Vehicle seat upholstery component, seat and associated manufacturing process

Abstract

Vehicle seat upholstery element, seat and associated manufacturing process This vehicle seat upholstery element (14) comprises: - a central part (18) including an upper edge (26), - an upper part (20) including a lower edge (32), - two side parts (22) attached to the central part (18), and - a pocket part (24) including a first edge and a second edge opposite each other, the pocket part (24) delimiting a storage volume, the first edge being attached to the upper edge (26) of the central part (18) and the second edge being attached to the lower edge (32) of the upper part (20), the pocket part (24) being folded over itself, the first edge and the second edge together delimiting an opening for access to the storage volume, the upper part (20) being attached to the side parts (22) on either side of the opening. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle seat covering element, seat and associated manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat covering element. The invention further relates to a vehicle seat comprising such a covering element and to a method of manufacturing such a covering element.

[0002] In the field of vehicle seats, it is known to equip seat covering elements with pockets forming storage volumes. Such pockets are particularly appreciated by vehicle users since they allow these users to store some of their accessories.

[0003] The pockets known up to now make it possible, for example, to fully accommodate a portable device, such as a mobile phone. Such pockets are, for example, formed by sewing a pocket portion above a portion forming the outer surface of a seat covering element.

[0004] Such pockets are then not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, the part forming the pocket as well as the seams securing the part forming the pocket to the part forming the outer surface of the seat covering element are not visually satisfactory. Thus, even if such pockets can receive a portable device, the aesthetics of such pockets are not satisfactory.

[0005] One of the aims of the invention is then to provide a seat covering element comprising a storage volume, which is visually satisfactory.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a vehicle seat covering element comprising:

[0007] - a central part comprising an upper edge,

[0008] - an upper part comprising a lower edge,

[0009] - two lateral parts arranged on either side of the central part and integral of the central part, and

[0010] - a pocket portion comprising a first edge and a second edge opposite each other on the other, the pocket part delimiting a storage volume,

[0011] the first edge of the pocket part being secured to the upper edge of the central part and the second edge of the pocket part being secured to the lower edge of the upper part, the pocket part being folded on itself to form two pocket panels, the first edge and the second edge together delimiting an opening for access to the storage volume, the upper part being secured to the lateral parts on either side of the opening.

[0012] The opening being delimited by the first and the second edge, and like the first edge is secured to the upper edge and the second edge is secured to the lower edge, the opening extends in the continuity of a junction between the upper part and the central part, such continuity being particularly aesthetic.

[0013] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the vehicle seat covering element comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:

[0014] - the upper part is further secured to the central part on either side of the opening, between the opening and each side part;

[0015] - the pocket portion comprises a third and a fourth edge connecting the first and second edges between them, the two pocket panels being secured to each other along the third and fourth edges as well as along a fold line extending opposite the opening relative to the pocket portion;

[0016] - the pocket part is tightened between its first and second edges;

[0017] - the covering element comprises a protective plate, the protective plate being disposed at least partially between the pocket portion and the central portion;

[0018] - the protective plate is secured to the pocket part along the third and fourth edges of the pocket part;

[0019] - the protective plate is secured to the pocket part by a seam arranged at a distance substantially between 3 mm and 7 mm from the third and fourth edges of the pocket portion; and

[0020] - the length of the pocket panels measured orthogonally to the first and / or second edge defines a depth of the storage volume, the depth of the storage volume being substantially between 5mm and 20mm.

[0021] The invention further relates to a seat comprising at least one support element comprising a body and a seat covering element as mentioned above, said covering element covering at least a portion of the body.

[0022] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a seat covering element as mentioned above, comprising the following steps:

[0023] - joining the two side parts to the central part;

[0024] - securing the first edge of the pocket part to the upper edge of the part central and joining the second edge of the pocket part to the lower edge of the upper part;

[0025] - folding the pocket part to form two pocket panels;

[0026] - securing the upper part to the side parts on either side of the opening delimited by the first and second edges of the pocket part.

[0027] The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0028] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation seen from the front of a seat comprising a seat covering element according to the invention;

[0029] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation seen in cross-section of the seat of [Fig.l], according to a section plane P-P' passing through the pocket: and

[0030] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation seen in perspective of the seat of the Figures 1 and 2.

[0031] In the remainder of the description, the terms "front" and "rear" as well as "upper" and "lower" are understood in reference to a seat, the front corresponding to the direction in which the legs of a seat user extend, as opposed to the term rear, and the top / upper region of the seat corresponding to the direction in which the head of a seat user extends, as opposed to the bottom / lower region of the seat.

[0032] Referring to [Fig.l], a vehicle seat 10 comprises a support member 12 and a seat covering member 14.

[0033] The vehicle seat 10 is for example installed in a vehicle interior (not shown) such as for example a motor vehicle.

[0034] The support element 12, for example a seat back, comprises for example a body 16 defining an internal structure of the seat 14. The support element 12 further comprises for example a base (not shown), the base securing for example the body 16 to a floor (not shown) of the vehicle or to another support element of the seat, such as a seat. It is understood that the invention can be applied to any type of support element of the seat, such as the seat, a headrest, an armrest or other.

[0035] The body 16 comprises for example at least one reinforcing section, such as a metal frame, and comprises for example padding, such as foam padding, covering the reinforcing section (not shown).

[0036] As illustrated in [Fig.l] where the body 16 covered by the covering element 14 is illustrated in dotted lines, the covering element 14 at least partially covers a portion of the body 16.

[0037] The covering element 14 is for example an element intended to cover a seat back and is for example a seat back covering element.

[0038] As seen in Figures 1 to 3, the seat covering element 14 comprises a central portion 18, an upper portion 20, two side portions 22 and a pocket portion 24.

[0039] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the seat covering element 14 further comprises, for example, a protective plate 25.

[0040] The seat covering element 14 extends for example over a rear face of the body 16 to form the back of a seat backrest 10.

[0041] The seat covering element 14 is for example intended to extend facing another seat (not shown) arranged at the rear of the seat 10 comprising the seat covering element 14.

[0042] In an embodiment not shown, the seat covering element 14 comprises other parts extending for example over a front of the body 16, such a seat covering element 14 forming for example a cover of the seat 10.

[0043] The seat covering element 14 is for example made of textile or leather. The seat covering element 14 is for example made of a natural and / or synthetic material.

[0044] In a particular embodiment, each of the central portion 18, upper portion 20, side portions 22 and pocket portion 24 are formed by a fabric, for example a cloth. In one embodiment, the fabric forming the pocket portion 24 is less thick and of a different type than the fabrics forming the other portions 18, 20, 22. In other embodiments, the fabrics of all the portions are of similar thickness and / or type, or the fabrics of each of these portions are of different thickness and / or type.

[0045] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the central portion 18 comprises an upper edge 26 and two lateral edges 28, connected to the upper edge 26 and extending on either side of the central portion 18.

[0046] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the two lateral parts 22 are arranged on either side of the central part 18 and are integral with the central part 18.

[0047] Each lateral part 22 comprises for example a lateral edge 30 secured, for example zipped, for example using a zipper, or else sewn, to one of the lateral edges 28 of the central part 18 (see for example [Fig.3] schematically representing a securing by sewing).

[0048] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the upper part 20 comprises a lower edge 32. The upper part forms for example a top of the covering element 14, that is to say the element located at the top of the covering element 14 in the reference frame of the seat 10.

[0049] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the upper part 20 is secured, for example sewn, to the lateral parts 22. In particular, the lower edge 32 is secured to upper edges 34 of each of the lateral parts 22 (see for example [Fig.3] schematically representing a securing by sewing).

[0050] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the lower edge 32 of the upper part 20 extends opposite the upper edge 26 of the central part 18.

[0051] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the pocket portion 24 comprises a first edge 36 and a second edge 38 opposite each other. The pocket portion further comprises a third edge 40 and a fourth edge 42 connecting the first 36 and second 38 edges between them.

[0052] As visible in [Fig. 2], the pocket portion 24 is folded on itself to form two pocket panels 44, for example along a fold line 46. The pocket portion 24 is in particular folded on itself along the fold line 46, the fold line 46 thus securing the two pocket panels 44. The fold line 46 extends for example substantially between the first edge 36 and the second edge 38, for example so that the two pocket panels are of similar shape. In one embodiment, the pocket portion 24 is formed by two portions sewn to each other, for example sewn along the fold line 46.

[0053] The two pocket panels 44 are further secured to each other along the third and fourth edges. The two pocket panels are for example sewn to each other along the third and fourth edges for example by a seam (not shown) extending between 3 and 7 mm from the third 40 and fourth 42 edges.

[0054] The pocket portion 24 defines a storage volume 48. In particular, the two panels 44 secured to each other along the fold line 46 and the third 40 and fourth 42 edges define between them the storage volume 48. The fold line 46 forms the bottom of the storage volume 48.

[0055] The first edge 36 and the second edge 38 together define an access opening 50 to the storage volume 48. The access opening 50 extends opposite the fold line 46 relative to the pocket portion 24.

[0056] As visible in [Fig. 1], a user can for example introduce a portable device 52 such as a mobile telephone into the storage volume 48 by sliding such a device 52 through the access opening 50.

[0057] As visible in [Fig. 2], a length of the pocket panels 44 measured orthogonally to the first 36 and / or second 38 edge defines a depth P of the storage volume 48. The depth P of the storage volume 48 then corresponds to the distance between the fold line 46 on the one hand, and the first edge 36 and / or the second edge 38 on the other hand. When the fold line 46 extends substantially equidistant between the first edge 36 and the second edge 38, the depth P of the storage volume 48 corresponds to the distance between the fold line 46 on the one hand and the first edge 36 or the second edge 38 on the other hand, this distance being the same whether it is measured relative to the first 36 or the second edge 38.

[0058] The depth P of the storage volume is for example between 50 mm and 200 mm.

[0059] The depth P is for example chosen to leave a part of a portable device of classic size, such as a smartphone, outside the pocket, in order to leave a part of a display surface of the portable device visible from outside the pocket, or to facilitate gripping of the device from the pocket. Alternatively, the depth is chosen to fully accommodate the device.

[0060] The pocket portion 24 is for example tightened between its first edge 36 and its second edge 38. The pocket portion 24 being folded on itself, a length of the fold line 46 is thus less than lengths of the first 36 and second 38 edges. Each of the panels 44 is then for example of a flared shape from the fold line 46 towards the first 36, or where appropriate second 38, edge. The storage volume 48 is thus flared towards the access opening 50.

[0061] The first edge 36 of the pocket part 24 is secured, for example sewn, to the upper edge 26 of the central part 18 and the second edge 38 of the pocket part 24 is secured, for example sewn, to the lower edge 32 of the upper part 20. The access opening 50 thus extends between the upper edge 26 of the central part 18 and the lower edge 32 of the upper part 20.

[0062] As visible in [Fig. 3], the upper part 20 is then secured, for example sewn, to the lateral parts 22 on either side of the access opening 50 (see for example [Fig. 3] schematically representing a securing by sewing).

[0063] In a particular embodiment, and as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the upper part 20 is furthermore for example secured, for example sewn, to the central part 18 on either side of the access opening 50, between the opening 50 and each lateral part 22. Thus, and according to this embodiment, the lower edge 32 of the upper part 20 and the upper edge 26 of the central lower part are only free relative to each other at the level of the access opening 50, to allow access to the storage volume 48.

[0064] The protective plate 25 has a thickness of between 2 mm and 10 mm. The protective plate 25 is, for example, a carpet plate.

[0065] As visible in [Fig.2], the protective plate 25 is arranged at least partially between the pocket part 24 and the central part 18. In particular, the protective plate 25 extends between one of the sides 44 and the central part 18.

[0066] In particular, the protective plate 25 extends over at least the entirety of one of the panels 44. In other words, the protective plate 25 is larger than the panel over which the protective plate 25 extends, so that the protective plate 25 completely covers this panel 44.

[0067] The protective plate 25 is preferably secured to the pocket portion 24. The protective plate 25 is for example secured to the pocket portion 24 along the third and fourth edges of the pocket portion 24. The protective plate 25 is for example secured to the pocket portion 24 by a seam arranged at a distance substantially between 3 mm and 7 mm from the third 40 and fourth 42 edges of the pocket portion 24.

[0068] The protective plate 25 is for example configured to protect the storage volume, for example by absorbing shocks between the storage volume 48 and the central part 18 of the pocket.

[0069] In a particular example, the seam securing the pocket panels 44 to each other is distinct from the seam securing the pocket portion 24 to the protective plate 25. In another example, the same seam simultaneously secures the pocket panels 44 to each other and the pocket portion 24 to the protective plate 25.

[0070] A method of manufacturing a covering element 14 as described above will now be presented.

[0071] The two lateral parts 22 are first secured to the central part 18. The two lateral parts 22 are for example sewn to the central part 18 along the lateral edges 28 of the central part 18.

[0072] The first edge 36 of the pocket portion 24 is then secured, for example sewn, to the upper edge 26 of the central portion 18 and the second edge 38 of the pocket portion 24 is secured, for example sewn, to the lower edge 32 of the upper portion 20. The first 36 and second 38 edges of the pocket portion 24 are in particular secured to the upper edge 26 of the central portion 18 and the lower edge 32 of the upper portion 20 before the pocket portion 24 is folded along its fold line 46.

[0073] The pocket portion 24 is then folded to form the two pocket panels 44.

[0074] The pocket panels 44 thus formed are then, for example, secured to each other along the third 40 and fourth edges 42.

[0075] When the covering element 14 comprises a protective plate 25, the protective plate 25 is furthermore, for example, secured to the pocket portion 24, for example along the third 40 and fourth 42 edges.

[0076] The upper part 20 is then secured, for example sewn to the lateral parts 22 on either side of the access opening 50 delimited by the first 36 and second 38 edges of the pocket part 24.

[0077] The upper part 20 is furthermore, for example, secured, for example sewn to the central part 18, on either side of the opening 50, between the opening 50 and each lateral part 22.

[0078] As seen above, the pocket portion 24 of such a seat covering element and the edges 40, 42 of such a pocket portion are thus not visible from an exterior of the seat covering element, such an element proving particularly aesthetic, the pocket thus formed not being visible to the passengers of the vehicle, in particular when it is not in use.

[0079] The joining of the upper part 20 to the central part 18 on either side of the opening 50 is particularly advantageous for forming an opening 50 of small dimensions, particularly suitable for good support in the covering element 14 of modern portable devices.

[0080] The tightening of the pocket portion 24 between its first 36 and second 38 edges makes it possible to obtain a storage volume 48 that flares out towards the opening 50 once the pocket portion 24 is folded on itself, such a storage volume 48 facilitating the insertion of objects into the storage volume 48.

[0081] The presence of a protective plate 25 and the particular arrangement of this protective plate 25 in the covering element 14 is particularly relevant for avoiding damage to the central part 18 by objects arranged in the storage volume 48 or for avoiding damage to objects arranged in the storage volume 48 from the central part 18.

[0082] The position of the seam securing the pocket part 24 to the protective plate 25 makes it possible to guarantee the robustness of the covering element 14.

[0083] The depth P of the storage volume 48 as specified above is particularly advantageous since it makes it possible to partially accommodate a portable electronic device such as a mobile telephone, while allowing a portion of the device to extend beyond the storage volume 50. This is particularly advantageous for maintaining the device in the covering element 14 while allowing a user to consult information displayed on a portion of the device.

Claims

Claims

1. Vehicle seat covering element (14) comprising: - a central part (18) comprising an upper edge (26), - an upper part (20) comprising a lower edge (32), - two lateral parts (22) arranged on either side of the central part (18) and secured to the central part (18), and - a pocket part (24) comprising a first edge (36) and a second edge (38) opposite each other, the pocket part (24) delimiting a storage volume (48), the first edge (36) of the pocket part (24) being secured to the upper edge (26) of the central part (18) and the second edge (38) of the pocket part (24) being secured to the lower edge (32) of the upper part (20), the pocket part (24) being folded on itself to form two pocket panels (44), the first edge (36) and the second edge (38) together delimiting an access opening (50) to the storage volume (48),the upper part (20) being secured to the lateral parts (22) on either side of the opening (50).,

2. A seat covering element (14) according to claim 1, wherein the upper portion (20) is further secured to the central portion (18) on either side of the opening (50), between the opening (50) and each side portion (22).

3. A seat covering element (14) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pocket portion (24) comprises a third (40) and a fourth (42) edge connecting the first (36) and second (38) edges together, the two pocket panels (44) being secured to each other along the third (40) and fourth (42) edges as well as along a fold line (46) extending away from the opening (50) relative to the pocket portion (24).

4. A seat covering element (14) according to any preceding claim, wherein the pocket portion (24) is constricted between its first (36) and second (38) edges.

5. A seat covering element (14) according to any preceding claim, comprising a protective plate (25), the protective plate (25) being disposed at least partially between the pocket portion (24) and the central portion (18).

6. A seat covering element (14) according to claim 5, wherein the protective plate (25) is secured to the pocket portion (24) along the third (40) and fourth (42) edges of the pocket portion (24).

7. A seat covering element (14) according to claim 6, wherein the protective plate (25) is secured to the pocket portion (24) by a seam disposed at a distance substantially between 3 mm and 7 mm from the third (40) and fourth (42) edges of the pocket portion (24).

8. A seat covering element (14) according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of the pocket panels measured orthogonally to the first (36) and / or second (38) edge defines a depth (P) of the storage volume (48), the depth (P) of the storage volume (48) being substantially between 5 mm and 20 mm.

9. A seat (10) comprising at least one support element (12) comprising a body (16) and a seat covering element (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, said covering element (14) covering at least a portion of the body (16).

10. A method of manufacturing a seat covering element (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the following steps: - securing the two lateral parts (22) to the central part (18); - securing the first edge (36) of the pocket part (24) to the upper edge (26) of the central part (18) and securing the second edge (38) of the pocket part (24) to the lower edge (32) of the upper part (20); - folding the pocket part (24) to form two pocket panels (44); - securing the upper part (20) to the lateral parts (22) on either side of the opening (50) delimited by the first (36) and second (38) edges of the pocket part (24).

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