Seat cover retainer apparatus and method of using same

{
  "publication_number": "US5964017A",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "A",
  "title": "Seat cover retainer apparatus and method of using same",
  "abstract": "A retainer apparatus for attaching a seat cover to a foam cushion, wherein the retainer apparatus has a base component embedded in the foam cushion and an anchor component connected with the seat cover, wherein further the connection of the anchor component to the seat cover is facilitated by its being selectively reconfigured for that purpose. The base component has a plurality of engagement apertures formed therein. The anchor component includes a bifurcated pedestal and a plurality of rams upstanding therefrom. Each ram has a barbed head for being anchoringly engaged with a respective engagement aperture. Each of the heads has a living hinge at its tip which serves to enable the anchor component to be reconfigured between an open configuration, used when attaching the seat cover to the bifurcated pedestal, and a closed configuration, used when the rams are inserted into the engagement apertures. Preferably, a selectively releasable snap fit is provided at each head for holding the anchor component in the closed configuration.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A method for affixing a seat cover to a foam cushion using a retainer apparatus comprising a base body having a plurality of engagement apertures formed therein and an anchor component having a plurality of barbed heads connected to a bifurcated pedestal having a first pedestal member and a second pedestal member, wherein the barbed heads each have a living hinge joining the first pedestal member to the second pedestal member, the living hinge of each barbed head being bendable between an open position by which the first and second pedestals are mutually separated and a closed configuration by which the first and second pedestals are mutually adjacent, said method comprising the steps of: forming a foam cushion, wherein the base body is located affixedly within the foam cushion; bending the living hinge of the barbed heads to the open position; attaching a first portion of the seat cover to the first pedestal member; attaching a second portion of the seat cover to the second pedestal member; bending the living hinge of the barbed heads to the closed position; placing the seat cover selectable upon the foam cushion; forcing the barbed heads through respective engagement apertures to thereby cause the barbed heads to barbingly engage the base body to thereby affix the seat cover to the foam cushion.",
    "2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: forming a selected groove in the foam cushion, wherein the base body is located affixedly within the foam cushion such that the engagement apertures are aligned with the selected groove."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "1. Field of the Invention\n\nThe present invention is related to seats having an exterior seat cover which is retained tightly and conformably with respect to an interior foam cushion. More particularly, the present invention relates to retainers used to attach the seat cover to the foam cushion. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a retainer apparatus having a base component embedded in the foam cushion and an anchor component connected with the seat cover which is interlocked with respect to the base component to thereby attach the seat cover to the foam cushion.\n\n2. Description of the Prior Art\n\nSeats having an interior foam cushion and an exterior seat covering have become ubiquitous, especially in automotive seating applications. In this regard, the foam cushion is provided with a predetermined shape in terms of the seat and back portions thereof, and is further typically provided with frame attachment provisions, such as for example an embedded metallic structure for being attached to a framework at the bottom of the seat. The seat cover provides an attractive, durable, protective and comfortable covering for the foam cushion. Typical materials include cloth, vinyl and leather. In order for the seat cover to be pleasingly and functionally interconnected with the foam cushion, the seat cover must be tightly conformed to the contour of the foam cushion. Usually, grooves are provided in the foam cushion to provide an attractive appearance to the seat and, sometimes, to provide a juncture for pieces of the seat cushion, wherein the seat cover must also conform to these grooves.",
  "cpc": [
    "B60N 2/5825",
    "Y10T 24/309",
    "Y10T 29/481",
    "Y10T 29/484",
    "Y10T 29/486"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "A47C 31/02",
    "B60N 2/58"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Clifford D. Roberts"
  ],
  "filing_date": "1997-12-31",
  "publication_date": "1999-10-12",
  "grant_date": "1999-10-12",
  "priority_date": "1996-11-19",
  "application_number": "US-183597-A",
  "family_id": "25025316",
  "cited_by_count": 88,
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}