Abstract:
A protective decorative cover for the rear surface of an automobile seat designed to protect the seat surface from scuff marks and dirt that may occur when the child puts his feet on the back of the seat comprises a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet that is fastened to the rear of the seat using a nylon strap in a loop configuration across an upper portion. The strap comprises a quick-release buckle mechanism and a strap length adjustment mechanism. The flexible PVC sheet can be positioned anywhere on the seat to fit any size car. A bottom portion of the sheet is provided with two (2) nylon straps and a hook system to secure the device to the bottom of the seat.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Apr. 28, 2009, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to vehicle seat protectors, and more particularly, to protective cover for automobile seat backs. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     For parents and others involved in raising children, nothing even comes close to the importance placed on ensuring the child&#39;s safety at all times, day and night. This notion is perhaps best demonstrated in the safety precautions taken while traveling in an automobile. Mandated not only by conscience, but also by law, small children are placed in safety seats at all times while traveling in an automobile. While safety seats provide the best safety for a child that technology can provide, they raise the child upward and forward, thus making it easier for them to kick their feet and reach the surface of the seat in front of them. While this kicking and tapping motion can be aggravating for others in the vehicle, it also produces physical damage in the form of scuff marks and dirt to the vehicle&#39;s interior, particularly the front seat backs. Such marks and dirt obviously require time and care to remove. Should the marks be permanent, they can negatively affect the resale value of the car at trade in time. 
     Various solutions have been presented to protect the seat back surface from damage caused by the shoes of small passengers located in the rear seats, however each suffers from one (1) or more disadvantage or deficiency with respect to design, function, or effectiveness. Some examples include positioning a towel or piece of card board over the seat back. These solutions are unsightly, difficult to maintain in position and typically are easily torn away by the child passenger. Other solutions include devices which hang on the back of seat; such devices typically include a flexible sheet which can be deployed from a roller attached to an upper rear surface of the seat. An example of such a device can be seen by in U.S. Pat. No. 7,210,738, issued in the name of Mahaffy. However, these devices are easy damaged by the child and can easy be moved aside leaving the seat back open to damage. Full seat covers are not always desirable and are commonly more easily damaged than the seat. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which the rear seat surface in motor vehicles can be protected from dirt and scuff marks from a child&#39;s feet. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing art, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed the need for a novel means protect a front seat back of an automobile and thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a device which is adjustable and can easily attach to all models and types of motor vehicle seats. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a device which protects vehicle surfaces from scuff marks, dirt, wetness, or other debris form children&#39;s feet. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a device which provides various colors, designs, or other aesthetic properties. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device which collects large amounts of debris and liquid, thus preventing the same from reaching the carpeted floor of the vehicle. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device which is securely retained to the rear surface of the vehicle seat. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device which is simple and intuitive to use with little to no training. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device which is durable and economical to manufacture. 
     One (1) or more of these and other objects of the invention are achieved by a protective cover for an automobile seat back comprising a generally rectangular base made of a flexible and waterproof material to protect a rear surface of a vehicle seat. A decorative binding material made of a fabric is affixed around a perimeter of the base to protect the exterior edges. An upper securing strap is affixed to upper corners of the base to connect to the vehicle seat. The upper securing strap includes a first strap section having a fixed end attached to one upper corner of the base and a second strap section having a fixed end attached to an opposing upper corner of the base. A quick release buckle is provided having a hollow base member on a first strap section and a releasably attached clasp on a second strap section. A length adjuster is provided to adapt the length of the first strap section as desired by the user to secure the base flush against the seat back. A pair of lower securing straps is included to connect the base to the vehicle seat. Each lower securing strap includes a third strap section having a fixed end attached to a lower corner of the base and a free end. A length adjuster is also included to adapt the length of each third strap section as desired by the user to secure the base flush against the seat back. Each free end of the third strap sections includes a hook to hookingly engage a lower portion of the vehicle seat. A pocket affixed to a lower exterior portion of the base having an open top is provided to collect debris or liquid falling from the shoes of the child. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the invention may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one (1) skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The invention can be practiced without one or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of the protective cover for automobile seat back  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the protective cover for automobile seat back  10 , shown in an installed position, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the protective cover for automobile seat back  10 , shown in a utilized state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 10 
                 protective cover for automobile seat back 
                   
               
               
                   
                 15 
                 cover base 
                   
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 binding material 
                   
               
               
                   
                 25 
                 upper securing strap 
                   
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 first strap section 
                   
               
               
                   
                 32 
                 second strap section 
                   
               
               
                   
                 35 
                 quick release buckle 
                   
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 first length adjuster 
                   
               
               
                   
                 45 
                 lower securing strap 
                   
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 second strap material 
                   
               
               
                   
                 55 
                 second length adjuster 
                   
               
               
                   
                 60 
                 hook 
                   
               
               
                   
                 65 
                 pocket area 
                   
               
               
                   
                 70 
                 rear surface 
                   
               
               
                   
                 75 
                 front motor vehicle seats 
                   
               
               
                   
                 80 
                 headrest area 
                   
               
               
                   
                 85 
                 seat bottom structure 
                   
               
               
                   
                 90 
                 occupant 
                   
               
               
                   
                 95 
                 rear car seat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 downward protruding opening 
                   
               
               
                   
                 105 
                 feet 
                   
               
               
                   
                 110 
                 foreign material means 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 3 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a front view of the protective cover for automobile seat back  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The protective cover for automobile seat back  10  comprises a cover base  15  made of flexible material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), although other materials that are flexible and waterproof can be used as well with equal effectiveness, and as such, should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention. The cover base  15  is approximately seventeen (17) inches wide and twenty (20) inches tall. A binding material  20 , such as cotton textile, is provided around the entire perimeter of the cover base  15 . The binding material  20  serves as a decorative and physical protection element designed to prevent the cover base  15  from ripping or tearing during use. The protective cover for automobile seat back  10  is supported by an upper securing strap  25  attached to the upper corners of the cover base  15 . The upper securing strap  25  comprises a first strap section  30 , a second strap section  32 , a quick release buckle  35 , and a first length adjuster  40 . The upper securing strap  25  can be opened, placed around the upper portion of a motor vehicle seat, and closed again by using the quick release buckle  35  to mechanically mate free ends of the first strap section  30  and the second strap section  32 . 
     The quick release buckle  35  comprises two communicating buckle ends further comprises a hollow base member with at least one locking slot attached to the free end of the first strap section and a clasp having at least one deformable tab attached to the free end of the second strap section. The clasp is removably coupled within the hollow base. The quick release buckle  35  is preferably a plastic side release buckle comprising a base having two (2) opposing locking slots on side walls of the base and a clasp having two (2) deformable tabs which engage the two locking slots when the clasp is inserted into the base. 
     The lower portion of the cover base  15  is secured via two lower securing loops  45 . Each lower securing loop  45  consists of a second strap material  50 , a second length adjusting means  55 , and a hook  60 . The hook  60  is used to attach the lower portion of the protective cover for automobile seat back  10  to the bottom of a motor vehicle seat. The hook  60  is preferably a strap hook retainer having a slotted opening in an upper planar end through which a free end of the third strap is looped through and attached. A lower end of the hook  60  comprises an arcuate portion having an angle less the ninety degrees (90°). 
     Finally, a pocket area  65  is provided over the lower quarter or third of the cover base  15  and stands proud or outward from the cover base  15 . In such a manner, any dirt, debris, water, snow, or the like, that is dislodged by the upper portion of the cover base  15  will fall and be captured inside of the pocket area  65 . The various components of the protective cover for automobile seat back  10  including the cover base  15 , the binding material  20 , the first strap material  30 , the second strap material  50 , and the pocket area  65 , would be attached together using conventional sewing methods performed on a heavy duty sewing machine. 
     The first length adjuster  40  and second length adjuster  55  each comprise a tri-glide slider-type buckle having an inner rung and two outer rungs. A pair of side members interconnects the inner and outer mutually parallel rungs. The first strap section  30  and the pair of third strap sections  50  are each wrapped through the rungs of a corresponding tri-glide buckle, such that each strap section lies atop of the inner rung and under each of the outer rungs. The tri-glide buckle is slidable along a length of the strap section which loops over itself in a commonly known manner, such that the overall length of the strap section is adjustable. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 2 , an isometric view of the protective cover for automobile seat back  10 , shown in an installed state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is depicted. This figure clearly depicts a set or pair of protective cover for automobile seat back  10  installed on a rear surface  70  of a set of front motor vehicle seats  75 . The upper securing strap  25  is secured about a headrest area  80 , while each attachment hook  60  is secured to the seat bottom structure  85 . In such a manner, the cover base  15  is secured to the rear surface  70  in a tight and form-fitting manner that is not likely to become dislodged while still providing complete coverage. As aforementioned described, the protective cover for automobile seat back  10  would be used in vehicles in which children are placed in rear seat-mounted, but forward-facing car seats. However, the protective cover for automobile seat back  10  could also be used with children sitting in booster seats or with children sitting directly on the rear seat as well. Such covering afforded by the protective cover for automobile seat back  10  immediately negates the possibility of dirt or physical damage occurring to the rear surface  70  of the front motor vehicle seats  75 . Such a feature not only reduces physical activity necessary to clean the rear surface  70 , but preserves the quality of the rear surface  70 , thus improving re-sale value. The protective cover for automobile seat back  10  would be installed at the same time a car seat is installed, and would remain in place for years while the child progresses through the car seat, a booster seat and direct seating on the rear seat surface. Once a child learns not to kick the rear surface  70 , or place his or her feet upon it, the protective cover for automobile seat back  10  would no longer be needed. Should a car be sold or the functionality of the protective cover for automobile seat back  10  no longer be needed, the protective cover for automobile seat back  10  can be easily removed and installed in another vehicle if needed without leaving any tell-tale marks behind. It should be noted that the protective cover for automobile seat back  10  can be used with any type of motor vehicle in which a car seat can be utilized. A listing of such vehicles is envisioned to include automobiles, trucks, vans, busses, SUV&#39;s, and the like. 
     Referring finally, to  FIG. 3 , an isometric view of the protective cover for automobile seat back  10 , shown in a utilized position, according to the preferred embodiment is shown. This view more clearly depicts the physical protection provided by the protective cover for automobile seat back  10  from an occupant  90  in a rear car seat  95 . The pocket area  65  provides for a downward protruding opening  100  that would be directly below the feet  105  of the occupant  90 . As such, foreign material  110 , such as dirt, water, mud, snow or other undesired material, remains on the surface of the cover base  15  or falls into the pocket area  65 . The foreign material  110  can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth for cleaning purposes. With the protective cover for automobile seat back  10  in place, the rear surface  70  of the front motor vehicle seats  75  is also protected from scuff marks and abrasions that may occur when the occupant  90  of the rear car seat  95  puts their feet  105  on the rear surface  70 . While intended for use with rear car seat  95 , the protective cover for automobile seat back  10  can also be used by children who may be sitting in booster seats or sitting in the regular vehicle seat as well and as such, should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. It is envisioned that the protective cover for automobile seat back  10  would be constructed in general accordance with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 . 
     The protective cover for automobile seat back  10  would be procured from a manufacturer in its finished state as shown in  FIG. 1 . It is envisioned that the protective cover for automobile seat back  10  would be made available in multiple colors and styles to match or complement various motor vehicle interiors. The protective cover for automobile seat back  10  would be installed on one or both of the front motor vehicle seats  75 , dependent on placement of the rear car seat  95 , or occupation of the rear seat by a child depending on need. The quick release buckle  35  would be opened up and the first strap material  30  would be placed around the headrest area  80  of the front motor vehicle seats  75 . Next, the first length adjusting means  40  would be adjusted such that the cover base  15  would be positioned in an acceptable position to protect the rear surface  70  of the front motor vehicle seats  75  from accidental contact with the feet  105  of the occupant  90  in a rear car seat  95 . Finally, the two (2) lower securing loops  45  would be adjusted in length using the second length adjusting means  55  and the attachment hook  60  would be attached to the seat bottom structure  85  to adequately hold the protective cover for automobile seat back  10  in physical contact with the front motor vehicle seats  75 . At this point in time, the protective cover for automobile seat back  10  is ready for operation. 
     During use of the protective cover for automobile seat back  10 , the user would place the child occupant  90  in a rear car seat  95  or directly on the rear seat of the subject motor vehicle. The occupant  90  would be fastened and secured in the normal and expected manner. At this point in time, the protective cover for automobile seat back  10  would provide physical protection against foreign material  110  from directly contacting the rear surface  70 . Such damage is envisioned to reduce cleaning, as well as to prevent permanent physical damage to the rear surface  70 . Any foreign material  110  that is dislodged from the feet  105  of the occupant  90  during accidental or intentional contact with the cover base  15  would fall into the pocket area  65  and thus keep the floor of the passenger compartment cleaner as well. Should the foreign material  110  on become excessive, the user can wipe the protective cover for automobile seat back  10  off using a damp rag or other conventional cleaning techniques. Additionally, foreign material  110  captured inside of the pocket area  65  can be removed via vacuuming or by wiping with a damp cloth as well. Such usage of the protective cover for automobile seat back  10  continues until no longer needed or require, whereupon it is removed by opening the quick release buckle  35  and un-hooking the two (2) attachment hooks  60 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.