WO1996034777A1

WO1996034777A1 - Cover for headrest of automobile seat

Info

Publication number: WO1996034777A1
Application number: PCT/US1996/005984
Authority: WO
Original assignee: Junk, Scott
Priority date: 1995-05-03
Filing date: 1996-04-30
Publication date: 1996-11-07
Also published as: AU6347196A

Abstract

A novel headrest cover allows a means for readily customizing an interior of an auto with various indicia that make a personal statement, make the auto easy to identify, and serve to entertain child passengers. A fabric sheath is constructed to enclose the headrest. A snug fit is ensured by employing a stretchable fabric equipped with a draw-cord or other fasteners. Various indicia are attached to the fabric sheath to transform the sheath into the body of an animal or human being. As an alternative, the indicia may comprise indicators or various sports or hobbies so that the complete device serves to advertise the auto owner's interest in that sport or hobby. The entire device can be constructed as an integral unit by using stuffing to fill a fabric form. The various animal body parts can be removably attached by hook-in-loop fastener so that different animals can be readily constructed.

Description

COVER FOR HEADREST OF AUTOMOBILE SEAT

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

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.

2. Description of Related Art

A considerable effort has been expended over the years to provide means to customize and otherwise render individual a personal automobile. At the high end of the market people pay large sums of money to customize the bodies of their automobiles. People also purchase leather interiors, special paint jobs, extra chrome, and unusual tires or suspension systems. At the low end of the market are decals, fuzzy dice, license plate covers, radio antenna decorations, and toys that adhere to the inside of the car windows. There are several purposes behind such customizations. First, people want their automobile to make a statement about their personal likes and dislikes. Second, people spend a great deal of time in their cars and wish to enhance their car's appearance in much the same way that they remodel their homes. Finally, modifications to a car make it easier to spot the car in a parking lot or other location where it might be easily lost among a multitude of similar vehicles.

When an automobile is customized in some way, it is desirable that the modification be aesthetically pleasing and not interfere with the functioning of the vehicle. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so that one person's artistry is another person's kitsch. However, it is generally agreed that items attached to a car's windows or to the rear view mirror can obstruct the vision of the driver and are, hence, a safety hazard. Other customizations such as floor mats, while satisfying the safety /function requirement, are not readily visible from the outside of the vehicle. Thus, they fail to make a "statement" to the world and also do not aid in vehicle identification. This leaves the seating areas of the car as one of the most fertile areas for modification. Because at least part of the seats is visible from outside, the seats can be modified for both identification purposes and to make a personal statement. In addition, 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. However, sheep skins probably do not make much of an aesthetic statement, nor do they always increase the identifiability of the car.

There has been considerable activity in producing modified seating areas for children. Here, the underlying motive is usually one of safety. Because small children cannot be adequately retained by conventional seat/shoulder belts, special child's seats are required. Because small children often fidget and are difficult to strap into these child's seats, several inventors have provided seats that incorporate the pacifying influence of a teddy bear or similar toy into the child's seat. U.S. Patent No. 5,147,109 to Jolly teaches a separate child's seat covered by an animal representation so that a seated child appears to be seated in the animal's lap. Similarly, U.S. Patent 4,695,092 to Hittie shows a child's seat where a padded animal-like liner actually embraces and encloses the child.

U.S. Patent 5,137,335 to Marten applies the above ideas to an older child. Again, an animal representation is provided; this animal embraces an older child while that child is sitting on a conventional car seat. The general notion of all these inventions is that the animal figure will make confinement more palatable to the child. However, modification of child seat's does not satisfy the adult goals of making a personal statement and of improving vehicle identification.

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.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a way to readily modify an automobile seating area;

It is a further object that this modification be aesthetically pleasing to adults;

It is also an object of the present invention that the seating modification be capable of making a personal statement and enhance the identifiability of the modified auto;

It is another object of the present invention that the modification be readily applicable to a majority of automobile seats; and

It is a further object of the invention that the modification not interfere with the safe functioning of the automobile.

These and other objects are realized in the present invention by providing a sheath of fabric which conforms to the headrest found on virtually all current automobile seats. 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. In addition, 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. In the simplest devices the "body parts" or other indicia are attached to the fabric "body" sheath. In the more deluxe version 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

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 1;

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 (VELCRO™) 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; and 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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor for carrying out his invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined herein specifically to provide a headrest cover that represents an aesthetically pleasing customization for an automobile, that can make a statement about the owner's hobbies and that helps make the vehicle readily identifiable.

In its simplest form 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. As shown in Figure 2, the body of the pig is actually a fabric sheath 10 or bag sized to fit over the headrest. Here the sheath 10 is equipped with a draw-cord 20 to help ensure a proper fit. Of course, headrests vary considerably in size from car to car.

However, Applicant has found that many current headrests have approximately the same volume, i.e., the volume produced by dimensions of about 5 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches (about 360 cubic inches). However, this approximate volume is met by headrests with at least two basic configurations: a short, squat type of headrest, and a tall, thin type of headrest. Thus, by making the fabric sheath somewhat adjustable in size, it is possible to accommodate most headrests by providing only a small number of different sheath sizes. This goal is also met by constructing the sheath out of a stretchable fabric such as spandex. In addition, various fastening means are provided to ensure a snug fit of the sheath on the headrest.

In Figure 2 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. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3, 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 (VELCRO™) 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.

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.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a number of components are attached to d e fabric sheath 10 to create an animal. In this case 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. In Figure 2 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. Because the fabric sheath 10 forms the body of the animal, proper choice of fabrics can enhance the overall effect. 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.

Although many of the animal and odier figures are best created by using the fabric sheath as the body of die animal, other feasible designs use the sheath as a joined head/body or omer combination. For example, Figure 4 shows an alternative version of the pig of Figure 1. Here 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 installation of the device of Figure 1 on an automobile headrest is extremely easy. As shown in Figure 5, 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. In this example, 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. For d is purpose it is desirable to have 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. In addition, 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). Finally, Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment especially suited to entertain children in die rear seat of me automobile. Here the sheath body 10 is constructed of a fabric with a suitable pile to interact with a hook-in-loop fastener like VELCRO™. 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.

It is also possible to construct the present invention in much the same way as teddy bears and other plush toys. In diis case, the entire body of die animal is three-dimensional wim die limbs and head continuous with die body. Such a device is more attractive, but also more expensive to construct. As shown in Figure 7, 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. Without the bulk of the headrest to fill the pouch, 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. For example, 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. 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. In addition, die invention serves as a display surface for various collectable pins and buttons. The choice of sports/hobby indicia is almost limitiess; possible choices would include: clubs, balls, tees and a golf bag for golf, a ball and a helmet for football; a stick and puck for hockey; a racket and ball for tennis; a surfboard or sailboard for surfing or wind surfing; fish and rod and reel for fishing. In a simpler form of die invention me fabric sheath can be made in the "team colors" and various team or sports logos can be directly printed on die sheatii. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of die just-described preferred embodiment can be configured widiout departing from die scope and spirit of the invention. The list of possible structures is almost endless comprising licensed characters, stars and celebrities, political figures, super heroes, and all types of animals and plants, real and imagined. Therefore, it is to be understood mat, within the scope of die appended claims, the invention may be practiced other tiian as specifically described herein.

Claims

CLΔIMSWhat Is Claimed Is:

1. A device for customizing a headrest of an automobile seat wherein me headrest projects upwardly from a back-rest portion of die seat, the device comprising: a fabric body sheatii sized to slip over die headrest; fastening means for securing die body sheath to the headrest and ensuring that the body sheatii fits snugly on the headrest; and indicia attached to die body sheath so that die form of the headrest is disguised, wherein no portion of said device modifies appearance or function of said back-rest portion of said seat.

2. The device of Claim 1 , wherein me indicia comprise a head, limbs, a tail, and otiier body parts of an animal arranged so diat die body sheatii forms the body of die animal.

3. The device of Claim 2, wherein the fabric body sheatii is constructed of a material wit a pile and die indicia comprise a head, limbs, a tail, and otiier body parts of an animal and are removably attached to die body sheatii by a hook-in-loop fastener.

4. The device of Claim 3 , wherein a plurality of body parts are provided, each attached to a first end of a fabric-covered elastic cord with a second end of die cord attached to said body sheatii so that the body parts cannot be lost.

5. The device of Claim 1 , wherein the indicia comprise limbs, a tail, and other body parts of an animal arranged so that said body sheatii forms the head and body of die animal.

6. The device of Claim 1 , wherein the indicia comprise objects that represent a popular sport.

7. The device of Claim 1, wherein die body sheath is constructed from a stretchable fabric ensuring a snug fit on the headrest.

8. The device of Claim 1, wherein the fastening means are selected from die group consisting of a draw-cord, a hook-in-loop fastener, a snap, and a piece of elastic.

9. A device for customizing a headrest of an automobile seat wherein the headrest projects upwardly from a back-rest portion of the seat, the device comprising: a padded fabric body for enveloping the headrest; a downward-facing pouch-like opening in the padded fabric body, die opening sized to slip over die headrest and fit snugly; fastening means for securing the padded fabric body to die headrest; and tiiree-dimensional, padded limbs and a head integrally attached to die padded body so tiiat the form of the headrest is disguised as an animal, wherein no portion of said device modifies appearance or function of said back-rest portion of said seat.

10. The device of Claim 9, wherein die fastening means are selected from die group consisting of a draw-cord, a hook-in-loop fastener, a snap, and a piece of elastic.

11. The device of Claim 9 wherein the indicia comprise a head, limbs, a tail, and otiier body parts of an animal arranged so that the body sheatii forms the body of the animal.

12. The device of Claim 9, wherein the indicia comprise limbs, a tail, and otiier body parts of an animal arranged so that die body sheath forms the head and body of the animal.

13. A device for customizing a headrest of an automobile seat wherein the headrest projects upwardly from a back-rest portion of the seat, the device comprising: a padded fabric body, wherein the body is shaped to resemble an object used in a popular sport or hobby; a downward-facing pouch-like opening in the padded fabric body, die opening sized to slip over die headrest and fit snugly; fastening means for securing the padded fabric body to die headrest; and three-dimensional indicia representing a popular sport or hobby integrally attached to die padded body so diat die form of the headrest is disguised, wherein no portion of said device modifies appearance or function of said back-rest portion of said seat.

14. The device of Claim 11, wherein the fastening means are selected from die group consisting of a draw-cord, a hook-in-loop fastener, a snap, and a piece of elastic.

15. The device of Claim 11, wherein die indicia comprise objects that represent a popular sport.

16. The device of Claim 11 wherein the body is shaped to resemble an object selected from the group consisting of a baseball bat, a golf bag, a football, a football helmet, a tennis racket, a surfboard, and a fishing rod and reel.

17. A device for customizing a headrest of an automobile seat wherein the headrest projects upwardly from a back-rest portion of the seat, the device comprising: a fabric body sheath constructed of a material with a pile and sized to slip over die headrest; a plurality of cords witii a first end of each cord attached to a lower edge of die body sheatii; and a plurality of indicia comprising a head, limbs, a tail, and otiier body parts of animals, each indicium attached to a second end of one of the cords and equipped with hook material so that it can be removably attached to said body sheatii.

18. A device for customizing a headrest of an automobile seat wherein the headrest projects upwardly from a back-rest portion of die seat, die device comprising: a fabric body, dimensioned to enclose said headrest and constructed so as to form a body of an animal; a downward-facing pouch-like opening in the fabric body, the opening sized to slip over the headrest and fit snugly; fastening means for securing the fabric body to die headrest when die headrest is inserted into the pouch-like opening; and tiiree-dimensional, padded limbs and a head integrally attached to the body so that the headrest is disguised as an animal, and wherein no portion of said device modifies appearance or function of said back-rest portion of said seat.