Display frame for a seat cover

Abstract

The present invention includes a display frame useful for displaying covers for automotive seats that the cover is designed to cover. The display frame can be comprised of a series of elements covered in a mesh like material or can be comprised of a shell like molded material. The display frame should be lightweight and easily transportable.

Description

The present application claims the benefit of pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/663,835 filed Mar. 31, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a display frame for displaying a cover. More specifically, the present invention relates to a display frame having an outer periphery whose shape is similar to the contour and shape of the object over which the cover is wrapped around. Yet even more specifically, the present invention involves a display frame that is lightweight and portable. The present invention also includes a display frame whose shape and contour is similar to that of a seat, including that of an vehicular seat, such as but not limited to an automotive seat, truck seat, bus seat, van seat, train seat, and airplane seat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many objects and items can be protected from accidental damage or typical wear and tear by inclusion of a cover draped over an object. This includes covers for cars, chairs, household products, car seats, appliances, furniture and the like. As with many other consumer products, covers are displayed at various retail locations and electronically for marketing purposes. A marketing display generally has the cover in a prominent locale so potential consumers and/or distributors can view and evaluate the cover being displayed. Thus, likely spots for displaying a cover are store windows, mall kiosks, trade show booths, and convention centers, to name but a few. However, when the particular object is cumbersome because of its size, weight, or both, it can become difficult to display the cover at these different spots and to conveniently transport the display to another location. When the object is a car seat, recliner, or other large piece of furniture, it requires considerable effort to position the object along with its associated cover in the proper display. These cumbersome objects are especially difficult to handle when the display is located at a temporary setting, such as a trade show or convention, that requires travel and a limited time to set up and subsequently disassemble the displayed object. Thus, a need exists for an apparatus and method of displaying a cover, where the display apparatus is lightweight, transportable, can be easily assembled and disassembled, and yet adequately displays all the features of the associated cover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention involves a display frame useful in displaying a cover, where the cover is manufactured to wrap around an object, such as an existing automotive seat. The display frame comprises a body having an outer periphery simulating the shape of the object and a bracket attachment device capable of securing the body to a base support. Preferably the display frame is portable. The body of the display frame comprises an upright portion connectable to a horizontal portion. The body can be comprised of a series of members forming the outer edges of the outer periphery and can include a mesh like covering disposed over the members. Optionally, the body can be comprised of a substantially hollow shell or can be inflatable and can be adjustable in shape and size.

The bracket attachment can comprise a support rod secured to a bracket plate on one end and to the body on its other end. The said bracket plate is formed for attaching the display frame to a base support and can be comprised of a support rod insertable into a shoe support on one end and secured to the body on its other end.

The present invention includes a method of displaying a cover, where the cover is formed to wrap around an object, such as an automotive seat. The method of the present invention comprises, draping the cover over a portable display frame, where said display frame comprises a body having an outer periphery similar to the shape of the object and attaching the display frame to a base support, where the display frame is viewable when attached to the base support. The method of the present invention can further comprise detaching the display from the base support and transporting the display frame to a different location. Further, the present method can include removing the cover from the display frame and installing a different cover onto the display frame. The body of the present method can comprise an upright portion connectable to a horizontal portion where the body is comprised of a series of members forming the outer edges of the outer periphery. Optionally, a mesh like covering can be disposed over the members. Also, the body of the present invention can be comprised of a hollow shell, an injection molded shell, or it can be inflatable. The present invention therefore provides the ability to easily display a cover for viewing even when the display is at a remote location or must take place for only a limited period of time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1A is a rearward view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1C portrays an upward looking view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a rearward view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2C is an upward looking view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A depicts a rearward view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C is an upward looking view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cover used in combination with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is one embodiment of the present invention secured to a base support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawings herein, FIGS. 1A-C depict in different views one embodiment of the display frame of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 1B, a side view of the display frame 10 is shown. The display frame 10 has a body 11 comprising an upright portion 12 connected on one end to the horizontal portion 14. It should be noted that the upright portion 12 typically is situated in a vertical direction and the horizontal portion 14 is typically situated in a horizontal direction. In the embodiment of FIG. 1B, the body 11 of the display frame 10 is constructed of a series of members connected together thereby producing a cohesive structure. More specifically, the upright portion 12 comprises a front member 24 attached to a rear member 26 by a series of upright connecting members 32. The front member 24 should be substantially the same size and shape as that of the rear member 26 such that when connected by the upright connecting members 32, the upright portion 12 will have a similar appearance when viewed from either the front or the rear of the upright portion 12. The configuration of the upright portion 12, when viewed from the front or rear side of the upright portion 12, is rectangular on its lower section and dome-like on its upper section.

Connected on the lower end of the upright portion 12 is the horizontal portion 14. While in the embodiment of FIG. 1B, the horizontal portion 14 is disposed perpendicular to the upright portion 12, the horizontal portion 14 can vary in orientation with respect to the upright portion 12. The horizontal portion 14 is comprised of an upper member 28 and a lower member 30, where the upper member 28 is connected on each of its ends to the front member 24 of the upright portion 12. The lower member 30 is also connected on each of its ends to the front member 24 where these connection points are proximate to the lowermost outer corners of the front member 24. At least one horizontal connector 36 is provided connecting the upper member 28 to the lower member 30. Like the front and rear members (24, 26) of the upright portion 12, the upper and lower members (28, 30) of the horizontal portion 14 are similar in shape and dimension to one another. As can be seen in FIG. 1C, when viewed from the bottom, or top, the lower member 30 is a rectangular shape.

In use, a cover 52 can be draped over the display frame 10 wherein the display frame 10 provides an underlying structure for supporting and displaying the cover 52. Preferably the display frame 10 has an outer periphery that simulates the shape of objects over which the cover 52 typically covers or shrouds thereby appropriately demonstrating the contours of the object. Thus when the cover 52 is wrapped over the display frame 10, the underlying support for the cover 52 gives the appearance that the cover 52 is actually covering the object for which it was formed to wrap around. For example, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1A-C through 3A-C, the outer periphery of the display frame 10 is similar to the shape and contour of a seat or chair, including that of a vehicular seat, such as but not limited to seats for automobiles, trains, trucks, vans, buses, boats, and airplanes. The seat considered could also include a recliner, divan, chaise lounge, or other similar type object. Thus, an appropriate cover for use with the display frames of these figures would be a cover for a seat. However the scope of the present invention is not limited to display frames simulating seats, but could include any display frame whose shape is similar to an object over which a cover is wrapped. Additionally, while the display frame 10 can vary in shape to simulate different objects, it can also vary in size. In some instances it may be desired to display a cover scaled or reduced in size, in those instances the display frame 10 will be sized accordingly in order to appropriately match the size of the scaled cover.

One of the advantages of the present invention is the ease and convenience by which the frame can be set up, taken down, transported, and set up again if needed. The relative light weight of the display frame 10, as compared to the particular object over which the cover 52 is designed to wrap around, enhances the ease of installing the cover 52 over the display frame 10 as well as the ease of displaying the cover 52 for viewing. Furthermore, the individual members (24, 26, 28, 30, and 32) comprising the body of the display frame 10 can be easily disconnected from one another and disassembled, thereby allowing the component parts of the display frame 10 to be kept in a relatively small compartment either for storage or transportation purposes. Additionally, a bracket attachment 16 is provided with the display frame 10 that allows the display frame 10 combined with the cover 52 to be secured into a prominent location suitable for viewing of the cover 52.

Preferably, to enhance the viewability of the cover and to present the cover in a prominent viewing location, the display frame 10 is provided with a bracket attachment 16 that can be affixed to a base support 54 such as a stand, table, counter, and the like. Optionally, the bracket attachment 16 can be connected to a bracket or other attachment that is itself affixed to the base support 54. The display frame 10 can be just above the base support 54, a few inches above the base support 54, or well in excess of one foot above the base support 54 depending on the particular application or use of the display frame 10.

Some non-limiting examples of how the display frame 10 can be secured to a base support are provided in FIGS. 1A-C through 3A-C. The bracket attachment 16 of FIGS. 1A-C has a generally “L” shaped cross section where a support rod 18 is secured on one end to the front member 24 of the upright portion 12 and on its other end to a bracket plate 20. The support rod 18 is generally straight and is perpendicular to the elongate cross section of the bracket plate 20. The bracket plate 20 includes plate apertures 22 through which fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets or other suitable attachment devices, are inserted for securing the bracket plate 20 to a base support 54. The plate apertures 22 run parallel to the support rod 18. As viewed from above the support rod 18 generally bisects the length of the bracket plate 20.

The bracket attachment 16a of FIGS. 2A-C also includes a support rod 18a connected to the display frame 10 on one end, and to a bracket plate 20a on its other end. However the support rod 18a of FIGS. 2A-C is not straight but instead is “V” shaped. While the end section of the support rod 18a connects to the bracket plate 20a perpendicular to the side view cross section of the bracket plate 20a, the cross section of the bracket plate 20a runs at an oblique angle to the upright and horizontal portions (12, 14) of the display frame 10. This arrangement of the bracket plate 20a provides the ability to secure the display frame 10 to a stationary support 44 that runs oblique to the display frame 10. The stationary support 44 can be a base support 54 or other attachment connected to the base support 54. Here the bracket plate 20a is also provided with plate apertures 22a through which fasteners can be inserted for securing the display frame 10 to the base support 54. In FIGS. 2A and 2B bolts 40 are shown tightened with wing nuts 42, however as is well known in the art, a myriad of other suitable fasteners can be employed for this function.

Another alternative embodiment of the bracket attachment 16b of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3A-C. Here the support rod 18b is secured to the front and rear members (24, 26) roughly in the mid-section of the upright portion 12. The support rod 18b extends downward at an angle away from the display frame 10 and terminates in an “S” shaped tip. A support shoe 46 is provided with a slot 48 formed coaxially within the body of the support shoe 46. The slot 48 is formed to receive the tip 19 within such that the tip 19 can be readily inserted and withdrawn from the slot 48. The support shoe 46 is connectable to the base support 54. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many variations exist for securing the support shoe 46 to the base support 54 and that attaching the support shoe 46 to the base support 54 is well within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.

Optionally, the display frame can comprise a hollow shell whose outer surface simulates the outer contour of the object over which a cover is draped. With regard to the embodiment of FIG. 4, the display frame 10a can be comprised of a uni-body construction where the outer periphery is continuous and uninterrupted and simulates the shape of a car seat. The shell can be made from a molded material such as a polymer, elasto-polymer, plastic, or like material. Furthermore, the shell can be injection molded. Yet another option is creating a shell that is inflatable. This could be especially useful when the cover is displayed at various locations, such as meetings, conventions, and trade shows, and can be deflated for travel and easily re-inflated. An additional advantage of this embodiment is its ease of construction and the fact that it is relatively lightweight. A light weight display frame can be transported and stored with greater ease than the object that the cover normally covers, or a heavier display frame

Another embodiment of this invention comprises a display frame 10 including a mesh 53 that provides a formable surface over the entire outer surface of the display frame 10. The presence of the mesh 53 gives the display frame 10 continuity of outer surface thereby enhancing the similarity of the display frame 10 with the object whose shape it is simulating. The mesh 53 can be comprised of a plurality of wirelike elements combined to form a screen like sheet. The elements of the mesh 53 can be formed from metals such as but not limited to aluminum, steel, copper, but can also be made from any plastic, polymer, elasto-polymer, or other similar materials. The combination of the elements forming the mesh 53 creates a series of apertures 53a on the mesh. The size of the apertures 53a can vary depending on desired appearance of continuity across the outer periphery of the display frame 10 and can be readily determined by those skilled in the art without undue experimentation.

The present invention described herein, therefore, is adapted to achieve the advantages above-mentioned, as well as others advantageous inherent therein. While a presently preferred embodiment of the invention has been given for purposes of disclosure, numerous changes and modification may be undertakento achieve the desired results. For example, the material of the frame elements of FIGS. 1A-C through 3A-C can be comprised of tubular elements made from metal, plastics, polymers, or wood. Also, the display frame 10 can be put into a display by suspending it from above with some form of a line instead of attaching the display frame to a base support 54 that is located beneath the display frame. Other similar modifications will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and are intended to be encompassed within the spirit of the present invention disclosed herein and the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A display frame useful in displaying a cover, wherein said display frame is connectable to a base support and the cover is positioned to shroud a seat, said display frame comprising:

a body having an outer periphery simulating the shape of the seat; and

a bracket attachment capable of securing said body to a base support and suitable to support said body such that the cover is viewably situated.

2. The display frame of claim 1 wherein said body comprises an upright portion connectable to a horizontal portion.

3. The display frame of claim 1 further comprising a mesh like covering disposed over said body.

4. The display frame of claim 1 wherein said body is comprised of a substantially hollow shell.

5. The display frame of claim 1 wherein said body is inflatable.

6. The display frame of claim 1 wherein said body is adjustable in shape and size.

7. The display frame of claim 1 wherein the frame is portable.

8. The display frame of claim 1 wherein said bracket attachment comprises a support rod secured to a bracket plate on one end and to said body on its other end, wherein said bracket plate is formed for securing attachment to a base support.

9. The display frame of claim 1 further comprising a support shoe connectable with the base support, wherein said bracket attachment is comprised of a support rod insertable into said support shoe on one end and secured to said body on its other end.

10. The display frame of claim 1 wherein the cover displayable on said display frame is a vehicular seat cover.

11. The display frame of claim 10 wherein said vehicular seat cover is selected from the group consisting of covers for automobile seats, train seats, truck seats, van seats, bus seats, boat seats, and airplane seats.

12. A portable display frame connectable to a base support and useful to display an automotive seat cover, said display frame comprising:

a body having an outer periphery appropriately demonstrating the contour of an automotive seat; and

a bracket attachment device capable of securing said body to the base support, wherein said body is comprised of an upright portion connectable to a horizontal portion.

13. The display frame of claim 12 wherein said bracket attachment comprises a support rod secured to a bracket plate on one end and to said body on its other end, wherein said bracket plate is formed for securing attachment to the base support.

14. The display frame of claim 12 further comprising a mesh like covering disposed over said display frame.

15. The display frame of claim 12 wherein said body is comprised of a substantially hollow shell.

16. The display frame of claim 12, wherein said body is inflatable.

17. The display frame of claim 12, wherein said body is adjustable in shape and size.

18. The display frame of claim 12 further comprising a shoe support connectable to the base support, wherein said bracket attachment is comprised of a support rod insertable into the shoe support on one end and secured to said body at its other end.

19. A portable display frame useful in displaying a cover, where the cover is formed to wrap around an object, said display frame comprising:

a body having an outer periphery simulating the shape of the object; and

a bracket attachment device capable of securing said body to a base support.

20. A method of displaying a seat cover, wherein said seat cover is formed to wrap around an automotive seat, said method comprising:

draping the seat cover over a portable display frame, wherein said display frame comprises a body having an outer periphery similar to the shape of the automotive seat and wherein said display frame is connectable to a base support; and

attaching said display frame to the base support, wherein the seat cover is viewable when said display frame is attached to said base support.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising detaching said display frame from said base support and transporting said display frame to a different location for displaying the seat cover.

22. The method of claim 20 further comprising removing a first seat cover from said display frame and installing a second seat cover onto said portable display frame.

23. The method of claim 20 wherein said body comprises an upright portion connectable to a horizontal portion.

24. The method of claim 20 wherein said display frame further comprises a mesh like covering disposed over said body.

25. The method of claim 20 wherein said body is comprised of a substantially hollow shell.

26. The method of claim 20 wherein said body is inflatable.

27. The method of claim 20 wherein said body is adjustable in shape and size.

28. The method of claim 20 wherein said bracket attachment comprises a support rod secured to a bracket plate on one end and to said body on its other end, wherein said bracket plate is formed to be secured to the base support.

29. The method of claim 20 further comprising securing a shoe support to the base support and wherein said bracket attachment is comprised of a support rod insertable into a shoe support on one end and secured to said body on its other end.