GB2168607A

GB2168607A - Trim cover assembly for a vehicle seat

Info

Publication number: GB2168607A
Application number: GB08528564A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fumitaka Saito; Muneharu Urai
Original assignee: Tachikawa Spring Co Ltd
Current assignee: Tachi S Co Ltd
Priority date: 1984-11-30
Filing date: 1985-11-20
Publication date: 1986-06-25
Also published as: GB8528564D0; IT1186389B; FR2574062B1; DE3540459C2; AU582194B2; AU5009785A; DE3540459A1; GB2168607B; JPS61131784A; IT8522937A0; FR2574062A1

Abstract

A trim cover assembly for a seat for use in a vehicle such as an automobile is disclosed in which a seat center cover portion, 10, seat lateral bolster cover portions (11, 11') and seat lateral wall cover portions (12, 12'), thereof are first knitted substantially in the same plane and are then connected to one another by linking or sewing the connecting portions of the respective portions to form a solid trim cover assembly so as to cover a cushion member of foam material. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Trim cover assembly in a vehicle seat BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a trim cover assembly in a seat for use in a vehicle such as an automobile and, more particularly, to such trim cover assembly which covers a foam cushion member to provide a vehicle seat.

2. Description of the Prior Art Conventionally, a trim cover assembly of this type is formed by cutting woven stuff, synthetic resin stuff or the like into a predetermined shape and then sewing the cut one into a bag-like configuration. However, such cutting operation incurs loss of material, which results in an expensive trim cover assembly.

In order to eliminate the above disadvantage, for example, a new trim cover assembly is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 68200 of 1983, which is formed by knitting into a bag-like configuration by a circular knitting machine so as to correspond to the outer configuration of a cushion member.

The last-mentioned trim cover assembly eliminates the disadvantage found in the abovementioned prior art trim cover assembly, but it is also found disadvantageous in that it finds difficulty in matching itself to the outer configuration of a cushion member having an uneven configuration on the front surface thereof since such trim cover assembly can be knitted only in a simple tubular form.

In view of the above-mentioned drawback, as disclosed in Japanese Utility Model No.

98900 of 1983, the last-mentioned trim cover assembly must be lined with a resin coating to hold it in a predetermined form. However, this resin coat lining requires such a degree of rigidity that can keep the trim cover assembly in its predetermined form, which rigidity makes worse the sitting feeling of the trim cover assembly or the resultant seat for an occupant thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims at eliminating the drawbacks found in the above-mentioned conventional trim cover assemblies.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the invention to provide an improved trim cover assembly which can be matched to the outer surface of a cushion member having a complicated outer configuration in a positive manner and the respective parts of which have their own characteristics: for example, the respective components of which can be connected with one another after they are knitted individually by a lateral knitting machine or the like; or the prtions of which reuiring elasticity, such as a side cover portion, can be knitted with elastic threads or formed in an elastic knitted structure.

The invention is devised in view of the fact that the lateral knitting machine is capable of varying knitted structures, colors, threads, patterns and the like in the respective parts of knitted goods with ease. Basically, the seat center cover portion, seat lateral bolster cover portions, and seat lateral wall cover portions of the trim cover assembly of the invention are knitted substantially in the same plane or in an expanded condition so that they can be knitted by the lateral knitting machine, and thereafter the joints of these respective cover portions are connected integrally to one another by means of linking or sewing so as to produce a solid or three-dimensional trim cover assembly.

Accordingly, since the sizes of its parts, elastic forcr and the like can be determined as desired, the trim cover assembly of the invention can be matched to the outside form of its associated cushion member as well as the respective parts thereof have their own desired characteristics.

The above and other related objects, advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent upon a reading of the following detailed specification in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA WINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a section view taken along line Il-Il in Fig. 1; Figure 3 is a front view of the above embodiment, illustrating a condition where it is knitted in a plane state; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a seat to which the invention is being applied; Figure 5 is a section view taken along line V-V in Fig. 4; Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of the invention; Figure 6(AJ is a plan view of the second embodiment, illustrating a condition where the respective parts are knitted separately; Figure 6(B) is a perspective view of the second embodiment, illustrating a condition where the above-mentioned parts are partially connected to one another in an integral manner; Figure 7 illustrates a third embodiment of the invention;; Figure 7(A)- is a partially plan view of the third embodiment, illustrating a manner how it is knitted; Figure 7(B) is a perspective view of the third embodiment, illustrating a condition in which it is in part connected integrally; and, Figure 8 is a section view of a fourth embodiment of the invention, illustrating a condition in which it is being actually applied in a vehicle seat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EM BODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Referring first to Figs. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a trim cover assembly (for a seat back) (A) constructed in accordance with the invention, which is wholly formed of knitted goods. In the drawings, reference numeral (10) designates a seat center cover portion of the above-mentioned trim cover assembly, (1 1)(1 1') represent seat lateral bolster cover portions, respectively, and (12)(12') respectively stand for seat lateral wall cover portions.

In Fig. 3, there is shown a state in which the seat lateral bolster cover potions (1 1)(1 1') and the seat lateral wall cover portions (12)(12') are knitted to the seat center cover portion (10) substantially in the same plane (that is, in an expanded condition). In this figure, numberals (13)(13') respectively designate skirt or hem portions of the present trim cover assembly (A).

The above-mentioned seat center cover portion (10), seat lateral bolster cover portions (11)(11'), seat lateral wall cover portions (12)(12') and hem portions (13)(13') are provided with joint portions in their edtes, respectively. When these edge joint portions are connected integrally to one another by means of linking or sewing, then the solid trim cover assembly (A) shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is formed. In the drawings, numerals (14)(14') respectively designate through-bores through which headrest stays are to be inserted.

Now, Figs. 4 and 5 respectively illustrate a state in which the trim cover assembly (A) according to the invention is being applied in a vehicle seat, with the trim cover assembly (A) being in close contact with a cushion member (B) formed of foam material. This cushion member (B) is provided with raised portions in the frontal right and left sides thereof to which the above-mentioned seat lateral bolster cover portions (11)(11') are attached respectively.

The above-mentioned trim cover assembly (A) can then be fixed wholly or in part to the surface of the cushion member (B) by suitable fixing means (for example, an adhesive, a velvet-type fastener and the like) to form a seat.

Now, we will describe the invention in detail hereinbelow.

Fiber material which can be used for knitting in the invention includes all kinds of fibers, such as synthetic fibers including nylon, polyester and the like, regenerated fibers including rayon and the like, natural fibers represented by wool, cotton, flax and the like, and spunwoven fibers formed by mixedly spinning the above-mentioned fibers together.

And, when it is strongly desired that the present trim cover assembly must be connected closely to the cushion member (B) due to the forms and/or dimensions of its associated vehicle seat, in order to improve the closely connecting property thereof, it is preferred that the upper portion (10a) of the body portion (10) as well as the side cover portions (11)(11') are formed or knitted in a highly elastic knitting manner (e.g., a rib stitch) or with a highly elastic thread. The highly elastic threads include filaments which are provided with high elasticity due to their high percentages of elongation, such as nylon, ester and the like, and highly elastic yarns represented by Spandex, cored yarns, covered yarns and the like. They may be used individually or in a blended way.

Alternatively, the close connection property of the trim cover assembly of the invention can be enhanced with respect to the cushion member (B) in the following manner: that is, heat settable fibers, which are low in elongation temperatures during manufacturing and cause heat shrinkage at temperatures of about 80-120"C, such as satin, polypropylene, Tevilon and the like, are mixed with highly heatresisting fibers which do not cause heat shrinkage and the physical properties of which are not affected at the above-mentioned temperatures to form knitting material wholly or partially; the knitting material is then knitted to form knitted goods; and, the knitted goods are wet or dry heated to 80 1 200C or higher, which are favorable for the fibers, so that they can be heat set.

Also, when the above-mentioned highly elastic yarns are blended to form the knitted goods, the knitted goods can also be heat ,set similarly to stabilize the close connection pm'- perty thereof.

It should be noted here that since the temperatures to cause heat shrinkage of satin, polypropylene, Tevilon and the like will be affcted by the compositions, polymerization degrees, extrusion temperatures and the like of high molecular compounds used, they are not always limited to the above-mentioned temperature range of 80--120"C.

Now, the above-mentioned seat center cover portion (10), seat lateral bolster cover portions (1 1)(1 1'), seat lateral wall cover portions (12)(12') and hem portions (14)(14') are knitted by a horizontal knitting machine (Fig.

3). Also, when an ordinary horizontal knitting machine with computer is used, then it is quite easy to change knitting structures, colors, fiber materials, patterns of the respective portions.

In order to heighten the commercial value of the invention, various kinds of color tones and knitting ways, such as guilloche stitch, garter stitch, tuck stitch, pleat stitch, yoke stitch, multituch stitch, intershirring stitch, dappled stitch, scroll stitch and the like, can be employed in the above-mentioned respective seat center cover portion (10), seat lateral bolster cover portions (11), seat lateral wall cover portions (12) and hem portions (14); and, in the seat center cover portion (10), characters and other patterns can be inserted, a core for a headres can be fitted, and a hole for mounting of a handle can be darned.

Next, with respect to the above-mentioned linking, an automatic machine which automatically takes stitches is used, by an ordinary sweing machine may be used for this purpose. For the linking portions, it is also possible to employ another way in which lowpriced rayon yarns or the like are knitted, sewn and cut.

In the developed form of the trim cover assembly, when expansions and reductions (increased stitches and reduced stitches) are few, no linking is performed by a horizontal knitting machine may be used to knit in part the trim cover assembly automatically.

Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, numerals (15)(15') respectively designate welt portions, which, as shown in Fig. 2, are formed by floating knitting threads greatly in a loop way by means of special stitches, that is, by producing so-called "ring stitches" in the back surface of the trim cover assembly. Also, by inserting wires through the ring-stitched poritons and pulling them form the back surface of the cushion member (B), thetrim cover assembly (A) can be tensioned to prevent itself from getting loose.

In Figs. 4 and 5, numeral (20) designates a back panel, (21(21) respectively represent back frames, and (22) stands for a spring member such as a zigzag (S-shaped) spring.

Figs. 6(A)(B) and 7(A)(B) respectively illustrate another embodiments of the invention in which the respective portions of a trim cover assembly, among which seat center cover portions (10a)(10a) and seat lateral wall portions (12a)(12b)(12c), (12a')(12b') are only il iustrated, are knitted separately and in plane forms and then secured to one another integrally by suitable means so as to provide a solid trim cover assembly (A') or (A"). The respective portions of these embodiments are formed in desired knitting ways such as pattern stitches, by-colors-pattern stitches and the like according to cases. However, the portions such as the seat lateral wall cover portions (12a)-which require no elasticity may be arbitrarily formed of woven material, no-woven cloth, synthetic resin film or sheet imitation leater material as in the prior art.

In Fig. 6(A), numerals (12d)(12d') respectively designate overlapping portions for connecting the respective seat lateral wall cover portions (12a)(12b)(12c) integrally to one another, and, (12e)(12e')(12e") respectively represent overlapping portions for connecting the respective seat lateral wall cover portions (12a)(12b)(12c) integrally to one another. Fig.

6(B) illustrates a state in which the respective seat lateral wall cover portions (12a)(12b)(12c) are laid on top of another in the above-mentioned overlapping protions (12d)(12d') and are integrally connected with one another.

In Fig. 7(A), there is a third embodiment of the invention wherein the seat center cover portion (10a) and the seat lateral wall cover portions (12a')(12b') are knitted integrally with one another. The two seat lateral wall cover portions (12a')(12b') are provided with overlapping portions (12f)(12f'), respectively.

When the two overlapping portions (12fl(12f') are laid on each other to connect the two seat lateral wall cover portions (12a')(12b') integrally with each other, then a solid or threedimensional tirm cover assembly (A") is formed, as shown in Fig. 7(B). When the above-mentioned seat laberal wall cover portions (12a')(12b') are formed by using a knitting method of high elasticity or threads of high elasticity, it is not always necessary that they are formed separately, but they may be arbitrarily knitted integrally and in the same plane from the beginning.

Alternatively, according to the invention, as shown in Fig. 8, a plurality of recessed grooves may be formed on the upper surface of the cushion member (B) and a plurality of recessed grooves which correspond to the above-mentioned recessed grooves may be formed in the seat center cover portion (10a), so that the recessed grooves of the seat center cover portion (10a) (that is, block knitted grooves) can be adhesively attached to the cushion (B) through the corresponding recessed grooves thereof.

Also, th above-mentioned overlapping portions (12d)(12d')(12e)(12f)(12f') may be connected integrally by means of bonding or sewing, or they may also be intergrally secured by means of a velvet-type fastener.

Further, the inside surfaces (not shown) of the respective overlapping portions (12d)(12d')(12e)(12f)(12f') may be directly bonded to the cushion member (B) by adhesives.

The present invetnion can also be employed as a trim cover assembly for a headrest, armrest or the like.

As described hereinbefore, according to the invention, a seat center cover portion, seat lateral bolster cover portions, seat lateral wall cover portions and the like are first knitted in plane forms and they are then connected to one another to form a three-dimensional or solid integral unit, which permits previous formation of the respective portions in desired dimensions and forms. Therefore, the invention can provide a trim cover assembly of its associated cushion member. Also, according to the invention, since it is possbiel to change the ways and materials for forming the respective portions thereof such as seat center cover portion, seat lateral bolster cover portions and the like, these portions thereof can be formed respectively so as to be provided with their desired properties.

Claims

1. A trim cover assembly for a vehicle seat comprising a seat seat center cover portion, seat lateral bolster cover portions and seat lateral wall cover portions, wherein said seat center cover portion, seat lateral bolster cover portios and seat lateral wall cover portions are knitted substantially in the same plane and are then connected with one another through the connecting portions thereof to form a solid trim cover assebly.

2. The trim cover assembly as defined in Claim 1, wherein said seat lateral bolster cover portions and seat lateral wall cover portions are formed integrally with said seat center cover portion.

3. The trim cover assembly as defined in Claim 1, wherein said seat center cover portion, seat lateral bolster cover portions and seat lateral wall cover portions are bonded or sewn to one another to form a solid trim cover assembly.

4. The trim cover assembly as defined in Claim 1, wherein said seat lateral bolster cover portions are knitted with yarns of higher elasticity or in a wya of higher easticity over said seat center cover portion.

5. A trim cover assembly substantially as herein described and shown in the accompany drawings.