Method of adhesively bonding a seat cover to a seat cushion

• US 5,486,252 A
• Filed: 03/14/1994
• Issued: 01/23/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Original Assignee: General Motors Corporation (Motors Liquidation Co. GUC Trust)
• Inventors: Wong, Daniel K. C.
• Primary Examiner(s): YODER, MICHELE
• Application Number:
  US08/209,800
• Time in Patent Office: 680 Days
• Field of Search: 156/212, 156/213, 156/222, 156/499, 156/322, 156/214, 156/581, 156/311, 156/285, 297/DIG. 1, 297/DIG. 2, 219/243, 219/528, 219/529
• US Class Current: 156/212
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 63/22 using layers or sheathings having a shape adapted to the shape of the article B29C63/26 and B29C63/38 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/2007 characterised by the type of welding mirror
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/30 Electrical means B29C65/38 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/4815 Hot melt adhesives, e.g. thermoplastic adhesives
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/522 by spraying, e.g. by flame spraying
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/1122 Single lap to lap joints, i.e. overlap joints B29C66/45, B29C66/472, B29C66/52272 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/301 Three-dimensional joints, i.e. the joined area being substantially non-flat B29C66/5223, B29C66/5224, B29C66/5225 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/436 Joining sheets for making articles comprising cushioning or padding materials, the weld being performed through the cushioning material, e.g. car seats joining through openings B29C66/304
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/71 characterised by the composition of the plastics material of the parts to be joined welding bar compositions B29C65/125
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/727 being porous, e.g. foam
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/81423 being concave
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/81451 being adaptable to the surface of the joint B29C66/81453, B29C66/81455, B29C66/81457, B29C66/81459, B29C66/81461 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/81811 of the welding jaws
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/8322 Joining or pressing tools reciprocating along one axis
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/863 Robotised, e.g. mounted on a robot arm
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/91212 involving measurement means being part of the welding jaws, e.g. integrated in the welding jaws
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 66/91231 of the joining tool
• CPC Class Codes: B29D 99/0092 Producing upholstery articles, e.g. cushions, seats B29C63/025 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2027/06 PVC, i.e. polyvinylchloride
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2075/00 Use of PU, i.e. polyureas or polyurethanes or derivatives thereof, as moulding material
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/771 : Seats
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 297/02 : Molded
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1028 : by bending, drawing or stretch forming sheet to assume shape of configured lamina while in contact therewith
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1044 : of parallel stacked sheets only

Abstract

A method of bonding a contoured seat cover with a first surface to a seat cushion with a second surface is provided which includes the steps of coating the second surface with a heat-activated adhesive, placing a flexible planar heating member between the first and second surfaces, pressing the first and second surfaces together against the heater with a force of one to five pounds per square inch, heating the adhesive with the heating member, removing the heating member while the first and second surfaces are pressed together, and allowing the adhesive to solidify and then relieving the pressure between the seat cover and the seat cushion.

Claims

1. A method of bonding a contoured steam-impermeable seat cover with a first surface to a seat cushion with a second surface comprising:

coating the second surface with a heat-activated adhesive;

placing a flexible planar electric coil heating member between the first and second surfaces;

pressing the first and second surfaces together against the heater with a force of one to five pounds per square inch with a press fixture with an internal cavity with venting holes connected thereto, the press fixture having a contour matching the seat cushion;

heating the adhesive with the heating member to a working to a working temperature of the adhesive;

removing the heating member while the first and second surfaces are still pressed together; and

allowing the adhesive to solidify by blowing forced air passing through the press fixture holes onto the cover and then relieving the pressure between the seat cover and the seat cushion.

2. A method as described in claim 1 wherein the coating is achieved by spraying.

3. A method as described in claim 2 wherein the spraying is swirl spraying.

4. A method as described in claim 1 wherein the pressure is from one to two pounds per square inch.

5. A method as described in claim 1 wherein a polyamide adhesive is utilized.

6. A method as described in claim 1 utilizing a silicone sheet heater.