strap strap-closure 160.

Referring now to FIG. 7, left strap cover 130 is shown in the closed position by putting the harness strap strap-closures in contact with each other.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the multiple-layer area is shown in cross-section, illustrating the relationship and positioning of bottom layer 20, middle layer 40 and top layer 30. The arrangement of this assembly allows liquids to pass through bottom layer 20, to be absorbed by the soaking material of middle layer 40 and then to stop at the liquid barrier formed by top layer 30. The positioning of elastic band 70 is also illustrated.

Referring now to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, a top trim with elastic panel 310, a pair of upper side panel 320, an upper center panel 330, a pair of center side panel 340, a center panel 350, a pair of a bottom side panel 360, a center bottom panel 370, a belt buckle flap 380, and a bottom elastic trim panel 390 are illustrated for an exemplary embodiment.

Referring now to FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, a plurality of a strap closure tab 510, a plurality of hook and loop fastener 520, a strap harness opening 530, a buckle strap opening 540, and a strap tightening opening 550, a harness opening 560, an outer elastic border 570, a three-layer fabric section 580, a pair of leg harness opening 590, a fabric outer border 596 and a pair of top fabric layer 597 are illustrated for one embodiment.

One method of making the technology described herein is to:

    • 1. Acquire an absorbent fabric, a soaker fabric and waterproof fabric
    • 2. Cut a large piece of the absorbent fabric for the outer layer
    • 3. Cut the soaker fabric in roughly the same size as the outer layer to form the soaker layer
    • 4. Cut the waterproof fabric in roughly the same size as the outer layer and soaker layer to form the waterproof backer
    • 5. Join the soaker layer and waterproof backer to the outer layer by sewing
    • 6. Cut slits in an appropriate length and position for the child car seat straps
    • 7. Sew in industrial strength VELCRO® pieces to the slits and middle section in order to enable the closing of the gap around the straps in order to prevent items from soiling the car seat
    • 8. Cut two additional side pieces of the material used for the outer fabric. One piece is attached per side to enable the cover to wrap around the car seat
    • 9. Sew a ¾″ elastic around the perimeter of the cover with double reinforced seams
    • 10. Cut a smaller hole in appropriate position to allow for the buckle strap
    • 11. Sew approximately a ¼″ elastic around the hole to allow it to conform around the buckle strap
    • 12. Cut another hole below the first hole in the appropriate position to allow for the tightening strap to pull through
    • 13. Sew a ¼″ elastic around hole to allow it to conform around the tightening strap
    • 14. Cut two pieces of outer layer fabric, the soaker layer and the waterproof backer roughly 5″×16″
    • 15. Sew all of the fabrics together, with edges trim and neat
    • 16. Sew industrial strength VELCRO® pieces along the outer inside edge to secure the edges when folded over.

Another method for making an embodiment of the technology described herein is as follows:

    • cut a piece of the cotton or top layer material to approx. 1⅔ inches.

cut the middle and waterproof layer to ¾+ inches and attach to the top layer

    • sew all parts together
    • cut 3 “finger” slits on each side of the top center fabric, which will allow for the straps to pull through.
    • sew in the hook-and-loop fasteners on the “fingers” to secure them in place once the straps have been pulled through
    • sew approximately a yard of ½ inch elastic along the edge of the fabric which will allow the cover to be secure on the car seat
    • in the bottom center of the fabric a slit needs to be cut to allow for the belt buckle to pull through
    • this slit can be finished with elastic to allow for different size buckles
    • the canopy cover is then cut to about 1+ yards and fitted with piping in the front and back center to hold its form
    • Secure the underlayer flap with hook-and-loop Easterners

In an exemplary embodiment (embodiment 1) the technology described herein is a removable, multilayered, fluid-retaining, and impermeable child car seat cover for a child car seat, comprising: an outer layer disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover for placement under a child, and disposed upon a child car seat at a location closest to contact with the child in the car seat, the outer layer configured to provide comfort to the child and comprising an aesthetic design; and an impermeable underside layer, the impermeable underside layer disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover for placement under a child, disposed under the outer layer, and disposed upon a child car seat at a location being a closest layer to the child car seat, the impermeable underside layer being impervious to the passage of fluids, thus protecting the child car seat from damage by liquid spills, leaks, and other fluids.

Embodiment 2 has all the elements of embodiment 1 and further comprises: a fluid-retaining middle layer, the fluid-retaining middle layer disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover for placement under a child, and disposed in between the outer layer and the impermeable underside layer, the fluid-retaining middle layer configured to absorb and retain fluids, drawing the fluids away from the outer later, and thus the child, trapping the fluids within the fluid-retaining middle layer and barring any permeation of the fluids to the child car seat with the impermeable underside layer immediately below the fluid-retaining middle layer.

Embodiment 3 has all the elements of embodiment 1 and the outer layer disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover is a porous, flame-retardant fabric.

Embodiment 4 has all the elements of embodiment 1 and the child car seat cover is secured to the child car seat with elastic disposed within the child car seat cover and around a perimeter area of the child car seat cover, and where the elastic further provides ease in applicability and removability of the child car seat cover from the child car seat for cleaning and washing.

Embodiment 5 has all the elements of embodiment 2, and further comprises: a pair of shoulder strap slits disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover and configured to allow for a pair of shoulders straps from the child car seat to pass through the multilayered child car seat cover; and a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners, disposed about the pair of shoulder strap slits in the multilayered child car seat cover, configured to enable closure around the pair of shoulders straps and to restrict the passage of food, dirt, or other particles from contact with the child car seat.

Embodiment 6 has all the elements of embodiment 5 and further comprises: a pair of releasable shoulder strap covers disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover and configured to cover the pair of shoulders straps from the child car seat.

Embodiment 7 has all the elements of embodiment 2 and further comprises: a buckle strap slit disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover and configured to allow for a buckle strap from the child car seat to pass through the multilayered child car seat cover; and an elastic band disposed about the buckle strap slit in the multilayered child car seat cover, configured to enable closure around the buckle strap slit and to restrict the passage of food, dirt, or other particles from contact with the child car seat.

Embodiment 8 has all the elements of embodiment 2 and further comprises: a tightening strap slit disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover and configured to allow for a tightening strap from the child car seat to pass through the multilayered child car seat cover; and an elastic band disposed about the tightening strap slit in the multilayered child car seat cover, configured to enable closure around the tightening strap slit and to restrict the passage of food, dirt, or other particles from contact with the child car seat.

Embodiment 9 is a removable, multilayered, fluid-retaining, and impermeable child car seat cover for a child car seat, comprising: a plurality of multilayered, attachable panels comprising: a center bottom panel configured as a seat portion of the child car seat cover; a center back panel, configured as a back rest portion of the child car seat cover; an upper center back panel disposed above the center back panel; a top back seat panel; a pair of lower side panels; a pair of center side panels; a pair of upper side panels; a bottom panel; and a belt flap panel; where the center bottom panel, the center back panel, the upper center back panel, the pair of center side panels, and the belt flap panel further comprise an impermeable underside layer, the impermeable underside layer being impervious to the passage of fluids, thus protecting the child car seat from damage by liquid spills, leaks, and other fluids.

Embodiment 10 has all the elements of embodiment 9 and the center bottom panel, the center back panel, the upper center back panel, the pair of center side panels, and the belt flap panel further comprise three layers: an outer layer disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover for placement under a child, and disposed upon a child car seat at a location closest to contact with the child in the car seat, the outer layer configured to provide comfort to the child and comprising an aesthetic design; the impermeable underside layer, the impermeable underside layer disposed under the outer layer, and disposed upon a child car seat at a location being a closest layer to the child car seat, the impermeable underside layer being impervious to the passage of fluids, thus protecting the child car seat from damage by liquid spills, leaks, and other fluids; and a fluid-retaining middle layer, the fluid-retaining middle layer disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover for placement under a child, and disposed in between the outer layer and the impermeable underside layer, the fluid-retaining middle layer configured to absorb and retain fluids, drawing the fluids away from the outer later, and thus the child, trapping the fluids within the fluid-retaining middle layer and barring any permeation of the fluids to the child car seat with the impermeable underside layer immediately below the fluid-retaining middle layer.

Embodiment 11 has all the elements of embodiment 10 and all panels comprising the child car seat cover are comprised of the three layers of embodiment 10.

Embodiment 12 has all the elements of embodiment 9 and the top back seat panel, the pair of lower side panels, the pair of upper side panels, and the bottom panel further comprise two layers: an outer layer disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover for placement under a child, and disposed upon a child car seat at a location closest to contact with the child in the car seat, the outer layer configured to provide comfort to the child and comprising an aesthetic design; and the impermeable underside layer, the impermeable underside layer disposed under the outer layer, and disposed upon a child car seat at a location being a closest layer to the child car seat, the impermeable underside layer being impervious to the passage of fluids, thus protecting the child car seat from damage by liquid spills, leaks, and other fluids.

Embodiment 13 has all the elements of embodiment 12 and all panels comprising the child car seat cover are comprised of the two layers of embodiment 12.

Embodiment 14 has all the elements of embodiment 9 and the center bottom panel configured as a seat portion of the child car seat cover further comprises: a buckle strap slit disposed in the center bottom panel and configured to allow for a buckle strap from the child car seat to pass through the multilayered child car seat cover; and an elastic band disposed about the buckle strap slit in the multilayered child car seat cover, configured to enable closure around the buckle strap slit and to restrict the passage of food, dirt, or other particles from contact with the child car seat.

Embodiment 15 has all the elements of embodiment 9 and the upper center back panel further comprises: a pair of shoulder strap slits disposed in the upper center back panel and configured to allow for a pair of shoulders straps from the child car seat to pass through the multilayered child car seat cover; and a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners, disposed about the pair of shoulder strap slits in the multilayered child car seat cover, configured to enable closure around the pair of shoulders straps and to restrict the passage of food, dirt, or other particles from contact with the child car seat.

Embodiment 16 has all the elements of embodiment 15 and further comprises: a pair of releasable shoulder strap covers disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover and configured to cover the pair of shoulders straps from the child car seat.

Embodiment 17 has all the elements of embodiment 16 and the bottom panel further comprises: a tightening strap slit disposed in the bottom panel and configured to allow for a tightening strap from the child car seat to pass through the multilayered child car seat cover; and an elastic band disposed about the tightening strap slit in the multilayered child car seat cover, configured to enable closure around the tightening strap slit and to restrict the passage of food, dirt, or other particles from contact with the child car seat.

Embodiment 18 is a multilayered, waterproof cover for a child car seat, the cover comprising: an outer layer disposed in the multilayered, waterproof cover for placement under a child, and disposed upon a child car seat at a location closest to contact with the child in the car seat, the outer layer configured to provide comfort to the child and comprising an aesthetic design; an impermeable underside layer, the impermeable underside layer disposed under the outer layer, and disposed upon a child car seat at a location being a closest layer to the child car seat, the impermeable underside layer being impervious to the passage of fluids, thus protecting the child car seat from damage by liquid spills, leaks, and other fluids; a fluid-retaining middle layer, the fluid-retaining middle layer disposed in the multilayered, waterproof cover for placement under a child, and disposed in between the outer layer and the impermeable underside layer, the fluid-retaining middle layer configured to absorb and retain fluids, drawing the fluids away from the outer later, and thus the child, trapping the fluids within the fluid-retaining middle layer and barring any permeation of the fluids to the child car seat with the impermeable underside layer immediately below the fluid-retaining middle layer; and a plurality of slits disposed within the multilayered, waterproof cover to accommodate a pair of shoulder straps, a buckle strap, and a tightening strap.

Embodiment 19 has all the elements of embodiment 18 and further comprises: a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners, disposed about the pair of shoulder strap slits in the multilayered, waterproof child car seat cover, configured to enable closure around the pair of shoulders straps and to restrict the passage of food, dirt, or other particles from contact with the child car seat; a pair of releasable shoulder strap covers disposed in the multilayered, waterproof child car seat cover and configured to cover the pair of shoulders straps from the child car seat; an elastic band disposed about the buckle strap slit in the multilayered, waterproof child car seat cover, configured to enable closure around the buckle strap slit and to restrict the passage of food, dirt, or other particles from contact with the child car seat; and an elastic band disposed about the tightening strap slit in the multilayered child car seat cover, configured to enable closure around the tightening strap slit and to restrict the passage of food, dirt, or other particles from contact with the child car seat.

Embodiment 20 has all the elements of embodiment 18 and further comprises: an elasticity disposed in a perimeter area of the multilayered, waterproof cover configured to provide ease and rapidity in applicability and removability of the multilayered, waterproof cover from the child car seat.

Although this technology has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the invention and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

1. A removable, multilayered, fluid-retaining, and impermeable child car seat cover for a child car seat, the child car seat cover comprising:

an outer layer disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover for placement under a child, and disposed upon a child car seat at a location closest to contact with the child in the car seat, the outer layer configured to provide comfort to the child and comprising an aesthetic design; and
an impermeable underside layer, the impermeable underside layer disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover for placement under a child, disposed under the outer layer, and disposed upon a child car seat at a location being a closest layer to the child car seat, the impermeable underside layer being impervious to the passage of fluids, thus protecting the child car seat from damage by liquid spills, leaks, and other fluids.

2. The removable, multilayered, fluid-retaining, and impermeable child car seat cover for a child car seat of claim 1, further comprising:

a fluid-retaining middle layer, the fluid-retaining middle layer disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover for placement under a child, and disposed in between the outer layer and the impermeable underside layer, the fluid-retaining middle layer configured to absorb and retain fluids, drawing the fluids away from the outer later, and thus the child, trapping the fluids within the fluid-retaining middle layer and barring any permeation of the fluids to the child car seat with the impermeable underside layer immediately below the fluid-retaining middle layer.

3. The removable, multilayered, fluid-retaining, and impermeable child car seat cover for a child car seat of claim 1, wherein the outer layer disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover is a porous, flame-retardant fabric.

4. The removable, multilayered, fluid-retaining, and impermeable child car seat cover for a child car seat of claim 1, wherein the child car seat cover is secured to the child car seat with elastic disposed within the child car seat cover and around a perimeter area of the child car seat cover, and wherein the elastic further provides ease in applicability and removability of the child car seat cover from the child car seat for cleaning and washing.

5. The removable, multilayered, fluid-retaining, and impermeable child car seat cover for a child car seat of claim 2, further comprising:

a pair of shoulder strap slits disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover and configured to allow for a pair of shoulders straps from the child car seat to pass through the multilayered child car seat cover; and
a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners, disposed about the pair of shoulder strap slits in the multilayered child car seat cover, configured to enable closure around the pair of shoulders straps and to restrict the passage of food, dirt, or other particles from contact with the child car seat.

6. The removable, multilayered, fluid-retaining, and impermeable child car seat cover for a child car seat of claim 5, further comprising:

a pair of releasable shoulder strap covers disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover and configured to cover the pair of shoulders straps from the child car seat.

7. The removable, multilayered, fluid-retaining, and impermeable child car seat cover for a child car seat of claim 2, further comprising:

a buckle strap slit disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover and configured to allow for a buckle strap from the child car seat to pass through the multilayered child car seat cover; and
an elastic band disposed about the buckle strap slit in the multilayered child car seat cover, configured to enable closure around the buckle strap slit and to restrict the passage of food, dirt, or other particles from contact with the child car seat.

8. The removable, multilayered, fluid-retaining, and impermeable child car seat cover for a child car seat of claim 2, further comprising:

a tightening strap slit disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover and configured to allow for a tightening strap from the child car seat to pass through the multilayered child car seat cover; and
an elastic band disposed about the tightening strap slit in the multilayered child car seat cover, configured to enable closure around the tightening strap slit and to restrict the passage of food, dirt, or other particles from contact with the child car seat.

9. A removable, multilayered, fluid-retaining, and impermeable child car seat cover for a child car seat, the child car seat cover comprising:

a plurality of multilayered, attachable panels comprising: a center bottom panel configured as a seat portion of the child car seat cover; a center back panel, configured as a back rest portion of the child car seat cover; an upper center back panel disposed above the center back panel; a top back seat panel; a pair of lower side panels; a pair of center side panels; a pair of upper side panels; a bottom panel; and a belt flap panel;
wherein the center bottom panel, the center back panel, the upper center back panel, the pair of center side panels, and the belt flap panel further comprise an impermeable underside layer, the impermeable underside layer being impervious to the passage of fluids, thus protecting the child car seat from damage by liquid spills, leaks, and other fluids.

10. The removable, multilayered, fluid-retaining, and impermeable child car seat cover for a child car seat of claim 9, wherein the center bottom panel, the center back panel, the upper center back panel, the pair of center side panels, and the belt flap panel further comprise three layers:

an outer layer disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover for placement under a child, and disposed upon a child car seat at a location closest to contact with the child in the car seat, the outer layer configured to provide comfort to the child and comprising an aesthetic design;
the impermeable underside layer, the impermeable underside layer disposed under the outer layer, and disposed upon a child car seat at a location being a closest layer to the child car seat, the impermeable underside layer being impervious to the passage of fluids, thus protecting the child car seat from damage by liquid spills, leaks, and other fluids; and
a fluid-retaining middle layer, the fluid-retaining middle layer disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover for placement under a child, and disposed in between the outer layer and the impermeable underside layer, the fluid-retaining middle layer configured to absorb and retain fluids, drawing the fluids away from the outer later, and thus the child, trapping the fluids within the fluid-retaining middle layer and barring any permeation of the fluids to the child car seat with the impermeable underside layer immediately below the fluid-retaining middle layer.

11. The removable, multilayered, fluid-retaining, and impermeable child car seat cover for a child car seat of claim 10, wherein all panels comprising the child car seat cover are comprised of the three layers of claim 10.

12. The removable, multilayered, fluid-retaining, and impermeable child car seat cover for a child car seat of claim 9, wherein the top back seat panel, the pair of lower side panels, the pair of upper side panels, and the bottom panel further comprise two layers:

an outer layer disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover for placement under a child, and disposed upon a child car seat at a location closest to contact with the child in the car seat, the outer layer configured to provide comfort to the child and comprising an aesthetic design; and
the impermeable underside layer, the impermeable underside layer disposed under the outer layer, and disposed upon a child car seat at a location being a closest layer to the child car seat, the impermeable underside layer being impervious to the passage of fluids, thus protecting the child car seat from damage by liquid spills, leaks, and other fluids.

13. The removable, multilayered, fluid-retaining, and impermeable child car seat cover for a child car seat of claim 12, wherein all panels comprising the child car seat cover are comprised of the two layers of claim 12.

14. The removable, multilayered, fluid-retaining, and impermeable child car seat cover for a child car seat of claim 9, wherein the center bottom panel configured as a seat portion of the child car seat cover further comprises:

a buckle strap slit disposed in the center bottom panel and configured to allow for a buckle strap from the child car seat to pass through the multilayered child car seat cover; and
an elastic band disposed about the buckle strap slit in the multilayered child car seat cover, configured to enable closure around the buckle strap slit and to restrict the passage of food, dirt, or other particles from contact with the child car seat.

15. The removable, multilayered, fluid-retaining, and impermeable child car seat cover for a child car seat of claim 9, wherein the upper center back panel further comprises:

a pair of shoulder strap slits disposed in the upper center back panel and configured to allow for a pair of shoulders straps from the child car seat to pass through the multilayered child car seat cover; and
a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners, disposed about the pair of shoulder strap slits in the multilayered child car seat cover, configured to enable closure around the pair of shoulders straps and to restrict the passage of food, dirt, or other particles from contact with the child car seat.

16. The removable, multilayered, fluid-retaining, and impermeable child car seat cover for a child car seat of claim 15, further comprising:

a pair of releasable shoulder strap covers disposed in the multilayered child car seat cover and configured to cover the pair of shoulders straps from the child car seat.

17. The removable, multilayered, fluid-retaining, and impermeable child car seat cover for a child car seat of claim 9, wherein the bottom panel further comprises:

a tightening strap slit disposed in the bottom panel and configured to allow for a tightening strap from the child car seat to pass through the multilayered child car seat cover; and
an elastic band disposed about the tightening strap slit in the multilayered child car seat cover, configured to enable closure around the tightening strap slit and to restrict the passage of food, dirt, or other particles from contact with the child car seat.

18. A multilayered, waterproof cover for a child car seat, the cover comprising:

an outer layer disposed in the multilayered, waterproof cover for placement under a child, and disposed upon a child car seat at a location closest to contact with the child in the car seat, the outer layer configured to provide comfort to the child and comprising an aesthetic design;
an impermeable underside layer, the impermeable underside layer disposed under the outer layer, and disposed upon a child car seat at a location being a closest layer to the child car seat, the impermeable underside layer being impervious to the passage of fluids, thus protecting the child car seat from damage by liquid spills, leaks, and other fluids;
a fluid-retaining middle layer, the fluid-retaining middle layer disposed in the multilayered, waterproof cover for placement under a child, and disposed in between the outer layer and the impermeable underside layer, the fluid-retaining middle layer configured to absorb and retain fluids, drawing the fluids away from the outer later, and thus the child, trapping the fluids within the fluid-retaining middle layer and barring any permeation of the fluids to the child car seat with the impermeable underside layer immediately below the fluid-retaining middle layer; and
a plurality of slits disposed within the multilayered, waterproof cover to accommodate a pair of shoulder straps, a buckle strap, and a tightening strap.

19. The multilayered, waterproof cover for a child car seat of claim 18, further comprising:

a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners, disposed about the pair of shoulder strap slits in the multilayered, waterproof child car seat cover, configured to enable closure around the pair of shoulders straps and to restrict the passage of food, dirt, or other particles from contact with the child car seat;
a pair of releasable shoulder strap covers disposed in the multilayered, waterproof child car seat cover and configured to cover the pair of shoulders straps from the child car seat;
an elastic band disposed about the buckle strap slit in the multilayered, waterproof child car seat cover, configured to enable closure around the buckle strap slit and to restrict the passage of food, dirt, or other particles from contact with the child car seat; and
an elastic band disposed about the tightening strap slit in the multilayered child car seat cover, configured to enable closure around the tightening strap slit and to restrict the passage of food, dirt, or other particles from contact with the child car seat.

20. The multilayered, waterproof cover for a child car seat of claim 18, further comprising:

an elasticity disposed in a perimeter area of the multilayered, waterproof cover configured to provide ease and rapidity in applicability and removability of the multilayered, waterproof cover from the child car seat.
Patent History
Publication number: 20080150335
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 10, 2008
Publication Date: Jun 26, 2008
Applicant: EMMALU, LLC (Atlanta, GA)
Inventors: Jennifer Bari Pines (Atlanta, GA), Rebecca Coffsky Bernath (Sandy Springs, GA)
Application Number: 12/045,684
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: For Child Seat (297/219.12)
International Classification: A47C 31/00 (20060101);