Trim fabric grip handle

Abstract

A control handle assembly for use in a vehicle seat, including a movable handle which changes the position of the vehicle seat. Surrounding the movable handle is a first flange. Covering the first flange is a second flange. The trim fabric is engaged between the first flange and the second flange. Use of the disclosed invention enables the assembly of a vehicle seat without the need for a support surface for mounting the control handle during seat build-up of the vehicle.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application for Patent 60/282,518, filed Apr. 9, 2001.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention pertains to handle assemblies which control the position of a vehicle seat; more particularly, the present invention pertains to handle assemblies which are able to capture the trim fabric covering the vehicle seat.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In the construction of vehicle seats for use in automobiles, trucks, recreational vehicles, aircraft, boats, etc., a frame is typically used to both give shape to the seat and provide a mounting for the adjustment hardware needed to change the position of the seat for the operator's comfort. As the vehicle seat is assembled, other seat components such as foam and liner fabric are placed over the frame. To give an attractive appearance to the vehicle seat, a final layer of trim fabric is then used.

[0004] In prior art seat assembly systems, it is necessary to build a support surface into the seat frame to capture the seat trim fabric. Typically, the seat components, such as the foam and liner fabric, are installed after components such as the foam and liner fabric are installed on the seat frame. Assembling the hardware components which adjust the position of the seat after the installation of the foam and liner fabric complicates the operation of installing the seat position adjustment hardware. Such complication adds to increased assembly costs to make the seat ready for use in a vehicle.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the art to simplify the assembly and construction of a vehicle seat so as to both reduce its costs while at the same time increasing the overall quality of the vehicle seat.

SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention simplifies the assembly and construction of a vehicle seat. The trim fabric grip handle system of the present invention is a control handle assembly designed for use in a vehicle seat which is covered with a trim fabric. A movable handle within the control handle assembly is connected electrically or by a cable or lever system to a mechanism which changes the position of the vehicle seat with respect to the vehicle. Surrounding the movable handle is a flange. The flange includes a plurality of outwardly facing spikes which engage the trim fabric. A second flange having substantially the same shape as the first flange fits over the first flange. A plurality of spikes on the inner surface of the second flange cooperate with the spikes on the first flange to engage the trim fabric and thereby locate the control handle assembly with respect to the trim fabric.

[0007] Use of the trim fabric grip control handle system of the present invention allows assembly of a vehicle seat without the need for a support surface for first positioning and then mounting the vehicle seat control handle assembly during the build-up of the vehicle seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] A better understanding of the trim fabric grip control handle system and method of the present invention may be had by reference to the drawing figures, wherein:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the trim fabric grip control handle system of the present invention; and

[0010] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the trim fabric grip control system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0011] As may be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the trim fabric grip handle system 10 includes two basic components. The first component is a control handle assembly 12 which includes a movable handle 14 mounted within a housing 16. This arrangement allows the movable handle 14 to be repositioned in response to mechanical force placed thereon by a person. When the movable handle 14 moves within the housing 16, the seat position adjustment hardware allows the vehicle seat to move. As is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, the movable handle 14 may move a cable, reposition a lever, activate a crank, or change the condition of an electrical switch (not shown). This movement of a cable, repositioning of a lever, activating a crank, or changing the condition of an electrical switch causes the vehicle seat movement mechanism, which may be located underneath the seat, to change the position of the vehicle seat with respect to the vehicle. The housing 16 containing the movable handle 14 is surrounded by a flange or a frame 18. This flange or frame 18 includes a plurality of outwardly extending spikes 20. Such outwardly extending spikes 20 may be seen by specific reference to both FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0012] The second key portion of the present invention is the second flange or face plate 22 which is constructed and arranged to fit over the first flange 18. A plurality of latch mechanisms 24 may be used to attach the face plate 24 to the housing 16 containing the moveable handle 14. On the inside of the face plate are found a plurality of spikes 26. When the face plate 22 and the control handle assembly 12 are mechanically connected one to another, there is sufficient space between flange 18 and face plate 22 to capture the trim fabric which covers the seat. The spikes 20, 26 act to physically engage the trim fabric and hold the trim fabric in position. While spikes 20, 26 are used in the preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the spikes 20, 26 may be replaced by adhesive or by the use of a plurality of protrusions and corresponding receptacles into which the protrusions may fit.

[0013] To match the decor of the vehicle, the face plate or second flange 22 is typically made to have a decorative exterior. Such decorative exterior may include a chromed or polished surface.

[0014] Operation

[0015] When constructing a vehicle seat, the operation begins with the creation of a frame which defines the general shape of the vehicle seat. In prior art seat build-up operations, it has been necessary to cover the frame with a liner fabric and foam before the mechanical components such as the control or position control handle and associated mechanisms were attached to the seat. Such method of manufacture greatly increased the complexity of constructing a vehicle seat as the foam and liner fabric prevented easy access to the hardware components of the vehicle seat. These prior art vehicle seat construction systems were all based on the need for a support surface for installing all components. According to the present invention, it is possible to capture the seat trim fabric between the face plate and the flange surrounding the moveable control handle. With the control handle housing captured in the trim fabric, the control handle assembly may be installed on the vehicle seat at the same time as the trim fabric is installed. Such assembly technique simplifies vehicle seat construction, reduces the overall cost of the seat, and improves the overall quality of the vehicle seat. Accordingly, a higher quality seat results in a safer seat for the operator of the vehicle.

[0016] Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the foregoing invention has been described in terms of its preferred embodiment. Accordingly, numerous other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent following an understanding of the foregoing disclosure. Such other embodiments shall be included in the scope and meaning of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A control handle assembly for use in a vehicle seat covered with trim fabric, said control handle assembly comprising:

means for changing the mechanical condition of a system for controlling the position of the vehicle seat;

a flange for surrounding said means for changing the mechanical condition;

said flange including a plurality of outwardly facing spikes constructed and arranged to engage the trim fabric;

a face plate constructed and arranged to both fit over said flange and engage said means for changing the mechanical condition; and

said face plate including a plurality of inward facing spikes constructed and arrange to engage the trim fabric.

2. The control handle assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said means for changing the mechanical condition engages a cable.

3. A vehicle seat comprising:

a seat frame;

padding covering said seat frame;

means for controlling the position of the vehicle seat;

a control handle assembly including:

a first flange constructed and arranged for mounting a seat position control handle assembly, said seat position control handle assembly constructed and arranged to activate said means for controlling the position of the vehicle seat;

a second flange constructed and arranged to fit over said first flange; and

means for capturing said trim fabric between said first and said second flanges.

4. The vehicle seat as defined in claim 3, wherein said means for capturing said trim fabric includes a plurality of spikes.

5. The vehicle seat as defined in claim 3, wherein said means for capturing said trim fabric includes adhesive.

6. The vehicle seat as defined in claim 3, wherein said means for capturing said trim fabric includes a plurality of protrusions and corresponding receptacles.

7. The vehicle seat as defined in claim 3, wherein said second flange is a decorative face plate.

8. The vehicle seat as defined in claim 3, wherein said control handle assembly and said means for controlling the position of the vehicle seat are interconnected by a cable.

9. The vehicle seat as defined in claim 3, wherein said control handle assembly and said means for controlling the position of the vehicle seat are electrically interconnected.

10. The vehicle seat as defined in claim 3, wherein said second flange is positioned over said first flange by engagement with said control handle assembly.

11. A control handle assembly for changing the position of a vehicle seat wherein said vehicle seat includes a seat frame, padding covering the seat frame, and trim fabric covering the padding, said control handle assembly not requiring a support surface for installation on the vehicle seat, said control handle assembly comprising:

a frame constructed and arranged to surround and mount a movable control handle system;

said frame including:

a first section attached to said movable control handle system, and a removable second section constructed and arranged for mounting to said movable control handle system and interacting with said first section to engage the trim fabric between said first section and said second section of said frame.

12. The control handle assembly as defined in claim 11, further including a plurality of spikes for engaging the trim fabric.

13. The control handle assembly as defined in claim 11, further including an adhesive for engaging the trim fabric.

14. The control handle assembly as defined in claim 11, further including a plurality of protrusions and corresponding receptacles for engaging the trim fabric.

15. The control handle assembly as defined in claim 11, wherein said second section is a decorative face plate.

16. A method for constructing a vehicle seat including a seat frame, padding and trim fabric, wherein the position of the vehicle seat is governed by a position control handle, said method comprising the steps of:

locating the position control handle with respect to the seat frame;

installing the padding on the seat frame;

installing the trim fabric over the padding; and

capturing the trim fabric between a first flange and a second flange, wherein said first flange is constructed and arranged to surround the position control handle and said second flange is constructed and arranged for mounting over said first flange.

17. The method as defined in claim 16, wherein the trim fabric is captured between said first flange and said second flange with a plurality of spikes.

18. The method as defined in claim 16, wherein the trim fabric is captured between said first flange and said second flange with adhesives.

19. The method as defined in claim 16, further including the step of connecting said position control handle to a seat movement mechanism.

20. The method as defined in claim 16, wherein said section is a decorative face plate.