WO1996034777A1 - Gaine pour repose-tete d'un siege de vehicule - Google Patents

Gaine pour repose-tete d'un siege de vehicule Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1996034777A1
WO1996034777A1 PCT/US1996/005984 US9605984W WO9634777A1 WO 1996034777 A1 WO1996034777 A1 WO 1996034777A1 US 9605984 W US9605984 W US 9605984W WO 9634777 A1 WO9634777 A1 WO 9634777A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
die
headrest
animal
fabric
seat
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1996/005984
Other languages
English (en)
Original Assignee
Junk, Scott
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Junk, Scott filed Critical Junk, Scott
Priority to AU63471/96A priority Critical patent/AU6347196A/en
Publication of WO1996034777A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996034777A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/58—Seat coverings
    • B60N2/60—Removable protective coverings
    • B60N2/6018—Removable protective coverings attachments thereof
    • B60N2/609—Removable protective coverings attachments thereof by sewing, stitching or threading
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/58—Seat coverings
    • B60N2/60—Removable protective coverings
    • B60N2/6018—Removable protective coverings attachments thereof
    • B60N2/6027—Removable protective coverings attachments thereof by hooks, staples, clips, snap fasteners or the like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/80—Head-rests

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to seating structures in an automobile and, more particularly, to a device for modifying the ubiquitous headrest to protect the headrest and to make the headrest into a unique vehicle identifier.
  • the seats can be modified for both identification purposes and to make a personal statement.
  • seat modifications can protect the original upholstery and even add to the comfort of the seats.
  • An example is the common use of sheep skin fleeces to protect and enhance the seating area.
  • sheep skins probably do not make much of an aesthetic statement, nor do they always increase the identifiability of the car.
  • U.S. Patent 5,112,104 to De Giacomi extends the animal seating theme to adult use.
  • a seat cover is provided that transforms the entire seat into the body of a suitable animal.
  • the cover is made of a fur-like material to further the illusion.
  • Animal limbs are provided in the form of tubular members attached to the seat sides.
  • the top or headrest region of the seat is covered to form the head of the animal.
  • This type of modification provides the personal statement and identification functions mentioned above. However, such a modification is effective only on bucket seats; many automobiles do not have bucket seats. Further, since an entire seat cover must be provided and this cover must be customized to a particular seat configuration, such a device is necessarily rather costly. Also, while this type of device can make a pro-animal statement, it does not provide a means for people to express enthusiasm for sports or other pastimes.
  • the seating modification be capable of making a personal statement and enhance the identifiability of the modified auto
  • the fabric sheath is constructed to conform to the headrest and fit snugly around it. The snug fit is achieved through the use of stretchable fabrics and adjustable closures such as draw-cords and hook-in-loop fasteners.
  • the fabric sheath is a carrier for indicia which constitute both a personal aesthetic statement and act as an auto identifier since they are displayed on the headrest which is readily visible from outside the car.
  • the indicia may be such that the headrest becomes a stuffed animal. That is, an animal head is attached on one side of the sheath, and legs and a tail are also attached at appropriate locations.
  • the types of animals employed are limited only by the designer's imagination; cute, fanciful animals might be favored by some drivers, while others would prefer realistic versions of actual wild animals.
  • the indicia can demonstrate the driver's interest in certain sports or hobbies. Renditions of sports paraphernalia such as golf clubs or tennis rackets might be constructed of soft, flexible material and attached to the fabric sheath. SCUBA diving might be illustrated by having the sheath represent the body of a diver wearing fins and mask or, more fancifully, a dolphin wearing a mask and tanks.
  • the "body parts" or other indicia are attached to the fabric "body” sheath.
  • die "body” sheath itself is padded and integral with the body parts. The headrest is accommodated in a downward-facing pouch or pocket in the lower surface of the padded body.
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a headrest animal of the present invention constructed around a fabric sheath;
  • Figure 2 shows the separate parts of the headrest animal of
  • Figure 3a illustrates elastic fasteners to ensure that the fabric sheath fits the headrest in a snug manner
  • Figure 3b illustrates snap fasteners to ensure that the fabric sheath fits the headrest in a snug manner
  • Figure 3c illustrates strap fasteners to ensure that the fabric sheath fits the headrest in a snug manner
  • Figure 3d illustrates hook-in-loop (VELCROTM) fasteners to ensure that the fabric sheath fits the headrest in a snug manner
  • Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an alternative version of the headrest animal of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 5 is a diagram showing how the present invention interacts with an automobile seat headrest.
  • Figure 6 shows an animal designed to entertain children who can exchange the removable body parts
  • Figure 7 illustrates a padded animal headrest cover
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of a sheath-based headrest cover of an embodiment designed to show that the car owner is a baseball fan.
  • the present invention converts an ordinary automobile seat headrest into an animal figure or a display for sports or other such indicia by attaching body parts or other indicia to a fabric sheath designed to enclose the headrest.
  • Figure 1 shows a headrest disguised as a pig according to the present invention.
  • the body of the pig is actually a fabric sheath 10 or bag sized to fit over the headrest.
  • the sheath 10 is equipped with a draw-cord 20 to help ensure a proper fit.
  • headrests vary considerably in size from car to car.
  • the fabric sheath 10 is constructed from a stretchable material and is provided with a draw-cord 20 sewn into a seam around an opening 12 so that the draw-cord 20 can be pulled to tighten the sheath 10 around the headrest.
  • the tightening of the sewn-in draw-cord 20 causes the opening 12 of the sheath 10 to close sphincter-like around die base of the headrest, drawing the remaining material of the sheath 10 taut in the process.
  • the fabric sheath 10 can be equipped with elastic 14 around the opening 12 (Figure 3a), snaps 16a, 16b, and straps 17 (Figure 3b), tie straps 18 (Figure 3c), strips of hook-in-loop (VELCROTM) fastening material 19a, 19b ( Figure 3d), or with buttons, buckles, zippers, or other mechanical fastening systems (not shown) arranged to ensure a snug fit of the sheath on the headrest.
  • elastic 14 around the opening 12
  • snaps 16a, 16b, and straps 17 Figure 3b
  • tie straps 18 Figure 3c
  • buttons, buckles, zippers, or other mechanical fastening systems not shown
  • a tight-fitting sheath 10 is important. First, it is a goal of the present invention to perform its aesthetic functions without detracting from me normal functionality or safety aspects of the headrest. Thus, the orientation of a sheath-modified headrest must be stable. If the fabric sheath 10 were to shift easily, various components attached to the sheath 10 might block the view of the driver and become a safety hazard. Also, if the sheath 10 were to move suddenly, the driver might be startled by that movement. Second, the aesthetic goals of the device may depend upon the orientation of the animal figure or other form created by the modified headrest. If the position of the sheath 10 on the headrest changes, the most aesthetic orientation might be lost.
  • a number of components are attached to d e fabric sheath 10 to create an animal.
  • a separate head 22, four legs 24, and a tail 26 are attached to the sheath 10.
  • the added components should preferably be made of a fairly soft fabric or other material such as a soft moldable plastic like that used in dolls. A soft material is preferred so that the components will not scratch, poke, or otherwise injure the occupants of the automobile.
  • the components are shown as being three-dimensional. This is a design choice; many figures can be created using flat components cut from fabric or similar materials.
  • the components are attached by sewing, riveting, gluing, or omer appropriate attachment means.
  • a plush velour is appropriate for the pig of Figure 1. As shown in that figure, a printed pattern, here large spots 21, can also improve the results. For many animals a fabric with a longer nap, a faux fur, is appropriate.
  • Figure 4 shows an alternative version of the pig of Figure 1.
  • the fabric sheath 10 serves as a combined head body widi ear 23, eye 25, and snout 27 components being attached directiy to the sheath 10.
  • Some or all of the structures that make up the animal or other representation can be printed onto the fabric rather than being separate pieces.
  • the sheath 10 is held in a fully expanded position and pulled over the headrest 30 of an automobile seat 32, taking care to orient me device in die desired direction. Then the draw-cord 20 or other fastening system is operated to attach the device to die headrest 30.
  • the pig can readily be oriented with its snout 27 facing the passenger side window or with the snout facing the driver's seat.
  • the headrest cover of the present invention is also intended to entertain child passengers and thus keep them from fidgeting during long trips.
  • the head 22 of the device face die child passenger. Therefore, the head of the figure is preferably mounted on a swivel (not shown) so it can face either to the front or the rear of the automobile.
  • the large eyes 25 of the pig are constructed with pupils that move in response to the motions of the car. The pig can also made more interesting to small children by the addition of small bells, rattles, or other noisemakers (not shown).
  • Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment especially suited to entertain children in die rear seat of me automobile.
  • the sheath body 10 is constructed of a fabric with a suitable pile to interact with a hook-in-loop fastener like VELCROTM.
  • Various components 29 that comprise the animal are backed wim hook material. Thus, they can be attached and detached from die body at will. So that the components 29 will not be lost, they are each attached to die sheath 10 with a length of elastic cord 28 die same color as the sheath 10. When not in use, the extra components 29 hang below the sheath 10 forming a sort of fringe.
  • One of die adults or the older children can readily rearrange die components 29 to create a variety of novel animals. This provides considerable entertainment for a long car trip.
  • a main body 40 of a device 42 is slightly padded, but in place of the main bulk of stuffing material that would normally fill out a plush animal is a lined pouch opening in a downwards direction (not shown). This pouch is sized to slip over die headrest. Thus, the bulk of the headrest supplies the "stuffing" that fills out die body 40 of the device 42.
  • Figure 7 illustrates a three-dimensional fanciful dragon diat is constructed in this manner.
  • die body 40 of die dragon would be somewhat collapsed wimout a roly-poly appearance.
  • the contour of die body 40 can be improved by the use of padding around die pouch. However, little or no padding should be used on diat part of the pouch that faces the front of the automobile, because padding in diat position could interfere widi a passenger's safe contact with die headrest.
  • Altiiough die present invention is especially well suited to create representations of animal and human figures, it can also be used to represent inanimate objects. Thus, symbols of various sports and hobbies can be readily displayed.
  • Figure 8 shows a version of die present invention mat indicates diat die automobile owner is a baseball fan. This device is constructed along the plush body /pouch line of Figure 7.
  • the headrest is inserted into a pouch (not shown) on the undersides of a plush fabric baseball "bat” 44.
  • a soft foam "baseball” 46 Attached to an upper surface of die bat 44 is a soft foam "baseball” 46.
  • a logo 48 and colors of a well-known (often local) major league team is used on die bat 44.
  • the bat 44 also has several convenience pockets (not shown). These provide additional places for the driver to stash small objects such as sunglasses, jewelry, or even baseball tickets.
  • die invention serves as a display surface for various collectable pins and buttons.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne une gaine permettant de recouvrir un repose-tête pour personnaliser l'intérieur d'une voiture avec divers éléments visuels servant à donner à ladite voiture un caractère personnel, à faciliter son identification et à divertir les jeunes passagers. Une gaine de tissu est conçue de manière à envelopper le repose-tête. On obtient un bon ajustement en utilisant un tissu étirable pourvu d'un cordon à tirer ou d'autres attaches. Divers éléments visuels sont fixés à une gaine de tissu de manière à donner à celle-ci l'aspect du corps d'un animal ou d'un personnage. Dans une variante, les éléments visuels peuvent comprendre des éléments ayant trait à des sports ou hobbys divers de sorte que le dispositif complet montre l'intérêt du propriétaire du véhicule pour un sport ou un hobby. On peut concevoir le dispositif dans son ensemble comme une unité complète que l'on remplit d'une matière pour lui donner sa forme. On peut fixer amovibles les diverses parties du corps d'un animal à l'aide de fixations du type à boucles et à crochets et, donc, former facilement différents animaux.
PCT/US1996/005984 1995-05-03 1996-04-30 Gaine pour repose-tete d'un siege de vehicule WO1996034777A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU63471/96A AU6347196A (en) 1995-05-03 1996-04-30 Cover for headrest of automobile seat

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US43360295A 1995-05-03 1995-05-03
US08/433,602 1995-05-03

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1996034777A1 true WO1996034777A1 (fr) 1996-11-07

Family

ID=23720778

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1996/005984 WO1996034777A1 (fr) 1995-05-03 1996-04-30 Gaine pour repose-tete d'un siege de vehicule

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU6347196A (fr)
WO (1) WO1996034777A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2311002A (en) * 1996-03-14 1997-09-17 Darren Vincent Pallett Headrest covers
WO2003047395A1 (fr) * 2001-12-05 2003-06-12 Invista Technologies S.À.R.L. Housses extensibles
EP1985207A1 (fr) * 2007-04-05 2008-10-29 Paolo Fratini Housse d'appui-tête universelle et hygiénique pour sièges de lieux publics
US8216650B2 (en) 2009-03-23 2012-07-10 Douglas Joseph S Protective and decorative ornament for a vehicle

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2264438A (en) * 1992-02-03 1993-09-01 Stratton Toys Ltd Headrest cover for car seat
GB2269742A (en) * 1992-08-18 1994-02-23 Jane Page Child`s head support
DE9409789U1 (de) * 1994-06-17 1994-10-13 Heinemann, Hans-Josef, 33104 Paderborn Bezug für Kopfstützen in Autos

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2264438A (en) * 1992-02-03 1993-09-01 Stratton Toys Ltd Headrest cover for car seat
GB2269742A (en) * 1992-08-18 1994-02-23 Jane Page Child`s head support
DE9409789U1 (de) * 1994-06-17 1994-10-13 Heinemann, Hans-Josef, 33104 Paderborn Bezug für Kopfstützen in Autos

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2311002A (en) * 1996-03-14 1997-09-17 Darren Vincent Pallett Headrest covers
WO1997033767A1 (fr) * 1996-03-14 1997-09-18 Darren Vincent Pallett Housses d'appui-tete
WO2003047395A1 (fr) * 2001-12-05 2003-06-12 Invista Technologies S.À.R.L. Housses extensibles
CN100369568C (zh) * 2001-12-05 2008-02-20 因维斯塔技术有限公司 弹性封套
EP1985207A1 (fr) * 2007-04-05 2008-10-29 Paolo Fratini Housse d'appui-tête universelle et hygiénique pour sièges de lieux publics
US8216650B2 (en) 2009-03-23 2012-07-10 Douglas Joseph S Protective and decorative ornament for a vehicle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU6347196A (en) 1996-11-21

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