AU2015101738A4 - Seat cover for a vehicle seat with a split-fold back - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a vehicle seat cover 10 comprising a first portion 20 for covering a seat back and a second portion 100 for covering a seat base. L-shaped openings 24 are provided at spaced apart locations along the top 22 of first portion 20. The openings 24 comprise a first leg 24a that extends along the top 22 and a second leg 24b that extends from the first leg 24a to a peripheral rear edge of the first portion 20. A plurality of seat belt buckle receiving openings 104 is provided in the top 101 of the second portion 100 at a location inboard of its rear edge. Openings 24 and 104 are releasably closed with releasable fasteners. 24 ,24 2 a 4b 24, 24a 2524, 24a 2 b 2 24b 25 25 2 20a

Description

1 "Seat cover for a vehicle seat with a split-fold back" Technical Field [0001] The present disclosure relates to a seat cover for a vehicle seat and, more particularly, to a seat cover for a vehicle seat with a split-fold back. The seat cover has been developed primarily for use as an "aftermarket" accessory in passenger vehicles, for installation over an original "factory" seat cover. However, it will be appreciated that the seat cover is not limited to this particular application and may also be used as an original "factory" seat cover or on seats other than those in passenger vehicles, such as on seats of commercial vehicles, such as lorries, semi trailers, trains, pickups/utility vehicles, delivery vans, and the like. Background [0002] Known vehicle seat covers are typically formed from knit fabric to provide elasticity and facilitate the seat covers being used on a range of different seat configurations. The seat covers typically include a first cover portion for installation over the seat base and a separate second cover portion for installation over the seat back. The first and second cover portions each include a one-piece continuous panel that is configured to cover the front of the seat back and the top of the seat base, respectively, with elasticised side portions extending therefrom to cover the top and sides of the seat back (and in some cases also the rear of the seat back) and the front and sides of the seat base. [0003] The one-piece continuous panel of the first cover portion of such known seat covers causes problems when used on seats with a "split-fold" back (i.e. seats that have a back comprising two or more portions that can be rotated toward or away from the seat base independently of one another), as is common on vehicle "bench seats". When used on such seats, the one-piece continuous panel inhibits independent rotation of the seat back portions. [0004] Another problem with known seat covers is that they tend not to cater well for use on seat backs that have headrests extending therefrom or on seat backs having a seat belt shoulder sash extending therefrom. As such, it is typically necessary for the end user to cut holes in the top of the first cover portion so that mounting posts of the head rest can be installed therethrough to engage in corresponding mounting openings in the seat back. Modifying the first cover portion to accept a seat belt shoulder sash extending from the seat back is even more problematic, and 2 typically requires a hole to be cut in the top of the first cover portion at a position corresponding with that at which the shoulder sash extends from the seat back, and thereafter it is still necessary to disconnect the other end of the seat belt from its anchor point on the vehicle to allow the seat belt to be fed through the opening prior to resecuring the seat belt end to the anchor point. [0005] Yet another problem with known seat covers is that they tend not to be well suited for use with seat bases in which the seat belt buckles extend from a position other than the join between the seat base and the seat back. If the seat belt buckle extends from a more forwardly disposed location, a portion of the rear of the second cover portion near the seat belt buckle must either be stretched forward to extend around the buckle, which impacts negatively on the appearance of the second cover portion by causing it to both stretch out of shape and crinkle, or have a hole cut in it to receive the buckle. [0006] To address the problems noted above, it would be desirable to provide a more "universal" vehicle seat cover that is adapted for use on seats with split-fold backs. [0007] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. Summary [0008] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. [0009] Disclosed herein is a seat cover for a vehicle seat with a split-fold back, the seat cover comprising: a first portion having: a front for covering a front of a vehicle seat back, a top for covering a top of a vehicle seat back, and sides for covering sides of a vehicle seat back; and 3 one or more first openings in the top or in a top portion of the front of the first portion for receiving a seat belt shoulder sash extending from the seat back, the one or more first openings extending to a peripheral edge of the first portion, such that the seat belt shoulder sash can be inserted in the first opening without requiring an end of the seat belt to be removed from its anchor point on the vehicle. [0010] The one or more first openings may be closed with a releasable fastener. The releasable fastener may comprise a hook and loop (e.g. Velcro) fastener, press studs, buttons and button holes, or any other suitable alternative. [0011] A plurality of the first openings may be provided at locations that are spaced apart, in a direction defined by a line drawn along the top, to facilitate use of the seat cover with a vehicle seat having a plurality of seat belt shoulder sashes extending from the seat back. The plurality of first openings may comprise a passenger side first opening and a driver side first opening. In some embodiments, the plurality of first openings may also comprise a central first opening. [0012] One or more second openings may be provided in the top of the first portion, the one or more second openings extending in a direction defined by a line drawn along the top of the first portion. The one or more second openings may be configured to receive posts of a head rest of the vehicle seat. [0013] The one or more second openings may be closed with a releasable fastener. The releasable fastener may comprise a hook and loop (e.g. Velcro) fastener, press studs, buttons and button holes, a zipper, or any other suitable alternative. [0014] A plurality of the second openings may be provided at spaced apart locations along the top to facilitate use of the seat cover with a vehicle seat having a plurality of head rests extending from the seat back. The plurality of second openings may comprise a passenger side second opening and a driver side second opening. In some embodiments, the plurality of second openings may also comprise a central second opening. In some embodiments, the one or more second openings may comprise a single second opening extending substantially all the way along the top. [0015] At least one of the one or more first openings may intersect with at least one of the one or more second openings to define a unitary first and second opening. The first openings may be 4 substantially L-shaped. One arm of the L-shaped first openings may extend to a rear peripheral edge of the first portion and the other arm may extend along the top, so as to define an openable and closable flap. [0016] The first portion may comprise a plurality of sections spaced apart in a direction defined by a line drawn along the top, each of the plurality of sections being configured to overlay a corresponding portion of the seat back (e.g., a driver side back support portion, a centre back support portion or centre armrest portion, and a passenger side back support portion of the seat back). A split may be provided in the first portion at an intersection between at least two of the sections, and, in some embodiments, at intersections between all of the sections. The split may extend part way through the first portion from a peripheral edge thereof, and may, for example, extend from a rear peripheral edge of the top to terminate near a lower end of the front or extend from a peripheral edge at a lower end of the front to terminate near the top of the front or in the top. Alternatively, the split may extend all of the way through the first portion between opposite peripheral edges thereof, so that the plurality of sections of the first portion can be completely separated. The split may be closed with a releasable fastener, which may comprise a hook and loop (e.g. Velcro) fastener, press studs, buttons and button holes, a zipper, or any other suitable alternative. Skirt portions may extend from the front on each side of the split for engagement around sides of the associated seat portion. The skirt portions may be formed from a resiliently expandable material, such as a knit fabric polyester, and/or may have an elasticised hem. [0017] The sides of the first portion may be formed from a resiliently expandable material, such as a knit fabric polyester, and/or may have an elasticised hem. [0018] The seat cover may comprise a second portion covering a base of the vehicle seat. The second portion may comprise a top for covering a top of the vehicle seat base, a front for covering a front of the vehicle seat base, and sides for covering sides of the vehicle seat base. One or more seat belt buckle receiving openings may be provided in the top of the second portion at a location inboard of a rear edge of the top. [0019] The one or more seat belt buckle receiving openings may be closed with a releasable fastener. The releasable fastener may comprise a hook and loop (e.g. Velcro) fastener, press studs, buttons and button holes, or any other suitable alternative.

5 [0020] A plurality of the seat belt buckle receiving openings may be provided at locations that are spaced apart, in a direction defined by a line drawn between the sides of the second portion, to facilitate use of the seat cover with a vehicle seat having a plurality of seat belt buckles extending from the seat base. The plurality of seat belt buckle receiving openings may comprise one or more openings located between around 1/4 and around 1/2 of the way between one side of the top and the opposite side of the top of the second portion and one or more openings located between around 1/2 and around 3/4 of the way between said one side and said opposite side of the top of the second portion. At least two rows of the seat belt buckle receiving openings may be provided, a first of the rows being located closer to a rear of the second portion than a second of the rows is to the rear of the second portion. [0021] The sides and front of the second portion may be formed from a resiliently expandable material, such as a knit fabric polyester, and/or may have an elasticised hem. Brief Description of Drawings [0022] An embodiment will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of the front and top of a first portion and the top of a second portion of an embodiment of a seat cover according to the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a front view of the first portion of a more specific embodiment of the seat cover shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a rear view of the first portion of the seat cover shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a top view of the first portion of the seat cover shown in Fig. 2, shown with flaps in the top closed; Fig. 5 is a top view of the first portion of the seat cover shown in Fig. 2, shown with flaps in the top open; Fig. 6 is a top view of the second portion of a more specific embodiment of the seat cover shown in Fig. 1; and Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the second portion of the seat cover shown in Fig. 6.

6 Description of Embodiments [0023] Referring to the drawings, there is shown a seat cover 10 for a vehicle seat with a split fold back. The seat cover 10 comprises a first portion 20 for covering a vehicle seat back and a separate second portion 100 for covering a vehicle seat base. [0024] The first portion 20 comprises a front 21 for covering the front of the vehicle seat back, a top 22 for covering the top of the vehicle seat back, and sides 23 for covering the sides of the vehicle seat back. L-shaped openings 24 are provided at spaced apart locations along the top 22. The openings 24 comprise a first leg 24a that extends in a direction defined by a line drawn between the sides 23 along the top 22 and a second leg 24b that extends from the first leg 24a to a peripheral rear edge of the first portion 20. As such, L-shaped openings 24 define corresponding openable and closable flaps 25. Hook and loop (e.g. Velcro) fasteners extend along the length of openings 24 to releasably close the openings 24 and flaps 25. [0025] In the illustrated embodiment, three openings 24 are provided, one for a driver side seat position, one for a centre seat position and one for a passenger seat position. However, depending on the configuration of the seat that the seat cover 10 is installed on, some or all of the three openings 24 may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the first leg 24a of openings 24 extends along the majority of the width of the associated seat portion so as to define a unitary opening for receiving both the seat belt shoulder sash associated with that seat portion and posts of a head rest associated with that seat portion. In other embodiments, the first legs 24a may be shorter and only receive the seat belt shoulder sashes, and a plurality of spaced apart second openings may be provided in the top of the first portion to receive the head rest posts, the second openings extending in a direction defined by a line drawn along the top of the first portion and again being releasably closed with hook and loop fasteners. [0026] The first portion 20 comprises a plurality of sections 20a, 20b, 20c spaced apart in a direction defined by a line drawn along the top 22. Each of sections 20a, 20b, 20c is configured to overlay a corresponding driver side back support portion, centre back support portion or centre armrest portion, or passenger side back support portion of the seat back. A split 27 is provided in the first portion 20 at the intersection between all of the sections 20a, 20b, 20c to facilitate the first portion 20 being used on split-fold seat backs with a 40:60 or 60:40 split ratio. The split 27 extends part way through the first portion 20 from a rear peripheral edge of the top 22 to terminate near a lower end of the front 21. The split 27 is closed with a zipper. Skirt portions 29 7 extend from the front 21 on each side of the split 27 for engagement around sides of the associated seat portion. [0027] Sides 23 and skirt portions 29 are formed from a resiliently expandable material, such as a knit fabric polyester, and/or may have an elasticised hem to facilitate securing the first portion 20 to the seat back. [0028] To install the first portion 20 on a non-split-fold seat back, the front 21 is placed over the front of the seat back and the top 22 and elasticised sides 23 are engaged around the top and sides of the seat back. If the seat has a centre seat belt with a shoulder sash, the first portion 20 is slid under the shoulder sash of the centre seat belt before securing the top and sides 22, 23. One or more straps 30 at the rear of the first portion 20 may then be interconnected to more securely retain the first portion 20 to the seat back. If the seat back has any seat belt shoulder sashes extending therefrom, the relevant flap 25 is pulled back to open the opening 24 and the seat belt shoulder sash is positioned in its desired operative location. The flap 25 is then closed behind the seat belt shoulder sash to close the opening 24 and secure the seat belt shoulder sash in position. As will be appreciated, this process can be completed without requiring an end of the seat belt to be removed from its anchor point on the vehicle. Posts of a head rest can be installed through the opening 24 and engaged with seat back whilst the flap 25 is open to place the seat belt shoulder sash or as a separate action. [0029] When used on a split-fold seat back, the installation process is as described above. However, upon completing the above steps, the relevant zippers are undone and the skirt portions 29 are engaged around sides of the associated seat portions. The zippers can also be undone to facilitate deployment of a centre armrest when the first portion 20 is used on a seat back having same. [0030] The second portion 100 comprises a top 101 for covering the top of the vehicle seat base, a front 102 for covering the front of the vehicle seat base, and sides 103 for covering sides of the vehicle seat base. The front 102 and sides 103a, 103b are formed from a resiliently expandable material, such as a knit fabric polyester, and/or have an elasticised hem to facilitate the second portion 100 being secured to the vehicle seat base. [0031] A plurality of seat belt buckle receiving openings 104 is provided in the top 101 of the second portion 100 at a location inboard of its rear edge. Two rows of openings 104 are 8 provided, one row being closer to the rear of the second portion 100 than the other. Two openings 104 are provided in each row, with one of the openings 104 in each row being located between around 1/4 and around 1/2 of the way between one side 103a of the top 101 and the opposite side 103b of the top 101 and the other opening 104 in each row being located between around 1/2 and around 3/4 of the way between side 103a and opposite side 103b. The openings 104 are elongate, with their longitudinal axes being oriented to substantially align with a direction defined between opposite sides 103a, 103b of the second portion 100. The length of the openings 104, along with the provision of two rows of openings 104, facilitates the second portion 100 adapted for use on car seats bases with variously positioned seat belt buckles. [0032] The openings 104 are closed with a releasable fastener in the form of a hook and loop (e.g. Velcro) fastener. [0033] To install the second portion 100 on a vehicle seat base, the top 101 is placed over the top of the seat base and the elasticised front and sides 102, 103, 103b are engaged around the front and sides of the seat base. If the vehicle seat has seat belt buckles located in the gap between the rear of the seat base and the bottom of the seat back, the seat belt buckle simply extends over the rear edge of the top 101. If the vehicle seat has seat belt buckles that extend from a location forward of the rear of the seat base, such as from a well within the seat base, the opening 104 most closely aligning with the seat belt buckle is opened to the desired extent and the seat belt buckle is passed therethrough, after which the opening 104 can be closed around the anchor strap that attaches the seat belt buckle to its anchor point. One or more straps 106 on the underside of the second portion 100 may then interconnected to more securely retain the second portion 100 to the seat base. [0034] It will be appreciated that the illustrated seat cover 10 overcomes a number of the disadvantages of the prior art and provides a more universal seat cover that is adapted for installation, without modification (e.g. cutting of additional openings or overstretching), on seats with various configurations of seat belts, head rests, arm rests and seat backs, including: * seats with or without split-fold backs; e seats with backs with or without a seat belt shoulder sash extending therefrom; and * seats with bases with seat belt buckles located at the rear or forwardly of the rear. [0035] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the 9 broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Examples of possible variations and/or modifications include, but are not limited to: * openings 24 may alternatively be located in a top portion of the front 21 of the first portion 20; e instead of using a hook and loop fastener, openings 24, 104 and flaps 25 may alternatively be closed with press studs, buttons and button holes, or any other suitable fastener; e the plurality of openings 24 may be replaced with a single opening extending substantially the full width of the top; e the split 27 may extend from a peripheral edge at a lower end of the front 21 to terminate near the top of the front or in the top 22, or the split 27 may extend all of the way through the first portion 20 between opposite peripheral edges thereof, so that sections 20a, 20b, 20c can be completely separated; e the zipper for closing split 27 may be substituted with any other suitable releasable fastener, such as a hook and loop (e.g. Velcro) fastener, press studs, or buttons and button holes; and/or * a central split 27, along with associated zipper and skirt portions 29, may be provided, to facilitate use of the first portion 20 on split-fold seats with a 50:50 split ratio.

Claims (18)

1. A seat cover for a vehicle seat with a split-fold back, the seat cover comprising: a first portion having: a front for covering a front of a vehicle seat back, a top for covering a top of a vehicle seat back, and sides for covering sides of a vehicle seat back; and one or more first openings in the top or in a top portion of the front of the first portion for receiving a seat belt shoulder sash extending from the seat back, the one or more first openings extending to a peripheral edge of the first portion, such that the seat belt shoulder sash can be inserted in the first opening without requiring an end of the seat belt to be removed from its anchor point on the vehicle.

2. A seat cover according to claim 1, comprising a releasable fastener for releasably closing the one or more first openings.

3. A seat cover according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a plurality of the first openings at spaced apart locations to one another along the top.

4. A seat cover according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more second openings in the top of the first portion, the one or more second openings extending in a direction defined by a line drawn along the top of the first portion and being configured to receive posts of a head rest of the vehicle seat.

5. A seat cover according to claim 4, comprising a releasable fastener for releasably closing the second openings.

6. A seat cover according to claim 4 or claim 5, comprising a plurality of the second openings at spaced apart locations to one another along the top.

7. A seat cover according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein at least one of the one or more first openings intersects with at least one of the one or more second openings to define a unitary first and second opening. 11

8. A seat cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more first openings are substantially L-shaped, with one arm of each first opening extending to a rear peripheral edge of the first portion and the other arm extending along the top, so as to define an openable and closable flap.

9. A seat cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion comprises a plurality of sections spaced apart in a direction defined by a line drawn along the top, each of the plurality of sections being configured to overlay a corresponding portion of the seat back, wherein a releasably closable split is provided in the first portion at an intersection between at least two of the sections.

10. A seat cover according to claim 9, wherein the split is substantially vertical and extends at least a majority of the way across the first portion from a peripheral edge thereof.

11. A seat cover according to claim 10, comprising a zipper for releasably closing the split.

12. A seat cover according to any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising skirt portions extending from the front of the first portion on each side of the split for engagement around sides of the associated seat portion.

13. A seat cover according to claim 12, wherein the skirt portions are formed from a resiliently expandable material and/or have an elasticised hem.

14. A seat cover according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second portion for covering a base of the vehicle seat, the second portion comprising: a top for covering a top of the vehicle seat base, a front for covering a front of the vehicle seat base, sides for covering sides of the vehicle seat base, and one or more seat belt buckle receiving openings in the top of the second portion at a location inboard of a rear edge of the top of the second portion.

15. A seat cover according to claim 14, comprising a releasable fastener for releasably closing the one or more seat belt buckle receiving openings. 12

16. A seat cover according to claim 14 or claim 15, comprising a plurality of the seat belt buckle receiving openings at locations that are spaced apart from one another, in a direction defined by a line drawn between the sides of the second portion.

17. A seat cover according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of seat belt buckle receiving openings comprises one or more openings located between around 1/4 and around 1/2 of the way between one side of the top of the second portion and the opposite side of the top of the second portion and one or more openings located between around 1/2 and around 3/4 of the way between said one side and said opposite side of the top of the second portion.

18. A seat cover according to claim 16 or claim 17, comprising at least two rows of the seat belt buckle receiving openings, a first of the rows being located closer to a rear of the second portion than a second of the rows is to the rear of the second portion.