Abstract: A system and method for installing a badge on a vehicle seat may include placing a trim cover on a badge, and placing a tensioning strip over the trim cover. A retaining plate may be placed over the tensioning strip, and the badge and retaining plate pressed together to capture the trim cover and the tensioning strip therebetween to form an assembly. This assembly may be positioned over a support structure of the vehicle seat such that an A-side of the badge faces toward a front of the vehicle seat. A tensile force may be applied to the tensioning strip in a direction toward a back of the vehicle seat, and the tensioning strip may then be fastened to the support structure of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A trim cover assembly for a vehicle seat assembly, a vehicle seat assembly, and a method of assembling the trim cover are provided. The trim cover assembly has a first trim member with a first surface to form a seating surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A second trim member is provided for connection to a seat member, and has first and second side regions each extending between first and second end regions. The first and second end regions are connected adjacent to first and second edges of the first trim member, respectively. A central region of the second trim member is connected to the second surface of the first trim member via a first seam.

Abstract: Variable contour pillow and method of making the same, comprising: a pillow cover preferably with internal seams, a plurality of internal interconnecting members that define the thickness and/or taper of the pillow in desired locations along the length and/or width of the pillow, the method comprising steps of attaching the interconnecting members during the process of filling the pillow, alternately preferably hand filling behind an interconnecting member, interconnecting the interconnecting member, filling in front of the first interconnecting member and a next interconnecting member, interconnecting the next interconnecting member, and so on, until the pillow is completely filled and desired multiple levels of fill and/or surface tapers are achieved, with specific application to construction of a form-fitting body pillow with variable shape and thickness of fill material.

Abstract: A vehicle can be controlled in a first autonomous mode of operation by at least navigating the vehicle based on map data. Sensor data can be obtained using one or more sensors of the vehicle. The sensor data can be indicative of an environment of the vehicle. An inadequacy in the map data can be detected by at least comparing the map data to the sensor data. In response to detecting the inadequacy in the map data, the vehicle can be controlled in a second autonomous mode of operation and a user can be prompted to switch to a manual mode of operation. The vehicle can be controlled in the second autonomous mode of operation by at least obtaining additional sensor data using the one or more sensors of the vehicle and navigating the vehicle based on the additional sensor data.

Abstract: A cushion assembly includes an aesthetic cover having a perimeter panel providing a perimeter height. Spaced apart cover panels extend between the perimeter panels. The perimeter and cover panels together provide a cushion cavity. A cushion includes randomly oriented fibers bonded to one another to provide a core of a batt that has opposing surfaces. The batt includes manufactured, tufted and desired design heights. A tuft extends through the cushion to the opposing surfaces to maintain the cushion in the tufted height, which is less than the manufactured height. The cushion is provided at the desired design height with the tufted cushion arranged within the cushion cavity. The tufted height is generally less than the desired design height.

Abstract: A method for coupling together at least two layers of a mattress includes the steps of aligning each layer in its proper position in relation to the other layers of the mattress and, after the alignment step, inserting a plastic fastener through the layers. A fastener dispensing tool is provided for inserting plastic fasteners through the layers of the mattress. In one embodiment, the fastener dispensing tool includes a housing, a hollow sharpened needle fixedly coupled to the housing, an ejection mechanism for advancing a cross-bar of the plastic fastener through the hollow needle and a needle stop slidably coupled to the housing for limiting the degree of penetration of the hollow needle through the layers of the mattress. The needle stop is adapted to be releasably fixed in place by a locking member which is internally spring biased.

Abstract: A cushion including any number of upholstery ornaments positioned in recessed and non-rotatable locations on the cushion is provided. The cushion filler is formed of a soft, flexible and relatively low-stiffness foam material that includes one or more inserts formed of a flexible, relatively high-stiffness material and has one or more rigid securing plates secured to the cushion filler. An upholstery cover including holes or recesses and holes aligned with openings in the inserts is placed over the cushion filler and secured to a suitable base or frame. The ornaments are positioned in the holes in the upholstery cover and openings in the inserts which provide recesses in the upper surface of the cushion into which the ornaments can be drawn and secured to the rigid securing plates to provide a recessed, non-rotating and aesthetically pleasing appearance to the cushion.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved bed and in particular to one which is integrally made of foamed polyethylene and includes an upper member having a plurality of ventilation holes, a lower member having a plurality of ventilation holes, and a plurality of cylindrical members between the upper member and the lower member, whereby the bed is comfortable in use and may even be cleaned with water.

Abstract: An upholstery button includes a collet, an anchor, and a lock washer. A seat or cushion cover is securely clamped between the head of the collet and the lock washer. The lock washer is locked in position without the action of any other clamping elements by the cooperation of the lock washer and ribs formed on the shank of the collet. The resulting connection reduces the possibility of an occupant's body catching on the button and provides a watertight connection between the cover and the button, even upon failure of the anchor. Also disclosed is a process of connecting the upholstery button to the seat.

Abstract: A pad for supporting a recumbent human being comprises a substantially planar substrate formed of a resilient material and having first and second regions of lateral grooves extending substantially thereacross. The first region of lateral grooves defines a first shoulder support area and the second region of lateral grooves defines a tail support area. The remainder of the substrate defines a general support area which may have convolutions formed thereupon. A third region of lateral grooves may extend substantially across the substrate to define a second shoulder support area such that said first and second shoulder support areas are generally symmetrical with respect to the tail support area in order to facilitate of either end of the pad as a head end. A less resilient peripheral region may optionally be formed about the periphery of the pad to provide a means for helping to prevent incapacitated persons from rolling off of the pad.

Abstract: A top member for a vehicle seat includes a top layer, wadding and a wadding cover laminated to one another. Rigid button core members having outer circumferential portions are interposed between the top layer and the wadding or between the wadding and the wadding cover. The outer layer and wadding cover are adhered to one another along lines radially extending between pairs of button core members and are annularly adhered to one another at the outer circumferential portions of the button core members.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a hollow molded seat support having a series of rib portions between paired depressions. A foam seat cushion is provided with an access passage which opens to the series of rib portions and an anchor member traversing the passage. The access passage permits the anchor member to be hog ringed to the rib portions. An envelope type cover fits over the cushion and support and is hog ringed to an edge of the support.

Abstract: A button construction which enables upholstery to be formed and held in tufted shape with concealed nails and without the danger of accidental dislodgement of the button. The button comprises a round holding member having a central recess for receiving the nail head, and a cover member insertable in said recess so as to be flush with the holding member. The tuft will only exert upward pressure on the fastened holding member and there will be no tendency of any portion of the assembly to be dislodged by upward pressure.