Movie Theater Seat Cover Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel movie theater seat cover device. The device is designed to be applied to a movie theater seat to prevent spreading unsanitary debris and pathogens. The device comprises a covering constructed as an elongated sleeve having an interior cavity and an external surface. The sleeve has a slit therein for readily slipping the cover over a portion of a seat so that the seat enters the interior cavity and the external surface is adapted to come into contact with a user's body. The elongated sleeve is further provided with a stabilizing means to secure the elongated sleeve to the seat as well as mitigate movement of the elongated sleeve on the seat while the user sitting thereon shifts around.

Claims

1. A movie theater seat cover device that prevents spreading unsanitary debris and pathogens while enjoying a movie, the movie theater seat cover device comprising: an elongated sleeve having an interior cavity and an external surface; and a slit for slipping the elongated sleeve over a portion of a seat; wherein the seat enters the interior cavity therein and the external surface is adapted to come into contact with a user's body; and further wherein the elongated sleeve is applied to and secured over a top edge of a seatback, a pair of armrests, and a front of the seat.

2. The movie theater seat cover device of claim 1, wherein the user is still able to place a drink in a cupholder on the pair of armrests even with the movie theater seat cover device applied to the seat.

3. The movie theater seat cover device of claim 1, wherein the seat is a movie theater seat, a train seat, an airplane seat, a bus seat, a concert seat or a sporting match seat.

4. The movie theater seat cover device of claim 1, wherein the movie theater seat cover device is disposable.

5. The movie theater seat cover device of claim 1, wherein the movie theater seat cover device is reusable.

6. The movie theater seat cover device of claim 1, wherein the elongated sleeve comprises a first end, a second end, a central section, and a pair of side walls constructed to form the interior cavity and the external surface.

7. The movie theater seat cover device of claim 6, wherein the slit in the elongated sleeve forms a rim traversing along the pair of side walls to allow access to the interior cavity within the elongated sleeve.

8. The movie theater seat cover device of claim 7, wherein the slit extends from each of the first and the second ends of the elongated sleeve to form the rim and yielding a rear opening.

9. The movie theater seat cover device of claim 8, wherein the elongated sleeve further comprises a stabilizing means to secure the elongated sleeve to the seat and to mitigate movement of the elongated sleeve on the seat while the user sitting on the seat shifts around.

10. The movie theater seat cover device of claim 9, wherein the stabilizing means is an elastic band circumferentially located on the rim of the elongated sleeve.

11. The movie theater seat cover device of claim 10, wherein, once in position, the elastic band tightly embraces a back of the seatback of the seat.

12. The movie theater seat cover device of claim 11, wherein the elastic band is coated with a frictional layer.

13. The movie theater seat cover device of claim 12, wherein the elongated sleeve comprises at least one tab member for removing the movie theater seat cover device from the seat.

14. The movie theater seat cover device of claim 13, wherein the movie theater seat cover device comprises a separate covering for a base section of the seat and for a back support section of the seat.

15. A movie theater seat cover device that prevents spreading unsanitary debris and pathogens while enjoying a movie, the movie theater seat cover device comprising: an elongated sleeve having an interior cavity and an external surface; and a slit for slipping the elongated sleeve over a top edge of a seatback, a pair of armrests, and a front of a seat; wherein the seat enters the interior cavity therein and the external surface is adapted to come into contact with a user's body; wherein the elongated sleeve comprises a first end, a second end, a central section, and a pair of side walls constructed to form the interior cavity and the external surface; wherein the slit in the elongated sleeve forms a rim traversing along the pair of side walls and allowing access to the interior cavity; and further wherein the elongated sleeve further comprises a stabilizing means to secure the elongated sleeve to the seat and to mitigate movement of the elongated sleeve on the seat while a user sitting on the seat shifts around.

16. The movie theater seat cover device of claim 15, wherein the elongated sleeve comprises at least one tab member for removing the movie theater seat cover device from the seat.

17. The movie theater seat cover device of claim 15, wherein the movie theater seat cover device is disposable.

18. The movie theater seat cover device of claim 15, wherein the movie theater seat cover device is reusable.

19. The movie theater seat cover device of claim 15 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

20. A method of protecting a user from unsanitary and harmful pathogens on a seat, the method comprising the steps of: providing a movie theater seat cover device comprising an elongated sleeve having an interior cavity and an external surface, wherein the seat enters the interior cavity, and the external surface is adapted to come into contact with a body of the user; positioning the movie theater seat cover device on the seat, such that the movie theater seat cover device covers a seatback, a pair of armrests, and a front of the seat; sitting in the seat to enjoy a movie and utilizing a cupholder if needed; and removing the movie theater seat cover device from the seat after use and properly disposing of the same.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the movie theater seat cover device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the movie theater seat cover device of the present invention wherein the cupholders are still functional with the seat cover applied in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the movie theater seat cover device of the present invention applied to a seat in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the movie theater seat cover device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the movie theater seat cover device of the present invention wherein the cupholders are being used with the seat cover device in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of protecting users from unsanitary and harmful pathogens while watching a movie by using one potential embodiment of the movie theater seat cover device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0034] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0035] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a movie theater seat cover device that provides users with a secure, protective, and comfortable covering for public movie theater seats designed to cover the entire seat, including the armrests. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a movie theater seat cover device that fits most movie seat sizes, securable to the seatback, arm rests, and front of the seat. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a movie theater seat cover device that protects the user against unsafe debris and particulates including germs, viruses, bacteria, food articles, etc. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that ensures a way for people to still go to the movies while maintaining a proper level of personal safety against unsanitary and harmful pathogens. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a movie theater seat cover device that offers additional use as a seat cover for stadium and arena seats to attend large-scale public events, improving functionality. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a movie theater seat cover device that users can apply to their seat to watch a movie, and then remove the cover for disposal.

[0036] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel movie theater seat cover device. The device is designed to be applied to a movie theater seat to prevent spreading unsanitary debris and pathogens. The device comprises a covering constructed as an elongated sleeve having an interior cavity and an external surface. The sleeve has a slit therein for readily slipping the cover over a portion of a seat so that the seat enters the interior cavity therein and the external surface is adapted to come into contact with a user's body. The elongated sleeve is further provided with a stabilizing means to secure the elongated sleeve to the seat as well as mitigate movement of the elongated sleeve on the seat while the user sitting thereon shifts around. The present invention also includes a novel method of protecting users from unsanitary and harmful pathogens. The method includes the steps of providing a movie theater seat cover device comprising an elongated sleeve having an interior cavity and an external surface, wherein the seat enters the interior cavity, and the external surface is adapted to come into contact with a user's body. The method also comprises positioning the seat cover device on the movie theater seat, such that the device covers the seatback, the armrests, and the front of the seat. Further, the method comprises sitting in the movie theater seat to enjoy a movie and utilize the cupholder if needed. Finally, removing the seat cover device after use and disposing of the seat cover device in the trash.

[0037] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the movie theater seat cover device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the movie theater seat cover device 100 is an improved movie theater seat cover device that prevents spreading unsanitary debris and pathogens while enjoying a movie or other suitable function. The device 100 can be applied and secured over the top edge 112 of the seatback 114, the armrests 116, and the front 118 of the seat 110. Users are still able to place a drink in the cupholder 120 on the armrests 116 even with the device 100 applied. More specifically, the device 100 comprises a covering constructed as an elongated sleeve 102 having an interior cavity 104 and an external surface 106. The sleeve 102 has a slit 108 therein for readily slipping the device 100 over a portion of a seat 110 so that the seat 110 enters the interior cavity 104 therein and the external surface 106 is adapted to come into contact with a user's body (not shown).

[0038] Thus, the movie theater seat cover device 100 provides a disposable sanitary cover for seats 110. The disposable sanitary cover for seats 110 is particularly well suited to cover movie theater seats, as well as seats 110 used for mass public transportation, such as seats in trains, airplanes, and/or buses, as well as concert seats and seats in sporting matches, etc., or any other suitable public seat as is known in the art. Preferably, the seat cover device 100 is dispensed in an interior entry way of a movie theater, restaurant, airport, or other terminal. Alternatively, the seat cover device 100 is provided in a sealed container packaged prior to use in a clean environment (not shown).

[0039] In one embodiment, the movie theater seat cover device 100 is preferably disposed of after a single usage. In another embodiment, the movie theater seat cover device 100 can be reusable. In this embodiment, the movie theater seat cover device 100 is manufactured from a cloth or fabric material that allows the seat cover device 100 to be washed and reused.

[0040] Further, the movie theater seat cover device 100 for temporarily housing a portion of a seat 110 and mitigating virus and germ contact on a user's body includes an elongated sleeve 102 comprising an interior cavity 104 and an external surface 106. The sleeve 102 has a slit 108 therein for readily slipping the device 100 over a portion of a seat 110 so that the seat 110 enters the interior cavity 104 therein and the external surface 106 is adapted to come into contact with a user's body. Specifically, the elongated sleeve 102 comprises a first end 122, second end 124, a central section 126, and side walls 128 constructed to form an interior cavity 104 and an external surface 106. An elongated slit 108 in the sleeve 102 forms a rim 130 traversing along the side walls 128 and allowing access to the interior cavity 104 within the elongated sleeve 102.

[0041] The elongated sleeve 102 further comprises an elongated slit 108 forming a rim 130 traversing along the side walls 128 for accessing the interior cavity 104 within the elongated sleeve 102. A slit 108 extends from each of the first 122 and second 124 ends of the elongated sleeve 102 forming a rim 130 within the elongated sleeve 102 and yielding a rear opening 132. A portion of the seat 110 is then inserted into and received through the elongated slit 108 so that the seat 110 is housed within the interior cavity 104 of the elongated sleeve 102 so that the passage of germs from the seat 110 to a user's body is mitigated.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the elongated sleeve 102 is further provided with a stabilizing means 200 to secure the elongated sleeve 102 to the seat 110 as well as mitigate movement of the elongated sleeve 102 on the seat 110 while the user sitting thereon shifts around. Prevention of movement of the elongated sleeve 102 during use averts unwanted exposure to contaminated portions of the seat 110 and thwarts damage to the device 100 during use. The stabilizing means 200 is integrally constructed within the elongated sleeve 102. Specifically, a portion of the seat 110 is received through the elongated slit 108 and is housed within the interior cavity 104 of the elongated sleeve 102 in order to mitigate virus and germ contact between the seat 110 and the user's body. In this embodiment, the stabilizing means 200 comprises an elastic band 202 circumferentially located on the rim 130 of the elongated sleeve 102, but can also include elastic segments spatially located on the rim 130 of the elongated sleeve 102, a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, etc., or any other suitable stabilizing means 200 as is known in the art.

[0043] The seat cover device 100 further comprises a stabilizing means 200 integrally constructed therein so as to diminish movement of the elongated sleeve 102 lengthwise and horizontally on the seat 110. The stabilizing means 200 is integrally constructed within the elongated sleeve 102 and is associated with the rim 130 for securing the elongated sleeve 102 to the seat 110 and mitigating movement of the elongated sleeve 102 when the device 100 is being used. Movement of the seat cover device 100 back and forth on the seat 110 yields both unwanted exposure of portions of the seat 110 while at the same time, tends to cause damage to the device 100. The stabilization means 200 is further provided to facilitate placement of the cover device 100 on the seat 110, as well as to provide securement thereto. The stabilization means 200 comprises an elastic band 202 circumferentially located along the rim 130 of the elongated sleeve 102 so that the elastic band 202 tightly embraces the back of the seatback 114 portion of the seat 110 and the central section 126 covers the area of the seat 110 appointed to be sat on or come into contact with a user's backside. In one embodiment, the stabilization means 200 comprises elastic segments located on rim 130, or other suitable stabilizing means 200.

[0044] In this manner, the elastic band 202 tightly grasps the back or rear of the seatback 114 in order to mitigate or prevent shifting of the elongated sleeve 102 and secures the same to the seat 110. In one embodiment, the elastic band 202 may be coated with a frictional layer 204 so that the band 202 does not travel on the back of the seat 110. Prevention of the elongated sleeve 102 from moving to and from while covering the seat 110 is advantageous in that it mitigates unwanted exposure of the user's body to exposed seat areas. Thus, without the ability to prevent substantial movement of the elongated sleeve 102, the sleeve 102 would readily shift off or slide off the seat 110 as the user or person shifts around, stands up, and/or sits down. Further, although the elongated sleeve 102 is shown as a rectangular shape, the elongated sleeve 102 may have a plethora of shapes, including an elongated oval shape.

[0045] In one embodiment, the movie theater seat cover device 100 comprises at least one tab member 206 for removing the seat cover device 100 from the seat 110. At least one tab member 206 may be integrated within the elongated sleeve 102 so that the seat cover device 100 can be removed from the seat 110 with minimal effort. In use, the tab member 206 is simply pulled upward, such that the seat cover device 100 is removed from the seat 110. If not for this tab member 206, the user may have to grasp a portion of the seat 110, likely an exposed area, with one hand and grasp the seat cover device 100 with the other and pull upward to affect the removal thereof. Unfortunately, such removal will cause contact of the user's hand with that portion of the seat 110, negating the intended purpose of the seat cover device 100 to prevent germ contact. Tab members 206 provide the ability to remove the seat cover device 100 without exposing the user to the germs on the seat 110. The use of the tab member 206 is needed when the seat cover device 100 snuggly fits over the seat 110; however, wherein the seat cover device 100 is loosely fit onto the seat/chair 110, the user can simply grab any gaping portion of the seat cover device 100 to effectuate removal in a sanitary manner.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the seat cover device 100 is shown as an elongated sleeve 102 covering a base/seat section 118 and back support section 114 of a seat/chair 110. In another embodiment, the seat cover device 100 comprises an arm section 116 that is detached from the base section 118 and back support section 114 so that there is a gap 300 therebetween for accommodating the seat cover device 100. Alternatively, the seat cover device 100 may simply be stretched over the arms 116 as well, as it is basically constructed as a net or shell covering. Specifically, the first end 122 of the elongated sleeve 102 is stretched so that the rim 130 with a stabilization means 200 extends over the rear of the back support section 114 of the seat 110. The elongated sleeve 102 is then pulled downward so that the central section 126 extends over the back support section 114, and the side walls 128 cover the sides of the back support section 114. The second end 124 is then stretched over the end of the seat 110, so that the rim 130 and the stabilizing means 200 engage with the rear of the seat 110.

[0047] In another embodiment, the elongated sleeve 102 further includes a seat segment 302 and a back segment 304 divided by a lateral slit 306. The back segment 304 is provided to slide over a back support section 114 of a chair 110, while the seat segment 302 is provided to slide over a seat section 118 of the chair 110 and the lateral slit 306 provides a gap to accommodate the flexing between the sections 302, 304 of the chair 110.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, a covering may be provided for each seat section, the base section 118, a and the back support section 114. According to this embodiment, a first elongated sleeve 102 is provided for the back support section 114 of the chair 110, while a second elongated sleeve 102 is provided for the base section 118 of the chair 110. Further, the first elongated sleeve 102 includes a stabilizing means 200; and the second elongated sleeve 102 includes a stabilizing means 200 (i.e., preferably in the form of an elastic band 202).

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the movie theater seat cover device 100 is composed of a flexible material, such as a paper material or paper netting, or a water-resistant material or coating. Or, composed of an absorbent paper material on the external shell 106 and an inner polymeric liner located within the interior cavity 104 for mitigating the risk of leakage of liquid onto the seat cover device 100. If the elongated sleeve 102 is composed of a polymeric material, such as a thin plastic material, it should be recyclable in nature. Most preferably, the elongated sleeve 102 is composed of a biodegradable fiber, so that the device 100 is lightweight, easy to use, and environmentally friendly.

[0050] The seat cover device 100 can be a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety of materials. In some embodiments, the seat cover device 100 can be sized and shaped to fit over all or a portion of the seat 110 such as, for example, the headrest (seatback 114) of a seat 110. In some embodiments, the seat cover device 100 can be made of a flexible material that can allow the seat cover device 100 to change shapes. In some embodiments, the seat cover device 100 can be made of an elastic material to allow the seat cover device 100 to change sizes, and in some embodiments, the seat cover device 100 can be made of an antimicrobial material to form a bacterial barrier. In one embodiment, for example, the seat cover device 100 can be made of a fabric that can be flexible, elastic, and antimicrobial such as, for example, poly spandex.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the movie theater seat device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The elongated sleeve 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the elongated sleeve 102, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be seat or brand related.

[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of protecting users from unsanitary and harmful pathogens. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a movie theater seat cover device comprising an elongated sleeve having an interior cavity and an external surface, wherein the seat enters the interior cavity, and the external surface is adapted to come into contact with a user's body. The method also comprises at 602, positioning the seat cover device on the movie theater seat, such that the device covers the seatback, the armrests, and the front of the seat. Users are still able to place a drink in the cupholder on the armrests with the device applied. Further, the method comprises at 604, sitting in the movie theater seat to enjoy a movie and utilizing the cupholder if needed. Finally, at 606, removing the seat cover device after use and disposing of the seat cover device in the trash. In some embodiments, the seat cover device can be washed reused.

[0053] Having described the invention in rather full detail, it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered to, but that additional changes and modifications may suggest themselves to one skilled in the art. For example, the movie theater seat cover device may be provided in a size and shape to accommodate a bench seat, such as on a bus or train, or a captain type seat, such as in a movie theater or on an airplane. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims.

[0054] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “movie theater seat cover device”, “seat cover device”, “cover device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the movie theater seat cover device 100 of the present invention.

[0055] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the movie theater seat cover device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the movie theater seat cover device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the movie theater seat cover device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the movie theater seat cover device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the movie theater seat cover device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0056] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0057] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.