Method and apparatus for attaching a trim cover to a seat frame

• US 5,826,939 A
• Filed: 08/13/1997
• Issued: 10/27/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 08/13/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Original Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Inventors: Beyer, Michael T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nelson, Jr., Milton
• Application Number:
  US08/910,725
• Time in Patent Office: 440 Days
• Field of Search: 297/452.59, 297/228.13, 297/219.1, 297/218.3, 297/218.5, 297/463.1, 297/218.1, 297/218.2, 24/600.9, 24/369, 24/371, 24/768, 24/265 C, 5/402
• US Class Current: 297/218.3
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/5825 by hooks, staples, clips, snap fasteners or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/5883 by sewing, stitching or threading
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/6009 covering more than only the seat
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/3484 Hook

Abstract

An apparatus for attaching a trim cover to an attachment feature in a vehicle includes a retainer having first and second co-extruded portions. The first portion is adapted for attachment to the trim cover, and the second portion is adapted to engage the attachment feature. The first portion includes a relatively flexible material to facilitate flexing for attachment. The second portion includes a relatively rigid material to facilitate rigid engagement with the attachment feature. A method for attaching a trim cover to an attachment feature in a vehicle is also described.

Claims

1. An apparatus for attaching a trim cover to an attachment feature in a vehicle, comprising:

a retainer having first and second co-extruded portions, said first portion being adapted for attachment to the trim cover and said second portion being adapted to engage the attachment feature;

wherein said first portion comprises a relatively flexible material to facilitate flexing for attachment;

wherein said second portion comprises a relatively rigid material to facilitate rigid engagement with the attachment feature; and

wherein said second portion comprises a substantially J-shaped cross-section with a hook portion configured for engagement with the attachment feature.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first and second portions cooperate to form a continuous, substantially uniform cross-sectional thickness at an interface therebetween.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first and second portions comprise polyethylenes of different durometer.

4. An apparatus for attaching a trim cover to an attachment feature in a vehicle, comprising:

a retainer having first and second co-extruded portions, said first portion being adapted for attachment to the trim cover and said second portion being adapted to engage the attachment feature;

wherein the first portion comprises a relatively flexible material to facilitate flexing for attachment;

wherein the second portion comprises a relatively rigid material to facilitate engagement with the attachment feature; and

wherein the first and second portions cooperate to form a continuous, substantially uniform cross-sectional thickness at an interface therebetween.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said first and second portions comprise polyethylenes of different durometer.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said second portion comprises a substantially J-shaped cross-section with a hook formed at a distal end thereof for engagement with the attachment feature.