System for attaching trim covers to a flexible substrate
First Claim
1. A system for securing a trim cover bead to a flexible substrate, the system comprising:
- a base adapted to adhere to the substrate material and including a keyhole, wherein at least one surface of the base defines a textured surface that is constructed and arranged to facilitate foam adhesion of the base to the substrate material and resist shearing of the base when molded into the substrate material, whereby a void of substrate material surrounding the base is minimized as the substrate material covers the textured surface of the base; and
a clip projection having a pair of legs with top barbs that forms a cavity for trapping the bead when it is forcibly passed between the barbs, the clip projection including a key that removably mounts to the keyhole.
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Abstract
This invention provides a system and method for attaching a trim cover to a flexible/resilient substrate, typically constructed from foam, which includes a plurality of clips that each has a base molded into the substrate. The bases each include a central “keyhole” slot that receives a corresponding key formed on a stem at a bottom of a clip projection. The clip projection defines a cavity for receiving a trim cover bead through a gap formed between a pair of legs that extend from the bottom. The stem has a length that is approximately the thickness of the slot. By passing the key through the slot and rotating the key to a locked position, the clip projection may be removably mounted to the substrate for repair or replacement as needed. The base may be constructed from a material that adheres effectively to the substrate, while the clip projection may be constructed from a material that exhibits high elasticity and wear-resistance. A cradle that includes a pair of upright posts that each confront a leg may be provided to progressively support the legs so as to prevent single point stresses from forming in the legs.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A system for securing a trim cover bead to a flexible substrate, the system comprising:
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a base adapted to adhere to the substrate material and including a keyhole, wherein at least one surface of the base defines a textured surface that is constructed and arranged to facilitate foam adhesion of the base to the substrate material and resist shearing of the base when molded into the substrate material, whereby a void of substrate material surrounding the base is minimized as the substrate material covers the textured surface of the base; and a clip projection having a pair of legs with top barbs that forms a cavity for trapping the bead when it is forcibly passed between the barbs, the clip projection including a key that removably mounts to the keyhole. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 22)
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16. A system for securing a trim cover bead to a flexible substrate, the system comprising:
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a base constructed from a first material adapted to adhere to the substrate material; and a clip projection having a pair of legs with top barbs that forms a cavity for trapping the bead when it is forcibly passed between the barbs, the clip projection being constructed from a second material that includes enhanced mechanical strength with respect to the first material, the clip projection being joined to the base; wherein at least one surface of the base defines a textured surface to facilitate foam adhesion of the base to the substrate material, whereby a void of substrate material surrounding the base is minimized as the substrate material infiltrates the base, to resist shearing of the base when molded into the substrate material. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A system for securing a trim cover bead to a flexible substrate, the system comprising:
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a base constructed from a first material adapted to adhere to the substrate material; and a clip projection having a pair of legs with top barbs that forms a cavity for trapping the bead when it is forcibly passed between the barbs, the clip projection being constructed from a second material that includes enhanced mechanical strength with respect to the first material, the clip projection being joined to the base;
wherein at least one surface of the base is textured to facilitate foam adhesion of the base to the substrate material, whereby a void of substrate material surrounding the base is minimized;wherein the at least one surface of the base is formed with a checkered texture.
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Specification