Removable car seat covers and methods for using

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide novel car seats, car seat covers, and methods for their use. One exemplary embodiment comprises a car seat cover for a car seat, which can comprise a frame, a padding disposed over the frame, two shoulder straps and a crotch strap. The car seat cover can comprise a fabric cover having an outer periphery, which can be adapted to be coupled to the car seat frame over the padding. The fabric cover may define a pair of shoulder strap openings and a crotch strap opening, which can be disposed so as to allow the shoulder straps and the crotch strap, respectively, to be extended through the fabric cover. Thus, in accordance with some embodiments, the shoulder straps and the crotch strap can be used to secure a child in the car seat, with the car seat cover being disposed between the child and the car seat.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] Both common sense and the laws of many states dictate that a child, when riding in motor vehicles, should be restrained by an appropriate child restraint system. The U.S. Department of Transportation has promulgated regulations establishing performance criteria for such systems. See, e.g., 49 C.F.R. § 571.213 (2003). To meet these criteria, many manufacturers have begun in recent years to manufacture child restraint systems having a “five point” belt configuration originally developed for military planes and racecars. [0002] Five point belt systems are effective in restraint systems because they feature five anchor points, where the belts are attached to the frame of the restraint system (usually a child car seat, or in the case of infants, a bassinet-style carrier). Typically, the five anchor points are arranged in the following manner: left and right shoulder anchor points, left and right hip anchor points, and a crotch anchor point. The left sho...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] The method can further include securing the car seat cover about car seat by placing the border portion around an outside portion of the frame, extending the shoulder straps through the shoulder strap openings, and extending the crotch strap through the crotch strap opening. In other embodiments, the method can also include placing a child in the car seat, such that the shoulder straps secure the child's shoulders and the crotch strap extends between the child's legs, using the buckle and the connectors, securing the shoulder straps to the crotch strap.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, with the advent of five point belt systems, it has become difficult to remove the cover for washing.

This presents a problem, because common child restraint systems are manufactured in a way that requires.

Images