The present invention relates generally to protective covers for automobile seats, and more particularly, to an improved one-piece protective seat cover which is adjustable to fit automobile seats having different sizes and to allow the functionality of the vehicle seat arm rests and child seat safety latches.
The advantages of automobile seat covers have long been recognized by consumers for the protection of seat upholstery and/or for covering worn or damaged upholstery. Accordingly, there exists a myriad of designs of seat covers aimed at solving various problems, such as, but not limited to the fit and attachment to numerous styles of automobile seats.
While the devices heretofore meet their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the need remains for an improved seat cover that has certain improved features that allow for an adjustable fit to various seat designs, and which is easily installed and removed for laundering once becoming soiled.
The embodiments of the present invention address the needs presented above by providing a seat cover of an improved, one-piece design having a seat covering portion and a back rest portion that are slipped onto an automobile seat, and which is retained thereon simply by the virtue of its construction without the use of straps with hooks or other structure engaging fasteners.
One embodiment of the present invention provides a seat cover that is constructed from a machine washable fabric.
A second embodiment of the present invention provides a seat cover that is water resistant and may include a water resistant liner.
A third embodiment of the present invention provides a seat cover that is usable with child safety devices, such as car seats or booster seats by providing access to seat safety latching points.
A fourth embodiment of the present invention provides a seat cover including provisions for an automobile seat head rest and armrests.
A fifth embodiment of the present invention provides a seat cover including a specially designed tuckable panel which operates to adjust and secure the fitting of the seat cover to the seat.
Numerous objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.
The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings 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. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.
With reference now to
As best illustrated in
The seat cover 10 comprises a seat portion or a bottom portion 18 constructed to cover the seat cushion 14 of automobile seat 12, and a back portion 20 constructed to cover the back rest 16 of the automobile seat 12. The seat portion 18 has a seat panel 22 of a sufficient size to cover the top of seat cushion 14 of the automobile seat 12.
The seat portion 18 further includes a peripheral skirt 24 descending from the seat panel 22 and extending along at least the front and two opposing sides of the seat panel 22. The bottom edge of the skirt 24 is fitted with an elastic band or similar material 26 to cause the skirt 24 to fit snuggly about the seat cushion 14.
The back portion 20 includes a front panel 28 of a sufficient size to cover the forward surface of the back rest 16 and a back panel 30 joined to the front panel 28 by opposing side panels 32 and 34 and top panel 36. Front panel 28, back panel 30, side panels 32 and 34, and top panel 36 together provide a sleeve having an opening opposite the top panel 36 which can slide over the back rest 16 with the back rest 16 disposed within the interior of the sleeve construction. The bottom edge of the back panel 30 is fitted with an elastic band or similar material 38 to cause a cinch in the sleeve construction of the back portion 20 about the back rest 16. Additionally, an elastic strap 40 is connected to and extends between the bottom edge of the back panel 30 and a lower end of side panel 34 forming an armrest opening 42 through which an armrest 44 of the automobile seat 12 may extend. Similarly, an elastic strap 46 is connected to and extends between the bottom edge of the back panel 30 and a lower end of side panel 32 forming an armrest opening 48 through which an armrest 44 of the automobile seat 12 may extend.
The back portion 20 may further include a headrest opening 52 extending through the top panel 36 thereof, through which a headrest 54 may extend. Headrest opening 52 may be fitted with an elastic band or similar material 56 to cinch the headrest opening and permit expansion of the headrest opening 52 when a headrest 54 is passed therethrough.
Seat cover 10 further includes a tuckable panel 58. The tuckable panel 58 connects the seat panel 22 of the seat portion 18 and the front panel 28 of the back portion 20. The tuckable panel 58 is provided to be tucked into the gap 60 that extends between the seat cushion 14 and the back rest 16 of the automobile seat 12 to pull the seat panel 22 and the front panel 28 snug with the seat cushion 14 and back rest 16, respectively. The tuckable panel 58 provides universal fitting of the seat cover 10 to variously sized automobile seats.
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With reference to
Seat cover 10 may be constructed of any suitable material including but not limited to cotton, cotton blends, polyester, polyester blends, velour, terrycloth, polycotton, knits, denim, cotton/spandex blends, neoprene, or wool as desired based upon application.
In other embodiments, the seat cover 10 may further include one or more storage pockets 78 disposed on the skirt 24. The pockets 78 may include an elasticized opening and may further include suitable fasteners for sealing the pockets.
Additionally, while not depicted, in other embodiments, the seat cover 10 may have imprinted thereupon or otherwise include various aesthetic designs or patterns as desired. For example, in one embodiment, the seat cover 10 may have animal prints, character prints, or abstract/non-abstract designs.
Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result.
It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing 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 exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.