US20090245963A1

US20090245963A1 - Seat strap

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 of FIG. 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 a seat strap 102 shown installed on vehicle seat 104. The seat strap 102 extends across the horizontal section 108 of the seat 104 in a front-back direction. The seat strap 102 is generally an elongated web of material, which when in use, is tensioned to retain objects placed between the seat strap 102 and the horizontal section 108 of the seat 104.
In one embodiment, the seat strap 102 has an elongated body 180 at least partially comprised of an elastic material. The elongated body 180 is flexible and has a length sufficient to loop around the horizontal section 108 of the seat 104. The elongated body 180 has a first end 112 and a second end 114. The first end 112 and the second end 114 of the elongated body 180 have a retaining feature 188 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 the elongated body 180 to be adjusted by the user. Suitable retaining features 188 include hoop and loop fasteners, magnets, clamps, buckles, sewn materials, and snaps, among others. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the first end 112 of the seat strap 102 has a first side 182 of a hook and loop fastener coupled thereto while the second end 114 of the seat strap 102 has a second side 184 of the hook and loop fastener coupled thereto.
In operation, one of the ends 112, 114 of the seat strap 102 is inserted through an interface 106 formed between a seat back 110 (e.g., a substantial vertical seat surface) and the horizontal section 108 of the seat 104. For ease of explanation and not by way of limitation, the second end 114, after being passed through the interface 106, is passed under the horizontal section 108 of the seat 104. The first end 112 is then extended over the horizontal section 108 of the seat 104 and fastened to the second end 114 using the retaining feature 188. The seat strap 102 is tensioned as desired to accommodate an item to be retained thereunder. If additional items are added or removed, the seat strap 102 may be lengthened and/or shortened by repositioning and resecuring the ends 112, 114 using the retaining feature 188 while maintaining a tension in the seat strap 102 sufficient to hold the items thereunder to the seat 104.
FIG. 2 is a side view of another embodiment of a seat strap 200. The seat strap 200 includes an elongated body 202 and an anchor 212. The elongated body 202 may be repositionally coupled to the anchor 212 by one or more first retaining features 210. The first retaining features 210 may be similar to the retaining features 188 described above, allowing the seat strap 200 to be adjusted to fit seats of different dimensions.
The elongated body 202 has at least a portion comprised of an elastic material to allow tensioning of the seat strap 200. The elongated body 202 has a length sufficient to span front to back of the horizontal section of the vehicle seat. The elongated body 202 generally includes a first end 206 and a second end 204. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the first end 206 of the seat strap 200 has a first side 282 of a hook and loop fastener of the first retaining feature 210 coupled thereto while the anchor 212 has a second side 284 of the hook and loop fastener of the first retaining feature 210 coupled thereto.
The second end 204 of the seat strap 200 includes a second retaining feature 208. The second retaining feature 208 is configured to retain the second end 204 of the seat strap 200 to the interface between vertical and horizontal sections of a vehicle seat. In one embodiment, the second retaining feature 208 is a loop 220 formed in the second end 204 of the seat strap 200. The loop 220 may be formed by sewing or other suitable technique. The loop 220 secures a widening object 222 having a width or diameter at least 6 times the thickness of the elongated body 202. For example, the widening object 222 may be a cylinder, rod, polygon or other shape having a size sufficient to prevent the second end 204 of the seat strap 200 from being easily pulled back through the interface of the vertical and horizontal seat sections while the seat strap 200 is under normal tension. In one embodiment, the widening object 222 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 schedule 40 PVC pipe.
FIGS. 2A-D depict various alternative embodiments of a retaining feature 208 formed by and/or coupled to the second end 204 of the seat strap 200. In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the retaining feature 208 is in the form of a snap 252 which may be utilized to form the loop 220 in the seat strap 200 that holds the widening object 222. Alternatively, the snap 252 may be utilized to form the loop 220 around an attachment point of the vehicle and/or seat. In further embodiments, one portion of the snap 252 may be snapped to a mating portion of a snap (not shown) attached to the vehicle or seat.
In the embodiment of FIG. 2B, the retaining feature 208 is in the form of a bundle or roll of material 254. The bundle or roll of material 254 generally has a width of at least 6 times the thickness of the body 202 of the seat strap 200. Alternatively, the bundle or roll of material 254 may be an object adhered or coupled to the body 202.
In the embodiment of FIG. 2C, the retaining feature 208 is in the form of a clamp or hook 256 which may be utilized to secure the seat strap 200 to the vehicle or seat. The clamp or hook 256 may be permanently secured to or removable from the strap 200.
In the embodiment of FIG. 2D, the retaining feature 208 is in the form of a tee 258. The tee 258 may be coupled to the seat strap 200 after the seat strap 200 is passed between the interface between vertical and horizontal seat sections of the seat 104. In another embodiment, the tee 258 may be flat so it may be passed between the interface between vertical and horizontal seat sections of the seat 104, then turned to prevent being pulled back through the interface once the seat strap 200 is tensioned.
Returning back to FIG. 2, the anchor 212 is configured to engage the vehicle and/or seat in a manner that allows the elongated body 202 to be tensioned across the horizontal seat section. The anchor 212 is utilized to selectively and adjustably secure the first end 206 of the seat strap 200 by use of the retaining first retaining feature 210.
The anchor 212 may have an elongated ductile body that allows the shape of the anchor 212 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 to FIGS. 3A-B. The anchor 212 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, the anchor 212 is fabricated from a strip of sheet metal or plastic. For example, the anchor 212 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.
The anchor 212 includes a first end 214 and a second end 216. The first end 214 has the second side 284 of the hook and loop fastener of the first retaining feature 210 coupled thereto. The side of the anchor 212 opposite the retaining feature 210 may include a strip 218. The strip 218 may be an adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, to help secure the anchor 212 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 the anchor 212.
FIGS. 2G-I depict various alternative embodiments of an anchor for securing the first end 206 of a seat strap 200. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2G, the anchor 212 includes a web of material 290 having a snap 292. The web of material 290 may be rigid or flexible. The web of material 290 may alternatively be elastic as to provide tension to the strap 200. The snap 292 may be used for form a loop in the web of material 290 which can be used to attach the anchor 212 to a suitable attachment point or object on the seat and/or on the vehicle. Alternatively, the snap 292 may be coupled to a mating portion disposed on the seat and/or on the vehicle.
In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2H, the anchor 212 includes a web of material 290 that may be fixed to the seat and/or on the vehicle. In one embodiment, the web of material 290 may be sewn, riveted, fastened, bonded, adhered or otherwise secured to the seat and/or on the vehicle. In another embodiment, the web of material 290 includes an adhesive strip 294, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive strip, attached to the web of material 290 on a side opposite the portion 284 of the hook and loop fastener. The web of material 290 may be just large enough to secure to the seat, as shown in FIG. 2H, or other suitable length. In embodiments wherein the web of material 290 is longer either to accommodate attachment to the underside of the seat or other remote location, the portion 284 of the hook and loop fastener may be offset from the strip 294 as shown in FIG. 2I. In such embodiments, the web of material 290 may optionally be elastic tension to the strap 200.
FIGS. 3A-B depict the seat strap 200 utilized on different types of seats. Referring first to FIG. 3A, a seat 302 is illustrated having vertical and horizontal seat sections 320, 322. The seat 302 may be coupled to a floor 304 of the vehicle by a track or other suitable mounting device 306. The front of the horizontal seat section 322 has a bottom 310 which may be hooked by the anchor 212 when the second end 216 is configured as a “J” shaped profile. The second end 204 of the elongated body 202 is secured to the rear side of the seat 302 using any suitable second retaining feature 208. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the second end 204 of the elongated body 202 having the second retaining feature 208 is disposed through the interface of the seat sections 320, 322. The widening object 222 is inserted into the loop 220 to retain the elongated body 202 to the seat 302. Alternatively, the widening object 222 may be inserted into the loop 220 then forced through the interface of the seat sections 320, 322. The first end 206 of the elongated body 202 is then extended over the horizontal section 322 of the seat 302 and fastened to the first end 216 of the anchor 212 using the first retaining feature 210. The seat strap 200 is tensioned as desired to accommodate an item to be retained thereunder. If additional items are added or removed, the seat strap 200 may be lengthened and/or shortened by repositioning and resecuring the end 206 of the body 202 to the anchor 212 using the first retaining features 210 while maintaining a tension in the seat strap 200 sufficient to hold the items thereunder to the seat 302.
Referring now to FIG. 3B, a seat 350 is illustrated having vertical and horizontal seat sections 320, 322. The front of the horizontal seat section 322 has a bottom 310 which is flush with the floor 304 of the vehicle. The anchor 212 may be bent to an “L” shaped profile so that the second end 216 of the anchor 212 may piece the seam between the floor 304 and seat bottom 310. Since the pull on the anchor 212 is substantially vertical, the substantially horizontal orientation of the second end 216 extending between the floor 304 and seat bottom 310 prevents the anchor 212 from pulling out. The second end 204 of the elongated body 202 is secured to the rear side of the seat 302 using any suitable second retaining feature 208. For example, a second anchor 212 may be utilized in the rear of the seat to secure the second end 204 of the strap 200 in the manner shown in FIG. 2F. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the second end 204 of the elongated body 202 is disposed through the interface of the seat sections 320, 322 as discussed above to secure the body 202 to the seat 350. The first end 206 of the elongated body 202 is then extended over the horizontal section 322 of the seat 350 and fastened to the first end 216 of the anchor 212 using the first retaining feature 210 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 the body 180 described above, may be sewn or otherwise permanently fastened to the seat at one end. The other end of the body 180 includes a first side 182 of a retaining feature 188. The second side 182 of the retaining feature 188 may be fastened, adhered or otherwise be part of the front face of the seat to allow the body 180 to be tensioned across the horizontal section of the seat. It is contemplated than an anchor, such as the anchor 212, may also be utilized in this arrangement.
FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of a vehicle seat 450 having a seat strap 400. The seat strap 400 and/or portions of the retaining features may be an integral part of the seat 450. The seat 450 generally includes a substantially vertical section 452 and a substantially horizontal section 454 that meet at an interface 456.
The seat strap 400 includes an elongated body 402 having a first end 404 and a second end 406. The elongated body 402 is generally fabricated from a web of elastic material and has a length sufficient to span the substantially horizontal section 454 as shown. The first end 404 is configured to interface with a first anchor 412, while the second end 406 is configured to interface with a second anchor 422 to retain the strap 400 to the seat 450. The strap 400 may be tensioned between the anchors 412, 422 by adjusting either end of the body 402.
The first end 404 and the first anchor 412 share mating portions of a first retaining feature 430. The first retaining feature 430 may be configured as described above with reference to the other retaining features. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the first retaining feature 430 includes a first portion 432 of a hook and loop fastener coupled to the first end 404 of the strap 400 and a second portion 416 of a hook and loop fastener coupled to the horizontal section 454 of the seat 450 and/or other portion of the vehicle. The second portion 416 of a hook and loop fastener may be coupled to the horizontal section 454 of the seat 450 by a pressure sensitive adhesive strip 414. It is contemplated that the second portion 416 may be sewn to the seat 450 or coupled using other suitable techniques.
The second end 406 and the second anchor 422 share mating portions of a second retaining feature 208. The second retaining feature 208 may be configured as described above with reference to the other retaining features. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the second retaining feature 208 includes a first portion 262 of a hook and loop fastener coupled to the second end 406 of the strap 400 and a second portion 264 of a hook and loop fastener coupled to the horizontal section 454 of the seat 450 and/or other portion of the vehicle. The second portion 464 of a hook and loop fastener may be coupled to the horizontal section 454 of the seat 450 by a pressure sensitive adhesive strip 414. It is contemplated that the second portion 264 may be sewn to the seat 450 or coupled using other suitable techniques. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the second portion 464 of a hook and loop fastener may be hidden in the interface 456 between the horizontal and vertical sections 454, 452 of the seat 450.
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 of claim 21, wherein the strap is configured in an orientation aligned with the wheel base of a vehicle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

33. The strap of claim 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 of claim 31, wherein the widening object is a tube having a diameter of about ½ to about 1 1/4 inches.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

44. The strap of claim 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 of claim 45, further comprising placing an object between the strap and the seat cushion.

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

48. The method of claim 45, wherein the strap is elastic.

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