Decorative seam with decorative element

Abstract

The invention relates to a decorative seam with a decorative element. Apparatus and methods include securing at least one trim element to a trim cover to overlay at least a portion of a trim seam, and securing a retainer to the trim cover and a seat structure.

Description

[0001] background

[0002] The seat has a trim cover that includes one or more seams. Many different types of seams can be used to join the various parts of the trim cover together. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example seat with seams.

[0005] Figure 2A is an example of a deck seam.

[0006] Figure 2B This is an example of a French seam.

[0007] Figure 2C An example of a crafted stich seam.

[0008] Figure 2D is another example of a styled seam.

[0009] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a French seam and a retainer.

[0010] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of another example of a French seam with a retainer.

[0011] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of another example of a French seam with a retainer.

[0012] Fig. 6A is an example of a decorative element that covers a decorative seam.

[0013] Figure 6B is another example of a decorative element that covers a decorative seam.

[0014] Figure 6C is another example of a decorative element that covers a decorative seam.

[0015] Fig.6D is another example of a decorative element that covers a decorative seam.

[0016] Fig. 7A is another example of a decorative element that covers a decorative seam.

[0017] Figure 7B is another example of a decorative element that covers a decorative seam.

[0018] Figure 7C is another example of a decorative element that covers a decorative seam.

[0019] Figure 8 is another example of a decorative element that covers a decorative seam.

[0020] Fig.9A is an example of a decorative element that covers a decorative seam on a seat component.

[0021] Fig. 9B is another example of a decorative element that covers a decorative seam on a seat component.

[0022] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of one example of a French seam, retainer, and seat cushion.

[0023] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of another example of a French seam, retainer, and seat cushion.

[0024] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of another example of a French seam, retainer, and seat cushion.

[0025] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a French seam, straps, retainers, and seat cushioning.

[0026] Detailed Description

[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the detailed description that follows, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments described. However, it is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various embodiments described may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, circuits, and networks are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0028] “One or more” includes a function performed by one element, a function performed by more than one element (eg, in a distributed manner), several functions performed by one element, several functions performed by several elements, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0029] It should also be understood that, although in some cases, the terms first, second, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first contact may be referred to as a second contact, and similarly, a second contact may be referred to as a first contact without departing from the scope of the various embodiments described. Both the first contact and the second contact are contacts, but they are not the same contact.

[0030] The terms used in the description of the various embodiments described herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It should be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "includes", "including", "comprises" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of the features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof.

[0031] As used herein, the term "if" is optionally interpreted to mean "when..." or "upon..." or "in response to determining..." or "in response to detecting...", as the context requires. Similarly, the phrases "if it is determined" or "if [the condition or event] is detected" are optionally interpreted to mean "upon determining..." or "in response to determining..." or "upon detecting [the condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [the condition or event]", as the context requires.

[0032] It should be understood that terms such as "about," "substantially," and "approximately" are not intended to be open-ended terms, and should be interpreted in the same manner as those skilled in the art interpret these terms.

[0033] The present disclosure relates to a seat having a trim cover including a decorative seam in combination with a retainer. The decorative seam may or may not include a decorative element. The present disclosure provides a retainer, such as a tie-down, located, for example, below the decorative seam, which is secured by sewing or by a combination of sewing and a polyurethane reactive (PUR) adhesive. The seam is formed and arranged to provide a desired aesthetic appearance.

[0034] Figure 1A seat assembly 10 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The seat assembly 10 may be used as a vehicle seat assembly 10 for seating in a vehicle, such as an automobile, an airplane, a boat, or any other seating environment. The seat assembly 10 includes a seat bottom 12 and a seat back 14 that may be pivotally connected to the seat bottom 12 to extend generally upright relative to the seat bottom 12 for pivotal adjustment relative to the seat bottom 12. A headrest 16 may also be mounted to the seat back 14.

[0035] The seat bottom 12 includes a central seating surface 18 and a pair of side bolster regions 20 spaced laterally about the central seating surface 18. The seat back 14 includes a pelvic / lumbar seating surface 22 having a pair of laterally spaced side bolster regions 24 on either side. A sternum / shoulder seating surface 26 is disposed above the seating surfaces of the pelvic / lumbar seating surface 22 and the seat back side bolster regions 24. It should be understood that this is only one example of a seating configuration and that other configurations may be utilized.

[0036] In one example, the seat assembly 10 includes a trim cover 30 with one or more trim seams 32, such as Figure 1 As shown schematically, the decorative cover 30 may include a single layer of material or multiple layers of material. Examples of decorative cover materials include leather, PVC, PU, ​​textiles or other materials suitable for covering a seat.

[0037] Examples of decorative seams are Figure 2A-2D shown. Figure 2A The trim cover 30 is shown with a laminate seam 32a. Figure 2B The trim cover 30 is shown with a French seam 32b. Figure 2C The trim cover 30 is shown with one example of a styled stitch seam 32c. Figure 2D Another example of a decorative cover 30 with a decorative seam 32d is shown. The decorative seam 32d may be achieved via, for example, a quilting machine, a special crafted stitch machine, or a common sewing machine.

[0038] Figure 3-Figure 5 An example of a French seam 32b in combination with at least one retainer 34 is shown. Figure 3A trim cover 30 is shown having a first edge 36 aligned with a second edge 38, the first edge 36 and the second edge 38 being joined together as a French seam. In this example, the first edge 36 is folded so that there are overlapping layers of material 36a, 36b extending along the length of the seam 32b to form the first edge 36. Similarly, the second edge 38 is folded so that there are overlapping layers of material 38a, 38b extending along the length of the seam 32b to form the second edge 38. First, the first edge 36 and the second edge 38 are joined together by a first sewing / stitching 40. A groove or gap 42 is formed between the sewn together edges 36, 38, facing the outer surface of the seat. Next, for example, as indicated at 44, the first laminate seam 32a is sewn outside the first edge 36 along one side of the gap 42, and then, for example, as indicated at 46, the second laminate seam 32a is sewn outside the second edge 38 along the opposite side of the gap 42.

[0039] The retainer 34 may include various structures. Examples of retainer types include: Hog ring / PWP (OKE); Listing wire / Pocket; Carabiner; Plastic shim / Paddle; Plastic clip; etc.

[0040] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the retainer 34 includes a tie-down device 34a. In one example, the tie-down device 34a includes a first portion 48 that can be fixed to the trim cover 30 and a second portion 50 that can be fixed to a seat structure 52, such as a seat frame (e.g., a rigid rod or plate), or, for example, a seat cushion base material. In one example, the first portion 48 includes an upper material portion, and the second portion 50 includes a lower elongated body portion. The upper material portion includes a vertical extension of the overlapping material 54, which extends from the second portion 50 to a pair of flaps 56, 58, which extend below the overlapping material layers 36a, 36b and 38a, 38b, respectively. The first flap 56 is fixed to the overlapping material layers 36a, 36b via a stitching 44 located outside the first edge 36 along one side of the gap 42. The second flap 58 is secured to the overlapping material layers 38a, 38b via stitching 46 located outside the second edge 38 along the opposite side of the gap 42. In one example, the elongated body of the second portion 50 includes a tubular structure or bead 60 that is located within a groove 62 of a cushion pad 64 forming a seat cushion. One or more connecting elements 66 secure the bead 60 to an anchoring member 68 (such as, for example, a wire embedded within the cushion pad 64 forming the seat cushion).

[0041] In one example, the anchoring member 68 includes a wire embedded in the cushion 64. For example, the wire includes a thin filament member extending along the length of the seam 32. In one example, the one or more connecting elements 66 that secure the tie device 34a to the anchoring member 68 include a ring (e.g., a circular member surrounding the connecting element), a staple (e.g., a U-shaped member with legs that clamp the connecting element), a clip (e.g., a C-shaped clasp that engages the connecting element), etc. Figure 3 The example shown includes a ring.

[0042] In one example, the cushioning of the seat cover 30 includes PU foam, reticulated foam, 3D spacer, Hacoflex, Multiknit, or other types of materials suitable for seats.

[0043] Figure 4 Similar to Figure 3 , but another example of a retainer 34b is shown. In this example, the retainer 34b includes a first portion 70 having overlapping layers 70a, 70b interposed between overlapping material layers (36a, 36b or 38a, 38b), wherein these layers 70a, 70b are attached to the trim cover 30 via stitching 44 or 46. The retainer 34b includes a similar Figure 3 The second portion 72 of the second portion 50 is shown. The second portion 72 is Figure 3 is attached to anchor member 68 in a similar manner. Figure 4 An example is shown in which a retainer 34 b is located on each side of the gap 42 ; however, there may be only one retainer 34 b located on either side of the gap 42 .

[0044] Figure 5 Similar to Figure 4 , but another example of a retainer 34c is shown. In this example, the retainer 34c includes a first portion 70 in which a layer of material 70c is inserted between overlapping layers of material (36a, 36b or 38a, 38b), wherein the layer 70c is attached to the trim cover 30 via stitching 44 or 46. The retainer 34c includes a first portion 70 in which a layer of material 70c is inserted between overlapping layers of material (36a, 36b or 38a, 38b). Figure 3 The second portion 72 is attached to the anchor member 68 in a manner similar to that of the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 An example is shown in which a retainer 34 c is located on each side of the gap 42 ; however, there may be only one retainer 34 c located on either side of the gap 42 .

[0045] At least one decorative element 74 ( Figure 6A-6D , Figure 7A-7C and Figure 8 ), for example, such as a strip ( Figure 6A-6D , Figure 7A-7C ) or piping ( Figure 8 ) is fixed to the trim cover 30 to cover at least a portion of the trim seam 32 , for example, to extend over the top of the trim seam 32 . Figure 6A-6D , Figure 7A-7C An example is shown where the decorative element 74 comprises a strip 74a. In one example, the strip 74a comprises a flat strip of decorative material that provides a desired aesthetic appearance. Any type of suitable material may be used for the strip 74a. Figure 6A-6D , Figure 7A-7C An example of a strip 74a covering a French seam 32b is shown; however, the strip 74a may also be used to cover any type of seam (such as Figure 2A-2D example shown).

[0046] Fig. 6A An example is shown in which the edges 36, 38 of the seam 32b are inserted into the groove 62. In this example, stitching 76 joins the edges 36, 38 together within the groove 62, and a strap 78 is used to secure the trim cover 30 to the seat cushion 64. A strap 74a is overlaid over the seam 32b to cover the gap 42, and stitching 80 on one side of the gap 42 secures the strap 74a to the trim cover 30, and stitching 82 on the opposite side of the gap 42 secures the strap 74a to the trim cover 30. In this example, the first portion 48 of the tie device 34a extends between the edges 36, 38 and is secured to the trim cover 30 via the stitching 76. The elongated body of the second portion 50 of the tie device 34a is secured to an anchor member 68 (e.g., a wire) that is embedded within the cushion 64 that forms the seat cushion (e.g., Figure 3 shown).

[0047] Figure 6B It shows that Figure 3 32b. In this example, a scrim / fleece 84 is located below the overlapping edges 36a, 36b and 38a, 38b. The scrim / fleece 84 is used to reinforce or increase the strength of the tie 34a. The strip 74a overlies the seam and covers the gap 42, and the strip 74a and the scrim / fleece 84 are secured to the trim cover 30 via stitching 44, 46. In this example, the first portion 48 of the tie 34a is connected to the scrim / fleece 84 via stitching 86. The elongated body of the second portion 50 of the tie 34a is secured to the anchor member 68 embedded in the cushion 64.

[0048] Figure 6C It shows that Figure 34. An example of a French seam 32b is shown. In this example, a strap 78 secures the edges 36, 38 of the trim cover 30 to the flaps 56, 58 of the first portion 48 of the tie device 34a. The strap 74a overlies the seam and covers the gap 42, and the strap 74a is secured to the trim cover 30 via stitching 44, 46. The stitching 44, 46 also passes through the strap 78. The strap 78 increases / reinforces the strength of the seam 32a. In this example, the first portion 48 of the tie device 34a includes a loop of material 88 extending around the elongated body of the second portion 50, and wherein upper portions of the looped material 88 are attached to each other by stitching 90. The elongated body of the second portion 50 of the tie device 34a is secured to the anchor member 68 embedded within the cushioning pad 64.

[0049] Fig.6D Shows something like Figure 6C but without 78.

[0050] Figure 7A-7C An example of sewing and PUR adhesive used with the decorative element 74 and the tie device 34a is shown.

[0051] Fig. 7A Shows something like Fig.6D In this example, a layer of PUR adhesive 92 is applied between the edges 36, 38 of the trim cover 30 and the flaps 56, 58 of the first portion 48 of the tie device 34a.

[0052] Figure 7B Shows something like Figure 6B In this example, a layer of PUR adhesive 92 is applied between the scrim / felt 84 and the edges 36 , 38 of the trim cover 30 .

[0053] Figure 7C Shows something like Figure 6C In this example, application of a layer of PUR adhesive 92 is combined with the use of tape 78.

[0054] Figure 8 An example is shown in which the decorative element 74 includes a piping 74 b. Figure 8 It shows that Figure 3 An example of a French seam 32b is shown. In one example, the piping 74b includes a folded material having an exposed folded portion 96 forming a rib or piping along the seam 32, and the covered edge of the folded material is secured to the trim cover 30 below the rib / piping by stitching 40. This example may also include a layer of PUR adhesive 92 as desired.

[0055] Fig.9AAn example of a strip 74 a extending along the trim seam 32 on the seat back 14 is shown. Fig. 9B An example of a strip 74a extending along a decorative seam 32 on a seat bottom 12 is shown. The decorative seam 32 and associated covering decorative element 74 can be located on an insert, shoulder, or bolster seating surface. By using a combination of a decorative element 74 on the decorative seam 32 and a retainer 34, the surface of the seat is flat and does not appear to be pulled down by the retainer. Surface softness is maintained because there is no increased thickness or uneven surface under the decorative seam / decorative element. In addition, the use of retainers 34 prevents the decorative seam 32 and decorative element 34 from bending and there are no pinholes. In addition, the design complies with scan and seat trim outline (STO) tolerances.

[0056] Figure 10-13 Additional examples of French seams 32b are shown in combination with one or more retainers 34 associated with a seat cushion 64. The retainers 34 may include a variety of structures. Fig.10 A trim cover 30 is shown having a first edge 36 aligned with a second edge 38 joined together as a French seam. In this example, the first edge 36 is folded so that there are overlapping layers of material extending along the length of the seam to form the first edge 36. Similarly, the second edge 38 is folded so that there are overlapping layers of material extending along the length of the seam to form the second edge 38. First, the first edge 36 and the second edge 38 are joined together using a first sewing / stitching 40. Next, one seam 44 is sewn outside the first edge 36, and then another seam 46 is sewn outside the second edge 38.

[0057] exist Fig.10 In the example shown, the retainer 34 includes a tie 34a. In one example, the tie 34a can be secured to the trim cover 30 and the cushion 64. In one example, each tie 34a includes an upper material portion attached to the trim cover and a tubular structure or bead structure 60 that can be secured to the cushion 64. In this example, the upper material portion of each tie 34a extends between the overlapping portions of the edges 36, 38, and the bead structure 60 is coupled with one or more connectors 66, such as rings, clips, etc., which secure the tie 34a to the cushion 64 via an anchor or wire (see Figure 3 ).

[0058] Fig.11 Shows something like Fig.10 , but the material portion of the fastening device 34a is only wrapped around one bead structure 60 and the overlapping ends are sewn together as shown in 94. Fig.12 An example is shown in which the beaded structure 60 has a material portion 98 that is secured to a material portion of the fastening device 34a by stitching as shown at 100 . Fig.13 An example is shown where the wider strap 74 is secured below the French seam 32b by a dedicated tool and coupled to the tie device 34a as shown at 102 .

[0059] An example method for combining the trim seam with the trim element includes securing at least one trim element 74 to the trim cover 30 to cover at least a portion of the trim seam 32, and securing the first portion 48 of the retainer 34 to the trim cover 30 and securing the second portion 50 of the retainer 34 to the seat structure 52, such as a cushion / foam, frame.

[0060] Additional method steps may include any of the following steps in any combination. Sewing (e.g., attaching by sewing) the first portion 48 of the at least one retainer 34 to the trim cover 30. Applying a layer of adhesive 92 between the retainer 34 and the trim cover 30. Reinforcing at least one of the at least one trim seam 32 and the at least one retainer 34. Extending the elongated body of the second portion 50 under the at least one trim seam 32, attaching the material of the retainer 34 to the trim cover 30, coupling the material to the elongated body, and connecting the elongated body to the seat structure 52. Extending the strip 74a or the piping 74b along the exposed surface of the at least one trim seam 32, and attaching the strip 74a or the piping 74b to the trim cover 30.

[0061] In one example, the present disclosure provides a combination of a decorative seam with a retainer (e.g., a tie-down device). In another example, the present disclosure provides a combination of a decorative element 74 above a decorative seam 32 coupled to a retainer 34 (achieved by sewing or a combination of sewing and PUR glue technology). The seat surface has a concavity, which requires the decorative piece to be bound to the seat base material along the styling element to achieve the designed STO tolerance. This combination meets static and dynamic process expectations, such as conditions for seat functionality, durability cycles. This combination also ensures that the desired shape is obtained without any issues with float or comfort touch.

[0062] Although different examples have specific components shown in the drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those specific combinations. Some components or features in one of the examples may be used in combination with features or components in another example. In addition, the various drawings accompanying the present disclosure are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be enlarged or minimized to show certain details of a particular component or arrangement.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above embodiments are exemplary and non-limiting. That is, modifications to the present disclosure will be within the scope of the claims. Therefore, the attached claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of the attached claims.

Claims

1. A component comprising: a decorative cover including at least one decorative seam; at least one decorative element secured to the decorative cover to cover at least a portion of the at least one decorative seam; as well as At least one retainer along the at least one decorative seam.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein The at least one decorative seam includes one or more of a laminate seam, a style seam, or a French seam.

3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one decorative element comprises a strip or a piping.

4. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one retainer is attached to the trim cover by sewing. 5 . The assembly of claim 1 , comprising a layer of adhesive between the at least one retainer and the trim cover.

6. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one retainer is attached to the seat structure by one or more connections.

7. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The seat structure includes a seat frame or wire embedded in a cushioning material, and wherein the one or more connectors include one or more clips, nails, rings, spacers, or blades.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: The at least one decorative element is sewn to the at least one retainer.

9. The assembly of claim 1, comprising at least one seam reinforcement or at least one retainer reinforcement.

10. The assembly of claim 9, comprising the at least one seam reinforcement and the at least one retainer reinforcement.

11. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The at least one seam reinforcement or the at least one retainer reinforcement comprises a tape, scrim or wool felt material.

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: The at least one decorative seam having an associated covering decorative element is located on the insert seating surface, the shoulder seating surface, or the bolster seating surface.

13. A component comprising: a decorative cover including at least one decorative seam; as well as At least one fastening device along the at least one decorative seam.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein: The at least one tie device includes an elongated body capable of extending along the length of the at least one decorative seam and a material capable of being secured to the decorative cover and the elongated body, and the assembly includes at least one decorative element secured to the decorative cover to cover at least a portion of the at least one decorative seam.

15. A method comprising: securing at least one decorative element to the decorative cover to cover at least a portion of the decorative seam; as well as A retainer is secured to the trim cover and the seat structure.

16. The method of claim 15 including sewing the retainer to the trim cover.

17. The method of claim 16 including applying a layer of adhesive between the retainer and the trim cover.

18. The method of claim 15, comprising reinforcing at least one of the decorative seam and the retainer.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The retainer includes at least one tie device having a material and an elongated body, and the method includes: extending the elongated body below the decorative seam; coupling the material to the trim cover; coupling the material to the elongated body; and The elongate body is connected to the seat structure.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein: The decorative seams include one or more of a laminate seam, a styled seam, or a French seam; The at least one decorative element comprises a strip or piping; and The method comprises: extending the strip or piping along the exposed surface of the decorative seam, and The strip or piping is coupled to the trim cover.

Images