Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a vehicle interior component may include creating a plurality of molten polymeric filaments, and applying a fluid stream to the molten filaments to impart the desired shape while in a bath to cool them to form a consolidated filament structure. An assembly, system, and method are provided for shaping a plurality of strands of a molten thermoplastic resin as a contoured unitary mesh product via at least one shaping conveyor. Another assembly, system, and method are provided for shaping a plurality of strands of a molten thermoplastic resin as a contoured unitary mesh product via an actuator assembly having one or more actuators.

Abstract: Seat assemblies and subassemblies to attach and retain components is provided. The subassembly may include a trim cover with a cushion layer, and various fasteners or retainers. The fasteners may include a tie down strip. The retainers may include a connector that is translated through the seat cushion layer. The retainers may also include an envelope to encircle the cushion layer.

Abstract: A cushion assembly is provided with a cushion, that is provided with a mesh member with a set of filaments of polymeric material that are looped and bonded to each other. A trim member is sized to extend at least partially across an occupant support surface of the cushion. A retainer is provided with a base connected to the trim member, a tether extending from the base and received in an aperture through the cushion. A flange is attached to the tether, spaced apart from the base, with a fastener is attached to the flange. Also, a flange provided with a portion that is elastically deformable relative to the tether so that the flange is collapsible and insertable through the aperture, and expandable to retain the retainer.

Abstract: A clip and a seat assembly comprising the clip. The clip is disposed in a mesh member. The mesh member comprises a set of filaments. The clip has a barb and a mount. The barb secures the clip to the mesh member. A hook and loop fastener secures a trim cover to the clip.

Abstract: Seat assemblies and subassemblies to fluidly actuate seat actuators, such as massage bladders are disclosed. The subassemblies include various valve assemblies to maximize output function while minimizing component quantity and optimizing valve assembly compactness. The valve assemblies provide dual sided linear valves, gate valve matrices, valve output multiplication by shared actuation, fluid circuit control logic to multiplex valve output, and/or three position valves.

Abstract: Seat assemblies and subassemblies thereof. The subassemblies include bladder assemblies, compression-resistant support structures, cushion assemblies, and/or heat transfer systems. The bladder assemblies may include integrated fluid conduits and/or flap valve assemblies disposed therein. The bladder assemblies may be disposed in the cushion assemblies. The cushion assemblies may be foamless such as comprising a polymeric non-woven filament mesh body. The mesh body may define one or more cavities to receive the bladder assembly. The heat transfer systems may cooperate with the bladder and/or cushion systems to heat or cool a trim surface.

Abstract: A seat assembly and method of manufacture. The seat assembly comprises a cushion, a carrier structure, and a trim cover. The cushion comprises a mesh member comprising a set of filaments of polymeric material. At least two members of the set of filaments are looped and bonded to each other. The trim cover is disposed on the cushion and is secured to the carrier structure.

Abstract: A seat assembly and a fastening arrangement. The fastening arrangement comprises a base and a fastener that extends from the base. The fastener is configured to extend into a cushion that comprises a mesh member that includes a set of filaments. The fastener engages at least one member of the set of filaments, coupling the fastening arrangement to the cushion.

Abstract: A method includes forming a mesh member, forming hinges in the mesh member to form a blank, placing the blank into a mold, and forming a product from the mesh member in the mold. The mesh member comprises a set of filaments of polymeric material, where at least two members of the set of filaments are looped and bonded to each other.

Abstract: A product includes a filament mesh member, a trim cover, and a hook and loop fastening system. The filament mesh member comprises a set of filaments of thermoplastic material, wherein each member of the set of filaments is bonded to at least one other member of the set of filaments. The trim cover is disposed over the filament mesh member. The hook and loop fastening system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. One of the loop portion and the hook portion is attached to the filament mesh member. The other of the loop portion and the hook portion is attached to the trim cover. The loop portion and the hook portion cooperate to secure the trim cover to the filament mesh member.

Abstract: A product is provided with a body with a nonrectangular cross section with a mesh of strands of expanded thermoplastic resin. A density of the mesh of strands about a perimeter of the nonrectangular cross section is greater than within the perimeter. The perimeter is provided with at least one recess formed therein.

Abstract: An assembly is provided with a funnel having one or more side walls extending from an entrance to an outlet, and a liner having one or more elastic panels, with the liner extending over an inner surface of the one or more side walls. A system is provided with the assembly, a die, a fluid bath, and at least one hose to direct fluid from the fluid bath onto the liner of the assembly. A method includes covering an inner surface of a funnel with a liner comprising one or more elastic panels, wetting the liner, and forming a stranded mesh material member by extruding material from a die and through the funnel. A stranded mesh material member is provided and formed using the method.

Abstract: An assembly is provided with a funnel having one or more side walls extending from an entrance to an outlet, and a liner having one or more elastic panels, with the liner extending over an inner surface of the one or more side walls. A system is provided with the assembly, a die, a fluid bath, and at least one hose to direct fluid from the fluid bath onto the liner of the assembly. A method includes covering an inner surface of a funnel with a liner comprising one or more elastic panels, wetting the liner, and forming a stranded mesh material member by extruding material from a die and through the funnel. A stranded mesh material member is provided and formed using the method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a vehicle interior component may include creating a plurality of molten polymeric filaments, and applying a fluid stream to the molten filaments to impart the desired shape while in a bath to cool them to form a consolidated filament structure. An assembly, system, and method are provided for shaping a plurality of strands of a molten thermoplastic resin as a contoured unitary mesh product via at least one shaping conveyor. Another assembly, system, and method are provided for shaping a plurality of strands of a molten thermoplastic resin as a contoured unitary mesh product via an actuator assembly having one or more actuators.

Abstract: A clip, a seat assembly, and a method of manufacture. The clip is disposed in a cushion. The cushion may comprise a filament mesh structure. The clip has at least one barb that secures the clip to the cushion and at least one retention feature that secures a trim cover to the clip.

Abstract: An assembly is provided with a funnel having one or more side walls extending from an entrance to an outlet, and a liner having one or more elastic panels, with the liner extending over an inner surface of the one or more side walls. A system is provided with the assembly, a die, a fluid bath, and at least one hose to direct fluid from the fluid bath onto the liner of the assembly. A method includes covering an inner surface of a funnel with a liner comprising one or more elastic panels, wetting the liner, and forming a stranded mesh material member by extruding material from a die and through the funnel. A stranded mesh material member is provided and formed using the method.

Abstract: A retaining arrangement for a vehicle seat that has a support structure and a cover material includes a first leg having at least one first retention feature, and a second leg connected to the first leg. The second leg includes a plurality of second retention features positioned along a length of the second leg. The second leg is configured to cooperate with the first leg to capture a portion of the support structure between the first leg and second leg.

Abstract: A retaining arrangement for a vehicle seat that has a support structure and a cover material includes a first leg having at least one first retention feature, and a second leg connected to the first leg. The second leg includes a plurality of second retention features positioned along a length of the second leg. The second leg is configured to cooperate with the first leg to capture a portion of the support structure between the first leg and second leg.

Abstract: A foldable insert for a vehicle component includes a first body portion, a second body portion, and a bridge extending from the first body portion to the second body portion. The first body portion includes a first groove disposed adjacent the bridge, and the second body portion includes a second groove disposed adjacent the bridge opposite the first groove.

Abstract: A vehicle seat and seating system is disclosed that includes a seat portion (e.g., seat bottom, seat back) defining a cavity with an inlet in fluid communication with a vehicle cabin and an outlet in fluid communication with an ambient environment. The cavity with the inlet and outlet provide an exhaust to allow air in the cabin to escape to the ambient environment when the air is pressurized due to, for example, a vehicle door closing. An acoustic seal is provided adjacent the cavity and is configured to seal at least a portion of the passageway to reduce or dampen sound from entering the cabin.