Fastener and method for securing foamless cushion

Abstract

The present application relates to fasteners and methods of securing foamless pads. Fasteners for coupling interlaced or entangled polymer strands of foamless pads and methods thereof. In a first embodiment of the fastener, the fastener includes a retainer portion that anchors the fastener in a polymer strand of the pad and a protruding portion that extends through a polymer strand of the pad to another fastener. The retainer portion can have a greater size, area, or cross-sectional area than the protruding portion such that it is inhibited from penetrating through the polymer strand.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on October 13, 2023, with application number 202380077455.0 and invention title "Fasteners and methods for fastening without foam padding".

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 422,708, filed November 4, 2022, and priority of Danish Patent Application No. PA 2023 70420, filed August 16, 2023, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a cushion assembly, fasteners for securing the cushion, and methods for securing the cushion. More specifically, it discloses a foam-free cushion assembly of intertwined polymeric strands and fasteners for the assembly. Brief description of the attached diagram Figure 1 This is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the seat assembly.

[0004] Figure 2 It is a front view of the first and second non-foamed pads, in which the first fastener and the second fastener are provided.

[0005] Figure 3 They are connected together. Figure 2 Front view of the first and second fasteners.

[0006] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view of the first and second fasteners connected together.

[0007] Figure 5 It is a schematic perspective view of the first and second gaskets, in which the first fastener and the second fastener are provided.

[0008] Figure 6 They are connected together. Figure 5 Perspective view of the first and second fasteners.

[0009] Figure 7 This is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the first fastener.

[0010] Figure 8 This is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the second fastener.

[0011] Figure 9 This is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the third fastener.

[0012] Figure 10 This is a front perspective view of embodiments of the fourth and fifth fasteners.

[0013] Figure 11 This is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the sixth fastener.

[0014] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of the method for assembling seat components. Detailed description Embodiments of this disclosure are described herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may take various forms and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. Some features may be enlarged or minimized to show details of specific components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to utilize embodiments of the invention in various ways. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various features illustrated and described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other drawings to produce embodiments not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of illustrated features provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure may be necessary for a particular application or implementation.

[0015] Except where explicitly indicated in the examples or otherwise, all numerical quantities indicating the amount of material or the conditions of reaction and / or use in this description should be understood to be modified by the word "about" when describing the broadest scope of the invention. Practice within the stated numerical limits is generally preferred. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated to the contrary: percentages, "parts of," and ratio values ​​are by weight. The term "polymer" includes "oligomer," "copolymer," "terpolymer," etc. A description of a group or category of materials suitable or preferred for a given purpose in conjunction with the invention means that a mixture of any two or more components in that group or category is equally suitable or preferred. The molecular weight provided for any polymer is an exponential average molecular weight. The description of components in chemical terms refers to the components when added to any combination specified in the specification and does not necessarily exclude chemical interactions between the components of the mixture when mixed; the first definition of an acronym or other abbreviation applies to all subsequent uses of the same abbreviation herein and, where necessary, to the normal grammatical variations of the originally defined abbreviation; and, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the measurement of performance is determined by the same technique referenced before or after the same performance.

[0016] This invention is not limited to the specific embodiments and methods described below, as specific components and / or conditions may vary. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments of the invention only and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0017] As used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, a singular reference to a component is intended to include multiple components.

[0018] The terms “substantially,” “generally,” or “about” may be used herein to describe the disclosed or claimed embodiments. The terms “substantially,” “generally,” or “about” may modify the values ​​or relative characteristics disclosed or claimed in this disclosure to indicate within manufacturing tolerances and / or within ±0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, or 10% of the value or relative characteristic.

[0019] Regarding the terms “comprising,” “consisting of,” and “consisting essentially of,” where one of these three terms is used herein, the currently disclosed and claimed subject matter may include the use of any of the other two terms.

[0020] It should also be recognized that an integer range explicitly includes all intermediate integers. For example, the integer range 1 to 10 explicitly includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Similarly, the range 1 to 100 includes 1, 2, 3, 4...97, 98, 99, and 100. Likewise, when any range is required, the intermediate number obtained by dividing the difference between the upper and lower limits by 10 as the increment can be considered as an optional upper or lower limit. For example, if the range is 1.1 to 2.1, the following numbers 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, and 2.0 can be chosen as either the lower or upper limit.

[0021] Figure 1This is, for example, a seat assembly 100 for a vehicle (e.g., a car, motorcycle, train, aircraft, or watercraft). In one or more embodiments, the seat assembly 100 includes a decorative cover 102 disposed above a cushion assembly 104 and a frame 106. In a variant, the frame 106 supports the cushion assembly 104 and the occupant. In an improvement, the frame 106 supports other components, such as massage components, ventilation components, temperature control components, sensor components, and / or electronic components. In an improvement, the cushion assembly 106 includes one or more pads, such as a first pad 108 (e.g., the seat bottom) and a second pad 110 (e.g., the seat back).

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the trim cover 102 is arranged to contact the occupant. For example, the trim cover 102 is made of leather, artificial leather, woven fabric, polyurethane, and / or polyester. In various embodiments, the seat frame 102 is made of a rigid material, such as metal, plastic, wood, or a combination thereof. For example, a seat frame 106 made of steel and / or aluminum is used.

[0023] In various embodiments, unlike conventional liners which are typically molded foam, one or more of the liners are non-foamed or composed of non-foamed materials, such as multiple tangled and / or interwoven polymer strands defining one or more liner bodies, such as... Figures 2-4 As shown. In other words, portions of various polymer strands are entangled with portions of other polymer strands, such that multiple polymer strands are used as a single unit, piece, pad, pillow, cushion, or mat. In variations, the polymer strands are any suitable polymer material, such as thermoplastic polymers (e.g., polyolefins, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, and / or polyvinyl chloride). For example, the polymer strands may be low-density or high-density polyethylene. In the following, the pad may be referred to simply as a non-foamed or non-foamed pad. Application filed May 11, 2022, identified by serial number 17 / 741,639, further describes a non-foamed or non-foamed pad, and that application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The term pad is used herein; however, it should be understood that the non-foamed or non-foamed body of the polymer strands may also be referred to as a cushion or pillow.

[0024] Non-foam or foam-free padding structures may be difficult to secure using conventional fasteners designed to fasten, for example, foam. Therefore, in one or more embodiments, the padding assembly 200 includes one or more fasteners, such as… Figures 2-11As shown. In improvements, one or more fasteners secure one or more gaskets in place and / or join the gaskets together. For example, gasket assembly 200 includes a first (e.g., male) fastener 202 disposed in a first gasket 204 and an (e.g., female) fastener 206 disposed in a second gasket 208. In various embodiments, the gaskets or gasket bodies each have sides defining a surface or surface portion and a slot below the surface or surface portion. For example, first gasket 204 includes a first side (e.g., top) defining a first surface (e.g., top surface), with a first slot 210 located below the first surface, and second gasket 208 includes a second side (e.g., bottom) defining a second surface (e.g., bottom surface), with a second slot 212 located below the second surface. In one or more embodiments, the first slot 210 and / or the second slot 212 are cut into the gasket after extrusion. Alternatively, the slot may be defined by a breaker plate die during extrusion. The surface or surface portion described herein is relative to the pad body formed by multiple polymer strands, not a single polymer strand. For example, the first pad 204 (as Figure 2 (As shown) A first surface 214 corresponding to a first surface plane defined by axes X and Y is illustrated. Although the gaskets are depicted herein as rectangular or cubic, there are no particular limitations on the shape and size of the gaskets, and the surfaces are not limited to planes. In an improved version, the first and second fasteners are joined such that the surfaces of the first and second gaskets are adjacent to each other.

[0025] exist Figure 4 In the variant shown, the fastener 300 has a retainer or anchoring portion 302 for holding or anchoring the fastener 300 in a plurality of polymer strands. In an improvement, the fastener 300 further includes a protrusion 304 extending from the retainer or anchoring portion 302. In various embodiments, the protrusion 304 is configured to be secured by another fastener (such as...) Figures 8-9 and Figure 11 (Those depicted in the image) accommodate. For example, the protrusion 304 may include a fastening mechanism 306, such as a screw (i.e., a helical ramp), a clip (e.g., a Christmas tree clip), a buckle, a hook, a rivet, a snap, or any other known fastening mechanism. In one or more embodiments, the fastener 300 is configured to cooperate with a second fastener, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 6 As depicted in the text.

[0026] refer to Figure 8For example, the second fastener 400 has a retainer or anchoring portion 402 for retaining or anchoring the second fastener 400 in, for example, a second foam-free or non-foamed liner. The second fastener 400 is configured to receive the first fastener 300. In various embodiments, the second fastener 400 includes a protrusion 404 extending from the retainer or anchoring portion 402, and the protrusion 404 includes a fastening mechanism 406 corresponding to a fastening mechanism 306 of the first fastener 300. For example, the protrusion 404 of the second fastener 400 may define a cavity 408, i.e., a hollowbin, configured to receive the protrusion 304 of the first fastener 300. In yet another embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the second fastener 500 includes a retainer or anchoring portion 502 defining an orifice 504 configured to receive the first fastener 300. For example, in some embodiments, the protruding portion 304 of the first fastener 500 includes a screw (i.e., a spiral ramp), and the second fasteners 400 / 500 are configured to receive the screw. For example, the hollow cavity of the second fastener 400 includes recesses corresponding to screws for connecting the first fastener 300 and the second fastener 400. In yet another example, the first fastening mechanism 306 is a Christmas tree clip, and the hollow cavity of the second fastener 400 includes one or more orifices for receiving the clip. In improvements, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the retainer or anchoring portion 702 of the fastener 700 includes a plurality of barbs 704. In other words, any of the embodiments described herein may include a retainer or anchoring portion with barbs to more securely retain or anchor the retainer or anchoring portion in the gasket. For example, the retainer or anchoring portion 702 is configured to receive another fastener via an aperture 706 and includes a plurality of barbs 704.

[0027] In yet another embodiment, reference is made to... Figure 10 The fastener 600 includes a retainer or anchoring portion 602 and a protruding shaft portion 604 extending therefrom. In a variant, the fastener 600 further includes a head portion 606 disposed on the shaft portion 604 opposite to the retainer or anchoring portion 602. In an improvement, the head portion 606 has a dimension W larger than that of the shaft portion. s Larger or larger size W h(e.g., width). The head portion 606 is configured to prevent the second fastener from sliding or slipping out of the shaft portion. In one or more embodiments, the second fastener 608 is configured to cooperate with the shaft portion 604, for example, by coupling (e.g., snap-fit ​​and / or clamping) to it. For example, the first fastener 600 is disposed in the first pad such that the head portion 606 and the shaft portion 604 protrude through the first pad into the second pad. Once protruding into the second pad, the second fastener 608 is clamped onto the shaft portion 604, such that the two pads are joined together. In an improvement, the protruding portion of the first fastener 600 defines a first axis A and is coupled to the second fastener 608, for example, by sliding or lateral movement along a second axis B defined by the second fastener. In other words, the fasteners can be coupled by engaging the fasteners in a non-parallel or substantially perpendicular direction (e.g., within ±10 degrees, ±20 degrees, ±30 degrees, or ±45 degrees of perpendicularity).

[0028] In various embodiments, the fasteners described herein can be made of any suitable material. For example, the fasteners are composed of thermoplastic polymers (e.g., polyolefins, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, and / or polyvinyl chloride). In improvements, the fasteners are low-density polyethylene or high-density polyethylene. In variations, the fasteners are made of the same polymer material as the gaskets (i.e., polymer strands), such that the fasteners can be recycled along with the gaskets and that the fasteners do not need to be removed. In improvements, the gaskets are joined together without adhesive by the fasteners described herein. In other words, the gasket assembly can be adhesive-free or substantially adhesive-free (i.e., adhesive weight less than 1%, 0.5%, or 0.1%).

[0029] refer to Figure 10 The shape of the retainer or anchoring portion is not particularly limited, but in various embodiments it includes a width W a A roughly flat section, width W a It is (for example, the width W of the protruding part) s The polymer strands extend two, three, five, or ten times the width of the polymer strands and along a plurality of polymer strands, such that the polymer strands spatially inhibit the movement of the fastener along the first axis A, as... Figure 10As shown. For example, the retainer or anchoring portion is circular, rectangular, square, rhomboid, triangular, S-shaped, or any other suitable shape. The shape of the protruding part is not particularly limited. For example, the shape can be cylindrical, hook-shaped, or pointed. In improvements, the shape and width of the protruding part make it easier to pass through multiple polymer strands. For example, the protruding part includes a pointed or rounded end to facilitate easier passage through the strands. In variations, the length of the protruding part extends from the surface of the first liner, or more preferably from the slot through the surface of the first liner, or even more preferably from the slot through the first surface of the first liner and through the second (e.g., adjacent) surface of the second liner, and even more preferably, the protruding part extends from the first slot of the first liner through the first surface of the first liner, through the second (e.g., adjacent) surface of the second liner to reach the second slot of the second liner. In various embodiments, as Figure 10 As shown, the retainer or anchor portion has a larger cross-sectional area along axis B than the protruding shaft portion and the head portion. In the improvement, the head portion has a larger cross-sectional area than the protruding shaft portion.

[0030] refer to Figure 12 A method 800 for producing a pad assembly is disclosed. Method 800 includes one or more of the following steps: extruding one or more pad bodies (i.e., step 802), molding one or more fasteners as described herein (i.e., step 804), defining one or more slots in the one or more pad bodies (i.e., step 806), setting at least one of the one or more fasteners in the one or more slots (i.e., step 808), engaging the one or more fasteners in place or together (i.e., step 810), and assembling the pad assembly into a seat assembly, such as for a vehicle (i.e., step 812).

[0031] In various embodiments, one or more gasket bodies are foam-free or non-foamed gaskets comprising a plurality of tangled or interwoven polymer strands as described above. In an improvement, slots may be cut into the gasket after extrusion. Alternatively, a baffle die may be used to define cavities or slots in the gasket during extrusion. In one or more embodiments, the fasteners may be made of the same polymer material as the gaskets. Alternatively, the fasteners and gaskets may be made of a polymer material that can be recycled together without separation. For example, the gaskets and fasteners may be different grades of polymer material or polymer materials with similar melting points.

[0032] In variations, fasteners are engaged or joined together by screwing them together, clamping them together, snapping them together, or by any other suitable attachment mechanism. For example, a first fastener having a retainer or anchoring portion and a protrusion is positioned in a first liner (e.g., a first slot in the first liner) by moving laterally through a slot in a first direction until it is in a desired or anticipated position (e.g., a predetermined position), and then extending or pushing the protrusion through the liner in a second direction different from the first direction until the protrusion extends or penetrates a first surface of the liner. For example, the first and second directions are perpendicular. In an improvement, the protrusion is pushed until it penetrates a surface (e.g., a second surface) of a second liner (e.g., an adjacent liner) and engages with a second fastener positioned in the second liner (such as a slot in the second liner).

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the second fastener is disposed in the second liner by moving laterally upward along the slot in a third direction that is the same as or substantially similar to the first direction. The second fastener moves to a position corresponding to the first fastener. In an improvement, the second fastener moves in a fourth direction different from the third (e.g., opposite to the second direction) to engage with the first fastener, for example, to engage with a protrusion of the first fastener. Alternatively, the second fastener may move laterally upward in a third direction until it engages with the first fastener, for example, by clamping or snapping onto a protruding shaft portion of the first fastener. Thus, in some embodiments, the first fastener may be pushed through the surface of the second liner and through the second liner until it reaches the slot in the second liner. In other embodiments, the protrusion of the first fastener is pushed through the first liner, and the protrusion of the second fastener is pushed through the second liner until the protrusions of the first and second fasteners meet and engage. In various embodiments, the fasteners may be adjusted, such as in predetermined increments, to adjust the distance between the first retainer or anchor portion and the second retainer or anchor portion. For example, fasteners can be tightened such that the gaskets come into contact with each other, such as Figure 4 As shown. Alternatively, the fasteners can be tightened such that they define the gap 216, as... Figure 3 As shown.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the gasket assembly or a portion of the gasket assembly is recycled. Because the gasket and fastener are made of compatible, similar, substantially similar, or identical materials, separation or removal of the fastener is not required prior to recycling. In variations, recycling includes shearing the gasket assembly into smaller portions or fragments, such as by grinding, crushing, tearing, shredding, and / or milling. In improvements, the gasket assembly is melted into a polymer resin, making it reusable, for example, after reaching a specific particle size or a specific shear period. In one or more embodiments, the polymer resin is filtered, refined, or purified after melting and before reuse. In one or more embodiments, multiple gasket assemblies are recycled without removing the fasteners. In still other embodiments, one or more gasket assemblies may be produced from the recycled polymer resin.

[0035] According to a first aspect of the gasket assembly described herein, the assembly includes a first body, a first fastener, a second body, and a second fastener. The first body includes a first plurality of polymer strands, the first fastener is disposed in the first body, the second body includes a second plurality of polymer strands, and the second fastener is configured to cooperate with the first fastener and is disposed in the second body. In a variant, the first body includes a first side defining a first surface, and the second body includes a second side defining a second surface. In an improvement, the first fastener includes a retainer portion and a protrusion portion, the retainer portion being configured to be disposed in the first body, and the protrusion portion extending or protruding from the retainer portion through the first surface such that the second fastener cooperates with the protrusion portion to join the first gasket and the second gasket together.

[0036] According to the second aspect, the first body of any aspect of the first aspect or subsequent aspects defines a first slot disposed below a first surface of the first body, and a first fastener is disposed in the first slot.

[0037] According to the third aspect, the second body of any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects defines a second slot disposed below a second surface of the second body, and the second fastener is disposed in the second slot.

[0038] According to the fourth aspect, the protruding portion of any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects is configured to extend through the second surface of the second body to the second slot.

[0039] According to the fifth aspect, the second fastener of any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects is configured to receive the protruding portion of the first fastener.

[0040] According to the sixth aspect, the second fastener in any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects includes a retainer portion.

[0041] According to the seventh aspect, the first or second fastener in any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects is barbed.

[0042] According to the eighth aspect, the second fastener described in any of the preceding or subsequent aspects includes a retainer portion and a corresponding protrusion, the protrusion of the second fastener extending from the retainer portion of the second fastener through the second surface and configured to receive the protrusion of the first fastener.

[0043] According to the ninth aspect, the first fastener in any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects includes a shaft portion and a head portion opposite to the retainer portion, the head portion having a larger dimension than the shaft portion, such that a second fastener cooperates with the shaft portion to engage the first fastener and the second fastener together.

[0044] According to the tenth aspect, the cross-sectional area of ​​the retainer portion (i.e., the retainer portion of the first fastener and / or the second fastener) of any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the protruding portion.

[0045] According to the eleventh aspect, fasteners for any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects comprise thermoplastic polymer materials.

[0046] According to the twelfth aspect, the polymer strands in any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects comprise the same thermoplastic polymer material as the fasteners.

[0047] According to aspect thirteen, the padding assembly of any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects may be disposed in the vehicle seat assembly and supported by the seat frame.

[0048] According to the fourteenth aspect, the gasket assembly includes a first gasket, a first fastener, and a second fastener. In a variation, the first gasket includes a first side defining a first surface and a first slot disposed below the first surface. In an improvement, the first fastener includes a retainer portion disposed in the first slot and a protrusion extending or protruding from the retainer portion through the gasket and the first surface, and the second fastener is configured to cooperate with the protrusion of the first fastener.

[0049] According to the fifteenth aspect, the gasket assembly of any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects includes a second gasket such that a second fastener is disposed in the second gasket, and the first gasket and the second gasket are coupled together when the first fastener and the second fastener are coupled together.

[0050] According to the sixteenth aspect, the first and second liner of any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects are joined together without adhesive.

[0051] According to the seventeenth aspect, the second gasket of any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects includes a second side defining a second surface and a second slot disposed below the second surface, such that a second fastener is disposed in the second slot.

[0052] According to aspect eighteen, the first pad and / or second pad of any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects is the body of the polymer strand.

[0053] According to a nineteenth aspect, a method of connecting gaskets includes: disposing a first fastener in a first gasket, disposing a second fastener in a second gasket, and connecting the first fastener and the second fastener together. In a variation, the first fastener includes a retainer portion and a protruding portion configured to extend through the first gasket and a first surface portion of the first gasket. In an improvement, the second fastener is configured to engage with the first fastener and includes a retainer portion. In one or more embodiments, the first fastener and the second fastener cooperate to connect the first gasket and the second gasket together.

[0054] According to the twentieth aspect, a first fastener of any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects is disposed in a first slot of the first pad below a first surface portion of the first pad, and a second fastener is disposed in a second slot of the second pad below a second surface portion of the second pad.

[0055] According to aspect 21, the method of any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects includes defining a first slot in a first liner and defining a second slot in a second liner.

[0056] According to aspect twenty-two, the first slot and the second slot of any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects are defined by cutting the first liner and the second liner.

[0057] According to aspect twenty-three, the first slot and the second slot in any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects are defined by a baffle plate for extruding the first liner and the second liner.

[0058] According to the twenty-fourth aspect, the method of any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects includes extending the protrusion through the first surface portion into the second surface portion, such that the protrusion passes through the second surface portion and is engaged with the second fastener.

[0059] According to aspect 25, the first and / or second pads of any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects comprise a plurality of polymer strands.

[0060] According to aspect 26, the method of any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects includes molding the first and second fasteners from the same polymer strands as the polymer.

[0061] According to aspect 27, any method of any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects includes recovering the first liner and / or the second liner without removing the first fastener and / or the second fastener.

[0062] According to aspect 28, recycling of any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects includes cutting into smaller pieces and melting to form a polymer resin.

[0063] According to aspect twenty-nine, the method of any of the foregoing or subsequent aspects includes assembling the first pad and the second pad onto the seat frame of the vehicle seat.

[0064] Although exemplary embodiments have been described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms covered by the claims. The language used in this specification is descriptive rather than limiting, and it should be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. As described above, features of various embodiments can be combined to form other embodiments of the invention that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. Regarding one or more desired features, while various embodiments may have been described as providing advantages over other embodiments or prior art implementations, or being preferred relative to other embodiments or prior art implementations, those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more features or characteristics can be compromised to achieve desired overall system properties, depending on the particular application and implementation. These properties may include, but are not limited to, cost, strength, durability, lifecycle cost, merchantability, appearance, packaging, size, suitability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. Therefore, if any embodiment is described to a degree less desirable in one or more aspects than other embodiments or prior art implementations, such embodiments are not outside the scope of this disclosure and may be desirable for a particular application.

Claims

1. A gasket assembly, comprising: A plurality of polymer strands, the plurality of polymer strands forming a first body, the first body defining a first surface; A first fastener includes a retainer portion disposed within the first body and a protruding portion extending from the retainer portion through the first surface, the protruding portion including a shaft portion extending from the retainer portion and a head portion disposed at an end of the shaft portion opposite to the retainer portion; The second plurality of polymer strands form a second body, the second body defining a second surface; and A second fastener is disposed within the second body and configured to engage the protruding portion, thereby connecting the first body and the second body together, wherein the shaft portion and the head portion protrude into the second body.

2. The cushion assembly of claim 1, wherein, The second fastener is configured to engage the shaft portion by snapping or clamping in a direction not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft portion.

3. The cushion assembly of claim 1, wherein, The first fastener is formed of the same thermoplastic material as the first plurality of polymer strands.

4. The cushion assembly of claim 1, wherein, The second fastener is formed of the same thermoplastic material as the second plurality of polymer strands.

5. The gasket assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The retainer portion includes multiple barbs.

6. The gasket assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first body is defined in a first slot below the first surface, and the first fastener is disposed in the first slot.

7. The gasket assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The second body is defined in a second slot below the second surface, and the second fastener is disposed in the second slot.

8. The gasket assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The cross-sectional area of ​​the retainer portion of the first fastener is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the shaft portion.

9. The gasket assembly of claim 1, wherein, The second fastener includes an opening configured to receive the first fastener.

10. A vehicle seat assembly, comprising a frame supporting a cushion assembly according to any one of claims 1-9.

11. A gasket assembly, comprising: A plurality of polymer strands, the plurality of polymer strands forming a first body, the first body defining a first surface; A first fastener, the first fastener comprising a first retainer portion disposed within the first body and a first protrusion extending from the first retainer portion through the first surface; The second plurality of polymer strands form a second body, the second body defining a second surface; and The second fastener includes: - A second retainer portion, the second retainer portion being disposed within the second body, and - A second protrusion extending from the second retainer portion, the second protrusion defining a cavity configured to receive the first protrusion to connect the first body and the second body, wherein the first protrusion includes a first fastening mechanism, and the second protrusion includes a second fastening mechanism corresponding to the first fastening mechanism.

12. The gasket assembly of claim 11, wherein, The first fastening mechanism is a screw, and the second fastening mechanism is a corresponding recess configured to receive the screw.

13. The gasket assembly of claim 11, wherein, The first fastening mechanism is a clip, and the second fastening mechanism includes one or more openings configured to receive the clip.

14. The gasket assembly of claim 11, wherein, At least one of the first retainer portion and the second retainer portion includes a plurality of barbs.

15. The gasket assembly of claim 11, wherein, The first fastener is formed of the same thermoplastic material as the first plurality of polymer strands.

16. The gasket assembly of claim 11, wherein, The second fastener is formed of the same thermoplastic material as the second plurality of polymer strands.

17. The gasket assembly of claim 11, wherein, The first body is defined in a first slot below the first surface, and the first fastener is disposed in the first slot.

18. The gasket assembly of claim 11, wherein, The second body is defined in a second slot below the second surface, and the second fastener is disposed in the second slot.

19. A method for connecting gaskets, the method comprising: Extruding a plurality of polymer strands to form a first body defining a first surface; A first fastener is disposed in the first body such that a retainer portion of the first fastener is disposed within the first body and a protruding portion extends at least partially through the first surface, the protruding portion including a shaft portion extending from the retainer portion and a head portion disposed at an end of the shaft portion opposite to the retainer portion, the lateral dimension of the head portion being greater than the lateral dimension of the shaft portion; Extruding a second plurality of polymer strands to form a second body defining a second surface; The second fastener is installed in the second body; and The first fastener and the second fastener are connected such that the protruding portion engages the second fastener, wherein the shaft portion and the head portion extend at least partially into the second body.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising molding the first fastener from the same thermoplastic polymer material as the material of the first plurality of polymer strands.

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