DISPOSABLE CHILD SAFETY SEAT COVER

CROSS-REFERENCE TQ RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to United States Provisional Application Number 60/816,953 entitled: Disposable Child Safety Seat Cover filed June 28, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of automobile seat covers, and more particularly to a cover for a child safety seat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A number of child safety seats are currently available for allowing a child to be transported safely and securely within an automobile. However, a common problem with transporting young children, such as infants or toddlers, is that they are prone to have accidents in which they soil the child safety seat. Compounding this problem is that a number of existing child safety seats are typically upholstered with fabric which may not be easily cleaned. Such conditions may result in the child safety seat becoming increasingly dirty over time, thus creating a non-hygienic environment for the child. Separate cushions or covers may be sold for child safety seats, but said cushions or covers are typically expensive and may require periodic washing.

[0004] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a child safety seat cover which addresses the above-referenced shortcomings of current solutions.

. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention is directed to a safety seat cover, including: an upper cover portion configured for at least partially covering a head support portion of the safety seat, the upper cover portion including a height adjustment assembly, the height adjustment assembly configured for being stretched and contracted

along a vertical axis for allowing the cover to be configured to a plurality of heights, the height adjustment assembly further configured for adjustably and securely attaching with a middle cover portion of the cover when the cover is configured to a desired height included in the plurality of heights, the middle cover portion being configured for at least partially covering a trunk support portion of the safety seat, the middle cover portion including a first section configured for adjustably attaching with a second section; and a lower cover portion configured for being adjustably attached with the middle cover portion, the lower cover portion being further configured for at least partially covering a seat support portion of the safety seat, the lower cover portion forming at least one aperture.

[0005] An additional embodiment of the present invention is directed to a safety seat cover, including: an upper cover portion configured for at least partially covering a head support portion of the safety seat, the upper cover portion including a height adjustment assembly, the height adjustment assembly including an extension section and a securing assembly, the extension section being at least one of: a folded, tucked, crimped, and rolled section of material configured for being extended and contracted along a vertical axis for allowing the cover to be configured to a plurality of heights, the securing assembly configured for adjustably attaching with a middle cover portion of the cover, the securing assembly further configured for securely attaching the upper cover portion with the middle cover portion when the cover is configured to a desired height included in the plurality of heights, the middle cover portion being configured for at least partially covering a trunk support portion of the safety seat, the middle cover portion including a first section configured for adjustably attaching with a second section; and a lower cover portion configured for being adjustably attached with the middle cover portion, the lower cover portion being further configured for at least partially covering a seat support portion of the safety seat, the lower cover portion forming at least one aperture, wherein the adjustable attachment between the securing assembly and the middle cover portion, the adjustable attachment between the first section and the second section of the middle cover portion, and the at least one aperture of the lower cover portion provide for at least one of: access to at least one of a seat belt and a safety harness, promoting ease of

removal of the cover from the safety seat, promoting ease of placement of the cover relative to the safety seat, and promoting ease of adjustment of the cover relative to the safety seat.

[0006] A further embodiment of the present invention is directed to a safety seat cover, including: an upper cover portion configured for at least partially covering a head support portion of the safety seat, the upper cover portion including a height adjustment assembly, the height adjustment assembly including an extension section and a securing assembly, the extension section being at least one of: a folded, tucked, crimped, and rolled section of material configured for being extended and contracted along a vertical axis for allowing the cover to be configured to a plurality of heights, the securing assembly configured for adjustably attaching with a middle cover portion of the cover, the securing assembly further configured for securely attaching the upper cover portion with the middle cover portion when the cover is configured to a desired height included in the plurality of heights, the middle cover portion being further configured for at least partially covering a trunk support portion of the safety seat, the middle cover portion including a first section configured for adjustably attaching with a second section; and a lower cover portion configured for being adjustably attached with the middle cover portion, the lower cover portion being further configured for at least partially covering a seat support portion of the safety seat, the lower cover portion forming at least one aperture, the lower cover portion including a multi-layer quilted portion, the multi-layer quilted portion including a Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) for promoting prevention of fluid leakage via the cover, wherein the adjustable attachment between the securing assembly and the middle cover portion, the adjustable attachment between the first section and the second section of the middle cover portion, and the at least one aperture of the lower cover portion provide for at least one of: access to at least one of a seat belt and a safety harness, promoting ease of removal of the cover from the safety seat, promoting ease of placement of the cover relative to the safety seat, and promoting ease of adjustment of the cover relative to the safety seat.

[0007] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not necessarily restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The numerous objects and advantages of the present invention may be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a child safety seat cover in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cutaway view illustrating an extension section of the child safety seat cover of the present invention in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the child safety seat cover of the present invention in which the positionability of the securing flap is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating the height adjustment capabilities of the child safety seat cover of the present invention in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of a child safety seat cover of the present invention in which the cover is secured to the seat in a corset-like manner in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a view of a cross-section of a quilted portion of the child safety seat cover of the in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Referring generally now to HGS. 1 through 5, a child safety seat cover in accordance with current embodiments of the present invention is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the child safety seat cover 100 may include an upper cover portion 102. The upper cover portion 102 may be configured for fitting at least partially over/around, and/or being secured to/around an upper portion (i.e., headrest/head support portion) 202 of a child safety seat 200. For example, the upper cover portion 102 of the child safety seat cover 100 may include edging 104, such as elastic edging, for promoting ease of configuring or fitting the upper cover portion 102 at least partially around/over the headrest portion 202 of the safety seat 200. Further, the edging 104 of the upper cover portion 102 of the child safety seat cover 100 may be secured to the headrest portion 202 (or proximal to the headrest portion 202) of the child safety seat 200 via a variety of fasteners, adhesives, etc., such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, clips, tape, or the like. For instance, the edging 104 may have a plurality of apertures formed therein (or may include hooks/loops) for receiving a cord or string laced through said apertures in a corset-like manner so that the edging 104 may be secured around a portion of the safety seat by tying the cord or string (as shown in FIG. 5). In additional embodiments of the present invention, the upper cover portion 102 may be a multi-layer configuration, such as a 2-ply/2-layer configuration, for providing cushioning/head support for a child who is correctly positioned in the child safety seat 200. For instance, one or more layers of the multi-layer configuration may be formed of materials such as paper, plastic or the like.

[0011] In additional embodiments, the upper cover portion 102 further includes a height adjustment assembly 106. In exemplary embodiments, the height adjustment assembly 106 of the upper cover portion 102 of the child safety seat cover 100 includes a securing assembly, such as a securing flap 108 and an extension section 110. The securing flap 108 is configured for adjustably attaching with a middle cover portion 112 of the child safety seat cover 100. The securing flap 108 may include a securing mechanism configured on an under surface 114 of the securing flap 108. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the securing mechanism may be one or more hook and loop fastener strips 116 configured on the securing flap 108, said hook and loop fastener strips 116 being suitable for adjustably attaching the securing flap 108 (and thus, the upper cover portion 102)

with the middle cover portion by connecting with corresponding hook and loop fastener strips 118 configured on the middle cover portion 112. In further embodiments, the securing mechanism may be/include a variety of fasteners, adhesives, etc. for securing the securing flap 108 (and thus, the upper cover portion 102) with the middle cover portion 112, such as snaps, clips, tape, or the like.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the adjustable attachment of the securing flap 108 with the middle cover portion 112 may allow for the securing flap 108 to be opened/disengaged/unattached (ex- the securing flap 108 may be "flipped up" or in an "open" position, as shown in FIG. 3), thereby allowing for passage of and/or access to seat belt/safety seat harness straps. Further, when the securing flap 108 is disengaged from the middle cover portion 112, the child safety seat cover 100 may be adjusted (along a vertical axis) to various heights for adapting to various heights of child safety seat 200. For example, the extension section 110 may be a section of material of the upper cover portion 102 which may at least partially unfold/uncrimp/extend as the upper cover portion 102 is stretched along the vertical axis 110. As the section of material of the extension section 110 unfolds/extends, it provides additional slack to increase the length (ex- height) of the child safety seat cover 100, thereby allowing the child safety seat cover 100 to be stretched/extended so that its edging 104 may be configured or fitted around taller child safety seats 200. For instance, the extension section 108 may include a sufficient amount of material so as to allow the length (ex- height) of the child safety seat cover 100 to be increased by seven inches when the extension section 108 is fully extended/unfolded, as opposed to when the extension section is completely folded. Alternatively, when the cover 100 is being implemented with shorter child safety seats, the edging 104 of the cover 100 may be configured/fitted around the shorter seats, with the extension section 108 remaining in a fully folded/tucked or partially folded/tucked position. Thus, the extension section 108 provides a user with the ability to stretch/contract the cover 100 to various heights to allow for universal adaptability with various heights of child safety seats 200. Once the cover 100 is stretched/contracted to the desired height, it may be fitted to/around the safety seat, and then, the securing flap 108 may be directed to an engaged, "flipped down" or "closed" position (as shown in

FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the securing flap 108 is attached via the securing mechanism (ex- hook and loop fastener strips 116, 118) with the middle cover portion 112 for securing the cover at the desired height/position on/around the safety seat 200. Further, the securing flap 108, when in the "closed" position, may at least partially cover the hook and loop fastener strips 118 of the middle cover portion, thereby promoting protection of a child positioned in the car seat 200 from exposure to said strips 118.

[0013] In additional embodiments, the adjustable attachment of the securing flap 108 with the middle cover portion 112 may promote ease of removal, changing, placing and/or adjusting of the cover 100 relative to the child safety seat 200. For instance, when the securing flap 108 is unattached/disconnected from the middle portion (ex- when the securing flap 108 is "flipped up", as shown in FIG. 3), the cover 100 may be removed or re-positioned as desired. In further embodiments, the upper cover portion 102 may form one or more apertures for allowing passage of/access to a safety belt/safety harness.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the middle cover portion 112 of the child safety seat cover 100 may be configured for fitting at least partially over/around, and/or being secured to/around a middle portion (i.e., trunk or back support portion) of the child safety seat 200. For example, the middle cover portion 112 of the child safety seat cover 100 may include edging 104, such as elastic edging, for promoting ease of configuring or fitting the middle cover portion 112 at least partially around/over the middle portion 204 of the safety seat 200. Further, the edging 104 of the middle cover portion 112 of the child safety seat cover 100 may be secured to the middle portion of the child safety seat 200 via a variety of fasteners, adhesives, etc., such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, clips, tape, tying (ex- the corset-like loops/cord structure described above), or the like.

[0015] In current embodiments of the present invention, the middle cover portion 112 may further include a first flap 120 and a second flap 122 which are adjustably attached to each other, such as via hook and loop fasteners, tape, snaps, a zipper, or the like. For example, the first flap 120 and the second flap 122 may form left and right sections respectively of the middle cover portion 112, with said flaps 120, 122 being connectable

for forming a vertically oriented central seam, as shown in FIG 3. In alternative embodiments, the first flap 120 and second flap 122 may form top and bottom sections respectively of the middle cover portion 112, with said flaps 120, 122 being connectable for forming a horizontally or diagonally oriented central seam. In exemplary embodiments, the adjustable attachment of the flaps 120, 122 of the middle cover portion 112 may allow for the flaps 120, 122 to be opened/disengaged/unattached, thereby allowing for passage of and/or access to seat belt/safety seat harness straps. Further, the adjustable attachment of the flaps 120, 122 of the middle cover portion 112 may promote ease of removal, changing, placing and/or adjusting of the cover 100 relative to the child safety seat 200. In additional embodiments, the middle cover portion may have one or more apertures 124 formed therethrough configured for allowing passage of/access to seat belt/harness straps. For instance, the aperture(s) 124 may be perforated, pre-cut, pressed, pre-formed or tearable apertures (ex-slits).

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the middle cover portion 112 may include a third flap 126 which may adjustably attach the middle cover portion 112 to a lower cover portion 128 of the child safety seat cover 100. For instance, the third flap 126 may be configured for adjustable attachment to the lower cover portion 128 (and the child safety seat 200) via hook and loop fasteners, tape (ex-double-sided tape strips), snaps, or the like. The adjustable attachment between the third flap 126 and the lower cover portion 128 may allow for access to/passage of seat belt/safety seat harness straps when the third flap 126 is disengaged/unattached from the lower cover portion 128.

[0017] In additional embodiments, once the belt/harness straps have been accessed as necessary and the safety seat cover 100 is being positioned onto/around the safety seat 200 as desired, the attachment area/connection area between the first and second flaps (120, 122) and the attachment area/connection area between the third flap 126 and the lower cover portion 128 may be sealed, such as by placing double-sided tape strips on an underside of the middle cover portion 112 and/or an underside of the lower cover portion for promoting prevention of fluid leakage onto fabric/upholstered areas of the child safety seat 200. The double-sided tape strips may further serve to secure the safety seat cover

100 in position against the child safety seat 200. In further embodiments, snaps, clips or other like fasteners, adhesives may also be implemented to secure the safety seat cover 100 against the child safety seat 200. In still further embodiments, once the belt/harness straps have been accessed as necessary and the safety seat cover 100 is being positioned onto/around the safety seat 200 as desired, a sealant or adhesive, such as double-sided tape strips may also be placed on the underside of the middle cover portion under the apertures 124 for promoting prevention of fluid leakage onto fabric/upholstered areas of the child safety seat 200 via the apertures 124.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the lower cover portion 128 may be configured for fitting at least partially over/around, and/or being secured to/around a bottom portion (i.e., seat support portion) 206 of the child safety seat 200. For example, the lower cover portion 128 of the child safety seat cover 100 may include edging 104, such as elastic edging, for promoting ease of configuring or fitting the lower cover portion 128 at least partially around/over the bottom portion 206 of the safety seat 200. Further, the edging 104 of the lower cover portion 128 of the child safety seat cover 100 may be secured to the bottom portion 206 of the child safety seat 200 via a variety of fasteners, adhesives, etc., such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, clips, tape, tying (ex- the corset-like loops/cord structure described above), or the like.

[0019] In current embodiments of the present invention, the lower cover portion 128 of the child safety seat cover 100 may include a quilted portion 130 for providing padding/support for a child positioned in the child safety seat. Further, the lower cover portion 128 may have one or more apertures 132 formed therethrough configured for allowing passage of/access to seat belt/harness straps, a seat belt buckle (such as base/keyhole aperture for allowing passage of/access to a center seat belt buckle for the child safety seat 200) or the like. For instance, one or more of the aperture(s) 132 may be perforated, pre-cut, pressed, pre-formed or tearable apertures (ex-slits). In additional embodiments, the quilted portion 130 may be a multi-ply/multi-layer configuration. For instance, the quilted portion 130 may be 4-6 ply or may include 4-6 layers for promoting fluid absorption and prevention of fluid leakage through the cover 100 and onto the

underlying child safety seat 200. Referring to FIG. 6, a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary multi-layer/ply configuration of the quilted portion 130 of the safety seat cover in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the multi-layer quilted portion 130 may include top and bottom layers (134, 136) constructed of non-woven material, such as material made of wood fibers for promoting air flow through the material. One or more middle layer(s)/fluid absorption layer(s) 138, may include fluid absorbing substance(s)/material(s), such as Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP), for promoting fluid absorption. Further, a water barrier layer 140, such as a plastic film layer, may be included for stopping leakage of fluid. In still further embodiments, the quilted portion 130 may be constructed of thermally bonded material. In additional embodiments, the non-quilted portion of the lower cover portion 128 may be configured as having one or more layers.

[0020] In additional embodiments, once the belt/harness straps and/or buckle(s) have been accessed as necessary and the safety seat cover 100 is being positioned onto/around the safety seat 200 as desired, a sealant or adhesive, such as double-sided tape strips may be placed on an underside of the lower cover portion 128 under the apertures 132 for providing an additional barrier of protection for promoting prevention of fluid leakage onto fabric/upholstered areas of the underlying child safety seat 200 via the apertures 132. The double-sided tape strips may further assist in securing the lower cover portion 128 against the child safety seat 200.

[0021] In exemplary embodiments, the child safety seat cover 100 of the present invention may be sized so that it may be used with a variety of child safety seats 200, such as rear-facing seats, infant-only seats, convertible seats, forward-facing seats, booster seats or the like. Further, the child safety seat cover 100 of the present invention may also be implementable with child safety seats 200 which have various harness styles (3-point, 5-point, etc.), implement various securing mechanisms (overhead shield, t- shield, etc.), and/or are secured in the automobile utilizing the automobile's seat belt(s) and/or LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system. As mentioned above,

the height adjustment assembly 106 may provide universal sizing functionality in that it may allow the child safety seat cover 100 of the present invention to be adapted for being securely configured or fitted to child safety seats 200 of various lengths (ex- heights). Further, the child safety seat cover 100 may be configured and/or sized for use with child safety seats 200 having other varying dimensions, such as varying widths (ex- varying broadness at the base of the seat 200), and the like.

[0022] In further embodiments, the child safety seat cover 100 may be constructed of flame-retardant materials, such as Tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium salts, for inhibiting/resisting the spread of fire. In additional embodiments, the child safety seat cover 100 may be constructed of hypo-allergenic materials. In still further embodiments, the child safety seat cover may be constructed at least partially of: cotton, sponge, foam rubber, paper, sewable materials, child-safe materials (ex- "breathable" materials which allow for adequate airflow for promoting prevention of suffocation accidents, etc.), stain- resistant materials, super-absorbent materials, leak-proof materials, RF (Radio Frequency) welded materials, biodegradable materials, or the like. In additional embodiments, the child safety seat cover 100 may be a disposable child safety seat cover.

[0023] In further embodiments, a method 700 for providing a disposable child safety seat cover in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: placing the cover on/attaching the cover to a child safety seat 702. The method 700 further includes smoothing the cover out to provide a smooth sitting surface 704. The method 700 further includes positioning the third flap 126 in a disengaged relative to the lower cover portion 128 for allowing seat belt/harness straps to pulled up through an opening between the third flap and the lower cover portion 706. The method 700 further includes opening a perforated aperture 124 of the middle cover, the perforated aperture being located at a desired height 708, and feeding seat belt/harness straps through the perforated aperture 710. The method 700 further includes securing the middle cover portion 112 and the lower cover portion 128 against the safety seat 200 by directing/adhering double-sided tape strips configured on the undersides of the middle and lower cover portions against the safety seat 712. The method 700 further includes

adjusting the cover 100 to a desired height via the height adjustment assembly 106 of the top cover portion 714. The method 700 further includes securing the securing flap 108 to the middle cover portion 716. The method 700 further includes adjusting the cover to allow for passage/access to a center buckle/horn/harness 718. The method 700 further includes securing the cover to the safety seat via a fastening mechanism, such as the corset-like loops/cord structure described above 720. The method 700 may further include removing and disposing of the cover 100 when said cover 100 becomes soiled 722.

[0024] It is believed that the apparatus of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the forgoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely an explanatory embodiment thereof.