US20090245963A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20090245963A1
Application number: US12/058,099
Authority: US
Inventors: Howard M. Schoor
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-03-28
Filing date: 2008-03-28
Publication date: 2009-10-01

Abstract

Embodiments of a seat strap configured to secure objects disposed on a seat of a vehicle are provided. The seat strap may be an integral part of the vehicle seat, or an accessory. In one embodiment, a vehicle seat is provided that includes an object restraining seat strap. The vehicle seat has a substantially vertical section and a substantially horizontal section meeting at an interface. The seat strap has an elastic elongated body passing through the interface and over a front face of the vehicle seat. The body has a first end and a second end, wherein the first and second ends comprise mating portions of a retaining feature.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention generally include a restraint suitable for retaining items to a vehicle seat.

2. Description of the Related Art

With the continuing increase in population and urbanization of society, people are spending more time in their automobile than ever before. Particularly for those working in an office setting in or near cities, the daily commute to and from work is often lengthy. People have sought to make more efficient use of their travel time, regularly seeking to have files, documents or other work materials, laptop computers, pocketbooks, portfolios, brief cases and the like, readily accessible from the driver seat or other seat of the automobile. Frequently, these items fall to the floor due to sudden stops, quick turns and other unexpected automobile movements. Some of these fallen items may become lost under the seat. Additionally, the driver's attention is frequently diverted from safely operating the automobile by both the automatic response of trying to retrieve a falling item and thereafter attempting to recover the item from the floor. These circumstances present a significant safety hazard.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved device for securing items positioned on a seat of a vehicle.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention provide a seat strap that can secure items positioned on a seat of a vehicle. Embodiments of a seat strap configured to secure objects placed on a seat of a vehicle are provided. The seat strap may be an integral part of the vehicle seat, or an accessory. In one embodiment, a vehicle seat is provided that includes an object restraining seat strap. The vehicle seat has a substantially vertical section and a substantially horizontal section meeting at an interface. The seat strap has an elastic elongated body passing through the interface and over a front face of the vehicle seat. The body has a first end and a second end, wherein the first and second ends comprise mating portions of a retaining feature.

In another embodiment, a vehicle seat having an object restraining seat strap is provided. The vehicle seat has a substantially vertical section and a substantially horizontal section meeting at an interface. The seat strap has an elastic elongated body and an anchor. The elongated body has a first end comprising a first portion of a first retaining feature and a second end comprising a second retaining feature. The second retaining feature is configured to prevent the second end from easily passing through the interface of the seat. The anchor is interfaced with the seat and includes a second portion of the first retaining feature.

In another embodiment, a vehicle seat having an integral object restraining seat strap is provided. The vehicle seat has a substantially vertical section and a substantially horizontal section meeting at an interface. The seat strap has a first end comprising a first portion of a retaining feature and a second end coupled to the seat. A second portion of the retaining feature is coupled to the seat.

In another embodiment, an object restraining seat strap for a vehicle seat is provided. The object restraining seat strap includes an elastic elongated body, an elongated bendable anchor and a hook and loop retaining feature. A first portion of the hook and loop retaining feature is coupled to a first end of the elongated body while a second portion of the hook and loop retaining feature is coupled to the anchor.

In yet another embodiment, an object restraining seat strap for a vehicle seat is provided. The object restraining seat strap includes an elastic elongated body having a hook and loop retaining feature disposed on opposite ends of the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a seat strap positioned to a vehicle seat;

FIG. 1B is a side view of the seat strap ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a side view of another embodiment of a seat strap having an anchor;

FIGS. 2A-F depict various alternative embodiments of a retaining feature formed in and/or coupled to a seat strap;

FIGS. 2H-I depict various alternative embodiments of an anchor for securing an end of a seat strap;

FIG. 3A is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a seat strap disposed on a vehicle seat;

FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view of a seat strap disposed on another automobile seat; and

FIG. 4 is schematic side view of one embodiment of a vehicle seat having a seat strap.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention allow the safe and effective restraint of various shaped and sized items placed on a vehicle seat. Embodiments of the invention can be used with both bucket-style and bench seats of automobiles and trucks both for the aftermarket and original factory produced vehicles. When utilized, the invention ultimately helps drivers practice safe driving habits by preventing items from flying or falling inside the vehicle which distracts drivers and causes drivers to reach for fallen items, often resulting in harm or injury to the driver, the vehicle and other drivers and their vehicles on the road. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an elastic seat strap that easily installs to front or rear seats of a vehicle, such as a car, truck, van, SUV, crossover vehicle or the like. The seat strap may be removable or may be an integral part of the vehicle seat, available from the original manufacturer.

The seat strap is designed to be utilized in an orientation aligned with the wheel base of the vehicle. The seat strap is not intended for restraining infants, children, pets, adults or other breakable objects.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of aseat strap102 shown installed onvehicle seat104. Theseat strap102 extends across thehorizontal section108 of theseat104 in a front-back direction. Theseat strap102 is generally an elongated web of material, which when in use, is tensioned to retain objects placed between theseat strap102 and thehorizontal section108 of theseat104.

In one embodiment, theseat strap102 has anelongated body180 at least partially comprised of an elastic material. Theelongated body180 is flexible and has a length sufficient to loop around thehorizontal section108 of theseat104. Theelongated body180 has afirst end112 and asecond end114. Thefirst end112 and thesecond end114 of theelongated body180 have aretaining feature188 configured to allow the

ends

112,114 to be secured to each other in a manner that allows at least one of a length of the resultant loop or tension (i.e., by stretching) of theelongated body180 to be adjusted by the user. Suitable retaining features188 include hoop and loop fasteners, magnets, clamps, buckles, sewn materials, and snaps, among others. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1, thefirst end112 of theseat strap102 has afirst side182 of a hook and loop fastener coupled thereto while thesecond end114 of theseat strap102 has asecond side184 of the hook and loop fastener coupled thereto.

In operation, one of the

ends

112,114 of theseat strap102 is inserted through aninterface106 formed between a seat back110 (e.g., a substantial vertical seat surface) and thehorizontal section108 of theseat104. For ease of explanation and not by way of limitation, thesecond end114, after being passed through theinterface106, is passed under thehorizontal section108 of theseat104. Thefirst end112 is then extended over thehorizontal section108 of theseat104 and fastened to thesecond end114 using theretaining feature188. Theseat strap102 is tensioned as desired to accommodate an item to be retained thereunder. If additional items are added or removed, theseat strap102 may be lengthened and/or shortened by repositioning and resecuring the

ends

112,114 using theretaining feature188 while maintaining a tension in theseat strap102 sufficient to hold the items thereunder to theseat104.

FIG. 2 is a side view of another embodiment of aseat strap200. Theseat strap200 includes anelongated body202 and ananchor212. Theelongated body202 may be repositionally coupled to theanchor212 by one or more first retaining features210. The first retaining features210 may be similar to the retaining features188 described above, allowing theseat strap200 to be adjusted to fit seats of different dimensions.

Theelongated body202 has at least a portion comprised of an elastic material to allow tensioning of theseat strap200. Theelongated body202 has a length sufficient to span front to back of the horizontal section of the vehicle seat. Theelongated body202 generally includes afirst end206 and asecond end204. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 2, thefirst end206 of theseat strap200 has afirst side282 of a hook and loop fastener of thefirst retaining feature210 coupled thereto while theanchor212 has asecond side284 of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst retaining feature210 coupled thereto.

Thesecond end204 of theseat strap200 includes asecond retaining feature208. Thesecond retaining feature208 is configured to retain thesecond end204 of theseat strap200 to the interface between vertical and horizontal sections of a vehicle seat. In one embodiment, thesecond retaining feature208 is aloop220 formed in thesecond end204 of theseat strap200. Theloop220 may be formed by sewing or other suitable technique. Theloop220 secures a widening object222 having a width or diameter at least 6 times the thickness of theelongated body202. For example, the widening object222 may be a cylinder, rod, polygon or other shape having a size sufficient to prevent thesecond end204 of theseat strap200 from being easily pulled back through the interface of the vertical and horizontal seat sections while theseat strap200 is under normal tension. In one embodiment, the widening object222 is a plastic or metal tube having a diameter of about ½ to about 1¼ inches, for example, such as a section of ½ inch ID schedule40 PVC pipe.

FIGS. 2A-D depict various alternative embodiments of a retainingfeature208 formed by and/or coupled to thesecond end204 of theseat strap200. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2A, the retainingfeature208 is in the form of asnap252 which may be utilized to form theloop220 in theseat strap200 that holds the widening object222. Alternatively, thesnap252 may be utilized to form theloop220 around an attachment point of the vehicle and/or seat. In further embodiments, one portion of thesnap252 may be snapped to a mating portion of a snap (not shown) attached to the vehicle or seat.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 2B, the retainingfeature208 is in the form of a bundle or roll ofmaterial254. The bundle or roll ofmaterial254 generally has a width of at least 6 times the thickness of thebody202 of theseat strap200. Alternatively, the bundle or roll ofmaterial254 may be an object adhered or coupled to thebody202.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 2C, the retainingfeature208 is in the form of a clamp or hook256 which may be utilized to secure theseat strap200 to the vehicle or seat. The clamp or hook256 may be permanently secured to or removable from thestrap200.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 2D, the retainingfeature208 is in the form of atee258. Thetee258 may be coupled to theseat strap200 after theseat strap200 is passed between the interface between vertical and horizontal seat sections of theseat104. In another embodiment, thetee258 may be flat so it may be passed between the interface between vertical and horizontal seat sections of theseat104, then turned to prevent being pulled back through the interface once theseat strap200 is tensioned.

Returning back toFIG. 2, theanchor212 is configured to engage the vehicle and/or seat in a manner that allows theelongated body202 to be tensioned across the horizontal seat section. Theanchor212 is utilized to selectively and adjustably secure thefirst end206 of theseat strap200 by use of the retaining first retainingfeature210.

Theanchor212 may have an elongated ductile body that allows the shape of theanchor212 to be bent by hand into a shape that accommodates mounting to the surface of the vehicle and/or seat. This will be explained in more detail below with reference toFIGS. 3A-B. Theanchor212 generally may be bent between substantially “C”, “L” or “J” shaped profiles, or to other profiles as desired. It is contemplated that non-bendable anchors may also be utilized wherein the profile is selected to engage a predefined type of vehicle seat.

In one embodiment, theanchor212 is fabricated from a strip of sheet metal or plastic. For example, theanchor212 may have a width of about ¼ to about ¾ inches, a length of about 3 to about 6 inches, and a thickness of about 1/16 to about 3/16 inches.

Theanchor212 includes afirst end214 and asecond end216. Thefirst end214 has thesecond side284 of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst retaining feature210 coupled thereto. The side of theanchor212 opposite the retainingfeature210 may include astrip218. Thestrip218 may be an adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, to help secure theanchor212 to the vehicle and/or seat, or be a pad to prevent wearing of the portion of the vehicle and/or seat which is in contact with theanchor212.

FIGS. 2G-I depict various alternative embodiments of an anchor for securing thefirst end206 of aseat strap200. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 2G, theanchor212 includes a web ofmaterial290 having asnap292. The web ofmaterial290 may be rigid or flexible. The web ofmaterial290 may alternatively be elastic as to provide tension to thestrap200. Thesnap292 may be used for form a loop in the web ofmaterial290 which can be used to attach theanchor212 to a suitable attachment point or object on the seat and/or on the vehicle. Alternatively, thesnap292 may be coupled to a mating portion disposed on the seat and/or on the vehicle.

In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 2H, theanchor212 includes a web ofmaterial290 that may be fixed to the seat and/or on the vehicle. In one embodiment, the web ofmaterial290 may be sewn, riveted, fastened, bonded, adhered or otherwise secured to the seat and/or on the vehicle. In another embodiment, the web ofmaterial290 includes anadhesive strip294, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive strip, attached to the web ofmaterial290 on a side opposite theportion284 of the hook and loop fastener. The web ofmaterial290 may be just large enough to secure to the seat, as shown inFIG. 2H, or other suitable length. In embodiments wherein the web ofmaterial290 is longer either to accommodate attachment to the underside of the seat or other remote location, theportion284 of the hook and loop fastener may be offset from thestrip294 as shown inFIG. 2I. In such embodiments, the web ofmaterial290 may optionally be elastic tension to thestrap200.

FIGS. 3A-B depict theseat strap200 utilized on different types of seats. Referring first toFIG. 3A, aseat302 is illustrated having vertical and

horizontal seat sections

320,322. Theseat302 may be coupled to afloor304 of the vehicle by a track or other suitable mountingdevice306. The front of thehorizontal seat section322 has a bottom310 which may be hooked by theanchor212 when thesecond end216 is configured as a “J” shaped profile. Thesecond end204 of theelongated body202 is secured to the rear side of theseat302 using any suitablesecond retaining feature208. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3A, thesecond end204 of theelongated body202 having thesecond retaining feature208 is disposed through the interface of the

seat sections

320,322. The widening object222 is inserted into theloop220 to retain theelongated body202 to theseat302. Alternatively, the widening object222 may be inserted into theloop220 then forced through the interface of the

seat sections

320,322. Thefirst end206 of theelongated body202 is then extended over thehorizontal section322 of theseat302 and fastened to thefirst end216 of theanchor212 using thefirst retaining feature210. Theseat strap200 is tensioned as desired to accommodate an item to be retained thereunder. If additional items are added or removed, theseat strap200 may be lengthened and/or shortened by repositioning and resecuring theend206 of thebody202 to theanchor212 using the first retaining features210 while maintaining a tension in theseat strap200 sufficient to hold the items thereunder to theseat302.

Referring now toFIG. 3B, aseat350 is illustrated having vertical and

horizontal seat sections

320,322. The front of thehorizontal seat section322 has a bottom310 which is flush with thefloor304 of the vehicle. Theanchor212 may be bent to an “L” shaped profile so that thesecond end216 of theanchor212 may piece the seam between thefloor304 andseat bottom310. Since the pull on theanchor212 is substantially vertical, the substantially horizontal orientation of thesecond end216 extending between thefloor304 andseat bottom310 prevents theanchor212 from pulling out. Thesecond end204 of theelongated body202 is secured to the rear side of theseat302 using any suitablesecond retaining feature208. For example, asecond anchor212 may be utilized in the rear of the seat to secure thesecond end204 of thestrap200 in the manner shown inFIG. 2F. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3A, thesecond end204 of theelongated body202 is disposed through the interface of the

seat sections

320,322 as discussed above to secure thebody202 to theseat350. Thefirst end206 of theelongated body202 is then extended over thehorizontal section322 of theseat350 and fastened to thefirst end216 of theanchor212 using thefirst retaining feature210 as described above.

In other embodiments, the seat strap may be installed in the vehicle as an original factory product or as an aftermarket product. The seat strap may also be an integral part of the seat. For example, an elongated body, such as thebody180 described above, may be sewn or otherwise permanently fastened to the seat at one end. The other end of thebody180 includes afirst side182 of a retainingfeature188. Thesecond side182 of the retainingfeature188 may be fastened, adhered or otherwise be part of the front face of the seat to allow thebody180 to be tensioned across the horizontal section of the seat. It is contemplated than an anchor, such as theanchor212, may also be utilized in this arrangement.

FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of avehicle seat450 having aseat strap400. Theseat strap400 and/or portions of the retaining features may be an integral part of theseat450. Theseat450 generally includes a substantiallyvertical section452 and a substantiallyhorizontal section454 that meet at aninterface456.

Theseat strap400 includes anelongated body402 having afirst end404 and asecond end406. Theelongated body402 is generally fabricated from a web of elastic material and has a length sufficient to span the substantiallyhorizontal section454 as shown. Thefirst end404 is configured to interface with afirst anchor412, while thesecond end406 is configured to interface with asecond anchor422 to retain thestrap400 to theseat450. Thestrap400 may be tensioned between the

anchors

412,422 by adjusting either end of thebody402.

Thefirst end404 and thefirst anchor412 share mating portions of afirst retaining feature430. Thefirst retaining feature430 may be configured as described above with reference to the other retaining features. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 4, thefirst retaining feature430 includes afirst portion432 of a hook and loop fastener coupled to thefirst end404 of thestrap400 and asecond portion416 of a hook and loop fastener coupled to thehorizontal section454 of theseat450 and/or other portion of the vehicle. Thesecond portion416 of a hook and loop fastener may be coupled to thehorizontal section454 of theseat450 by a pressure sensitiveadhesive strip414. It is contemplated that thesecond portion416 may be sewn to theseat450 or coupled using other suitable techniques.

Thesecond end406 and thesecond anchor422 share mating portions of asecond retaining feature208. Thesecond retaining feature208 may be configured as described above with reference to the other retaining features. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 4, thesecond retaining feature208 includes afirst portion262 of a hook and loop fastener coupled to thesecond end406 of thestrap400 and asecond portion264 of a hook and loop fastener coupled to thehorizontal section454 of theseat450 and/or other portion of the vehicle. The second portion464 of a hook and loop fastener may be coupled to thehorizontal section454 of theseat450 by a pressure sensitiveadhesive strip414. It is contemplated that thesecond portion264 may be sewn to theseat450 or coupled using other suitable techniques. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 4, the second portion464 of a hook and loop fastener may be hidden in theinterface456 between the horizontal and

vertical sections

454,452 of theseat450.

Thus, a seat strap has been described that is suitable for securing objects having different sizes and shapes. The seat strap prevents objects placed on a vehicle seat from falling onto the floor, slipping between the seat and console or falling between the seat and passenger door when the vehicle is in motion. The flat seat strap is easily stored in glove compartments. Moreover, since the seat strap is thin and flexible, it may be sat upon when not in use with little or no discomfort to the passenger, and as such, it is anticipated that many users will leave the seat strap in place even when not in use or when a passenger is using the seat.

The seat strap is adjustable to secure objects of many different sizes with little or minimal adjustment. Non-limiting examples of objects which are readily secured by the seat strap include pocketbooks, purses, books, files, file folders, portfolios, laptop computer, brief cases, cell phones, travel bags, take-out food, groceries, laundry, boxes and bottles. Seat strap creates a safe way to limit or remove the risk of objects falling onto the vehicle floor or sliding sideways and landing between the seat and the passenger door or the seat and the vehicle console.

The seat strap also promotes safe driving practices. Driver distraction caused by falling or moving items inside the vehicle may be highly destructive. The seat strap helps drivers concentrate on driving by significantly reducing distractions within the vehicle due to falling or sliding objects.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention thus may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A strap for retaining articles on a vehicle seat, the strap of a length that can encircle a vehicle seat and comprising:

a body portion having a first end and a second end; and

a first fastening mechanism attached to the first end of the body portion;

wherein the second end of the body portion is configured to releasably engage the first fastening mechanism such that the body portion will overlay at least the horizontal portion of the vehicle seat in such a manner that it will restrain articles placed between the body portion and the horizontal portion from moving relative to the horizontal portion.

22. The strap ofclaim 21, wherein the strap is configured in an orientation aligned with the wheel base of a vehicle.

23. The strap ofclaim 21, wherein the body portion is composed of an elastic material.

24. The strap ofclaim 21, wherein the length of the body portion is sufficient to wrap around the horizontal section of the vehicle seat.

25. The strap ofclaim 21, further comprising a second fastening mechanism attached to the second end of the body portion.

26. The strap ofclaim 21, wherein the fastening mechanism is a mechanism selected from the group consisting of hook and loop fasteners, magnets, clamps, buckles, sewn materials, glued or heat sealed materials, and snaps.

27. The strap ofclaim 21, wherein the strap is formed as an integral part of the vehicle seat.

28. The strap ofclaim 21, wherein the strap is configured so that it does not interfere with a passenger sitting in the vehicle seat.

29. A strap for retaining articles on a vehicle seat, the strap comprising:

a body portion having a first end and a second end;

a retaining feature attached to the first end of the body portion, the retaining feature configured to engage a portion of a vehicle seat;

an anchor releasably connected with the second end of the body portion, the anchor configured to engage a portion of a vehicle seat opposite the retaining feature such that the body portion traverses a surface of the vehicle seat in such a manner that it will restrain articles placed between the body portion and the surface of the vehicle seat from moving relative to the surface of the vehicle seat.

30. The strap ofclaim 29, wherein the retaining feature is configured to engage the interface between a seat back and a seat cushion.

31. The strap ofclaim 29, wherein the retaining feature comprises a loop formed in the first end of the body portion and a widening object disposed within the loop.

32. The strap ofclaim 31, wherein the width of the widening object is at least 6 times the thickness of the body portion.

33. The strap ofclaim 31, wherein the widening object comprises an object selected from the group consisting of a cylinder, a rod, and a polygon, the widening object having a size sufficient to prevent the first end of the body portion of the strap from being pulled through the interface between a seat back and a seat cushion.

34. The strap ofclaim 31, wherein the widening object is a tube having a diameter of about ½ to about 11/4 inches.

35. The strap ofclaim 30, wherein the retaining feature comprises a loop configured to surround an attachment point of a vehicle seat.

36. The strap ofclaim 30, wherein the retaining feature comprises a bundle or roll of material.

37. The strap ofclaim 36, wherein the bundle or roll of material is formed from the first end of the body portion.

38. The strap ofclaim 36, wherein the bundle or roll of material is an object coupled to the first end of the body portion.

39. The strap ofclaim 36, wherein the bundle or roll of material has a diameter at least 6 times the thickness of the body portion.

40. The strap ofclaim 30, wherein the retaining feature comprises a clamp or a hook.

41. The strap ofclaim 30, wherein the retaining feature comprises a tee shape.

42. The strap ofclaim 29, wherein the anchor has a ductile portion that allows the shape of the anchor to be bent to accommodate the edge surface of a vehicle seat.

43. The strap ofclaim 29, wherein the anchor is pre-formed to engage a pre-defined shape of a vehicle seat.

44. The strap ofclaim 29, wherein the strap is configured so that it does not interfere with a passenger sitting in the vehicle seat.

45. A method of retaining articles on a vehicle seat, the method comprising:

inserting a first end of a strap through an interface between a seat back and a seat cushion;

passing the first end of the strap over a first side of the seat cushion;

passing a second end of the strap under a second side of the seat cushion opposite the first side;

attaching the first and second ends of the strap so that the strap forms a continuous loop about the seat cushion and provides an engagement area between the surface of the seat cushion and the underside of the strap for retaining articles in such a manner that it will restrain articles placed between the strap and the seat cushion from moving relative to the seat cushion.

46. The method ofclaim 45, further comprising placing an object between the strap and the seat cushion.

47. The method ofclaim 46, further comprising tensioning the strap prior to or after placing the object between the strap and the seat cushion.

48. The method ofclaim 45, wherein the strap is elastic.

49. The method ofclaim 45, wherein attaching the first and second ends of the strap comprises:

engaging a retainer selected from the group consisting of a snap, a hook, a loop, and a widening object.

50. The method ofclaim 45, wherein the strap is configured so that it does not interfere with a passenger sitting in the vehicle seat.

51. A method of retaining articles on a vehicle seat, the method comprising:

providing a strap having a sufficient length to span the surface of a vehicle seat;

securing a first end of the strap to the rear side of the vehicle seat using a retaining feature;

extending the strap over the seat cushion of the vehicle seat;

securing the second end of the strap to the front side of the vehicle seat so that the strap traverses the top surface of the seat;

tensioning the strap so that it will engage an item to be retained thereunder to restrain movement of the item.

52. The method ofclaim 51, wherein the strap is configured so that it does not interfere with a passenger sitting in the vehicle seat.