Decorative baseball stitch for seating

Abstract

A trim assembly having an ornamental baseball stitch and a method of making the same. The trim assembly includes a first trim panel having a first sewn ornamental pattern of a first straight stitch and a first plurality of slant stitches and a second trim panel having a second sewn ornamental pattern of a second straight stitch and a second plurality of slant stitches. With the first plurality of slant stitches and the second plurality of slant stitches aligned, at least one edge of the first trim panel and at least one edge of the second trim panel are joined together by a joining stitch positioned between the first straight stitch and second straight stitch and ends of the first plurality of slant stitches and ends of the second plurality of slant stitches to create a decorative stitching pattern that mimics the v-shaped virgules of the stitching on a baseball.

Description

DECORATIVE BASEBALL STITCH FOR SEATINGFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a decorative stitch for seating, and more particularly, to a decorative stitch resembling a baseball stitch along seams of a seating cover, including, but not limited to, automotive seating, office seating, and stadium seating.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Seats 20, such as that shown in FIG. 1, are often covered with a cover 24 formed of a material, such as upholstery fabric, to conceal a frame 22 of the seat, internal hardware, and underlying foam and cushioning. Typical seat covers are formed of multiple pieces of material that are joined together along their edges by seams 26 to create the cover 24 for the seat 20. Various stitches can be used to join these separate pieces of material together along their seams. The stitches employed must be strong and resilient to ensure that the seat cover remains intact during the course of use. It is also often desirable to provide these stitches with an aesthetically pleasing ornamental appearance, given that the stitches are visible by a user viewing the seat. This stitching provides an opportunity for creative expression while also being a reflection of the quality of the seating product. From a manufacturing standpoint it is also important that the stitches be easily created using existing manufacturing stitching heads so that the seating covers and seats can be manufactured quickly in large quantities, i.e. with a high throughput.

[0003] A baseball stitch 28, such as shown in FIG. 2, is a widely recognizable stitch with v-shaped stitches called virgules along the edges of to abutting pieces of material. It is a stitch that is typically hand sewn using a single piece of thread and two needles to join two pieces of material together so that the edges butt up against each other without overlapping to avoid having thick seams from overlapping layers of the pieces of material. The baseball stitch issimilar to a cross stitch, but the baseball stitch only goes under the sewn material, not across. It can be difficult to maintain even tension across the entire length of the seam.

[0004] While it may be desirable to provide seating covers having this widely recognizable and loved stitching pattern, existing mass production manufacturing stitching heads are not able to mimic a baseball stitch appearance. Instead, the decorative baseball stitch for seat covers must be sewn by hand, making such a stitch cost prohibitive for most seats, particularly those that are mass produced such as automotive seats, airline seats, office seats, and stadium seats.

[0005] Thus, there exists a need for a trim assembly, such as a seating cover, having strong and resilient seams with a decorative stitching pattern that mimics a baseball stich appearance that is sewn with existing mass production manufacturing stitching heads and produced at a large scale with a high throughput.SUMMARY OF THE IVNENTION

[0006] The present invention provides a trim assembly having an ornamental baseball stitch and a method of making the same. The trim assembly includes a first trim panel having a first ornamental pattern sewn onto an outward facing surface thereof along at least one edge thereof and a second trim panel having a second ornamental pattern sewn onto an outward facing surface thereof along at least one edge thereof. The first ornamental pattern includes a first straight stitch that runs parallel to the at least one edge of the first trim panel and a first plurality of slant stiches that extend at a non-perpendicular angle from the first straight stitch. The second ornamental pattern includes a second straight stitch that runs parallel to the at least one edge of the second trim panel and a second plurality of slant stiches that extend at a non-perpendicular angle from the second straight stitch. With the first plurality of slant stitches and the second plurality of slant stitches aligned, the at least one edge of the first trim panel and the at least one edge of the second trim panel are joined together by a joining stitch positioned betweenthe first straight stitch and second straight stich and ends of the first plurality of slant stitches and ends of the second plurality of slant stitches.

[0007] The method includes sewing the first ornamental pattern onto an outward facing surface of the first trim panel, sewing the second ornamental pattern onto an outward facing surface of the second trim panel, aligning the first plurality of slant stitches and the second plurality of slant stitches with the outward facing surface of the first trim panel facing the outward facing surface of the second trim panel, and sewing the at least one edge of the first trim panel and the at least one edge of the second trim panel together by a joining stitch positioned between the first straight stitch and second straight stich and ends of the first plurality of slant stitches and ends of the second plurality of slant stitches.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a typical vehicle seat assembly;

[0010] FIG. 2 shows a standard baseball having a recognizable baseball stitch thereon;

[0011] FIG. 3 A shows a vehicle seat trim assembly according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 3B shows an enlarged detail view of a decorative stitching pattern that mimics the v-shaped virgules of the iconic stitching on a baseball according to embodiments of the present invention provided on the vehicle seat trim assembly of FIG. 3 A;

[0013] FIG. 4A shows a top view of a first trim panel having a first ornamental pattern sown thereon according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 4B shows a top view of a second trim panel having a second ornamental pattern sown thereon according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the first trim panel of FIG. 4A and the second trim panel of FIG. 4B brought together along edges thereof for assembly into a trim assembly according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 6 shows a backside view of the second trim panel layered on the first trim panel for assembly into a trim assembly according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 7 shows a top view of a vehicle seat trim assembly according to embodiments of the present invention; and

[0018] FIG. 8 shows a cross sectional view of the vehicle seat trim assembly taken along line C-C of FIG. 7.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present invention has utility as a trim assembly, such as a seating cover, having strong and resilient seams with a decorative stitching pattern that mimics a baseball stich appearance that is sewn with existing mass production manufacturing stitching heads and produced at a large scale with a high throughput.

[0020] The present invention will now be described with reference to the following embodiments. As is apparent by these descriptions, this invention can be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, features illustrated with respect to one embodiment can be incorporated into other embodiments, and features illustrated with respect to a particular embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment. In addition, numerous variations and additions to the embodiments suggested herein will beapparent to those skilled in the art in light of the instant disclosure, which do not depart from the instant invention. Hence, the following specification is intended to illustrate some particular embodiments of the invention, and not to exhaustively specify all permutations, combinations, and variations thereof.

[0021] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Unless indicated otherwise, explicitly or by context, the following terms are used herein as set forth below.

[0022] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0023] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements orlayers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0024] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0025] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0026] It is to be understood that in instances where a range of values are provided that the range is intended to encompass not only the end point values of the range but also intermediatevalues of the range as explicitly being included within the range and varying by the last significant figure of the range. By way of example, a recited range of from 1 to 4 is intended to include 1-2, 1-3, 2-4, 3-4, and 1-4.

[0027] According to embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a trim assembly 30 is provided that has strong and resilient seams with a decorative stitching pattern 70 that mimics the v-shaped virgules of the iconic stitching on a baseball. Notably, the decorative stitching pattern that mimics the v-shaped virgules of the iconic stitching on a baseball is created using standard industrial sewing machines and stitching heads so that the trim assembly can be produced at a large scale with a high throughput. Embodiments of the trim assembly 30 include a first trim panel 40 and a second trim panel 50. Prior to sewing the first trim panel 40 and the second trim panel 50 together, a first ornamental pattern 42 is sewn onto an outward facing surface 44 of the first trim panel 40, and a second ornamental pattern 52 is sewn onto an outward facing surface 54 of the second trim panel 50, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively. According to embodiments, the first ornamental pattern 42 and the second ornamental pattern 52 are sewn using a standard industrial sewing machine. According to embodiments, the first ornamental pattern 42 is sewn using a first standard industrial sewing machine while the second ornamental pattern 52 is sewn using a second standard industrial sewing machine. Alternatively, the patterns 42, 52 can be sewn using the same machine.

[0028] According to embodiments, the first trim panel 40 and second trim panel 50 are each independently formed of fabric, leather, vinyl, any suitable seating material, or the like.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4A, the first ornamental pattern 42 includes a first straight stitch 46 that runs parallel to at least one edge 48 of the first trim panel 40 and a first plurality of slant stiches 47 that extend at a non-perpendicular and non-parallel angle from the first straight stitch 46. As shown in FIG. 4A, the first plurality of slant stitches 47 extend up and away from the at least one edge 48 of the first trim panel 40. According to embodiments, the first plurality ofstitches 47 extend from the first straight stitch 46 at an angle of between 5 and 85 degrees, and preferably 45 degrees. According to some embodiments, the first straight stitch 46 is spaced apart from the at least one edge 48 of the first trim panel 40 by a distance of 0.25 to 1 inch. According to embodiments, the first plurality of slant stitches 47 have a length from the first straight stitch 46 to ends 49 of the slant stitches 47 that is between 0.25 and 1 inch. According to embodiments, each of the slant stitches of the first plurality of slant stitches 47 are spaced apart from one another by a space of 0.25 to 1 inch.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4B, the second ornamental pattern 52 includes a second straight stitch 56 that runs parallel to at least one edge 58 of the second trim panel 50 and a second plurality of slant stiches 57 that extend at a non-perpendicular and non-parallel angle from the second straight stitch 56. As shown in FIG. 4B, the second plurality of slant stitches 57 extend down and away from the at least one edge 58 of the second trim panel 50. According to embodiments, the second plurality of stitches 57 extend from the second straight stitch 56 at an angle of between 5 and 85 degrees, and preferably 45 degrees. According to some embodiments, the second straight stitch 56 is spaced apart from the at least one edge 58 of the second trim panel 50 by a distance of 0.25 to 1 inch. According to embodiments, the second plurality of slant stitches 57 have a length from the second straight stitch 56 to ends 59 of the slant stitches 57 that is between 0.25 and 1 inch. According to embodiments, each of the slant stitches of the second plurality of slant stitches 57 are spaced apart from one another by a space of 0.25 to 1 inch.

[0031] According to embodiments, the first ornamental pattern 42 and the second ornamental patter 52 are each sewn with a thread, respectively. According to embodiments, the thread of each of the ornamental patterns 42, 52 is a cotton, nylon, or polyester material. According to embodiments, the thread of each of the ornamental patterns 42, 52 is provided ina color, preferably the same color. According to embodiments, the thread of each of the ornamental patterns 42, 52 is provided in a red color to further mimic the iconic baseball stitch.

[0032] To assemble the trim assembly 30, the at least one edge 48, 58 of the first panel 40 and the second panel 50, respectively are brought into proximity with one another, as shown in FIG. 5 and the outward facing surface 44, 54 of each panel 40, 50 can be made to face one another, as shown in FIG. 6. Notably, FIG. 6 shows the back surface 55 of the second trim panel 50 when it is layered with the first trim panel 40 with the outward facing surface 44, 54 facing one another. The first plurality of slant stitches 47 and the second plurality of slant stitches 57 are aligned so that first plurality of slant stitches 47 are mirrored with the second plurality of slant stitches 57 while the outward facing surface 44 of the first trim panel 40 is facing the outward facing surface 54 of the second trim panel 50. Next, the first trim panel 40 and the second trim panel 50 are joined together by a joining stitch 60 positioned between the straight stitches 46, 56 and ends 49, 59 of the plurality of slant stitches 47, 57, which is best shown in FIG. 8. Once joined together near the edges 48, 58, the outward facing surfaces 44, 54 can be moved away from one another to reveal the aligned plurality of slant stitches 47, 57 that together create a decorative stitching pattern 70 that mimics the v-shaped virgules of the iconic stitching on a baseball, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 3B.

[0033] According to embodiments, the joining stitch 60 is a straight stitch. According to embodiments, the joining stitch 60 is formed using a thread of cotton, nylon, or polyester material. According to embodiments, the joining stitch 60 is sewn using a standard industrial sewing machine, which according to embodiments is the same standard industrial sewing machine as that used to sew at least one of the ornamental patterns 42, 52.

[0034] According to embodiments, the trim assembly 30 is configured to be a seat cover, as shown in FIG. 3A, an armrest cover, or a headrest cover of a seat or chair, such as but not limited to a vehicle seat, an office chair, an airline seat, a stadium seat, or the like. Accordingto embodiments, the trim assembly 30 is configured to be a decorative vehicle trim such as but not limited to a portion of door trim, visor trim, dashboard trim, stick shift trim, or headliner.

[0035] Patent documents and publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. These documents and publications are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document or publication is specifically and individually incorporated herein by reference.

[0036] The foregoing description is illustrative of particular embodiments of the invention but is not meant to be a limitation upon the practice thereof. The following claims, including all equivalents thereof, are intended to define the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A trim assembly having an ornamental baseball stitch, the trim assembly comprising: a first trim panel having a first ornamental pattern sewn onto an outward facing surface of the first trim panel along at least one edge thereof, the first ornamental pattern including a first straight stitch that runs parallel to the at least one edge of the first trim panel and a first plurality of slant stiches that extend at a non-perpendicular angle from the first straight stitch; a second trim panel having a second ornamental pattern sewn onto an outward facing surface of the second trim panel along at least one edge thereof, the second ornamental pattern including a second straight stitch that runs parallel to the at least one edge of the second trim panel and a second plurality of slant stiches that extend at a non-perpendicular angle from the second straight stitch; wherein, with the first plurality of slant stitches and the second plurality of slant stitches aligned, the at least one edge of the first trim panel and the at least one edge of the second trim panel are joined together by a joining stitch positioned between the first straight stitch and second straight stich and ends of the first plurality of slant stitches and ends of the second plurality of slant stitches.

2. The trim assembly of claim 1 wherein the first ornamental pattern is sewn with a first thread having a first color.

3. The trim assembly of claim 1 wherein the second ornamental pattern is sewn with a second thread having a second color.

4. The trim assembly of claim 1 wherein the first thread and second thread are cotton, nylon, or polyester.

5. The trim assembly of claim 1 wherein the first color is the same as the second color.

6. The trim assembly of claim 1 wherein the first color and the second color are both red.

7. The trim assembly of claim 1 wherein the first trim panel is formed of fabric, leather, or vinyl.

8. The trim assembly of claim 1 wherein the second trim panel is formed of fabric, leather, or vinyl.

9. The trim assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the joining stitch is a straight stitch.

10. The trim assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the trim assembly is any of a seat cover, an armrest cover, a headrest cover, a portion of door trim, a visor trim, dashboard trim, stick shift trim, or a headliner.

11. The trim assembly of claim 1 wherein the first plurality of slant stitches extend from the first straight stitch at an angle of between 5 and 85 degrees.

12. The trim assembly of claim 11 wherein the first plurality of slant stitches extend from the first straight stitch at an angle of 45 degrees.

13. The trim assembly of claim 1 wherein the second plurality of slant stitches extend from the second straight stitch at an angle of between 5 and 85 degrees.

14. The trim assembly of claim 13 wherein the second plurality of slant stitches extend from the second straight stitch at an angle of 45 degrees.

15. A method for making a trim assembly having an ornamental baseball stitch, the method comprising: sewing a first ornamental pattern onto an outward facing surface of a first trim panel, the first ornamental pattern including a first straight stitch that runs parallel to at least one edge of the first trim panel and a first plurality of slant stiches that extend at a non-perpendicular angle from the first straight stitch; sewing a second ornamental pattern onto an outward facing surface of a second trim panel, the second ornamental pattern including a second straight stitch that runs parallel to at least one edge of the second trim panel and a second plurality of slant stiches that extend at a non-perpendicular angle from the second straight stitch; aligning the first plurality of slant stitches and the second plurality of slant stitches with the outward facing surface of the first trim panel facing the outward facing surface of the second trim panel; and sewing the at least one edge of the first trim panel and the at least one edge of the second trim panel together by a joining stitch positioned between the first straight stitch and second straight stich and ends of the first plurality of slant stitches and ends of the second plurality of slant stitches.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein sewing the first ornamental pattern is accomplished using an industrial sewing machine.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein sewing the second ornamental pattern is accomplished using an industrial sewing machine.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein sewing the joining stitch is accomplished using an industrial sewing machine.

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