Disposable child safety seat cover
The present invention is a safety seat cover, such as for a child safety seat used in an automobile. The safety seat cover includes an upper cover portion for at least partially covering a head support portion of the safety seat. The upper cover portion includes a height adjustment assembly which may be stretched and contracted along a vertical axis for allowing the cover to be configured to a plurality of heights. The height adjustment assembly may adjustably and securely attach with a middle cover portion of the cover when the cover is configured to a desired height. The middle cover portion may at least partially cover a trunk support portion of the safety seat and includes a first section which may adjustably attach with a second section. The lower cover portion may adjustably attach with the middle cover portion, may at least partially cover a seat support portion of the safety seat, and may form at least one aperture.
The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/816,953 entitled: Disposable Child Safety Seat Cover filed Jun. 28, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention generally relates to the field of automobile seat covers, and more particularly to a cover for a child safety seat.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONA number of child safety seats are currently available for allowing a child to be transported safely and securely within an automobile. However, a common problem with transporting young children, such as infants or toddlers, is that they are prone to have accidents in which they soil the child safety seat. Compounding this problem is that a number of existing child safety seats are typically upholstered with fabric which may not be easily cleaned. Such conditions may result in the child safety seat becoming increasingly dirty over time, thus creating a non-hygienic environment for the child. Separate cushions or covers may be sold for child safety seats, but said cushions or covers are typically expensive and may require periodic washing.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a child safety seat cover which addresses the above-referenced shortcomings of current solutions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccordingly, an embodiment of the present invention is directed to a safety seat cover, including: an upper cover portion configured for at least partially covering a head support portion of the safety seat, the upper cover portion including a height adjustment assembly, the height adjustment assembly configured for being stretched and contracted along a vertical axis for allowing the cover to be configured to a plurality of heights, the height adjustment assembly further configured for adjustably and securely attaching with a middle cover portion of the cover when the cover is configured to a desired height included in the plurality of heights, the middle cover portion being configured for at least partially covering a trunk support portion of the safety seat, the middle cover portion including a first section configured for adjustably attaching with a second section; and a lower cover portion configured for being adjustably attached with the middle cover portion, the lower cover portion being further configured for at least partially covering a seat support portion of the safety seat, the lower cover portion forming at least one aperture.
An additional embodiment of the present invention is directed to a safety seat cover, including: an upper cover portion configured for at least partially covering a head support portion of the safety seat, the upper cover portion including a height adjustment assembly, the height adjustment assembly including an extension section and a securing assembly, the extension section being at least one of: a folded, tucked, crimped, and rolled section of material configured for being extended and contracted along a vertical axis for allowing the cover to be configured to a plurality of heights, the securing assembly configured for adjustably attaching with a middle cover portion of the cover, the securing assembly further configured for securely attaching the upper cover portion with the middle cover portion when the cover is configured to a desired height included in the plurality of heights, the middle cover portion being configured for at least partially covering a trunk support portion of the safety seat, the middle cover portion including a first section configured for adjustably attaching with a second section; and a lower cover portion configured for being adjustably attached with the middle cover portion, the lower cover portion being further configured for at least partially covering a seat support portion of the safety seat, the lower cover portion forming at least one aperture, wherein the adjustable attachment between the securing assembly and the middle cover portion, the adjustable attachment between the first section and the second section of the middle cover portion, and the at least one aperture of the lower cover portion provide for at least one of: access to at least one of a seat belt and a safety harness, promoting ease of removal of the cover from the safety seat, promoting ease of placement of the cover relative to the safety seat, and promoting ease of adjustment of the cover relative to the safety seat.
A further embodiment of the present invention is directed to a safety seat cover, including: an upper cover portion configured for at least partially covering a head support portion of the safety seat, the upper cover portion including a height adjustment assembly, the height adjustment assembly including an extension section and a securing assembly, the extension section being at least one of: a folded, tucked, crimped, and rolled section of material configured for being extended and contracted along a vertical axis for allowing the cover to be configured to a plurality of heights, the securing assembly configured for adjustably attaching with a middle cover portion of the cover, the securing assembly further configured for securely attaching the upper cover portion with the middle cover portion when the cover is configured to a desired height included in the plurality of heights, the middle cover portion being further configured for at least partially covering a trunk support portion of the safety seat, the middle cover portion including a first section configured for adjustably attaching with a second section; and a lower cover portion configured for being adjustably attached with the middle cover portion, the lower cover portion being further configured for at least partially covering a seat support portion of the safety seat, the lower cover portion forming at least one aperture, the lower cover portion including a multi-layer quilted portion, the multi-layer quilted portion including a Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) for promoting prevention of fluid leakage via the cover, wherein the adjustable attachment between the securing assembly and the middle cover portion, the adjustable attachment between the first section and the second section of the middle cover portion, and the at least one aperture of the lower cover portion provide for at least one of: access to at least one of a seat belt and a safety harness, promoting ease of removal of the cover from the safety seat, promoting ease of placement of the cover relative to the safety seat, and promoting ease of adjustment of the cover relative to the safety seat.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not necessarily restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
The numerous objects and advantages of the present invention may be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures in which:
Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Referring generally now to
In additional embodiments, the upper cover portion 102 further includes a height adjustment assembly 106. In exemplary embodiments, the height adjustment assembly 106 of the upper cover portion 102 of the child safety seat cover 100 includes a securing assembly, such as a securing flap 108 and an extension section 110. The securing flap 108 is configured for adjustably attaching with a middle cover portion 112 of the child safety seat cover 100. The securing flap 108 may include a securing mechanism configured on an under surface 114 of the securing flap 108. For example, as shown in
In exemplary embodiments, the adjustable attachment of the securing flap 108 with the middle cover portion 112 may allow for the securing flap 108 to be opened/disengaged/unattached (ex—the securing flap 108 may be “flipped up” or in an “open” position, as shown in
In additional embodiments, the adjustable attachment of the securing flap 108 with the middle cover portion 112 may promote ease of removal, changing, placing and/or adjusting of the cover 100 relative to the child safety seat 200. For instance, when the securing flap 108 is unattached/disconnected from the middle portion (ex—when the securing flap 108 is “flipped up”, as shown in
In exemplary embodiments, the middle cover portion 112 of the child safety seat cover 100 may be configured for fitting at least partially over/around, and/or being secured to/around a middle portion (i.e., trunk or back support portion) of the child safety seat 200. For example, the middle cover portion 112 of the child safety seat cover 100 may include edging 104, such as elastic edging, for promoting ease of configuring or fitting the middle cover portion 112 at least partially around/over the middle portion 204 of the safety seat 200. Further, the edging 104 of the middle cover portion 112 of the child safety seat cover 100 may be secured to the middle portion of the child safety seat 200 via a variety of fasteners, adhesives, etc., such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, clips, tape, tying (ex—the corset-like loops/cord structure described above), or the like.
In current embodiments of the present invention, the middle cover portion 112 may further include a first flap 120 and a second flap 122 which are adjustably attached to each other, such as via hook and loop fasteners, tape, snaps, a zipper, or the like. For example, the first flap 120 and the second flap 122 may form left and right sections respectively of the middle cover portion 112, with said flaps 120, 122 being connectable for forming a vertically oriented central seam, as shown in
In exemplary embodiments, the middle cover portion 112 may include a third flap 126 which may adjustably attach the middle cover portion 112 to a lower cover portion 128 of the child safety seat cover 100. For instance, the third flap 126 may be configured for adjustable attachment to the lower cover portion 128 (and the child safety seat 200) via hook and loop fasteners, tape (ex-double-sided tape strips), snaps, or the like. The adjustable attachment between the third flap 126 and the lower cover portion 128 may allow for access to/passage of seat belt/safety seat harness straps when the third flap 126 is disengaged/unattached from the lower cover portion 128.
In additional embodiments, once the belt/harness straps have been accessed as necessary and the safety seat cover 100 is being positioned onto/around the safety seat 200 as desired, the attachment area/connection area between the first and second flaps (120, 122) and the attachment area/connection area between the third flap 126 and the lower cover portion 128 may be sealed, such as by placing double-sided tape strips on an underside of the middle cover portion 112 and/or an underside of the lower cover portion for promoting prevention of fluid leakage onto fabric/upholstered areas of the child safety seat 200. The double-sided tape strips may further serve to secure the safety seat cover 100 in position against the child safety seat 200. In further embodiments, snaps, clips or other like fasteners, adhesives may also be implemented to secure the safety seat cover 100 against the child safety seat 200. In still further embodiments, once the belt/harness straps have been accessed as necessary and the safety seat cover 100 is being positioned onto/around the safety seat 200 as desired, a sealant or adhesive, such as double-sided tape strips may also be placed on the underside of the middle cover portion under the apertures 124 for promoting prevention of fluid leakage onto fabric/upholstered areas of the child safety seat 200 via the apertures 124.
In exemplary embodiments, the lower cover portion 128 may be configured for fitting at least partially over/around, and/or being secured to/around a bottom portion (i.e., seat support portion) 206 of the child safety seat 200. For example, the lower cover portion 128 of the child safety seat cover 100 may include edging 104, such as elastic edging, for promoting ease of configuring or fitting the lower cover portion 128 at least partially around/over the bottom portion 206 of the safety seat 200. Further, the edging 104 of the lower cover portion 128 of the child safety seat cover 100 may be secured to the bottom portion 206 of the child safety seat 200 via a variety of fasteners, adhesives, etc., such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, clips, tape, tying (ex—the corset-like loops/cord structure described above), or the like.
In current embodiments of the present invention, the lower cover portion 128 of the child safety seat cover 100 may include a quilted portion 130 for providing padding/support for a child positioned in the child safety seat. Further, the lower cover portion 128 may have one or more apertures 132 formed therethrough configured for allowing passage of/access to seat belt/harness straps, a seat belt buckle (such as base/keyhole aperture for allowing passage of/access to a center seat belt buckle for the child safety seat 200) or the like. For instance, one or more of the aperture(s) 132 may be perforated, pre-cut, pressed, pre-formed or tearable apertures (ex-slits). In additional embodiments, the quilted portion 130 may be a multi-ply/multi-layer configuration. For instance, the quilted portion 130 may be 4-6 ply or may include 4-6 layers for promoting fluid absorption and prevention of fluid leakage through the cover 100 and onto the underlying child safety seat 200. Referring to
In additional embodiments, once the belt/harness straps and/or buckle(s) have been accessed as necessary and the safety seat cover 100 is being positioned onto/around the safety seat 200 as desired, a sealant or adhesive, such as double-sided tape strips may be placed on an underside of the lower cover portion 128 under the apertures 132 for providing an additional barrier of protection for promoting prevention of fluid leakage onto fabric/upholstered areas of the underlying child safety seat 200 via the apertures 132. The double-sided tape strips may further assist in securing the lower cover portion 128 against the child safety seat 200.
In exemplary embodiments, the child safety seat cover 100 of the present invention may be sized so that it may be used with a variety of child safety seats 200, such as rear-facing seats, infant-only seats, convertible seats, forward-facing seats, booster seats or the like. Further, the child safety seat cover 100 of the present invention may also be implementable with child safety seats 200 which have various harness styles (3-point, 5-point, etc.), implement various securing mechanisms (overhead shield, t-shield, etc.), and/or are secured in the automobile utilizing the automobile's seat belt(s) and/or LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system. As mentioned above, the height adjustment assembly 106 may provide universal sizing functionality in that it may allow the child safety seat cover 100 of the present invention to be adapted for being securely configured or fitted to child safety seats 200 of various lengths (ex—heights). Further, the child safety seat cover 100 may be configured and/or sized for use with child safety seats 200 having other varying dimensions, such as varying widths (ex—varying broadness at the base of the seat 200), and the like.
In further embodiments, the child safety seat cover 100 may be constructed of flame-retardant materials, such as Tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium salts, for inhibiting/resisting the spread of fire. In additional embodiments, the child safety seat cover 100 may be constructed of hypo-allergenic materials. In still further embodiments, the child safety seat cover may be constructed at least partially of: cotton, sponge, foam rubber, paper, sewable materials, child-safe materials (ex—“breathable” materials which allow for adequate airflow for promoting prevention of suffocation accidents, etc.), stain-resistant materials, super-absorbent materials, leak-proof materials, RF (Radio Frequency) welded materials, biodegradable materials, or the like. In additional embodiments, the child safety seat cover 100 may be a disposable child safety seat cover.
In further embodiments, a method 700 for providing a disposable child safety seat cover in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: placing the cover on/attaching the cover to a child safety seat 702. The method 700 further includes smoothing the cover out to provide a smooth sitting surface 704. The method 700 further includes positioning the third flap 126 in a disengaged relative to the lower cover portion 128 for allowing seat belt/harness straps to pulled up through an opening between the third flap and the lower cover portion 706. The method 700 further includes opening a perforated aperture 124 of the middle cover, the perforated aperture being located at a desired height 708, and feeding seat belt/harness straps through the perforated aperture 710. The method 700 further includes securing the middle cover portion 112 and the lower cover portion 128 against the safety seat 200 by directing/adhering double-sided tape strips configured on the undersides of the middle and lower cover portions against the safety seat 712. The method 700 further includes adjusting the cover 100 to a desired height via the height adjustment assembly 106 of the top cover portion 714. The method 700 further includes securing the securing flap 108 to the middle cover portion 716. The method 700 further includes adjusting the cover to allow for passage/access to a center buckle/horn/harness 718. The method 700 further includes securing the cover to the safety seat via a fastening mechanism, such as the corset-like loops/cord structure described above 720. The method 700 may further include removing and disposing of the cover 100 when said cover 100 becomes soiled 722.
It is believed that the apparatus of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the forgoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely an explanatory embodiment thereof.
Claims
1. A safety seat cover, comprising:
- an upper cover portion configured for at least partially covering a head support portion of the safety seat, the upper cover portion including a height adjustment assembly, the height adjustment assembly configured for being stretched and contracted along a vertical axis for allowing the cover to be configured to a plurality of heights, the height adjustment assembly further configured for adjustably and securely attaching with a middle cover portion of the cover when the cover is configured to a desired height included in the plurality of heights, the middle cover portion being configured for at least partially covering a trunk support portion of the safety seat, the middle cover portion including a first section configured for adjustably attaching with a second section; and
- a lower cover portion configured for being adjustably attached with the middle cover portion, the lower cover portion being further configured for at least partially covering a seat support portion of the safety seat, the lower cover portion forming at least one aperture.
2. A safety seat cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustable attachment between the height adjustment assembly and the middle cover portion, the adjustable attachment between the first section and the second section of the middle cover portion, and the at least one aperture of the lower cover portion provide for at least one of: access to at least one of a seat belt and a safety harness, promoting ease of removal of the cover from the safety seat, promoting ease of placement of the cover relative to the safety seat, and promoting ease of adjustment of the cover relative to the safety seat.
3. A safety seat cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the safety seat is a child safety seat for use in an automobile.
4. A safety seat cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover includes elastic edging for being configured to the safety seat.
5. A safety seat cover as claimed in claim 4, wherein the edging is configured with at least one of: hooks, loops and apertures for receiving a cord for securing the cover to the safety seat via tying of the cord.
6. A safety seat cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the height adjustment assembly is configured for being adjustably and securely attached to the middle cover portion via at least one of: hook and loop fasteners, snaps, clips and tape.
7. A safety seat cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first section and second section of the middle cover portion are configured for being adjustably attached via at least one of: hook and loop fasteners, snaps, clips, a zipper and tape.
8. A safety seat cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the middle section and the lower section are configured for being adjustably attached via at least one of: hook and loop fasteners, snaps, clips and tape.
9. A safety seat cover, comprising:
- an upper cover portion configured for at least partially covering a head support portion of the safety seat, the upper cover portion including a height adjustment assembly, the height adjustment assembly including an extension section and a securing assembly, the extension section being at least one of: a folded, tucked, crimped, and rolled section of material configured for being extended and contracted along a vertical axis for allowing the cover to be configured to a plurality of heights, the securing assembly configured for adjustably attaching with a middle cover portion of the cover, the securing assembly further configured for securely attaching the upper cover portion with the middle cover portion when the cover is configured to a desired height included in the plurality of heights, the middle cover portion being configured for at least partially covering a trunk support portion of the safety seat, the middle cover portion including a first section configured for adjustably attaching with a second section; and
- a lower cover portion configured for being adjustably attached with the middle cover portion, the lower cover portion being further configured for at least partially covering a seat support portion of the safety seat, the lower cover portion forming at least one aperture,
- wherein the adjustable attachment between the securing assembly and the middle cover portion, the adjustable attachment between the first section and the second section of the middle cover portion, and the at least one aperture of the lower cover portion provide for at least one of: access to at least one of a seat belt and a safety harness, promoting ease of removal of the cover from the safety seat, promoting ease of placement of the cover relative to the safety seat, and promoting ease of adjustment of the cover relative to the safety seat.
10. A safety seat cover as claimed in claim 9, wherein the middle cover portion forms a plurality of perforated apertures configured for allowing at least one of: passage of a safety belt and passage of a safety harness.
11. A safety seat cover as claimed in claim 9, wherein the upper cover portion is a multi-layer configuration for providing cushioning support.
12. A safety seat cover as claimed in claim 9, wherein the adjustable attachment between the middle cover portion and the lower cover portion allows for at least one of: passage of a safety belt and passage of a safety harness.
13. A safety seat cover as claimed in claim 9, wherein an underside portion of the cover is configured with at least one double-sided tape strip for adhering the cover to the safety seat.
14. A safety seat cover as claimed in claim 9, wherein the cover is constructed of at least one of: a flame-retardant material, a hypo-allergenic material and a biodegradable material
15. A safety seat cover as claimed in claim 9, wherein the cover is constructed of a Radio Frequency (RF) welded material.
16. A safety seat cover as claimed in claim 9, wherein the securing assembly is configured for being adjustably and securely attached to the middle cover portion via hook and loop fasteners, snaps, clips and tape.
17. A safety seat cover as claimed in claim 16, wherein the securing assembly includes a securing flap.
18. A safety seat cover, comprising:
- an upper cover portion configured for at least partially covering a head support portion of the safety seat, the upper cover portion including a height adjustment assembly, the height adjustment assembly including an extension section and a securing assembly, the extension section being at least one of: a folded, tucked, crimped, and rolled section of material configured for being extended and contracted along a vertical axis for allowing the cover to be configured to a plurality of heights, the securing assembly configured for adjustably attaching with a middle cover portion of the cover, the securing assembly further configured for securely attaching the upper cover portion with the middle cover portion when the cover is configured to a desired height included in the plurality of heights, the middle cover portion being further configured for at least partially covering a trunk support portion of the safety seat, the middle cover portion including a first section configured for adjustably attaching with a second section; and
- a lower cover portion configured for being adjustably attached with the middle cover portion, the lower cover portion being further configured for at least partially covering a seat support portion of the safety seat, the lower cover portion forming at least one aperture, the lower cover portion including a multi-layer quilted portion, the multi-layer quilted portion including a Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) for promoting prevention of fluid leakage via the cover,
- wherein the adjustable attachment between the securing assembly and the middle cover portion, the adjustable attachment between the first section and the second section of the middle cover portion, and the at least one aperture of the lower cover portion provide for at least one of: access to at least one of a seat belt and a safety harness, promoting ease of removal of the cover from the safety seat, promoting ease of placement of the cover relative to the safety seat, and promoting ease of adjustment of the cover relative to the safety seat.
19. A safety seat cover as claimed in claim 18, wherein the quilted portion is constructed of thermally bonded material.
20. A safety seat cover as claimed in claim 17, wherein a non-quilted portion of the lower cover portion is a multi-layer configuration for providing cushioning support.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 28, 2007
Publication Date: Jan 3, 2008
Inventor: Donna L. Olson (Culbertson, NE)
Application Number: 11/824,096
International Classification: A47C 31/00 (20060101);