Multi-Layered Covering Article

Abstract

A protective article or cover comprises a first layer and a second layer, means for coupling the first layer and the second layer, the first layer comprising an absorbent material, and the second layer comprising a moisture impermeable material. The protective article may further comprise an additional layer, wherein the first layer is disposed between the additional layer and the second layer, and wherein the additional layer comprises a light weight material. The protective article provides protection to an underlying surface, such as the fabric of furniture, and may further provide cushion to provide physical comfort to the user while the article is used.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to multi-purpose seat covering articles for automotive, vacation, and various other general uses. Specifically, this invention relates to a multi-purpose seat covering comprising three or more layers, designed to effectively protect an underlying article or seat while providing comfort and flexibility of use to the purchaser.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Seat covering articles are known in the prior art dating back to the first chair. In general, a seat covering is designed to protect a seat and/or provide comfort to the user. In many cases, moisture, heat, or some other environmental condition necessitates the need for protection and/or comfort. The use of a garment between the user and the seat generally serves such a purpose.

Similarly, beach towels have long been a staple of American life, particularly in the summer months when trips to the beach or pool are in order. In general, most beach towels are comprised of an oversized, rectangular bath towel, and are generally made of cotton or a similar water-absorbent material. One common use of a beach towel is the placement of the article in a chair for use as a seat covering. Specifically, a beach towel may be placed on an automobile seat to protect the seat from moisture, or to protect a person from a very hot car seat caused by the sun's radiation on a hot day. A beach towel or the like may also be placed on a pool chair or outdoor lounge chair for comfort and moisture absorption. In addition, beach towels are often carried to sporting events, such as football or baseball games, and are used to cushion the stadium seats or bleachers.

In the prior art, a number of multiple function protective garments are available, some of which may be used as a seat covering in some situations. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,656,670 (to Schluter) features a combination beach towel and bath robe article. In general, the Schluter article is a generally triangular beach towel which features a large central opening in the towel through which an individual may insert his head in order to convert the towel into a robe. The construction of the article includes a large flap which covers the aforementioned central opening and may be releasably attached to the towel to secure the opening thereby permitting sand from entering the opening when used as a conventional beach towel. One end of the towel may be configured to form a pocket in order to receive the upper end of a car seat.

Another combination article is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,895,118 (to Hensley) which describes and claims a combination beach towel and carrying bag. The Hensley combination comprises a first circular panel having a perirhinal reinforced portion with inner and outer edges and containing grommet holes and a draw cord passing through the holes. The periphery further includes an inflatable bladder and a removably detachable circular towel is provided. Although novel in many respects, Hensley is a novelty article of limited application. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,828 (to Otley et al.) features a combination beach towel and tote bag. The combination is generally comprised of a rectangular beach towel formed of a flexible absorbent material and a second smaller, multi-paneled rectangular towel. The smaller towel overlies the upper portion of the large towel and the two are stitched together along the center and periphery of the small towel. The towel converts to a tote bag configuration by folding it twice along the transverse axis and once along the longitudinal access. It is anchored together by securing snaps, loops or other conventional anchoring devices.

Several patents are available in the prior art that deal specifically with devices or covering articles designed such that the covering retains its position on a chair. Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,540 (to Pegram) is a combination beach towel and chair covering wherein a large beach towel is modified to include one or more elastic strap at one end as well as angularly arranged elastic straps at the opposite ends of the towel such that they may be stretched over the frame of a lounge chair or other structural members of the chair to retain the towel in place. Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,520 (to Conway et al.) sets forth clip assemblies for keeping towels or sheets in place upon an article over which it is stretched. The Conway article is somewhat complicated and is more appropriately directed to keeping a sheet in place. The assembly includes clipped sections which are pivotally movable relative to each other and spring biased to hold them in place. The various clip assemblies are arranged on the outer perimeter of the garment and essentially stretch the garment against the frame of the supporting device. It is shown and indicated in Conway that this arrangement can be used on beach towels covering a lawn chair or other seat assembly as well as bed sheets and the like.

Other arrangements for maintaining a protective article in place can be found in several special purpose patents, including U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,536 (to Conners). Other relevant patents include U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,152 (to Zeller); U.S. Pat. No. 6,189,968 (to Emmanuel et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,182 (to Townsend); U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,234 (to Daniels) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,184 (to Kofoed).

Generally, when a beach towel is used as a moisture absorbent protective article, several significant challenges are presented. Specifically, when a beach towel is placed over an automobile seat, it is difficult to make the beach towel stay in place during driving. More frequently, the beach towel will slide down into the bottom of the seat between the back and seat cushion of the automobile seat. The same experience is often found on lounge chairs, folding chairs or other similar items. Accordingly, the user is often required to re-adjust the beach towel during use. Another important limitation of a beach towel in use as a seat cover is the fact that it is a single layer article. As a moisture absorbing cloth such as cotton, for example, the article will absorb moisture such as sweat, rain, or water, which will normally soak through to the other side of the towel in a short time. This problem is evident when a wet pet, such as a dog, is placed in the front or rear seat with only a towel to protect the fabric of the seat. Moisture and the pet odor that comes with it may quickly soak through to the other side. As such, a need is evident requiring an easy and effective article which absorbs moisture yet also includes a barrier to prevent the moisture from being transferred to the protected surface and/or fabric.

When a beach towel is carried to a sporting event, the article may serve a number of secondary functions in addition to the primary functions of cushioning and moisture absorption. The article may also serve as a banner for message display including messages of team spirit and advertiser endorsements. Since the nature of the sporting event might change throughout the year, it would be advantageous to have an article that may feature interchangeable components or panels. In addition, users may wish to personalize the article while still appreciating that some elements of the article need to remain constant for easy adaptation to the seat or cushion to be protected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the embodiments, a protective article is disclosed comprising a first layer and a second layer, means for coupling the first layer and the second layer, the first layer comprising an absorbent material, and the second layer comprising a moisture impermeable material. This aspect may further comprise an additional layer, wherein the first layer is disposed between the additional layer and the second layer, and the additional layer comprises a light weight material.

In another aspect of the embodiments, a multi-functional protective article or cover is disclosed, the article comprising an upper layer, an intermediate layer and a lower layer, the intermediate layer disposed between the upper layer and the lower layer, the upper layer comprising a light weight material, the intermediate layer comprising an absorbent material, and the lower layer comprising a moisture impermeable material. This aspect of the embodiments may further provide that the intermediate layer is coupled to the upper layer about one surface and is coupled to the lower layer about an opposing surface. This aspect of the embodiments may further comprise means for coupling the upper layer and the intermediate layer and for coupling the intermediate layer and the lower layer.

In another aspect of the embodiments, a multi-functional article or cover system is disclosed, the system comprising a plurality of upper layers, an intermediate layer and a lower layer, the intermediate layer disposed between one of the upper layers and the lower layer, each one of the upper layers comprising indicia different from the other upper layers, each one of the upper layers selectively interchangeable to display different indicia, the selected upper layer comprising a light weight material, the intermediate layer comprising an absorbent material, and the lower layer comprising a moisture impermeable material. This aspect of the embodiments may further provide that the intermediate layer is coupled to the upper layer about one surface and is coupled to the lower layer about an opposing surface. This aspect of the embodiments may further comprise means for coupling the upper layer and the intermediate layer and for coupling the intermediate layer and the lower layer.

With respect to the various aspects of the embodiments described above, means for coupling the respective layers may comprise hook and loop material and/or mechanical connectors.

With respect to the various aspects of the embodiments described above, the absorbent material may comprise cotton and/or microfiber.

With respect to the various aspects of the embodiments described above, moisture impermeable material comprises vinyl.

As discussed above, the method and device of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages inherent in the prior art. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention 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 purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this invention is based may readily be utilized as the basis for other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the specification be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

Furthermore, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially including the practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application nor is it intended to be limiting to the scope of the invention in any way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional utility and features of this invention will become more fully apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following drawings, wherein all components are designated by like numerals and described more specifically.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the multi-layered fabric article of the present invention in use as a protective covering for an outdoor lounge chair, while FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along lines II-II;

FIG. 3 is a plane view of the multi-layered protective article showing a corner of each of the top two layers peeled back to expose the attachment means between the layers; and

FIG. 4 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of multi-layered protective article of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

In one embodiment of the present invention, a multi-layered protective article or cover 100 is disclosed. The article 100 is envisioned as having broad applicability in a wide assortment of scenarios in which a multi-layer, multi-functioning article or covering is desired. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the protective article may be conveniently and effectively used as a covering for an outdoor lawn chair. In this embodiment, the multi-layered article is placed over the chair and one end of the article is draped over the top back portion of the chair. The attachment means, such as straps having hook and loop material or mechanical connectors, may be placed on the top edge periphery of the article for use in holding the article in place at the top of the chair. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the article 100 features a series of hook and loop material or mechanical connectors located on the top edge of the article which facilitates folding a portion of the top edge over, effectively making a “hood” to hold the article in place (as depicted in FIG. 2).

FIG. 3 is a plane view of the multi-layered protective article of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the layer 10 (which may be generally described as a first, upper or outer layer) is a generally rectangular member which serves the purpose of being a removable protective means generally comprising a light weight material. Although the layer 10 may be constructed of a variety of materials, one particularly useful embodiment would utilize a light weight cloth, such as cotton, polyester, microfiber (blended polyester and polyamide or nylon compositions), and other similar fabrics.

As further shown in FIG. 3, the article may feature a layer 20 (which may be generally described as a second, intermediate or inner layer) and a layer 30 (which may be generally described as a third, lower or base layer). In FIG. 3, the corners of first layer 10 and second layer 20 are pulled back for visual clarity. The second layer 20 may be constructed of a variety of materials, and cotton is a particularly useful material. In this embodiment, the prime utility for the second layer 20 is to serve as a moisture absorbent layer. On a lawn chair covering, or as a car seat covering, it may be very desirable to a have a layer of material 20 which will absorb and retain moisture such as sweat or water, and by absorbing such material, the article 100 serves to provide moisture protection for the underlying surface. The second layer 20 is also envisioned as providing comfort to the user. As a relatively soft and fluffy beach towel material, the second layer 20 will provide cushioning desirable when the article is used to cover a metal or plastic outdoor chair or bench. In addition, if the article 100 is taken to a sports stadium for use as a cushion and protective covering, a soft and fluffy second layer 20 may be highly desirable.

As an additional alternative, a durable material, such as canvas, could be used as the second layer 20. Such a durable member could be advantageous when the article is called upon to protect the seat or bench from extreme conditions. For example, if an individual worked in an extremely dirty environment, such as an underground mine, a durable material would be very desirable to protect the seat from damage.

As further shown in FIG. 3, an additional layer 30, generally described as the third, lower or base layer of the article, is depicted. In this embodiment, the third layer 30 is constructed of a moisture impermeable material, such as vinyl. As such, the third layer 30 serves the primary purpose of protecting the underlying covered surface from moisture damage and/or contamination. In an automobile seat, for example, the third layer 30 serves to protect the underlying car seat by preventing sweat or other moisture from traveling from the body of the individual through the moisture absorbent layer 20 into the fabric of the seat. As such, the second layer 20 serves to absorb and retain moisture, while the third layer 30 serves to prevent such moisture from passing through to the protected surface.

As further shown in FIG. 4, each of the three layers of the protective article is attached to each other by various means for mutually coupling the layers 10, 20 and/or 30, although the layers are also individually removable and interchangeable if desired. As shown in FIG. 4, hook and loop material may be used in this embodiment, and is intended so that a member 12 comprises either the hook or the loop material and a member 13 comprises a complementary material (either the hook or loop material not utilized in member 12). Member 12 is disposed along the bottom edge of first layer 10, and is placed to couple with a corresponding member 13, which is permanently attached to the second layer 20, in the manner shown. Members 12 and 13 form a rigid yet removable means of coupling or means of attachment between layers, such as between layer 10 and layer 20, and layer 20 and layer 30, respectively. Such an arrangement enables the first layer 10 and the second layer 20 to be mutually coupled or attached in place to each other, while also providing that the layers are easily removed from such an arrangement. FIG. 4 further shows a member 22 which is disposed upon the bottom backside edge of second layer 20. Member 22 couples with a complementary member 23 which is disposed upon the bottom interior edge of third layer 30, as shown. Members 22 and 23 are similar in form and function to members 12 and 13 previously described.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the multi-layered protective article and shows the interconnection between the three layers. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows the first layer 10 disposed upon and superjacent to the second layer 20, which in turn is disposed upon and superjacent to the third layer 30. The three layers 10, 20 and 30 are coupled by means running along the edge of the respective layers, depicted as hook and loop material. It is to be understood, of course, that other means, such as mechanical connectors, including snaps or zippers, could also be used as substitutes for the hook and loop material. The means are shown in FIG. 4 by complementary members 12 and 13 coupling the first layer 10 with the second layer 20, and complementary members 22 and 23 coupling the second layer 20 with the third layer 30.

Although a variety of specific arrangements are possible, one particularly useful embodiment is to arrange the means for coupling and/or attaching the layers between the layers in alternating fashions along the length of any one garment. In other words, if the coupling means are mechanical connectors, for example, then along the length of a particular layer, the coupling means anchored along that edge would alternate between a male mechanical snap and a female mechanical snap member. Of course, on the next adjacent layer the reverse arrangement would be required. Such an arrangement would result in great flexibility in attaching two or more layers together. In addition, utility would be added for any specific layer in that the layer could be used alone to fold over the back of a chair such that the complementary coupling means could easily couple with itself. Since each individual layer would feature a number of male and female complements among the coupling means disposed down the length of the layer, it would be easy to attach the article to itself in order to form a “hood” at one end of the layer. That hood would anchor the garment at the top of a chair and prevent the garment from sliding down the back of the chair during use.

It is envisioned that a number of embodiments are possible, including two-layer, three-layer, as described above, and an interchangeable three-layer apparatuses or systems that is a derivation therefrom. For example, in a protective article system, comprising at least three layers, the first, upper or outer layer (denoted as reference numeral 10 in the drawings) may be one of several upper layers that a user may select. This may be desirable for several reasons, including the desire to exchange a dry upper layer with a saturated upper layer. Similarly, each of the plurality of upper layers that are provided in the system may have differing indicia from one another, so that interchanging one upper layer for another effectively changes the aesthetic display that the user wishes to show. For instance, and by way of example only and not a limitation on the scope of the claim(s), in a protective article system comprising two upper layers, one upper layer may have the logo or trademark of a popular apparel manufacturer, while the other upper layer may have the logo or trademark of a pop artist or group. Likewise, it is envisioned that sports teams (from amateur to the professional level) are easily incorporated into the system. It is also envisioned that multiple combinations of the several embodiments described may be achieved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A protective article comprising:

a first layer and a second layer;

means for mutually coupling the first layer and the second layer;

the first layer comprising an absorbent material; and

the second layer comprising a moisture impermeable material.

2. The article of claim 1 further comprising an additional layer.

3. The article of claim 2, wherein the first layer is disposed between the additional layer and the second layer.

4. The article of claim 2, wherein the additional layer comprises a light weight material.

5. The article of claim 1, wherein means comprises hook and loop material.

6. The article of claim 1, wherein means comprises mechanical connectors.

7. The article of claim 1, wherein absorbent material comprises cotton.

8. The article of claim 1, wherein absorbent material comprises microfiber.

9. The article of claim 1, wherein moisture impermeable material comprises vinyl.

10. A multi-functional protective article comprising:

an upper layer, an intermediate layer and a lower layer, the intermediate layer disposed between the upper layer and the lower layer;

the upper layer comprising a light weight material;

the intermediate layer comprising an absorbent material; and

the lower layer comprising a moisture impermeable material.

11. The article of claim 10, wherein the intermediate layer is coupled to the upper layer about one surface and is coupled to the lower layer about an opposing surface.

12. The article of claim 11 further comprising means for mutually coupling the upper layer and the intermediate layer and for mutually coupling the intermediate layer and the lower layer.

13. The article of claim 10, wherein means comprises hook and loop material.

14. The article of claim 10, wherein means comprises mechanical connectors.

15. The article of claim 10, wherein absorbent material comprises cotton.

16. The article of claim 10, wherein absorbent material comprises microfiber.

17. The article of claim 10, wherein moisture impermeable material comprises vinyl.

18. A multi-functional article system comprising:

a plurality of upper layers, an intermediate layer and a lower layer, the intermediate layer disposed between one of the upper layers and the lower layer;

each one of the upper layers comprising indicia different from the other upper layers, each one of the upper layers selectively interchangeable to display different indicia;

the selected upper layer comprising a light weight material;

the intermediate layer comprising an absorbent material; and

the lower layer comprising a moisture impermeable material.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the intermediate layer is coupled to the upper layer about one surface and is coupled to the lower layer about an opposing surface.

20. The system of claim 19 further comprising means for mutually coupling the upper layer and the intermediate layer and for mutually coupling the intermediate layer and the lower layer.