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Seat trim cover attachment component and related methodSeat trim cover attachment component and related method description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070035165, Seat trim cover attachment component and related method. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a seat component with a trim cover fastener for attaching a trim cover to a cushion. [0003] 2. Background Art [0004] Seat components typically include a trim cover, usually made of some type of flexible upholstery sheet such as fabric or synthetic leather, attached to a cushion. The cushion used for occupant seating is usually constructed with at least one trench or groove, and more typically with several trenches or grooves on its upper surface. Two ends of upholstery sheet are typically connected to each other to form a seam. Sewing the two ends of upholstery sheet together, or some other suitable attaching means typically holds the seam together. Typically, the seam fits into the trenches of the cushion and is attached such that the upholstery sheet is generally fixed in position. [0005] Some current methods for attaching the seam to the cushion involve the use of hog rings. In those methods, the seam is typically attached to a series of hog rings, which are then attached to a metal wire that runs through the cushion generally parallel to the upper surface of the cushion. This process may be difficult to use because it requires inserting the wire through the cushion in order to provide the support needed for the hog rings. In addition, the process used for attaching the hog ring to the support wire may be cumbersome, and the materials used may be expensive compared to other alternatives. [0006] Another method involves hooks and loops such as attaching a male strip of Velcro.RTM. to the seam, and attaching a female strip of Velcro.RTM. within the trenches in the cushion. The seam can then be secured within the trench by the Velcro.RTM. strip. A potential problem with this method is that because of the inherent readily releasable nature of Velcro.RTM., the seam may become unintentionally detached from the cushion. Maintaining proper alignment of the seam may also be difficult when using Velcro.RTM.. [0007] Yet another method involves using some form of adhesive to attach the upholstery sheet seam to the cushion within the trenches. But this technique can pose a relatively significant problem if the seat component needs to be reupholstered, as adhesives are intended to be permanent attachments. Maintaining proper alignment of the seam may be difficult with adhesives as well. [0008] It would be desirable to develop a seat component with a trim cover fastener that is relatively easy to use, that provides a relatively secure manner of attaching a trim cover seam to a cushion, and that could be detached relatively easily to allow for reupholstering. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides a seat component comprising a cushion, a trim cover having at least one seam, and a unitary trim cover fastener for attaching the trim cover seam to the cushion. The trim cover fastener has a first end attached to the trim cover seam and a second end extending into at least a portion of, and attached to, the cushion. [0010] In at least another embodiment, the present invention further provides a method for securing a trim cover to a cushion. The method comprises securing a first end of a unitary trim cover fastener to a trim cover, inserting a second end of the trim cover fastener into at least a portion of the cushion and securing the second end of the trim cover fastener to the cushion. [0011] In at least another embodiment, the present invention further provides a seat component comprising a cushion having a first side spaced from a second side, a trim cover having at least one seam, and a plastic trim cover fastener for attaching the trim cover seam to the cushion. The trim cover fastener has a first end attached to the trim cover seam adjacent the first side of the cushion and a second end adjacent and secured to the second side of the cushion. [0012] The above features, and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed descriptions thereof when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] The invention will now be described in greater detail in the following way of example only and with reference to the attached drawings, in which: [0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle seat, in which the trim cover fastener of the present invention is useable with; [0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the trim cover fastener of the present invention; [0016] FIG. 3 is a sectional side view along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 illustrating an embodiment of the trim cover fastener of the present invention securing a trim cover to a cushion; [0017] FIG. 4A is a view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating another embodiment of the trim cover fastener of the present invention; [0018] FIG. 4B is a close up side view of components illustrated in FIG. 4A; [0019] FIG. 5A is a view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating another embodiment of the trim cover fastener of the present invention with the second end of the trim cover fastener in a compressed state; [0020] FIG. 5B is a close up side view of an embodiment of the trim cover fastener of the present invention secured to the cushion, with the second end of the trim cover fastener in an expanded state; [0021] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of FIG. 5B; Continue reading about Seat trim cover attachment component and related method... Full patent description for Seat trim cover attachment component and related method Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Seat trim cover attachment component and related method patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Seat trim cover attachment component and related method or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Adjustable chair station and method of use Next Patent Application: Folding boat seat Industry Class: Chairs and seats ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Seat trim cover attachment component and related method patent info. 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