CA1293365C - Trimmed vehicle seat and method of manufacturing same - Google Patents
Trimmed vehicle seat and method of manufacturing sameInfo
- Publication number
- CA1293365C CA1293365C CA000540282A CA540282A CA1293365C CA 1293365 C CA1293365 C CA 1293365C CA 000540282 A CA000540282 A CA 000540282A CA 540282 A CA540282 A CA 540282A CA 1293365 C CA1293365 C CA 1293365C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- section
- members
- covering
- trim strip
- groove
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims description 5
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 238000009958 sewing Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 10
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000275 quality assurance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000000689 upper leg Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
- Casting Or Compression Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A vehicle seat having interconnected cushion and back members at least one of which consists of a foam body having an interior load supporting section and an outer peripheral section with a groove in the outer side of the body substantially at the juncture of the inner and peripheral sections. A first covering member is adhered to and lies flat against the outer side of the interior section and a second covering member is adhered to and lies flat against the outer side of the peripheral section. Both covering members extend into the groove and terminate in the groove. A
flexible plastic trim strip is positioned in the groove at a position between the first and second members and is stitched to the members.
In the process of this invention, the strip is supported in a groove in the tooling for making the seat and functions to hold the covering members in desired positions during the assembly of the foam body therewith. After the covering members are secured to the foam body and the seat section is removed from the tooling, the protruding portion of the trim strip is torn off.
A vehicle seat having interconnected cushion and back members at least one of which consists of a foam body having an interior load supporting section and an outer peripheral section with a groove in the outer side of the body substantially at the juncture of the inner and peripheral sections. A first covering member is adhered to and lies flat against the outer side of the interior section and a second covering member is adhered to and lies flat against the outer side of the peripheral section. Both covering members extend into the groove and terminate in the groove. A
flexible plastic trim strip is positioned in the groove at a position between the first and second members and is stitched to the members.
In the process of this invention, the strip is supported in a groove in the tooling for making the seat and functions to hold the covering members in desired positions during the assembly of the foam body therewith. After the covering members are secured to the foam body and the seat section is removed from the tooling, the protruding portion of the trim strip is torn off.
Description
l~t.)3~
METHOD OF MANUFACTURING TRIMMED VEHICLE SEAT
BACKGROUND AMD SUMMARY OF q$E INVENTION
.
- Thi~ invention relates generally to vehicle seats having interconnected cushion and back members and more particularly to a vehicle seat which is improved from the standpoints of comfort and appearance by virtue of the assembly of trim covering members with a foam body.
;~ It is a desirable objective in seating of all types, particulary vehicle seating, to construct the cushion and the back sections of the seat so that they have interior load supporting sections bounded by peripheral sections which function as bolsters to impart a feeling of stability and comfort to the seat occupantO Such seats are desirably formed of a foam material with a covering material ; which conforms tigtly to the surface of the foam body. In the seat and~method of this mvention, this is accomplished by using sep æate covering m mbers to~cover the interior section and the peripheral section and providing for the attachmene of these members at the groove which is formed at the juncture of the sections.
The seat of this invention is provided with a trim strip, ~prefer~bly for~ed~~f`a ~ è p a ti~ material, which is sewn to the~
covering members at their juncture and positioned in the groove which def mes the ~juncture of the interior section and the peripheral section~ Initially,~the strip i5 of a size to extend into a lCatirg groove in~ the t:~oling which~supports the covering m mbers prlor to their assembly with the foam bsdy. Thi5 provides for an accurate ::: : : ::
~ ~ ' ~:
::
~Z~3~3~ti~
location of the covering members in the tooling during assembly of the seat section.
me trim strip is of a size to be sewn to the covering members and also have a section that projects into a groove in the tooling. At the juncture of the strip portion which extends into the tooling with the body of the strip, the strip is of a reduced thickness to faciliate tearing. After the foam body has been adhered to the covering members, the assembled bcdy with the covering members thereon is removed from the tooling and the tear strip is reved by tearing if off the sewn strip. me result is a vehicle seat section in which the covering members are tightly adhered to the foam body and conform to the surface irregularities and designs in the foam body.
If desired, the interior and peripheral covering members can be formed of contrasting materials since different members are used in the covering of this invention.
l'he result is a process that is improved from the stsrdpoints of repeatability and quality assurance and a seating product that is improved from the standpoints of appearance and confort.
; Further objects, features and advantages of this inventions will become apparent from a consideration of the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawqng in which: ~
Fig. l is a perspective vlew of a vehicle seat enbcdying the imprcved cushion and back seat sections of this invention;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the cushion section of the seat shown in~Fig. 1 show mg the removal of a portion~ of the trim strlp :
:
:
:: :~
, .
1~9~3~j5 that is removed followqng adherence of the covering members to the foam body;
Fig. 3 is an enlarged transverse sectional view of the cushion section of the seat of this invention;
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view of the back section of the seat of this invention;
Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of some of the tooling used in the manufacture of the vehicle seat shown in Fig. l showing the asse~bly therewith of the trim strip, the interior covering member and the peripheral covering member;
Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view like Fig. 5 showing the covering members conformed to the shape of the tooling; and Fig. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view like Figs. 5 and 6 showing the foam body being assembled with the trim strip and the covering members.
With reference to the drawing, a vehicle seat embo~ying the novel features of this invention, indicated generally at 10, is illustrated in Fig. 1 as having interconnected cushion and back members 12 and 14, respectively. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the :
~ cushion 12 has an interior load supporting section ~6 and an outer ::
section 18 which extends around the periphery of the interior section 15. ~he sides of the section 18, indicated at 20, function as bolsters and the front 22 functions as a thigh support and extends between;the forward ends of the bolsters 20. m e back 14 is similarly :: :
configured, having side bolster sections 24 and a head rest section 26 which extends bet~een the ends of the sections 24 as well as an interlor section 25.
METHOD OF MANUFACTURING TRIMMED VEHICLE SEAT
BACKGROUND AMD SUMMARY OF q$E INVENTION
.
- Thi~ invention relates generally to vehicle seats having interconnected cushion and back members and more particularly to a vehicle seat which is improved from the standpoints of comfort and appearance by virtue of the assembly of trim covering members with a foam body.
;~ It is a desirable objective in seating of all types, particulary vehicle seating, to construct the cushion and the back sections of the seat so that they have interior load supporting sections bounded by peripheral sections which function as bolsters to impart a feeling of stability and comfort to the seat occupantO Such seats are desirably formed of a foam material with a covering material ; which conforms tigtly to the surface of the foam body. In the seat and~method of this mvention, this is accomplished by using sep æate covering m mbers to~cover the interior section and the peripheral section and providing for the attachmene of these members at the groove which is formed at the juncture of the sections.
The seat of this invention is provided with a trim strip, ~prefer~bly for~ed~~f`a ~ è p a ti~ material, which is sewn to the~
covering members at their juncture and positioned in the groove which def mes the ~juncture of the interior section and the peripheral section~ Initially,~the strip i5 of a size to extend into a lCatirg groove in~ the t:~oling which~supports the covering m mbers prlor to their assembly with the foam bsdy. Thi5 provides for an accurate ::: : : ::
~ ~ ' ~:
::
~Z~3~3~ti~
location of the covering members in the tooling during assembly of the seat section.
me trim strip is of a size to be sewn to the covering members and also have a section that projects into a groove in the tooling. At the juncture of the strip portion which extends into the tooling with the body of the strip, the strip is of a reduced thickness to faciliate tearing. After the foam body has been adhered to the covering members, the assembled bcdy with the covering members thereon is removed from the tooling and the tear strip is reved by tearing if off the sewn strip. me result is a vehicle seat section in which the covering members are tightly adhered to the foam body and conform to the surface irregularities and designs in the foam body.
If desired, the interior and peripheral covering members can be formed of contrasting materials since different members are used in the covering of this invention.
l'he result is a process that is improved from the stsrdpoints of repeatability and quality assurance and a seating product that is improved from the standpoints of appearance and confort.
; Further objects, features and advantages of this inventions will become apparent from a consideration of the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawqng in which: ~
Fig. l is a perspective vlew of a vehicle seat enbcdying the imprcved cushion and back seat sections of this invention;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the cushion section of the seat shown in~Fig. 1 show mg the removal of a portion~ of the trim strlp :
:
:
:: :~
, .
1~9~3~j5 that is removed followqng adherence of the covering members to the foam body;
Fig. 3 is an enlarged transverse sectional view of the cushion section of the seat of this invention;
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view of the back section of the seat of this invention;
Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of some of the tooling used in the manufacture of the vehicle seat shown in Fig. l showing the asse~bly therewith of the trim strip, the interior covering member and the peripheral covering member;
Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view like Fig. 5 showing the covering members conformed to the shape of the tooling; and Fig. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view like Figs. 5 and 6 showing the foam body being assembled with the trim strip and the covering members.
With reference to the drawing, a vehicle seat embo~ying the novel features of this invention, indicated generally at 10, is illustrated in Fig. 1 as having interconnected cushion and back members 12 and 14, respectively. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the :
~ cushion 12 has an interior load supporting section ~6 and an outer ::
section 18 which extends around the periphery of the interior section 15. ~he sides of the section 18, indicated at 20, function as bolsters and the front 22 functions as a thigh support and extends between;the forward ends of the bolsters 20. m e back 14 is similarly :: :
configured, having side bolster sections 24 and a head rest section 26 which extends bet~een the ends of the sections 24 as well as an interlor section 25.
: :
~9336S
As shown in Fig. 3, the cushion member 12 consists of a foam body 28 that is contoured to form the bolsters 20 and is provided with a plurality of grooves 30 that perform the double function of improving the appearance of the cushion 12 and sectionalizing the foam bcdy 28 for improved comfort purposes. The foam body 28 also has a U-shape groove 32 located at the juncture of the cushion sections 16 and 18. A cover me~ber 34 formed of the fabric or other material usually used to cover seats is positioned on the interior section 16 of the cushion 12. A second cover member 36 is positioned on the peripheral section 18, the cover members 34 and 36 term mating at the juncture groove 32. me cover members 34 and 36 extend into the groove 32 and are secured to each other and to a trim strip 38 that is positioned in the groove 32. The trim strip 38 is shown in Fig. 5 as including an inner section 40 which is positioned between the cover .
members 34 and 36 and a tear-off section 42 which projects outwardly from the cover members 34 and 36. m e section 42 performs an important function during manufacture of the cushion 12 but is torn off, as shown in Fig. 2, following assembly of the foam body 28 with the covering members 34 and 36.
;: :
In the process for forming the cushion member 12, a specially shaped tool 44 (Fig. 5) is provided having a grooYe 46 correspcnding to the juncture groove 32 in the body 28. m e cover members 34 and 36 are initially sewn at their adjoining edges to the trim strip section 38, two stitch lines 48 being used to oonnect the cover members 34 and 36 to each other and to the trim strip 38. m e tool 44 is shaped to conform to the top surface of the foam body 28, and for this reason, is formed with projections 50 corresponding to ~ 4 -~33~
the grooves 30 and projections 52 corresponding to the groove 32.
The plastic trim strip 42 is inserted into the groove 46 in the tool 44 to thereby locate the cover members 34 and 36 in desired positions on the tool 44. Heat is applied to the cover members 34 and 36 so that they will relax and conform accurately to the shape of the tool 44, as shown in Fig. 6. The foam body has an adhesive 54 applied to the entire top surface 58 and the body 28 is then inverted, as shown in Fig. 7, and applied upside down against the underside of the cover members 34 and 36 which are at this time on the tool 44. Dur mg assembly of the body 28 with the cover members 34 and 36, mild tension is maintained on the cover member 36 to insure its conformity with the irregul æ surface of the tool 44.
After a brief period, the cover members 34 and 36 are firmly adhered to the foam body surface 56 so that the foam body 28 with the cover n~mbers 34 and 36 thereon can be removed and the free edges 56 of the cover m=nter 36 can be secured in any desired manner to the foam bcdy 28 such as by hog rings 60 extended around embedded wires 62 Ln ~he foam bcdy 28.
As shown in Fig. 5, the trim strip 42 has a reduced thickness section 6~ at the juncture of the sections 40 and 42 which is slightly outwardly of the stit d Iines 48. m e section 42 is then readily torn from the section 40 by simply manual grasping of the section 42 as shown in Fig. 2. me section 40 remains hidden from view~ m the f mished seat but functions to retain the cover members 34 and 36 in desired positions conform m g to the outer surface 56 of the : : : ~
foam body 28.
As shown in Fig. 4, the seat back me~ber 14 is similarly :: ~
:: : : :
33~S
formed from a foam body 28a and cover members 34a and 36a connected by a trim strip 38a. me back member 14 is formed by the same process described above in connection with the cushion member 12. If desired, the cover member 36a can be extended across the entire backside of the - foam body 28a for appearance purposes, as illustrated in Fig. 4.
From the above description, it is seen that this invention provides a vehicle seat having interconnected cushion and back members 12 and 14 which are formed to enhance occupant comfort and appearance of the seat 10. If desired, in each of the members 12 and 14, the interior section 16 and the peripheral section 18 can be formed of contrasting materials or contrasting colors to further enhance the appearance of the seat 10.
:~ ~
: ~,
~9336S
As shown in Fig. 3, the cushion member 12 consists of a foam body 28 that is contoured to form the bolsters 20 and is provided with a plurality of grooves 30 that perform the double function of improving the appearance of the cushion 12 and sectionalizing the foam bcdy 28 for improved comfort purposes. The foam body 28 also has a U-shape groove 32 located at the juncture of the cushion sections 16 and 18. A cover me~ber 34 formed of the fabric or other material usually used to cover seats is positioned on the interior section 16 of the cushion 12. A second cover member 36 is positioned on the peripheral section 18, the cover members 34 and 36 term mating at the juncture groove 32. me cover members 34 and 36 extend into the groove 32 and are secured to each other and to a trim strip 38 that is positioned in the groove 32. The trim strip 38 is shown in Fig. 5 as including an inner section 40 which is positioned between the cover .
members 34 and 36 and a tear-off section 42 which projects outwardly from the cover members 34 and 36. m e section 42 performs an important function during manufacture of the cushion 12 but is torn off, as shown in Fig. 2, following assembly of the foam body 28 with the covering members 34 and 36.
;: :
In the process for forming the cushion member 12, a specially shaped tool 44 (Fig. 5) is provided having a grooYe 46 correspcnding to the juncture groove 32 in the body 28. m e cover members 34 and 36 are initially sewn at their adjoining edges to the trim strip section 38, two stitch lines 48 being used to oonnect the cover members 34 and 36 to each other and to the trim strip 38. m e tool 44 is shaped to conform to the top surface of the foam body 28, and for this reason, is formed with projections 50 corresponding to ~ 4 -~33~
the grooves 30 and projections 52 corresponding to the groove 32.
The plastic trim strip 42 is inserted into the groove 46 in the tool 44 to thereby locate the cover members 34 and 36 in desired positions on the tool 44. Heat is applied to the cover members 34 and 36 so that they will relax and conform accurately to the shape of the tool 44, as shown in Fig. 6. The foam body has an adhesive 54 applied to the entire top surface 58 and the body 28 is then inverted, as shown in Fig. 7, and applied upside down against the underside of the cover members 34 and 36 which are at this time on the tool 44. Dur mg assembly of the body 28 with the cover members 34 and 36, mild tension is maintained on the cover member 36 to insure its conformity with the irregul æ surface of the tool 44.
After a brief period, the cover members 34 and 36 are firmly adhered to the foam body surface 56 so that the foam body 28 with the cover n~mbers 34 and 36 thereon can be removed and the free edges 56 of the cover m=nter 36 can be secured in any desired manner to the foam bcdy 28 such as by hog rings 60 extended around embedded wires 62 Ln ~he foam bcdy 28.
As shown in Fig. 5, the trim strip 42 has a reduced thickness section 6~ at the juncture of the sections 40 and 42 which is slightly outwardly of the stit d Iines 48. m e section 42 is then readily torn from the section 40 by simply manual grasping of the section 42 as shown in Fig. 2. me section 40 remains hidden from view~ m the f mished seat but functions to retain the cover members 34 and 36 in desired positions conform m g to the outer surface 56 of the : : : ~
foam body 28.
As shown in Fig. 4, the seat back me~ber 14 is similarly :: ~
:: : : :
33~S
formed from a foam body 28a and cover members 34a and 36a connected by a trim strip 38a. me back member 14 is formed by the same process described above in connection with the cushion member 12. If desired, the cover member 36a can be extended across the entire backside of the - foam body 28a for appearance purposes, as illustrated in Fig. 4.
From the above description, it is seen that this invention provides a vehicle seat having interconnected cushion and back members 12 and 14 which are formed to enhance occupant comfort and appearance of the seat 10. If desired, in each of the members 12 and 14, the interior section 16 and the peripheral section 18 can be formed of contrasting materials or contrasting colors to further enhance the appearance of the seat 10.
:~ ~
: ~,
Claims (3)
1. The method of making one part of a two part seat comprising forming a foam body having an interior load supporting section, bolster sections on transversely opposite sides of said load supporting section and a connecting section at one end of said interior section and extending between said bolster sections, and grooves at the junctures of said interior section with said bolster and connecting sections, forming a first covering member of a size to lie flat against the top side of said interior section and extend at its outer edge into said grooves, forming a second covering member of a size to lie flat against the top side of said bolster and connecting sections and extend at its inner edge into said grooves, providing an upright trim strip of a size to extend into said grooves, inverting said covering members and securing the inner edge of said first member and the outer edge of the second member to an upper edge portion of said trim strip, inverting said foam body and moving it downwardly to a position in which said upper edge portion of said trim strip extends into said grooves, adhering said first covering member to said interior section of said body, adhering said second covering member to said bolster and connecting sections of said body, turning said body over so that said covering members are on the top side of said foam body, extending said second member downwardly along the sides of said body and securing the second member to the underside of said body and removing all of said trim strip except said portion secured to said covering members.
2. The method according to claim 1 wherein said trim strip is formed with a reduced thickness section to enable tearing of the strip and facilitate said removal.
3. The method according to claim 1 wherein covering members are secured by sewing to said trim strip.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000540282A CA1293365C (en) | 1987-06-22 | 1987-06-22 | Trimmed vehicle seat and method of manufacturing same |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000540282A CA1293365C (en) | 1987-06-22 | 1987-06-22 | Trimmed vehicle seat and method of manufacturing same |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1293365C true CA1293365C (en) | 1991-12-24 |
Family
ID=4135955
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000540282A Expired - Fee Related CA1293365C (en) | 1987-06-22 | 1987-06-22 | Trimmed vehicle seat and method of manufacturing same |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1293365C (en) |
-
1987
- 1987-06-22 CA CA000540282A patent/CA1293365C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |