Decorative device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a trim device (10, 20, 30, 40), in particular a steering wheel trim device, having a deformable, planar trim element (11, 21, 31, 41) which has two longitudinal edges (12A, 12B, 22A, 22B, 32A, 32B, 42A, 42B) and is designed to surround an object to be trimmed such that the two longitudinal edges lie opposite one another, a zipper arranged on the trim element, the zipper having two toothed strips (13A, 13B, 23A, 23B, 33A, 33B, 43A, 43B) which can engage into one another, wherein the two toothed strips each belong to one of the two longitudinal edges, and a cover (14, 24A, 24B, 34A, 34B, 34C, 44) which, in a closed state, covers the toothed strips of the zipper, wherein the cover is designed such that, in the closed state of the zipper, the longitudinal edges (17A, 17B, 27A, 27B, 37A, 37B, 47A, 47B) of the cover end substantially flush with the longitudinal edges of the trim element.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a trim device, in particular a steering wheel trim device, having a deformable, planar trim element having two longitudinal edges, which is designed to surround an object to be trimmed such that the two longitudinal edges face each other, a zipper arranged on the trim element, which has two toothed strips that can engage with each other, wherein the two toothed strips each belong to one of the two longitudinal edges, and a cover, which, in the closed state, covers the toothed strips of the zipper.

[0002] It is generally known to use a zipper-locked trim device for an object to be trimmed, i.e. covered. Depending on the type of object, it can not be desirable that the closure mechanism, i.e. the toothed strips of the zipper, detract from the visual or haptic impression of the object. Therefore, in the prior art, covers for the zipper have been developed, which serve to protect the zipper and / or to improve the visual or haptic appearance of the zipper, thus improving the trim device as a whole.

[0003] It is known, for example from patent document DE 102 015 218 424 A1, to use the zipper itself to achieve an advantageous visual styling effect. Alternatively, the zipper halves can be installed such that the zipper is hidden by the trim material in the closed state, i.e. after the closure of the zipper, the longitudinal edges of the trim material abut against each other or overlap.

[0004] It is known from patent document DE 102 017 214 007 A1 to install a cover plate on the cover, which covers the zipper at least in the closed position, so that the zipper is hidden on the object to be trimmed. There, the object can have a slot along which the zipper extends or in which the zipper is embedded, so that the zipper does not significantly increase or over- increase the outer diameter of the object.

[0005] It is known from patent document DE 102 010 019 779 A1 to use a hidden zipper, which is fastened on the face material such that a pair of closure elements is arranged on the upper side and a pair of cover strips is installed on the surface of the pair of closure elements, so that the closure elements are hidden by the cover strips, thus improving the appearance of the zipper. There, the cover strips are arranged at a distance from the face of the outer face material in the height of the closure elements, so that a three-dimensional trim can be provided.

[0006] Patent document DE 102 019 201 524 A1 discloses a trim device for motor vehicles, in particular a steering wheel trim device, of the type mentioned at the outset. There, a one-piece or two-piece protection strip can belong to the toothed strips, which covers the zipper teeth, so that they are no longer visible in the closed state of the zipper. Thus, in the closed state, the protection strip covers both toothed strips, which brings visual advantages and protection of the zipper connection located thereunder.

[0007] The technical problem addressed by the present application is to provide a decorative device which is improved in terms of vision and haptics, which can be assembled simply.

[0008] The technical problem is solved by a decorative device of the type mentioned at the outset, which is characterized in that the cover is configured in such a way that, in the closed state of the zipper, the longitudinal edges of the cover end substantially flush with the longitudinal edges of the decorative element. On the one hand, the decorative device has the advantage that the design of the decorative device is not perceived as disturbing in terms of haptics, since in the closed state of the zipper the cover does not protrude significantly beyond the decorative element.

[0009] Compared to DE 102017214007 A1, the present application advantageously does not require a slot in the item to be decorated into which the zipper has to be inserted precisely when assembling the decorative device, but rather makes use of the fact that with a certain material thickness of the particularly high-quality decorative material, such as leather, a cover is provided which is "adapted" in terms of haptics, i.e. which ends substantially flush along the longitudinal edges of the decorative element. In other words, according to the present application, the cover is configured to fill the channel between the longitudinal edges of the planar decorative element which arises when the zipper is closed, without protruding beyond the longitudinal edges of the decorative element or at least partially covering these longitudinal edges or being fastened on the visible side of the decorative material, as is known from some of the documents mentioned above.

[0010] Here, it is possible to advantageously use a conventional, conventional spiral zipper, which is distinguished by high strength and low space requirement in addition to inexpensive availability.

[0011] A further advantage of the present application is that, unlike for example in the case of DE 102019201524 A1, the cover lies exactly between the longitudinal edges of the decorative element in the closed state of the zipper. This can be used for an optically appealing design of the decorative device assembled on the item to be decorated, for example in the manner of selecting a cover material which contrasts in terms of color, transparency, surface effect and other optical properties with the optical properties of the decorative element material, or conversely approximates the optical properties of the decorative element material in terms of said aspects, so that the cover and the decorative element are not or hardly distinguishable in terms of vision.

[0012] An important advantage of the present application for the (mass) production of decorated objects is that the decorative device can be completely preassembled and only requires very little manual work and no special tools for assembly on the object to be decorated. In some advantageous embodiments of the present application, the visible part of the cover is designed integrally with the decorative device and thus can be preassembled with the decorative device, while in other advantageous embodiments of the present application, the visible part of the cover is applied in the form of a cover strip during or after the closure of the zipper, for example by simple processes such as sticking, clipping or snapping. The latter has the additional advantage that the cover strip, which is decisive for the appearance, can be easily replaced, for example when the cover strip is worn or damaged or when a different appearance is desired. At the same time, the cover protects the zipper from contamination and protects the user of the object to be decorated from unpleasantly touching the zipper.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the present application, the cover has a substantially U-shaped profiled cross-section and is designed such that, upon closure of the zipper, a free space extending in the longitudinal direction is formed between the cover and the tooth rows below the U-shaped profile, in which the zipper slider can move. In this design, the movement of the zipper slider is not impeded by the cover. This is particularly useful when the zipper slider should not be moved by a handle but magnetically or for other reasons the (frictional) force should act as small as possible when guiding the zipper slider.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of the present application, the cover is designed integrally with one of the two tooth rows. Thereby, the tooth row and the cover can be manufactured cost-effectively in one process, for example by injection molding.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the present application, the cover consists of two parts in the longitudinal direction, i.e. a cover piece is assigned to each tooth row, wherein one cover piece is designed integrally with each of the two tooth rows. Thereby, inexpensive manufacturing can be achieved again.

[0016] As already mentioned, in some advantageous embodiments of the present application, a separate cover strip can constitute the visible part of the cover. The cover strip can be applied to the tooth rows, for example by sticking, in conjunction with the closure process of the zipper. For this purpose, special shapes of the zipper teeth can be provided, which then constitute the adhesive surface for the cover strip in the closed state.

[0017] In an advantageous design, the zipper slider is designed such that the cover strip can be applied in a continuous and uniform process with the closure of the tooth rows. With such a zipper slider, on the one hand, precise guidance of the cover strip can be ensured and, on the other hand, a separate process for applying the cover strip can be avoided. In particular in this design of the present application, but also in the other designs of the present application mentioned herein, it can be advantageously provided that the zipper slider is removed after the zipper is completely closed.

[0018] In an advantageous further development of the application, the cover strip is not glued, but is connected to the toothed rows in a form-fitting manner. As already mentioned, this has the advantage that the cover strip can be replaced if necessary without the entire trim having to be removed or replaced for this purpose.

[0019] Advantageously, for this purpose a longitudinally extending main body is mounted on at least one of the toothed rows, which has at least one lateral recess, in particular a slot, into which at least one counterpart, in particular a tongue, of the cover strip can be snapped in order to establish a form-fitting connection. It is particularly advantageous if the longitudinally extending main body in the closed state of the zipper consists of two longitudinally extending partial main bodies, wherein one partial main body is designed in one piece with each of the two toothed rows, and wherein each partial main body has at least one lateral recess, in particular a slot, into which a counterpart, in particular a tongue, of the cover strip can be snapped in order to establish a form-fitting connection.

[0020] As already mentioned, one advantage of the application is that the closure mechanism has a wide variety of visual design possibilities. In some design variants the toothed rows can be connected to the trim element by stitching in such a way that a seam extending laterally next to the longitudinal edges is formed, the course of which is visible next to the cover and thus contributes to the haptic and / or visual image of the trim.

[0021] It is particularly advantageous if a steering wheel, in particular a motor vehicle steering wheel, or a seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, is decorated with a trim according to the application.

[0022] The application is explained in detail below with the aid of the drawings. In the drawings:

[0023] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B a first embodiment of a trim according to the application is shown, wherein FIG. 1A a cross-sectional view is shown, and FIG. 1B a perspective view is shown from a viewing direction opposite to FIG. 1A ;

[0024] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B a second embodiment of a trim according to the application is shown, wherein FIG. 2A a cross-sectional view is shown, and FIG. 2B a perspective view is shown from a viewing direction opposite to FIG. 2A ;

[0025] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B a third embodiment of a trim according to the application is shown, wherein FIG. 3A a cross-sectional view is shown, and FIG. 3B a perspective view is shown from a viewing direction opposite toFIG. 3A Perspective view with the opposite viewing direction;

[0026] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C A fourth embodiment of the decorative device according to the invention is shown, wherein, FIG. 4A A cross-sectional view is shown. FIG. 4B Show along with FIG. 4A Perspective view from the opposite viewing direction, and FIG. 4C Show along FIG. 4A A perspective view of the direction of observation.

[0027] FIG. 1A A first embodiment of the decorative device 10 according to the invention is shown. A deformable planar decorative element 11 is shown in cross-section in its mounted state on an object to be decorated (not shown). The decorative element 11 has two opposing longitudinal edges 12A, 12B. A zipper is arranged on the decorative element 11, the zipper having two interlocking rows of teeth 13A, 13B. The first row of teeth 13A has a cover 14 that covers the zipper in the closed state.

[0028] exist FIG. 1A In the example shown, the cover 14 is integrally connected to the first tooth row 13A and has a substantially U-shaped cross-section, configured such that, when the zipper is closed, a longitudinally extending free space 15 is formed below the U-shaped profile between the cover 14 and the tooth rows 13A, 13B, and the zipper slider 16 (see...) FIG. 1B It can move within that free space.

[0029] Furthermore, compared to a solid profile, a U-shaped profile saves material without any limitations in terms of stability, because in the closed state of the zipper, the arm of the U-shaped profile that is not connected to the first tooth row 13A is supported on the second tooth row 13B, which in many implementations of the invention is supported on the object to be decorated.

[0030] The cover 14 is configured such that, in the closed state of the zipper, the longitudinal edges 17A, 17B of the cover terminate substantially flush with the longitudinal edges 12A, 12B of the decorative element 11. In other words, the cover 14 is sized such that the cover does not protrude beyond, or at least not significantly beyond, the decorative element 11 in the direction of the visible side of the decorative device 10 indicated by arrow A, and / or the decorative element 11 does not protrude beyond, or at least not significantly beyond, the cover 14. Therefore, the cover 14 is preferably configured such that, in the closed state of the zipper, the common surface formed by the decorative element 11 and the cover 14 extends substantially without any protrusions or recesses in the direction of the visible side A, especially without any protrusions or recesses that the user of the object to be decorated can feel tactilely.

[0031] In some embodiments, the tooth rows 13A, 13B can be fastened on the support strips 18A, 18B or the tooth rows 13A, 13B are composed of individual teeth 13C fastened on the support strips 18A, 18B (cf. FIG. 1B ). In other embodiments, the tooth rows 13A, 13B can be designed in one piece with the support strips 18A, 18B. The support strips 18A, 18B themselves are in turn fastened on the decorative element 11 along the longitudinal edges 12A, 12B of the decorative element. This fastening can be achieved by gluing or welding and / or by sewing by means of seams 19A, 19B as shown in FIG. 1A .

[0032] FIG. 1B In a perspective view seen from the opposite direction to FIG. 1A , the embodiment of the application shown in FIG. 1A is shown, wherein a part of the zipper is shown in the closed state and a part of the zipper is shown in the open state. The zipper slider 16 serves to engage or disengage the teeth 13C of the two tooth rows 13A and 13B. Preferably, the part of the zipper slider 16 which causes the engagement or disengagement (not shown) is located substantially in the part of the zipper which is already closed, so that it can be moved unhindered in the space 15 which is formed only when the zipper is closed, whereas the handle of the zipper slider 16 is preferably located in the part of the zipper which is still open, because otherwise the closed connection between the longitudinal edge 17B of the cover and the longitudinal edge 12B of the decorative element would hinder the movement of the handle of the zipper slider 16. A handleless zipper slider (not shown) which can be moved in the space 15 can also be used as described previously.

[0033] The seams 19A, 19B which in the embodiment extend laterally next to the longitudinal edges 12A, 12B together with the cover 14 form a visually and haptically appealing closure mechanism of the decorative element 11.

[0034] FIG. 2A A second embodiment of a decorative device 20 according to the application is shown. The deformable planar decorative element 21 is shown in a cross section in the state of being fitted on the (not shown) item to be decorated. The decorative element 21 has two longitudinal edges 22A, 22B which oppose one another and which in the example shown are designed convex, but of course can also be designed straight. On the decorative element 21 a zipper is arranged which has two tooth rows 23A, 23B which engage one another. In the closed state, a cover 24A, 24B composed of two parts covers the zipper, more precisely the engaged tooth rows 23A, 23B. FIG. 2A

[0035] ​The first cover part 24A has two longitudinal edges 25A, 27A in the longitudinal direction, wherein the first longitudinal edge 27A is configured to end essentially flush with the first longitudinal edge 22A of the decorative element 21. In the example shown in FIG. 2A The first longitudinal edge 27A of the first cover part 24A is designed in a concave manner to the convex first longitudinal edge 22A of the decorative element 21. The first cover part 24A is fastened on the first tooth row 23A or is manufactured in one piece with the first tooth row.

[0036] Here, the first cover part 24A is dimensioned such that it does not protrude beyond or at least does not significantly protrude beyond the decorative element 21 in the direction of the visible side of the decorative device 20 indicated by arrow A and / or the decorative element 21 does not protrude beyond or at least does not significantly protrude beyond the first cover part 24A.

[0037] The second cover part 24B has two longitudinal edges 25B, 27B in the longitudinal direction in the same manner, wherein the first longitudinal edge 27B is configured to end essentially flush with the second longitudinal edge 22B of the decorative element 21. In the example shown in FIG. 2A The first longitudinal edge 27B of the second cover part 24B is designed in a concave manner to the convex second longitudinal edge 22B of the decorative element 21. The second cover part 24B is fastened on the second tooth row 23B or is manufactured in one piece with the second tooth row.

[0038] Here, the second cover part 24B is also dimensioned such that it does not protrude beyond or at least does not significantly protrude beyond the decorative element 21 in the direction of the visible side of the decorative device 20 indicated by arrow A and / or the decorative element 21 does not protrude beyond or at least does not significantly protrude beyond the second cover part 24B.

[0039] Furthermore, the two cover parts 24A, 24B are adapted relative to one another such that their respective second longitudinal edges 25A, 25B form an essentially flush end when the zipper is in the closed state. Here, the two cover parts can have an adapted profile relative to one another, for example a slot (not shown) extending in the longitudinal direction in the first cover part 24A and a corresponding tongue (not shown) in the second cover part 24B, in order to improve the resistance of the cover pair consisting of the two cover parts to forces acting from the visible side on the object to be covered and to improve the accuracy of the flushness of the connection between the longitudinal edges 25A, 25B of the cover parts 24A, 24B.

[0040] Therefore, in general, the two cover pieces 24A and 24B are configured such that, in the closed state of the zipper, the three transition portions between the first longitudinal edge 22A of the decorative element 21 and the first cover piece 24A, between the first cover piece 24A and the second cover piece 24B, and between the second cover piece 24B and the second longitudinal edge 22B of the decorative element 21 all terminate substantially flush. In other words, they are also configured such that the surface formed by the decorative element 21 and the cover pieces 24A and 24B in the direction toward the visible side A is substantially free of protrusions or recesses, especially free of protrusions and recesses of the object to be decorated that can be felt by the user.

[0041] In some embodiments, the tooth rows 23A, 23B may be fastened to the support bars 28A, 28B, or the tooth rows 23A, 23B may be composed of individual teeth 23C fastened to the support bars 28A, 28B (see [reference]). FIG. 2B In other embodiments, the toothed rows 23A, 23B can be integrally designed with the support bars 28A, 28B. The support bars 28A, 28B are then fastened to the decorative element 21 along the longitudinal edges 22A, 22B of the decorative element. This fastening can be as follows: FIG. 2A The method shown is by gluing or welding and / or by stitching (see here). FIG. 1A / FIG. 1B And the corresponding description above; in FIG. 2A / FIG. 2B (This is not shown in the example) to achieve this.

[0042] FIG. 2B From and FIG. 2A A perspective view showing the opposite direction is shown. FIG. 2A The illustrated embodiment of the invention shows a portion of the zipper in a closed state and another portion in an open state. The zipper slider 26 is used to engage or disengage the teeth 23C of the two tooth rows 23A, 23B.

[0043] The cover, consisting of two cover pieces 24A and 24B, again constitutes a visually and tactilely appealing locking mechanism for decorative element 21.

[0044] FIG. 3A Show FIG. 2A Variations of the illustrated embodiment. The variations described in detail below are essentially those in which a cover strip 34C is preferably applied to the two cover members in a form-fitting manner, the cover strip forming the visible portion of the zipper cover in the assembled state.

[0045] The decorative device 30 according to the invention FIG. 3AThe embodiment shown again features a deformable planar decorative element 31, which is shown in cross-section in its mounted state on an object to be decorated (not shown). The decorative element 31 has two opposing longitudinal edges 32A and 32B. A zipper is arranged on the decorative element 31, having two interlocking rows of teeth 33A and 33B. In the closed state, a three-part cover 34A, 34B, and 34C covers the zipper, more precisely, the interlocking rows of teeth 33A and 33B.

[0046] The cover, consisting of three parts, has two elongated bodies 34A and 34B and a cover strap 34C that fits snugly onto the bodies. The first body 34A is either fastened to or integrally manufactured with the first toothed row 33A and has two longitudinally extending sides. The first longitudinally extending side of the first body 34A faces the first longitudinal edge 32A of the decorative element 31 and, in a preferred embodiment, has a row of recesses or a longitudinally extending groove 35A. The second body 34B is similarly fastened to or integrally manufactured with the second toothed row 33B and also has two longitudinally extending sides. The first longitudinally extending side of the second body 34B faces the second longitudinal edge 32B of the decorative element 31 and, in a preferred embodiment, also has a row of recesses or a groove 35A. The second longitudinally extending sides of the respective bodies 34A and 34B contact each other when the zipper is closed and form the outer surface of the zipper when the zipper is open.

[0047] The recessed group or groove 35A formed in the main bodies 34A and 34B is used to mate with the mating parts, such as tenons 35B, formed on the cover strip 34C, which are constructed on the lateral arms of the cover strip 34C with a cross section that is substantially U-shaped.

[0048] The two main bodies 34A and 34B and the cover strip 34C are configured such that, in the assembled state, the first longitudinal edge 37A of the cover strip 34C terminates substantially flush with the first longitudinal edge 32A of the decorative element 31, and the second longitudinal edge 37B of the cover strip 34C terminates substantially flush with the second longitudinal edge 32B of the decorative element 31.

[0049] Here, the dimensions of the two main bodies 34A, 34B and the cover strip 34C are designed such that the cover strip does not protrude beyond or at least not significantly beyond the decorative element 31 in the direction of the visible side of the decorative device 30 indicated by arrow A, and / or the decorative element 31 does not protrude beyond or at least not significantly beyond the cover strip 34C.

[0050] Furthermore, the two main bodies 34A and 34B are designed to fit each other and may have profiles that fit each other on their respective second sides, such as a groove (not shown) extending in the longitudinal direction in the second side of the first main body 34A and a tenon (not shown) in the second side of the second main body 34B that fits the groove, in order to improve the resistance of the three-part cover 34A, 34B, 34C to forces acting on the object to be covered from the visible side and the accuracy of the connection flatness.

[0051] Overall, the three cover pieces 34A, 34B, and 34C are configured such that, when the zipper is closed, the two transition portions between the first longitudinal edge 32A of the decorative element 31 and the first longitudinal edge 37A of the cover strip 34C, and between the second longitudinal edge 37B of the cover strip 34C and the second longitudinal edge 32B of the decorative element 31, terminate substantially flush. In other words, they are also configured such that the surface formed by the decorative element 31 and the cover strip 34C in the direction of the visible side A extends substantially without any protrusions or recesses, especially without any protrusions or recesses that the user of the object to be decorated can feel.

[0052] In some embodiments, the tooth rows 33A, 33B may be fastened to the support bars 38A, 38B, or the tooth rows 33A, 33B may be composed of individual teeth 33C fastened to the support bars 38A, 38B (see [link]). FIG. 3B In other embodiments, the toothed rows 33A, 33B can be integrally designed with the support bars 38A, 38B. The support bars 38A, 38B are then fastened to the decorative element 31 along its longitudinal edges 32A, 32B. This fastening can be achieved by gluing or welding and / or by means of, for example... FIG. 3A This is achieved by stitching together the seams 39A and 39B shown.

[0053] FIG. 3B From and FIG. 3A A perspective view showing the opposite direction is shown. FIG. 3A The illustrated embodiment of the invention shows a portion of the zipper in a closed state and another portion in an open state. The zipper slider 36 is used to engage or disengage the teeth 33C of the two tooth rows 33A and 33B.

[0054] The seams 39A and 39B extending laterally from the longitudinal edges 32A and 32B, together with the cover strip 34C, constitute a visually and tactilely appealing locking mechanism for the decorative element 31.

[0055] As an alternative or supplement to the aforementioned shape-fitting connection, the strip cover 34C can be glued or welded to the common surface formed by the two main bodies 34A and 34B.

[0056] at last,FIG. 4A An embodiment of the invention is shown in which the longitudinal edge of the cover terminates substantially flush with the longitudinal edge of the decorative element when the zipper is closed, and the cover is adhered to a suitably designed zipper, or more precisely, fitted into a channel formed when the zipper is closed.

[0057] The decorative device 40 according to the invention FIG. 4A The embodiment shown again features a deformable planar decorative element 41, which is shown in cross-section in its mounted state on an object to be decorated (not shown). The decorative element 41 has two opposing longitudinal edges 42A, 42B. A zipper is arranged on the decorative element 41, having two rows of teeth 43A, 43B formed by teeth 43C (see [reference]). FIG. 4B These two rows of teeth mesh with each other. In the closed state, the cover 44 covers the zipper, or more precisely, covers the meshing rows of teeth 43A and 43B.

[0058] Here, tooth 43C is configured such that, when the two rows of teeth mesh, it forms a surface suitable for attaching the cover tape 44 when viewed from the visible side A. The suitable surface is preferably flat and as closed as possible, but does not significantly restrict the lateral flexibility of the tooth rows. A suitable tooth profile is... FIG. 4A The cross-section is shown in the middle and designed to be elongated in the direction transverse to the zipper direction, for example, designed as a hollow cuboid. The width and depth of the hollow cuboid determine the contribution of the corresponding tooth 43C to the adhesive surface.

[0059] Although a specially shaped zipper tooth is used here, it should be pointed out again that, in principle and also advantageously in this embodiment, a conventional spiral zipper can be used, which is characterized by its high strength and low space requirement in addition to its inexpensive availability.

[0060] The height of the zipper teeth 43C is chosen such that, after the zipper is closed, a flat channel is formed between the common surface of the zipper teeth 43C and the opposing longitudinal edges 42A, 42B of the decorative element 41. A suitable cover strip 44 is then attached to this channel, wherein the height of the zipper teeth 43C, the height of the channel, and the material thickness of the cover strip 44 are chosen such that, after assembly and possible curing of the adhesive, the two transitions between the longitudinal edge 42A of the decorative element 41 and the first longitudinal edge 47A of the cover strip 44, and between the second longitudinal edge 47B of the cover strip 44 and the second longitudinal edge 42B of the decorative element 41, terminate substantially flush. In other words, the surface formed by the decorative element 41 and the cover strip 44 in the direction of the visible side A is substantially free of protrusions or recesses, especially free of any protrusions or recesses of the object to be decorated that can be felt by the user.

[0061] As already described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, in some embodiments, the tooth rows 43A, 43B may be fastened to the support bars 48A, 48B, or the tooth rows 43A, 43B may consist of individual teeth 43C fastened to the support bars 48A, 48B. In other embodiments, the tooth rows 43A, 43B may be integrally designed with the support bars 48A, 48B. The support bars 48A, 48B are further fastened to the decorative element 41 along the longitudinal edges 42A, 42B of the decorative element 41. This fastening may be by gluing or welding and / or by means of, for example, FIG. 4A This is achieved by stitching together the seams 49A and 49B shown.

[0062] FIG. 4B From and FIG. 4A A perspective view showing the opposite direction is shown. FIG. 4A The illustrated embodiment of the invention shows a portion of the zipper in a closed state and another portion in an open state. A zipper slider 46 is used to engage or disengage teeth 43C of the two tooth rows 43A, 43B. In an advantageous design, the zipper slider 46 is configured to orient and feed the cover tape 44 into the channel and adhere the cover tape to the channel while the zipper is closed.

[0063] FIG. 4B and especially FIG. 4C From and FIG. 4B The perspective view viewed from the opposite direction shows further details of the advantageous zipper slider 46. The zipper slider 46 has a guide plate 46B by which it guides and / or flattens the cover strip 44. In some embodiments, the zipper slider 46 has a device (not shown) for removing a protective strip mounted on the cover strip and protecting the adhesive strip mounted on the cover strip.

[0064] The guide plate 46B, together with the slit 46A of the alignment channel, achieves precise orientation of the cover strip 44, through which the cover strip 44 is fed into the channel. Particularly advantageously, this allows the zipper to close and the cover to be applied in a single working step. In other words, during zipper closure, the cover strip 44 is pulled together by the zipper slider 46 and applied to the toothed track.

[0065] It should be noted that this working principle is not limited to adhesive bonding as a connection technique, but can also be used in conjunction with the shape-fitting connection technique between the cover 34C and the main body 34A, 34B as described with reference to FIG3.

[0066] The seams 49A and 49B extending laterally from the longitudinal edges 42A and 42B, together with the cover strip 44, form a visually and tactilely appealing locking mechanism for the decorative element 41.

[0067] For all embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art can essentially freely choose zipper sliders 16, 26, 36, and 46, as long as the zipper slider does not bear the reference value. FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C Additional functions can be described. For example, it can be specified that the zipper slider is only used for assembling decorative elements and is removed during assembly after the zipper is closed, by providing the zipper with an open end from which the zipper slider can be easily pulled out by machine or manually. This allows for the use of robust and reusable functional zipper sliders where visual aesthetics are not important and the slider does not need to be hidden in a certain location.

[0068] In particular, in applications related to the steering wheel or seat of a motor vehicle, it may be acceptable that the zipper is locked only once, and therefore permanently locked, and can be opened only with special tools or by damaging the zipper, for example, because the expected lifespan of the trim element is shorter than the expected lifespan of the zipper.

[0069] Alternatively, as already implied in the description of the embodiment shown in FIG1 above, a concealed zipper slider may also be used, particularly a zipper slider that can be moved from the outside by a magnet. In some other different designs, the zipper slider may be designed to remain at the end of the zipper and can be concealed in a manner familiar to those skilled in the art, for example, hidden under a later-fitted steering wheel cover in an opening or slot provided for this purpose in the steering wheel spokes, or hidden in the area under the seat out of normal sight.

[0070] It should be noted that the illustrations in Figures 1 to 4 showing the support strips 18, 28, 38, and 48 fastened to the decorative elements 11, 21, 31, and 41 are merely exemplary. As already mentioned in the description of the various embodiments, it may be sufficient or preferred for visual reasons to glue or weld the support strips to the decorative elements, as shown in Figure 2, without additional stitching. In other embodiments, the support strips may be stitched to the decorative elements as a supplement to or alternative to gluing or welding.

[0071] In this case, seams 19, 39, 49 can be configured to be visually and / or tactilely striking, for example by selecting seams that form a strong color contrast with the decorative elements, and in a preferred embodiment by making the seams match the color of the visible side of the covers 14, 24, 34, 44, and / or by making the seams made of a correspondingly thick material and intentionally resting on the decorative elements so that they are also tactilely perceptible.

[0072] In other embodiments, the seam may be configured to be visually and / or tactilely inconspicuous, for example, by making the color of the seam match the color of the decorative element, and / or by embedding the seam in a corresponding elongated recess of the decorative element and terminating on the surface of the decorative element substantially without protrusions or recesses in the direction of the visible side A, especially without any protrusions or recesses of the object to be decorated that can be felt by the user.

[0073] It should also be noted that various seam and stitch shapes, including double-line or multi-line stitches, may be used to ensure that the seam has a certain minimum strength and / or to obtain a certain visual and / or tactile effect, as long as they do not depart from the scope of protection of the appended claims.

[0074] For the purposes of this invention, there are so many different materials and combinations of materials and manufacturing processes available to those skilled in the art for use in decorative elements and zippers and their covers that only the principles for their selection can be described here.

[0075] The choice of materials for decorative elements depends primarily on the intended use and the desired value. For preferred applications related to motor vehicle steering wheels, leather, artificial leather, and similar materials with high abrasion resistance and a superior tactile feel are particularly suitable, while for other preferred applications related to motor vehicle seats, all types of additionally durable fabrics can be considered. Therefore, beyond these preferred applications, it is clear that a wide variety of different materials can be used for decorative elements 11, 21, 31, and 41, from which those skilled in the art can select according to their familiar considerations (cost, aesthetics, durability, etc.), as long as they do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. It should be noted that decorative elements do not necessarily have to be made of the same material; for example, decorative elements for motor vehicle seats can be composed of different segments, which can also be made of different materials.

[0076] Many, and some, very different materials and combinations of materials are equally suitable in principle for manufacturing zippers and their covers, such as plastic, plastic combinations, or metal-plastic combinations, and in practice, the choice of materials is determined, for example, based on the minimum service life that the decorative device should have, the color combination used, and the degree of deterioration that is acceptable to the user during its service life, especially in terms of appearance and feel.

[0077] This is particularly important when the primary consideration is high-quality trim for automotive steering wheels or seats, where material cost savings must be carefully weighed against the durability of the product in relation to special environmental conditions, especially a wide temperature range and strong ultraviolet radiation. On the other hand, given the large number of parts in this product environment, providing specialized tools or machines that can reduce the number of individual processes can yield benefits more quickly.

[0078] For example, considering the embodiments described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, it may be suitable to manufacture the rack together with the cover and support strip in one process, for example by injection molding, or to minimize the number of processes by, for example, injection molding a prefabricated support strip, for example woven to improve flexibility, together with the rack and cover in one process.

[0079] In some embodiments, when the rack requires a certain degree of rigidity and the cover requires a certain degree of flexibility, a two-component or multi-component injection molding process can be applied to combine materials with different rigidities. Alternatively or additionally, the flexibility of the rigid material can be improved by targeted material weakening, for example by reinforcing the inside of the cover 14, which is essentially designed with a U-shaped profile, on the side of the cover away from the visible side of the cover.

[0080] However, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to use in motor vehicles. Due to the advantages achievable through the present invention, especially the unique visual and tactile characteristics of the non-protruding locking mechanism, the present invention can also be used in furniture, mattresses, clothing, bags, and general decorations and coverings.

[0081] List of reference numerals

[0082] 10 Decorative installations

[0083] 11 Decorative Elements

[0084] 12A First longitudinal edge of decorative element

[0085] The second longitudinal edge of the 12B decorative element

[0086] 13A First Tooth Row

[0087] 13B Second Tooth Row

[0088] 13C teeth

[0089] 14 Protective Cover

[0090] 15 Space

[0091] 16 Zipper sliders

[0092] 17A First longitudinal edge of the cover

[0093] 17B Second longitudinal edge of the cover

[0094] 18A First Support Bar

[0095] 18B Second Support Bar

[0096] 19A First Joint

[0097] 19B Second Joint

[0098] 20 Decorative installations

[0099] 21 Decorative Elements

[0100] 22A First longitudinal edge of decorative element

[0101] 22B Decorative element's second longitudinal edge

[0102] 23A First Tooth Row

[0103] 23B Second Tooth Row

[0104] 23C teeth

[0105] 24A First Protective Cover

[0106] 24B Second Protective Cover

[0107] 25A First longitudinal edge

[0108] 25B Second longitudinal edge

[0109] 26 Zipper slider

[0110] 27A First longitudinal edge of the first cover member

[0111] 27B First longitudinal edge of the second cover

[0112] 28A First Support Bar

[0113] 28B Second Support Bar

[0114] 30 Decorative installations

[0115] 31 Decorative Elements

[0116] 32A First longitudinal edge of decorative element

[0117] 32B Decorative element's second longitudinal edge

[0118] 33A First Tooth Row

[0119] 33B Second Tooth Row

[0120] 33C teeth

[0121] 34A First Subject

[0122] 34B Second Subject

[0123] 34C Protective Cover Strap

[0124] 35A slot

[0125] 35B tenon

[0126] 36 Zipper slider

[0127] 37A First longitudinal edge of the cover strip

[0128] 37B Second longitudinal edge of the cover strip

[0129] 38A First Support Bar

[0130] 38B Second Support Bar

[0131] 39A First joint

[0132] 39B Second Joint

[0133] 40 Decorative installations

[0134] 41 Decorative Elements

[0135] 42A First longitudinal edge of decorative element

[0136] 42B Decorative element's second longitudinal edge

[0137] 43A First Tooth Row

[0138] 43B Second Tooth Row

[0139] 43C teeth

[0140] 44 Protective Cover Strap

[0141] 46 Zipper Sliders

[0142] 46A gap

[0143] 46B board

[0144] 47A First longitudinal edge of the cover strip

[0145] 47B Second longitudinal edge of the cover strip

[0146] 48A First Support Bar

[0147] 48B Second Support Bar

[0148] 49A First joint

[0149] 49B Second Joint

Claims

1. A decorative device (10, 20, 30, 40), said decorative device (10, 20, 30, 40) being a steering wheel decorative device, said decorative device having - Deformable planar decorative elements (11, 21, 31, 41) having two longitudinal edges (12A, 12B, 22A, 22B, 32A, 32B, 42A, 42B) designed to surround the object to be decorated such that the two longitudinal edges are opposite each other; - A zipper arranged on the decorative element, the zipper having two rows of teeth (13A, 13B, 23A, 23B, 33A, 33B, 43A, 43B) capable of interlocking, wherein, These two rows of teeth are respectively assigned to one of the two longitudinal edges; - A cover, which, in the closed state, covers the teeth of the zipper. Its features are, - The cover is configured such that, in the closed state of the zipper, the longitudinal edges (17A, 17B, 27A, 27B, 37A, 37B, 47A, 47B) of the cover terminate substantially flush with the longitudinal edges of the decorative element.

2. The decorative device according to claim 1, Its features are, The cover (14) has a cross-section that is essentially U-shaped and is configured such that, when the zipper is closed, a free space (15) extending longitudinally is formed between the cover and the toothed row below the U-shaped profile, in which the zipper slider can move.

3. The decorative device according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The cover (14) is integrated with one of the two tooth rows (13A).

4. The decorative device according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The cover is composed of two parts along the longitudinal direction, wherein each cover part is integrated with one of the two tooth rows (23A, 23B).

5. The decorative device according to claim 1, Its features are, The cover has a cover strip that can be applied to the teeth during or after the zipper closure process, or can be connected to the shape of the teeth.

6. The decorative device according to claim 5, Its features are, The tooth row includes teeth (43C) that are substantially hollow cuboid in shape, the surfaces of which, when the zipper is closed, form an adhesive surface for attaching the cover strip (44).

7. The decorative device according to claim 5 or 6, Its features are, A zipper slider is provided, by which the teeth can be engaged, wherein the zipper slider is configured such that the cover strip (44) can be applied in a continuous and consistent process as the teeth close.

8. The decorative device according to claim 5, Its features are, A body (34A, 34B) extending longitudinally is mounted on at least one of the two tooth rows. The body has at least one lateral recess into which at least one mating member of the cover strip can be fastened to establish a form-fitting connection.

9. The decorative device according to claim 8, Its features are, In the closed state of the zipper, the main body extending longitudinally is composed of two main bodies (34A, 34B) extending longitudinally, wherein each main body is integrally designed with one of the two tooth rows, and wherein each main body has at least one lateral recess into which the mating part of the cover strip can be fastened to establish a form-fitting connection.

10. The decorative device according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The two rows of teeth are connected to the decorative element by stitching in such a way that they form seams (19A, 19B, 39A, 39B, 49A, 49B) extending laterally along the longitudinal edge. The direction of these seams is visible next to the cover and thus contributes to the tactile and / or visual image of the decorative device.

11. The decorative device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cover has a cover strip that can be attached to the teeth during or after the zipper closure process.

12. The decorative device according to claim 8 or 9, Its features are, The recess is a groove, and the mating part is a tenon.

Images