Seat assembly

Abstract

The seat assembly has a seat cushion defining a first surface for supporting an occupant and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first surface further defining a groove. The fastener has a longitudinal body having a central region located between the first end region and the second end region and a base extending outwardly from the second end region and transversely to the body. The first end region tapers away from the second end region, and the central region of the body defines a recess that meets the sidewall of the body to form a hook and slopes inwardly toward the first end region. The fastener penetrates the seat cushion with the base abutting the second surface and the first end region of the body extending into the groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments relate to fasteners for use with a seat assembly, the seat assembly, and a method of assembling the seat assembly.

[0002] (Cross - reference to related applications) This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 714,511, filed on April 6, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0003] A vehicle seat assembly may include, for example, fasteners used to hold a trim cover to an underlying cushion. Examples of vehicle seat assemblies and fasteners can be found in U.S. Patent No. 6,899,399, U.S. Patent No. 10,676,000, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0344691, and International Publication No. WO01 / 24665.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a seat assembly includes a seating cushion defining a first surface for supporting an occupant and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first surface further defining a groove. The fastener includes a longitudinal body having a central region disposed between a first end region and a second end region, and a base extending outwardly from the second end region and transverse to the body. The first end region tapers away from the second end region, and the central region of the body defines a recess that intersects a sidewall of the body to form a hook and is inclined inwardly toward the first end region. The fastener passes through the seating cushion such that the base abuts the second surface and the first end region of the body extends into the groove.

[0005] In a further embodiment, the seating cushion is formed from a twisted mesh material member.

[0006] In a further embodiment, the twisted mesh material member includes a polymer mesh having a plurality of integrated polymer strands.

[0007] In another further embodiment, a trim cover is provided to form a seating surface, and a tie-down is connected to the trim cover. The fastener engages with the tie-down to connect the trim cover to the seating cushion.

[0008] In a further embodiment, the cushion layer is positioned between the first surface of the seat cushion and the trim cover.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the tie-down defines an opening adjacent to the bead of the tie-down, and the body of the fastener passes through the opening to connect the trim cover to the seat cushion.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the opening is at least partially defined by the bead of the tie-down.

[0011] In a further embodiment, a frame is provided to support the seat cushion.

[0012] In another further embodiment, the body defines a first finger extending from the first end region toward the base to a first distal end, the first finger cooperating with the central region to define the recess and form the hook.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the body defines a second finger extending from the second end region toward the first end region to a second distal end, the second finger cooperating with the central region to define the recess.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the second finger is inclined inward relative to the body toward the second distal end.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the first distal end and the second distal end do not overlap laterally.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the fastener defines a central opening that extends longitudinally through the second end region and intersects with the base.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the central opening intersects with the recess.

[0018] In another further embodiment, the base has a first surface facing the first end region of the body and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the base defines at least one post extending longitudinally outward from the first surface of the base, and the at least one post is spaced apart from the body.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the base defines an indicator showing the orientation of the hook.

[0020] In another further embodiment, the central region defines at least one projection that extends outward from the central region and is inclined away from the first end region.

[0021] In another embodiment, the fastener comprises a member forming a longitudinal body having a central region positioned between a first end region and a second end region, the first end region tapering away from the second end region. The member forms a base extending outward from the second end region and laterally relative to the body. The central region of the body defines a recess extending laterally toward the first end region within the central region of the body, intersecting with the side wall of the member and forming a hook.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, a method of assembling a seat assembly is provided. The distal end of the tapered fastening member is inserted through the cushion until the base of the fastening member abuts against the first outer surface of the cushion and the distal end extends into a groove formed in a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface of the cushion. A trim cover having a tie-down on the second surface of the cushion is positioned. To connect the trim cover to the cushion, a hook defined by the fastening member is inserted through an opening defined by the tie-down.

[0023] In another embodiment, the cushion is formed from a twisted mesh material without a pre-formed hole for the fastening member.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a seat assembly according to one embodiment.

[0025] [Figure 2] It is a partial perspective view of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 1 with a fastening member according to one embodiment.

[0026] [Figure 3] It is a partial cross-sectional view of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 1 with a fastening member according to another embodiment.

[0027] [Figure 4] It is a front view of the fastening member of FIG. 3.

[0028] [Figure 5] It is a top perspective view of the fastening member of FIG. 3.

[0029] [Figure 6] It is a bottom perspective view of the fastening member of FIG. 3.

[0030] [Figure 7] It is a top perspective view of the fastening member according to yet another embodiment.

[0031] [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the bottom of the zipper.

[0032] [Figure 9] Figure 7 is a side view of the fastener.

[0033] [Figure 10] This is a top perspective view of a fastener according to another embodiment.

[0034] [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a bottom perspective view of the fastener.

[0035] [Figure 12] Figure 10 shows a side view of the fastener. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] Where necessary, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and can be implemented in various alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. Some features may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate the details of certain components. Accordingly, certain structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as representative grounds to teach those skilled in the art how to utilize this disclosure in various ways.

[0037] Referring to Figure 1, a seat assembly 20, such as a vehicle seat assembly 20, is shown. In other examples, the seat assembly 20 may be shaped and sized as a front-row driver's or passenger's seat, a second row, a third row, or other rear-row seat, and may include the illustrated bench seat, bucket seat, or other seat style. Furthermore, the seat assembly may be a non-retractable seat, or a retractable seat that is foldable and can be stored in a cavity in the vehicle floor. Furthermore, the seat assembly 20 may be configured for use in other non-vehicle applications.

[0038] The seat assembly 20 has a frame 22 or other support structure. The seat assembly has seat components, which include at least a seat base 24 and a backrest 26. The seat base 24 may be sized to receive a seated occupant and support the occupant's pelvis and thighs. The backrest 26 may extend upright from the seat base 24 and be sized to support the occupant's back. The seat assembly may further have a headrest 27, which is shown only for adjacent seat assemblies. The seat base 24 has a seat base cushion 28. The backrest 26 has a backrest cushion 30. The frame 22 may include a wire suspension mat or other structure that supports the cushions 28, 30.

[0039] The frame 22 may be provided as a plurality of frame members that are movable relative to one another to provide rigid structural support to seat components, such as the seat base 24 and backrest 26, and to provide adjustment of the seat assembly. The frame may be formed from stamped steel alloy, fiber-reinforced polymer, or any suitable structural material.

[0040] The trim cover 32 is used to cover the seat base cushion 28 and the back cushion 30 and to provide the seat surface of the seat assembly 20. The vehicle seat assembly 20 is shown without the trim cover, and the adjacent seat assembly shows the trim cover 32. In one example, the trim cover 32 covers both cushions 28 and 30. In other examples, multiple trim covers are provided to cover the seat base cushion and the back cushion. The trim cover 32 may be formed from one or more panels of cloth, leather, artificial leather, vinyl, or other material.

[0041] The seat cushion 40 is described in more detail below, and that description may also apply similarly to the seat base cushion 28 or the backrest cushion 30.

[0042] In the illustrated example, the seat cushion 40 includes at least one non-foamed component or member 42. In one example, as illustrated, the seat cushion 40 is formed solely from the non-foamed component 42, such that the non-foamed component 42 provides all the cushioning for the seat component between the frame 22 and the trim cover 32. In other examples, the seat cushion 40 may be formed from the non-foamed component 42 and one or more foamed components, such as components formed from molded polyurethane foam. The seat cushion 40 may have non-foamed and foamed components arranged to provide different regions of the cushion 40 for the seat component, for example, a central region and a side bolster region. Alternatively or additionally, the seat cushion 40 may have a thin foamed component or other material layer placed between the non-foamed component 42 and the trim cover 32 to provide additional cushioning for one or more regions of the seat component. Furthermore, the seat assembly 20 may have a heating pad or heating mat placed between the cushion 40 and the trim cover 32. By removing some or all of the conventional foam components from the seat cushion 40, the seat assembly 20 may be made lighter and have improved support and comfort. In other examples, the seat cushion 40 may be formed from a foam material such as molded polyurethane foam.

[0043] In a non-limiting example, the non-foamed component or member 42 of the seat cushion 40 is formed from a twisted mesh material, also known as an entangled three-dimensional filament structure. The twisted mesh material is formed from a polymer mesh having multiple integrated polymer strands. The twisted mesh material may be formed from, for example, chain low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) material, but other polymers and materials are also possible that are effective in providing the desired properties and functionality. The twisted mesh material may also be formed using extruded filaments of chain low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), which are randomly entangled, bent, looped, or otherwise arranged and oriented and directly bonded to one another to provide a porous mesh structure. An example is shown in detail in Figure 3. The present disclosure generally describes, by example, the twisted mesh material member 42 below. However, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, other non-foamed component or molded component may be used instead of the twisted mesh material member 42.

[0044] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the twisted mesh material member 42 includes a first surface 44 and a second surface 46 located opposite the first surface 44. The first surface 44 is positioned on the seat assembly 20 to support the occupant of the seat assembly. The first surface 44 defines at least one groove 48. As used herein, the groove 48 may refer to an opening channel or groove formed within the twisted mesh material member 42 and intersecting the first surface 44. The groove 48 may further refer to a recess or blind hole formed within the twisted mesh material member 42 and intersecting the first surface 44. The groove 48 has a floor 50 located between the first surface 44 and the second surface 46 of the twisted mesh material member 42. Therefore, the seat cushion 40 and the twisted mesh material member 42 have a first thickness between the first surface 44 and the second surface 46 adjacent to the groove, and a second thickness between the floor 50 and the second surface 46, with the second thickness being smaller than the first thickness.

[0045] One or more fasteners 60 are provided and used to connect or attach the trim cover 32 to the seat cushion 40, which may include the twisted mesh material member 42 described above or may be formed from another material. Figure 2 shows an example of a fastener 60, and Figure 3 shows another example of a fastener 100. The fastener 100 has a longitudinal body 102 extending from a first end region 104 to a second end region 106. The fastener 100 has a base 108 extending outward from the second end region 106 and laterally relative to the body 102. The first end region 104 tapers away from the second end region 106. The central region 110 of the body 102 is located between the first end regions 104, 106 and the second end region and forms a recess 112 that intersects with the side wall 114 of the body 102. The recess 112 is inclined inward toward the first end region 104 to form a hook. The fastener 60 has similar features to those described above for the fastener 100, which has a body 102, a base 108, and a recess 112 with a hook.

[0046] The fastener 100 is positioned to penetrate the twisted mesh material member 42 with its base 108 in contact with the second surface 46. In other examples, the fastener 100 is positioned to penetrate the seat cushion 40 or its components. The first end region 104 of the body extends into the groove 48. The fastener 60 is inserted through the twisted mesh material member 42 from the second surface 46. The fastener 60 may be inserted, for example, during the assembly process by pushing or applying force to the base 108 of the fastener via a pin or other member on the fastener. The first end region 104 of the fastener 60 is pressed through the twist of the member 42 when inserted, forming its own hole or path that penetrates the twisted mesh material member 42 during insertion. In one example, there are no pilot holes or other holes for the fastener 100 formed in the twisted mesh material member 42 or otherwise provided in the twisted mesh material member 42 before the fastener 100 is inserted. In another example, the cushion member 40 may be provided with a pre-formed opening for the fastener 100. Thus, the assembly fastener may require a guide or other alignment mechanism for the cushion member 40 or the twisted mesh material member 42 in order to insert the fastener 100 into the groove 48. In a foam cushion, the fastener may be overmolded or otherwise surrounded by the foam in order to position and place the fastener relative to the foam. However, these methods of attaching the fastener are not available for non-foam cushions 40 or twisted mesh material members 42 as disclosed herein.

[0047] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the trim cover 32 is equipped with a tie-down 80. A fastener 60 engages with the tie-down 80 to connect the trim cover 32 to the seat cushion and the twisted mesh material member 42. In one example, the tie-down 80 is formed from a nonwoven material and has a first edge region 82 and a second edge region 84. The first edge region 82 is attached to the underside of the trim cover 32 or to a seam joining adjacent panels of the trim cover 32 by sewing, gluing, welding, or other means. The second edge 84 is connected to a bead 86. The bead 86 may be formed from plastic or other rigid material. The tie-down 80 defines an opening 88 between the two edge regions 82, 84. The body of the fastener passes through the opening 88 to connect the trim cover 32 to the seat cushion 40, and a hook holds the tie-down 80 to the fastener 60. In one example, the opening 88 is directly adjacent to the bead 86 such that the hook of the fastener 60 engages with the bead 86 itself, for example, the opening 88 is at least partially defined by the bead 86. In another example, the opening 88 may be located away from the bead 86 and defined only through the unwoven portion of the tie-down 80.

[0048] In Figure 3, an optional cushion layer 90 is shown by a dashed line, and the cushion layer 90 covers the first surface 44 of the twisted mesh material member 42 so as to be positioned between the first surface 44 of the twisted mesh material member and the trim cover.

[0049] Figure 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the seat cushion 40 and fastener 100 according to one embodiment, as described in Figure 1. Figures 4 to 6 show additional views of the fastener 100 in Figure 3.

[0050] The longitudinal body 102 extends from the first end region 104 to the second end region 106. The longitudinal body 102 has side walls 114 surrounding the longitudinal axis. The central region 110 is located between the first end region 104 and the second end region 106. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the body 102 has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. As used herein, “substantially” means the outer circumference including any recessed regions and omitting any ribs or other features projecting outward from the body 102. As used herein, “substantially” also means the outer circumference having a circular, or other curved non-circular shape such as an ellipse, oval, or oblong, where the distance from the center (or the longitudinal axis of the fastener) changes in cross-section by a difference of 20% or less.

[0051] The first end region 104 of the main body tapers away from the second end region 106, tapering to a rounded or blunt end or nose. In one example, the first end region 104 may be ogive-shaped with a parabolic or other rounded end or nose. The tapered shape of the first end region 104 allows the fastener 100 to be easily inserted into the twisted mesh material member 42, and also provides a rounded or blunt nose for occupant comfort when the cushion 40 is sufficiently compressed during use so that the occupant can feel the fastener 100.

[0052] The central region 110 of the main body is located between the first end region 104 and the second end region 106, and defines a recess 112 that intersects with the side wall 114 of the main body. The recess 112 is inclined inward toward the first end region 104 to form a hook for a fastener. The recess 112 and the hook are shaped and sized to receive a tie-down, such as the bead of a tie-down.

[0053] The main body 102 defines a first finger 120 extending from a first end region 104 toward the base 108 to a first distal end 122. The first finger 120 defines a recess 112 and cooperates with the central region 110 to form a hook. The first distal end 122 of the first finger 120 may have a convex shape as shown in Figure 4 to help hold the tie-down 80. The inner surface 124 of the first finger 120 may be shaped to guide the tie-down 80 toward the first end region 104 once it is inserted into the recess 112.

[0054] In some examples, as shown, the body 102 also defines a second finger 130 extending from a second end region 106 toward the first end region 104 to a second distal end 132. The second finger 130 may be inclined inward relative to the body 102 toward its second distal end 132, as shown. The second finger 130 also cooperates with the central region 110 to define a recess 112. The recess 112 may be defined collectively by the first and second fingers 120, 130 and the neck 140.

[0055] The second finger 130 can prevent or limit the twisting of the twisted mesh material member 42 or the material of other cushioning members 40 from entering the recess when the fastener 100 is inserted through the recess 112. The second finger 130 can also assist in holding the tie-down 80 within the recess 112. The second finger 130 may have an average lateral thickness smaller than the average lateral thickness of the first finger 120 so that the second finger 130 can bend or move relative to the body 102. This allows the second finger 130 to bend when the tie-down 80 is inserted into the recess 112. The second finger 130 also has an outer guide surface 134 which may be flat as shown. The outer guide surface 134 similarly assists in inserting the tie-down into the recess 112.

[0056] In one example, as shown in the figure, the first distal end 122 of the first finger and the second distal end 132 of the second finger do not overlap laterally. In other examples, the first distal end 122 of the first finger and the second distal end 132 of the second finger may overlap laterally, which may further assist in retaining the bead of the tie-down 80.

[0057] The main body 102 forms a neck 140 adjacent to the recess 112 in the central region 110. The ribs 142 or fins extend longitudinally and outward from the side wall 114 of the fastener, from the base 108 and the second end region 106 toward the first end region 104. As shown in the figure, the ribs 142 may taper toward the first end region 104 to assist in the insertion of the fastener. The ribs 142 or fins overlap the neck 140 of the fastener to reinforce the neck.

[0058] The base 108 extends outward and laterally from the second end region 106. The base 108 has a first surface 150 facing the first end region 104 of the main body and a second surface 152 opposite to the first surface. When the tie-down 80 engages with the attached fasteners 60,100, as shown in Figures 2 to 3, it can exert tensile force on the fasteners 60,100. The first surface 150 of the base 108 engages and cooperates with the second surface 46 of the cushion member 40 or the twisted mesh material member 42 to restrict the movement of the fastener 100 and hold the fastener 100 in place within the cushion member 40 or the twisted mesh material member 42.

[0059] The base 108 may define one or more indicators 154 that indicate the orientation of the recess 112 and hook of the fastener. In the illustrated example, the base 108 has radial projections 156 or fins extending from the second surface 152 of the base toward the edge of the base, the projections 156 aligning radially with the recess 112 and hook. In other examples, the indicators 154 may be provided as grooves in the second surface 152 of the base. In yet another example, the cross-sectional shape of the base 108 may be non-circular, for example D-shaped, or have notches or other flat edges to provide orientation indicators 154 with respect to the recess 112 and hook. The fastener used to insert the fastener 100 may be characterized to fit or engage with the orientation indicators 154 to align the fastener 100 with respect to the fastener and cushion member 40 or twisted mesh material member 42. Alternatively, the orientation indicator 154 may be used as a visual indicator for manually inserting the fastener into the cushion member 40 or the twisted mesh material member 42.

[0060] The fastener may also define a central opening 160 that extends longitudinally through the second end region 106 and intersects with the base 108, as shown in the figure. In the illustrated example, the central opening 160 may also intersect with a recess 112 to form a through hole. The central opening 160 may be used in conjunction with a pin or other component of a fastener used when attaching the fastener 100 to the cushion member 40 or the twisted mesh material member 42. The pin is inserted into the central opening 160. A shoulder portion may be provided on the pin to apply force against the second surface 152 of the base. Alternatively or additionally, the pin may extend into the recess 112 during installation to apply force to the inner surface of the recess 112 adjacent to the first end region 104. In other examples, the fastener 100 may be provided without a central opening, so that the insertion force is applied to the second surface 152 of the base 108.

[0061] Alternatively, instead of the indicator 154 formed on the base 108 as shown, the opening 160 may be formed with a cross-sectional shape, such as a D-shape, or a notch or other flat edge, to provide an orientation indicator. Next, the pin or other member on the fastener into which the fastener is inserted via the cushion member 40 or twisted mesh material member 42 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the opening 160 for orienting the fastener.

[0062] Figures 7 to 9 show fasteners 200 according to yet another embodiment. Fasteners 200 may be used with the vehicle seat assembly 20 as described above with respect to Figures 1 to 3. Elements identical or similar to those described above with respect to Figures 1 to 6 have the same reference numerals for simplification. Furthermore, only features that differ from those described above will be described in detail below.

[0063] Similar to the fastener 100 in Figures 3 to 6, the fastener has a rib 142 extending outward from the side wall 114 of the body toward the first end region 104 from the second end region 106. The rib 142 is tapered toward the first end region 104. The rib 142 defines at least one projection 202 that is inclined toward the first end region 104. The projection 202 acts to hold the fastener 200 within the cushion member 40 or the twisted mesh material member 42 and to limit or prevent the fastener from coming away from the cushion member 40 or the twisted mesh material by moving toward, for example, away from the groove 48 and the tie-down. After engaging with the strands of the twisted mesh material member 42, the projection 202 may further limit the rotational movement of the fastener 200 within the cushion member 40 or the twisted mesh material member 42, for example, rotational movement of the fastener about its longitudinal axis. As shown in the figure, the shape and size of the spacing between the protrusions 202 may be formed to accommodate one or more strands of the twisted mesh material.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the first distal end 122 of the first finger 120 and the second distal end 132 of the second finger 130 overlap each other laterally, which can further help in holding the tie-down bead.

[0065] Figures 10 to 12 show fasteners 250 according to yet another embodiment. Fasteners 250 may be used with the vehicle seat assembly 20 as described above with respect to Figures 1 to 3. Elements identical or similar to those described above with respect to Figures 1 to 6 have the same reference numerals for simplification. Furthermore, only features that differ from those described above will be described in detail below.

[0066] The fastener 250 is provided with only a first finger 120 and no second finger. The first finger 120 is long enough to hold the tie-down 80 in the recess 112, along with the tensile force applied to the tie-down and the fastener.

[0067] The first surface 150 of the base 108 defines at least one post 252 extending longitudinally outward from there. Although two posts 252 are shown, a single post or more than one post are also conceivable. The post 252 is spaced apart from the body 102 of the fastener. When engaged with the cushion member 40 or the twisted mesh material member 42, the post 252 restricts the rotational movement of the fastener 250 within the cushion member or the twisted mesh material member, for example, rotational movement around the longitudinal axis of the fastener. The post 252 has a length shorter than the length of the body 102 and a diameter shorter than the diameter of the second end region 106 of the body. Although the post 252 is shown to have a generally smooth outer surface, the outer surface of the post 252 may also have projections inclined away from the first end region 104 to further restrict the longitudinal movement of the fastener 250 relative to the cushion member 40 or the twisted mesh material 42.

[0068] The second surface 152 of the base 108 defines a plurality of indicators that cooperate to provide orientation guidance for the hook and recess 112.

[0069] The fastener 250 defines a central opening 254 that extends longitudinally through the second end region 106 and intersects with the base 108. As shown in Figures 10 to 11, the central opening 160 is formed as a blind hole that does not intersect with the recess 112.

[0070] Furthermore, it is conceivable that by exchanging the various features of the fasteners 60, 100, 200, and 250 described above with respect to Figures 2 to 12, further fasteners of this disclosure can be formed.

[0071] Methods for assembling seat assemblies are also provided. Cushion members are provided by molding or otherwise and may be provided as foamed or non-foamed components. For example, with respect to a twisted mesh material member, member 42 may be formed by extruding thin filaments of linear low-density polyethylene or other suitable material from a hopper or other material source through a die plate. The thin filaments may be heated as they are extruded so as to exit the die plate in a molten state. The filaments are then solidified or grouped through a funnel or similar structure so that the filaments bend or loop and come into contact with and bond with (multiple) other filaments. The grouped filaments are then entered into a water bath or other cooling system to cool and solidify the filaments to provide additional resistance for further bending or looping of the filaments, prevent further solidification of the filaments, maintain the porosity of the structure, and prevent further bonding between the filaments. The water or cooling system may include various rollers or other conveying members that act to move the solidified filament structure and can additionally form one or more grooves or other shapes within the filament structure. Next, the assembled filament structure is dried and cut into the appropriate shape for the cushion member 42. If grooves are not formed in the structure during the forming process, for example in a cooling system, grooves may be provided in the twisted mesh material member after drying and before or after cutting into the selected shape by machining or in other ways. In one example, the non-foamed material cushion is formed without pre-formed holes for fasteners 60, 100, 200, 250. In another example, pre-formed holes for fasteners 60, 100, 200, 250 are formed when the member 40 is formed, or are machined thereafter, or are formed in other ways.

[0072] Next, the twisted mesh material member 42, which has grooves 48, is placed in a tool equipped with a fixture for inserting (multiple) fasteners 60, 100, 200, 250. The (multiple) fasteners 60, 100, 200, 250 are mounted on the fixture, which positions and orients the fasteners 60, 100, 200, 250 relative to member 42 and grooves, as described above. The fixture may be required to position and orient the (multiple) fasteners 60, 100, 200, 250 because the grooves 48 are not visible from the surface 46. The tapered distal ends 104 of the fasteners 60, 100, 200, 250 are inserted through the cushion member 40 or the twisted mesh material member 42 until the base 108 of the fastener abuts against the outer surface 46 of the cushion and the distal ends 104 extend into grooves 48 formed on the outer surface 44 opposite to the cushion 40.

[0073] Next, the trim cover 32 is positioned on the outer surface 44 of the cushion member 40. The trim cover 32 is equipped with tie-downs 80. The tie-downs 80 are connected to the fasteners 60, 100, 200, 250 by inserting hooks defined by the fasteners through the tie-downs into the openings to connect the trim cover to the cushion. The tie-downs 80 are received within the recesses 112 of the fasteners 60, 100, 200, 250.

[0074] The cushion member 40 or twisted material member 42 may need to be compressed from its relaxed state in order for the tie-down 80 to connect to the fasteners 60, 100, 200, 250. Therefore, the twisted material member 42 of the cushion member 40 may apply force to the trim cover 32 that puts the tie-down 80 and fasteners 60, 100, 200, 250 into a taut state. Furthermore, when the trim cover 32 is wrapped or otherwise connected to various connection points of the seat assembly, the trim cover 32 is stretched or put into a taut state, which may further increase the tension on the tie-down 80 and fasteners 60, 100, 200, 250. The longitudinal movement of the fasteners 60, 100, 200, 250 is limited by the engagement of the base 108 with the surface 46 of member 40. Therefore, the fasteners 60, 100, 200, and 250 are held within member 42 when the seat assembly 20 is assembled. Features such as ribs 142 or posts may restrict the rotational movement of the fasteners within member 40. Furthermore, features such as projections 202 may restrict the longitudinal movement of the fasteners, for example, preventing the fasteners 60, 100, 200, and 250 from coming loose from member 40.

[0075] While exemplary embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms of the present disclosure. Rather, the terms used herein are descriptive rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, features of various embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A seat cushion comprising a first surface for supporting an occupant and a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein the first surface further defines a groove, A fastener comprising a longitudinal body having a central region positioned between a first end region and a second end region, and a base extending outward from the second end region and laterally relative to the body, wherein the first end region tapers away from the second end region, and the central region of the body defines a recess that intersects with the side wall of the body to form a hook and inclins inward toward the first end region, and Equipped with, The fastener extends longitudinally through the second end region and defines a central opening that intersects with the base, The fastener is a seat assembly that penetrates the seat cushion such that the base of the fastener abuts against the second surface and the first end region of the body extends into the groove.

2. The seating cushion is formed from a twisted mesh material member, as described in claim 1.

3. The seat assembly according to claim 2, wherein the twisted mesh material member includes a polymer mesh having a plurality of integrated polymer strands.

4. A trim cover that forms the seating surface, The tie-down connected to the trim cover and Furthermore, The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fastener engages with the tie-down to connect the trim cover to the seat cushion.

5. The tie-down defines an opening adjacent to the bead of the tie-down, The seat assembly according to claim 4, wherein the body of the fastener penetrates the opening so as to connect the trim cover to the seat cushion.

6. The seat assembly according to claim 5, wherein the opening is at least partially defined by the bead of the tie-down.

7. The seat assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a frame that supports the aforementioned seat cushion.

8. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the body defines a first finger extending from the first end region toward the base to a first distal end, the first finger cooperating with the central region to define the recess and form the hook.

9. The seat assembly according to claim 8, wherein the body defines a second finger extending from the second end region toward the first end region to a second distal end, the second finger cooperating with the central region to define the recess.

10. The seat assembly according to claim 9, wherein the second finger is inclined inward relative to the body toward the second distal end.

11. The seat assembly according to claim 9, wherein the first distal end and the second distal end do not overlap in the lateral direction.

12. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the central opening intersects with the recess.

13. The base portion has a first surface facing the first end region of the main body, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the base defines at least one post extending longitudinally outward from the first surface of the base, and the at least one post is spaced apart from the body.

14. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the base defines an indicator showing the orientation of the hook.

15. The seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the central region defines at least one projection that extends outward from the central region and is inclined away from the first end region.

16. The device comprises a member forming a longitudinal body having a central region positioned between a first end region and a second end region, the body having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and side walls surrounding the longitudinal axis, and the first end region tapering toward a rounded nose away from the second end region. A fastener wherein the member has a base that extends outward from the second end region and laterally relative to the main body, and the central region of the main body intersects with the side wall of the member to form a hook, and defines a recess that extends laterally toward the first end region within the central region of the main body.

17. The body defines a first finger extending from the first end region toward the base to the first distal end, the first finger cooperating with the central region to define the recess and form the hook, The fastener according to claim 16, wherein the main body defines a second finger extending from the second end region toward the first end region toward a second distal end, the second finger cooperating with the central region to define the recess, and the second finger is inclined inward relative to the main body toward the second distal end from the second end region toward the second distal end.

18. The fastener according to claim 16, wherein the member extends through in the longitudinal direction and defines a central opening that intersects with the base.

19. A method for assembling a seat assembly, A step of inserting the distal end of the fastener through the cushion until the base of the fastener abuts against the first outer surface of the cushion and the tapered distal end of the fastener extends into a groove formed in the second outer surface of the cushion opposite to the first outer surface, wherein the fastener is inserted from the first outer surface toward the second outer surface, and the second outer surface is positioned to support the occupant of the seat assembly, The steps include positioning a trim cover having tie-downs on the second surface of the cushion, To connect the trim cover to the cushion, the steps include inserting the hook defined by the fastener through the opening defined by the tie-down, Methods that include...

20. The step of forming the cushion from a pre-formed, holeless twisted mesh material for the fastener. The method according to claim 19, further comprising:

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