Extruded flexible self-locking trim cover assembly retention clip and method for using same

• US 20030213105A1
• Filed: 03/18/2003
• Published: 11/20/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/19/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Intier Automotive, Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Intier Automotive, Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Bednarski, Matthew M.
• Granted Patent: US 7,287,305 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 24/289
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/5825 by hooks, staples, clips, snap fasteners or the like
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/30 Trim molding fastener
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/309 Plastic type
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/44026 for cooperating with aperture in supporting structure or structure-to-be-secured

Abstract

A clip for retaining a trim cover assembly against a foam pad of a vehicle seat including a base having a hook end and a lock end. The base also includes a flange extending out therefrom. The hook end defines a hook, which secures the trim cover assembly to the clip. The lock end includes a lock and a lock hook. The foam pad includes a pair of inner foam pad walls that define a trench, through which the clip initially passes before contacting the foam pad. The clip is inserted into the foam pad so that the lock end passes completely through the foam pad to an underlying “B” surface. The lock hook is then rotated relative to the base until the lock hook engages the flange. The clip is firmly anchored within the foam pad by the lock end, which has a width greater than the trench.

Claims

1. A clip for retaining a trim cover assembly against a foam pad of a vehicle seat, said clip comprising:

a base defining a hook end and a lock end, said base including a flange extending out therefrom;

a hook fixedly secured to said hook end for receiving and retaining a portion of the trim cover thereagainst; and

a lock pivotally secured to said lock end of said base, said lock including a lock hook for engaging said flange of said base when said lock is moved to a locking position after said clip is inserted into the foam pad of the vehicle seat to prevent movement of said clip away from the foam pad.

2. A clip as set forth in claim 1 including a retention arm fixedly secured to said hook end, said retention arm retaining the trim cover portion against said hook end.

3. A clip as set forth in claim 2 wherein said lock defines a bottom wall having a length and a depth such that said length is substantially greater than said depth such that upon movement of said lock to said locking position, said length of said bottom wall abuts the foam pad to retain said clip within the foam pad.

4. A clip as set forth in claim 3 wherein said clip is formed by extrusion tooling.

5. A method of using an extruded clip to retain a trim cover assembly against a foam pad of a vehicle seat, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a trim cover assembly;

securing the trim cover assembly to the clip;

providing a foam pad for the trim cover assembly to cover;

inserting the clip through the foam pad;

locking the clip thereby preventing the clip from pulling back through the foam pad; and

pulling the trim cover assembly taut over the foam pad.

6. A method as set forth in claim 5 wherein the step of inserting the clip through the foam pad is accomplished using insertion tools.

7. A method as set forth in claim 5 wherein the step of inserting the clip through the foam pad is accomplished manually.