Seat assembly and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

To provide a seat assembly including a cushion, and a manufacturing method of the seat assembly.SOLUTION: A product includes a filament mesh-like member, a trim cover, and a hook-shaped body or ring-shaped body fastening tool system. The filament mesh-like member includes a set of filaments of a thermoplastic material. Each member of the set of filaments is connected to at least one of other members of the set of filaments. The trim cover is arranged over the filament mesh-like member. The hook-shaped body and ring-shaped body fastening tool system includes a ring-shaped portion and a hook-shaped portion. One of the ring-shaped portion and the hook-shaped portion is attached to the filament mesh-like member. The other of the ring-shaped portion and the hook-shaped portion is attached to the trim cover. The ring-shaped portion and the hook-shaped portion cooperate with each other and fix the trim cover to the filament mesh-like member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 968,723, filed on December 4, 2024, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 619,049, filed on January 9, 2024, and also claims priority to Danish Patent Application No. PA202470209, filed on August 9, 2024. The disclosures of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into this specification. This application further claims priority to Danish Patent Application No. PA202470209, filed on August 9, 2024, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 619,049, filed on January 9, 2024. The disclosures of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into this specification. This application further claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 619,049, filed on January 9, 2024, and the disclosure thereof is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a seat assembly having a cushion comprising a filament mesh structure and a method of manufacturing the same.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, a filament mesh member comprising a set of filaments of a thermoplastic material, wherein each member of the set of filaments is joined to at least one other member of the set of filaments, a trim cover disposed on the filament mesh member, A hook and ring fastener system comprising a ring portion and a hook portion, wherein (i) one of the ring portion and the hook portion is attached to the filament mesh member, and (ii) the other of the ring portion and the hook portion is attached to the trim cover, and the ring portion and the hook portion cooperate to fix the trim cover to the filament mesh member. A product comprising the same is provided.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present invention, A hook portion attached to one of a filament mesh member and a sheet, the filament mesh member being composed of a set of filaments in which each member of the set of filaments is joined to at least one other member of the set of filaments, A ring portion attached to the other of the filament mesh member and the sheet, the ring portion and the hook portion cooperating to fix the sheet to the filament mesh member. An attachment system comprising the same is provided.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, Engaging a first part of the hook and ring fastener system with a second part of the hook and ring fastener system to fix a cloth cover to a filament mesh member composed of a set of filaments in which each member of the set of filaments is joined to at least one other member of the set of filaments, the set of filaments being of a thermoplastic material. A method comprising the same is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

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Figure 9

Figure 10

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Figure 16

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Next, reference will be made in detail to the embodiments, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments described. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various embodiments described can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0008] It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative and that various alternative forms are possible. The figures are not necessarily to scale. Some features are exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Accordingly, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting but rather as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to practice the embodiments in various ways in accordance with the disclosure.

[0009] "One or more" includes functions performed by one element, functions performed by a plurality of elements, for example, in a distributed manner, some functions performed by one element, some functions performed by a plurality of elements, or any combination of the above.

[0010] Terms such as first, second, etc. are used in some instances in this specification to describe various elements, but it should also be understood that these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments, a first contact can be referred to as a second contact, and similarly, a second contact can be referred to as a first contact. The first contact and the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the same contact.

[0011] The terms used in the description of the various embodiments described herein are for the purpose of describing only specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, the term "and / or" as used herein refers to any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and is understood to be inclusive. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "consists of" and / or "consisting of", when used herein, specify the presence of the described 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 and / or groups thereof.

[0012] As used herein, the term "when" is to be interpreted, depending on the context, optionally as "when", or "upon", or "in response to a determination", or "in response to a detection". Similarly, the phrase "when determined" or "when [described state or event] is detected" is to be interpreted, depending on the context, optionally as "when determined", or "in response to a determination", or "when [described state or event] is detected", or "in response to the detection of [described state or event]".

[0013] Referring to FIG. 1, an example of a seat assembly 10 is shown. In some embodiments, the seat assembly 10 is a vehicle seat assembly for land vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, buses, etc., or for non-land vehicles such as airplanes or ships. For example, the seat assembly 10 for a land vehicle can be formed in shape and dimensions as a driver's seat or passenger seat in the front row, a seat in the second row, third row or other rear rows, and can include a bucket-style seat, a bench-style seat or other seat styles as shown in the figure. Further, the seat assembly 10 can be a non-foldable seat or a seat that can be folded and stored in a cavity in the vehicle floor. Further, the seat assembly 10 can be configured for non-vehicle uses such as furniture.

[0014] In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the seat assembly 10 includes a seat bottom 20 and a seat back 22. In some configurations, such as when the seat assembly 10 is configured as a motorcycle seat, i.e., a saddle, it is conceivable that the seat back 22 can be omitted.

[0015] The seat bottom 20 is configured to receive a seated occupant and support the occupant's pelvis and thighs. The seat bottom 20 includes a seat bottom frame 30, a cushion 32 and a trim cover 34.

[0016] The seat bottom frame 30 is a structure that supports the cushion 32. The seat bottom frame 30 includes one or more structural members and can be manufactured from any suitable material such as a metal alloy, a polymer material, a fiber-reinforced polymer material or a combination thereof. In some configurations, the seat bottom frame 30 includes a panel on which the cushion 32 is disposed, a seat pan, a hanging mat or a hanging wire.

[0017] The cushion 32 is disposed on the seat bottom frame 30. The cushion 32 is made of a flexible material that supports a seated occupant and distributes the load from the seated occupant to the seat bottom frame 30. The cushion 32 and related manufacturing methods are described in more detail below.

[0018] The trim cover 34 covers at least a portion of the cushion 32. Further, the trim cover 34 provides one or more visible outer surfaces of the seat back 22. A seated occupant can be positioned on the trim cover 34 when seated on the seat assembly 10. The trim cover 34 is made of any suitable material(s), such as cloth, leather, synthetic leather, vinyl, or combinations thereof. The trim cover 34 may include a plurality of trim panels assembled by any suitable method, such as fusing or stitching. The trim cover 34 is attached to the seat bottom frame 30, the cushion 32, or both. For example, the trim cover 34 can include trim attachment features that attach to the seat bottom frame 30, the cushion 32, or both to prevent the trim cover 34 from coming off and to help conform the trim cover 34 to the contours of the seat bottom frame 30, the cushion 32, or both. The trim cover 34 can also be attached to an attachment pad, as will be described in more detail below.

[0019] The seat back 22 is configured to support the back of a seated occupant. The seat back 22 is disposed adjacent to the seat bottom 20. For example, the seat back 22 may be disposed above and in the vicinity of the rear side of the seat bottom 20. The seat back 22 extends generally upwardly from the seat bottom 20. In some configurations, the seat back 22 may be attached to the seat bottom 20 and rotatable relative to the seat bottom 20. In other configurations, the seat back 22 is not attached to the seat bottom 20. For example, the seat back of a vehicle may be attached to the vehicle body structure, such as in some second row seat assemblies. The seat back 22 includes a seat back frame 40, a cushion 42, a trim cover 44, and optionally a headrest 46.

[0020] The seat back frame 40 is a structure that supports the cushion 42. The seat back frame 40 includes one or more structural members and can be manufactured from any suitable material such as a metal alloy, a polymer material, a fiber-reinforced polymer material, or a combination thereof. In some configurations, the seat back frame 40 includes a panel, pan, hanging mat, or hanging wire on which the cushion 42 is disposed. Also, the seat back frame 40 may be integrally formed with the seat bottom frame 30 in some configurations.

[0021] The cushion 42 is disposed on the seat back frame 40. The cushion 42 is made of a flexible material that supports a seated occupant and distributes the load from the seated occupant to the seat back frame 40. The cushion 42 may be integrally formed with the cushion 32 of the seat bottom 20 or may be separate from the cushion 32 of the seat bottom 20. The cushion 42 and related manufacturing methods are described in more detail below.

[0022] The trim cover 44 covers at least a portion of the cushion 42. Further, the trim cover 44 provides one or more visible outer surfaces of the seat back 22. A seated occupant can be disposed on the trim cover 44 when seated on the seat assembly 10. The trim cover 44 is made of any suitable material(s) such as cloth, leather, synthetic leather, vinyl, or a combination thereof. The trim cover 44 may include one or more trim panels assembled by any suitable method such as fusing or stitching. The trim cover 44 is attached to the seat back frame 40, the cushion 42, or both. For example, the trim cover 44 can include trim attachment features that are attached to the seat back frame 40, the cushion 42, or both to prevent the trim cover 44 from coming off and to help conform the trim cover 44 to the contours of the seat back frame 40, the cushion 42, or both. The trim cover 44 can also be attached to an attachment pad as described in more detail below.

[0023] The headrest 46, if provided, is configured to support the head of a seated occupant. The headrest 46 is disposed at the top of the seat back 22, i.e., at the end of the seat back 22 opposite to the seat bottom 20. The headrest 46 may be movable in one or more directions relative to the seat back 22 or may be integrally formed with the seat back 22.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, the material supply unit 70 holds the raw material to be extruded, e.g., solid beads, flakes, granules, pellets, or powder made of the raw material. In some configurations, the material supply unit 70 is configured as a container or hopper. The material supply unit 70 supplies the raw material to the extruder 72.

[0025] The extruder 72 melts the raw material and extrudes the raw material into a set of filaments 52. The extruder 72 can have any suitable configuration. In some configurations, the extruder 72 includes a barrel provided with a rotatable screw and a heating element. The rotation of the screw moves the material through the barrel and helps heat the material by the friction generated when the screw rotates. The molten material exits the barrel under pressure and is sent under pressure to the die 80 of the extruder 72.

[0026] The die plate, also called the extrusion die, the die 80 has a plurality of through holes, i.e., filament forming openings, through which the molten material passes. A single filament 52 is extruded from each through hole. The filament 52 falls downward from the die 80 into the funnel 74 under the action of gravity.

[0027] The funnel 74 groups or clusters the filaments 52 into a more compact arrangement where the filaments bend, curl or loop and the filament 52 contacts and joins at least one other filament 52. The funnel 74 has an inlet opening or funnel inlet and an outlet opening or funnel outlet that is smaller than the funnel inlet. The individual, separate filaments 52 enter the funnel inlet. The filaments 52 bend, curl or loop, move and contact as they accumulate. The filaments 52 move through the funnel 74 towards the funnel outlet. Some filaments can slide along the funnel 74 or an intervening sheet disposed on the funnel 74 as they move towards the funnel outlet. The joining forms between the filaments 52 at the contact points, but there are openings or gaps between the filaments 52 at other locations where one filament 52 does not contact or join another filament 52. The intertwined and joined filaments 52 enter the cooling tank 76 through the funnel outlet of the funnel 74. For reference convenience, the joined filaments 52 are referred to as a mesh member or filament mesh structure 90.

[0028] The cooling tank 76 holds a liquid such as water or a mixture of water and another fluid. The liquid in the cooling tank 76 helps to limit further compression or solidification of the filaments 52 by supporting the intertwined and joined filaments 52 and maintaining the desired porosity and density of the filament mesh structure 90. Thus, the liquid provides a certain amount of buoyancy or resistance to further bend, curl or loop the filaments 52 to further form the filament mesh structure 90 adjacent to the surface of the liquid or within the funnel 74. Also, the liquid cools the filaments 52 when the filaments 52 are in the liquid. For example, the liquid cools the filaments 52 from the outside to solidify the filaments 52 and prevent the filaments 52 from joining in more places. At this point, the filaments 52 are relatively hard and no longer in a plastic state and thus generally maintain their shape and cannot be molded or remolded without reheating.

[0029] The material handling subsystem 78 transports the filament mesh structure 90 through the cooling tank 76. The material handling subsystem 78 includes various rollers and conveyors that assist in moving the filament mesh structure 90 in and out of the liquid. In some configurations, a traction conveyor 92 is provided within the cooling tank 76 to help pull the filament mesh structure 90 away from the funnel 74 and counteract the buoyancy of the filaments 52.

[0030] One or more other rollers, such as roller 94, keep the filament mesh structure 90 submerged in the liquid and guide the filament mesh structure 90 through the cooling tank 76. For example, roller 94 can guide the filament mesh structure 90 towards a conveyor belt 96 and a vibrating table 98 disposed outside the cooling tank 76. The vibrating table 98 vibrates the filament mesh structure 90 on the conveyor belt 96 to remove the liquid. Alternatively or in addition, the filament mesh structure 90 may be wrung to remove the liquid, air may be blown towards the filament mesh structure 90 to assist in removing the liquid from the filament mesh structure 90, or both may be done. Also, the filament mesh structure 90 may be drip-dried or dried in the ambient air.

[0031] The above-described manufacturing system 60 is a continuous flow process in which the filament mesh structure 90 is formed as a continuous structure when filament extrusion is not interrupted. Further processing of the filament mesh structure 90 is performed after it exits the cooling tank 76 and cuts the filament mesh structure 90 into individual pieces or materials for individual cushions. Such processing is performed by the cutting subsystem of the manufacturing system 60. The cutting system may be of any suitable type. For example, the cutting system can cut the filaments 52 of the filament mesh structure 90 into materials using a blade, knife, hot knife, saw, fluid jet, etc. The cutting system may be used to shape or contour the material. The material may be further shaped or contoured by other manufacturing processes such as shaping the entire material or a portion thereof.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, an example of the cushion 50 is shown. The cushions are generically referred to by reference numeral 50 for convenience of reference. It should be understood that the structure and description of the cushion 50 are applicable to the cushion 32 of the seat bottom 20, the cushion 42 of the seat back 22, or both.

[0033] The cushion 50 is a non-foamed part or includes at least one non-foamed part. The non-foamed part is mainly called a mesh member, but may also be called a filamentous member, a ring-shaped member, a tangled member, a filament mesh structure, a mesh structure, a filamentous mesh body, a ring-shaped mesh body, a tangled mesh body, or a mesh body cushion. The cushion 50 will be described below in relation to a cushion 50 that does not contain a foaming material. In this context, the cushion 50 is made of filaments 52 of a polymer material that randomly form a ring shape, bend, curl, or tangle and are joined to each other. The filaments 52 are directly joined to another filament 52 rather than indirectly joined to a resin or other intermediate material.

[0034] The filament 52, also referred to as a filamentary body or thread, is made of any suitable material or materials. In some configurations, the filament 52 is made of a polymeric material or a thermoplastic material such as a thermoplastic resin that is polyamide-based, polyester-based, polyimide-based, polyolefin-based (e.g., polypropylene-based, polyethylene-based, etc.), polystyrene-based, or a combination thereof. As an example, a polyethylene-based filament may be made of linear low-density polyethylene (LLPDE). Unlike foamed materials, the filament material may be recyclable or may be recycled more easily than foamed materials. It is also conceivable that the filament 52 includes reinforcing fibers and the reinforcing fibers do not have to be made of a thermoplastic material.

[0035] In some configurations, the filament 52 may be a monofilament made of a single material. In some configurations, the filament 52 is composed of a plurality of materials. As an example, the filament 52 composed of a plurality of materials may include a core made of a first thermoplastic material and a sheath surrounding the core and made of a second thermoplastic material different from the first thermoplastic material. The cushion 50 may include a combination of a monofilament and a filament that is composed of a plurality of materials but is not a monofilament.

[0036] The randomly looped, bent, looped, curled or entangled filament 52 is joined together where one filament 52 contacts another filament 52, thereby creating a lightweight and air-permeable cushion (e.g., cushions 32 and / or 42) or a mesh structure having openings or voids between the filaments 52 and the filaments 52. An example of a manufacturing system 60 for manufacturing the cushion, i.e., the filament mesh structure, is shown in FIG. 2. In this example, the manufacturing system 60 includes a material supply unit 70, an extruder 72, and a funnel 74. The manufacturing system 60 also includes a cooling tank 76 and a material handling subsystem 78.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 3A, an exploded view of a portion of a seat assembly 10 including an example of a cushion 50 and an example of a trim cover 100 is shown. The trim cover 100 can be manufactured from cloth, fabric, or woven material. The trim cover 100 is also referred to as a seat or cloth cover. The cushion 50 includes a filament mesh structure 90. In FIG. 3A, for clarity, the cushion 50 is shown without depicting the individual filaments 52 of the filament mesh structure 90. In some configurations, the cushion 50 has a contoured outer side surface 110. The contoured outer side surface 110 can have a partially or wholly non-planar shape and can include one or more curved surfaces or regions of curvature. In some configurations, the contoured outer side surface 110 is concave or partially concave. The contoured outer side surface 110 faces the trim cover 100. Further, the contoured outer side surface 110 faces the seated occupant. The contoured outer side surface 110 can contact a portion of the trim cover 100 in one or more regions.

[0038] The trim cover 100 is generally designated by reference numeral 100 for ease of reference. It should be understood that the trim cover 100 can be the trim cover 34 of the seat bottom 20 or the trim cover 44 of the seat back 22 as described above. A portion of the trim cover 100 is shown in FIG. 3A to clarify other features in this figure. The trim cover 100 is disposed on and fixed to the cushion 50 that includes the filament mesh structure 90 and can generally follow the curvature or contour of the cushion when fixed to the cushion 50. The trim cover 100 and the cushion can collectively form a manufactured product such as a vehicle seat bottom 20 or a vehicle seat back 22.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 4, the cushion 50 including the filament mesh structure 90 and the trim cover 100 is shown separated to illustrate an attachment system 112 for fixing the trim cover 100 to the filament mesh structure 90. The attachment system 112 may more specifically be one or more hook and loop fastener systems (e.g., Velcro®). Each of the hook and loop fastener systems includes a loop portion 114 and a hook portion 116. One of the loop portion 114 and the hook portion 116 is attached to the filament mesh structure 90, and the other of the loop portion 114 and the hook portion 116 is attached to the trim cover 100. The loop portion 114 and the hook portion 116 cooperate to fix the trim cover 100 to the filament mesh structure 90 and form a product as a whole (e.g., the seat bottom 20 or the seat back 22).

[0040] Note that the loop portion 114 is shown attached to the trim cover 100 and the hook portion 116 is shown attached to the filament mesh structure 90. This configuration is preferred because the loop portion 114 can provide a softer feel to a user sitting on a product (e.g., the seat bottom 20 or the seat back 22) formed by the filament mesh structure 90 and the trim cover 100 and does not increase the rigidity of the trim cover 100. However, alternative configurations can be utilized as needed (e.g., the hook portion 116 is attached to the trim cover 100 and the loop portion 114 is attached to the filament mesh structure 90).

[0041] The annular part 114 is attached to the trim cover 100 via some systems or methods, and the hook part 116 may be attached to the filament mesh structure 90 or vice versa. In the following description of some attachment systems or methods, reference is made to the annular part 114 being attached to the trim cover 100 and the hook part 116 being attached to the filament mesh structure 90. However, in the case of an alternative configuration where the annular part 114 is attached to the filament mesh structure 90 and the hook part 116 is attached to the trim cover 100, it should be understood that the description of the annular part 114 may be replaced by the description of the hook part 116, and the description of the hook part 116 may be replaced by the description of the annular part 114.

[0042] In the first example of the attachment system or method shown in FIG. 5, the annular part 114 is attached to the trim cover 100 via the first adhesive 118, and the hook part 116 is attached to the filament mesh structure 90 via the second adhesive 120. The first adhesive 118 and the second adhesive 120 may be spray adhesives, heat-activated adhesives, pressure-activated adhesives, epoxies, resins, photocurable adhesives (e.g., ultraviolet-curable adhesives) or any other type of adhesive known in the art. For example, the adhesive may be composed of the same material as the filament mesh structure 90 or other compatible materials. Alternatively, the annular part 114 may be attached to the trim cover 100 and the hook part 116 may be attached to the filament mesh structure 90 by lamination or ultrasonic welding. The first adhesive 118 and the second adhesive 120 are arranged along the surfaces of the trim cover 100 and the filament mesh structure 90, respectively, on the opposite sides of the surfaces of the annular part 114 and the hook part 116 that are configured to engage with each other to fix the annular part 114 to the hook part 116.

[0043] A removable film may be disposed on the first adhesive 118 and the second adhesive 120 on the annular body portion 114 and the hook body portion 116, respectively. Such a removable film can protect the first adhesive 118 and the second adhesive 120 before the annular body portion 114 and the hook body portion 116 are fixed to the trim cover 100 and the filament mesh structure 90, respectively. Before the annular body portion 114 and the hook body portion 116 are fixed to the trim cover 100 and the filament mesh structure 90, respectively, the removable film is removed to expose the first adhesive 118 and the second adhesive 120, so that the first adhesive 118 and the second adhesive 120 can engage with the trim cover 100 and the filament mesh structure 90, respectively, to fix the annular body portion 114 and the hook body portion 116 to the trim cover 100 and the filament mesh structure 90, respectively.

[0044] In a second example of the attachment system or method shown in FIG. 6, the hook body portion 116 is attached to the filament mesh structure 90 via a combination of one or more holders 122 and connectors 124. A combination of a single holder 122 and a connector 124 can be referred to as a holder assembly 130. Each of the connectors 124 extends from the back surface of the hook body portion 116 through the filament mesh structure 90 to the corresponding holder 122. The holder 122 engages with the opposite side surface 126 of the filament mesh structure 90 with respect to the attachment system (e.g., the hook and annular body fastener system) 112. The attachment system 112 is disposed along the side surface 128 of the filament mesh structure 90 opposite to the opposite side surface 126 of the filament mesh structure 90. The annular body portion 114 can be attached to the trim cover 100 in FIG. 6 in the same manner as described above with respect to FIG. 5 (e.g., the annular body portion 114 may be attached to the trim cover 100 via any adhesive, lamination, ultrasonic welding, etc. known in the art).

[0045] Figures 7 and 8 show the holder assembly 130 in more detail. The holder assembly 130 can be disposed within the cushion 50 that includes the filament mesh structure 90. In the illustrated embodiment, the hook portion 116 can be attached to the holder assembly 130, while the annular portion 114 can be attached to the trim cover 110. The connector 124 may be stitched to the hook portion 116. The connector 124 may also be stitched to the holder 122. The connector 124 may have a width smaller than the width of the hook portion 116. The holder 122 may have a thickness smaller than the width of the holder 122. The connector 124 extends through the slot 132 of the cushion 50 that includes the filament mesh structure 90. The connector 124 may be composed of a fibrous material such as a fabric or cloth.

[0046] The back surface of the hook portion 116 may be connected to a plate (e.g., similar to the plate 404 described below with respect to the fourth embodiment of the attachment system or method) that operates to enhance the rigidity of the hook portion 116. The hook portion 116 may be connected to such a plate via an adhesive or sewing thread (e.g., the hook portion 116 may be sewn to the plate). The plate may then be connected to the connector 124. When attached, the plate can engage the outside (e.g., the side surface 128) of the filament mesh structure 90.

[0047] The holder 122 may have a width larger than the width of the connector 124. The holder 122 may be pivotally attached to the connector 124 and spaced apart from the hook portion 116. For example, the holder 122 and the hook portion 116 may be fixed to both ends of the connector 124. The holder 122 can pivot outwardly with respect to the cushion 50 that includes the filament mesh structure 90 such that the width of the holder 122 engages the seat portion of the cushion 50 that includes the filament mesh structure 90. The holder 122 holds the hook portion 116 on the cushion 50 that includes the filament mesh structure 90. The holder 122 may be composed of a polymeric material.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 7, the retainer assembly 130 is shown partially inserted into the cushion 50 that includes the filament mesh structure 90. The retainer 122 of the retainer assembly 130 falls along the connector 124 of the retainer assembly 130. Next, the retainer 122 and the connector 124 are inserted into the slot 132 formed through the cushion 50 that includes the filament mesh structure 90. The retainer 122 can translate through the cushion 50 that includes the filament mesh structure 90 while the connector 124 is still at least partially within the slot 132. Next, the retainer 122 is expanded relative to the connector 124 to contact the region of the cushion 50 that includes the filament mesh structure 90 adjacent to the slot 132 and can hold the connector 124 within the slot 132. FIG. 8 shows the retainer assembly 130 with the hook portion 116 and the retainer 122 disposed and engaged on opposite sides (e.g., side surface 128 and opposite side surface 126, respectively) of the cushion 50 that includes the filament mesh structure 90 and fully attached to the cushion 50 that includes the filament mesh structure 90. FIG. 8 also shows the engagement between the annular portion 114 and the hook portion 116 for securing the trim cover 100 to the cushion 50 that includes the filament mesh structure 90.

[0049] In a third example of the attachment system or method shown in FIG. 9, the hook-shaped portion 116 is attached to the filament mesh structure 90 via one or more hooks 233, and the one or more hooks 233 extend from the back surface of the hook-shaped portion 116 into the filament mesh structure 90 and engage with at least one filament 52 of the set of filaments 52. More specifically, the hook 233 may extend from the back surface of the hook-shaped portion 116 opposite the hook configured to engage the annular body of the annular body portion 114. The hook 233 can more specifically be attached to and extend from a carrier 235. Next, the hook-shaped portion 116 is connected to the carrier 235. The hook-shaped portion 116 may be attached to the carrier 235 via an adhesive (e.g., any adhesive described herein or known in the art), lamination, ultrasonic welding, etc. The surface of the carrier 235 opposite the hook 233 may be flush with the outside of the filament mesh structure 90 when attached to the filament mesh structure 90. The annular body portion 114 may be attached to the trim cover 100 of FIG. 9 in the same manner as described above with respect to FIG. 5 (e.g., the annular body portion 114 may be attached to the trim cover 100 via any adhesive, lamination, ultrasonic welding, etc. known in the art). The hook 233 and the carrier 235 may form part of a clip 200 configured to secure the hook-shaped portion 116 to the filament mesh structure 90.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 10-13, clip 200 is shown in more detail. Clip 200 includes several hooks 233 and a carrier 235. Clip 200 is configured to fix the hook-shaped portion 116 to a cushion such as cushion 50 including the filament mesh structure 90. Clip 200 is made of any suitable material. In some configurations, clip 200 is made of a polymer material. Clip 200 may be made of the same material as filament 52 or a different material from filament 52. The polymer material may be recyclable. Clip 200 is manufactured using any suitable process. For example, clip 200 may be molded or manufactured by an additional manufacturing process such as three-dimensional printing. Clip 200 may be manufactured as an integral single part that may be cut to a suitable length for attachment within the filament mesh structure 90.

[0051] Clip 200 includes one or more clip portions 210. In configurations having a plurality of clip portions 210, clip 200 is provided with a vertebral portion 212. In such a configuration, the vertebral portion 212 interconnects the clip portions 210. The clip portions 210 are spaced apart from each other such that a gap 214 is provided between one clip portion 210 and an adjacent clip portion 210. Clip 200 will be mainly described in relation to clip 200 having a plurality of clip portions 210.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, an example of the spine portion 212 is shown. The spine portion 212 is flexible and allows the clip portions 210 to be positioned relative to each other in various directions. The spine portion 212 may be linear, i.e., extend along a linear spine axis 220, when the spine portion 212 is in a free state as shown in FIG. 10. The spine portion 212 includes a bottom surface 230 and a top surface 232. The bottom surface 230 faces away from the clip portions 210. In some configurations, the bottom surface 230 extends over the length of the clip 200. The top surface 232 is disposed on the opposite side of the bottom surface 230. Thus, the top surface 232 faces the clip portions 210. In some configurations, the top surface 232 is segmented and extends from one clip portion 210 to an adjacent clip portion 210, i.e., is visible between adjacent clip portions 210, 210.

[0053] In the configuration shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the spine portion 212 is disposed below the clip portions 210. It is also contemplated that the spine portion 212 may be disposed at a higher position than shown in these figures. For example, instead of being disposed below one or more clip portions 210, the spine portion 212 may extend from the side surface of the first clip portion 210 facing an adjacent second clip portion 210 to the corresponding side surface of the adjacent clip portion 210 facing the first clip portion 210. As an example, the spine portion 212 may be moved upward from the position shown in FIG. 11 such that the top surface 232 of FIG. 11 becomes the bottom surface 230 and the top surface 232 is hidden behind the clip portions 210 from the perspective view shown in the figure.

[0054] Referring mainly to FIG. 11, the clip portion 210 includes at least one retaining feature, such as one of the carriers 235. The carrier 235 extends upward from the spine portion 212. In some configurations, the carrier 235 extends from the upper surface 232 of the spine portion 212. The carrier 235 is shown as extending upward from the spine portion 212 via two pillars 237 that form a cavity 239. In some configurations, the carrier 235 can fill the cavity 239 and remove the pillars 237 and extend directly upward from the spine portion 212.

[0055] The carrier 235 can extend away from the spine portion 212 in a first direction 252 along or with respect to the central plane 254 of the clip portion 210. The central plane 254 can bisect the clip portion 210. The first direction 252 extends away from the spine portion 212, i.e., in an upward direction from the perspective shown in FIG. 11. The central plane 254 can extend through the spine portion 212. For example, the central plane 254 can bisect the spine portion 212. The central plane 254 can also bisect the carrier 235. The spine axis 220 can be disposed in the central plane 254 of the clip portion 210, such as when the clip 200 is in a free state.

[0056] One or more spines 242 are provided with the clip portion 210. The spines 242 can correspond to the hooks 233. The spines 242 extend from the carrier 235, the spine portion 212, or both. FIG. 11 shows two spines 242, 242, and each spine 242 extends from the carrier 235 and the spine portion 212. In some configurations, the spines 242 are spaced apart from the spine portion 212 and do not extend from the spine portion 212. In such configurations, the spines 242 extend away from the central plane 254 from the corresponding carrier 235. Similarly, the spines 242 extending from the spine portion 212 can also extend away from the central plane 254.

[0057] The spine portion 242 is arranged in a relationship that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the central plane 254. Further, the spine portion 242 is directed so as to extend in an upward direction away from the bottom surface 230 of the vertebral portion 212, that is, from the perspective shown in FIG. 11. Thus, as the distance from the vertebral portion 212 increases, the spine portion 242 extends in the first direction 252. Therefore, the spine portion 242 can extend away from the bottom surface 230 when the spine portion 242 extends away from the vertebral portion 212 and the central plane 254. In the illustrated configuration, the first spine portion 242 extends in a direction away from the second spine portion 242. Therefore, the first spine portion 242 and the second spine portion 242 can extend in opposite directions from each other or with respect to the central plane 254.

[0058] The spine portion 242 can extend linearly or non-linearly in a direction away from the bottom surface 230. In FIG. 11, each spine portion 242 is shown to extend along a corresponding spine axis 270. The spine axis 270 intersects the central plane 254 at an acute angle 272, as shown in FIG. 11, and can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the central plane 254 when viewed from above, that is, in a plan view, as shown in FIG. 12. The term "substantially perpendicular" is used in this specification to indicate a feature or axis that is the same as or very close to perpendicular, including features within ±3° of being perpendicular to each other. In some configurations, the spine axis 270 intersects the central plane 254 at a position that does not intersect the vertebral portion 212, such as a position along the carrier 235. Also, the spine portion 242 may be curved or may extend non-linearly. For example, the spine portion 242 or a part thereof may curve upward from the perspective shown or may extend along an arc or curve that is convex with respect to the vertebral portion 212.

[0059] In some configurations, the spine portion 242 includes an upper surface 280, a lower surface 282, a first lateral surface 284, and a second lateral surface 286.

[0060] The upper surface 280 faces away from the spinal portion 212. In some configurations, the upper surface 280 extends from the corresponding carrier 235. For example, the upper surface 280 may intersect or extend from the corresponding carrier 235. As the upper surface 280 extends in a direction away from the corresponding carrier 235 from which it extends, the upper surface 280 extends in a direction further away from the spinal portion 212. The upper surface 280 may have a planar or non-planar configuration.

[0061] The lower surface 282 is disposed on the side opposite the upper surface 280. Thus, the lower surface 282 faces toward the spinal portion 212. In some configurations, the lower surface 282 extends from the corresponding carrier 235. In some configurations, the lower surface 282 intersects or extends from the spinal portion 212. The lower surface 282 can have a planar or non-planar configuration. The lower surface 282 extends further away from the spinal portion 212 such that the lower surface 282 extends away from the corresponding carrier 235 from which it extends. In some configurations, the lower surface 282 has a length that is longer than the upper surface 280.

[0062] In some configurations, the lower surface 282 is disposed substantially parallel to the upper surface 280. As used herein, the term "substantially parallel" means the same as or very nearly parallel and includes features or axes within ±3° of being parallel to each other. When the lower surface 282 is disposed substantially parallel to the upper surface 280, the lower surface 282 does not intersect the upper surface 280. In some configurations, the lower surface 282 and the upper surface 280 are disposed in a non-parallel relationship. For example, the lower surface 282 and the upper surface 280 can approach each other as the distance from the central plane 254 increases. In some configurations, it is contemplated that the lower surface 282 intersects the upper surface 280, for example, at the distal end of the spinous portion 242.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, the first lateral side 284 extends from the corresponding carrier 235. The first lateral side 284 extends from the upper side 280 to the lower side 282. As best shown in FIG. 12, the first lateral side 284 extends toward the second lateral side 286 as the distance from the central plane 254 increases. For example, the first lateral side 284 extends toward or closer to the corresponding spine axis 270 as the distance from the central plane 254 increases. The first lateral side 284 may be planar or non-planar.

[0064] The second lateral side 286 extends from the corresponding carrier 235 and is disposed opposite the first lateral side 284. The second lateral side 286 extends from the upper side 280 toward the lower side 282. The second lateral side 286 extends toward the first lateral side 284 as the distance from the central plane 254 increases. For example, the second lateral side 286 extends toward or closer to the corresponding spine axis 270 as the distance from the central plane 254 increases. Such a configuration facilitates the attachment of the clip 200 to the cushion 50. The second lateral side 286 may be planar or non-planar.

[0065] In some configurations, the first lateral side 284 intersects the second lateral side 286 at the distal end 292 of the spine portion 242. This can result in the spine portion 242 having a triangular configuration when viewed from above, as best shown in FIG. 12, when the first lateral side 284 and the second lateral side 286 have a planar configuration oriented in the vertical direction. Also, it is conceivable that the distal end 292 meets along a rounded or radiused edge rather than a straight edge.

[0066] Insertion of the clip 200 into the filament network structure 90 causes the barb portion 242 to interact with the filament 52, such that at least a portion of the filament 52 contacts the barb portion 242 and the barb portion 242 is wound into the filament 52, as a result of which the clip 200 is retained by the filament network structure 90. At least a portion of the barb portion 242 is received in the void or gap between the members of a set of filaments 52. The barb portion 242 contacts one or more members of a set of filaments 52.

[0067] By the filament 52 becoming looped or coiled, the filament 52 can contact the clip 200 at various positions. In some configurations, at least one member of a set of filaments 52 contacts the first and second barb portions 242, 242 of the clip portion 210.

[0068] In some configurations, at least one member of a set of filaments 52 contacts a plurality of clip portions 210. As an example, the clip portion 210 may be inserted into an elongated gap defined by the filament network structure 90. At least one member of a set of filaments 52 contacts the first clip portion 210 and the second clip portion 210. The filament 52 can become looped or coiled around the barb portions 242 of the first clip portion 210 and the barb portions 242 of the second clip portion 210 to make contact. However, it should be understood that the filament 52 need not form a closed loop around or surround one or both of the barb portions 242. For example, the filament 52 can extend over the barb portion 242 to engage the upper surface 280 and contact another side or a combination thereof of the barb portion 242. For example, a filament contacting the lower surface 282 of the barb portion 242 serves to limit downward movement or tilting of the clip 200, and filaments 52 contacting lateral sides of the barb portion 242, such as the first lateral side 284 or the second lateral side 286, can prevent or limit movement of the clip 200 along or in at least one direction within the elongated gap.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 14, a flowchart of a method 300 for securing a trim cover 100 to a cushion 50 including a filament mesh structure 90 is shown. Method 300 starts at block 302, where a first portion of a hook and loop fastener system (e.g., attachment system 112), such as one of a loop portion 114 and a hook portion 116, is attached to a filament mesh member (e.g., filament mesh structure 90). Next, method 300 proceeds to block 304, where a second portion of the hook and loop fastener system, such as the other of the loop portion 114 and the hook portion 116, is attached to a trim cover (e.g., trim cover 100). Next, method 300 proceeds to block 306, where the first portion of the hook and loop fastener system, such as one of the loop portion 114 and the hook portion 116, engages the second portion of the hook and loop fastener system, such as the other of the loop portion 114 and the hook portion 116, to secure the trim cover (e.g., trim cover 100) to the filament mesh member (e.g., filament mesh structure 90) and form a product (e.g., seat bottom 20 or seat back 22). It should be understood that the flowchart of FIG. 14 is for illustrative purposes only and method 300 should not be construed as being limited to the flowchart of FIG. 14. Some of the steps of method 300 may be rearranged and other steps may be omitted entirely.

[0070] In a fourth example of the attachment system or method shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the hook-shaped portion 116 is attached to the filament mesh structure 90 via a clip 400. The clip 400 includes one or more first hooks 402, and the one or more first hooks 402 extend from the back surface of the hook-shaped portion 116 into the filament mesh structure 90 and engage at least one filament 52 of a set of filaments 52. More specifically, the one or more first hooks 402 can extend from the opposite side of the hook-shaped portion 116 with respect to the hook of the hook-shaped portion 116 configured to engage the annular body of the annular body portion 114. The back surface of the hook-shaped portion 116 can be connected to a plate 404 that operates to increase the rigidity of the hook-shaped portion 116. The hook-shaped portion 116 can be connected to the plate 404 by an adhesive or a sewing thread (e.g., the hook-shaped portion 116 may be sewn to the plate 404). Next, the plate 404 can be connected to a connector 406 that includes a bead (raised portion) 408. Next, the connector 406 can be connected to the clip 400 to fix the hook-shaped portion 116 to the clip 400 connected to the filament mesh structure 90. The connector 406 extends through a groove 407 of the cushion 50 that includes the filament mesh structure 90.

[0071] When attached, the plate 404 can engage the exterior 410 of the filament mesh structure 90. The connector 406 can be directly connected to the plate 404 and can be connected to the clip 400 via one or more second hooks 412 extending from the clip 400. More specifically, the one or more second hooks 412 can engage the bead 408 on the connector 406. The connector can be manufactured from a plastic material (e.g., Duon with beads). The clip 400 can include a series of one or more first hooks 402 and one or more second hooks 412, which are connected to each other via a backbone portion 414 and form a snake-like shape.

[0072] The annular part 114 can be attached to the trim cover 100 of FIG. 15 in the same manner as described above with respect to FIG. 5 (for example, the annular part 114 may be attached to the trim cover 100 via any adhesive, lamination, ultrasonic welding, etc. known in the art).

[0073] Item 1. A filament mesh member including a set of filaments of a thermoplastic material, wherein each member of the set of filaments is joined to at least one other member of the set of filaments, a trim cover disposed on the filament mesh member, and a hook and annular retainer system including an annular part and a hook part, wherein (i) one of the annular part and the hook part is attached to the filament mesh member, (ii) the other of the annular part and the hook part is attached to the trim cover, and the annular part and the hook part cooperate to fix the trim cover to the filament mesh member. A product comprising a hook and annular retainer system.

[0074] Item 2. The product according to Item 1, wherein one of the annular part and the hook part is attached to the filament mesh member via an adhesive.

[0075] Item 3. The product according to any one of Items 1 to 2, wherein the other of the annular part and the hook part is attached to the trim cover via an adhesive.

[0076] Item 4. The product according to Item 1, wherein one of the annular part and the hook part is attached to the filament mesh member via one or more hooks extending from the back surface of one of the annular part and the hook part into the filament mesh member and engaging at least one filament of the set of filaments.

[0077] Item 5. The product according to any one of Item 1 or Item 4, wherein the other of the annular body portion and the hook body portion is attached to the trim cover via an adhesive.

[0078] Item 6. The product according to Item 1, wherein one of the annular body portion and the hook body portion is attached to the filament mesh member via a holder and a connector, (i) the connector extends from the back surface of one of the annular body portion and the hook body portion, (ii) passes through the filament mesh member, and (iii) engages with the holder on the opposite side of the filament mesh member with respect to the hook body and annular body fastener system.

[0079] Item 7. The product according to any one of Item 1 or Item 6, wherein the other of the annular body portion and the hook body portion is attached to the trim cover via an adhesive.

[0080] Item 8. The product according to any one of Items 1 to 7, wherein the product is the bottom of a vehicle seat.

[0081] Item 9. The product according to any one of Items 1 to 7, wherein the product is the back of a vehicle seat.

[0082] Item 10. An attachment system comprising a hook body portion attached to one of a filament mesh member and a seat, the filament mesh member being composed of a set of filaments in which each member of the set of filaments is joined to at least one other member of the set of filaments, and an annular body portion attached to the other of the filament mesh member and the seat, wherein the annular body portion and the hook body portion cooperate to fix the seat to the filament mesh member.

[0083] Item 11. The attachment system according to item 10, wherein (i) the hook-shaped part is attached to one of the filament mesh member and the sheet via a first adhesive, and (ii) the ring-shaped part is attached to the other of the filament mesh member and the sheet via a second adhesive.

[0084] Item 12. The attachment system according to item 10, wherein one of the ring-shaped part and the hook-shaped part is attached to the filament mesh member via one or more hooks that extend from the back surface of one of the ring-shaped part and the hook-shaped part into the filament mesh member and engage at least one filament of the set of filaments.

[0085] Item 13. The attachment system according to item 10, wherein one of the ring-shaped part and the hook-shaped part is attached to the filament mesh member via a holder and a connector, (i) the connector extends from the back surface of one of the ring-shaped part and the hook-shaped part, (ii) passes through the filament mesh member, and (iii) extends to the holder that engages on the opposite side of the filament mesh member with respect to the hook and ring fastener system.

[0086] Item 14. The attachment system according to any one of items 10 to 13, wherein the filament mesh member and the sheet collectively form the bottom of a vehicle seat.

[0087] Item 15. The attachment system according to any one of items 10 to 13, wherein the filament mesh member and the sheet collectively form the back of a vehicle seat.

[0088] Item 16. A method comprising engaging a first part of a hook and ring fastener system with a second part of the hook and ring fastener system to secure a fabric cover to a filament mesh member comprising a set of filaments in which each member of the set of filaments of a thermoplastic material is joined to at least one other member of the set of filaments.

[0089] Item 17. The method according to item 16, further comprising attaching the first part of the hook-shaped body and the ring-shaped body fastening system to the filament mesh member before engaging the first part with the second part.

[0090] Item 18. The method according to any one of items 16 to 17, further comprising attaching the second part to the fabric cover before engaging the first part of the hook-shaped body and the ring-shaped body fastening system with the second part.

[0091] Item 19. The method according to any one of items 16 to 18, comprising forming a vehicle seat bottom through the engagement between the first part of the hook-shaped body and the ring-shaped body fastening system and the second part of the hook-shaped body and the ring-shaped body fastening system.

[0092] Item 20. The method according to any one of items 16 to 18, comprising forming a vehicle seat back through the engagement between the first part of the hook-shaped body and the ring-shaped body fastening system and the second part of the hook-shaped body and the ring-shaped body fastening system.

[0093] It should be understood that the names first, second, third, fourth, etc. for any part, state, or condition described herein may be rearranged in the claims so that they are in chronological order with respect to the claims. Further, if one or more of a particular part, state, or condition are recited in the claims, any part, state, or condition described herein without an ordinal number may be given the names first, second, third, fourth, etc. in the claims.

[0094] While the exemplary embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms in accordance with the disclosure. In this regard, it should be understood that the terms used in this specification are terms of description rather than limitation, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, the features of the various embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments in accordance with the disclosure.

Claims

1. A filament mesh member comprising a set of filaments of a thermoplastic material, wherein each member of the set of filaments is joined to at least one other member of the set of filaments, and a filament mesh member, A trim cover disposed on the filament mesh member, A hook and loop fastener system comprising a loop portion and a hook portion, wherein (i) one of the loop portion and the hook portion is attached to the filament mesh member, and (ii) the other of the loop portion and the hook portion is attached to the trim cover, and the loop portion and the hook portion cooperate to secure the trim cover to the filament mesh member, and a hook and loop fastener system, A product comprising the same.

2. The product according to claim 1, wherein one of the loop portion and the hook portion is attached to the filament mesh member via an adhesive.

3. The product according to claim 1, wherein the other of the loop portion and the hook portion is attached to the trim cover via an adhesive.

4. The product according to claim 1, wherein one of the loop portion and the hook portion is attached to the filament mesh member via one or more hooks extending from the back of one of the loop portion and the hook portion into the filament mesh member and engaging at least one filament of the set of filaments.

5. The product according to claim 4, wherein the other of the loop portion and the hook portion is attached to the trim cover via an adhesive.

6. The product according to claim 1, wherein one of the loop portion and the hook portion is attached to the filament mesh member via a retainer and a connector, wherein (i) the connector extends from the back of one of the loop portion and the hook portion, (ii) through the filament mesh member, and (iii) engages the retainer on the opposite side of the filament mesh member from the hook and loop fastener system.

7. The product according to claim 6, wherein the other of the loop portion and the hook portion is attached to the trim cover via an adhesive.

8. The product according to claim 1, wherein the product is the bottom of a vehicle seat.

9. The product according to claim 1, which is the backrest of a vehicle seat.

10. A filament mesh member composed of a set of filaments, wherein each member of the set of filaments is coupled to at least one other member of the set of filaments, and a hook portion attached to one of the filament mesh member and the seat, A ring portion attached to the other of the filament mesh member and the seat, wherein the ring portion and the hook portion cooperate to fix the seat to the filament mesh member, An attachment system comprising.

11. (i) The hook portion is attached to one of the filament mesh member and the seat via a first adhesive, and (ii) the ring portion is attached to the other of the filament mesh member and the seat via a second adhesive. The attachment system according to claim 10.

12. One of the ring portion and the hook portion is attached to the filament mesh member via one or more hooks that extend from the back of the one of the ring portion and the hook portion into the filament mesh member and engage at least one filament of the set of filaments. The attachment system according to claim 10.

13. One of the ring portion and the hook portion is attached to the filament mesh member via a holder and a connector, (i) the connector extends from the back of the one of the ring portion and the hook portion, (ii) passes through the filament mesh member, and (iii) extends to the holder that engages on the opposite side of the filament mesh member with respect to the hook and ring retainer system. The attachment system according to claim 10.

14. The filament mesh member and the seat collectively form a vehicle seat bottom. The attachment system according to claim 10.

15. The filament mesh member and the seat collectively form a vehicle seat backrest. The attachment system according to claim 10.

16. A method comprising engaging a first part of a hook and loop fastener system with a second part of the hook and loop fastener system to secure a fabric cover to a filament mesh member comprising a set of filaments of a thermoplastic material, wherein each member of the set of filaments is joined to at least one other member of the set of filaments.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising attaching the first part to the filament mesh member before engaging the first part of the hook and loop fastener system with the second part.

18. The method according to claim 16, further comprising attaching the second part to the fabric cover before engaging the first part of the hook and loop fastener system with the second part.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the method comprises forming a vehicle seat bottom through engagement of the first part of the hook and loop fastener system with the second part of the hook and loop fastener system.

20. The method according to claim 16, wherein the method comprises forming a vehicle seat back through engagement of the first part of the hook and loop fastener system with the second part of the hook and loop fastener system.

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