Covering element for a vehicle seat, related seat and method of

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle seat cover element (14) comprising a central portion (18) comprising an upper edge (26), an upper portion (20) comprising a lower edge (32), two side portions (22) fixed to the central portion (18), and a pocket portion (24) comprising a first edge and a second edge opposite each other, the pocket portion (24) defining a storage space, the pocket portion (24) has a first edge (26) fixed to the upper edge (26) of the central portion (18) and a second edge (32) fixed to the lower edge (32) of the central portion (18), the pocket portion (24) being folded over itself, the first and second edges together delimiting an opening for access to the storage space, the upper portion (20) being fixed to the side portions (22) on both sides of the opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a covering element for a vehicle seat. The invention also relates to a vehicle seat comprising such a covering element and to a method for producing such a covering element. Background Art

[0002] In the field of vehicle seats, it is known to equip seat covering elements with pockets forming storage spaces. Such pockets are particularly valued by vehicle users because they enable them to store some of their accessories.

[0003] For example, previously known pockets can completely accommodate mobile devices such as cellular phones. For example, such pockets are formed by sewing pocket portions on a portion forming the outer surface of a seat covering element.

[0004] However, such pockets are not completely satisfactory. In fact, the parts forming the pockets and the seams joining the parts forming the pockets to the parts forming the outer surface of the seat covering element are visually unsatisfactory. Therefore, even if such pockets can accommodate mobile devices, the aesthetics of such pockets are unsatisfactory. Summary of the invention

[0005] One of the objects of the present invention is therefore to provide a seat covering element comprising a storage space which is visually pleasing.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a vehicle seat covering element comprising:

[0007] - including the central part of the upper edge,

[0008] - the upper part including the lower edge,

[0009] - two side portions arranged on either side of said central portion and integral with said central portion, and

[0010] - a pocket portion comprising a first edge and a second edge opposite to each other, said pocket portion defining a storage space,

[0011] The first edge of the pocket portion is fixed to the upper edge of the center portion, and the second edge of the pocket portion is fixed to the lower edge of the center portion, the pocket portion is folded upon itself to form two pocket sections, the first edge and the second edge together define an opening for entering the storage space, and the upper portion is attached to the side portions on both sides of the opening.

[0012] Since the opening is delimited by the first edge and the second edge, and since the first edge is attached to the upper edge and the second edge is attached to the top edge, the opening extends in the continuity of the junction between the upper portion and the central portion, which continuity is particularly aesthetic.

[0013] According to further advantageous aspects of the invention, the vehicle seat covering element comprises one or more of the following features taken individually or in any technically feasible combination:

[0014] - the upper portion is also fixed to the central portion on both sides of the opening, between the opening and each side portion;

[0015] the pocket portion comprises a third edge and a fourth edge connecting the first edge and the second edge to each other, the two pocket sections being secured to each other along the third edge and the fourth edge and along a fold line extending relative to the pocket portion away from the opening;

[0016] - the pocket portion is enclosed between its first edge and second edge;

[0017] - the lining element comprises a protection plate which is at least partially arranged between the pocket portion and the central portion;

[0018] - the protective plate is attached to the pocket portion along the third edge and the fourth edge of the pocket portion;

[0019] - the protective panel is fixed to the pocket portion by means of a seam, the seam being arranged at a distance substantially between 3 mm and 7 mm from the third edge and the fourth edge of the pocket portion; and

[0020] - the length of the pocket portion measured orthogonally to the first edge and / or the second edge defines a storage space depth, the storage space depth being substantially between 5 mm and 20 mm.

[0021] The invention also relates to a seat comprising at least one supporting element comprising a main body and a seat covering element as described above, said covering element covering at least a portion of said main body.

[0022] The invention also relates to a method for producing a seat covering element, comprising the following steps:

[0023] - fasten the two side sections to the central section;

[0024] - securing a first edge of the pocket portion to an upper edge of the central portion and a second edge of the pocket portion to a lower edge of the upper portion;

[0025] - folding the pocket portion to form two pocket sections;

[0026] - securing the upper portion to the side portions on either side of an opening defined by the first edge and the second edge of the pocket portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description given purely as a non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a seat comprising a seat covering element according to the invention;

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the seat along a cutting plane PP' passing through the pocket; and

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A three-dimensional diagram of a seat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In the remainder of the specification, the terms "front" and "rear" and "upper" and "lower" are used with reference to the seat, with the front corresponding to the direction in which the legs of a seat occupant extend, as opposed to the term rear, and the top / upper area of ​​the seat corresponding to the direction in which the head of a seat occupant extends, as opposed to the bottom / lower area of ​​the seat.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 , the vehicle seat 10 comprises a support element 12 and a seat covering element 14 .

[0033] The vehicle seat 10 is installed in a vehicle passenger compartment (not shown) such as a motor vehicle, for example.

[0034] The support member 12 (e.g., a seat back) includes a body 16 that defines the interior structure of the seat 14. The support member 12 also includes a base (not shown) that secures the body 16 to, for example, a floor pan (not shown) of a vehicle or another seat support member (e.g., a seat bottom). It should be understood that the present invention may be applied to any type of seat support member, such as a seat bottom, a headrest, an armrest, etc.

[0035] For example, the body 16 includes at least one reinforcement section, such as a metal frame, and includes padding, such as a foam padding, covering the reinforcement section (not shown).

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the main body 16 covered by the covering element 14 is shown in dotted lines, and the covering element 14 at least partially covers a part of the main body 16.

[0037] The covering element 14 is, for example, an element intended to cover a seat back, for example a seat back covering element.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the seat covering element 14 includes a central portion 18 , an upper portion 20 , two side portions 22 and a pocket portion 24 .

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the seat covering element 14 also comprises, for example, a protection plate 25 .

[0040] The seat covering element 14 extends, for example, over a rear surface of the main body 16 to form a rear surface of the seat back 10 .

[0041] The seat covering element 14 is intended, for example, to extend opposite to another seat (not shown) which is arranged to the rear of the seat 10 comprising the seat covering element 14 .

[0042] In an embodiment not shown, the seat covering element 14 comprises a further portion which extends, for example, over the front portion of the body 16 , such a seat covering element 14 forming, for example, a cover of the seat 10 .

[0043] The seat cover 14 is made, for example, of textile or leather. The seat cover element 14 is made, for example, of a natural and / or synthetic material.

[0044] In one particular embodiment, each of the center portion 18, the upper portion 20, the side portions 22, and the pocket portion 24 is formed of a fabric (e.g., cloth). In one embodiment, the fabric forming the pocket portion 24 is thinner and of a different type than the fabric forming the other portions 18, 20, 22. In other embodiments, the fabric of all portions is of a similar thickness and / or type, or the fabric of each portion is of a different thickness and / or type.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the central portion 18 includes an upper edge 26 and two side edges 28 connected to the upper edge 26 and extending on both sides of the central portion 18 .

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, two side portions 22 are arranged on both sides of the central portion 18 and are integral with the central portion 18 .

[0047] For example, each side portion 22 includes a side edge 30 that is secured to or sewn to one side edge 28 of the central portion 18, such as by a zip fastener such as a zipper (see FIG. 1 for a schematic representation of securing by sewing). Figure 3 ).

[0048] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the upper portion 20 comprises a lower edge 32. For example, the upper portion forms the top of the covering element 14, ie the uppermost element of the covering element 14 in the reference frame of the seat 10.

[0049] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the upper portion 20 is fixed (e.g., sewn) to the side portions 22. In particular, the lower edge 32 is fixed to the upper edge 34 of each side portion 22 (for a schematic representation of fixing by sewing, see, for example Figure 3 ).

[0050] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the lower edge 32 of the upper portion 20 extends opposite the upper edge 26 of the central portion 18 .

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the pocket portion 24 includes a first edge 36 and a second edge 38 that are opposite to each other. The pocket portion also includes a third edge 40 and a fourth edge 42 that connect the first edge 36 and the second edge 38 together.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the pocket portion 24 is folded, for example, along a fold line 46 to form two pocket flaps 44. In particular, the pocket section 24 is folded onto itself along the fold line 46, wherein the fold line 46 joins the two pocket sections 44. The fold line 46 extends substantially between the first edge 36 and the second edge 38, for example, so that the shapes of the two pocket flaps are similar. In one embodiment, the pocket portion 24 is formed of two parts that are sewn together (e.g., sewn along the fold line 46).

[0053] The two pocket flaps 44 are also joined together along the third and fourth edges. The two pocket flaps are sewn together along the third and fourth edges, for example by a seam (not shown) extending 3 mm to 7 mm from the third and fourth edges 40 and 42 .

[0054] The pocket portion 24 defines a storage space 48. In particular, the two flaps 44 joined together along the fold line 46 and the third edge 40 and the fourth edge 42 define the storage space 48 therebetween. The fold line 46 forms the bottom of the storage space 48.

[0055] The first edge 36 and the second edge 38 together define an access opening 50 to the storage space 48. The access opening 50 extends away from the fold line 46 relative to the pocket portion 24.

[0056] like Figure 1As shown, for example, a user may insert a mobile device 52 , such as a cellular telephone, into the storage space 48 by sliding such a device 52 through the access opening 50 .

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the length of the pocket flap 44 measured orthogonally to the first edge 36 and / or the second edge 38 defines a depth P of the storage space 48. Thus, the depth P of the storage space 48 corresponds to the distance between the fold line 46 on the one hand and the first edge 36 and / or the second edge 38 on the other hand. When the fold line 46 extends substantially equidistantly between the first edge 36 and the second edge 38, the depth P of the storage space 48 corresponds to the distance between the fold line 46 on the one hand and the first edge 36 or the second edge 38 on the other hand, which distance is the same whether measured relative to the first edge 36 or the second edge 38.

[0058] The depth P of the storage space is, for example, between 50 mm and 200 mm.

[0059] For example, the depth P is selected to leave a portion of a conventionally sized mobile device (such as a smart phone) outside the pocket, to make a portion of the display surface of the mobile device visible from outside the pocket, or to make it easier to grasp the device from the pocket. Alternatively, the depth can be selected to accommodate the entire device.

[0060] The pocket portion 24 is enclosed, for example, between its first edge 36 and its second edge 38. When the pocket portion 24 is folded onto itself, the length of the fold line 46 is therefore smaller than the length of the first edge 36 and the length of the second edge 38. In this case, each section 44 opens, for example, from the fold line 46 towards the first edge 36 or possibly towards the second edge 38. Thus, the storage space 48 opens towards the access opening 50.

[0061] The first edge 36 of the pocket portion 24 is secured (e.g., sewn) to the upper edge 26 of the center portion 18, and the second edge 38 of the pocket portion 24 is secured (e.g., sewn) to the lower edge 32 of the upper portion 20. Thus, the access opening 50 extends between the upper edge 26 of the center portion 18 and the lower edge 32 of the upper portion 20.

[0062] exist Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the upper portion 20 is then fixed (eg, sewn) to the side portions 22 on both sides of the access opening 50 (for a schematic diagram of the fixation by sewing, see Figure 3 ).

[0063] In a specific embodiment, and as Figure 3As shown, the upper portion 20 is also fixed (e.g., sewn) to the central portion 18, for example, on either side of the access opening 50 between the opening 50 and each side portion 22. Thus, according to this embodiment, the lower edge 32 of the upper portion 20 and the upper edge 26 of the central lower portion are separated from each other only at the access opening 50 to allow access to the storage space 48.

[0064] The protective plate 25 has a thickness between 2 mm and 10 mm. The protective plate 25 is, for example, a carpet plate.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, the protective panel 25 is at least partially disposed between the pocket portion 24 and the central portion 18. In particular, the protective panel 25 extends between one flap 44 and the central portion 18.

[0066] In particular, the protective plate 25 extends at least entirely over one wing 44. In other words, the protective plate 25 is larger than the wing over which the protective plate 25 extends, so that the protective plate 25 completely covers the wing 44.

[0067] The protective plate 25 is preferably fixed to the pocket portion 24. The protective plate 25 is fixed to the pocket portion 24, for example, along the third edge and the fourth edge of the pocket portion 24. For example, the protective plate 25 is fixed to the pocket portion 24 by a seam that is arranged at a distance of substantially between 3 mm and 7 mm from the third edge 40 and the fourth edge 42 of the pocket portion 24.

[0068] The protective panel 25 is configured, for example, to protect the storage space, for example, by absorbing impact between the storage space 48 and the central portion 18 of the pocket.

[0069] In a particular example, the seams securing the pocket flaps 44 to each other are separate from the seams securing the pocket portion 24 to the protective panel 25. In another example, a single seam simultaneously secures the pocket portions 44 to each other and to the protective panel 25.

[0070] A method for manufacturing a covering element 14 as described above will now be presented.

[0071] First the two side portions 22 are secured to the central portion 18. The two side portions 22 are sewn to the central portion 18, for example along the side edges 28 of the central portion 18.

[0072] The first edge 36 of the pocket portion 24 is then secured (e.g., sewn) to the upper edge 26 of the center portion 18, and the second edge 38 of the pocket portion 24 is secured (e.g., sewn) to the lower edge 32 of the upper portion 20. In particular, the first edge 36 and the second edge 38 of the pocket portion 24 are secured to the upper edge 26 of the center portion 18 and the lower edge 32 of the upper portion 20 before the pocket portion 24 is folded along the fold line 46 thereof.

[0073] The pocket portion 24 is then folded to form two pocket flaps 44 .

[0074] The pocket flap 44 thus formed is then secured together, for example along the third edge 40 and the fourth edge 42 .

[0075] When the lining element 14 comprises a protective panel 25 , the protective panel 25 is further secured to the pocket portion 24 , for example along the third edge 40 and the fourth edge 42 .

[0076] The upper portion 20 is then secured (eg, sewn) to the side portion 22 on either side of the access opening 50 defined by the first edge 36 and the second edge 38 of the pocket portion 24 .

[0077] The upper portion 20 is also secured (eg, sewn) to the central portion 18 on either side of the opening 50 between the opening 50 and each side portion 22 .

[0078] Thus, such a seat covering element, seen from above, whose pocket portion 24 and edges 40 , 42 are not visible from the outside of the seat covering element, proves to be particularly aesthetically pleasing, the pocket thus formed being not visible to vehicle passengers, in particular when not in use.

[0079] Securing the upper portion 20 to the central portion 18 on either side of the opening 50 is particularly advantageous for forming a small opening 50 , particularly suitable for securely holding modern mobile devices in the cover element 14 .

[0080] Once the pocket portion 24 is folded upon itself, closing the pocket portion 24 between its first edge 36 and second edge 38 causes the storage space 48 to open toward the opening 50 , which facilitates insertion of objects into the storage space 48 .

[0081] The presence of the protective plate 25 and its specific arrangement in the covering element 14 are particularly suitable for preventing objects placed in the storage space 48 from damaging the central part 18 or preventing objects placed in the storage space 48 from being damaged from the central part 18 .

[0082] The location of the seam that secures the pocket portion 24 to the protective plate 25 ensures the robustness of the covering element 14 .

[0083] The depth P of the storage space 48 as described above is particularly advantageous because it allows a mobile electronic device, such as a cellular telephone, to be partially accommodated while allowing a portion of the device to extend outside of the storage space 50. This is particularly advantageous for retaining the device in the cover element 14 while allowing the user to view information displayed on a portion of the device.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat covering element (14), comprising: - a central portion (18) including an upper edge (26), - an upper portion (20) comprising a lower edge (32), - two side portions (22) arranged on either side of said central portion (18) and integral with said central portion (18), and - a pocket portion (24) comprising a first edge (36) and a second edge (38) opposite to each other, said pocket portion (24) defining a storage space (48), The first edge (36) of the pocket portion (24) is fixed to the upper edge (26) of the central portion (18), and the second edge (38) of the pocket portion (24) is fixed to the lower edge (32) of the central portion (18), the pocket portion (24) is folded upon itself to form two pocket flaps (44), the first edge (36) and the second edge (38) together defining an entry opening (50) leading to the storage space (48), the upper portion (20) being fixed to the side portions (22) on both sides of the opening (50).

2. The seat covering element (14) according to claim 1, wherein The upper portion (20) is also secured to the central portion (18) on either side of the opening (50) between the opening (50) and each side portion (22).

3. The seat covering element (14) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The pocket portion (24) includes a third edge (40) and a fourth edge (42) connecting the first edge (36) and the second edge (38) to each other, and the two pocket portions (44) are fixed to each other along the third edge (40) and the fourth edge (42) and along a fold line (46) extending away from the opening (50) relative to the pocket portion (24).

4. The seat covering element (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The pocket portion (24) is closed between a first edge (36) and a second edge (38) thereof.

5. The seat covering element (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a protective plate (25) which is at least partially arranged between the pocket portion (24) and the central portion (18).

6. The seat covering element (14) according to claim 5, wherein The protective plate (25) is fixed to the pocket portion (24) along the third edge (40) and the fourth edge (42) of the pocket portion (24).

7. The seat covering element (14) according to claim 6, wherein The protective plate (25) is fixed to the pocket portion (24) by means of a seam arranged at a distance substantially between 3 mm and 7 mm from the third edge (40) and the fourth edge (42) of the pocket portion (24).

8. Seat covering element (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The length of the pocket flap measured orthogonally to the first edge (36) and / or the second edge (38) defines a depth (P) of the storage space (48), the depth (P) of the storage space (48) being substantially between 5 mm and 20 mm.

9. A seat (10) comprising at least one supporting element (12) comprising a body (16) and a seat covering element (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the covering element (14) covering at least a portion of the body (16).

10. A method for producing a seat covering element (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the following steps: - fixing the two side parts (22) to the central part (18); - securing a first edge (36) of the pocket portion (24) to the upper edge (26) of the central portion (18), and securing a second edge (38) of the pocket portion (24) to the lower edge (32) of the upper portion (20); - folding the pocket portion (24) to form two pocket flaps (44); - securing the upper portion (20) to the side portion (22) on either side of an opening (50) defined by the first edge (36) and the second edge (38) of the pocket portion (24).

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