A system for attaching a seat cover to a seat back

Abstract

A system for connecting a seat cover and a seat back is disclosed. The system may have a sinusoidal shaped fastening strap that connects the cover to the seat back so that at least a portion of the cover may be seamless over the fastening strap. The design of the fastening strap allows it to be hidden on the exterior of the cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An embodiment of a system for connecting a seat cover to a seat back is disclosed. The system can be used with a seat, such as a vehicle seat. A method of using and manufacturing the system is also provided. Background Art

[0002] In its simplest form, a vehicle seat is typically composed of a frame, a molded foam pad, and a cover. The frame provides support for the seat and it securely connects the seat to the vehicle. The foam pad is connected to the frame and not only provides a comfortable sitting surface for the occupant, but it also typically helps define an aesthetic shape for the seat (the frame may also help provide this shape). The cover typically extends over the frame and seat and covers, surrounds, and contains the frame and foam pad. In addition to these functions, the cover can also provide a comfortable, direct contact surface for the occupant and can also provide the seat with aesthetic details and finishes that are not found in other seat components.

[0003] Coverings may also be used with trim on vehicle seats. Trim can be used to define sections of the seat or provide features and add additional aesthetic value to the seat. Trim is often attached directly to the cover and can be used to cover seams.

[0004] In the past, seams could be used to define sections or provide features to a seat. Additionally, seams in a seat provide areas where a cover can be secured to and / or trim can be attached to an underlying padding.

[0005] Unfortunately, however, the available combinations of trim, seams, and underlying padding limit the seat design and cover appearance. For example, in WO 2004 / 089680 A1, a seat pad is disclosed having a first generally planar central region and a second generally non-planar region, wherein the two regions are separated by a groove. A fastening strap is located in the groove. The cover is located over the two regions and secured within the groove. In this case, the required use of the groove provides limited freedom for other seat designs and appearances, and it secures the location of the trim to the location of the groove.

[0006] Other concepts attempt to use seamless covers to provide more design options for seats, but these concepts also have their disadvantages. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 10,099,583 B2 discloses the use of a molded fastener to a liner via seams, adhesive bonding, fusion (e.g., flame lamination), and / or the use of additional materials or a complex manufacturing process. This is also disadvantageous due to the need for additional materials and a complex manufacturing process to manufacture the cover.

[0007] In view of the disadvantages associated with known prior art seat covers, it would be advantageous for a seat cover to be seamless, easy to use and manufacture, and cost effective and also efficient in positioning and securing the seat cover to the seat. It would be advantageous for a system for attaching a seat cover to a seat back to achieve this without limiting where the attachment occurs, including being independent of the seam location, to provide design freedom and an aesthetically pleasing seat cover. Summary of the invention

[0008] In one embodiment, a system for connecting a seat cover and a seat back may have a seat back and a fastening strap. The fastening strap may have a sinusoidal shape and a seat back side and an opposite cover side. The seat back side may be connected to the seat back. The cover side may be part of a hook and loop fastening system. A second part of the hook and loop fastening system on the cover side may be connected to the inside of the seat cover.

[0009] In another aspect, the seat back can have a concave shape formed by a seat cushion at least partially defining side portions of a central section of the seat back, wherein the central section can be in a lower plane than a plane formed by an upper edge of the seat cushion.

[0010] In another aspect, a fastening strap may be located within a central section of the seat back to conform the interior side of the seat cover to the seat back.

[0011] In another aspect, a portion of the exterior side of the seat covering is planar and the sinusoidal shape of the fastening strap is not visible on the exterior side of the seat covering when the seat covering is installed on the seat back.

[0012] The seat covering, on the other hand, is seamless.

[0013] In another aspect, a portion of the seat covering at least partially over the side bolsters and completely over the seat center section is seamless.

[0014] In another aspect, the seat covering directly adjacent the fastening system is continuous, seamless, and free of holes.

[0015] In another aspect, the fastening strap is non-removably connected to the seat back.

[0016] In another aspect, the sinusoidal shape of the fastening band includes an upper surface of the fastening band that oscillates with at least one period and a lower surface of the fastening band that has a complementary oscillation period to the upper surface.

[0017] In another aspect, the sinusoidal shape of the fastening strip includes an upper surface having two coplanar apex portions separated by a valley portion, and a lower surface having two coplanar apex portions separated by a valley portion, wherein the valley portions are vertically aligned with each other and the two pairs of coplanar apex portions are vertically aligned with each other.

[0018] In another aspect, the covering side of the fastening strap may lie in a plane lower than a plane formed by the upper edge of the seat cushion.

[0019] In another aspect, the fastening straps may be connected directly to the interior side of the seat covering without intermediate structures or layers.

[0020] In another aspect, no portion of the fastener system extends through the seat covering from the interior side to the exterior side of the covering.

[0021] In another aspect, the seat covering directly adjacent the fastener system is unitary, one-piece, and integrally formed.

[0022] In another aspect, a second portion of the hook and loop fastening system on the cover side is laminated to the interior side of the seat cover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The above and other advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description when considered in light of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a seat back and a fastening strap;

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a fastening strap; and

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a seat back, fastening straps and cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] It should be understood that the device may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences unless expressly specified to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, specific dimensions, orientations, or other physical characteristics related to the disclosed embodiments should not be considered limiting unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0028] Steering Figure 1 , one embodiment of a seat back 10 is depicted. Figure 1A Cartesian coordinate system is also depicted, which has three special directions that are perpendicular to each other. When the seat back 10 is installed in a vehicle (not shown), the longitudinal direction x extends substantially horizontally and preferably parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle corresponding to the forward travel direction of the vehicle. The transverse direction y extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction x, is oriented horizontally in the vehicle and extends parallel to the forward direction of the vehicle. The vertical direction z extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction x and perpendicularly to the transverse direction y. When the seat back 10 is installed in the vehicle, the vertical direction z extends parallel to the vertical axis of the vehicle.

[0029] The above positions and directions relate to the viewing direction of an occupant in the seat back 10 in a normal seating position with the seat back 10 generally oriented in the direction of travel. However, the seat back 10 may be installed in other orientations, for example, transversely relative to the direction of travel.

[0030] The seat back 10 can be used, for example, in a vehicle seat, but other uses are also possible. The seat back 10 depicted in the figures is an embodiment of a backrest. Although a backrest is described, the subsequent information can be easily applied to a bottom portion or a seat portion.

[0031] The seat back 10 may be supported by a frame (not shown) located within or associated with the seat back 10. The frame may be comprised of one or more frame members connected together in the general shape of the seat back 10. The frame provides structural rigidity to the seat back 10 and is also connected to a fixed platform, such as a vehicle frame.

[0032] The seat back 10 in the depicted embodiment can be composed of an upper portion 12, an opposite lower portion 14 and two opposite side portions 16, 18. A center portion 20 can be located between the upper and lower portions 12, 14 and the side portions 16, 18. The upper portion 12 can be adapted to selectively receive a headrest (not shown) therein. The lower portion 14 can be adapted to be complementary to the seat / bottom for attachment. The side portions 16, 18 can be composed of cushion portions. The cushion portions can be portions that are similarly angled or pivoted from the relatively flat center portion 20. The cushion portions can contribute to the comfort of the occupant and can contribute to centering the occupant on the seat back 10.

[0033] In one embodiment, the center portion 20 defines a plane in which the center portion (at least the front portion of the center portion as compared to the rear portion of the center portion (not shown)) exists only or substantially exists. However, due to their shape and angled nature, the cushion portions extend out of the center portion plane. The upper edges of the cushion portions form side cushion planes that are located above the center portion plane and the two planes are not coplanar. Due to this design, the seat back 10 in the illustrated embodiment has a concave shape formed by the cushion portions and the center portion 20.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown in the depicted embodiment, the fastening strap 22 may be located in or on the seat back 10. In this embodiment, the fastening strap 22 may be located in / on the center portion 20 of the seat back 10.

[0035] The fastening band 22 can have a sinusoidal shape. In one embodiment, the sinusoidal shape of the fastening band 22 is formed by an upper surface 24 of the fastening band 22 that oscillates at least one cycle and a lower surface 26 of the fastening band 22 that oscillates at a complementary cycle to the upper surface 24. In other words, the upper surface 24 and the lower surface 26 of the fastening band 22 can be parallel or substantially parallel to each other along their path. Although at least one cycle is shown, it is understood that additional cycles or lengths of the fastening band 22 can be used.

[0036] The upper surface 24 may have two coplanar apex portions 28 separated by a valley portion 30. The lower surface 26 may have two coplanar apex portions 28 separated by a valley portion 34. The two valley portions 30, 34 may be vertically aligned with each other, and the apex portions 28, 32 may be vertically aligned with each other. The fastening band 22 may be symmetrical about a vertical axis 36.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the first and second fastening belts 22 can be located in the center portion 20 of the seat back 10. The fastening belts 22 can be vertically aligned with each other, but spaced apart from each other, as shown in the figure. In this embodiment, the vertex portions 28, 32 of the two fastening belts 22 are vertically aligned with each other, and the valley portions 30, 34 of the two fastening belts 22 are aligned with each other. The second fastening belt 22 can be roughly centered in the seat back 10, roughly equidistant from the side portions 16, 18 and the upper and lower portions 12, 14, while the first fastening belt 22 can be located near the upper portion of the center portion 12. Only a single fastening belt 22 is mentioned below, but it can be understood that the discussion is also applicable to the second fastening belt 22.

[0038] The fastening strap 22 may have a seat pad side 38 and an opposing cover side 40. The seat pad side 38 may be connected to the seat back 10, such as directly connected to the seat back 10 without any intermediate layers, materials or devices. The seat pad side 38 may be substantially planar.

[0039] The cover side 40 of the fastening tape 22 can be composed of a part of a hook and loop fastening system. Although hooks or loops can be located on the fastening tape 22, the loop 42 located on the fastening tape 22 will be discussed below. The loop 42 can extend substantially across the cover side 40 of the fastening tape 22 or only extend across a portion thereof.

[0040] The fastening strap 22 can be connected to the seat back 10 so that the fastening strap 22 is immovable relative to the seat back. In one embodiment, the padding side 40 of the fastening strap 22 is bonded to the seat back 10, for example, by gluing. It is also possible to allow the padding side 40 of the fastening strap 22 to be molded directly into the seat back 10.

[0041] Regardless of the attachment method, the covered side 40 of the fastening strap 22 can be located below the plane formed by the upper edges of the seat portions 16, 18. In addition, the covered side 40 of the fastening strap 22 can be substantially coplanar with the surface 44 of the central portion 20 or it can be slightly elevated relative to the surface 44.

[0042] The seat back 10 may be comprised of one or more foam components, including a center portion 20 and upper and lower portions 12, 14 and side portions 16, 18. Thus, the fastening straps 22 may be foam molded directly into the seat back 10 when the seat back 10 is formed.

[0043] In one embodiment of the foaming step, the fastening strip 22 can be located in a foaming tool (not shown). The fastening strip 22 can be positioned in the tool using pins, fasteners, temporary adhesive, and / or magnetic forces. More specifically, the fastening strip 22 can be positioned in the foaming tool and held in place at the location where it will be positioned on the subsequently formed seat back 10.

[0044] The foam is introduced into the tool and expands to fill the tool interior space. The foam surrounds the fastening strip 22 on its pad side 38 and its upper and lower surfaces 24, 26 to secure it in place.

[0045] exist Figure 2 , the fastening strip 22 can be provided with a cover or gasket 46. The gasket 46 can extend across at least a portion of the cover side 40 of the fastening strip 22, including embodiments in which it extends completely across the cover side 40. The gasket 46 can also form a seal around the cover side 40 to selectively prevent or reduce a material such as foam from contacting or visibly contacting one of the hook or loop connectors on the cover side 40.

[0046] At least during the formation of the seat back 10 in the foaming tool, the gasket 46 can be installed on the fastening strip 22. The gasket 46 is so positioned to prevent foam from blocking or clogging the hook or loop connectors on the cover side 40 of the fastening strip 22. When the seat back 10 is removed from the foaming tool, the gasket 46 can be removed, such as pulled away from the fastening strip 22, to reveal and expose the hook or loop connectors.

[0047] Washer 46 can be provided with material or connector to allow the attached fastening band to be properly positioned in the foaming tool.In one embodiment, pad 46 can be embedded with magnetic material 48 or otherwise connected with magnetic material 48.Magnetic material 48 can be, for example, magnetic powder, magnetic particles and / or magnetic pieces.Magnetic material 48 can be located in the whole pad 46 or only in the selected part.Magnetic material 48 is attached to the metal in the foaming tool with enough force to keep fastening band 22 in the proper position on the tool.Magnetic material 48 allows selective attachment and positioning (including repositioning) fastening band 22 in the foaming tool so that it can be positioned in the correct position.

[0048] After the seat pad 10 is foamed with the fastening tape 22, the cover 50 (one embodiment of which is shown in FIG. Figure 3 The cover 50 may be connected to the seat back 10. The cover 50 may be formed in whole or in part from textile, leather or some other natural material or natural woven fabric.

[0049] In one embodiment, the seat cover 50 is seamless. Seamless means that there are no seams that connect one or more portions of the seat cover 50 together. The seams can be formed by welding, adhesives, stitching, or other structures. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the seat cover 50 that is at least partially located above the side portions 16, 18 and the center portion 20 of the seat cover 50 is seamless. In yet another embodiment, a portion of the seat cover 50 directly adjacent to the fastening straps 22 is seamless, and this portion can also be continuous and non-porous. Figure 3 The embodiment of the cover 50 in is shown as having edge / corner portions, but it is still seamless.

[0050] The cover 50 can be wrapped around the seat back 10 or pulled onto the seat back to position it in place. Preferably, after the shim 46 is removed, the cover 50 is positioned around the seat back 10, thereby exposing the loop fasteners 42 on the cover side 40 of the fastening strap 22. In one embodiment, the loop fasteners 42 are directly connected to the interior side 52 of the cover 50 without an intermediate structure or layer. The opposite fastener type from that on the fastening strap 22 can be located on the interior side 52 of the cover 50. For example, if the loop fasteners 42 are located on the fastening strap 22, the hook portion 54 can be located on the interior side 52 of the cover 50. Continuing with this example, it is understood that the opposite is allowed, and the hook portion 54 or the structure that carries it can be laminated to the interior side 52 of the seat cover 50.

[0051] As will be appreciated from the foregoing, the fastening straps 22 are connected to the cover 50, but no portion of the fastening straps 22 or other structure extends through the seat cover 50 from the interior side 52 of the cover 50 to the exterior side 56 of the cover 50, such as requiring a seam. Thus, the seat cover 50, at least immediately adjacent the fastening straps 22, is unitary, one-piece, and integrally formed.

[0052] The fastening straps 22 secure the cover 50 to the seat back 10 so that the cover 50 conforms to the seat back 10. Because the fastening straps 22 secure the cover 50 to the seat back 10 and prevent the cover 50 from "bulging" above the seat back 10, the cover 50 conforms to the seat back 10, even with the concave nature of the seat back 10. Notably, this conformation is achieved without requiring seams or interruptions to other structures of the cover 50, particularly at the locations of the fastening straps 22.

[0053] It is also important to note that the seat cover 50, particularly in the area of ​​the fastening strap 22, does not transfer the shape of the fastening strap 22 through the cover 50. It is believed that the sinusoidal shape of the fastening strap 22 helps to disguise the shape of the strap 22 behind the cover 50. In fact, it has been discovered that a portion of the outer side 56 of the seat cover 50 that covers the fastening strap 22 is planar, and when the seat cover 50 is installed on the seat back 10, the sinusoidal shape of the fastening strap 22 is not visible on the outer side 56 of the seat cover 50.

[0054] In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present device has been described as representing its preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that the device may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.

Claims

1. A system for connecting a seat cover and a seat back, comprising: a seat back including an upper portion and an opposing lower portion; a seat covering adapted to extend at least partially over said seat back; a fastening strap defining a laterally extending sinusoidal shape having an apex portion extending toward the upper portion and a valley portion extending toward the lower portion, the fastening strap having a planar seat pad side and an opposing cover side, wherein the seat pad side is connected to the seat back, wherein the cover side is a part of a hook and loop fastening system; and wherein a second portion of the hook and loop fastening system on the covering side is connected to an interior side of the seat covering.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The seat back has a concave shape formed by a seat cushion at least partially defining side portions of a central section of the seat back, wherein the central section lies in a lower plane than a plane formed by an upper edge of the seat cushion.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The fastening strap is positioned within the central section of the seat back to conform the interior side of the seat cover to the seat back.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: A portion of an exterior side of the seat covering is planar, and the sinusoidal shape of the fastening strap is not visible on the exterior side of the seat covering when the seat covering is installed on the seat back.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The seat covering is seamless.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein: A portion of the seat covering at least partially over the side bolsters and completely over the seat center section is seamless.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The seat covering directly adjacent the fastening system is continuous, seamless and free of holes.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The fastening strap is non-removably connected to the seat back.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The sinusoidal shape of the fastening strip includes an upper surface of the fastening strip that oscillates with at least one period and a lower surface of the fastening strip that oscillates with a complementary period to the upper surface.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The sinusoidal shape of the fastening strap includes an upper surface having two coplanar apex portions separated by a valley portion and a lower surface having two coplanar apex portions separated by a valley portion, wherein the valley portions are vertically aligned with each other and the two pairs of coplanar apex portions are vertically aligned with each other.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein: The covering side of the fastening strap is located in a plane lower than a plane formed by an upper edge of the seat cushion.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein: The fastening straps are directly connected to the interior side of the seat covering without intermediate structures.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein: No portion of the fastening system extends through the seat covering from the interior side to the exterior side of the covering.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein: The seat covering directly adjacent the fastening system is unitary, one-piece and integrally formed.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein: The second portion of the hook and loop fastening system on the cover side is laminated to the interior side of the seat covering.

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