US20120193958A1

US20120193958A1 - Travel cocoon wrap

Info

Publication number: US20120193958A1
Application number: US13/423,812
Authority: US
Inventors: Josette A. DePasquale
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-11-25
Filing date: 2012-03-19
Publication date: 2012-08-02

Abstract

The travel cocoon wrap is a specially designed protective covering configured specifically to be applied over the headrests of public seats, thus protecting the user from any harmful debris deposited onto the seats by other users. The travel cocoon wrap is manufactured of ultra soft and lightweight fleece material and is comprised of a fitted, rectangular shaped sheath designed to slide over the headrest, encompassing the front of the headrest completely, while the base of the unit extends down the seat's backrest.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This disclosure is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/592,251 entitled PLANE WRAPPER to Josette A. DePasquale that was filed on Nov. 20, 2009, which claims priority to Provisional Application No. 61/200,155 entitled PLANE WRAPPER to Josette A. DePasquale that was filed on Nov. 25, 2008, all of which are hereby incorporated by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of protective seat covers and more specifically to the field of personal hygienic protective seat covers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several devices for use as seat covers. These include:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,066 to Drum describes a vehicle seat cover for use in an automobile, truck or other vehicle. This seat cover is designed for added comfort and for improved heat transfer.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,026 to Barnett et al describes an adhesive secured seat cover and method.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,764,134 to Crescenzi et al describes a travel wrap which comprises a seat cover having an integral body wrap, various pockets for receiving personal items and apertures.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,189 to Dudley describes a multi-purpose bunting bag which teaches the use of fleece as a covering material in a set cover application.
None of these references describes the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Millions of Americans utilize public seating on a daily basis. Whether a businessman who flies cross country for important meetings, a senior citizen riding a bus to the grocery store, or even a couple enjoying a romantic date at the local movie theater, public seating is something we all must utilize at some time or another. Unfortunately, sticky styling products, oily residue, dandruff and germs and bacteria associated with these agents can all be deposited onto the seat, and in turn, the head of the next user. Not surprisingly, because of this, public seating can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria that cause colds, flu and other communicable diseases.
Although most people would rather not think about the potential consequences which can result from reclining back against a publicly utilized headrest, this simple action can result in a slew of germs and bacteria being transferred onto the head and neck.
Recognizing the potential for a product that would protect consumers from exposure to dirt, debris and germs and bacteria when utilizing public seating, the present invention was invented and is hereinafter referred to as the travel cocoon wrap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The novel features believed to be characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures can be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention mounted on a seat.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention flattened out.

FIG. 3 is a view of the present invention folded and inserted the headrest cover portion forming a handy carrying pouch.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention mounted on a seat.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention mounted on a seat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present disclosure can be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the disclosure in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences can be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.
Generally, the travel cocoon wrap is a specially designed protective covering configured specifically to be applied over the headrests of public seats, thus protecting the user from any harmful debris deposited onto the seats by other users. The travel cocoon wrap is manufactured of ultra soft non-piling fleece and lightweight denim material and is comprised of a fitted, rectangular shaped sheath designed to slide over the headrest, encompassing the front of the headrest completely, while the base of the unit extends down the seat's backrest. The travel cocoon wrap can be produced in a myriad of attractive colors and printed designs.
Referring to FIG. 1, travel cocoon wrap 1 may be used in conjunction with seat 50 and covers headrest 60, front-facing portion of seatback 70, and top portion of seat 8. Wrap 1 can be comprised of headrest portion 10, seatback portion 20, and first and second lateral fabric panels 30 and 40.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, headrest portion 10 may be comprised of front portion 12, which can be adjacent to and integral with seatback portion 20 and may be in contact with the head of a person sitting in seat 50; top portion 14 which may cover the horizontal portion of headrest 60; rear portion 16, which may covers the rear-facing portion of headrest 60; and lateral side portions 18 a and 18 b which may cover the vertical sides of headrest 60. Front portion 12, top portion 14, rear portion 16, and lateral side portions 18 a and 18 b may define headrest space 100 into which seatback portion 20 and first and second lateral fabric panels 30 and 40 may tuck neatly when wrap 1 is not in use, providing compact storage for wrap 1 such that said wrap 1 may easily be carried in a purse or briefcase.
The size of headrest space 100 can be varied by pulling or releasing drawstring 80. Drawstring 80 may be a continuous string-like structure integrally comprised of internal portion 82 and external portion 84. Internal portion 82 of drawstring 80 may be integrally sown along the bottom edge of headrest front portion 12, rear portion 16, and lateral side portions 18 a and 18 b. Pulling and lengthening external portion 84 of drawstring 80 may result in the reduction of the total length of internal portion 82 which in turn reduces the size of headrest space 100 of headrest portion 10. This method of adjusting headrest space 100 of headrest portion 10 can be used by a user to provide a proper, snug fit of headrest portion 10 over headrest 60. Alternatively, releasing and shortening external portion 84 of drawstring 80 results in the increase of the total length of internal portion 82, which in turn increases the size of headrest space 100 of headrest portion 10.
With reference to FIG. 2, first and second lateral fabric panels 30 and 40 may be integrally attached to seatback portion 20. First and second lateral fabric panels 30 and 40 may be designed to wrap around the seated user, thus providing a warm, shawl-like covering which can be utilized when seated for extended periods. First and second lateral fabric panels 30 and 40 may be made of a cushiony fabric with a non-piling fleece material wherein each fabric panel may be approximately thirty inches (30″) in length (vertical dimension) and twenty-two inches (22″) in width (horizontal dimension) which, when taken together with the width of seatback portion 20, provide the user a total span of approximately fifty-six inches (56″) measured from first lateral fabric panel end 32 to second lateral fabric panel end 42. However, other dimensions and/or fabrics may be used for first and second fabric panels 30 and 40.
Eyeglass loop 22 may be located on at least one of the first and second lateral fabric panels 30 and 40. Eyeglass loop 22 may allow a user to store his or her eyeglasses or other similarly-shaped and sized object when said object is not in use. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, eyeglass loop 22 may be located on second lateral fabric panel 40. Alternatively, eyeglass loop 22 may be located on first lateral fabric panel 30 as shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, a first eyeglass loop 22 and a second eyeglass loop 24 may be located on first lateral fabric panel 30 and second lateral fabric panel 40, respectively, as shown in FIG. 5.
Eyeglass loop 22 may be located approximately eight inches (8″) below the top surface of the at least one of the first and second lateral fabric panels 30 and 40 and measures approximately 1.5 inches (1.5″) in width (horizontal dimension). Eyeglass loop 22 may be a button hole with stitching substantially around the circumference of eyeglass loop 22, commonly referred to as a bound button-hole, for added strength.
In addition, first and second pockets 34 and 44 can be sown into first and second lateral fabric panels 30 and 40, respectively, so as to allow a user to insert his or her arms and/or hands inside first and second pockets 34 and 44 to provide additional warmth to said body parts. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, first and second pockets 34 and 44, in one embodiment, may span the entire width of first and second lateral fabric panels 30 and 40, respectively. First and second pockets 34 and 44 may have a depth (vertical dimension) of approximately eight inches (8″).
In yet another embodiment, first and second pockets 34 and 44 may have a width which is less than the width of first and second lateral fabric panels 30 and 40 as shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, first and second pockets 34 and 44 may have a width of approximately ten inches (10″).
In another embodiment, first and second pockets 34 and 44 may take the form of a closed sleeve into which a user may place his or her arm through the sleeve, which pushes the sleeve's fabric out and extends said fabric to accommodate a user's outstretched arm as shown in FIG. 5.
When utilizing public seating, the user simply brings along wrap 1 and slides headrest portion 10 over headrest 60 such that headrest 60 is encompassed within headrest space 100, making any necessary adjustments to headrest space 100 by pulling or releasing drawstring 80 to provide a proper fit of headrest portion 10 over headrest 60. If desired, the user can then access first and second lateral fabric panels 30 and 40, wrapping said first and second lateral fabric panels 30 and 40 around the user's upper body to enjoy the cozy warmth of a personal blanket. The user then simply reclines against headrest 60, confident that they are protected from lingering gems and debris. After use, the user gets up out of seat 50, removes and stores wrap 1 away until again needed.
There are many significant benefits and advantages associated with the wrap 1. Foremost, wrap 1 offers a simple and effective means of safely utilizing public seating. A lightweight, cushiony soft covering to be easily applied over any existing headrest, wrap 1 effectively eliminates the spread of germs and bacteria between seat users. Thwarting the spread of the dirt, debris, hair products and other residue which may be lingering on a seat, this invention enables consumers to utilize a public headrest in confidence and with comfort.
Consumers will appreciate that with the wrap 1 in place, they could safely rest their head on the existing headrest, enabling them to enjoy a movie, a commute via the train or even a long plane ride to a vacation destination, with the peace of mind that they are protected from germs and bacteria which may be lingering on the seating. Machine washable, wrap 1 can be easily laundered and will withstand years of repeated use, providing an added ecological value of a non-disposable item.
Wrap 1 is a practical invention which provides a simple means of preventing the spread of germs and bacteria on public seats. Ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for those using public seating, this invention is an invaluable commodity for any public establishment, protecting both patrons and employees.
The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the relevant art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant art, and generic principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown and described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the claims Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

Claims

1. A wrap, comprising:

a headrest portion configured to encompasses a seat headrest when in use;

a seatback portion attached to said headrest portion;

a first and a second lateral fabric panel attached to said seatback portion; and

a first pocket formed into said first lateral fabric panel and a second pocket formed into said second lateral fabric panel; and

at least one eyeglass loop attached to at least one of the first and second lateral fabric panels; and

a drawstring sown along the bottom edge of said headrest portion allow for size adjustment of said headrest space such that said headrest portion can be fit over said seat headrest;

wherein said front portion, top portion, rear portion, and lateral side portions of said headrest portion define a headrest space which encompasses a seat headrest when in use; and

wherein said seatback portion and said first and second lateral fabric panels may be placed within said headrest space of said headrest portion to allow for storage when not in use.

2. A wrap, comprising:

a headrest portion configured to encompasses a seat headrest when in use;

a seatback portion attached to said headrest portion;

3. The wrap of claim 1 in which the width of the first pocket and second pocket span the entire width of the first and second lateral fabric panel.

4. The wrap of claim 1 in which the width of the first pocket and second pocket is less than the width of the first and second lateral fabric panel.

5. The wrap of claim 1 in which each of the first pocket and second pocket comprises a closed sleeve into which a user may place his or her arm through the sleeve, which pushes the sleeve's fabric out and extends said fabric to accommodate a user's outstretched arm.

6. A wrap, comprising:

a headrest portion configured to encompasses a seat headrest when in use;

a seatback portion attached to said headrest portion;

wherein said front portion, top portion, rear portion, and lateral side portions of said headrest portion define a headrest space which encompasses a seat headrest when in use;

7. The wrap of claim 6 in which the width of the first pocket and second pocket span the entire width of the first and second lateral fabric panel.

8. The wrap of claim 6 in which the width of the first pocket and second pocket is less than the width of the first and second lateral fabric panel.

9. The wrap of claim 6 in which each of the first pocket and second pocket comprises a closed sleeve into which a user may place his or her arm through the sleeve, which pushes the sleeve's fabric out and extends said fabric to accommodate a user's outstretched arm.

10. The wrap of claim 1 wherein a first eyeglass loop is attached to the first lateral fabric panel and a second eyeglass loop is attached to the second lateral fabric panel.

11. The wrap of claim 2 wherein a first eyeglass loop is attached to the first lateral fabric panel and a second eyeglass loop is attached to the second lateral fabric panel.

12. The wrap of claim 3 wherein a first eyeglass loop is attached to the first lateral fabric panel and a second eyeglass loop is attached to the second lateral fabric panel.

13. The wrap of claim 4 wherein a first eyeglass loop is attached to the first lateral fabric panel and a second eyeglass loop is attached to the second lateral fabric panel.

14. The wrap of claim 5 wherein a first eyeglass loop is attached to the first lateral fabric panel and a second eyeglass loop is attached to the second lateral fabric panel.