+

US20070148427A1 - Trim cover for seat - Google Patents

Trim cover for seat Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20070148427A1
US20070148427A1 US11/318,461 US31846105A US2007148427A1 US 20070148427 A1 US20070148427 A1 US 20070148427A1 US 31846105 A US31846105 A US 31846105A US 2007148427 A1 US2007148427 A1 US 2007148427A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
cover
layer
wadding
cover element
trim
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/318,461
Inventor
Tsuyoshi Yumoto
Seiichiro Miyazaki
Ikuo Sakamoto
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Tachi S Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Tachi S Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tachi S Co Ltd filed Critical Tachi S Co Ltd
Priority to US11/318,461 priority Critical patent/US20070148427A1/en
Publication of US20070148427A1 publication Critical patent/US20070148427A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/58—Seat coverings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/58—Seat coverings
    • B60N2/5816—Seat coverings attachments thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/64—Back-rests or cushions
    • B60N2/643—Back-rests or cushions shape of the back-rests
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/64—Back-rests or cushions
    • B60N2/646—Back-rests or cushions shape of the cushion
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2262/02—Synthetic macromolecular fibres
    • B32B2262/0261—Polyamide fibres
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/50—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular mechanical properties
    • B32B2307/554—Wear resistance
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/50—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular mechanical properties
    • B32B2307/58—Cuttability
    • B32B2307/581—Resistant to cut
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2601/00—Upholstery
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2605/00—Vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B3/00—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form
    • B32B3/02—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shape; Layered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/02—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B32B5/022—Non-woven fabric
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/02—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B32B5/06—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer characterised by a fibrous or filamentary layer mechanically connected, e.g. by needling to another layer, e.g. of fibres, of paper
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/22—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed
    • B32B5/24—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B32B5/26—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer another layer next to it also being fibrous or filamentary
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/05—Interconnection of layers the layers not being connected over the whole surface, e.g. discontinuous connection or patterned connection
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/12—Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/12—Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
    • B32B7/14—Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties applied in spaced arrangements, e.g. in stripes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B9/00—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00
    • B32B9/02—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00 comprising animal or vegetable substances, e.g. cork, bamboo, starch
    • B32B9/025—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00 comprising animal or vegetable substances, e.g. cork, bamboo, starch comprising leather
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B9/00—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00
    • B32B9/04—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00 comprising such particular substance as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B9/047—Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00 comprising such particular substance as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material made of fibres or filaments
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/249921—Web or sheet containing structurally defined element or component
    • Y10T428/249924—Noninterengaged fiber-containing paper-free web or sheet which is not of specified porosity

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a leather trim cover adapted for covering the outer surface of vehicle seat.
  • trim cover adapted for covering an outer surface of vehicle seat.
  • a trim cover having a leather layer on its outer surface is improved in its touch by adhering a thin layer of wadding, such as a slab foam wadding layer, to an entire reverse surface of the trim cover.
  • the adhesive attachment of the thin wadding layer to an entire reverse surface of the leather trim cover is indeed effective in increasing the strength of a whole of the trim cover in uniform way. Further, due to the thin layer of wadding, an adhesive present between the trim cover and wadding will not be cured so hard.
  • the trim cover formed in that way is found inferior in strength to a trim cover having a thin wadding layer adhered to the entire reverse surface thereof.
  • the trim cover in accordance with the present invention is basically comprised of:
  • a first cover element consisting essentially of: a leather top cover layer of a predetermined shape having a reverse surface; and a wadding layer which is adhered at one surface thereof to a whole of the reverse surface of the leather top cover layer, the wadding layer having another surface opposite to the one surface thereof;
  • a second cover element consisting essentially of a wadding layer having one surface and another surface opposite to the one surface;
  • first cover element is fixedly juxtaposed on the second cover element by firmly connecting a peripheral end region of the afore-said another surface of the wadding layer of the first cover element to a peripheral end region of the afore-said one surface of the wadding layer of the second cover element by a connecting means.
  • the foregoing connecting means may comprise a adhesive or sewing by thread.
  • an additional wadding cover layer may be interposed between the above-stated another surface of the wadding layer of the first cover element and the above-stated one surface of the wadding layer of the second cover element. Further, another additional wadding cover layer be fixedly provided to that another surface of the wadding layer of the second cover element.
  • FIG. 1 is a partly broken exploded sectional view of a trim cover in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a partly broken sectional view of a resulting trim cover in accordance with the afore-said one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a partly broken exploded sectional view of a trim cover in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a partly broken sectional view of a resulting trim cover in accordance with the afore-said another alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • trim cover for vehicle seat as generally designated by (TC), in accordance with the present invention.
  • the resulting trim cover (TC) is fixedly juxtaposed on a body of seat, as designated by (S), which is indicated by one-dot chain line as in FIG. 2 , and therefore, as readily understandable from the FIG. 2 , the trim cover (TC) itself is to be disposed at an outward side (O) facing to a side outwardly of the seat body, whereas the seat body (S) itself is to be disposed at an inward side (I) opposite to the outward side (O).
  • the outer cover material (A) is basically of a three-layer lamination structure comprising: a natural leather top cover layer ( 1 ); a wadding layer ( 2 ); and a wadding cover layer ( 5 ) (or a back cloth for example), in this order.
  • the foregoing natural leather top cover layer ( 1 ) is one unitary sheet of natural leather material having a predetermined shape, which is preformed by trimming a natural leather base material (e.g. bull or horse leather) in the predetermined shape.
  • a natural leather base material e.g. bull or horse leather
  • the wadding layer ( 2 ) is one unitary sheet of slab foam wadding material, as found in conventional trim covers, which has a predetermined shape substantially equal to that of the natural leather top cover layer ( 1 ).
  • a foam wadding layer in conventional trim cover is relatively large in thickness
  • a thickness of the slab foam wadding layer ( 2 ) is approximately half of such relatively large thickness of conventional foam wadding layer.
  • a preferred thickness of the slab foam wadding layer ( 2 ) may be as thin as 5 mm.
  • this particular foam wadding layer ( 2 ) is uniformly adhered, at one entire surface thereof, to the entire reverse surface ( 1 A) of the foregoing top cover layer ( 1 ) by means of adhesive ( 6 ).
  • the wadding cover layer ( 5 ) is firmly attached, at one surface ( 5 A) thereof, to another surface of the foam wadding layer ( 2 ) by means of adhesive or frame laminating method.
  • the wadding cover layer ( 5 ) may preferably be formed from a non-woven fabric material or a nylon material.
  • the inner cover material (B) is basically of a two-layer lamination structure comprising a wadding layer ( 3 ) and a wadding cover layer ( 4 ) (or a back cloth for example), in this order. It is noted that the wadding layer ( 3 ) has: a mere exposed surface ( 3 A) which is not any adherend surface; and an adherent surface ( 3 B) adapted to be adhered to the wadding cover layer ( 4 ), as will be understood later.
  • the wadding layer ( 3 ) of this inner cover material (B), as similar to the foregoing wadding layer ( 2 ), is one unitary sheet of slab foam wadding material having a thin thickness which is approximately half of a relatively large thickness of conventional foam wadding layer, and preferably, the thickness may be as thin as 5 mm.
  • the wadding cover layer ( 4 ) it is, of course, of a predetermined shape substantially equal to that of the wadding layer ( 3 ) and may preferably be formed from a non-woven fabric material or a nylon material, as similar to the afore-said wadding cover layer ( 5 ).
  • the wadding cover layer ( 4 ) is firmly attached, at a reverse surface ( 4 A) thereof, to the outer surface ( 3 B) of the wadding layer ( 3 ) by means of adhesive or frame laminating method.
  • the wadding layer ( 2 ) and wadding cover layer ( 5 ) of the outer cover material (A) shall be referred to as “upper wadding layer ( 2 )” and “upper wadding cover layer ( 5 )”, respectively, whereas on the other hand, the wadding layer ( 3 ) and wadding cover layer ( 4 ) of the inner cover material (B) be referred to as “lower wadding layer ( 3 )” and “lower wadding cover layer ( 4 )”, respectively.
  • an adhesive ( 7 ) is applied to the peripheral end regions of the exposed surface ( 3 A) of the lower wadding layer ( 3 ) associated with the inner cover material (B), and thereafter, as indicted by the downward arrow, an outer surface of the upper wadding cover layer ( 5 ) of the outer cover material (A) is pressingly contact on the exposed surface ( 3 A) of the lower wadding layer ( 3 ), so that the outer cover material (A) is adhered to the inner cover material (B) along the peripheral end regions thereof.
  • a resulting trim cover (TC) is formed, which has the outer and inner cover materials (A) (B) adhered together in this order, with a non-adhered region (N) given between the upper wadding cover layer ( 5 ) and the lower wadding layer ( 3 ), excepting the peripheral adhered end regions (at 7 ).
  • the upper cover material (A) may be placed upon the lower cover material (B), so that the outer surface of upper wadding cover layer ( 5 ) is merely contacted on the exposed surface ( 3 A) of lower wadding layer ( 3 ), and thereafter, the peripheral end regions of the thus-juxtaposed two cover materials (A) (B) may be sewn together by threads ( 8 ), instead of using the adhesive ( 7 ). Accordingly, as shown in FIG.
  • a resulting trim cover (TC) is formed, which has the outer and inner cover materials (A) (B) sewn together, with a non-sewn region (N′) given between the upper wadding cover layer ( 5 ) and the lower wadding layer ( 3 ), excepting the peripheral sewn end portions (at 8 ).
  • trim cover (TC) of the present invention it is appreciated that the following effects and advantages are attained:
  • the upper and lower wadding layers ( 2 ) ( 3 ) are provided independently of each other, which makes it possible to reduce a thickness of each of them to a desired small degree. Therefore, in particular, the upper wadding layer ( 2 ) of a considerably reduced thickness (as thin as 5 mm for instance) can be adhered to the entire reverse surface of the natural leather top cover layer ( 1 ), thereby effectively avoiding creation of bent and crease portions in the natural leather top cover layer ( 1 ).
  • Such considerably thin upper and lower wadding layers ( 2 ) ( 3 ) are respectively reinforced by the upper and lower wadding cover layers ( 5 ) ( 4 ), and therefore, each of the two wadding layers ( 2 ) ( 3 ) is provided with a greatly increased strength and assuredly prevented against breakage and cut due to a strong contact and friction applied thereto from a body portion of person or hard thing.
  • the upper wadding cover layer ( 5 ) is just interposed between the upper and lower wadding layers ( 2 ) ( 3 ), thereby completely preventing any wear therebetween.
  • both of the upper and lower wadding layers ( 2 ) ( 3 ) maintain their own good cushiony touches, as opposed to the case where the two cover materials (A) (B) are entirely adhered to each other, which, as previously stated, will undesirably make them hard to the touch due to the impregnation and hard curing of adhesive therein.
  • a certain hardness and stability is given to the peripheral end portions of both two cover materials (A) (B).
  • the thus-sewn connection portions should be corner portions of the resulting three-dimensional trim cover assembly which are to cover the corresponding corner portions of an article to be covered, such as a seat, with a view to positively attaining the above-stated cushiony touch of each of the trim covers (TC).
  • the outer surface of the upper wadding cover layer ( 5 ) may be adhered to the exposed surface of the lower wadding layer ( 3 ), in which case, the adhesive ( 7 ) is applied to the peripheral end regions of exposed surface of the upper wadding cover layer ( 5 ), and thereafter, the afore-said another surface of the upper wadding layer ( 2 ) of the outer cover material (A) is pressingly contact on that exposed surface of the upper wadding cover layer ( 5 ), so that the outer cover material (A) is adhered to the inner cover material (B) along the peripheral end regions thereof.
  • trim cover may be used for covering other articles, such as an armrest or a headrest.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

A trim cover comprising a first cover element and a second cover element. The first cover element comprises a leather top cover layer and a wadding layer adhered at one surface thereof to an entire reverse surface of the leather top cover layer, whereas the second cover element at least comprises a wadding layer. The first cover element is juxtaposed on the second cover element by firmly connecting a peripheral end region of another surface of the wadding layer of the first cover element to a peripheral end region of the wadding layer of the second cover element. Additional wadding cover layer may be interposed between such another surface of the wadding layer of the first cover element and the wadding layer of the second cover element. Further, another additional wadding cover layer be provided to the said wadding layer of the second cover element.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention
  • The present invention relates to a leather trim cover adapted for covering the outer surface of vehicle seat.
  • 2. Description of Prior Art
  • Various improvements have been made in order to attain a good and soft touch of trim cover adapted for covering an outer surface of vehicle seat. As known in the Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication Nos. 8-30908 and 6-47853 for example, a trim cover having a leather layer on its outer surface is improved in its touch by adhering a thin layer of wadding, such as a slab foam wadding layer, to an entire reverse surface of the trim cover.
  • According to the foregoing conventional leather trim cover, the adhesive attachment of the thin wadding layer to an entire reverse surface of the leather trim cover is indeed effective in increasing the strength of a whole of the trim cover in uniform way. Further, due to the thin layer of wadding, an adhesive present between the trim cover and wadding will not be cured so hard.
  • However, in such prior-art trim cover, the thin thickness of wadding layer used has been found defective in providing an insufficient cushiony touch.
  • In order to solve such problem, one can consider adhering a thick wadding layer to the entire reverse surface of leather trim cover, but it will result in the trim cover itself being undesirably hard to the touch. Also, in that case, objectionable creases or wrinkles will be created on the outer surface of the leather trim cover. To avoid that drawback, one can still consider applying an adhesive only to peripheral local regions of such thick wadding layer and then adhering the peripheral regions of thick wadding layer to the reverse surface of leather trim cover. Indeed, such approach makes full use of the thick wadding layer to create a good touch of the trim cover, while keeping the entirety of trim cover away from a hard touch of cured adhesive which is deeply impregnated in this particular thick wadding layer.
  • However, the trim cover formed in that way is found inferior in strength to a trim cover having a thin wadding layer adhered to the entire reverse surface thereof.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In view of the above-stated drawbacks, it is a purpose of the present invention to provide a trim cover having an improved cushiony touch without being influenced by hard curing of an adhesive applied therein.
  • In order to achieve such purpose, the trim cover in accordance with the present invention is basically comprised of:
  • a first cover element consisting essentially of: a leather top cover layer of a predetermined shape having a reverse surface; and a wadding layer which is adhered at one surface thereof to a whole of the reverse surface of the leather top cover layer, the wadding layer having another surface opposite to the one surface thereof;
  • and
  • a second cover element consisting essentially of a wadding layer having one surface and another surface opposite to the one surface;
  • wherein the first cover element is fixedly juxtaposed on the second cover element by firmly connecting a peripheral end region of the afore-said another surface of the wadding layer of the first cover element to a peripheral end region of the afore-said one surface of the wadding layer of the second cover element by a connecting means.
  • Preferably, the foregoing connecting means may comprise a adhesive or sewing by thread.
  • It is another purpose of the present invention to not only increase the strength of the foregoing trim cover, but also avoid a wear between the afore-said another surface of the wadding layer of the first cover element and the afore-said one surface of the wadding layer of the second cover element.
  • For that purpose, an additional wadding cover layer may be interposed between the above-stated another surface of the wadding layer of the first cover element and the above-stated one surface of the wadding layer of the second cover element. Further, another additional wadding cover layer be fixedly provided to that another surface of the wadding layer of the second cover element.
  • Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from reading of the description hereinafter, with reference to the annexed drawings.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a partly broken exploded sectional view of a trim cover in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 2 is a partly broken sectional view of a resulting trim cover in accordance with the afore-said one embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 3 is a partly broken exploded sectional view of a trim cover in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 4 is a partly broken sectional view of a resulting trim cover in accordance with the afore-said another alternative embodiment of the present invention;
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
  • Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, there are exemplary preferred embodiments of trim cover for vehicle seat, as generally designated by (TC), in accordance with the present invention.
  • As shown in FIG. 1, there are provided one cover material (A) and another cover material (B), as a basic constituent material for forming a resulting trim cover (TC). In this respect, as will be describe later, the resulting trim cover (TC) is fixedly juxtaposed on a body of seat, as designated by (S), which is indicated by one-dot chain line as in FIG. 2, and therefore, as readily understandable from the FIG. 2, the trim cover (TC) itself is to be disposed at an outward side (O) facing to a side outwardly of the seat body, whereas the seat body (S) itself is to be disposed at an inward side (I) opposite to the outward side (O). It thus follows that the afore-said one cover material (A) is to be disposed at the outward side (O), whereas the afore-said another cover material (B) is to be disposed at the inward side (I). Hence, hereinafter, such one cover material (A) shall be referred to as “outer cover material (A)”, and such another cover material (B) be referred to as “inner cover material (B)”.
  • Specifically, the outer cover material (A) is basically of a three-layer lamination structure comprising: a natural leather top cover layer (1); a wadding layer (2); and a wadding cover layer (5) (or a back cloth for example), in this order.
  • The foregoing natural leather top cover layer (1) is one unitary sheet of natural leather material having a predetermined shape, which is preformed by trimming a natural leather base material (e.g. bull or horse leather) in the predetermined shape.
  • The wadding layer (2) is one unitary sheet of slab foam wadding material, as found in conventional trim covers, which has a predetermined shape substantially equal to that of the natural leather top cover layer (1). In this regard, generally stated, a foam wadding layer in conventional trim cover is relatively large in thickness But, in the present invention, a thickness of the slab foam wadding layer (2) is approximately half of such relatively large thickness of conventional foam wadding layer. For instance, a preferred thickness of the slab foam wadding layer (2) may be as thin as 5 mm.
  • As shown in FIG. 1, this particular foam wadding layer (2) is uniformly adhered, at one entire surface thereof, to the entire reverse surface (1A) of the foregoing top cover layer (1) by means of adhesive (6).
  • The wadding cover layer (5) is firmly attached, at one surface (5A) thereof, to another surface of the foam wadding layer (2) by means of adhesive or frame laminating method. The wadding cover layer (5) may preferably be formed from a non-woven fabric material or a nylon material.
  • On the other hand, the inner cover material (B) is basically of a two-layer lamination structure comprising a wadding layer (3) and a wadding cover layer (4) (or a back cloth for example), in this order. It is noted that the wadding layer (3) has: a mere exposed surface (3A) which is not any adherend surface; and an adherent surface (3B) adapted to be adhered to the wadding cover layer (4), as will be understood later.
  • Specifically, the wadding layer (3) of this inner cover material (B), as similar to the foregoing wadding layer (2), is one unitary sheet of slab foam wadding material having a thin thickness which is approximately half of a relatively large thickness of conventional foam wadding layer, and preferably, the thickness may be as thin as 5 mm.
  • With regard to the wadding cover layer (4), it is, of course, of a predetermined shape substantially equal to that of the wadding layer (3) and may preferably be formed from a non-woven fabric material or a nylon material, as similar to the afore-said wadding cover layer (5).
  • As shown, in this particular inner cover material (B), the wadding cover layer (4) is firmly attached, at a reverse surface (4A) thereof, to the outer surface (3B) of the wadding layer (3) by means of adhesive or frame laminating method.
  • Based on the above-discussed technical reasons for naming the outer and inner cover materials (A) and (B), and in view of layer lamination order in the resulting trim cover (TC) with respect to the seat body (S), the wadding layer (2) and wadding cover layer (5) of the outer cover material (A) shall be referred to as “upper wadding layer (2)” and “upper wadding cover layer (5)”, respectively, whereas on the other hand, the wadding layer (3) and wadding cover layer (4) of the inner cover material (B) be referred to as “lower wadding layer (3)” and “lower wadding cover layer (4)”, respectively.
  • Now, reference is made to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in sequence. At first, as shown in FIG. 1, an adhesive (7) is applied to the peripheral end regions of the exposed surface (3A) of the lower wadding layer (3) associated with the inner cover material (B), and thereafter, as indicted by the downward arrow, an outer surface of the upper wadding cover layer (5) of the outer cover material (A) is pressingly contact on the exposed surface (3A) of the lower wadding layer (3), so that the outer cover material (A) is adhered to the inner cover material (B) along the peripheral end regions thereof.
  • Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2, a resulting trim cover (TC) is formed, which has the outer and inner cover materials (A) (B) adhered together in this order, with a non-adhered region (N) given between the upper wadding cover layer (5) and the lower wadding layer (3), excepting the peripheral adhered end regions (at 7).
  • Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper cover material (A) may be placed upon the lower cover material (B), so that the outer surface of upper wadding cover layer (5) is merely contacted on the exposed surface (3A) of lower wadding layer (3), and thereafter, the peripheral end regions of the thus-juxtaposed two cover materials (A) (B) may be sewn together by threads (8), instead of using the adhesive (7). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 4, a resulting trim cover (TC) is formed, which has the outer and inner cover materials (A) (B) sewn together, with a non-sewn region (N′) given between the upper wadding cover layer (5) and the lower wadding layer (3), excepting the peripheral sewn end portions (at 8).
  • In accordance with the above-described trim cover (TC) of the present invention, it is appreciated that the following effects and advantages are attained:
  • (i) The upper and lower wadding layers (2) (3) are provided independently of each other, which makes it possible to reduce a thickness of each of them to a desired small degree. Therefore, in particular, the upper wadding layer (2) of a considerably reduced thickness (as thin as 5 mm for instance) can be adhered to the entire reverse surface of the natural leather top cover layer (1), thereby effectively avoiding creation of bent and crease portions in the natural leather top cover layer (1).
  • (ii) Such considerably thin upper and lower wadding layers (2) (3) are respectively reinforced by the upper and lower wadding cover layers (5) (4), and therefore, each of the two wadding layers (2) (3) is provided with a greatly increased strength and assuredly prevented against breakage and cut due to a strong contact and friction applied thereto from a body portion of person or hard thing.
  • (iii) The juxtaposition of such thin upper and lower wadding layers (2) (3) effectively achieves the same cushiony touch as in one thick wadding layer.
  • (iv) Further, the upper wadding cover layer (5) is just interposed between the upper and lower wadding layers (2) (3), thereby completely preventing any wear therebetween.
  • (v) Since only the peripheral end regions of the outer and inner cover materials (A) (B) are adhered or sewn together, both of the upper and lower wadding layers (2) (3) maintain their own good cushiony touches, as opposed to the case where the two cover materials (A) (B) are entirely adhered to each other, which, as previously stated, will undesirably make them hard to the touch due to the impregnation and hard curing of adhesive therein. In this respect, due to such localized adhering or sewing, a certain hardness and stability is given to the peripheral end portions of both two cover materials (A) (B). Thus, if a plurality of the present trim covers (TC) so formed are subjected to sewing for creating a three-dimensional trim cover assembly, such hardened peripheral end regions of each trim cover (TC) can easily and stably be sewn with one another. Preferably, the thus-sewn connection portions should be corner portions of the resulting three-dimensional trim cover assembly which are to cover the corresponding corner portions of an article to be covered, such as a seat, with a view to positively attaining the above-stated cushiony touch of each of the trim covers (TC).
  • It is noted that the outer surface of the upper wadding cover layer (5) may be adhered to the exposed surface of the lower wadding layer (3), in which case, the adhesive (7) is applied to the peripheral end regions of exposed surface of the upper wadding cover layer (5), and thereafter, the afore-said another surface of the upper wadding layer (2) of the outer cover material (A) is pressingly contact on that exposed surface of the upper wadding cover layer (5), so that the outer cover material (A) is adhered to the inner cover material (B) along the peripheral end regions thereof.
  • Of course, the trim cover (TC) may be used for covering other articles, such as an armrest or a headrest.
  • While having described the present invention, it should be understood that the invention Si not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but any other modification, replacement and addition may be applied thereto without departing from the scopes of the appended claims.

Claims (6)

1. A trim cover comprising;
a first cover element consisting essentially of: a leather top cover layer of a predetermined shape having a reverse surface; and a wadding layer which is adhered at one surface thereof to a whole of said reverse surface of said leather top cover layer, said wadding layer having another surface opposite to said one surface thereof;
and
a second cover element consisting essentially of a wadding layer having one surface and another surface opposite to said one surface;
wherein said first cover element is fixedly juxtaposed on said second cover element by firmly connecting a peripheral end region of said another surface of said wadding layer of the first cover element to a peripheral end region of said one surface of said wadding layer of the second cover element by a connecting means.
2. The trim cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein said leather top cover layer is formed from a natural leather material.
3. The trim cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connecting means comprises an adhesive, and wherein said first cover element is fixedly juxtaposed on said second cover element by adhering said peripheral end region of said another surface of said wadding layer of the first cover element, by means of said adhesive, to said peripheral end region of said one surface of said wadding layer of said second cover element.
4. The trim cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connecting means comprises a thread, and wherein said first cover element is fixedly juxtaposed on said second cover element by sewing said peripheral end region of said another surface of said wadding layer of the first cover element, by means of said thread, to said peripheral end region of said one surface of said wadding layer of said second cover element.
5. The trim cover as claimed in claim 1, which further comprises a wadding cover layer interposed between said another surface of said wadding layer of said first cover element and said one surface of said wadding layer of said second cover element.
6. The trim cover as claimed in claim 1, which further comprises a wadding cover layer fixedly provided to said another surface of said wadding layer of said second cover element.
US11/318,461 2005-12-28 2005-12-28 Trim cover for seat Abandoned US20070148427A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/318,461 US20070148427A1 (en) 2005-12-28 2005-12-28 Trim cover for seat

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/318,461 US20070148427A1 (en) 2005-12-28 2005-12-28 Trim cover for seat

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20070148427A1 true US20070148427A1 (en) 2007-06-28

Family

ID=38194171

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/318,461 Abandoned US20070148427A1 (en) 2005-12-28 2005-12-28 Trim cover for seat

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US20070148427A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110049948A1 (en) * 2009-08-27 2011-03-03 Lear Corporation Seat assembly having a trim cover
EP2703211A1 (en) * 2012-08-30 2014-03-05 Tachi-S Co., Ltd. Trim cover assembly and sewing method for forming the same
DE102015214507B4 (en) 2014-07-30 2024-05-02 Lear Corporation Hidden collection procedure

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5607201A (en) * 1993-11-08 1997-03-04 Ikeda Bussan Co., Ltd. Vehicle seat having an overlayer unbound to an underlayer that is bound to a seat pad
US5932331A (en) * 1998-10-08 1999-08-03 Simco Automotive Trim, Inc. Automotive trim panel having dual density foam support layer
US20050082881A1 (en) * 2003-04-03 2005-04-21 Azdel, Inc. Twin-sheet thermoformed products
US7178874B2 (en) * 2005-04-28 2007-02-20 Pierce Manufacturing Company Lateral head restraint system

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5607201A (en) * 1993-11-08 1997-03-04 Ikeda Bussan Co., Ltd. Vehicle seat having an overlayer unbound to an underlayer that is bound to a seat pad
US5932331A (en) * 1998-10-08 1999-08-03 Simco Automotive Trim, Inc. Automotive trim panel having dual density foam support layer
US20050082881A1 (en) * 2003-04-03 2005-04-21 Azdel, Inc. Twin-sheet thermoformed products
US7178874B2 (en) * 2005-04-28 2007-02-20 Pierce Manufacturing Company Lateral head restraint system

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110049948A1 (en) * 2009-08-27 2011-03-03 Lear Corporation Seat assembly having a trim cover
US8240759B2 (en) 2009-08-27 2012-08-14 Lear Corporation Seat assembly having a trim cover
EP2703211A1 (en) * 2012-08-30 2014-03-05 Tachi-S Co., Ltd. Trim cover assembly and sewing method for forming the same
CN103661036A (en) * 2012-08-30 2014-03-26 株式会社塔捷斯 Trim cover assembly and sewing method for forming the same
DE102015214507B4 (en) 2014-07-30 2024-05-02 Lear Corporation Hidden collection procedure

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4541885A (en) Method of manufacturing a vehicle seat cover
US8579347B2 (en) Seam spacers for use with decorative stitching of vehicle interior components
US8240759B2 (en) Seat assembly having a trim cover
US8678458B2 (en) Vehicle interior components with decorative stitching
US6345865B1 (en) Vehicle seat, a skin material for a vehicle seat and a method of manufacturing the vehicle seat
US10843600B2 (en) Vehicle seat trim covers including integrally-knit backing materials and methods of manufacturing vehicle seat trim covers
JPH03233A (en) Lamellar structure for manufacturing sound insulating substance and sound insulating substance, and manufacture of lamellar structure and sound substance
US5543213A (en) Motor vehicle seat cushion
US9616788B2 (en) Headrest with headrest stay
US10130182B2 (en) Layered structure for a seat cushion
US20070148427A1 (en) Trim cover for seat
JP2723014B2 (en) Vehicle seat
US10953776B2 (en) Seat
WO2022215298A1 (en) Seat covering material and seat
JPH11156976A (en) Skin material for automotive trim
JP2006262959A (en) Seat trim cover
JPS608065A (en) Manufacture of polyurethane foam cushion
US20230264637A1 (en) Trim Part
RU2790882C2 (en) Vehicle seat element made in padding and method for manufacture of such a vehicle seat element
JP7522081B2 (en) Seat back panel and vehicle seat back
JP6701844B2 (en) Seat pad
JP7034117B2 (en) Vehicle seat assembly with aesthetic trim cover assembly
JPS6219496Y2 (en)
JPH0344069Y2 (en)
JP2577452Y2 (en) Sheet

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION

点击 这是indexloc提供的php浏览器服务，不要输入任何密码和下载