US20090140563A1

US20090140563A1 - Disposable automobile seat cover and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: US20090140563A1
Application number: US11/948,216
Authority: US
Inventors: Gibson T. Placide
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-11-30
Filing date: 2007-11-30
Publication date: 2009-06-04

Abstract

A disposable automobile seat cover having a cover portion to enclose a portion of an automobile seat and an elastic band around the perimeter of the cover portion. The seat cover is made from a thin disposable light filtering material to provide protection from fading and may be padded to provide for the comfort of the user. The seat cover may be dispensed from a dispenser box, such as an accordion-fold dispenser box. To use, the seat cover is placed on an automobile seat and stretched thereover.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

None

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

None

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to seat covers, and more specifically to plastic seat covers having a peripheral elastic edge, wherein the seat covers are disposable and dispensable from an accordion-fold or similar dispensing container.
2. Description of Related Art
Automobile seats are often the depository of spilled drinks or food products. Such soiling causes deterioration of the fabric from which the seats are made and further can be a source of unsanitary conditions within a vehicle.
Further, when automobiles are serviced, it is commonplace that service personnel will enter the vehicle while wearing clothing that is covered with oil, grease, or similar, thereby leading to the soiling of the seats of the vehicle. Ofttimes, a mechanic will place a sheet of inexpensive paper on the seat to prevent such soiling. Unfortunately, a mere sheet of paper can easily shift position, thereby exposing portions of the seat to the greasy overalls of the mechanic. Covers that would protect the full seat would require quick installation and removal, and would either have to be cleaned for reuse, or inexpensive enough to dispose.
Various attempts have been made to provide protection to vehicle seats. One previous device comprises a double-layer plastic with pockets that go over the head and base of the seat to provide protection. While such a device provides a measure of protection, it requires cleaning after removal and before being replaced on the vehicle seat. Further, use of such a device is not economical for use by most automobile service companies.
Another attempt to provide protection for vehicle seats comprises a sticky plastic sheet having a pocket head portion. The sheet drapes on the seat and clings to the seat. The sticky sheets are stored in and retrieved from a container. However, the sticky sides of the sheets must be placed together to prevent pulling other sheets out of the container, thereby making it difficult to separate the stuck together sheet from itself for installation.
Yet another device comprises a breathable sheet that blocks liquid by absorbing the liquid in a layer for containment. This device has an upper pocket to retain the device on the automobile seat, and further has a rubbery grip provided by a coating on the surface thereof. Unfortunately, containment of liquid in an absorbing layer can lead to breakdown of the liquid, or digesting by bacteria, thereby fostering odors and/or unsanitary conditions.
Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a disposable automobile seat cover that is inexpensive, easily and rapidly installed and removed, and that takes up minimal space.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a disposable automobile seat cover and method of use thereof, wherein the seat cover is made of disposable material, such as paper, plastic or cloth, which can be placed on an automobile seat and stretched therearound for retention thereon by an elastic perimeter portion. The disposable automobile may be made from a light filtering material to protect the automobile seat from fading and/or may be padded for the comfort of the user.
The disposable automobile seat cover is made of very thin material, thereby being readily packaged in multiple quantities available for use when required for covering a seat during maintenance or when a passenger or driver has wet (such as, after swimming) or dirty clothing. Further, the disposable automobile seat cover can be utilized to provide sanitary seating each time a new passenger or driver is seated in the vehicle.
According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a disposable automobile seat cover and method of use thereof, wherein the seat cover comprises a cover portion dimensioned to partially enclose an automobile seat and an elastic band that courses around a perimeter of the cover portion. The disposable automobile seat cover is made from a disposable light filtering material to provide protection from fading to the automobile seat and may be made from cellophane, nylon, paper, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, such as low density polyethylene, cloth, non-woven fabrics, or similar. The disposable automobile seat cover comprises a thickness from approximately 0.018 mm to approximately 0.100 mm and may be padded to provide for the comfort of the user.
The disposable seat cover is dimensioned to be dispensed from a dispenser box, wherein a plurality of disposable automobile seat covers are accordion-folded within the dispenser box to facilitate removal of a single disposable automobile seat cover that pops up a portion of a second seat cover, thereby making the second disposable automobile seat cover ready for use when desired.
The disposable automobile seat cover is applied to an automobile seat, by placing the disposable automobile seat cover over the automobile seat and stretching the elastic perimeter band over the automobile seat, thereby placing the elastic perimeter band proximate the rear of the automobile seat, wherein relaxation of the stretching forces permits the elastic perimeter band to constrict and grip the seat, thereby retaining the disposable automobile seat cover in position on the seat.
Thus, the disposable automobile seat cover prevents contamination a seat by a mechanic, passenger or driver, and conversely prevents contamination of the passenger or driver by already present soiling on the seat or headrest. Additionally, the disposable automobile seat cover prevents pet hair and/or odors from impregnating the fabric of the seat.
More specifically, the present invention is a disposable automobile seat cover having a cover bottom portion, a left lower cover portion, a left upper cover portion, a cover top portion, a right upper cover portion, a right lower cover portion, and an elastic band around the periphery of the disposable automobile seat cover.
The disposable automobile seat cover is made from thin light weight material, such as, for exemplary purposes only, cellophane, nylon, paper, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene, particularly low density polyethylene, cloth, non-woven fabrics or other material having a thickness typically between 0.02 and 0.10 mm, although greater thicknesses could be utilized where greater protection is needed. The disposable automobile seat cover may also be made from a light filtering material that prevents fading of the underlying seat that it covers. In an alternative embodiment, the disposable automobile seat cover could also comprise a deodorizer or a scent. The disposable automobile seat cover may optionally comprise padding.
The elastic has a left lower elastic portion, a left upper elastic portion, elastic top portion, right upper elastic portion, right lower elastic portion and elastic bottom portion, and courses around the perimeter of the disposable automobile seat cover.
In use, the elastic is pulled over and around an automobile seat and substantially covers the front of the seat, wherein because of the stretchable elastic perimeter, the disposable automobile seat cover can be utilized for any size car seat. The elastic is disposed behind seat rear, wherein due to the expansive nature of the elastic, it permits utilizing the disposable automobile seat cover over the seat with or without a headrest.
In an alternate embodiment the disposable automobile seat cover is dispensable from a dispenser box, wherein removal of one disposable automobile seat cover pulls another disposable automobile seat cover partially from dispenser box so that the next disposable automobile seat cover is ready for use.
Thus, the disposable automobile seat cover provides protection to a seat that can be quickly, easily and inexpensively installed and removed. This provides for a sanitary seat environment each time a new cover is replaced, thereby providing each new passenger or driver with protection from contaminants on or in the seat. Further, the disposable automobile seat cover provides protection of the seat from contaminants present on the clothing of a mechanic, driver or passenger, and filters light impinging on the seat surface, thereby enhancing the life and color of the seat fabric.
Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to prevent soiling of an automobile seat.
Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to prevent sun fading damage to an automobile seat.
Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to prevent physical damage to an automobile seat.
Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide decorative changes to an automobile interior.
Yet still another feature and advantage of the present invention is that it keeps an automobile seat sanitary, thereby preventing disease.
A further feature and advantage of the present invention is that it prevents odors.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Selected Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disposable automobile seat cover according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a disposable automobile seat cover according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in use covering automobile seats; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a disposable automobile seat cover according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, shown being removed from a dispenser box.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the present invention in a preferred embodiment is disposable automobile seat cover 10, wherein disposable automobile seat cover 10 preferably comprises cover bottom 30, left lower cover 40, left upper cover 50, cover top 60, right upper cover 70, right lower cover 80, and elastic 90, wherein elastic 90 comprises, for exemplary purposes only, a band of rubber that returns to its original unexpanded condition once stretching forces are removed.
Disposable automobile seat cover 10 is preferably comprised of thin light weight material, such as, for exemplary purposes only, cellophane, nylon, paper, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene, wherein the thickness is typically between 0.018 and 0.100 mm. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that where greater protection is required, disposable automobile seat cover 10 could preferably comprise material of a greater thickness than that above-referenced. Further, disposable automobile seat cover could selectively comprise a light filtering material in its preferred embodiment. Optionally, disposable automobile seat cover 10 could preferably comprise padding 170.
Elastic 90 preferably comprises left lower elastic 100, left upper elastic 110, elastic top 120, right upper elastic 130, right lower elastic 140 and elastic bottom 150. Elastic 90 preferably courses around perimeter 160 of disposable automobile seat cover 10, wherein left lower elastic 100 is preferably proximate left lower cover 40, left upper elastic 110 is preferably proximate left upper cover 50, elastic top 120 is preferably proximate cover top 60, right upper elastic 130 is preferably proximate right upper cover 70, right lower elastic 140 is preferably proximate right lower cover 80 and elastic bottom 150 is preferably proximate cover bottom 30. Retaining band 190 extends from left upper elastic 110 to right upper elastic 130, wherein retaining band 190 comprises elastic material.
In use, elastic 90 is preferably stretched and pulled over and around seat S, wherein disposable automobile seat cover 10 preferably substantially covers front F of seat S, wherein elastic 90 is preferably disposed behind seat S proximate rear R. Retaining band 190 is disposed behind rear R wherein retaining band 190 keeps left upper elastic 110 to right upper elastic 130 in place around seat S. Due to the expansive nature of elastic 90, elastic 90 preferably permits utilizing disposable automobile seat cover 10 over seat S having headrest H, or, alternatively, over seat S without headrest H, while still providing a form-fitting cover that protects seat S and/or headrest H.
Referring now more specifically to FIG. 3, illustrated therein is an alternate embodiment of disposable automobile seat cover 10, wherein the alternate embodiment of FIG. 3 is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the embodiment of comprises disposable automobile seat cover 10 and dispenser box 20, wherein disposable automobile seat cover 10 is selectively dimensioned, such as via an accordion-fold, to dispense from dispenser box 20, and wherein upon removal of one disposable automobile seat cover 10, another disposable automobile seat cover 10 is partially pulled from dispenser box 20.
It is envisioned in an alternate embodiment of the present invention that disposable automobile seat cover 10 could comprises a cloth material, such as, for exemplary purposes only, Terry cloth or non-woven fabrics.
It is envisioned in still another alternate embodiment that the disposable automobile seat cover could comprise a deodorizer or a scent.
In yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention, it is envisioned that disposable automobile seat cover 10 could comprise non-slip pad 180, wherein non-slip pad 180 retains disposable automobile seat cover 10 in place on seat S, thereby preventing sliding of disposable automobile seat cover 10.
The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A seat cover comprising:

a cover portion, comprising a light filtering material; and

elastic.

2. The seat cover of claim 1, wherein said elastic courses around a perimeter of said cover portion.

3. The seat cover of claim 2, wherein said cover portion is dimensioned to partially enclose an automobile seat.

4. (canceled)

5. The seat cover of claim 1, wherein said cover portion comprises a material selected from the group consisting of cellophane, nylon, paper, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, cloth, non-woven fabrics, and combinations thereof.

6. The seat cover of claim 5, wherein said selected material comprises low density polyethylene.

7. The seat cover of claim 5, wherein said cover portion comprises a thickness from approximately 0.018 mm to approximately 0.100 mm.

8. The seat cover of claim 1, wherein said seat cover comprises padding.

9. The seat cover of claim 1, wherein said seat cover is dimensioned to be dispensed from a dispenser box.

10. A method of covering an automobile seat, said method comprising the steps of:

placing a seat cover comprising light filtering material over the automobile seat; and

stretching an elastic perimeter portion of said seat cover over the automobile seat, wherein said elastic perimeter portion is subsequently disposed proximate a rear of the automobile seat.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of:

dispensing said seat cover from a dispenser box.

12. An apparatus for protecting an automobile seat comprising:

an automobile seat cover comprising light filtering material and having an elastic perimeter; and a dispenser box, wherein said automobile seat cover is dispensed for use from said dispenser box.

13. (canceled)

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said automobile seat cover further comprises a thickness from approximately 0.018 mm to approximately 0.100 mm.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said automobile seat cover further comprises padding.