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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Normally the absorbent layer will be located uppermost on the seat with the waterproof portion located adjacent the seat.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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® 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this embodiment, the loop may be provided on the absorbent portion and/or the waterproof portion.

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.

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.

The cover can be separated for washing and drying and then reassembled for future use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a waterproof portion of the protective seat cover according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an absorbent portion of the protective seat cover according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the protective seat cover of FIG. 6 when in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a protective car seat cover 10 and illustrated generally in FIGS. 1 to 7 is provided.

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® 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.

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.

Normally, the absorbent layer will be located uppermost on the seat with the waterproof portion located adjacent the seat in use.

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.

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.

The waterproof portion of the illustrated embodiment is manufactured from substantially impermeable material, namely a flexible sheet of polyvinyl chloride.

As illustrated, half of the Velcro® 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.

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.

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.

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® 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.

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.

Normally, the absorbent layer will be located uppermost on the seat with the waterproof portion located adjacent the seat in use.

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.

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.

The waterproof portion of the illustrated embodiment is manufactured from substantially impermeable material, namely a flexible sheet of polyvinyl chloride.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.