Patent Application
20230380603
The present invention relates generally to the field of movie theater seat cover devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved movie theater seat cover device that provides users with a secure, protective, and comfortable covering for public movie theater seats designed to cover the entire seat, including the armrests. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in movie theater seat covers. Moviegoers may not know when the last time a public movie theater seat was cleaned and disinfected. Further, employees may lack the means to properly disinfect seats each time the seat is used. Thus, users may be at risk for contracting germs, viruses, and bacteria due to unclean and unsanitary surfaces in a movie theater. Furthermore, some seats may be contaminated with food particles, dust, etc., leading to further disgust with the seat.
Generally, the spread of viruses and germs via the contact interface between a person's body and public seats, such as those in movie theaters, trains, airplanes, or the like, concern many consumers. Movie theater seats have been found to host a plethora of germs, since a single seat cart can be utilized by dozens of individuals each day. Just sitting on a contaminated seat immediately places a person in danger of contacting harmful, unhealthy germs. Moreover, seats repeatedly utilized may contain spilled liquids or food on their surfaces. These spilled substances oftentimes come into contact with a person that later sits on the seat, leading to irritation, embarrassment and stained clothing. Attempts have been made to provide measures to avoid or mitigate contact with these germs and contaminants. However, many of these devices fail to provide a cover that is readily slipped over the entire seating and is equipped with stability means that prevent the covering from moving lengthwise and circumferentially when the user shifts or gets up from the seat.
Thus, it is necessary for users to have a seat cover that provides a simple cover that is readily placed to substantially encompass a public seat in a manner that shields a user against infectious germs. Notwithstanding previous efforts to construct a disposable seat cover device for use on public seats, such as theater seats, to prevent or mitigate germ contact, there remains a need in the art for a single-use disposable sanitary seat cover adapted to temporarily house a seat. Further, there is a need in the art for a disposable sanitary seat covering that is simply slipped over and secured to the seat, by way of a stabilizing means, in an effortless manner, and is removed and discarded after a single use.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a movie theater seat cover device that provides users with a secure, protective, and comfortable covering for public movie theater seats designed to cover the entire seat, including the armrests. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a movie theater seat cover device that fits most movie seat sizes, securable to the seatback, arm rests, and front of the seat. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a movie theater seat cover device that protects the user against unsafe debris and particulates including germs, viruses, bacteria, food articles, etc. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that ensures a way for people to still go to the movies while maintaining a proper level of personal safety against unsanitary and harmful pathogens. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a movie theater seat cover device that offers additional use as a seat cover for stadium and arena seats to attend large-scale public events, improving functionality. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a movie theater seat cover device that users can apply to their seat to watch a movie, and then remove the cover for disposal.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a movie theater seat cover device. The device is designed to be applied to a movie theater seat to prevent spreading unsanitary debris and pathogens. The device comprises a transparent, plastic material that firmly secures to the chair. The device can be applied and secured over the top edge of the seatback, the armrests, and the front of the seat. Users are still able to place a drink in the cupholder on the armrests even with the cover applied. The device comprises a covering constructed as an elongated sleeve having an interior cavity and an external surface. The sleeve has a slit therein for readily slipping the cover over a portion of a seat so that the seat enters the interior cavity therein and the external surface is adapted to come into contact with a user's body. The elongated sleeve is further provided with a stabilizing means to secure the elongated sleeve to the seat as well as mitigate movement of the elongated sleeve on the seat while the user sitting thereon shifts around. Prevention of movement of the elongated sleeve during use averts unwanted exposure to contaminated portions of the seat and thwarts damage to the cover during use.
In this manner, the movie theater seat cover device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that protects users against unsafe debris and particulates, including germs, viruses, bacteria, food particles, etc. The device provides users with a way for users to still go to the movies while maintaining a proper level of personal safety against unsanitary and harmful pathogens. The device fits most movie seat sizes and is securable to the seatback, armrests, and front of the seat.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a movie theater seat cover device. The device is designed to be applied to a movie theater seat to prevent spreading unsanitary debris and pathogens. The device can be applied and secured over the top edge of the seatback, the armrests, and the front of the seat. Users are still able to place a drink in the cupholder on the armrests even with the cover applied. The device comprises a covering constructed as an elongated sleeve having an interior cavity and an external surface. The sleeve has a slit therein for readily slipping the cover over a portion of a seat so that the seat enters the interior cavity therein and the external surface is adapted to come into contact with a user's body.
In one embodiment, the movie theater seat cover device provides a disposable sanitary cover for seats. The disposable sanitary cover for seats is particularly well suited to cover movie theater seats, as well as seats used for mass public transportation, such as seats in trains, airplanes, and/or buses, as well as concert seats and seats in sporting matches, etc., or any other suitable public seat as is known in the art. Preferably, the seat cover device is dispensed in an interior entry way of a movie theater, restaurant, airport, or other terminal. Alternatively, the seat cover device is provided in a sealed container packaged prior to use in a clean environment.
In one embodiment, the movie theater seat cover device is preferably disposed of after a single usage. In another embodiment, the movie theater seat cover device can be reusable. In this embodiment, the movie theater seat cover device is manufactured of a fabric material that allows the seat cover device to be washed and reused.
In another embodiment, the movie theater seat cover device for temporarily housing a portion of a seat and mitigating virus and germ contact on a user's body includes an elongated sleeve comprising an interior cavity and an external surface. The sleeve has a slit therein for readily slipping the cover over a portion of a seat so that the seat enters the interior cavity therein and the external surface is adapted to come into contact with a user's body. Specifically, the elongated sleeve comprises a first end, second end, a central section, and side walls constructed to form an interior cavity and an external surface. An elongated slit in the sleeve forms a rim traversing along the side walls and allowing access to the interior cavity within the elongated sleeve.
In another embodiment, the elongated sleeve is further provided with a stabilizing means to secure the elongated sleeve to the seat as well as mitigate movement of the elongated sleeve on the seat while the user sitting thereon shifts around. Prevention of movement of the elongated sleeve during use averts unwanted exposure to contaminated portions of the seat and thwarts damage to the cover during use. The stabilizing means is integrally constructed within the elongated sleeve. Specifically, a portion of the seat is received through the elongated slit and is housed within the interior cavity of the elongated sleeve in order to mitigate virus and germ contact between the seat and the user's body. In this embodiment, the stabilizing means comprises an elastic band circumferentially located on the rim of the elongated sleeve, elastic segments spatially located on the rim of the elongated sleeve, a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, etc.
In this manner, an elastic band tightly grasps the back or rear of the seat in order to mitigate or prevent shifting of the elongated sleeve and secure the same to the seat. In one embodiment, the elastic band may be coated with a frictional layer so that the band does not travel on the back of the seat. Prevention of the elongated sleeve from moving to and from while covering the seat is advantageous in that it mitigates unwanted exposure of the user's body to exposed seat areas. Thus, without the ability to prevent substantial movement of the elongated sleeve, the sleeve would readily shift off or slide off the seat as the user or person shifts around, stands up, and/or sits down. Further, although the elongated sleeve is shown as a rectangular shape, the elongated sleeve may have a plethora of shapes, including an elongated oval shape.
In one embodiment, the movie theater seat cover device is composed of a flexible material, such as a paper material or paper netting. Or, composed of an absorbent paper material on the external shell and an inner polymeric liner located within the interior cavity for mitigating the risk of leakage of liquid onto the seat cover device. If the elongated sleeve is composed of a polymeric material, such as a thin plastic material, it should be recyclable in nature. Most preferably, the elongated sleeve is composed of a biodegradable fiber, so that the disposable sanitary cover is lightweight, easy to use, and environmentally friendly.
The seat cover device can be a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety of materials. In some embodiments, the seat cover device can be sized and shaped to fit over all or a portion of the seat such as, for example, the headrest of a seat. In some embodiments, the seat cover device can be made of a flexible material that can allow the seat cover device to change shapes. In some embodiments, the seat cover device can be made of an elastic material to allow the seat cover device to change sizes, and in some embodiments, the seat cover device can be made of an antimicrobial material to form a bacterial barrier. In one embodiment, for example, the seat cover device can be made of a fabric that can be flexible, elastic, and antimicrobial such as, for example, poly spandex.
In one embodiment, the movie theater seat cover device comprises at least one tab member for removing the disposable sanitary cover from the seat. At least one tab member may be integrated within the elongated sleeve so that the seat cover device can be removed from the seat with minimal effort. In use, a tab member is simply pulled upward, such that the seat cover device is removed from the seat. If not for this tab member, the user may have to grasp a portion of the seat, likely an exposed area, with one hand and grasp the seat cover device with the other and pull upward to affect the removal thereof. Unfortunately, such removal will cause contact of the user's hand with that portion of the seat, negating the intended purpose of the seat cover device to prevent germ contact. Tab members provide the ability to remove the seat cover device without exposing the user to the germs on the seat. The use of the tab is needed in the situation when the seat cover device snuggly fits over the seat; however, wherein the seat cover device is loosely fit onto the seat/chair, the user can simply grab any gaping portion of the seat cover device to effectuate removal in a sanitary manner.
In one embodiment, as shown here, the seat cover device is shown as an elongated sleeve covering a base/seat section and back support section of a seat/chair. In another embodiment, the seat cover device comprises an arm section that is detached from the base section and back support section so that there is a gap therebetween for accommodating the disposable sanitary cover. Alternatively, the seat cover device may simply be stretched over the arms as well, as it is basically constructed as a net or shell covering. Specifically, first end of elongated sleeve is stretched so that the rim with stabilization means extends over the rear of the back support section of the seat. The elongated sleeve is then pulled downward so that the central portion extends over the back support section, and base section and side walls cover the sides of the back support section and base section. The second end is then stretched over the end of the base section of the seat, so that the rim and stabilizing means engage with the rear of the base section.
In another embodiment, the elongated sleeve further includes a seat segment and a back segment divided by a lateral slit. The back segment is provided to slide over a back support section of a chair, while the seat segment is provided to slide over a seat section of the chair and the lateral slit provides a gap to accommodate the flexing between the sections of the chair.
In an alternative embodiment, a covering may be provided for each seat section, the base section, and the back support section. According to this embodiment, a first elongated sleeve is provided for the back support section of the chair, while a second elongated sleeve is provided for the base section of the chair. Further, the first elongated sleeve includes a stabilizing means; and the second elongated sleeve includes a stabilizing means (i.e., preferably in the form of the elastic band).
In yet another embodiment, the movie theater seat device comprises a plurality of indicia.
In yet another embodiment, a method of protecting users from unsanitary and harmful pathogens is described. The method includes the steps of providing a movie theater seat cover device comprising an elongated sleeve having an interior cavity and an external surface, wherein the seat enters the interior cavity, and the external surface is adapted to come into contact with a user's body. The method also comprises positioning the seat cover device on the movie theater seat, such that the device covers the seatback, the armrests, and the front of the seat. Further, the method comprises sitting in the movie theater seat to enjoy a movie and utilizing the cupholder if needed. Finally, removing the seat cover device after use and disposing of the seat cover device in the trash.
Having described the invention in rather full detail, it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered to, but that additional changes and modifications may suggest themselves to one skilled in the art. For example, the movie theater seat cover device may be provided in a size and shape to accommodate a bench seat, such as on a bus or train, or a captain type seat such as in a movie theater or on an airplane. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a movie theater seat cover device that provides users with a secure, protective, and comfortable covering for public movie theater seats designed to cover the entire seat, including the armrests. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a movie theater seat cover device that fits most movie seat sizes, securable to the seatback, arm rests, and front of the seat. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a movie theater seat cover device that protects the user against unsafe debris and particulates including germs, viruses, bacteria, food articles, etc. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that ensures a way for people to still go to the movies while maintaining a proper level of personal safety against unsanitary and harmful pathogens. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a movie theater seat cover device that offers additional use as a seat cover for stadium and arena seats to attend large-scale public events, improving functionality. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a movie theater seat cover device that users can apply to their seat to watch a movie, and then remove the cover for disposal.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel movie theater seat cover device. The device is designed to be applied to a movie theater seat to prevent spreading unsanitary debris and pathogens. The device comprises a covering constructed as an elongated sleeve having an interior cavity and an external surface. The sleeve has a slit therein for readily slipping the cover over a portion of a seat so that the seat enters the interior cavity therein and the external surface is adapted to come into contact with a user's body. The elongated sleeve is further provided with a stabilizing means to secure the elongated sleeve to the seat as well as mitigate movement of the elongated sleeve on the seat while the user sitting thereon shifts around. The present invention also includes a novel method of protecting users from unsanitary and harmful pathogens. The method includes the steps of providing a movie theater seat cover device comprising an elongated sleeve having an interior cavity and an external surface, wherein the seat enters the interior cavity, and the external surface is adapted to come into contact with a user's body. The method also comprises positioning the seat cover device on the movie theater seat, such that the device covers the seatback, the armrests, and the front of the seat. Further, the method comprises sitting in the movie theater seat to enjoy a movie and utilize the cupholder if needed. Finally, removing the seat cover device after use and disposing of the seat cover device in the trash.
Referring initially to the drawings,
Thus, the movie theater seat cover device 100 provides a disposable sanitary cover for seats 110. The disposable sanitary cover for seats 110 is particularly well suited to cover movie theater seats, as well as seats 110 used for mass public transportation, such as seats in trains, airplanes, and/or buses, as well as concert seats and seats in sporting matches, etc., or any other suitable public seat as is known in the art. Preferably, the seat cover device 100 is dispensed in an interior entry way of a movie theater, restaurant, airport, or other terminal. Alternatively, the seat cover device 100 is provided in a sealed container packaged prior to use in a clean environment (not shown).
In one embodiment, the movie theater seat cover device 100 is preferably disposed of after a single usage. In another embodiment, the movie theater seat cover device 100 can be reusable. In this embodiment, the movie theater seat cover device 100 is manufactured from a cloth or fabric material that allows the seat cover device 100 to be washed and reused.
Further, the movie theater seat cover device 100 for temporarily housing a portion of a seat 110 and mitigating virus and germ contact on a user's body includes an elongated sleeve 102 comprising an interior cavity 104 and an external surface 106. The sleeve 102 has a slit 108 therein for readily slipping the device 100 over a portion of a seat 110 so that the seat 110 enters the interior cavity 104 therein and the external surface 106 is adapted to come into contact with a user's body. Specifically, the elongated sleeve 102 comprises a first end 122, second end 124, a central section 126, and side walls 128 constructed to form an interior cavity 104 and an external surface 106. An elongated slit 108 in the sleeve 102 forms a rim 130 traversing along the side walls 128 and allowing access to the interior cavity 104 within the elongated sleeve 102.
The elongated sleeve 102 further comprises an elongated slit 108 forming a rim 130 traversing along the side walls 128 for accessing the interior cavity 104 within the elongated sleeve 102. A slit 108 extends from each of the first 122 and second 124 ends of the elongated sleeve 102 forming a rim 130 within the elongated sleeve 102 and yielding a rear opening 132. A portion of the seat 110 is then inserted into and received through the elongated slit 108 so that the seat 110 is housed within the interior cavity 104 of the elongated sleeve 102 so that the passage of germs from the seat 110 to a user's body is mitigated.
As shown in
The seat cover device 100 further comprises a stabilizing means 200 integrally constructed therein so as to diminish movement of the elongated sleeve 102 lengthwise and horizontally on the seat 110. The stabilizing means 200 is integrally constructed within the elongated sleeve 102 and is associated with the rim 130 for securing the elongated sleeve 102 to the seat 110 and mitigating movement of the elongated sleeve 102 when the device 100 is being used. Movement of the seat cover device 100 back and forth on the seat 110 yields both unwanted exposure of portions of the seat 110 while at the same time, tends to cause damage to the device 100. The stabilization means 200 is further provided to facilitate placement of the cover device 100 on the seat 110, as well as to provide securement thereto. The stabilization means 200 comprises an elastic band 202 circumferentially located along the rim 130 of the elongated sleeve 102 so that the elastic band 202 tightly embraces the back of the seatback 114 portion of the seat 110 and the central section 126 covers the area of the seat 110 appointed to be sat on or come into contact with a user's backside. In one embodiment, the stabilization means 200 comprises elastic segments located on rim 130, or other suitable stabilizing means 200.
In this manner, the elastic band 202 tightly grasps the back or rear of the seatback 114 in order to mitigate or prevent shifting of the elongated sleeve 102 and secures the same to the seat 110. In one embodiment, the elastic band 202 may be coated with a frictional layer 204 so that the band 202 does not travel on the back of the seat 110. Prevention of the elongated sleeve 102 from moving to and from while covering the seat 110 is advantageous in that it mitigates unwanted exposure of the user's body to exposed seat areas. Thus, without the ability to prevent substantial movement of the elongated sleeve 102, the sleeve 102 would readily shift off or slide off the seat 110 as the user or person shifts around, stands up, and/or sits down. Further, although the elongated sleeve 102 is shown as a rectangular shape, the elongated sleeve 102 may have a plethora of shapes, including an elongated oval shape.
In one embodiment, the movie theater seat cover device 100 comprises at least one tab member 206 for removing the seat cover device 100 from the seat 110. At least one tab member 206 may be integrated within the elongated sleeve 102 so that the seat cover device 100 can be removed from the seat 110 with minimal effort. In use, the tab member 206 is simply pulled upward, such that the seat cover device 100 is removed from the seat 110. If not for this tab member 206, the user may have to grasp a portion of the seat 110, likely an exposed area, with one hand and grasp the seat cover device 100 with the other and pull upward to affect the removal thereof. Unfortunately, such removal will cause contact of the user's hand with that portion of the seat 110, negating the intended purpose of the seat cover device 100 to prevent germ contact. Tab members 206 provide the ability to remove the seat cover device 100 without exposing the user to the germs on the seat 110. The use of the tab member 206 is needed when the seat cover device 100 snuggly fits over the seat 110; however, wherein the seat cover device 100 is loosely fit onto the seat/chair 110, the user can simply grab any gaping portion of the seat cover device 100 to effectuate removal in a sanitary manner.
As shown in
In another embodiment, the elongated sleeve 102 further includes a seat segment 302 and a back segment 304 divided by a lateral slit 306. The back segment 304 is provided to slide over a back support section 114 of a chair 110, while the seat segment 302 is provided to slide over a seat section 118 of the chair 110 and the lateral slit 306 provides a gap to accommodate the flexing between the sections 302, 304 of the chair 110.
In an alternative embodiment, a covering may be provided for each seat section, the base section 118, a and the back support section 114. According to this embodiment, a first elongated sleeve 102 is provided for the back support section 114 of the chair 110, while a second elongated sleeve 102 is provided for the base section 118 of the chair 110. Further, the first elongated sleeve 102 includes a stabilizing means 200; and the second elongated sleeve 102 includes a stabilizing means 200 (i.e., preferably in the form of an elastic band 202).
As shown in
The seat cover device 100 can be a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety of materials. In some embodiments, the seat cover device 100 can be sized and shaped to fit over all or a portion of the seat 110 such as, for example, the headrest (seatback 114) of a seat 110. In some embodiments, the seat cover device 100 can be made of a flexible material that can allow the seat cover device 100 to change shapes. In some embodiments, the seat cover device 100 can be made of an elastic material to allow the seat cover device 100 to change sizes, and in some embodiments, the seat cover device 100 can be made of an antimicrobial material to form a bacterial barrier. In one embodiment, for example, the seat cover device 100 can be made of a fabric that can be flexible, elastic, and antimicrobial such as, for example, poly spandex.
As shown in
Having described the invention in rather full detail, it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered to, but that additional changes and modifications may suggest themselves to one skilled in the art. For example, the movie theater seat cover device may be provided in a size and shape to accommodate a bench seat, such as on a bus or train, or a captain type seat, such as in a movie theater or on an airplane. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “movie theater seat cover device”, “seat cover device”, “cover device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the movie theater seat cover device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the movie theater seat cover device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the movie theater seat cover device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/345,212, which was filed on May 24, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63345212 | May 2022 | US |
