Upholstery mounting system for work vehicles

Abstract

A cushion mounting system (24) comprising: a supporting structure (11); a cover element (22); a bracket (82) attached to the support structure (11), the bracket (82) having a substantially U-shaped cross-section, the U-shaped cross-section being defined by a first portion (88), a second portion (90), and a mounting portion (86) of the bracket (82), the first portion (88) interconnecting the mounting portion (86) and the second portion (90), the bracket (82) having an opening (92), the second portion (90) being divided by the opening (92) into a first arm (98), a second arm (100), and a crossbar (102), and the bracket (82) being flexible and moving between a first position and a second position with respect to the support structure (11); and a hub (32) secured to the cover member (22), the hub (32) having a released position and a secured position relative to the bracket (82); wherein the hub (32) is in the released position outside the opening (92), wherein the hub (32) has a recess (50) for receiving the crossbar (102) of the second portion (92) of the bracket (82) when the hub (32) is received in the secured position in the opening (92) and releasably secured to the bracket (82) to secure the cover member (22) to the support structure (11), the cover member (22) extending over and covering at least a portion of the support structure (11); and wherein the hub (32) is configured to flex the bracket (82) between the first position and the second position when the hub (82) moves from the released position to the fastened position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable. INFORMATION ON GOVERNMENT-FUNDED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable. AREA OF REVELATION

[0003] This disclosure relates to a cushion mounting system and, more particularly, to a cushion mounting system having flexible brackets. BACKGROUND OF REVELATION

[0004] Many types of vehicles, such as various work vehicles in agriculture, construction, and forestry, have upholstery, especially in the driver's compartment or cab. Upholstery can take various forms, such as seat covers, decorative trim, wall and ceiling paneling, or other sheet-like coverings. Upholstery can be used for driver comfort, aesthetics, or other purposes.

[0005] Typically, the upholstery is attached to the frame or other supporting structure of the vehicle. For example, the upholstery may extend over and be attached to various frame / support structures to cover and conceal these frame / support structures.

[0006] US Pat. No. 5,121,963 A discloses an armrest support assembly comprising a lower shell with foam padding and a cover. Furthermore, US Pat. No. 5,076,033 A describes the connection of parallel structural elements of awnings or other fabric structures. SUMMARY OF REVELATION

[0007] This disclosure provides a cushion mounting system for attaching a cover member to a support structure.

[0008] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a cushion mounting system having a support structure and a cover member. The cushion mounting system also includes a bracket attached to the support structure. The bracket includes an opening. The bracket is flexibly movable between a first position and a second position relative to the support structure. The cushion mounting system also includes a hub attached to the cover member. The hub has a released position and a fastened position relative to the bracket. The hub is outside the opening in the released position. The hub is received in the opening in the fastened position and is removably attached to the bracket to secure the cover member to the support structure, wherein the cover member extends over and covers at least a portion of the support structure.The hub is configured to flex the bracket between the first position and the second position as the hub moves from the released position to the fastened position.

[0009] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a cushion mounting system comprising a support structure and a cover member. The cushion mounting system also includes a bracket attached to the support structure. The bracket includes an opening. The bracket includes a first portion and a second portion disposed on opposite sides of the opening. The cushion mounting system further includes a hub attached to the cover member. The hub has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The hub has a released position and a fastened position relative to the bracket. In the released position, the hub is outside the opening and spaced from the bracket.The hub is received in the opening in the secured position and removably secured to the bracket to secure the cover member to the support structure, the cover member extending over and covering at least a portion of the support structure. The first surface abuts the first portion of the bracket, and the second surface abuts the second portion of the bracket and resiliently deflects the first portion away from the second portion when the hub is in the secured position.

[0010] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a side view of an example work vehicle in the form of an agricultural tractor with a cushion mounting system of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a partially equipped driver's cab of the work vehicle of Fig. 1, wherein portions of the cushion mounting system of the present disclosure are shown in phantom; Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view from the perspective indicated by the line 3-3 of Fig. 2, wherein the cushion mounting system according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated; Fig. 4 is a perspective view from the perspective indicated by the line 4-4 of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a partial view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4; Fig. 6A is a perspective view of a hub of the cushion mounting system according to example embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 6B is a side view of the hub from Fig. 6A; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a bracket of the cushion mounting system according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 8A is a perspective view of the cushion mounting system with the hub released and shown moving toward the bracket; Fig. Figure 8B is a perspective view of the cushion mounting system with the hub released and shown moving toward the bracket; Fig. Figure 8C is a partial view of the cushion mounting system showing the hub abutting and opening the retainer as the hub is inserted into the retainer; and Fig. 8D is a perspective view of the cushion mounting system with the hub attached to the bracket according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] The same reference symbols in the different drawings indicate the same elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The following describes one or more example embodiments of a cushion mounting system for a vehicle, as illustrated in the accompanying figures of the drawings briefly described above. Various modifications to the example embodiments may be contemplated by one skilled in the art.

[0013] As used herein, unless otherwise limited or modified, lists with items separated by conjunctive terms (for example, "and") and preceded by the phrase "one or more of" or "at least one of" indicate configurations or arrangements that may include individual items of the list or any combination thereof. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" or "one or more of A, B, and C" indicate the possibilities of only A, only B, only C, or any combination of two or more of A, B, and C (for example, A and B, B and C, A and C, or A, B, and C).

[0014] Furthermore, in describing the disclosure, directional terms such as "front," "rear," "lateral," "horizontal," and "vertical" may be used. Such terms are defined, at least in part, with respect to the direction in which the vehicle or implement moves during use. The term "forward" and the abbreviated term "front" (and all derivatives and variations) refer to a direction corresponding to the direction of travel of the work vehicle, while the term "rear" (and derivatives and variations) refers to an opposite direction. The term "forward-rearward axis" may also refer to an axis that extends in forward and rearward directions. By comparison, the term "transverse axis" may refer to an axis that is perpendicular to the forward-rearward axis and extends in a horizontal plane; that is, a plane that includes both the forward-rearward and transverse axes.The term "vertical" as it appears here refers to an axis or direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane, which contains the forward-backward and transverse axes.

[0015] The following describes one or more example implementations of the disclosed cushion mounting system, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. The disclosed cushion mounting system, its installation method, and methods of manufacture offer several advantages over conventional systems.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cushion mounting system may include various features that facilitate installation, for example, in a vehicle. These features may also ensure secure attachment of the cushion to a support structure of the vehicle. One or more of these features may be flexible and resilient. This flexibility and resilience may bias parts toward a fastened or interconnected position to facilitate installation of the cushion. Additionally, the flexible and resilient elements of the mounting system may tightly tighten the cushion for improved "fit and comfort" of the cushion once installed. Because of the flexible and resilient elements, the mounting system can be formed to relatively loose tolerances, yet the cushion can still be securely installed.

[0017] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the upholstery mounting system may have a relatively low part count. For example, certain features may be integral and consistent with other features to reduce the overall parts count. This can further facilitate upholstery installation. The system can also be manufactured efficiently, as it may contain fewer parts than prior art systems.

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 shows an example embodiment of a vehicle that may include a cushion mounting system according to this disclosure. Various features of the disclosed cushion mounting system are discussed with reference to example embodiments.

[0019] As in Fig. 1, the vehicle may be a work vehicle 10, such as an agricultural tractor. However, it will be appreciated that the work vehicle 10 may be of a different type without departing from the scope of the present disclosure (e.g., a bulldozer, loader, backhoe loader, and skid steer loader used in the construction industry, other agricultural and forestry machinery, etc.). The cushion mounting system may also be installed in objects other than vehicles.

[0020] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a cushion mounting system 24 may include a support structure 11 that supports other components of the cushion mounting system 24. For example, the support structure 11 may comprise at least a portion of a vehicle frame 12. The frame 12 may comprise a plurality of elongated, rigid members attached to form a rigid structure. The frame 12 may support a variety of elements, such as glass, rigid panels, controls, and the like. However, it will be appreciated that a number of these objects in Fig. 2 are hidden to more clearly show elements of the frame 12. In some embodiments, the frame 12 may include a bumper 14. The bumper 14 may be elongated and hollow. The bumper 14 may be rigid to resist bending. Also, the bumper 14 may be curved, for example, to extend circumferentially, partially around a wheel 16 of the work vehicle 10. The frame 12 may also include a cab frame member 18 extending vertically upward from the bumper 14. The cab frame member 18 may partially define an operator cab 20 of the work vehicle 10.

[0021] The cushion mounting system 24 may also include a cover member 22. The cover member 22 may be similar to the upholstery in that it is typically sheet-like and / or substantially two-dimensional. The cover member 22 may form a seat cover, a wall panel, a portion of the trim, or other covering inside or outside the work vehicle 10. The cover member 22 may cover at least a portion of the frame 12 and / or extend between separate portions of the frame 12. The cover member 22 may include a front surface 26. The cover member 22 may also include an opposite rear surface 28. Additionally, the cover member 22 may include a peripheral edge 30. The peripheral edge 30 may define a perimeter of the cover member 22. The cover member 22 may further include a central portion 31 ( Fig. 2), which is surrounded by the peripheral edge 30.

[0022] The cushion mounting system 24 may additionally include components that are connected together to secure the cover member 22 to the frame 12. In some embodiments, for example, the cushion mounting system 24 may typically include at least one hub 32 that is attached to the cover member 22. An example embodiment of the hub 32 is independently described in the Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B. The cushion mounting system 24 may also include at least one bracket 82 that is attached to the frame 12. An example embodiment of the bracket 82 is independently shown in Fig. 7. The hub 32 may be connected to the bracket 82 to secure the cover member 22 to the frame 12, as shown in Fig. 3-5 In some embodiments, the hub 32 may be releasably attached to the bracket 82, meaning that the hub 32 may be removed from the bracket 82 without significant damage to either part. The connection of the hub 32 to the bracket 82 and the corresponding method of assembling these components are discussed in more detail below.

[0023] For the purpose of clarity, the mounting system 24 and its various components will be discussed with respect to a Cartesian coordinate system. As indicated, the coordinate system may include a first axis 33, a second axis 35, and a third axis 37. Each of the axes 33, 35, 37 may be perpendicular to one another. The first axis 33 may extend generally in the vertical direction with respect to the work vehicle 10. As will be appreciated, the first axis 33 may also be referred to as the "introduction axis" as this is the axis along which the hub 33 moves toward the bracket 82 during attachment of the cover member 22 to the frame 12. The second axis 35 may extend generally in a transverse direction with respect to the work vehicle 10. The second axis 35 may also extend in an inward and outward direction toward and away from the sides of the work vehicle 10.The third axle 37 may extend generally in a forward-rearward direction relative to the work vehicle 10. In other words, the third axle 37 may extend between the front end of the work vehicle 10 and the rear end of the work vehicle 10.

[0024] Embodiments of the hub 32 will now be described with reference to the Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B. The hub 32 may be substantially wedge-shaped and may generally include a first surface 34 and an opposite second surface 36. The hub 32 may also include a first side 38 extending transversely between the first and second surfaces 34, 36. The hub may further include a second side 40 opposite the first side 38. Additionally, the hub 32 may include a fixed end 42 that may be fixed to the cover member 22. The hub 32 may protrude from the back surface 28 beyond the cover member 22, and the hub may terminate at a free end 44.

[0025] The hub 32 may be a solid body (i.e., not hollow). The first side 38 and the second side 40 may each be substantially planar and substantially parallel to the first axis 33. The first surface 34 and the second surface 36 may be arranged at an angle relative to the first axis 33. Additionally, the first surface 34 may be arranged at an acute angle 46 ( Fig. 6B) relative to the second surface 36 to give the hub 32 its wedge shape. Thus, the free end 44 can be narrower than the fixed end 42 of the hub 32.

[0026] The first surface 34 and the second surface 36 may also be non-planar, may include curved surfaces (concave and / or convex curved surfaces), protrusions, or other surface variations. For example, the hub 32 may include one or more ribs 75 on the first surface 34 and / or the second surface 36. For example, in the embodiment shown, the first surface 34 includes inner ribs 76 and the second surface 36 includes outer ribs 78. The longitudinal axis of the ribs 76, 78 may be straight. The ribs 76, 78 may be near the free end 44 and may extend upwardly, generally along the first axis 33. The ribs 76, 78 may be included to increase rigidity so that the hub 32 can withstand bending and / or deformation. The ribs 76, 78 may also be included to reduce weight and / or the amount of material used to manufacture the hub.In addition, the ribs 76, 78 may allow the hub 32 to cure effectively in cases where the hub 32 is injection molded.

[0027] As in Fig. 5, Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B, the first surface 34 may face inwardly, substantially along the second axis 35. Thus, the first surface 34 may be directed inwardly toward the central portion 31 of the cover member 22 and away from the peripheral edge 30 ( Fig. 5). The second surface 36 may face outward, primarily along the second axis 35. Thus, the second surface 36 may be directed outward, away from the central portion 31 of the cover member 22 and toward the peripheral edge 30 ( Fig. 5).

[0028] Further, the first surface 34 and / or the second surface 36 may include features configured to connect the hub 32 to the bracket 82 of the frame 12. Various features of the first and second surfaces 34, 36 will now be discussed in detail with reference to example embodiments.

[0029] The first surface 34 may include an inner lead-in surface 47. The inner lead-in surface 47 may extend from the free end 44 and generally upwardly toward the fixed end 42. The inner ribs 76 may extend partially along the inner lead-in surface 47, adjacent the free end 44. As also shown in Fig. 6B, pockets 77 may be defined between the inner ribs 76. The inner lead-in surface 47 may also include a planar portion 48 disposed over the inner ribs 76. As shown in Fig. 6B, the planar portion 48 may be substantially flush with the outer surface of the ribs 76. The planar portion 48 may terminate at an edge 58.

[0030] The first surface 34 may also include a recess 50. The recess 50 may be defined by a lower surface 52, an upper surface 54, and a stop surface 56. Each of the surfaces 52, 54, 56 may be flat and may extend continuously along the third axis 37 between the first and second sides 38, 40 of the hub 32.

[0031] As in Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B, the lower surface 52 may extend from the edge 58 to a first inner edge 60. The upper surface 54 may extend from the first inner edge 60 and may meet the stop surface 56 at the second inner edge 62. The edge 58, the first inner edge 60, and the second inner edge 62 may extend substantially straight along the third axis 37.

[0032] The second surface 36 of the hub 32 may include an outer lead-in surface 64. In some embodiments, the outer lead-in surface 64 may be located near the free end 44 of the hub 32 and may extend upwardly therefrom. The outer lead-in surface 64 may be rounded, substantially about the third axis 37, as shown in Fig. 6B. The outer insertion surface 64 may terminate at an outer edge 68.

[0033] Above the outer insertion surface 64, the second surface 36 may include an outer retention surface 66. The outer retention surface 66 may be planar in some embodiments. The outer retention surface 66 may extend upwardly from the outer edge 68, substantially along the first axis 33.

[0034] The hub 32 may have a width of 70 ( Fig. 6B), measured along the second axis 35 between the outer edge 68 and the edge 58. The hub 32 may also have a length 72 ( Fig. 6A), measured along the third axis 37 between the first side 38 and the second side 40. Furthermore, the hub 32 may have a height 74 ( Fig. 6B), measured along the first axis 33 from the rear surface 28 of the cover member 22 to the free end 44 of the hub 32. As in Fig. 6B, the outer insertion surface 64 may be spaced a distance 67 along the first axis 33 from the planar portion 48 of the inner insertion surface 47. Also, the outer retention surface 66 may be spaced a distance 69 from the recess 50 along the first axis 33.

[0035] The hub 32 may be attached to the cover member 22 at any location and in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, the hub 32 may be attached to and protrude from the rear surface 28 of the cover member 22. Also, the hub 32 may be spaced inwardly from the peripheral edge 30 by a distance 80 ( Fig. 5). In some embodiments, the hub 32 and the cover member 22 may be fully secured such that the hub 32 and the cover member 22 are unitary (i.e., in one piece). Thus, the hub 32 and the cover member 22 may be molded together via an injection molding process. In other embodiments, the hub 32 may be adhesively bonded to the cover member 22. In still other embodiments, the hub 32 may be secured to the cover member 22 via fasteners.

[0036] With reference now to Fig. 5 and Fig. 7, embodiments of the bracket 82 are discussed. As previously mentioned, the bracket 82 may be attached to the frame 12 and connect to the hub 32 to attach the cover member 22 to the frame 12. Accordingly, the bracket 82 may include various features similar to those of the hub 32 for and to facilitate connection to the hub 32.

[0037] The bracket 82 may be a sheet of bent material, such as sheet metal. The bracket 82 may include an upper first surface 83. The bracket 82 may also include a lower, second surface 85 opposite the first surface 83. Furthermore, the bracket 82 may include an outer perimeter 87 or outer peripheral edge.

[0038] The bracket 82 may be bent to have a substantially U-shaped cross-section (along the plane defined by the first and second axes 33, 35). This U-shaped cross-section may be defined by a mounting portion 86, a first portion 88, and a second portion 90 of the bracket 82. The portions 86, 88, 90 may be planar in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the mounting portion 86 may extend downwardly along the first axis 33, the first portion 88 may extend inwardly and transversely to the mounting portion 86 along the second axis 35. The second portion 90 may extend upwardly and transversely to the first portion 88 along the first axis 33. The second portion 90 and the first portion 88 may also meet at a bend 91.Accordingly, the second portion 90 may be parallel to and spaced from the mounting portion 86, with the first portion 88 extending perpendicularly between the mounting portion 86 and the second portion 90. The bracket 82 may have a substantially constant thickness 84 (measured between the first surface 83 and the second surface 85) through at least the first portion 88 and the second portion 90.

[0039] The bracket 82 may also include an opening 92. The opening 92 may extend through the first surface 83 and the second surface 85 of the bracket 82. The opening 92 may also be defined by an inner edge 94 (i.e., the edge of the opening 92). In some embodiments, the opening 92 may be defined in both the first portion 88 and the second portion 90. Thus, the opening 92 may define a bracket 96 of the bracket 82. The bracket 96 may be elongated and rod-shaped. The bracket 96 may also form part of the first portion 88 and the second portion 90 of the bracket 82. In some embodiments, the bracket 96 may be divided into a first arm 98, a second arm 100, and a crossbar 102. The first arm 98 may extend away from a base portion 99 of the bracket 82 and bend upward at the curve 91.The second arm 100 may extend away from an opposite side of the base portion 99 and bend upward at the bend 91. The crossbar 102 may extend between the first and second arms 98, 100. The crossbar 102 may also be defined by an outer portion 104 of the perimeter 87 of the bracket 82 and by a first portion 111 of the inner edge 94 of the opening 92. Thus, the crossbar 102 may be spaced from the bracket 96. In other words, the crossbar 102 may be disposed on opposite sides of the opening 92.

[0040] The bracket 82 may be somewhat resilient, but the resilience may be limited (e.g., the bracket 82 may be bent under considerable force). In some embodiments, the bracket 82 may flex under a manually generated force (i.e., hand-generated force). The bracket 82 may define a flexion axis 93 about which the bracket 82 resiliently flexes. In some embodiments, the flexion axis 93 may be located near the bend 91. Also, the flexion axis 93 may extend substantially parallel to the third axis 37. As will be discussed, the second portion 90 may flex outwardly about the flexion axis 93 relative to the first portion 88. This flexion of the bracket 82 is in Fig. 8C, where a non-bent, neutral position of the crossbar 102 is shown in dashed lines and a bent position of the crossbar 102 is shown in solid lines. Bending is indicated by the arrow 110 in Fig. 8C. This bending can occur around axis 93. The tension and elasticity of bracket 82 can return crossbar 102 toward the unbent, neutral position once the bending force is reduced. This bending is explained in more detail below.

[0041] The bracket 82 may have various dimensions configured according to corresponding dimensions of the hub 32. For example, the bracket 82 may have a distance 112, measured along the first axis 33, between the first portion 88 of the bracket 82 and the crossbar 102. The distance 112 may be substantially equal to the distance 69 between the outer support surface 66 and the recess 50 of the hub 32. Additionally, the distance 112 may be substantially equal to the distance 67 between the outer lead-in surface 64 and the flat portion 48 of the inner lead-in surface 47. Also, the free end 106 of the opening 92 may be narrower than the width 70 of the hub 32. Since the width 106 is smaller than the width 70, the hub 32 can be wedged and held in the opening 92 and the bracket 82 can bend open when the hub 32 is inserted into the bracket 82. Also, a length 103 of the opening 92 can be greater than the length 72 of the hub 32.In some embodiments, the length 103 of the opening 92 may be at least 1.2 times greater than the length 72 of the hub 32. Thus, there may be a relatively large clearance between the first and second sides 38, 40 of the hub 32 and a lateral portion 115 of the inner edge 94 of the opening 92. This clearance allows the cushion mounting system 24 to have relatively loose manufacturing tolerances for added comfort and increased manufacturing efficiency.

[0042] The bracket 82 may be attached to the frame 12 at any location and in any suitable manner. In other embodiments, the mounting portion 86 may be fixedly attached to the frame 12. For example, the second surface 85 may extend tangentially to the frame 12. The mounting portion 86, in some embodiments, may be fully attached to the frame 12 to be unitary (i.e., in one piece) with the frame 12. In some embodiments, the bracket 82 may be welded to the frame 12. In other embodiments, the bracket 82 is attached via fasteners and / or adhesives.

[0043] The attachment of the hub 32 to the bracket 82 will now be discussed with reference to Fig. 8A-8D. The hub 32 is released from the bracket 82 (ie in a released position) in Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B. The hub 32 can be moved downwards along the first axis 33 and partially received in the opening 92 of the bracket 82, as shown in Fig. 8C. This position may be referred to as a "stop position" or an "intermediate position." As shown, the planar portion 48 of the inner lead-in surface 47 of the hub 32 may abut the crossbar 102 of the bracket 82. Meanwhile, in this position, the outer lead-in surface 64 may abut a second portion 113 of the inner edge 94 of the opening 92, near the base portion 99 of the bracket 82. Further downward movement of the hub 32 along the first axis 33 may cause the planar portion 48 of the inner lead-in surface 47 to press against the crossbar 102 and the outer lead-in surface 64 to press against the base portion 99 to push open, bend, and rotate the second portion 90 away from the first portion 88 about the bending axis 93. This may increase with the width of the bracket 82 and is indicated by the arrow 110 in Fig. 8C. Accordingly, the hub 32 can bend the bracket 82 open so that the bracket 82 allows the hub 32 to pass further into the opening 92.

[0044] A further downward movement of the hub 32 along the first axis 33 will cause the crossbar 102 to finally enter the recess 50. This “fixed position” is in Fig. 5. In particular, the second portion 90 of the bracket 82 may protrude back toward its neutral position, thereby forcing the crossbar 102 into the recess 50. The crossbar 102 may be wedged into the recess 50 such that the outer portion 104 contacts the second inner edge 62 and the first portion 111 of the inner edge 94 abuts the bottom surface 52 of the recess 50. At the same time, the outer retaining surface 66 of the hub 32 may abut and press against the second portion 113 of the inner edge 94, near the base portion 99 of the bracket 82. In this "secured position," the inner surface(s) of the recess 50 and the outer retaining surface 66 may continue to bend the crossbar 102 away from the base 99, so that the bracket 82 is still projected toward its neutral position to continue to grip and hold the hub 32.Once the hub 32 is secured, the cover member 22 can be secured to and cover the frame 12. As shown in FIG. Fig. 5, portions of the rear surface 28 of the cover member 22, near the peripheral edge 30, may overlie the frame 12 to cover it.

[0045] When the hub 32 and the bracket 82 are connected, the cover member 22 can be firmly and securely attached to the frame 12. When necessary (e.g., when reupholstering the upholstery), the user can separate the hub 32 from the bracket 82 by manually bending the second portion 90 of the bracket about the bending axis 93. This can allow the bushing of the hub 32 to move upward and away from the bracket 82 along the first axis 33.

[0046] In summary, the cushion mounting system 24 provides a secure and convenient way of attaching the cover member 22 (i.e., the cushioning) to the frame 12 or other support structure 11. The bracket 82 may also be flexible and resilient, thereby pulling the cover member 22 taut when attached to the frame 12. Also, the flexibility of the clamp 82 may facilitate the attachment of the hub 32 because some portions may be biased toward a fastened position (e.g., the crossbar 102 may be pushed into the recess 50). Furthermore, the flexibility of the bracket 82 may allow for greater manufacturing variations between parts and effectively allow for relatively loose manufacturing tolerances. Despite these variations, the hub 32 may still connect to the bracket 82 because the bracket 82 is bendable to allow for passage of the hub 32.Additionally, the cushion mounting system 24 can be substantially hidden from view when the cover member 22 is attached to the frame 12. In particular, the cover member 22 can cover the hub 32 and the bracket 82 such that the cushion mounting system 24 is unobtrusive.

[0047] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural forms as well, unless the context requires otherwise. It is further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, indicate the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or groups thereof.

[0048] The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Explicitly referenced embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the disclosure and their practical application, and to enable others skilled in the art to understand the disclosure and to recognize many alternatives, modifications, and variations to the described example(s). Accordingly, various embodiments and implementations other than those explicitly described herein are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

[1] A cushion mounting system (24) comprising: a supporting structure (11); a cover element (22); a bracket (82) attached to the support structure (11), the bracket (82) having a substantially U-shaped cross-section, the U-shaped cross-section being defined by a first portion (88), a second portion (90), and a mounting portion (86) of the bracket (82), the first portion (88) interconnecting the mounting portion (86) and the second portion (90), the bracket (82) having an opening (92), the second portion (90) being divided by the opening (92) into a first arm (98), a second arm (100), and a crossbar (102), and the bracket (82) being flexible and moving between a first position and a second position with respect to the support structure (11); and a hub (32) secured to the cover member (22), the hub (32) having a released position and a secured position relative to the bracket (82); wherein the hub (32) is in the released position outside the opening (92), wherein the hub (32) has a recess (50) for receiving the crossbar (102) of the second portion (92) of the bracket (82) when the hub (32) is received in the secured position in the opening (92) and releasably secured to the bracket (82) to secure the cover member (22) to the support structure (11), the cover member (22) extending over and covering at least a portion of the support structure (11); and wherein the hub (32) is configured to flex the bracket (82) between the first position and the second position when the hub (82) moves from the released position to the fastened position. [2] The cushion mounting system of claim 1, wherein the hub (32) is fully secured to the cover member (22) such that the cover member (22) and the hub (32) are unitary. [3] The cushion mounting system of claim 1, wherein the cover member (22) has a front surface (26), a rear surface (28) opposite the front surface (26), and a peripheral edge (30); and wherein the hub (32) projects from the rear surface of the cover member (22), spaced inwardly from the peripheral edge (30). [4] The cushion mounting system of claim 1, wherein the bracket (82) includes the first portion (88) extending away from the support structure (11) and the second portion (90) spaced from the support structure (11), the second portion (90) extending transversely away from the first portion (88); and wherein the opening (92) is defined in both the first portion (88) and the second portion (90). [5] The cushion mounting system according to claim 4, wherein the mounting portion (86) is attached to the support structure (11). [6] The cushion mounting system of claim 4, wherein the bracket (82) has a substantially constant thickness across the first portion (88) and the second portion (90). [7] The cushion mounting system of claim 4, wherein the bracket (82) has a flexion axis about which the first portion (88) is configured to rotate relative to the second part (90) when flexing between the first position and the second position. [8] The cushion mounting system of claim 1, wherein the bracket (82) defines a first axis (33), a second axis (35) and a third axis (37) that are perpendicular to each other; wherein the hub (32) is configured to move along the first axis (33) when moving between the released position and the attached position; wherein the first portion (88) of the bracket (82) extends from the support structure (11) substantially along the second axis (35); wherein the second portion (90) of the bracket (82) extends from the first portion (88) substantially along the first axis (33); wherein the opening (92) has a first length (103) measured along the third axis (37); wherein the hub (32) has a second length (72) measured along the third axis (37); and wherein the first length (103) is greater than the second length (72). [9] The cushion mounting system of claim 1, wherein the hub (32) has a first surface (34) and a second surface (36) opposite the first surface (34); wherein the bracket (82) comprises the first portion (88) and the second portion (90) arranged on opposite sides of the opening (92); and wherein the hub (32) is received in the secured position in the opening (92) and the first surface abuts the first portion (88) of the bracket (82) and the second surface abuts the second portion (90) of the bracket (82) to hold the hub (32) in the secured position relative to the bracket (82). [10] The cushion mounting system of claim 9, wherein the first surface (34) includes the recess (50); and wherein the hub (32) is received in the opening (92) of the bracket (82) in the attached position and the first portion (88) of the bracket (82) is received in the recess (50). [11] The cushion mounting system of claim 10, wherein the second surface (36) includes a retaining surface (66); and wherein the hub (32), in the attached position, is received in the opening (92) of the bracket (82) and the retaining surface (66) abuts the edge of the opening (92) to retain the first portion (88) of the bracket (82) in the recess (50). [12] The cushion mounting system of claim 9, wherein the first surface (34) includes a first insertion surface (47) and the second surface (36) includes a second insertion surface (64); wherein the hub (32) is movable to an abutting position relative to the bracket (82) and the hub (32) is configured to be in a first abutting position when the hub (32) moves from the released position to the attached position. wherein the hub (32) is configured in the abutting position such that the first insertion surface (47) presses against the first portion (88) of the bracket (82) and the second insertion surface (64) presses against the second portion (90) of the bracket (82) to enable the hub (32) to be passed into the fastened position. [13] The cushion mounting system of claim 9, wherein the first surface (34) and the second surface (36) are arranged at an acute angle (46) to each other; [14] The cushion mounting system of claim 1, wherein the bracket (82) is welded to the support structure (11).

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