CN112078448B

CN112078448B - Trim cover for anchor on vehicle seat assembly

Info

Publication number: CN112078448B
Application number: CN202010408014.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 亚历山大·塞尔; 索斯藤·沃格尔; 西尔维斯特·弗洛恩德; 阿勒姆·拉努瓦尔; 海克·克鲁宾; 拉尔斯·黑瑟尔; 萨拉·施奈德
Original assignee: Lear Corp
Current assignee: Lear Corp
Priority date: 2019-06-12
Filing date: 2020-05-14
Publication date: 2023-07-04
Anticipated expiration: 2040-05-14
Also published as: DE102019208486B4; DE102019208486A1; CN112078448A

Abstract

The present invention relates to trim covers for anchors on vehicle seat assemblies. Vehicle seat assemblies, trim cover assemblies, and methods are provided. The vehicle seat trim cover assembly has a first trim member and a second trim member. The first trim member is for attachment to the vehicle seat member, supports the first magnet, and defines a hole therethrough to access the anchor rod. The second trim member is to be rotatably connected to one of the vehicle seat member and the first trim member, and the second trim member supports the second magnet. The second trim member has a first position in which the first magnet and the second magnet cooperate to retain the second trim member adjacent the first trim member, thereby covering the aperture and the anchor rod. The second trim member has a second position in which the second trim member is spaced from the aperture to provide access through the aperture to the anchor rod.

Description

Trim cover for anchor on vehicle seat assembly

Technical Field

Various embodiments relate to trim covers (trimcovers) for anchors on vehicle seat assemblies.

Background

The vehicle seat assembly may be provided with seat anchors that serve as attachment points for the child safety seat in the vehicle, and these seat anchors may be visible inside the vehicle and to the vehicle occupant when the child safety seat is not in use.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a vehicle seat trim cover assembly is provided with a first trim member and a second trim member. The first trim member is for connection to a vehicle seat member. The first trim member supports the first magnet and defines a hole therethrough to access the anchor rod. The second trim member is to be rotatably connected to one of the vehicle seat member and the first trim member, and the second trim member supports the second magnet. The second trim member has a first position in which the first magnet and the second magnet cooperate to retain the second trim member adjacent the first trim member, thereby covering the aperture and the anchor rod. The second trim member has a second position in which the second trim member is spaced from the aperture to provide access through the aperture to the anchor rod.

In a further embodiment, the assembly is provided with a third trim member for connection to one of the vehicle seat member and the other vehicle seat member. The third decoration member supports the third magnet.

In a further embodiment, the second magnet and the third magnet cooperate to retain the second trim member in the second position adjacent the third trim member to provide access to the anchor rod through the aperture.

In yet a further embodiment, the end region of the second trim member is stitched to at least one of the vehicle seat member and the first trim member.

In a further embodiment, the first trim member further defines another aperture therethrough to access the other anchor bar, wherein the other aperture is spaced from the aperture along the transverse axis of the vehicle seat member. The second trim member covers the other aperture and the other anchor rod when the second trim member is in the first position. The second trim member is spaced apart from the other aperture to provide access to the other anchor rod when the second trim member is in the second position.

In yet a further embodiment, the second trim member is rotatable about a transverse axis of the vehicle seat member from the first position to the second position.

In a further embodiment, a fastener is provided and connects the second trim member to the first trim member.

In a further embodiment, the second trim member is rotatable about the fastener between the first position and the second position.

In yet a further embodiment, the fastener extends through the first trim member and the second trim member.

In yet a further embodiment, the aperture of the first trim member is positioned between the fastener and the first magnet.

In yet a further embodiment, the first magnet and the second magnet are positioned to attract each other when the second trim member is in the first position.

In a further embodiment, the first trim member has a first end region and a second end region opposite the first end region, the second end region supporting the first magnet, wherein the aperture is positioned between the first end region and the second end region.

In a further embodiment, the second trim member has a third end region for connection to one of the vehicle seat member and the first trim member and a fourth end region opposite the third end region, the fourth end region supporting the second magnet.

In yet a further embodiment, the second trim member has a first position in which the first magnet and the second magnet cooperate to retain the fourth end region adjacent the second end region, thereby covering the aperture and the anchor rod. The second trim member has a second position in which the fourth end region is spaced apart from the second end region to provide access through the aperture to the anchor rod.

In yet a further embodiment, the anchor rod is provided with a visual marker positioned on the second decorative member.

In a further embodiment, one of the first trim member and the second trim member defines a pocket sized to receive one of the first and second magnets, respectively.

In yet a further embodiment, at least one of the first magnet and the second magnet is connected to the associated trim member by an adhesive.

In another embodiment, a vehicle seat assembly is provided with a seat member providing a seating surface and an anchor bar connected to a frame member. An anchor rod extends from the frame member toward the seating surface. The assembly has a first trim member and a second trim member. The first trim member is connected to the seat member and defines an aperture therethrough, wherein the anchor rod is accessible from the seating surface through the aperture. The first decoration member supports the first magnet. The second trim member is rotatably connected to the seat member and the second trim member supports the second magnet. The second trim member has a first position in which the first magnet and the second magnet cooperate to retain the second trim member adjacent the first trim member to cover the aperture and the anchor rod when the anchor rod is not in use. The second trim member has a second position in which the second trim member is spaced from the aperture to provide access through the aperture to the anchor rod.

In a further embodiment, the anchor bar has a cross bar extending transversely relative to the seat member for connection to the child safety seat.

In one embodiment, a method is provided. The first textile trim member is formed with an aperture therethrough. The first magnet is connected to the first fabric trim member. The first fabric trim member is connected to the vehicle seat such that an anchor for the child safety seat is accessible through the aperture. Forming a second textile trim member. The second magnet is connected to the second fabric trim member. The second fabric trim member is connected to the vehicle seat such that the second fabric trim member is rotatable between a first position and a second position. The first magnet and the second magnet cooperate to hold the second trim member adjacent the first trim member when the second fabric trim member is in the first position, thereby covering the aperture and the anchor when the anchor is not in use. The second fabric trim member is spaced apart from the aperture to provide access through the aperture to the anchor rod when the second fabric trim member is in the second position.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates a partial front perspective view of a vehicle seat assembly having a trim assembly according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of a first trim member in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial rear view of a second trim member in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the first trim member and the second trim member of FIGS. 2-3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of a first trim member in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial rear view of a second trim member in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial front perspective view of a vehicle seat assembly having a trim assembly according to another embodiment, wherein the trim assembly is in a first position;

FIG. 8 illustrates a partial front perspective view of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 7 with the trim assembly in a second position; and

fig. 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the trim assembly of fig. 7-8.

Detailed Description

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle seat assembly 10 having first and second seat members 12, 14 (e.g., a seat base 12 and a seat back 14, respectively) that cooperate to form a seating surface 16 for a vehicle occupant. The vehicle seat assembly has a longitudinal axis 18, a transverse axis 20, and a vertical axis 22, with the longitudinal axis 18, transverse axis 20, and vertical axis 22 generally corresponding to a vehicle coordinate system when the seat assembly 10 is installed. Each

seat member

12, 14 includes a base or frame structure, a cushion, and a cover.

The frame member 24 is located between the seat base 12 and the seat back 14 and away from the seating surface 16. The frame member 24 may be connected to the seat base 12 and/or the seat back 14. The frame member 24 extends laterally within the seat assembly 10. The frame member 24 may be formed of a metal or metal alloy.

The frame member 24 provides a support structure for the first and

second anchor members

26, 28. The

anchor members

26, 28 each include a bracket that connects an associated anchor rod or anchor point to the frame member 24.

The

anchor members

26, 28 are standardized attachment points that allow the child safety seat to be quickly and securely attached to the vehicle seat assembly 10. The

seat anchor members

26, 28 provide a pair of lower attachment points for connection with the base of the child safety seat. In some embodiments, the seat assembly 10 may additionally include a single upper attachment point (not shown) for tether attachment. In one example, the

seat anchor members

26, 28 may be provided by an ISOFIX anchor system or LATCH anchor system, wherein the child safety seat is connected to the anchor bar using a clip connection.

The vehicle seat assembly 10 may be provided with one or more pairs of

anchors

26, 28, each pair of anchors for an associated child safety seat. For example, for a bench seat (bench style seating), the vehicle seat assembly 10 can be provided with two or three pairs of

anchors

26, 28. In the example shown in fig. 1, the seat assembly 10 has first and second pairs of

anchor members

26, 28, each pair of

anchor members

26, 28 being associated with a respective occupant seating area. In another example, the seat assembly 10 may be a couch-type seat (captain chair style seating) with a single pair of

anchors

26, 28 for a child safety seat.

Each

anchor

26, 28 may extend from the support frame 24 toward the seating surface 16. The anchor is located between the seat bottom 12 and the seat back 14, adjacent a lower end region of the seat back 14. Each anchor is provided with a crossbar at a distal end that is connected with a child safety seat latch. In one example, and as shown, the crossbar extends laterally relative to the vehicle seat assembly 10. The crossbar may extend between a pair of spaced apart arms of the anchor such that the anchor is generally U-shaped. The anchor may be formed of a metal or metal alloy and may have a circular cross-sectional shape or other cross-sectional shape.

In some embodiments, and as shown in fig. 1, the cushion material of the seat base 12 forms a recessed area 40 to provide clearance around each of the

anchor members

26, 28. In another example, the recessed area 40 may additionally or alternatively be provided in the cushion material of the seat back 14.

Fig. 1 shows a first trim cover assembly and a second trim cover assembly 50. Each trim cover assembly 50 is associated with a respective pair of

anchors

26, 28 or with separate anchors. Each trim cover assembly 50 is provided for covering and concealing an associated anchor when the associated anchor is not in use. The trim cover assembly 50 also covers and conceals the recessed area 40 surrounding the anchor in the seat base 12. The trim cover assembly 50 is formed using a flexible material or fabric to allow a user to move a portion of the trim cover assembly to access the

anchor rods

26, 28 and to connect, disconnect, or otherwise use the anchor rods with the child safety seat, as described further below.

Referring to fig. 1-4, each trim cover assembly 50 as shown in fig. 1 has a first trim member 52 and a second trim member 54. In the example shown, each

trim member

52, 54 is formed from or may include a piece of fabric. In one example, the first trim member 52 and the second trim member 54 are formed from the same fabric. In another example, the first trim member 52 and the second trim member 54 are formed from different fabrics. For the purposes of this disclosure, fabric may refer to a variety of fabrics used in vehicle interiors and include cloth, vinyl, leather, imitation leather, and the like. The

trim members

52, 54 may additionally include panels formed of a material such as plastic to provide rigidity and structure to the

trim members

52, 54. As described below, the fabric may be provided as an inner and/or outer layer of the trim member, and the panel may provide a support layer as described below. In further examples, the trim member may be provided with sufficient structural rigidity by the fabric material such that a panel layer is not necessary.

The first trim member 52 is connected to a vehicle seat member (e.g., the seat base 12) and is fixed relative to the vehicle seat member such that the first trim member 52 does not move relative to the seat member and the anchor.

The first trim member 52 has a first end region 60 and a second end region 62 opposite the first end region. As shown in fig. 4, the first trim member 52 may be formed from a plurality of layers having an outer layer 64 (visible from the seating surface 16) and an underlying support layer 66.

The first trim member 52 defines an aperture 68 extending therethrough. The aperture 68 is sized to provide an opening of sufficient size for the child safety seat latch to be connected to the

underlying anchors

26, 28 through the opening. The aperture 68 is positioned between the first end region 60 and the second end region 62. The aperture 68 is spaced from and forward of the anchor along the longitudinal axis. The first trim member 52 also forms a fastener hole 70 in the first end region 60.

The first trim member 52 supports (e.g., in the second end region 62) the first magnet 72. In one example, and as shown, the first magnet 72 is connected to the support layer 66 (e.g., using an adhesive). The first magnet 72 may be attached to an inner surface of the support layer 66. In another example, the first magnet 72 is attached to and positioned between the outer layer 64 and/or the support layer 66 by an adhesive. In another example, the outer layer 64 or the support layer 66 may be formed with a pocket sized to receive the first magnet 72 to attach and position the magnet relative to the first trim member 52, the pocket being sealed or closed after the first magnet is positioned in the pocket.

In one example, and as shown, the first end region 60 and the second end region 62 form edges 74, 76 that are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. For purposes of this disclosure, "substantially" means within five or ten degrees more or less than the desired orientation. According to one example, as shown, the first magnet 72 is aligned with an edge 76 of the second end region. In another example, the first magnet 72 is substantially aligned with the edge 76 or otherwise positioned relative to the edge 76. The magnets 72 may have various shapes, and for magnets 72 having another shape (e.g., circular), the magnets 72 may be positioned near the edge 76.

The second trim member 54 is rotatably coupled to a vehicle seat member, such as the seat base 12, and is movable between a first position and a second position. The first position is shown on the left side of fig. 1, and the second position is shown on the right side of fig. 1. The second trim member 54 may be rotatably and directly connected to the first trim member 52.

The second trim member 54 has a third end region 80 and a fourth end region 82 opposite the third end region. As shown in fig. 4, the second trim member 54 may be formed from multiple layers, with an outer layer 84 (visible from the seating surface), an inner layer 86, and one or more underlying intermediate support layers 88.

The second trim member 54 forms fastener holes 90 in the third end region 80, which fastener holes 90 may extend through only some layers such that other layers of the second trim member 54 conceal fasteners, as described below.

The second trim member 54 supports (e.g., in the fourth end region 82) the second magnet 92. In one example, and as shown, a second magnet 92 is attached (e.g., using an adhesive) to the support layer 88. The second magnet 92 may be attached to one or both of the support layers 88, for example, using an adhesive. In another example, the second magnet 92 is attached to the inner and/or

outer layers

86, 84 by an adhesive. In further examples, the outer layer 84, the inner layer 86, or one of the support layers 88 may be formed with a pocket sized to receive the second magnet 92 to connect and position the magnet relative to the second trim member 54, the pocket being sealed or closed after the second magnet is positioned in the pocket.

In one example, and as shown, the third end region 80 and the fourth end region 82 form edges 94, 96 that are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. According to one example, as shown, the second magnet 92 is aligned with an edge 96 of the fourth end region. In another example, the second magnet 92 is substantially aligned with the edge 96 or otherwise positioned relative to the edge 96. The magnet 92 may be provided in various shapes. For magnets 92 having another shape (e.g., circular), the magnets 92 may be positioned near the edge 96.

As shown, the second trim member 54 is sized to correspond to the size of the first trim member 52, or the second trim member 54 is sized to have a surface area that is greater than the surface area of the first trim member such that the second trim member conceals the first trim member when the second trim member is in the first position.

The second trim member 54 may additionally have visual indicia 98 disposed on or attached to the outer layer 84. The visual indicia 98 may be a symbol or another visual indication that indicates that the anchor is located below the second trim member. In one example, the visual indicia 98 is provided by embroidery or other stitching. In another example, the visual indicia 98 is provided by a label attached to the outer layer (e.g., using an adhesive). In yet another example, and as shown, the visual indicia 98 is provided as an insert (e.g., badge) that is received in an associated aperture 100 (aperture 100 is formed at least in the outer layer) and is connected to the second decorative member.

In one example, and as shown, the fastener 102 is used to connect and position the second trim member 54 relative to the first trim member 52 and allow the second trim member 54 to rotate relative to the first trim member 52 and the vehicle seat member. Thus, the fastener 102 provides a rotational axis for the second trim member 54. The fastener 102 extends through the fastener holes 70, 90 provided in each of the first and second trim members. Thus, the second trim member 54 rotates about the fastener 102 to the first and second positions. In the example shown, the fastener 102 is a push-in fastener, such as a fir tree fastener (fir tree fastener). In other examples, other fasteners are also contemplated. The fastener 102 may extend through at least a portion of each of the first trim member and the second trim member.

When the second trim member 54 is in the first position, the first magnet 72 and the second magnet 92 cooperate to retain the second trim member adjacent the first trim member, thereby covering the aperture 68 and the anchor rod. The first and

second magnets

72, 92 are positioned such that the fourth end region 82 remains adjacent the second end region 62 to cover the aperture 68 and the anchor rod.

When the second trim member 54 is in the second position, the first and

second magnets

72, 92 are separated from each other and the second trim member 54 is spaced from the aperture 68 to provide access through the aperture to the anchor rod. Thus, when the second trim member 54 is in the second position, the fourth end region 82 is spaced from the second end region 62 to provide access to the anchor rod through the aperture 68.

Each of the first magnet 72 and the second magnet 92 may be provided as a permanent magnet or as a material that has been magnetized. The first magnet 72 is positioned such that one of its positive and negative polarities is disposed toward the outer layer, and the second magnet 92 is positioned such that the other of its positive and negative polarities is disposed toward the inner layer. The first and

second magnets

72, 92 are thus positioned to attract each other when the second trim member 54 is in the first position because the opposite polarities of the first and second magnets are adjacent to each other.

Fig. 5-6 illustrate variations of the first trim member 52 and the second trim member 54 of fig. 2-4, according to one embodiment. For simplicity, those identical or similar elements shown in fig. 2-4 are given the same reference numerals.

In fig. 5, the first trim member 52 is formed with a first end region 60 and a second end region 62 opposite the first end region. In one example, and as shown, the first end region 60 and the second end region 62 form edges 74, 76 that are non-parallel to one another. The second end region 62 has an edge 76 that is non-parallel to the edge 74 of the first end region. As shown in fig. 1, the shape of the first trim member 54 and the first and

second end regions

60, 62 may be determined based on the shape of the vehicle seat and associated trim and cushion.

As shown, the first magnet 72 may be aligned with an edge 76 of the second end region. In one example, the edge 76 of the second end region and the first magnet 72 may be offset from the edge 74 of the first end region or at an angle between twenty and seventy degrees from the edge 74 of the first end region. In another example, the first magnet 72 is substantially aligned with the edge 76 or otherwise positioned relative to the edge 76. The magnet 72 may be provided in various shapes. For magnets 72 having another shape (e.g., circular), the magnets 72 may be positioned near the edge 76.

In fig. 6, the second trim member is formed with a third end region 80 and a fourth end region 82 opposite the third end region. In one example, and as shown, the third end region 80 and the fourth end region 82 form edges 94, 96 that are non-parallel to one another. The fourth end region 82 has an edge 96 that is non-parallel to the edge 94 of the third end region. The shape of the second trim piece 54 and the third and

fourth end regions

80, 82 may be determined based on the shape of the vehicle seat and associated trim pieces and pads as shown in fig. 1.

As shown, the second magnet 92 may be aligned with the edge 96 of the fourth end region and positioned to mate with the first magnet 72 and have an attractive force toward the first magnet 72 when the second trim member 54 is in the first position and covers the aperture 68. In one example, the edge 96 of the fourth end region and the second magnet 92 may be offset from the edge 94 of the third end region or at an angle between twenty and seventy degrees from the edge 94 of the third end region. In another example, the second magnet 92 is substantially aligned with the edge 96 or otherwise positioned relative to the edge 96. The magnet 92 may be provided in various shapes. For magnets 92 having another shape (e.g., circular), the magnets 92 may be positioned near the edge 96.

Fig. 7-9 illustrate a trim assembly 50 for use with a vehicle seat 10 according to another embodiment. For simplicity, those elements that are the same as or similar to those shown in fig. 1-6 are given the same reference numerals.

The vehicle seat assembly 10 has first and

second seat members

12, 14, such as a seat base 12 and a seat back 14, respectively, that cooperate to form a seating surface 16 for a vehicle occupant. The vehicle seat assembly has a longitudinal axis 18, a transverse axis 20, and a vertical axis 22, with the longitudinal axis 18, transverse axis 20, and vertical axis 22 generally corresponding to a vehicle coordinate system when the seat assembly is installed. Each

seat member

12, 14 includes a base or frame structure, a cushion, and a cover.

The frame member 24 is positioned between the seat base 12 and the seat back 14 and away from the seating surface 16. The frame member 24 may be connected to the seat base and/or the seat back. The frame member 24 extends laterally within the seat assembly 10. The frame member may be formed of a metal or metal alloy. The frame member 24 provides a support structure for the first and

second anchor members

26, 28. The

anchor members

26, 28 each include a bracket that connects an associated anchor rod or anchor point to the frame member. The

anchor members

26, 28 are standardized attachment points that allow the child safety seat to be quickly and securely attached to the vehicle seat assembly 10, as described above with respect to fig. 1.

Fig. 7-9 illustrate a trim assembly 50 for use with a corresponding pair of

anchors

26, 28. A trim cover assembly 50 is provided for covering and concealing the two

anchors

26, 28 when not in use. The trim cover assembly 50 also covers and conceals the recessed area in the seat member surrounding the anchor. The trim cover assembly 50 is formed using a flexible material or fabric to allow a user to move a portion of the trim cover assembly to access the anchor bar and to connect, disconnect, or otherwise use the anchor bar with the child safety seat, as described further below.

The trim cover assembly 50 has a first trim member 52, a second trim member 54, and a third trim member 110. The first trim member 52, the second trim member 54, and the third trim member 110 may each be elongated as shown, and each extend laterally through the seat assembly 10, e.g., through the seating area of the occupant.

Each

trim member

52, 54, 110 is formed from or may include a piece of fabric or other vehicle trim material. In one example, the

trim members

52, 54, 110 are formed from the same fabric. In another example, one or more of the

trim members

52, 54, 110 are formed from different fabrics. For purposes of this disclosure, fabric may refer to a variety of fabrics used in vehicle interiors, including cloth, vinyl, leather, imitation leather, and the like. One or more of the

trim members

52, 54, 110 may additionally include a panel formed of a material such as plastic to provide rigidity and structure to the trim member. As described below, the fabric may be provided as an inner and/or outer layer of the trim member, and the panel may provide a support layer as described below. In further examples, one or more of the

trim members

52, 54, 110 may be provided with sufficient structural rigidity by the fabric material such that a panel layer is not necessary.

The first trim member 52 is connected to and fixed relative to a vehicle seat member, such as the seat base 12, such that the first trim member 52 does not move relative to the seat member and anchors. The first trim member 52 may be coupled to the seat base 12 and/or the seat back 14. The first trim member 52 has a first end region 60 and a second end region 62 opposite the first end region and defines first and second apertures 68 extending therethrough. Each aperture 68 is sized to provide an opening of sufficient size for the child safety seat latch to be connected to the underlying anchor through the opening. The first and second apertures 68 are laterally spaced apart from one another and are positioned between the first and

second end regions

60, 62. Each aperture 68 is spaced from and forward of the anchor along the longitudinal axis.

The first trim member 52 supports (e.g., in the second end region 62) a pair of first magnets 72. In one example, as shown in fig. 9, the magnets 72 are positioned within corresponding recessed areas formed in the underlying seat member foam or cushioning material. In another example, the magnets 72 are each attached to the support layer (e.g., using an adhesive). The magnets 72 may be attached by an adhesive. In another example, the outer layer 64 may be formed with a pocket sized to receive the magnet 72 to attach and position the magnet relative to the first trim member, the pocket being sealed after the magnet is positioned in the pocket. In further examples, the first trim member 52 may be provided with one magnet 72 or more than two magnets 72.

The second trim member 54 is rotatably coupled to one or more of the

vehicle seat members

12, 14 such that the second trim member 54 is movable between a first position and a second position. The first position is shown in fig. 7, and the second position is shown in fig. 8. The second trim member 54 is rotatable about the transverse axis 20 of the vehicle seat member from a first position to a second position. The second trim member 54 is rotatably and directly connected to the first trim member 52, the seat base 12, and/or the seat back 14. The second trim member 54 may be sewn in place or may be connected by a fastener or series of fasteners. In one example, a tab (tab) 112 may be provided for a user to grasp the second trim member 54 and move the second trim member 54 from the first position to the second position.

The second trim member 54 has a third end region 80 and a fourth end region 82 opposite the third end region. As shown in fig. 9, the second trim member 54 may be formed from multiple layers, with an outer layer (visible from the seating surface), an inner layer, and one or more underlying intermediate support layers.

The second trim member 54 supports (e.g., in the fourth end region 82) a pair of second magnets 92. In one example, and as shown, the magnet 92 is attached (e.g., using an adhesive) to the support layer and/or the fabric layer. The magnet 92 may be attached to at least one of the support layers 88 using an adhesive. In further examples, the fabric layer or support layer may be formed with a pocket sized to receive the magnet 92 to connect and position the magnet relative to the second trim member, the pocket being sealed or closed after the magnet is positioned in the pocket. In further examples, the second trim member 54 may be provided with one magnet 92 or more than two magnets 92.

As shown, the second trim member 54 is sized to correspond to the size of the first trim member 52, or the second trim member 54 is sized to have a surface area that is greater than or less than the surface area of the first trim member 52 such that the second trim member conceals the aperture 68 of the first trim member when the second trim member is in the first position.

The second trim member 54 may additionally include visual indicia 98 disposed on or attached to the outer layer 84 to indicate that the

anchors

26, 28 are positioned below the second trim member 54. The second trim member 54 may have a visual marker 98 associated with each anchor, and the visual marker 98 may be positioned to correspond to the location of the anchor.

The third trim member 110 is connected to the vehicle seat 10 and fixed relative to the vehicle seat 10 such that the third trim member 110 does not move relative to the associated seat member. The third trim member may be coupled to the seat base 12 and/or the seat back 14. In one example, the third trim member 110 is connected to a different vehicle seat member than the first trim member 52. The third trim member 110 has a fifth end region 120 and a sixth end region 122 opposite the fifth end region.

The third trim member (e.g., in the sixth end region 122) supports a pair of third magnets 124. In one example, the third magnet 124 is positioned within a recessed area formed in the underlying seat member foam or cushioning material. In another example, and as shown, a third magnet is attached (e.g., using an adhesive) to the support layer 126. In another example, the support layer 126 or the outer layer 128 may be formed with a pocket sized to receive the third magnet 124 to connect and position the magnet relative to the third trim member 110, the pocket being sealed or closed after the third magnet is positioned in the pocket. In further examples, the third trim member 110 may be provided with one magnet 124 or more than two magnets 124. The number of first, second and

third magnets

72, 92, 124 may correspond to one another.

When the second trim member 54 is in the first position, the pairs of first and

second magnets

72, 92 cooperate to retain the second trim member 54 adjacent the first trim member 52, thereby covering the aperture 68 and the anchor rod. The pair of first and

second magnets

72, 92 are positioned such that the fourth end region remains adjacent the second end region to cover the aperture and the anchor rod.

When the second trim member 54 is in the second position, the pair of first and

second magnets

72, 92 are separated from each other and the second trim member 54 is spaced from the aperture 68 to provide access through the aperture 68 to the anchor rod. Thus, when the second trim member 54 is in the second position, the fourth end region is spaced apart from the second end region to provide access to the anchor rod through the aperture 68.

When the second trim member 54 is in the second position, the pair of second magnets 92 and the third magnets 124 cooperate to retain the second trim member 54 adjacent the third trim member 110, thereby maintaining an open passageway through the aperture 68 to the anchor. The pair of second and

third magnets

92, 124 are positioned such that the fourth end region remains adjacent the sixth end region, thereby maintaining the second position of the second trim member 54.

Each of the pair of first, second and

third magnets

72, 92, 124 may be provided as described above, with the second magnet 92 positioned to be attracted to each of the associated first and

third magnets

72, 124 when the second trim member 54 is in the first and second positions, respectively.

According to one example, a method of providing a trim cover assembly 50 and for assembling the trim cover assembly to a vehicle seat assembly 10 is provided for the assembly shown in fig. 1-9. In other examples, various steps may be omitted, added, rearranged in another order, or performed sequentially or concurrently.

The first fabric trim member 52 is formed with at least one aperture 68 therethrough. The first magnet 72 is attached to the first fabric trim member. The first fabric trim member is connected to the vehicle seat 10 such that an anchor for the child safety seat is accessible through the aperture.

Forming a second fabric trim member 54. The second magnet 92 is connected to a second fabric trim member. The second fabric trim member 54 is coupled to the vehicle seat 10 such that the second fabric trim member is rotatable between a first position and a second position. When the second fabric trim member 54 is in the first position, the first magnet and the second magnet cooperate to hold the second trim member adjacent the first trim member, thereby covering the aperture and anchor when the anchor is not in use. When the second fabric trim member 54 is in the second position, the second trim member is spaced from the aperture to provide access through the aperture to the anchor rod.

A third fabric decorative member 110 is formed. The third magnet 124 is connected to the second fabric trim member. The third fabric trim member 110 is connected to the vehicle seat 10. When the second fabric trim member 54 is in the second position, the second magnet and the third magnet cooperate to retain the second trim member adjacent the third trim member, thereby maintaining access to the anchor through the aperture.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, features of the various implemented embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat trim cover assembly comprising:

a first trim member for connection to a vehicle seat member, the first trim member supporting a first magnet; the first trim member defining a hole therethrough to access the anchor rod and defining a first fastener hole; and

a second trim member for rotatable connection to one of the vehicle seat member and the first trim member, the second trim member supporting a second magnet and defining a second fastener hole;

wherein the second trim member has a first position wherein the first magnet and the second magnet cooperate to retain the second trim member adjacent the first trim member, thereby covering the aperture and the anchor rod; and is also provided with

Wherein the second trim member has a second position wherein the second trim member is spaced apart from the aperture to provide a passageway through the Kong Tongwang anchor rod;

wherein the vehicle seat trim cover assembly further comprises a fastener connecting the second trim member to the first trim member and providing a rotational axis for the second trim member, the fastener extending through the first and second fastener holes, the second trim member being rotatable about the fastener between the first and second positions, and the rotational axis being perpendicular to the first trim member.

2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a third trim member for connection to one of the vehicle seat member and another vehicle seat member, the third trim member supporting a third magnet.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the second magnet and the third magnet cooperate to retain the second trim member in the second position adjacent the third trim member to provide a passageway through the Kong Tongwang anchor rod.

4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the first trim member further defines another aperture therethrough to access another anchor bar, the other aperture being spaced apart from the aperture along a transverse axis of the vehicle seat member;

wherein the second trim member covers the other aperture and the other anchor rod when the second trim member is in the first position; and is also provided with

Wherein the second trim member is spaced apart from the other aperture to provide access to the other anchor rod when the second trim member is in the second position.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a push-in fastener, and wherein the second fastener hole extends only partially through the second trim member such that the second trim member conceals the fastener.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the aperture of the first trim member is positioned between the fastener and the first magnet.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are positioned to attract each other when the second trim member is in the first position.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first trim member has a first end region and a second end region opposite the first end region, the second end region supporting the first magnet, wherein the aperture is positioned between the first end region and the second end region.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the second trim member has a third end region and a fourth end region opposite the third end region, the third end region for connection to one of the vehicle seat member and the first trim member, the fourth end region supporting the second magnet.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the second trim member has a first position in which the first magnet and the second magnet cooperate to retain the fourth end region adjacent the second end region, thereby covering the aperture and the anchor rod; and is also provided with

Wherein the second trim member has a second position wherein the fourth end region is spaced apart from the second end region to provide a passageway through the Kong Tongwang anchor rod.

11. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a visual marker for the anchor rod, the visual marker being positioned on the second decorative member.

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein one of the first trim member and the second trim member defines a pocket sized to receive one of the first magnet and the second magnet, respectively.

13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first magnet and the second magnet is attached to an associated first trim member or second trim member by an adhesive.

14. A vehicle seat assembly comprising:

a vehicle seat member providing a seating surface;

an anchor rod connected to a frame member and extending from the frame member toward the seating surface;

a first trim member connected to the vehicle seat member and defining an aperture therethrough and a first fastener aperture through which the anchor rod is accessible from the seating surface, the first trim member supporting a first magnet;

a second trim member rotatably connected to the vehicle seat member, the second trim member supporting a second magnet and defining a second fastener aperture, wherein the second trim member has a first position, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet cooperate to hold the second trim member adjacent the first trim member to cover the aperture and the anchor rod when the anchor rod is not in use, and wherein the second trim member has a second position, wherein the second trim member is spaced from the aperture to provide a passageway through the Kong Tongwang anchor rod; and

a fastener extending through the first and second fastener holes, the fastener connecting the second trim member to the first trim member and providing a rotational axis for the second trim member, the second trim member rotatable about the fastener between the first and second positions, and the rotational axis being perpendicular to the first trim member.

15. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 14 wherein the anchor bar has a cross bar extending transversely relative to the vehicle seat member for connection to a child safety seat.

16. A method for assembling a vehicle seat assembly, comprising:

forming a first trim member having an aperture therethrough and a first fastener aperture;

connecting a first magnet to the first trim member;

connecting the first trim member to a vehicle seat member such that an anchor for a child safety seat is accessible through the aperture;

forming a second trim member having a second fastener hole;

connecting a second magnet to the second trim member;

connecting the second trim member to the vehicle seat member such that the second trim member is rotatable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the second trim member is in the first position, the first magnet and the second magnet cooperate to hold the second trim member adjacent the first trim member to cover the aperture and the anchor when the anchor is not in use, and wherein when the second trim member is in the second position, the second trim member is spaced from the aperture to provide a passageway through the Kong Tongwang anchor; and

the second trim member is connected to the first trim member using a fastener and provides a rotational axis for the second trim member, the fastener being positioned to extend through the first and second fastener holes, the second trim member being rotatable about the fastener between the first and second positions, and the rotational axis being perpendicular to the first trim member.