Cushion and trim cover for contoured cushion presenting seat

Abstract

A seat cushion and method of manufacturing a seat cushion suitable for use with a seat having a contour presenting device configured to move the seat cushion between a non-presented position and a presented position is disclosed. The seat cushion generally includes a substrate having a first portion and a second portion that are separated by a trench. A connector is provided for registering the substrate to a contour presenting device. The trench is designed to provide the seat cushion with a consistent, high quality craftsmanship, finish and appearance. According to one exemplary embodiment, the trench comprises a first side wall having a substantially vertical surface and a second side wall having an angled surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/534,273, entitled “CUSHION AND TRIM COVER FOR CONTOURED CUSHION,” having a filing date of Jan. 4, 2004, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the field of cushions and trim covers for seats and in particular for a vehicle seat. More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of cushions and trim covers and attachments for a vehicle seat having a contour presenting device capable of expanding and contracting the support structure and the cushion.

It is known to provide a seat including an expandable seat base or seat back portion via a contour presenting device. The contour presenting device (also referred to as a contoured cushion presenter) is typically an expandable pneumatic or mechanical device for providing comfort and support to an occupant of the seat. The contour presenting device is capable of contracting or retracting to provide a thinner profile which is generally preferred when folding or stowing the seat. A seat including a contour presenting device is known for use as a vehicle seat as shown in PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US03/35565. Such a contour presenting device includes a wire basket type member that is movable between a first position in which the wire basket is nearly coplanar with a seat back frame and a second position in which the wire basket is moved outward or presented into a plane separate from the plan of the seat back frame. This presentation of the wire basket structure of the seat back provides greater support to an occupant of the seat since the wire basket is biased toward the presented position and can travel through a greater distance since it has been presented before stopping against the seat back frame structure.

In addition to the wire basket, the contour presenting device includes a pair of wings or side bolster support members that also move or present as the contour presenting device is moved to the presented position. The side bolster support members are designed to deflect angularly with respect to the wire basket to provide more pronounced and supportive side bolsters. Accordingly, the contour presenting device presents the entire cushion (i.e., a main portion and a side bolster portion).

To provide the additional side bolster support and to angularly deflect, the ends of the wings of the side bolster support members must move farther than the wire basket—this results in difficulty with the cushion and the cover material providing a poor aesthetic. In particular, if a traditional cushion and cover material are used on the contour presenting seat, the result is that when the contour presenting device is moved to the presented position, the cushion will bind and the cover material will have a poor appearance. This is due in part because the traditional cushion for a non-contour presenting seat is made having vertical trenches, such as in the tie down trenches separating the portions of the seat and bolsters, etc.

However, when the traditional cushion is applied to a contour presenting seat, bunching and pinching result due the movement of the wire basket and side bolsters wing members and the traditional vertically trenched cushion and cover material applied thereto. In the presented position, the trenches appear curved and/or wavy due to the pinching and bunching—the trenches of the traditional cushion product applied to a contour presenting device of a seat do not have a straight and square appearance required for an attractive looking seat.

Further, due to the movement of the seat back parts (the wire basket in particular, registration between the cushion and the seat back frame becomes a problem. Traditionally, the cushion is registered (or locked) with the seat back frame so that the cushion will not unwantedly move and it is more predictable to cover using a trim cover. With a contour presenting device, the cushion is moved or translated away from the seat back frame when the contour presenting device is activated making registration of the cushion with the seat back frame troublesome particularly when considering the aesthetics in both the presented and retracted positions This results in the traditional cushion being able to rotate, move and become dislocated on the seat. Again, this results in an unattractive seat and if the trim cover is not controlled, possibly an inoperable seat.

Further, the performance of a contour presenting device in the seat may be limited due to the cover material. In particular, the contour presenting device may expand a significant distance (e.g., as much as 70 millimeters and more depending upon the details of the application) well beyond the amount of stretch in the traditional materials used to cover a vehicle seat such as in an automobile. Thus, traditional materials would quickly pull taught on the sides of the contour presenting device and not allow it to reach the extent of its range, thereby significantly and materially impeding and preventing its performance. If the traditional material is designed to have a length sufficient to accommodate the extension of the contour presenting device, the seat will have an acceptable appearance only in the upright or presented position. In the stowed or non-presented position the trim covering material will bag and wrinkle giving it an unacceptable appearance. Further, the baggy and wrinkled material may affect the performance of the contour presenting device making it difficult to move the seat to the stow position.

Accordingly, there is a need for cushion and trim cover solutions for a seat having a contour presenting device that will allow the contour presenting device to expand the thickness of the support structure of the seat and will provide a consistent, high quality craftsmanship, finish and appearance. In particular, there is a need to provide a seat having a contour presenting device wherein the cushion and trim are designed to overcome the noted deficiencies with conventional cushions and trims as applied to a seat having an expandable, contoured seat portion. There is also a need for a vehicle seat having a very compact footprint in both the design and stow positions that includes a cushion and a cover that are capable of providing a high quality finish, aesthetic and craftsmanship appearance in both the retracted and presented positions for use in a vehicle.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the invention relates to a cushion product design and a method of manufacturing the cushion product for use with a seat having a contour presenting device. According to one exemplary embodiment, the cushion product design includes a wire located in the cushion and designed to be aligned with the contour presenting device once the cushion is positioned on the contour presenting device and a connector member is provided for registering the cushion to the contour presenting device. Further, in one embodiment, the cushion product design further includes a plurality of connector members and preferably three including a first connector member for registering the cushion in a first direction with respect to the contour presenting device and a second connector member for registering the cushion in a second direction not aligned with the first direction. Preferably the first direction is horizontal to the seat back and contour presenting device and the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction and preferably in the vertical direction of the seat back and contour presenting device. According to one exemplary embodiment, the connector member is a hog ring connecting the contour presenting device and the wire in the foam. According to an alternative embodiment, the connector member is a clip member. According to a further alternative embodiment, the connector member is a clip member molded in the cushion and having a clip portion for connecting to the contour presenting device.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the cushion product design includes a trench located in the cushion and designed to be aligned with a contour presenting device. In particular, the trench is aligned between a main portion of the contour presenting device and a bolster portion. Further, the bolster portion of the contour presenting device angularly deflects with respect to the main portion of the contour presenting device and the trench is aligned there between and has a substantially square and straight profile when the contour presenting device is in the presented position. The trench is designed to have an acute draft angle on one side thereof while the other side of the trench is designed to have an essentially vertical draft angle. Further, the acute draft angle of the trench is aligned on the bolster portion of the contour presenting device (i.e., the portion of the cushion which moves more). According to one exemplary embodiment, the bolster portion is a side bolster that will rotate a first determined angular distance that is approximately equal to the acute draft angle of the one side of the trench of the cushion product such that once the side bolster is angularly displaced to the presenting position, the result is an essentially vertical trench that is square and straight.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a method of manufacturing the cushion product includes the step of designing the cushion for the presented position so that the trenches are essentially vertical when a side bolster is angularly displaced with respect to a main portion of the contour presenting device and the step of producing the cushion in a tool. According to one embodiment, the cushion is molded in a flat position such as when the contour presenting device is in the retracted or non-presented position which makes the cushion product easier to mold because of reduced strain and fatigue in the cushion. According to another embodiment, the cushion is molded in the presented position.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a trim cover for a seat having a contour presenting device including a wire basket portion and a bolster portion aligned with a side portion of the seat frame of the vehicle seat includes a first portion of a first material having a first coefficient of expansion and a second portion having a second material having a second coefficient of expansion wherein the second coefficient of expansion is significantly higher than the first coefficient of expansion. According to one exemplary embodiment, the second material has a coefficient of expansion of at least one hundred percent and preferably at least two hundred percent. Further, the second material is preferably a flexible fabric aligned with the bolster portion aligned with the side portion of the seat frame. According to one exemplary embodiment, the second material is a blend of nylon and spandex. Further, the second material forms the side facing portion of the vehicle seat.

Other ways in which the above-referenced features are accomplished will become apparent to those skilled in the art after they have read this specification, and such other ways are deemed by the present inventors to fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat including a seat back contour presenting device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the seat shown in FIG. 1, with a seat back cushion according to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross section view of the seat back shown in FIG. 2, taken along the line 3-3, with the seat back cushion in a non-presented position and showing a closeout device according to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the seat back shown in FIG. 3, with the seat back cushion in a presented position;

FIG. 5 is a partial side perspective view of the seat back shown in FIG. 4 having a trim material covering the seat back cushion;

FIG. 6 is a cross section view of the seat back shown in FIG. 2, taken along the line 3-3, with the seat back cushion in a non-presented position and showing a closeout device according to an alternate exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a cross section view of the seat back shown in FIG. 6, with the seat back cushion in a presented position;

FIG. 8 is a partial side perspective view of the seat back shown in FIG. 7 having a trim material covering the seat back cushion;

FIG. 9 is a cross section view of the seat back shown in FIG. 2, taken along the line 3-3, with the seat back cushion in a non-presented position and showing a closeout device according to a further alternate exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a cross section view of the seat back shown in FIG. 9, with the seat back cushion in a presented position;

FIG. 11 is a partial side perspective view of the seat back shown in FIG. 10 having a trim material covering the seat back cushion;

FIG. 12 is a cross section view of the seat back shown in FIG. 2, taken along the line 3-3, with the seat back cushion in a non-presented position and showing a closeout device according to a further alternate exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a cross section view of the seat back shown in FIG. 12, with the seat back cushion in a presented position;

FIG. 14 is a partial cross section view of the seat back shown in FIG. 12 having a trim material covering the seat back cushion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring generally to the figures and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a folding vehicle seat 10 including a seat back 12 and a seat base 14. Seat 10 further alternatively includes a headrest 16 which may be attached using any known or suitable attachment member at an upper end of seat back 12 as is conventional in the art of vehicle seats.

Preferably seat back 12 is provided with a seat cushion presenting device, shown as a contour presenting device 20, such as that disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/454,263, filed on Mar. 13, 2003, entitled “SEAT CUSHION PRESENTER DEVICE FOR FOLDING SEAT,” the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as well as that disclosed in PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US03/35565, filed Nov. 7, 2003.

It should be noted that contour presenting device 20 may be any known or suitable contour presenting device that is suitable for presenting a cushion. For example, contour presenting device 20 may alternatively be an inflatable type mechanism such as that disclosed in the commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/425,225, filed on Nov. 8, 2002, entitled “VEHICLE SEAT STRUCTURES,” the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Still referring to FIG. 1, seat back 12 of seat 10 includes a seat back frame member 24 shown in the form of a bent, U-shaped tubular member preferably having a substantially round cross section and including a first side 25, a second side 26, and a top 27. According to the various suitable embodiments, frame member 24 may be of any known or suitable type of seat back frame. Contour presenting device 20 preferably includes a main portion 30 shown in the form of a wire basket type and connected to frame member 24. Contour presenting device 20 further includes a pair of contour wing portions 34 and 36 located as side bolsters for seat back 12. Wing portions 34 and 36 are preferably designed to be angularly displaceable about side members 44 and 46 of main portion 30. Side members 44 and 46 are preferably wires or rods forming the sides of the wire basket of main portion 30.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown seat 10 including a cushion 50 placed on contour presenting device 20. Cushion 50 is shown partially cut away. Cushion 50 is preferably connected to contour presenting device 20 using a plurality of connecting members 60. A first connecting member 60 is preferably located on one side of cushion 50 and connects cushion 50 to wire 44 and a second connecting member 60 is preferably located on the opposite side of cushion 50 and connects cushion 50 to wire 46 of contour presenting device 20. A third connecting member 60 is located near an upper portion of main portion 30 to connect cushion 50 to wire 47 of contour presenting device 20 such that when contour presenting device 20 moves, cushion 50 will move with the contour presenting device. Connecting members 60 register cushion 50 to contour presenting device 20 such that cushion 50 will be properly located on seat back 12 and will maintain a quality appearance and aesthetic over multiple uses of vehicle seat 10.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the connections of the first connecting member 60 to wire 44 and the second connecting member 60 to wire 46 registers cushion 50 in a lateral (i.e., side-to-side) or horizontal direction. Registering cushion 50 in the horizontal direction allows cushion 50 to rotate about the axis of wire 44 and wire 46 respectively. Similarly, the connection of the third connecting member to wire 47 registers cushion 50 in a vertical (i.e., up and down) direction. Registering cushion 50 in the vertical direction allows cushion 50 to rotate about another axis.

Connecting member 60 preferably includes a wire 52 molded into cushion 50 (e.g., molded into the foam of cushion 50, etc.) as part of producing cushion 50 as is well known in the art. Connecting member 60 further preferably includes a first end 62 for attachment to the wire of contour presenting device 20 (e.g., wire 44, wire 46, wire 47, etc.) and a second end 64 for attachment to wire 52 of cushion 50. Connecting member 60 may be configured as a clip member, wherein the ends of the clip member preferably have a j-shaped clip or any other known or suitable construction for securing the connecting member thereto.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is a shown a cross section of seat back 12 about frame member 25, contour presenting device 20 (schematically shown), and including a main portion 55 of cushion 50 and a side bolster portion 58 of cushion 50. FIG. 3 shows cushion 50 in its retracted position (e.g., closed position, stowed position, flat position, etc.) wherein side bolster portion 58 of cushion 50 is substantially aligned with main portion 55. According to one exemplary embodiment, cushion 50 is manufactured in a mold in its retracted position with side bolster portion 58 being integrally formed with main portion 55. According to another exemplary embodiment, cushion 50 is manufactured in a mold in its presented position.

Cushion 50 further includes a trench 70 separating main portion 55 of cushion 50 and side bolster portion 58. Trench 70 includes a first side wall 72 provided on the side of trench 70 away from bolster portion 58 (i.e., on main portion 55 of cushion 50) and a second side wall 74 provided on the side of trench 70 away from main portion 55 (i.e., on bolster portion 58 of cushion 50). In the non-presented position, first side wall 72 and second side wall 74 define an angle B (as shown by the arrows and lead lines in FIG. 3). Angle B is selected to provide a particular result when cushion 50 is moved to the presented position. According to an exemplary embodiment, angle B is selected so that side walls 72 and 74 are substantially parallel when cushion 50 is in the presenting position and trench 70 has a square appearance.

According to one exemplary embodiment, first side wall 72 has a substantially vertical surface into cushion 50 on main portion 55 of cushion 50, while a second side wall 74 has a relatively angled surface into cushion 50 on side bolster portion 58 of cushion 50 as compared to the relatively vertical first side wall 72. According to various other suitable embodiments, first side wall 72 may have a relatively angled surface and second side wall 74 may have a substantially vertical surface, or alternatively, both first side wall 72 and second side wall 74 may have relatively angled surfaces. The presence of at least one angled surface causes trench 70 to have a rather open appearance in the retracted position. However, since cushion 50 is typically not viewable by an occupant when contour presenting device 20 is in the closed or retracted position, this is not a concern. This is because vehicle seat 10 is typically stowed (e.g., folded, collapsed, etc.) when contour presenting device 20 is in the retracted (non-presenting) position.

When contour presenting device 20 is activated, cushion 50 is moved to the position shown in FIG. 4 (e.g., presenting position, expanded position, use position, open position, etc.). In the presenting position, side bolster portion 58 is angularly displaced as compared to main portion 55 thereby causing trench 70 to narrow. However, due to the selected configuration of angle B, trench 70 does not prematurely close or become bunched or wavy.

According to an exemplary embodiment, side bolster portion 58 rotates an amount equal to the angle A (as shown by the arrows and lead lines in FIG. 4) which is substantially equivalent to the angle B thereby resulting in trench 70 looking substantially square and having two straight side walls 72 and 74. The angle A is predetermined to create the desired position of side bolster portion 58. Angle B is chosen to obtain a particular result (e.g., trench 70 being substantially square and straight, etc.) and depends upon the characteristics of the particular foam and cover material (not shown). Preferably, angle B allows side walls 72 and 74 to be substantially parallel when cushion 50 is in the presenting position. According to various alternative embodiments, the angle B may not be equivalent to the angle A.

Further, FIGS. 3 through 5 disclose a closeout device 80 in the form of a plurality of telescoping panels 82 which can be utilized in a portion of seat back 12 about side bolster portion 58 to provide an expansion portion to a cover 90 of the vehicle seat back 12. Closeout device 80 moves between a presenting position and a retracted position coinciding with the presenting position and retracted position of contour presenting device 20. Closeout device 80 is adapted for concealing a gap (e.g., a gap between cushion 50 and seat frame 24, etc.) created when contour presenting device is moved from the retracted position to the presenting position.

An alternative closeout device 80 is shown in FIGS. 6 through 8 in the form of a flexible, soft plastic slide member 86 having a first end 83 attached to move with side bolster portion 58 and a second end 84 connected to slidably move along seat back 12 and be retained thereto by a stop 88 formed in second end 84 and encountering a stop 87. According to a further alternate embodiment, shown in FIGS. 9 through 11, a closeout device 80 is shown as including a side facing material 100 having a first end 101 connected to move with cover 90 as side bolster portion 58 moves and a second end 102 wrapping around a lower trim wire 103. Side facing closeout device 80 of FIGS. 9 through 11 is shown as further including an elastic member 105 having a first end 106 connected to side facing material 100 and a second end 107 attached to the interior of seat back 12 and having a biasing force (as shown by the arrow C) stored therein such that when contour presenting device 20 is moved to the closed or retracted position, the biasing force in elastic member 105 retracts side facing material 100 as side bolster portion 58 becomes flat with main portion 55 of cushion 50. According to a further alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12 through 14, a closeout device 80 is shown in the form of a stretchable fabric material 110 that is sewn as part of cover 90.

Referring particularly to FIG. 14, cushion 50 is further shown as having a cover 90 supported about the outer surface of cushion 50. Cover 90 is shown extending between side bolster 58 and main portion 55 (including trench 70). According to one exemplary embodiment, cover 90 includes a first portion formed of a first material having a first coefficient of expansion and a second portion formed of a second material having a second coefficient of expansion. Preferably, the second coefficient of expansion is significantly higher than the first coefficient of expansion. According to one exemplary embodiment, the second material has a coefficient of expansion of at least one hundred percent and preferably at least two hundred percent greater than the first material. Further, the second material is preferably aligned with side bolster portion 58, while first material is preferably aligned with main portion 55. According to an alternative embodiment, cover 90 may be formed of a single material having a relatively constant coefficient of expansion.

Cover 90 can be secured to or supported relative to cushion 50 and trench 70 using a variety of suitable techniques. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment (not shown), cover 90 can be retained in trench 70 by providing a first wire that is coupled to the portion of cover 90 in trench 70 and a second wire that is provided on a back side of cushion 50 (preferably adjacent to the first wire). For such an embodiment, one or more openings are provided along the length of trench 70. A connector, such as a hog ring, is inserted through the opening to engage both the first wire coupled to cover 90 and the second wire provided on the back side of cushion 50 to secure cover 90 relative to cushion 50.

Cover 90 is further shown as including a cover retaining flap 120 and a connector 122. Cover retaining flap 120 is provided to prevent or at least reduce the likelihood that cover 90 will go slack (e.g., wrinkle, bunch, etc.) when cushion 50 is moved from the presented position to the non-presented position. Cover retaining flap 120 is a relatively non-stretchable member compared to cover 90 and functions as an interface between cover 90 and the component to which cover 90 is coupled. According to an exemplary embodiment, cover retaining flap 120 is a plastic member provided along the edge of cover 90. Covering retaining flap 120 may be provided along the entire edge of cover 90, or alternatively may only be provided along a portion of the edge. Connector 122 is coupled to an opposite end of cover retaining flap 120 and is configured to engage a portion of contour presenting device 20. Connector 122 is shown as a j-shaped connector having a hook end engaging contour wing portion 34 of contour presenting device 20. According to various alternative embodiments, connector 122 may include any of a variety of suitable configurations and may engage various other locations of seat back 12.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in connection with the illustrations, and various modifications and alternatives thereto have been referred to in the written text, the present invention generally relates to a foam product and trim cover for a seat having a contour presenting device, and preferably for use with a foldable vehicle seat to provide a relatively very thin profile seat when in a stow position and a relatively fully supporting and comfortable vehicle seat when in a design position and having a relatively high quality appearance and craftsmanship associated with a traditional non-contour presenting vehicle seat. Unless expressly stated, the invention is therefore not to be limited to the materials, shapes, orientations and proportions illustrated and described.

Claims

1. A cushion for use with a seat having a contour presenting device, the cushion comprising:

a substrate having a first portion and a second portion;

a trench separating the first portion from the second portion and defined by a first side wall and a second side wall; and

at least one connector coupled to the substrate for registering the substrate with the contour presenting device,

wherein the second portion of the substrate is adapted for rotating a first angular distance when moving between a non-presented position and a presented position,

wherein the trench is configured to provide a substantially vertical trench when in the presented position.

2. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the substrate is integrally formed with the second portion of the substrate.

3. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the first side wall defining the trench has a substantially vertical surface and the second side wall defining the trench has a relatively angled surface compared to the first side wall.

4. The cushion of claim 3, wherein the first portion of the substrate is configured as a main portion of a seat back and the second portion of the substrate is configured as a side bolster portion of the seat back.

5. The cushion of claim 4, wherein the first side wall is provided on the main portion of the seat back and the second side wall is provided on the side bolster portion of the seat back.

6. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the angle formed between the first side wall of the substrate and the second side wall of the substrate when the cushion is in the non-presented position is approximately equal to the first angular distance that the second portion of the substrate is rotated to achieve the presented position.

7. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the second side wall of the substrate is substantially parallel with the first side wall of substrate after the second portion of the substrate is moved into the presented position.

8. The cushion of claim 1, further comprising a wire coupled to the substrate, wherein the wire is configured to be engaged by the connector for registering the substrate to the contour presenting device.

9. The cushion of claim 1, further comprising a first connector member and a second connector member, wherein the first connector member is provided for registering the substrate in a first direction and the second connector member is provided for registering the substrate in a second direction that is different than the first direction.

10. The cushion of claim 9, wherein the first direction is substantially horizontal to the substrate and the contour presenting device, and wherein the second direction is substantially vertical to the substrate and the contour presenting device.

11. The cushion of claim 1, further comprising a trim cover disposed about the first portion of the substrate and the second portion of the substrate.

12. The cushion of claim 11, further comprising a trim cover retaining flap coupled to an edge of the trim cover at a first end of the trim cover retaining flap.

13. The cushion of claim 12, further comprising a connector coupled to a second end of the trim cover retaining flap, wherein the connector is configured to engage the contour presenting device for securing the trim cover.

14. The cushion of claim 12, wherein the trim cover retaining flap is formed of a relatively non-stretchable material.

15. The cushion of claim 11, wherein the trim cover includes a first portion formed of a first material having a first coefficient of expansion and a second portion formed of a second material having a second coefficient of expansion that is less than the first coefficient.

16. The cushion of claim 15, wherein the second material is aligned with the second portion of the substrate and the first material is aligned with the first portion of the substrate.

17. A vehicle seat comprising:

a seat back movably supported relative to a seat bottom;

a substrate supported at one of the seat back and the seat bottom and having a trench separating a main portion of the substrate from a side bolster portion of the substrate;

a contour presenting device adapted for moving the side bolster portion of the substrate between a non-presented position and a presented position;

at least one connector registering the substrate with the contour presenting device; and

a closeout device adapted for concealing a gap created when contour presenting device is moved from the non-presented position to the presented position, wherein the trench provides a visually square trench when the side bolster portion is in the presented position.

18. The vehicle seat of claim 17, wherein the closeout device comprises a plurality of telescoping panels configured to outwardly telescope as the side bolster portion of the substrate is moved into the presented position.

19. The vehicle seat of claim 17, wherein the closeout device comprises a slide member having a first end coupled to move with the side bolster and a second end slidably coupled to move until being retained by a stop formed in the second end.

20. The vehicle seat of claim 17, wherein the closeout device comprises a side facing stretchable material configured to stretch as the side bolster is moved into the presented position.

21. The vehicle seat of claim 20, further comprising a biasing element having a first end coupled between a first end and a second end of the side facing stretchable material, wherein the biasing element urges the side facing stretchable material inward as the side bolster portion moves from the presented position to the non-presented position to reduce bunching in the side facing stretchable material.

22. A method of manufacturing a cushion having a main portion and a bolster portion for use with a seat having a contour presenting device configured to angularly rotate the bolster portion between a non-presented position and a presented position, the method comprising:

predetermining the angular rotation of the bolster portion between the non-presented position and the presented position;

providing the cushion with a trench separating the first portion from the second portion;

forming the trench with a first side wall provided on the main portion of the cushion and a second side wall provided on the bolster portion of the cushion; and

designing the angle formed between the first side wall and the second side wall when the cushion is in the non-presented position so that the first side wall and the second side wall are substantially parallel when the side bolster portion is moved to the presented position.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of designing the first side wall as a substantially vertical surface and the second side wall as a relatively angle surface compared to the first side wall.