US20100125929A1

US20100125929A1 - Multi-purpose padded, lap-sized, protective lap cover, to protect from pet soil, nails and claws, baby soil, food soil, provide lap warmth, double as emergency pillow, push brand identification and more, with stretchable fabric loop-shaped strap to secure lap cover in folded position

Info

Publication number: US20100125929A1
Application number: US12/313,967
Authority: US
Inventors: Christine Louise Conner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-11-26
Filing date: 2008-11-26
Publication date: 2010-05-27

Abstract

Padded, three layer, rectangular lap-sized lap cover, lightweight, portable, usually made of high loft poly fleece for easy care machine wash and dry. Loop shaped strap attached in the middle of one end slips around lap cover and holds lap cover folded to keep soil enclosed, plus doubles as carry strap. Lap cover protects human from lap pet soil, nails and claws, plus baby and food soil. Lap cover cushions and warms laps, and makes a stable base to hold small hand crafting projects such as knitting, crocheting, sewing, other thread arts, and more. When folded into a small square the lap cover doubles as an emergency pillow. Sides are differentiated by fabric in solid color or print to identify inside or outside, clean or dirty side.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/004,101 filed Nov. 21, 2007 by the present inventor.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field
This invention generally relates to improving comfort of having a small pet on a lap, specifically to providing an attractive, protective, multi-functional surface between pet and human.
2. Prior Art
People usually want their small pets to be on their laps, but have always been challenged with the hair, fur and dirt from pet feet. Human comfort issue involves pain from claws digging into skin, sharply pointed joint bones pressing into flesh, and clothing damage. Pet comfort problems come from little pet feet falling into the crack between the thighs and slipping around over the human's clothes, a very unstable place for the pet. Many people put towels, blankets and other layers between their pet and themselves to mitigate hairy transfer and pain. These one layer items look the same on both sides, which means they are good for one use and then have to be laundered. Otherwise, the hairy side could be set upon furniture or clothes, where the hair will transfer in spite of efforts to keep things clean. If people are looking only for pain mitigation, they have several options, none convenient or practical. Items that come to mind are pillows, blankets and towels, as well as additional clothing. Pet beds are too large to set upon a lap. And, if people get so far as to consider stability for pet feet on their laps, they have already addressed it as noted above. None of these approaches has been satisfactory.
I've solved issues of discomfort, safety and inconvenience with my invention.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment a lap cover made of high loft cloth in rectangular shape and human lap size comprises a flat body having a loop shaped strap providing method of holding lap cover in folded position when not in use.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows the 3 main layers of fabric for construction and strap piece.

FIG. 2 is a cross section showing the 3 layer construction, and extended sides and ends of inside cover that will enclose cut edges of the 3 layers.

FIG. 3 shows strap folded in half and stitching lines.

FIG. 4 shows stitched strap turned inside out.

FIG. 5 shows outside cover, extended ends from inside cover, and stretchable fabric loop-shaped strap.

FIG. 6 is a side edge view showing edge enclosed by extended side from inside cover, and extended ends of inside cover that will enclose and finish cut ends of the lap cover.

FIG. 7 shows finished outside cover, side and end extensions from inside cover stitched into place, strap, and label placement.

FIG. 8 shows finished inside cover and stitching lines formed by lap cover construction.

FIG. 9 shows outside lap cover folded in half.

FIG. 10 shows outside cover folded the second fold.

FIG. 11 shows strap beginning to loop up over and around the twice folded outside cover.

FIG. 12 shows strap being pulled farther toward its sewn point and around outside cover.

FIG. 13 shows strap in place at its origin, encircling outside cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—FIRST EMBODIMENT—FIGS. 1-13

In all descriptions and operations, I refer to preferred materials and specifications being the best choices, but other materials and specification variations can be acceptable, as well. In addition, alternate embodiments are discussed under First Embodiment because they represent slight variations. They are repeated under Conclusion, Ramification, Scope as they are an important part of that section.
FIG. 1 shows 3 main layers of fabric for construction and flat strap piece 20. Solid color fleece outside cover 21, and polyester batting padding 22 shown with diagonal lines through it, are the same size. Patterned fleece inside cover 23 is cut larger so it can wrap over edges of 22 and onto top of 21, combining topstitch construction and embellishment in the same step.
FIG. 2 is a cross section view showing the 3 layer construction. Outside cover 21 is atop padding 22, which is atop inside cover 23. Extensions 25 a and 25 b of inside cover 23 are shown ready to draw up over outside cover 21 to enclose sides of lap cover.
FIG. 3 shows strap 20 folded lengthwise, right sides together, with dotted lines showing where 20 is stitched closed.
FIG. 4 shows strap 20 turned right side out.
FIG. 5 shows outside cover 21 with extensions 25 a and 25 b sewn into place onto outside cover 21. Extension ends 24 a and 24 b of inside cover 23 are shown fabric wrong side up, with stretchable fabric loop-shaped strap 20 placed onto underside of 24 b extension.
FIG. 6 shows side edge view. 25 a and 25 b are identical, so for simplicity, 25 a is chosen for this description. 25 a is the side extension fabric from inside cover 23 that has been drawn up over outside cover 21 to be top stitched into place. Extensions 24 a and 24 b are shown ready to draw up over outside cover 21 and topstitch into place to enclose ends of lap cover.
FIG. 7 shows finished outside cover 21, inside cover 23 extensions 24 a, 24 b, 25 a, and 25 b top stitched into place atop outside cover 21, plus strap 20, and placement for label 30 for brand name and laundering instructions.
FIG. 8 shows finished inside cover 23 and stitching lines 26 a, 26 b, 27 a, and 27 b that were formed by lap cover construction.
FIG. 9 shows outside cover 21 folded in half.
FIG. 10 shows outside cover 21 folded the second fold, ready to be secured in closed position by strap 20.
FIG. 11 shows 20 beginning to loop up over and around the twice folded outside cover 21.
FIG. 12 shows strap 20 being pulled farther toward its origin and around outside cover 21, where it will encircle lap cover and keep it in the folded closed position.
FIG. 13 shows strap 20 in place at its origin, encircling outside cover 21, holding lap cover in folded, closed position.
Construction is simple. Strap 20 is folded in half lengthwise with right sides together and stitched with approximately 0.6 cm seam. It is very important that strap seam stitching be done either with an excellent stretch stitch, or be stretched as it is stitched. If the latter method is used, strap 20 will curl a little before being turned inside out, which is expected and permitted. 20 is turned inside out using whatever tube turner works best. 20 will now be straight rather than curled, and can be stretched, but will return to its original configuration. Stitching this small part is extremely important. Wrong machine tension, failure to use stretch stitch, or failure to stretch while stitching makes a weak seam that will break when stretched over the lap cover. Correct stitching ensures durability and ease of use for a long time. One caveat to keep in mind is that strap 20 is designed to fit lap cover and its intended use, not to possess infinite stretch capacity. It should, however, be able to accommodate a moderately sized forearm being slipped through the strap 20 loop when it is in position around the lap cover.
Top stitch construction, as opposed to top stitching as a finishing step, is important for more than simply joining pieces. Top stitch construction layers fabric cuts upon each other, minimizing bulk and saving time by eliminating extra step of trimming. Traditional seam construction pinches pieces together, creating bulk that must be trimmed. After seamed item is stitched and turned from wrong side to right side, finish top stitching is still necessary to compress bulk, keep layers from shifting, and look finished. Top stitch construction secures batting and keeps it from shifting inside lap cover. Finally, top stitch construction brings the edges of 23 onto the top of 21, where these finished overlaps look very much like a fabric binding, a decorative touch without the extra work. For lap cover, top stitch construction is a one step process that that binds fabric layers, secures batting, and embellishes the finished product.
Inside cover 23 is placed right side down onto table. Padding 22 is centered onto 23. Outside cover 21 is placed wrong side down onto 22.
Side extension 15 a of 23 is drawn up onto 21 and held in place by pins or other means. 15 a is top stitched from end to end, through layers 23 on both bottom and top, 22 and 21, along cut edge of 15 a approximately 0.3 cm from cut edge. Side extension 15 b is constructed identically to 15 a.
End extension 14 a of 23 is drawn up onto 21 so that it overlaps end by approximately 3.8 to 5.1 cm, and is held in place by pins or other means. 14 a is top stitched through layers 23 on both bottom and top, 22 and 21, from side to side, along cut edge of 14 a approximately 0.3 cm from cut edge. 15 a and 15 b have already been stitched, so when end 14 a is folded up over 21 to top stitch, the thickness of fabric at the first and last 2.5 cm of this stitching is doubled. Industrial machines will stitch this bulk quickly.
Strap 20 open ends are centered onto wrong side of 23, extension 14 b, approximately 1.3 cm from cut edge, and next to each other as in FIG. 3. 14 b of 23 is drawn up onto 21 so it overlaps end by approximately 3.8 to 5.1 cm, and is held in place by pins or other means. 14 b is top stitched from side to side, along cut edge of 14 b approximately 0.3 cm from cut edge. As with 14 a, 14 b stitching at the first and last 2.5 cm of the stitching will be through extra layers.
Construction is now complete, and ready for label 30 addition. Preferred placement onto 21 is illustrated in FIG. 5. Label 30 placement onto 21 helps to keep inside cover 23 free from chewing attractions. In addition, 30 placement on 21 provides branding opportunity every time lap cover is opened and closed.

OPERATION—FIRST EMBODIMENT—FIGS. 1-13

Lap cover comes in standard, deluxe and custom versions. Design of standard and deluxe are identical. Deluxe differs from standard in details of thicker padding and higher priced outside cover 21, along with increased construction time. Custom version is same basic design with strap 20 for closure, and use of printed fabric on inside cover 23. Size can vary slightly, and outside cover 21 fabric can be any fabric the customer desires, including something non-washable. In that case, a removable, washable inner liner will be made to attach to non-washable 21.
Original purpose is to make the time pets spend on human laps a positive, comfortable event. Further aim is to keep humans free from hair, fur, claws, nails, and small animal bony joints causing painful pressure on human skin. The goal is to increase physical closeness between pet and human, to receive positive health benefits such as lowered blood pressure and stress release. Pets will benefit from increased closeness, as well.
Operation is simple. From folded closed position, strap 20 is pulled up over lap cover and released. Lap cover is opened to expose inside cover 23. Pets are attracted to familiar, favorite scents, so human and pet scent should be transferred to new lap cover by rubbing onto human or animal, or rubbing onto sleeping or resting spots of either human or animal.
Pet is called to lap, or placed upon lap for a petting/bonding time. After pet hops off lap, lap cover is folded print side facing print side, or soiled side to soiled side. Lap cover is folded a second time so folded lap cover retains the original width dimension and the folded length dimension becomes one quarter of the opened length. To keep in folded closed position, strap 20 is stretched up over the outside of folded lap cover and eased into place around folded lap cover
Care is easy and simple. Before laundering, brush with a hand held rubber fingered brush to loosen hairs that have purposely clung to the lap cover, then machine wash and dry.
When pets jump onto human laps, they tend to slip around on the human's clothes and to partly drop into the crack between the human's legs. Pets are sensitive to sounds, so when humans gasp in pain from claws and nails, the additional sound is enough to eventually make the pet stay away from laps. Lap cover was created to make lap time soil and pain free so humans would spend more time in close physical contact with their pets.
Taking a small dog shopping or visiting friends becomes easier with lap cover placed in a shopping cart to prevent little feet from slipping through metal mesh grid. Lap cover protects furnishings at a friend's home. As much as people love their pets, clothes and skin take a beating from pet claws and nails, and people need protection. Whether visiting at a friend's house, or enjoying lap time alone with pets, skin and clothes beg for protection of lap cover.
After examining the successfulness of pet application, it became apparent that this same design had numerous other applications. Lap cover provides solutions specific for each application, but all applications have in common the same generic additional functions. From folded closed position in FIG. 11, lap cover can be folded lengthwise one more time and turned into a roll that becomes comfortable neck support, as well as a little lumbar support. From the same original FIG. 11 folded closed position, lap cover can be folded crosswise across center in FIG. 11, where strap 20 encircles, to form a square shape that can become a temporary pillow. Size and shape of lap cover make it a perfect lap warmer that will stay out of the way of chair arms, wheelchair wheels, office chair wheels, and more. Lap cover becomes a quick substitute for a pillow on which to sit, providing cushion from hard seating surfaces. In addition, lap cover provides hands-free porting because strap 20 is large enough for a moderately sized forearm to slip through strap 20 loop when it is in folded closed FIG. 11 position around the lap cover. Lap cover hangs from the forearm or in the crook of the elbow while both hands can be free to hold children, pets, books, anything.
Application for adult and baby relationship is very similar to pet and human. Bare or shoe clad baby feet are often a bit painful for adult laps, and baby feet can slip into the leg crack. Babies also come with their own soil via sticky fingers, things spit up from their mouths, leaking diapers, and more. Lap cover provides soft-to-touch padded lap protection, and soft-to-touch padded area for baby to rest on adult's shoulder, while also protecting clothing from baby drool. Lap cover is perfect for travel about town, or extended distance travel. In folded closed position bound by strap 20, lap cover can be slipped over forearm as described in pet application and hands are kept free for child. Lap cover is perfect answer to keeping baby safe from public dirt by opening lap cover and placing baby onto printed inside cover 23, now re-identifying 23 as baby clean side. Packing for air travel means full diaper bag with no room to spare. Lap cover can slip over forearm, out of the way, freeing diaper bag space, and be instantly ready.
Adults traveling by air can carry lap cover in hand or over forearm as above with baby usage, instantly accessible. Lap cover provides a clean surface to rest head for a nap, or neck support, or can warm shoulders or lap, or protect clothes from food or drink. The lightweight, compact sized lap cover can be a traveler's dream.
Student lap cover application will be for protection from food spills and sharp-edged books, a pillow substitute, a cushion from hard surface seating, and more. Regular lap cover use during studying will help build habit of sharper, clearer focus that facilitates learning. In addition, lap cover will be attractive with school colors and logo.
Car commuter lap cover provides protection from food and beverages. Vertical placement on chest with remainder of lap cover over lap is a perfect eating position. After meal is finished, lap cover is folded with soil side inward, and strap 20 secures in folded position. Soil stays off upholstery and commuter always knows which side can be placed next to their clothes. Naps along the road to keep from falling asleep at the wheel are very important, but can be quite uncomfortable. One more fold or roll of lap cover turns it into neck or low back support. Another direction of fold turns lap cover into a small pillow, just enough to be comfortable for a quick, life saving nap. Lap cover can be spread over a too hot or too cold seat for instant comfort. Sometimes laps get cold in the car, as well, and the perfect size warms the lap without danger of dangling onto the floor and getting caught in something. The “stickiness” of fleece against most other fabrics helps to keep it in place on human laps or car seats, rather than having lap cover slip onto floor. The compact, attractive look fits with car interior much better than a blanket, which means lap cover is left out where it can be quickly reached.
Repetition-to-habit effect from use of lap cover provides means to help maximize effectiveness of whatever activity is engaged while lap cover is on lap. Repetition of opening the lap cover onto the lap trains the brain to expect whatever activity has become associated with that action. Relaxation response from having pets on laps comes more quickly and completely; study focus becomes easier for students; healing from crises is facilitated. After several uses, the act of opening lap cover becomes a signal to the brain to begin the associated activity before the user has consciously decided what to do next. Repetition of an act performed with an object that is associated with the activity trains the brain to respond to the familiar object and almost instantly narrow focus onto activity associated with the object. Many examples exist, such as tightening laces on shoes worn for athletic competition, teachers entering a classroom, police officers opening the door of the patrol car, artists picking up their palette, surgeons scrubbing before an operation. They all use some object associated with the activity that becomes their personal signal to be ready for the activity. Lap cover works on the same principle.
Lap covers can combine repetition-to-habit effect with branding opportunities. Schools will have their logo on the lap cover that becomes a symbol of school spirit as well as a study symbol. In the student's case, using a school logo lap cover strengthens bond with the educational institution by identification. Each time a student slips strap 20 over lap cover, unfolds and places lap cover on their lap just before beginning a study session, repetition-to-habit begins.
Businesses will affix their logo to lap cover for branding and use in focus sessions. Meeting facilitator can begin without lap covers and have a casual coffee time for about 5 minutes, after which the business portion of the meeting can be declared officially in operation. At that time, each participant will slip strap 20 off lap cover, unfold and place lap cover onto their lap where it will remain until the meeting is adjourned. Eventually, the repetitious use of lap cover becomes the signal to the brain that a focus session is about to begin. The brain quickly switches into a problem solving mode in preparation for the task at hand, while shutting out distractions.
Just as with athletic training, repetitious use of lap cover has the potential to produce repetition-to-habit training, leading to higher levels of performance in any setting. Though few people will take time to address rationale behind use of lap cover, sight, memory, touch and motion seamlessly combine to facilitate repetition-to-habit training in the brain.
All lap covers have multi functional, practical applications, and all can be used to establish the repetition-to-habit effect.
Just as lap cover aids cognitive training, lap cover facilitates emotional and psychological benefits, as well. Therapists will use generic lap cover called FocusLaps. The slipping off of strap 20, unfolding and placing onto the lap will become a signal to the brain to begin introspection and emotional work. Sharper focus will come more quickly and be less likely to be interrupted.
Emotional application of lap cover helps people in crisis. With a brief instruction sheet, the grieving person will slip strap 20 off lap cover, open lap cover onto lap and take a time out to grieve, to relax, to remove themselves from heat of crisis for a few moments. When lap cover is closed, it signals the end of the time out, but as the instructions suggest, that opportunity can be revisited any time the person wants.
I would like to form a non-profit organization to distribute lap covers to first responder sites like hospitals, fire stations, police stations, disaster centers, where the lap covers will be given to people in crisis, similar to teddy bears given to children.
Lap covers have been given names that address their application, some of which are PetLaps, BabyLaps, FocusLaps, StudyLaps, ProSportLaps, SportsLaps, PrayerLaps, CarLaps, WarmLaps, TravelLaps, CraftLaps, and ComfortLaps. The design is identical for each, but fleece patterns, colors and labels differentiate. Licensing agreements with businesses and educational institutions will permit logo placement onto lap cover.
When user first acquires lap cover, even before reading instructions, user is exposed to intended operation of strap 20 and lap cover folding because user must lift strap 20 up over folded outside cover 21 and release strap 20. User's next impulse is to unfold lap cover, presenting inside cover 23 that accumulates soil, folds onto itself and is secured with strap 20 to keep soil contained and prevented from transferring to human.
Strap 20 is the key in keeping soiled inside cover 23 folded onto itself and keeping outside cover 21 clean. Strap 20 center position provides even tension where it wraps around outside of lap cover and to keep lap cover closed. The stretch of strap 20 and the balanced center position allow strap 20 to be a length that gives relaxed hold, as opposed to a tight hold that elastic would create, which would cause lap cover to fan open, exposing soiled side 23.
Several commercially available means exist to secure lap cover in a closed position, but each of them satisfies only one closure requirement, rendering them unacceptable. Primary fastener requirements are durability, ease of use, and safety. To satisfy those requirements, fastener must be able to repeatedly stretch and return to original shape, satisfying durability. It must have no parts requiring finger dexterity, satisfying ease of use. The fastener must have no small parts that can be swallowed by pets or children, and be without pieces that can entangle pets and children. Commercial fasteners with small parts require vision and finger dexterity and can loosen and detach, and be swallowed by pets and children.
Strap 20 construction from fleece fabric satisfies all functional elements, plus adds decorative element as strap 20 is cut from same fabric as inside cover 23, turning strap 20 into an embellishment. Inside cover 23 is printed fleece and outside cover 21 is solid colored fleece. All edges of lap cover are covered with printed fabric forming what appears to be a binding, but is actually inside cover 23 extended edges wrapped up over the padding 22 onto top of outside cover 21, where they are top stitched into place. Fleece crosswise grain stretches and lengthwise grain is stretch resistant, as a rule. Strap 20 is cut on crosswise grain, making it able to stretch over an item larger than its original cut length and then return to original size and shape. The seam inside strap 20 is sewn under tension, or with special stretch stitches, which helps retain shape and elasticity. Strap 20 stretch ability permits use of a shorter strap 20, which minimizes tangling with anything. In addition, the shorter, lightweight fleece strap 20 drapes with little independent movement, making it less likely to attract play from animals. Stretch of strap 20, as well as fabric softness, helps to protect pets and children from becoming entangled and injured.
Compact size and longer rectangular shape of lap cover placed horizontally provide a just-right size and shape to cover tops of thighs, and extend over knees and sides of thighs on nearly anyone. Placed vertically, the lap cover provides protection over the chest, and can extend up over the shoulder for holding a child or pet, or down onto the lap for protection from food and beverage soil while in a car.
Three layer construction has several benefits. Loft of fleece provides more padding than hard surface fabric, and polyester batting adds inner padding to make a warm, cushioned lap cover for both humans and pets. Pet claws and nails are kept from human skin and clothes, and hard baby shoes are less uncomfortable. Liquids from babies, pets and food take more time to go through all layers, giving time to quickly remove wet lap cover and keep clothes clean and dry. Instead of pet and baby feet slipping on clothes and into the human legs crack, the 3 layers provide a more stable base to minimize foot slippage.
Lap cover also serves simply to keep many kinds of soil, such as newsprint smudges, from clothes and furnishings, and to remind user which side has soil, by print versus solid color side.
Use of fleece is intentional not only for its easy machine wash and dry care, and for its soft thick cushion, but also because fleece tends to attract and hold hair, fur, little bits of dirt, small snips of paper, thread, and more, keeping soil on lap cover and off clothes and furnishings. Additionally, fleece is lightweight, durable, rather snag resistant, comes in an amazing variety of colors and prints, and is “green” because it's made partly of recycled plastic.
Lap cover provides a perfectly sized base for people who like to hand craft projects that rest on their laps. Lap cover will catch and hold little pieces of paper or thread for neat and easy disposal. If project is interrupted, user can fold lap cover onto project and set aside until time to resume project. “Stickiness” of fleece will help hold project pieces in place. When project is finished, lap cover can be folded to encase scraps, removed without spilling mess onto furnishings, and shaken where scraps can be purposely discarded, saving time and effort.
Construction pieces are simple. Lap cover is constructed of five pieces, reference numerals as follows:
21 outside cover of solid color fleece, preferably anti-pill variety, cut approximately 48.3 cm deep by 81.2 cm long
22 inside padding, usually polyester, minimum 6.4 oz. weight because of eventual compression from repeated use, cut approximately 48.3 cm deep by 81.2 cm long
23 inside cover of print fleece, color complimentary to solid color of outside cover 21, preferably anti-pill variety, cut approximately 55.9 cm deep by 91.4 cm long
20 strap of same fleece as inside cover 23, cut approximately 3.7 cm wide by approximately 48.3 cm long on crosswise grain cut.
30 label for brand identity and laundering instructions, any size needed to contain all the lettering

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Thus the reader will see that at least one embodiment of lap cover provides a more desirable product to serve persons of all ages.
While my above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather exemplification of several preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible.
For example, to address needs for owners of large dogs that act like lap dogs, the same design can be enlarged to approximately 6 feet long by 2-3 feet wide. This larger size will cover the human lap plus extend over enough sofa area to protect the sofa from nails, fur and dirt. Super sized lap cover can be made with the usual 2 fleece layers and inner batting, or could use only the 2 layers of fleece. Because larger dogs will tend to jump onto furniture beside their human, rather than jump onto the lap, padding between the two layers is less important as most of the dog's body will rest upon the furniture. Padding can be considered a nice addition. Top stitch construction will be used for this larger version, as well, because it is a one step process that binds fabric layers, keeps layers from shifting, and provides the decorative “binding” effect from 23 being wrapped up over 21. In addition, stitching through the extra layer of fabric will help to reinforce seams that could be vulnerable to heavier, more vigorous dogs. Strap 20 should be added to keep available the option of choosing the dog side and the clean side.
Another variation on the same design can be the fabric. Fleece is such an excellent choice due to cost, durability, loft for comfort, laundering ease, light weight, attraction of pet fur, and the partly “green” components of recycled plastic. However, custom lap covers can be ordered in nearly any kind of fabric.
Lap cover can be made in an endless variety of colors and patterns, including some sports logo fabrics. There is no limitation to color and pattern.
Lap cover introduction and preferred embodiment, PetLaps, is to solve the discomfort of small pets on laps of their humans. However, as outlined above, the same design can be used in other applications, such as in the car.
Lap cover in the car, CarLaps, will warm laps, protect clothes while eating in the car, and protect car upholstery from soils because of lap cover design elements. Additionally, drivers often need a quick nap and need something handy to use as a pillow. Lap cover folded closed, secured with strap 20, and then folded into a square makes a comfortable pillow option over the car seat back. If a nap were more comfortable, perhaps more people would indulge and lives would be saved.
Lap cover for baby care, BabyLaps, is almost identical to pet application, with addition of some options for travel, such as being able to designate the inside cover as the clean side and outside as the public side. Having an alternate safe place other than a lap for baby to rest is very desirable.
Lap cover can also be a branding tool used by educational institutions, sports teams, car manufacturers and other companies wishing to connect their name with a clever product and a positive experience. Names can appear on logo fabric and labels. For example, auto makers would have labels stating “CarLaps by (name of company)”. Local dealers would have an exclusive on carrying the CarLaps. Think about the branding opportunity for that one. If the person bought only the CarLaps, they would have a constant reminder of the auto maker every time they drove their own car.
Lap cover used for repetition-to-habit training as discussed above would be another application. Many of these would overlap with branding options, such as school logo lap covers that students would use while studying. Sports teams are very big on selling branding products, and fans love them. Some of the names for these would be StudyLaps, FocusLaps, SportLaps, and ProSportLaps.
Lap cover for more personal applications can be PrayerLaps, FocusLaps and ComfortLaps. Repetition-to-habit training would apply, but the permissive aspect would override the task focus, particularly with prayer habits and grieving facilitated through ComfortLaps.
Lap cover for people who use wheelchairs rather than their legs is sized perfectly to warm laps without extra bulk of blankets to slip to the floor or tangle with wheels. We would call these either ComfortLaps or WarmLaps, or they would use PetLaps for their small pet. Pets can be dangerous for people with sensory impairment. They could be confident that their skin would be safe from claws.
Lap cover for traveling, TravelLaps, assures the traveler of clean places to rest one's body or head, warms cold laps, is a lightweight travel item that dries quickly, and offers complete portability.
Original construction method that makes the most sense is practical, easily mass manufactured and cost effective. However, possible variations could include larger size, same fabric on both sides, fabric other than fleece, no padding, seam stitch construction, alternate closures, and more. These variations would alter the multi-purpose attractiveness of lap cover. Construction costs for a large dog version of the original PetLaps would result in a slight price rise due to increase of fabric and change in the construction automation.
Good alternative fabric variation is possible if a fabric is found that is easily laundered and can attract and hold fur and dirt as well as fleece. Also, small size variations that keep lap cover size within the general lap area are of little importance.
Closures other than strap 20 are unacceptable for a variety of reasons. Small parts that require exact matching, such as snaps, “get lost” in the deep loft of fleece and padding, and require finger dexterity and reading glasses for some people. Hook-and-loop tape halves can snag clothing and attract hair and lint, soon rendering them useless. Ribbons attract animal chewing and clawing, and buttons can be chewed and swallowed, posing obvious dangers. Fasteners must be easy to use or people will give up easily and part of the design benefits will be compromised. While strap 20 is the best fastener choice, other less desirable options could be used with reduced success.
Although descriptions above contain numerous specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some presently preferred embodiments.
Thus, the scope of embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A lap cover

2. The lap cover of claim 1 wherein said cover is comprised of cloth.

3. The lap cover of claim 1 wherein said cloth is two layers.

4. The lap cover of claim 1 wherein said cloth layers are the same shape.

5. The lap cover of claim 1 wherein said cloth layer shapes are the same with differing sizes.

6. The lap cover of claim 1 wherein said cloth layers are differing sizes providing ability of larger layer to wrap over top of smaller layer, thereby completing construction.

7. The lap cover of claim 1 wherein said two layers of cloth surround one layer of sandwiched inner batting.

8. The lap cover of claim 1 wherein said layers of cloth and batting comprise thickness thereby providing warmth and a cushioned surface.

9. The lap cover of claim 1 wherein said cover method for closing comprises a stretchable fabric loop shaped strap.

10. The lap cover of claim 1 wherein said loop shape strap is made of same fabric that comprises lap cover fabric.

9. The lap cover of claim 1 wherein said loop shape strap having means for attachment to mid point of one end of said lap cover.

10. The lap cover of claim 1 wherein said loop shape strap, to loop over and hold lap cover in folded closed position.

11. The lap cover of claim 1 wherein said loop shape strap holds lap cover in folded closed position, such that two more folded positions are possible.

12. The lap cover of claim 1 wherein said closed position further including one fold providing a square pillow shape and the other fold providing a neck roll shape.

13. The lap cover of claim 1 wherein shape of said lap cover is rectangular.

14. The lap cover of claim 1 wherein rectangular shape is the size of an average human lap.