Decorative and functional upper seat back trim arrangement

Abstract

Decorative finishing arrangement (10), comprising: a gap cover (12), comprising: a U-shaped body section (14) made of a fabric and incorporating a plurality of circumferential flaps (16); a first and a second inwardly extending flap (18, 20) which extend inwards and are functionally coupled to a laterally extending flexible tensioning device (22) which extends between the first and the second inwardly extending flap (18, 20) and which is configured to keep the U-shaped body section (14) under tension; and a plurality of hooked barbs (24) extending from a bottom surface (96) of the U-shaped body section (14); and an upper back support (30) which includes a U-shaped circumferential channel (32) for receiving the plurality of suspended barbs (24).

Description

AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an upper seat back termination arrangement and in particular to a decorative and functional upper seat back termination arrangement. BACKGROUND OF THE REVELATION

[0002] Seating arrangements and their flexible design are becoming increasingly important in today's world. An adjustable seat provides a person with more productive time and greater comfort. Some seat designs include an upper rib cage that can be adjusted between a forward and a backward position. Providing an aesthetically pleasing upper back support that matches the rest of the seat and integrates seamlessly offers added value for the consumer.

[0003] The prior art is known in DE 10 2016 100 873 A1. This describes a gap cover, a body section comprising a plurality of circumferential tabs with a connecting opening, a laterally extending tensioning device configured to keep the body section taut, a first and a second flap, and a back support.

[0004] DE 10 2004 007 370 A1 describes a decorative finishing arrangement with a body section made of a fabric and including a multitude of circumferential flaps and a flap coupled to a flexible tensioning device configured to keep the body section taut, and a back support. SUMMARY OF THE REVELATION

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a decorative finishing arrangement includes a gap cover. A U-shaped body section is made of a fabric and includes a plurality of circumferential flaps. A first and a second inwardly extending flap extend inward and are functionally coupled to a laterally extending flexible tensioning device that extends between the first and the second inwardly extending flaps and is configured to keep the body section taut. A plurality of hooked prongs extends from a bottom surface of the U-shaped body section. An upper back support includes a U-shaped circumferential channel for receiving the plurality of hooked prongs.

[0006] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a decorative finishing arrangement includes a gap cover. A U-shaped body section is made of a fabric and includes a plurality of circumferential flaps. Each of the circumferential flaps includes a connecting opening. A first and a second inwardly extending flap extend inwards and are functionally connected to a tensioning device extending between the first and the second inwardly extending flap. An inner finishing panel includes a plurality of inserts for coupling to a connecting opening of each circumferential flap.

[0007] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a decorative finishing arrangement includes a gap cover. A body section includes a plurality of circumferential flaps. A first and a second inwardly extending flap extend inwards and are functionally connected to a tensioning device extending between the first and second inwardly extending flaps. A plurality of hooked prongs extend from a bottom surface of the body section. An upper back support includes a U-shaped circumferential channel for receiving the plurality of hooked prongs.

[0008] These and other aspects, objectives and features of the present disclosure will be understood and comprehended by those skilled in the art after examining the following description, claims and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Regarding the drawings: isFig. 1 a perspective top view of an embodiment of a vehicle seating arrangement which includes a decorative finishing arrangement of the present disclosure; is Fig. 2 an enlarged perspective top view of the vehicle seating arrangement from Fig. 1; is Fig. 3 a side elevation view of an inner end panel with an upper back support in a rear position; is Fig. 4 a side elevation view of an inner end panel with an upper back support in a forward position; is Fig. 5 a perspective view of an embodiment of a gap cover of the present disclosure; is Fig. 6 an upper rear perspective view of an inner end panel that is functionally coupled with a gap cover; is Fig. 7 an upper front perspective view of an inner end panel that is functionally coupled with a gap cover; is Fig. 8 a perspective top view of an embodiment of an upper back support; is Fig. 9 a perspective cross-sectional plan view to illustrate the upper back support and the inner end panel, which is functionally coupled with the gap cover; is Fig. 10 a lateral cross-sectional view of a coupling of the gap cover with the inner end panel and the upper back support with the upper back support in a rear position; and is Fig. 11 a lateral cross-sectional elevation view of the arrangement made of Fig. 10 with the upper back support in the forward position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0010] For the purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof relate to the revelation as described in Fig. 1. It is understood, however, that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations unless expressly stated otherwise. It is also understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are only exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the accompanying claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical properties relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

[0011] In this text, relational terms such as first(s) and second(s), upper(s) and lower(s), and the like are used merely to distinguish one unit or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order of such unit(s) or action between such units or actions. The terms "includes," "comprehensive," or any variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, procedure, object, or device comprising a list of elements may include not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, procedure, object, or device. An element to which "includes..."The fact that “a” precedes the element does not, without further limitations, exclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, procedure, object or apparatus that includes the element.

[0012] Referring to the generally in Fig. In the illustrated embodiment 1-11, reference numeral 10 generally denotes a decorative finishing arrangement comprising a gap cover 12. The gap cover 12 comprises a U-shaped body section 14 made of a fabric and including a plurality of circumferential flaps 16. A first and a second inwardly extending flap 18, 20 extend inward and are functionally connected to a laterally extending flexible tensioning device 22, which extends between the first and the second inwardly extending flap 18, 20 and is configured to keep the U-shaped body section 14 taut. A plurality of hooked barbs 24 extend from a bottom surface 26 of the U-shaped body section 14. An upper back support 30 includes a U-shaped circumferential channel 32 for receiving the plurality of hooked barbs 24.

[0013] With renewed reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 The decorative end assembly 10 is configured for use on a seating arrangement 40 and can be used in any vehicle 42, such as a passenger car, a truck, a van, etc. It is also provided that the concept set forth in this disclosure can be used in a front or forward position of the vehicle 42 as well as in a rear or reverse position. The seating arrangement 40, as illustrated, includes a seat surface 44 which is mounted on sliding rails 46 to allow the seating arrangement 40 to move back and forth relative to the vehicle 42. A seat 48 is functionally connected to the seat surface 44 and is movable relative to it, as is explained in more detail below. Furthermore, a seat backrest 50 of the seating arrangement 40 includes a lower lumbar region 52 and an upper thoracic region 54, as well as a headrest 56.Each component of the seat backrest 50 can be configured for adjustability to properly support the weight of different occupants within the vehicle 42. The decorative end assembly 10 is generally configured for use on the seat assembly 40. However, other industrial applications are also applicable (office chairs, theatre seats, etc.).

[0014] With reference to now Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 The upper back support 30 is movable relative to an inner end panel 60. The inner end panel 60 maintains a relatively fixed configuration relative to a frame 62 of the seat back 50, while the upper back support 30 is configured to rotate relative to the inner end panel 60. As in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in section 4, the upper back support 30 is located between a backward position ( Fig. 3) and a forward position ( Fig. 4) movable. In order to maintain an aesthetic and decorative appearance of the seating arrangement 40 as a whole, a decorative cover in the form of a gap cover 12 is provided between the upper back support 30 and the inner end panel 60.

[0015] With reference to now Fig. 5 The decorative cover or gap cover 12 is a three-dimensional construction, but is generally configured from a flexible material that allows multiple movements of the upper back support 30 relative to the inner end panel 60. The material can be vinyl, fabric, an elastomer, etc. As shown Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, each of the circumferential tabs 16 includes a connecting opening 70 configured to receive an insert 72 extending from the inner end panel 60. During assembly, the inserts 72 are heated and mushroomed to inflate the end of each insert 72. This process results in a permanent coupling of the circumferential tabs 16 to the inserts 72 and, consequently, of the gap cover 12 to the inner end panel 60. As shown in Figure 5, the circumferential tabs 16 are permanently coupled to the inserts 72 and, consequently, to the gap cover 12 and the inner end panel 60. Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the gap cover 12 maintains a coupling with the inner end panel 60 on a rear side of the inner end panel 60. The clamping device 22 extends between the first and second inwardly extending flaps 18, 20, which extend from each side of the U-shaped body section 14. The inwardly extending flaps 18, 20 can be made of the same material as the U-shaped body section 14 of the gap cover 12 or can be made of a different material that is attached to the U-shaped body section 14. Furthermore, the clamping device 22 can be made of a non-flexible material or a flexible material that allows some bending when the upper back support 30 moves between the reverse and forward positions.

[0016] With reference to now Fig. Figure 7 shows that the front face 80 of the inner end fairing 60 and the gap cover 12 provides a relatively seamless appearance without visible coupling between the inner end fairing 60 and the gap cover 12. This is because the coupling is located on a rear face 82 of the inner end fairing 60.

[0017] With reference to now Fig. 8 and Fig. The upper back support 30 includes the circumferential channel 32, which is configured to receive the plurality of hooked barbs 24 arranged on a bottom surface 96 of the U-shaped body section 14 of the gap cover 12. The circumferential tabs 16 extend from a top surface 94 of the gap cover 12. The circumferential channel 32 is generally U-shaped and aligned with the bottom surface 96 of the gap cover 12. During assembly, the U-shaped circumferential channel 32 of the upper back support 30 is aligned with the plurality of hooked barbs 24 that extend around the bottom surface 94 of the gap cover 12. The plurality of hooked barbs 24 are inserted into the U-shaped circumferential channel 32.Locking lugs 98, arranged within the U-shaped circumferential channel 32, cause the plurality of hooked barbs 24 to be held in place, thus maintaining a constant connection between the gap cover 12 and the upper back support 30. Accordingly, the underside 96 of the gap cover 12 moves with the upper back support 30 when the upper back support 30 moves between the forward and backward positions ( ). Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) rotates.

[0018] With reference to now Fig. 10 and Fig.The interaction of the gap cover 12 with the upper back support 30 and the inner end panel 60 can be understood as follows: In particular, the inner end panel 60 and its interaction with the gap cover 12 are maintained at a constant angle relative to the seat back 50. However, the upper back support 30 is configured for adjustment. When the upper back support 30 is adjusted, the gap cover 12 is pulled forward by the hooked retainers 24. When the gap cover 12 is pulled forward, it becomes more visible, but also protects an internal assembly of the seat assembly 40 and maintains an aesthetically pleasing appearance for the consumer. This configuration and the flexible nature of the gap cover 12 allow for continued use over a long period without any damage to the inner end panel 60, the upper back support 30, or the gap cover 12. Reference sign 10 decorative finishing arrangements 12 Gap coverage 14 U-shaped body section 16 circumferential tabs 18 first inwardly extending flap 20 second inward extending flap 22 Clamping device 24 barbs 26 Underside 30 upper back support 32 U-shaped circumferential channel 40 Seating arrangement 42 vehicles 44 Seating area 46 Sliding rail 48 seats 50 seat back 52 Lumbar region 54 Chest area 56 Headrest 60 inner end panel 62 frames 70 Connection opening 72 deployment 80 Front 82 Back 94 Top 96 Underside 98 locking tabs

Claims

[1] Decorative finishing arrangement (10), comprising: a gap cover (12), comprising: a U-shaped body section (14) made of a fabric and incorporating a plurality of circumferential flaps (16); a first and a second inwardly extending flap (18, 20) which extend inwards and are functionally coupled to a laterally extending flexible tensioning device (22) which extends between the first and the second inwardly extending flap (18, 20) and which is configured to keep the U-shaped body section (14) under tension; and a plurality of hooked barbs (24) extending from a bottom surface (96) of the U-shaped body section (14); and an upper back support (30) which includes a U-shaped circumferential channel (32) for receiving the plurality of suspended barbs (24). [2] Decorative finishing arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein the U-shaped circumferential channel (32) includes locking lugs (98) to hold the plurality of hooked barbs (24). [3] Decorative finishing arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein each of the circumferential tabs (16) includes a connecting opening (70). [4] Decorative finishing arrangement (10) according to claim 3, further comprising: an inner end lining (60) which includes a variety of inserts (72) for coupling with the connecting opening (70) of each circumferential tab (16). [5] Decorative finishing arrangement (10) according to claim 4, wherein the upper back support (30) is rotatable away from the inner finishing panel (60). [6] Decorative finishing arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein the U-shaped body section (14) is vinyl. [7] Decorative finishing arrangement (10), comprising: a gap cover (12), comprising: a U-shaped body section (14) made of a fabric and comprising a plurality of circumferential tabs (16), each circumferential tab (16) comprising a connecting opening (70); a first and a second inwardly extending flap (18, 20) which extend inwards and are functionally connected to a clamping device (22) which extends between the first and second inwardly extending flap (18, 20); and an inner end panel (60) which includes a variety of inserts (72) for coupling with a connecting opening (70) of each circumferential tab (16). [8] Decorative finishing arrangement (10) according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of inserts (72) are inserted through the connecting openings (70) and mushroomed to hold the gap cover (12) in place. [9] Decorative finishing arrangement (10) according to claim 8, wherein the U-shaped body section (14) is vinyl. [10] Decorative finishing arrangement (10), comprising: a gap cover (12), comprising: a body section (14) which includes a multitude of circumferential tabs (16); a first and a second inwardly extending flap (18, 20) which extend inwards and are functionally connected to a clamping device (22) which extends between the first and second inwardly extending flap (18, 20); and a plurality of hooked barbs (24) extending from an underside (96) of the body section (14); and an upper back support (30) which includes a U-shaped circumferential channel (32) for receiving the plurality of suspended barbs (24). [11] Decorative finishing arrangement (10) according to claim 10, further comprising: an inner end panel (60) which includes a variety of inserts (72) for coupling with a connecting opening (70) of each circumferential tab (16). [12] Decorative finishing arrangement (10) according to claim 11, wherein the upper back support (30) is rotatable away from the inner finishing panel (60). [13] Decorative finishing arrangement (10) according to claim 10, wherein the U-shaped circumferential channel (32) includes locking lugs (98) to hold the plurality of hooked barbs (24).

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