Cushion assembly and method of assembly

Abstract

A gasket assembly is provided with a mesh member that includes a set of filaments of a polymeric material. At least two members of the set of filaments are looped and bonded to one another. Each filament of the set of filaments is provided with a terminal end. The mesh member is further provided with an outer surface with a groove formed at least partially along a length of the outer surface of the mesh member. A concentration of the set of filaments is greater around a perimeter of the groove than an interior of the mesh member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various implementation schemes involve gasket components and assembly methods. Attached Figure Description

[0002] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of an example of a seat assembly including a wire mesh structure;

[0003] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an example of a manufacturing system used to create wire mesh structures;

[0004] Figure 3 It is by Figure 2 A perspective view of the wire mesh structure formed by the manufacturing system in the middle;

[0005] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Side view of the wire mesh structure in the image;

[0006] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an example of a manufacturing system for manufacturing wire mesh structures according to another embodiment;

[0007] Figure 6 It is based on the implementation plan. Figure 5 A front view of the nozzle assembly of the manufacturing system;

[0008] Figure 7 Is to make Figure 3 The wire mesh structure formed Figure 6 A plan view of the nozzle assembly;

[0009] Figure 8 It is by Figure 5 A plan view of the wire mesh structure manufactured by the manufacturing system;

[0010] Figure 9 It is based on another implementation plan. Figure 5 A schematic front view of the nozzle assembly of the manufacturing system;

[0011] Figure 10 It is based on another implementation plan. Figure 5 A front view of the nozzle assembly of the manufacturing system; and

[0012] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A magnified perspective view of the nozzle of the nozzle assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the various described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various described embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0014] It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary, and various forms and alternative forms are possible. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn 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 adopt embodiments according to this disclosure in various ways.

[0015] "One or more" includes functions performed by a single element, functions performed by more than one element (e.g., in a distributed manner), several functions performed by a single element, several functions performed by several elements, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0016] It should also be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., are used in some instances to describe various elements herein, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments, a first nozzle may be referred to as a second nozzle, and similarly, a second nozzle may be referred to as a first nozzle. Both the first nozzle and the second nozzle are nozzles, but they are not the same nozzle.

[0017] The terminology used in the description of the various described embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be restrictive. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a (a)” and “an” and “described” are intended to also include the 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 the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and / or “comprising”, when used in this specification, define the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0018] As used herein, depending on the context, the term "if" may optionally be interpreted as meaning "when," "at," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase "if determination" or "if [the condition or event] is detected" may optionally be interpreted as meaning "when determination," "in response to determination," "when [the condition or event] is detected," or "in response to the detection of [the condition or event]."

[0019] refer to Figure 1 An example of seat assembly 10 is shown. In some embodiments, seat assembly 10 is a vehicle seat assembly, such as for land vehicles like cars, trucks, buses, etc., or for non-land vehicles like aircraft or ships. For example, the shape and size of seat assembly 10 for land vehicles can be configured as a front driver or passenger seat, a second-row, third-row, or other rear seat, and can include bucket seats, bench seats, or other seat styles. Furthermore, seat assembly 10 can be a non-retractable seat, or it can be a retractable seat that is foldable and retractable into a cavity in the vehicle floor. Additionally, seat assembly 10 can be configured for non-vehicle applications, such as furniture.

[0020] exist Figure 1 In the configuration shown, seat assembly 10 includes a seat base 20 and a seat back 22. It is contemplated that in some configurations, such as when seat assembly 10 is configured as a motorcycle seat or stool, the seat back 22 may be omitted. The seat base 20 is configured to receive a seated occupant and support the occupant's pelvis and thighs. The seat base 20 includes a seat base frame 30, a padding 32, and a decorative cover 34.

[0021] The seat bottom frame 30 is a structure that supports the padding 32. The seat bottom frame 30 includes one or more structural members and can be made of any suitable material, such as metal alloys, polymer materials, fiber-reinforced polymer materials, or combinations thereof. In some configurations, the seat bottom frame 30 includes a panel, a seat chassis, a suspension pad, or a suspension line, with the padding 32 disposed on said panel, seat chassis, suspension pad, or suspension line.

[0022] A cushion 32 is disposed on the seat bottom frame 30. The cushion 32 is made of a supple material that supports the seat occupant and distributes the load from the seat occupant to the seat bottom frame 30. The cushion 32 and the associated manufacturing method will be discussed in more detail below.

[0023] The decorative cover 34 covers at least a portion of the padding 32. Additionally, the decorative cover 34 provides one or more visible outer surfaces of the seat back 22. When seated on the seat assembly 10, the seat occupant can rest on the decorative cover 34. The decorative cover 34 is made of any suitable one or more materials, such as fabric, leather, artificial leather, vinyl, or combinations thereof. The decorative cover 34 may include a plurality of decorative panels assembled in any suitable manner, such as by fusion or stitching. The decorative cover 34 is attached to the seat bottom frame 30, the padding 32, or both. For example, the decorative cover 34 may include decorative attachment features attached to the seat bottom frame 30, the padding 32, or both to prevent removal of the decorative cover 34 and to facilitate conforming the decorative cover 34 to the contours of the seat bottom frame 30, the padding 32, or both. The decorative cover 34 may also be attached to attachment pads, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0024] The seat backrest 22 is configured to support the back of a seated occupant. The seat backrest 22 is disposed adjacent to the seat bottom 20. For example, the seat backrest 22 may be positioned above the seat bottom 20 and near the rear side of the seat bottom 20. The seat backrest 22 extends generally upward away from the seat bottom 20. In some configurations, the seat backrest 22 is mounted to the seat bottom 20 and may pivot relative to the seat bottom 20. In other configurations, the seat backrest 22 is not mounted to the seat bottom 20. For example, the vehicle seat backrest may be mounted to the vehicle body structure, such as in some second-row seat assemblies. The seat backrest 22 includes a seat backrest frame 40, a pad 42, a trim cover 44, and optionally a head restraint 46.

[0025] The seat back frame 40 is a structure that supports the cushion 42. The seat back frame 40 includes one or more structural members and can be made of any suitable material, such as metal alloys, polymer materials, fiber-reinforced polymer materials, or combinations thereof. In some configurations, the seat back frame 40 includes a panel, a chassis, a suspension pad, or a suspension line, with the cushion 42 disposed on said panel, chassis, suspension pad, or suspension line. It is also conceivable that in some configurations, the seat back frame 40 may be integrally formed with the seat bottom frame 30.

[0026] A pad 42 is disposed on the seat back frame 40. The pad 42 is made of a supple material that supports the seat occupant and distributes the load from the seat occupant to the seat back frame 40. It is conceivable that the pad 42 may be integrally formed with the pad 32 of the seat bottom 20, or may be separate from the pad 32 of the seat bottom 20. The pad 42 and the associated manufacturing method will be discussed in more detail below.

[0027] The decorative cover 44 covers at least a portion of the padding 42. Additionally, the decorative cover 44 provides one or more visible outer surfaces of the seat back 22. When seated on the seat assembly 10, the seat occupant can rest on the decorative cover 44. The decorative cover 44 is made of any suitable one or more materials, such as fabric, leather, artificial leather, vinyl, or combinations thereof. The decorative cover 44 may include a single decorative panel or multiple decorative panels assembled in any suitable manner, such as by fusion or stitching. The decorative cover 44 is attached to the seat back frame 40, the padding 42, or both. For example, the decorative cover 44 may include decorative attachment features attached to the seat back frame 40, the padding 42, or both to prevent removal of the decorative cover 44 and to facilitate conforming the decorative cover 44 to the contours of the seat back frame 40, the padding 42, or both. The decorative cover 44 may also be attached to attachment pads, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0028] A head restraint 46 (if provided) is configured to support the head of a seat occupant. The head restraint 46 is located at the top of the seat back 22 or at an end of the seat back 22 opposite to the seat bottom 20. The head restraint 46 may be movable relative to the seat back 22 in one or more directions, or may be integrally formed with the seat back 22.

[0029] refer to Figure 3 An example of pad 50 is shown. For ease of reference, pads are generally referred to by the reference numeral 50. It should be understood that the structure and description of pad 50 apply to pad 32 of seat bottom 20, pad 42 of seat back 22, or both.

[0030] The padding 50 is a non-foam component or includes at least one non-foam component. The non-foam component is primarily referred to as a mesh component, but may also be referred to as a stranded component, a looped component, a tangled component, a wire mesh structure, a mesh structure, a stranded mesh, a looped mesh, a tangled mesh, or a mesh padding. Figure 3 In this design, cushion 50 is depicted as a non-foam component, excluding foam components or foam materials such as urethane or polyurethane foam; however, it is conceivable that, in addition to non-foam components, cushion 50 may also include foam components or foam materials to provide additional or localized cushioning for the seat occupant. For example, foam material may be disposed between cushion 50 and a trim cover (e.g., trim cover 34, 44), which is disposed on, within, or in combination with the cushion 50. Reducing the amount of foam material disposed on cushion 50 or eliminating foam material from cushion 50 reduces weight and can improve support and comfort for the seat occupant. Furthermore, eliminating foam material can facilitate the recycling of cushion 50.

[0031] The liner 50 is described below in the context of excluding the foam material. In this case, the liner 50 is made of polymer material filaments 52, which are randomly looped, bent, curled, or tangled and bonded together, as will be discussed in more detail below. The filaments 52 are directly bonded to one another filament 52, rather than indirectly bonded with resin or other intermediate materials.

[0032] The filament 52, also referred to as strand or thread, is made of any suitable one or more materials. In some configurations, the filament 52 is made of polymeric or thermoplastic materials, such as thermoplastic resins based on polyamide, polyester, polyimide, polyolefins (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.), polystyrene, or combinations thereof. As an example, a polyethylene-based filament can be made of linear low-density polyethylene (LLPDE). Unlike foam materials, the filament material can be recyclable or more easily recycled than foam materials. It is also conceivable that the filament 52 may include reinforcing fibers, and the reinforcing fibers may not be made of thermoplastic materials.

[0033] In some configurations, filament 52 may be a monofilament made of a single material. In some configurations, filament 52 may be made of multiple materials. As an example, filament 52 made of multiple materials may include a core and a surrounding core made of a first thermoplastic material and a sheath made of a second thermoplastic material different from the first thermoplastic material. It is conceivable that pad 50 may include a combination of monofilaments and filaments made of multiple materials that are not monofilaments.

[0034] Randomly looped, bent, coiled, or tangled filaments 52 are bonded together, with one filament 52 contacting another, thereby creating a lightweight, air-permeable pad (e.g., pads 32 and / or 42) or mesh structure with openings or gaps between the filaments 52. Examples of manufacturing systems 60 for producing pads or mesh structures are also available. Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. In this example, manufacturing system 60 includes a material supply source 70, an extruder 72, and a hopper 74. Manufacturing system 60 also includes a cooling box 76 and a material handling subsystem 78.

[0035] refer to Figure 2 The material supply source 70 holds the raw material to be extruded, such as solid beads, flakes, granules, pellets, or powder made from the material. In some configurations, the material supply source 70 is configured as a container or hopper. The material supply source 70 supplies the raw material to the extruder 72.

[0036] Extruder 72 melts the material feedstock and extrudes it into a set of filaments 52. Extruder 72 can have any suitable configuration. In some configurations, extruder 72 includes a barrel that receives a rotatable screw and a heating element. The rotation of the screw forces the material to move through the barrel, and the friction generated during screw rotation helps to heat the material. The material exits the barrel under pressure and in a molten state, and is conveyed under pressure to the die 80 of extruder 72.

[0037] The die 80, also known as a template or extrusion die, has multiple through-holes or filament-forming openings through which molten material passes. A single filament 52 is extruded from each through-hole. The filament 52 falls downward from the die 80 into the funnel 74 under gravity.

[0038] Funnel 74 consolidates or groups the filaments 52 into a more compact arrangement, wherein the filaments are bent, coiled, or looped, and filament 52 contacts and bonds to at least one other filament 52. Funnel 74 has an inlet opening or funnel inlet and an outlet opening or funnel outlet smaller than the funnel inlet. Individual, separate filaments 52 enter the funnel inlet. The filaments 52 are bent, coiled, or looped, and move and contact each other as they accumulate. The filaments 52 move toward the funnel outlet through funnel 74. As the filaments move toward the funnel outlet, some filaments 52 may slide along funnel 74 or an intermediate sheet disposed on funnel 74. Bonding portions are formed between the filaments 52 at the contact points, while openings or gaps exist between the filaments 52 at other locations where one filament 52 does not contact or bond to another filament 52. The entangled and bonded filaments 52 pass through the funnel outlet of funnel 74 and enter cooling box 76. For ease of reference, the bonded filaments 52 are referred to as mesh members or wire mesh structure 90.

[0039] Cooling chamber 76 contains liquid 100, such as water or a mixture of water and another fluid. The liquid 100 in cooling chamber 76 helps support the tangled and bonded filaments 52, limiting further compaction or solidification into arrangements with fewer openings or pores, and maintaining the desired porosity and density of the mesh structure 90. Thus, liquid 100 provides some buoyancy or resistance, which may cause the filaments 52 to further bend, curl, or loop adjacent to the surface of liquid 100 or within funnel 74 to further construct the mesh structure 90. While the filaments 52 are in liquid 100, liquid 100 also cools the filaments 52. For example, liquid 100 cools the filaments 52 from the outside to solidify them and prevent them from bonding in other locations. At this point, the filaments 52 are relatively rigid and no longer in a plastic state, and therefore generally retain a shape and are not moldable or reformatable without reheating.

[0040] The material handling subsystem 78 conveys the wire mesh structure 90 through the cooling tank 76. The material handling subsystem 78 includes various rollers and conveyors that facilitate the movement of the wire mesh structure 90 through and out of the liquid 100. In some configurations, a traction conveyor 92 is disposed in the cooling tank 76 to facilitate pulling the wire mesh structure 90 away from the funnel 74 and to counteract the buoyancy of the wires 52.

[0041] One or more other rollers, such as roller 94, keep the wire mesh structure 90 immersed in the liquid 100 and guide the wire mesh structure 90 through the cooling chamber 76. For example, roller 94 may guide the wire mesh structure 90 toward a conveyor belt 96 and a vibrator table 98 disposed outside the cooling chamber 76. The vibrator table 98 vibrates the wire mesh structure 90 on the conveyor belt 96 to remove the liquid 100. Alternatively or additionally, the wire mesh structure 90 may be squeezed to remove the liquid 100, air may be blown toward the wire mesh structure 90 to facilitate the removal of the liquid 100 from the wire mesh structure 90, or both. It is also conceivable that the wire mesh structure 90 may be allowed to drip dry or dry in ambient air.

[0042] The manufacturing system 60 described above is a continuous flow process, in which the wire mesh structure 90 is formed as a continuous structure while the wire extrusion is uninterrupted. Further processing of the wire mesh structure 90 is provided after it leaves the cooling chamber 76 to cut it into individual pieces or blanks for individual pads. This is performed here by a cutting subsystem of the manufacturing system 60. The cutting subsystem can be of any suitable type. For example, the cutting subsystem can use blades, knives, hot knives, saws, fluid jets, etc., to cut the wires 52 of the wire mesh structure 90 into blanks. The cutting subsystem can be used to shape or contour the blanks. It is also conceivable that other manufacturing processes, such as molding the entire blank or a portion thereof, can be used to further shape or contour the blanks.

[0043] Using the process described above, the pad 50 can be formed from a set of filaments 52, wherein at least two members of the set of filaments 52 are looped and bonded to each other. In one or more embodiments, each member of the set of filaments 52 is looped and bonded to at least one other member of the set of filaments 52.

[0044] Figure 4 A mesh member 90 and a set of wires 52 are shown according to some embodiments. The mesh member 90 is provided with an end 102. The end 102 can be formed by a cutting process or any similar process of a cutting subsystem. The end 102 of the mesh member 90 terminates at a first end 108 and a second end 110. The first end 108 and the second end 110 are positioned spaced apart and located at opposite ends of the mesh member 90. The mesh member 90 is also provided with an outer surface 106. Figure 4In this structure, the outer surface 106 extends from the first end 108 of the mesh member 90 to the second end 110 and extends therebetween. The concentration of the set of filaments 52 is greater near the outer surface 106 of the mesh member 90 than in the inner portion 116 of the mesh member 90.

[0045] The outer surface 106 is provided with a groove 104, which is formed to extend at least partially along the length of the outer surface 106 of the mesh member 90. In some embodiments, the groove 104 extends from a first end 108 of the mesh member 90 to a second end 110. In some embodiments, the groove 104 extends between the first end 108 and the second end 110 of the mesh member 90. In other words, the groove 104 may be positioned along the entire length of the mesh member 90, but the groove 104 does not need to extend the entire length.

[0046] The groove 104 has an intermediate region 112 located between the first end 108 and the second end 110 of the mesh member 90. The groove 104 can be formed without cutting into the outer surface 106 of the mesh member 90. Because the groove 104 does not cut into the outer surface 106, there is no cutting line within the intermediate region 112 of the groove 104 along its length. Furthermore, the density of the set of filaments 52 is greater around the periphery 114 of the groove 104 than in the inner portion 116 of the mesh member 90. Additionally, retainers or other suitable fasteners can be configured to connect the decorative covers 34, 44 to the groove 104 of the mesh member 90.

[0047] Figure 5 A manufacturing system 118 according to some embodiments is shown. Manufacturing system 118 is provided with a funnel 120. The funnel 120 is provided with an orifice whose size is set to match the entire cross-section of the mesh member 90, and whose size is set to receive the set of wires 52. The funnel 120 is provided with a nozzle assembly 128, an example of which is shown in… Figure 6 As shown in the figure, the nozzle assembly 128 is provided with multiple fluid lines 122 and multiple valves 126. The multiple valves 126 are adapted to communicate with the controller 124 to open and close the multiple valves 126.

[0048] refer to Figure 7 Fluid 134 can be distributed through multiple fluid lines 122 and multiple valves 126 to shape the filament 52 as it passes through the funnel 120 and nozzle assembly 128. Fluid 134 can be water or another suitable fluid or liquid. Figure 8As shown, pressure from fluid 134 shapes the filaments 52 to form grooves 104. Traditionally, grooves are cut into the liner (or mesh component) after it has been formed by this extrusion process. This conventional method requires an additional step in the manufacturing process, which can be time-consuming and expensive due to the need for additional equipment. The conventional cutting method also exposes the ends within the grooves and provides grooves with a filament concentration similar to that of prior art liners. Because grooves 104 are formed by fluid 134 as the filaments 52 pass through the funnel 120 and nozzle assembly 128, the process is completed in a single step, reducing manufacturing time and cost.

[0049] refer to Figure 6 The nozzle assembly 128 may be provided with a first nozzle 130 and a second nozzle 132 spaced apart from the first nozzle 130. However, the nozzle assembly 128 may be provided with any number of nozzles. The first nozzle 130 and the second nozzle 132 may have the same shape or have different shapes from each other. For example, in Figure 6 In the middle, both the first nozzle 130 and the second nozzle 132 have a circular shape.

[0050] The first nozzle 130 and the second nozzle 132 may each be provided with separate fluid lines 122 and valves 126, allowing the first nozzle 130 and the second nozzle 132 to be controlled independently. In some embodiments, the controller 124 is programmed to send signals to the valves 126 of the first nozzle 130 and the second nozzle 132, allowing fluid 134 to be distributed simultaneously through both the first nozzle 130 and the second nozzle 132. In some embodiments, the controller 124 is programmed to send signals to the valves 126 of either the first nozzle 130 or the second nozzle 132, allowing fluid 134 to be distributed through either the first nozzle 130 or the second nozzle 132.

[0051] The first nozzle 130 and the second nozzle 132 can also be positioned differently from each other. For example, the first nozzle 130 can be positioned at an angle, and the second nozzle 132 can be positioned at an angle different from that of the first nozzle 130. The ability to independently control the fluid line 122, valve 126, first nozzle 130, and second nozzle 132 allows the user to customize and change the shape of the filament 52 as it passes through the funnel 120 and nozzle assembly 128 without having to change the funnel 120 and nozzle assembly 128. Instead, the user can modify the shape by simply changing which individual nozzles in the nozzle assembly 128 are opened and closed.

[0052] Figure 9Nozzle assembly 144 is shown. Nozzle assembly 144 can be adapted to mate with funnel 120, multiple fluid lines 122, multiple valves 126, and controller 124. Nozzle assembly 144 may be provided with a first nozzle 136 and a second nozzle 138 spaced apart from the first nozzle 136. However, nozzle assembly 144 can be provided with any number of nozzles. Figure 6 As shown, nozzles can have the same shape; however, nozzles can have different shapes from each other. Figure 9 In this design, the first nozzle 136 is circular, and the second nozzle 138 is triangular. The first nozzle 136 and the second nozzle 138 can also be rectangular, elliptical, etc.

[0053] The first nozzle 136 and the second nozzle 138 may each be provided with separate fluid lines 122 and valves 126, allowing the first nozzle 136 and the second nozzle 138 to be controlled independently. In some embodiments, the controller 124 is programmed to send signals to the valves 126 of the first nozzle 136 and the second nozzle 138, allowing fluid 134 to be distributed simultaneously through both the first nozzle 136 and the second nozzle 138. In some embodiments, the controller 124 is programmed to send signals to the valves 126 of either the first nozzle 136 or the second nozzle 138, allowing fluid 134 to be distributed through either the first nozzle 136 or the second nozzle 138.

[0054] The first nozzle 136 and the second nozzle 138 can also be positioned differently from each other. For example, the first nozzle 136 can be positioned at an angle, and the second nozzle 138 can be positioned at an angle different from that of the first nozzle 136. The ability to independently control the fluid line 122, valve 126, first nozzle 136, and second nozzle 138 allows the user to customize and change the shape of the filament 52 as it passes through the funnel 120 and nozzle assembly 144 without having to change the funnel 120 and nozzle assembly 144. Instead, the user can modify the shape by simply changing which individual nozzles in the nozzle assembly 144 are opened and closed.

[0055] Figures 10 to 11 Nozzle assembly 146 is shown. Nozzle assembly 146 can be adapted to cooperate with funnel 120, multiple fluid lines 122, multiple valves 126 and controller 124.

[0056] The nozzle assembly 146 may be provided with a first nozzle 140 and a second nozzle 142 spaced apart from the first nozzle 140. Figure 11 An enlarged view of the first nozzle 140 is shown. The nozzle assembly 146 can be provided with any number of nozzles. Figure 6 As shown, nozzles can have the same shape; however, nozzles can have different shapes from each other. Figure 10In this design, the first nozzle 140 is circular, and the second nozzle 142 is rectangular. The first nozzle 140 and the second nozzle 142 can also be triangular, elliptical, etc.

[0057] The first nozzle 140 and the second nozzle 142 may each be provided with separate fluid lines 122 and valves 126, allowing the first nozzle 140 and the second nozzle 142 to be controlled independently. In some embodiments, the controller 124 is programmed to send signals to the valves 126 of the first nozzle 140 and the second nozzle 142, allowing fluid 134 to be distributed simultaneously through both the first nozzle 140 and the second nozzle 142. In some embodiments, the controller 124 is programmed to send signals to the valves 126 of either the first nozzle 140 or the second nozzle 142, allowing fluid 134 to be distributed through either the first nozzle 140 or the second nozzle 142.

[0058] The first nozzle 140 and the second nozzle 142 can also be positioned differently from each other. For example, the first nozzle 140 can be positioned at an angle, and the second nozzle 142 can be positioned at an angle different from that of the first nozzle 140. The ability to independently control the fluid line 122, valve 126, first nozzle 140, and second nozzle 142 allows the user to customize and change the shape of the filament 52 as it passes through the funnel 120 and nozzle assembly 146 without having to change the funnel 120 and nozzle assembly 146. Instead, the user can modify the shape by simply changing which individual nozzles in the nozzle assembly 146 are opened and closed.

[0059] According to the first clause, a padding assembly is provided with a mesh member having a set of filaments of polymer material. At least two members of the set of filaments are looped and bonded to each other. Each filament in the set of filaments is provided with an end. The mesh member is also provided with an outer surface and grooves formed within a length at least partially along the outer surface of the mesh member. Furthermore, the concentration of the filaments is greater around the periphery of the grooves than inside the mesh member.

[0060] According to the second clause, the outer surface extends between the first and second ends of the mesh component.

[0061] According to Article 3, the trench extends from the first end of the mesh component to the second end.

[0062] According to Article 4, the trench extends between the first and second ends of the mesh component.

[0063] According to Article 5, the concentration of the group of filaments is greater near the outer surface of the mesh component than inside the mesh component.

[0064] According to Article 6, the padding assembly is further provided with: a decorative member whose dimensions are set to extend at least partially across the mesh member; and a retainer for connecting the decorative member to a groove in the mesh member.

[0065] According to Clause 7, the cushioning assembly is provided with a seat assembly. The seat assembly is provided with a seat frame. The decorative cover of the cushioning assembly at least partially covers the seat frame of the seat assembly.

[0066] According to Article 8, a method of manufacturing a liner includes dispensing a set of filaments of molten polymer material through a funnel having orifices sized to match the entire cross-section of the liner. The method also includes dispensing fluid through at least one nozzle in the funnel, the fluid causing the set of filaments to form.

[0067] According to Article 9, the method includes distributing fluid through a second nozzle spaced apart from the first nozzle in a funnel to form the filaments.

[0068] According to Article 10, the method also includes interrupting the distribution of fluid through the first nozzle in the funnel while distributing fluid through the second nozzle, thereby forming the filament.

[0069] According to Article 11, the method further includes adjusting the second nozzle to a different position from that of the first nozzle while distributing fluid through the second nozzle, thereby further forming the filament.

[0070] According to Article 12, the method further includes interrupting the distribution of fluid through the second nozzle while distributing fluid through the first nozzle, thereby forming the filament.

[0071] According to Article XIII, the method further includes adjusting the first nozzle to a position different from that of the second nozzle while distributing fluid through the first nozzle, thereby further forming the filament.

[0072] According to Article 14, the method further includes distributing fluid through a second nozzle spaced apart from the first nozzle in a funnel to form the filaments. The second nozzle is configured with a shape different from that of the first nozzle.

[0073] According to Article 15, the method even includes shortening the set of filaments to the pad length by means of cross-section.

[0074] According to Article 16, the method even includes shortening the filaments by means of a cross section and by means of a groove formed by at least one nozzle.

[0075] According to Article 17, a padding assembly is provided with a mesh member. The mesh member is provided with a set of filaments of polymer material, wherein at least two members of the set of filaments are looped and bonded to each other. Each filament in the set of filaments is provided with an end. The mesh member is also provided with an outer surface and a groove formed at least partially along the length of the outer surface of the mesh member. The groove is formed on the outer surface without cutting into an intermediate region within the length of the groove.

[0076] According to Article 18, the padding assembly is provided with the set of filaments, the concentration of which is greater at the periphery of the groove than at the interior of the mesh component.

[0077] According to Article 19, the padding assembly is also provided with a groove extending between the first and second ends of the mesh member.

[0078] According to Article 20, the padding assembly is also provided with a groove extending from the first end of the mesh member to the second end.

[0079] According to Article 21, a system is provided with a funnel sized to receive a set of filaments of molten polymer material. The system also includes multiple nozzles formed within the funnel to distribute fluid within the funnel to shape the set of filaments.

[0080] According to Article 22, the system is also provided with multiple fluid lines connected to multiple nozzles in the funnel; and multiple valves in fluid communication with the multiple fluid lines to allow fluid to pass through the multiple fluid lines and the multiple nozzles.

[0081] According to Article 23, the system is also equipped with a controller that communicates with multiple valves to open and close them.

[0082] According to Article 24, the controller is programmed to send a signal to the first valve among a plurality of valves to open the first valve.

[0083] According to Article 25, the controller is also programmed to send a signal to a second valve among a plurality of valves to open the second valve.

[0084] According to Article 26, the controller is also programmed to send a signal to the first of a plurality of valves to close the first valve.

[0085] According to Article 27, the controller is also programmed to send a signal to a second valve among a plurality of valves to open the second valve after the first valve is closed.

[0086] Although various embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms according to this disclosure. In this regard, the terminology used in the specification is descriptive rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, features of various embodiments may be combined to form other embodiments according to this disclosure.

Claims

1. A gasket assembly, comprising: A mesh component comprising a set of polymeric material filaments, wherein at least two components of the set of filaments are looped and bonded to each other, wherein each filament of the set of filaments includes an end, wherein the mesh component also includes an outer surface; and wherein grooves are formed along at least partially the length of the outer surface of the mesh component, and wherein the concentration of the set of filaments is greater around the periphery of the grooves than inside the mesh component.

2. The padding assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer surface extends between the first end and the second end of the mesh member.

3. The padding assembly of claim 2, wherein the groove extends from the first end of the mesh member to the second end.

4. The padding assembly of claim 2, wherein the groove extends between the first end of the mesh member and the second end of the mesh member.

5. The padding assembly of claim 1, wherein the concentration of the set of filaments is greater near the outer surface of the web member than inside the web member.

6. The gasket assembly of claim 1, further comprising: Decorative components, the dimensions of which are set to extend at least partially across the mesh components; as well as A retainer configured to connect the decorative member to the groove of the mesh member.

7. A seat assembly, comprising: Seat frame; as well as The padding assembly of claim 6, wherein the padding assembly is attached to the frame, and wherein the decorative member at least partially covers the frame.

8. A method of manufacturing a gasket, comprising: A set of filaments of molten polymer material is dispensed through a funnel having orifices whose dimensions are set to match the entire cross-section of the liner; as well as Fluid is dispensed through at least one nozzle in the funnel, and the fluid shapes the set of filaments.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: Fluid is distributed through a second nozzle spaced apart from the first nozzle in the funnel, and the distribution causes the set of filaments to form.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: The flow of fluid through the first nozzle in the funnel is interrupted while the fluid is being distributed through the second nozzle, thereby forming the set of filaments.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: While distributing fluid through the second nozzle, the second nozzle is adjusted to a position different from that of the first nozzle, thereby further shaping the set of filaments.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising: The distribution of fluid through the second nozzle is interrupted while the fluid is being distributed through the first nozzle, thereby forming the set of filaments.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: While distributing fluid through the first nozzle, the first nozzle is adjusted to a position different from that of the second nozzle, thereby further shaping the set of filaments.

14. The method of claim 8, further comprising: Fluid is distributed through a second nozzle spaced apart from the first nozzle in the funnel, thereby forming the set of filaments, wherein the second nozzle is provided with a shape different from that of the first nozzle.

15. The method of claim 8, further comprising: The set of filaments is shortened to the padding length through the cross-section.

16. The method of claim 8, further comprising: The set of filaments is shortened through the cross-section and through the groove formed by the at least one nozzle.

17. A gasket assembly, comprising: A mesh component comprising a set of polymer filaments, wherein at least two components of the set of filaments are looped and bonded together, wherein each filament of the set of filaments includes an end, and wherein the mesh component further includes an outer surface; and in The groove is formed along at least part of the length of the outer surface of the mesh member, and the groove is formed without cutting into the outer surface of the intermediate region within the length of the groove.

18. The padding assembly of claim 17, wherein the concentration of the set of filaments is greater around the periphery of the groove than inside the mesh member.

19. The padding assembly of claim 17, wherein the groove extends between the first end and the second end of the mesh member.

20. The padding assembly of claim 19, wherein the groove extends from the first end of the mesh member to the second end.

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