Patent Publication Number: US-2015076872-A1

Title: Catching Device for Use with Seats

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/879,480 filed on Sep. 18, 2013. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a catching device for collecting items that fall out of a user&#39;s pocket when sitting. More specifically, the present invention pertains to an improved catching device that is adapted to be placed between seat cushions of a furniture or between a front seat and a center console of a vehicle. The catching device is adapted to catch items that would otherwise fall into the gaps between the seat cushions or between the seat and the center console. 
     Many individuals place small items in the pockets of their apparel. While some pockets include a closure mechanism to prevent items from falling out of the pockets, most pockets are left open such that there is a high likelihood that items such as coins, keys, phones, or other personal belongings may drop from the individual&#39;s pocket and fall into the gap between the seat cushions of a furniture when sitting down. To retrieve the items that fall into the gap, individuals must remove the seat cushions and look for the lost item, which may have fallen deeper into the seams or crevices of the furniture. In this way, items may become easily lost or misplaced between the seat cushions of a furniture. 
     Similarly, many individuals drop small items into the gap between the front seat and the center console of a vehicle when entering and exiting the vehicle. It is incredibly difficult to reach between the front seat and the center console because the gap is often too narrow and the seat adjustment mechanism prevents individuals from easily accessing the gap. Furthermore, as the individuals move the seat to widen the gap or otherwise make the gap more accessible, the seat adjustment mechanism can damage the fallen item. Therefore, there exists a need for a device that can prevent or catch small items that fall into the gap between the seat cushions or the front seats. 
     The present invention provides a catching device comprising a liner having a defined interior volume formed by a closed lower end, closed side ends, and an open upper end. In one embodiment, the liner is constructed to be placed between the seat cushions of a sofa, couch, loveseat, or the like. In another embodiment, the liner is constructed to be placed between the front seat and the front console of a vehicle. The device is removably attached to a desired location by means of hook and loop fasteners at the upper end thereof. In this way, the device may be removed from a mounted surface when retrieving fallen items therefrom. Subsequently, the device may be reinstalled without inconveniencing the user. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that claim liners for catching items that fall between seat cushions. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. Some of these devices disclose a slip cover with separate covers for the seat cushions. Other devices disclose a remote control caddy that attaches to a chair. These devices, however, do not disclose a liner that attaches to the furniture between the seat cushions, and that attaches between a front seat of a vehicle and a center console thereof. The foregoing is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art. 
     Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 6,827,398 to Nazginov discloses a one-piece slip cover comprising a first pouch and a second pouch, wherein the first pouch defines a seat cushion covering and the second pouch defines a furniture base covering. Each of the pouches comprises a perimeter having elastic or other means to cinch the perimeter. The intent and design of the Nazginov device, however, differ from the present invention in that the Nazginov discloses a slip cover with separate pockets for seat cushions for a fitted appearance. In contrast, the present invention provides a liner for catching items that fall between seat cushions. Thus, Nazginov does not disclose a device that enables a user to easily retrieve items that fall between seat cushions. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,608 to Simien discloses a remote control caddy comprising a planar sheet of material with a plurality of pockets thereon. The device is adapted to removably attach to a sofa or a chair via a set of pins so that the pockets rest flush against the exterior of the sofa or the chair and the user can readily access the pockets. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,872,702 to Kopel and U.S. Design Pat. No. D333,580 to Brummett disclose remote control holders comprising a substantially planar sheet of material with one side that is curved. The curved portion allows the device to hang on an arm of a chair, or elevate the device when placed on a horizontal surface. The device further comprises a plurality of pockets for holding one or more remote controls therein. 
     The foregoing Simien, Kopel, and Brummett devices are directed toward remote control holders. Thus, the foregoing devices are placed on the external portion of a sofa or a chair, and are inoperable to catch items that fall between the seat cushions. In contrast, the present invention provides a liner that is adapted to be placed between the seat cushions of a sofa or a chair. As such, the user must reach between the seat cushion to access the liner. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a liner that is adapted to be placed between a front seat of a vehicle and a center console thereof. The foregoing devices do not disclose a liner that may be used with a seat of a vehicle. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,131,313 to Jacobs discloses a removable storage compartment for vehicle seats. The removable storage compartment comprises a plurality of pockets adapted to be positioned on the front portion of the vehicle seats, and a pair of side pockets adapted to be positioned on the side portions of the vehicle seats. The pockets are attached to an elastic strap having two terminal ends. The strap is wrapped around the vehicle seats and are tied together to secure the pockets in place. In contrast, the present invention comprises a liner that is adapted to be placed between a front seat of a vehicle and a center console. The liner is secured in place via a fastener such as hook and loop fasteners. As such, the liner of the present invention does not wrap around the seat. 
     Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,727 to Rife discloses a pouch that may be adapted to a variety of a mounting surface. The pouch comprises an open upper end having a fastener attached thereto. In one embodiment, the fastener comprises a hook and loop fastener. The open upper end of the pouch may be elastic so that the opening may be expanded or substantially closed. Unlike the present invention, the device of Rife comprises a fastener along only one side of the upper end. The present invention comprises a liner having an open end, wherein the open end comprises a perimeter. The fastener of the present invention is disposed along the perimeter. In this way, the present liner remains substantially open when mounted to a surface, thereby catching any items that fall within its interior. 
     The devices disclosed in the prior art have several known drawbacks. These devices are limited in that they are not designed to be placed between seat cushions or between a front seat of a vehicle and a center console. Additionally, the prior art fails to disclose a liner with a wide opening to catch items therein. The present invention overcomes these limitations by disclosing a liner that can be placed between seat cushions or between a front seat of a vehicle and a center console, depending upon embodiment. In this way, the present invention is able to catch items that fall between the seats and are otherwise difficult to retrieve. 
     It is therefore submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to liners for catching items. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of liners for catching items now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new and improved catching device wherein the same can be utilized for catching items that fall between seat cushions and preventing items from falling under seats. 
     It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new and improved catching device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved catching device that is adapted to be placed between seat cushions of a sofa, couch, a loveseat, or the like. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved catching device that is adapted to be placed between a front seat of a vehicle and a center console. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved catching device that is removably secured in place via hook and loop fasteners. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved catching device that is economic in its construction and durable and efficient as an article of commercial use. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein the numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a view of the first embodiment of the present invention being inserted into a chair. 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows a view of the second embodiment of the present invention being inserted between the front seats of a vehicle and the center console. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     References are made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the catching device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for catching items that fall between seat cushions and preventing items from falling under seats. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there are shown views of the first embodiment of the present invention. The present invention comprises an elongated liner  21  having an open upper end  22 , a closed lower end  28 , a first end  23 , and a second end  24 , defining an interior volume  30 . The distance between the upper end  22  and the lower end  28  define a height, wherein the height is constant over the length of the upper  22  and lower ends  28 . 
     The liner  21  is an elongated rectangle that may be folded into thirds, forming a first side panel  25 , a second side panel  27 , and a middle panel  26  therebetween. Each of the first side panel  25 , the second side panel  27 , and the middle panel  26  is substantially equal in size and shape. In this way, the liner  21  forms a U-shape when viewed from the top, and the liner  21  is symmetrical in structure. It is contemplated that the liner  21  is composed of flexible material such as nylon, leather, or other suitable materials. In some embodiments, the interior volume  30  may comprise a layer of lining fabric that is composed of cotton blend, polyester, silk, or other suitable fabric. The lining fabric may be stitched to the interior of the liner  21  so that it is coextensive therewith and substantially similar in size and dimension. Preferably, the lining fabric has a lower friction than the liner  21  so that the items that fall within the interior volume  30  can easily slide in and out of the interior volume  30 . 
     The upper end  22  of the liner  21  comprises a perimeter having a hook and loop fastener  29  therearound. Preferably, the hook and loop fastener  29  extends around the entire perimeter of the upper end  22 . The hook and loop fastener  29  is disposed along the outer surface of the liner  21  so that it does not extend into the interior volume  30  thereof. In this way, the upper end  22  stays open. The hook and loop fastener  29  may be attached to the upper end  22  via strong adhesives, or the hook and loop fastener  29  may be stitched onto the upper end  22 . 
     The liner  21  is constructed to fit between the seat cushions of a couch, a sofa, a chair, or other similar furniture. In  FIG. 2 , the liner  21  is used with a chair  38 . The chair  38  comprises a back portion, a pair of arms, and a seat cushion therebetween. The chair  38  further comprises a gap between the seat cushion and the pair of arms, as well as a gap between the seat cushion and the back portion. In use, strips of hook and loop fasteners  39  are placed near the gap between the seat cushion and the pair of arms, and near the gap between the seat cushion and the back portion. Preferably, a separate strip of hook and loop fasteners  39  is used for each of the arms and the back portion. Additionally, strips of hook and loop fasteners  39  may be placed on the sides and the back of the seat cushion. The hook and loop fasteners  39  may comprise adhesive backing so that it can be secured to the chair. Alternatively, the hook and loop fasteners  39  may be stitched to the chair  38 . The hook and loop fasteners  39  directly align with the hook and loop fasteners  29  so that the liner  21  can be removably attached within the gaps of the chair  38 . 
     When secured in place, the upper end  22  of the liner  21  is substantially level with the top surface of the seat cushion and the lower end  28  extends below the seat cushion. Additionally, the middle panel is positioned between the seat cushion and the back portion, while the first and second side panels are positioned between the seat cushion and the pair of arms. The liner  21  does not interfere with the functionality of the chair  38 . The upper end  22  of the liner  21  stays open, thereby catching any items in the interior volume  30  that would otherwise fall into the gap between the seat cushion and the pair of arms, or into the gap between the seat cushion and the back portion. In this way, the present invention provides convenience to the user by catching items that fall out of the user&#39;s pocket when sitting on the chair  38 , preventing items from getting lost or damaged. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , there are shown views of the second embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated embodiment of the liner  31  comprises an open upper end  33 , a closed lower end  32 , a first end  36 , and a second end  37 , defining an interior volume  34 . The distance between the upper end  33  and the lower end  32  define a height. The liner  31  is substantially rectangular in shape. As such, the height of the liner  31  is constant over the length of the upper end  33  and the lower end  32 , and the first end  36  is substantially parallel to the second end  37 . Similar to the first embodiment, the liner  31  is composed of flexible material such as nylon, leather, or other suitable materials. In some embodiments, the interior volume  34  may comprise a layer of lining fabric that is composed of cotton blend, polyester, silk, or other suitable fabric. The lining fabric may be stitched to the liner  31  so that it is coextensive therewith and substantially similar in size and dimension. Preferably, the lining fabric has a lower friction than the liner  31  so that the items that fall within the interior volume  34  can easily slide in and out of the interior volume  34 . 
     The upper end  33  of the liner  31  comprises a perimeter having a hook and loop fastener  35 . The hook and loop fastener  35  extends around the entire perimeter of the upper end  33 . The hook and loop fastener  35  is disposed along the outer surface of the liner  31  so that it does not extend into the interior volume  34  thereof. In this way, the upper end  33  stays open. The hook and loop fastener  35  may be attached to the upper end  33  via strong adhesives, or the hook and loop fastener  35  may be stitched onto the upper end  33 . 
     The liner  31  is constructed to fit between a front seat of a vehicle and a center console. In use, strips of hook and loop fasteners  39  are placed on opposing sides of the center console so that the hook and loop fasteners  39  are substantially level with the top of the front seats. It is contemplated that the hook and loop fasteners  39  may comprise adhesive backing thereon so that it can be secured in place during use. Optionally, additional strips of hook and loop fasteners  39  may be placed on the side of the seat facing the center console. The hook and loop fasteners  39  directly align with the hook and loop fasteners  35  so that the liner  31  is removably attached to the front seat and the center console. 
     When secured in place, the upper end  33  of the liner  31  is substantially level with the top surface of the front seat and the lower end  32  extends below the gap between the seat and the center console. The upper end  33  of the liner  31  stays open, thereby catching any items in the interior volume  30  that would otherwise fall into the gap between the front seat and the center console. In this way, the present invention provides convenience to the user by catching items that fall out of the user&#39;s pocket when sitting on the front seat, preventing items from getting lost or damaged. 
     It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above descriptions then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specifications are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.