Vehicle seat upholstery component, seat and associated manufacturing process
The vehicle seat upholstery element addresses the aesthetic issues of existing pockets by integrating a folded pocket design with a protective plate, ensuring a visually pleasing and functional storage solution for devices.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023009177
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-08-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle seat upholstery pockets are aesthetically unappealing due to visible seams and pocket parts, compromising the visual satisfaction of users.
A vehicle seat upholstery element with a pocket design that includes a folded pocket part forming two panels, secured edges, and a protective plate, where the opening extends seamlessly with the seat's junction, and the pocket is partially visible to accommodate devices while maintaining aesthetics.
The solution provides a visually appealing storage solution that accommodates devices like smartphones, allowing partial visibility and easy access, while protecting the device and seat from damage.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Vehicle seat upholstery element, seat and associated manufacturing process
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat upholstery element. The invention further relates to a vehicle seat comprising such an upholstery element and a method for manufacturing such an upholstery element.
[0002] In the field of vehicle seating, it is known to equip seat upholstery elements with pockets forming storage compartments. Such pockets are particularly appreciated by vehicle users since they allow these users to store some of their accessories.
[0003] The pockets known to date allow, for example, for the complete accommodation of a portable device, such as a mobile phone. Such pockets are formed, for example, by sewing a pocket section over a section forming the outer surface of a seat upholstery element.
[0004] Such pockets are therefore not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, the part forming the pocket, as well as the seams joining the pocket to the outer surface of the seat upholstery, are not visually appealing. Thus, even if such pockets can hold a portable device, their aesthetics are not satisfactory.
[0005] One of the aims of the invention is therefore 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 upholstery 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 joined together of the central part, and
[0010] - a pocket part comprising a first edge and a second edge opposite each other On the other hand, the pocket section defines a storage volume,
[0011] the first edge of the pocket part being attached to the upper edge of the central part and the second edge of the pocket part being attached to the lower edge of the upper part, the pocket part being folded over itself to form two pocket panels, the first edge and the second edge together defining an opening for access to the storage volume, the upper part being attached to the lateral parts on either side of the opening.
[0012] The opening being delimited by the first and second edge, and as the first edge is joined to the upper edge and the second edge is joined 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 upholstery element comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically feasible combination:
[0014] - the upper part is further secured to the central part on both sides of the opening, between the opening and each lateral part;
[0015] - the pocket portion includes a third and a fourth edge connecting the first and second edges together, the two pocket panels being joined together along the third and fourth edges as well as along a fold line extending opposite the opening relative to the pocket section;
[0016] - the pocket part is tightened between its first and second edges;
[0017] - the cladding element includes a protective plate, the protective plate being arranged at least partially between the pocket part and the central part;
[0018] - the protective plate is attached to the pocket part along the third and fourth edge of the pocket section;
[0019] - the protective plate is attached to the pocket part by a seam arranged at a distance of approximately 3 mm to 7 mm from the third and fourth edges of the pocket section; and
[0020] - the length of the pocket panels measured orthogonally to the first and / or second edge defines a depth of storage volume, the depth of storage volume being approximately 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 above, said covering element covering at least a part of the body.
[0022] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a seat upholstery element as described above, comprising the following steps:
[0023] - joining the two lateral parts to the central part;
[0024] - securing the first edge of the pocket section to the upper edge of the section central and securing of the second edge of the pocket part to the lower edge of the upper part;
[0025] - folding of the pocket part to form two pocket panels;
[0026] - securing the upper part to the lateral parts on either side of the opening delimited by the first and second edges of the pocket section.
[0027] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the drawings in which:
[0028] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic front view representation of a seat including a seat upholstery element according to the invention;
[0029] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the seat of [Fig.1], along a section plane P-P' passing through the pocket: and
[0030] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective view of the seat of figures 1 and 2.
[0031] In the following description, the terms "front" and "rear" as well as "upper" and "lower" are understood to refer to a seat, the front corresponding to the direction in which the legs of a seat user extend, as opposed to the rear, and the top / upper region of the seat corresponds to the direction in which the head of a seat user extends, as opposed to the bottom / lower region of the seat.
[0032] With reference to [Fig.1], a vehicle seat 10 comprises a support element 12 and a seat upholstery element 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 backrest, includes, for example, a body 16 defining an internal structure of the seat 14. The support element 12 further includes, 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 seat support element, such as a seat cushion. It is understood that the invention can be applied to any type of seat support element, such as a seat cushion, a headrest, an armrest, or the like.
[0035] The body 16 includes, for example, at least one reinforcing section, such as a metal frame, and includes, for example, padding, such as foam padding, covering the reinforcing section (not shown).
[0036] As illustrated in [Fig.1] where the body 16 covered by the covering element 14 is shown in dotted lines, the covering element 14 covers at least partially a part 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 can be seen in figures 1 to 3, the seat covering element 14 comprises a central part 18, an upper part 20, two side parts 22 and a pocket part 24.
[0039] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the seat covering element 14 further includes, for example, a protective plate 25.
[0040] The seat upholstery 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 in front of 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 includes other parts extending for example over a front of the body 16, such a seat covering element 14 forming for example a cover for the seat 10.
[0043] The seat upholstery element 14 is, for example, made of textile or leather. The seat upholstery element 14 is, for example, made of a natural and / or synthetic material.
[0044] In a particular embodiment, each of the central part 18, upper part 20, side parts 22, and pocket part 24 are formed from a fabric, for example, woven fabric. In one embodiment, the fabric forming the pocket part 24 is thinner and of a different type than the fabrics forming the other parts 18, 20, and 22. In other embodiments, the fabrics of all the parts are of similar thickness and / or type, or the fabrics of each of these parts are of different thickness and / or type.
[0045] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the central part 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 part 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 side part 22 includes for example a side edge 30 secured, for example zipped, for example with a zipper, or sewn, to one of the side 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 includes a lower edge 32. The upper part forms, for example, a vertex of the cladding element 14, that is to say, the element located at the top of the cladding element 14 in the seat reference frame 10.
[0049] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the upper part 20 is joined, for example by sewing, to the lateral parts 22. In particular, the lower edge 32 is joined to upper edges 34 of each of the lateral parts 22 (see for example [Fig.3] schematically representing joining 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 together.
[0052] As shown in [Fig. 2], the pocket portion 24 is folded over itself to form two pocket panels 44, for example along a fold line 46. The pocket portion 24 is specifically folded over itself along the fold line 46, the fold line 46 thus joining 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 a similar shape. In one embodiment, the pocket portion 24 is formed by two sections sewn together, for example, sewn along the fold line 46.
[0053] The two pocket panels 44 are further joined 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 by a seam (not shown) extending between 3 and 7 mm from the third 40 and fourth 42 edges.
[0054] The pocket part 24 defines a storage volume 48. In particular, the two panels 44 joined together along the fold line 46 and the third 40 and fourth 42 edges define 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 part 24.
[0056] As can be seen in [Fig. 1], a user can for example introduce a portable device 52 such as a mobile phone into the storage volume 48 by sliding such a device 52 through the access opening 50.
[0057] As shown 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. When the fold line 46 extends approximately 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, this distance being the same whether measured with respect 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 chosen, for example, to leave part of a standard-sized portable device, such as a smartphone, outside the pocket, so that part of the device's display surface is visible from outside the pocket, or to facilitate grasping the device from inside the pocket. Alternatively, the depth is chosen to fully accommodate the device.
[0060] The pocket section 24 is, for example, narrowed between its first edge 36 and its second edge 38. Since the pocket section 24 is folded over itself, a length of the fold line 46 is thus shorter than the lengths of the first 36 and second 38 edges. Each of the panels 44 is then, for example, flared from the fold line 46 towards the first 36, or, where applicable, the 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 can be seen 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 further, 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 lower central part are free from each other only 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 can be seen in [Fig.2], the protective plate 25 is disposed 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 sides 44. In other words, the protective plate 25 is larger than the side over which the protective plate 25 extends, so that the protective plate 25 completely covers this side 44.
[0067] The protective plate 25 is preferably attached to the pocket part 24. The protective plate 25 is, for example, attached to the pocket part 24 along the third and fourth edges of the pocket part 24. The protective plate 25 is, for example, attached to the pocket part 24 by a seam located at a distance of approximately between 3 mm and 7 mm from the third 40 and fourth 42 edges of the pocket part 24.
[0068] The protective plate 25 is configured for example to protect the storage volume, for example by cushioning the shocks between the storage volume 48 and the central part 18 of the pocket.
[0069] In one particular example, the seam joining the pocket panels 44 together is separate from the seam joining the pocket part 24 to the protective plate 25. In another example, the same seam simultaneously joins the pocket panels 44 together and the pocket part 24 to the protective plate 25.
[0070] A method for manufacturing a coating element 14 as described above will now be presented.
[0071] The two lateral parts 22 are first attached 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 part 24 is then 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 first 36 and second 38 edges of the pocket part 24 are in particular secured to the upper edge 26 of the central part 18 and lower edge 32 of the upper part 20 before the pocket part 24 is folded along its fold line 46.
[0073] The pocket part 24 is then folded to form the two pocket panels 44.
[0074] The pocket panels 44 thus formed are then, for example, joined together along the third 40 and fourth edges 42.
[0075] When the coating element 14 includes a protective plate 25, the protective plate 25 is further, for example, attached to the pocket part 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 further, 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 part 24 of such a seat covering element and the edges 40, 42 of such a pocket part are thus not visible from outside the seat covering element, such an element proving to be particularly aesthetic, the pocket thus formed not being visible to the passengers of the vehicle, in particular when 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 the good retention in the coating element 14 of modern mobile devices.
[0080] The narrowing of the pocket part 24 between its first 36 and second 38 edges allows a storage volume 48 to be obtained which flares out towards the opening 50 once the pocket part 24 is folded over 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 to prevent damage to the central part 18 by objects placed in the storage volume 48 or to prevent damage to objects placed 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 ensures the robustness of the coating element 14.
[0083] The depth P of the storage volume 48 as specified above is particularly advantageous since it allows to partially accommodate a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, while allowing a portion of the device to protrude from the storage volume 50. This is particularly advantageous for keeping the device in the coating element 14 while allowing a user to view information displayed on a portion of the device.
Claims
Demands
1. Vehicle seat upholstery element (14) comprising: - a central portion (18) including an upper edge (26), - an upper portion (20) including a lower edge (32), - two side portions (22) arranged on either side of the central portion (18) and integral with the central portion (18), and - a pocket portion (24) comprising a first edge (36) and a second edge (38) opposite each other, the pocket portion (24) delimiting a storage compartment (48), the first edge (36) of the pocket portion (24) being integral with the upper edge (26) of the central portion (18) and the second edge (38) of the pocket portion (24) being integral with the lower edge (32) of the upper portion (20), the pocket portion (24) being folded over itself to form two pocket panels (44), the first edge (36) and the second edge (38) together defining an access opening (50) to the storage volume (48),the upper part (20) being attached to the lateral parts (22) on either side of the opening (50); the cladding element being characterized in that the upper part (20) is further attached to the central part (18) on either side of the opening (50), between the opening (50) and each lateral part (22).
2. Seat upholstery element (14) according to claim 1, 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 joined together along the third (40) and fourth (42) edges as well as along a fold line (46) extending opposite the opening (50) relative to the pocket portion (24).
3. Seat cover element (14) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pocket portion (24) is tightened between its first (36) and second (38) edges.
4. Seat upholstery element (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plate of protection (25), the protective plate (25) being disposed at least partially between the pocket part (24) and the central part (18).
5. Seat covering element (14) according to claim 4, wherein the protective plate (25) is attached to the pocket part (24) along the third (40) and fourth (42) edges of the pocket part (24).
6. Seat covering element (14) according to claim 5, wherein the protective plate (25) is attached to the pocket part (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 part (24).
7. Seat covering element (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, 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 5mm and 20mm.
8. 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 7, said covering element (14) covering at least a part of the body (16).
9. A method for manufacturing a seat upholstery element (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: - joining the two side parts (22) to the central part (18); - joining the first edge (36) of the pocket part (24) to the upper edge (26) of the central part (18) and joining 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); - joining the upper part (20) to the side parts (22) on either side of the opening (50) delimited by the first (36) and second (38) edges of the pocket part (24).