The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing artificial leather, the apparatus including an embossing molding device capable of efficiently forming an embossed pattern on the surface of artificial leather through vacuum adsorption molding and a method of manufacturing artificial leather using the apparatus.

An example method of correcting a defect in a seat comprises the steps of: (a) imaging a seat to obtain an image of the seat, a portion of the seat having a defect; (b) applying a localized boundary around the portion of the seat having the defect within the image of the seat; (c) translating the localized boundary into a seat specific map of a baseline model of the seat such that a portion of the baseline model of the seat that corresponds to the portion of the seat having the defect within the image of the seat is disposed within a translated localized boundary; (d) selecting a predetermined path for an automated device to correct the portion of the seat having the defect based on the portion of the baseline model of the seat; and (e) correcting the portion of the seat having the defect.

The invention concerns a cushion or cushioning comprising, a cover an outer covering layer, a middle foam layer and an inner mesh layer. The cushion also includes an electric circuit connected to an electric generator, the circuit being made from conductive ink deposited on a support layer. The circuit extends opposite the complex; a block of elastically compressible padding, the support layer being formed either by the inner layer, or by an additional mesh layer interposed between the inner layer and the block.

Disclosed is a fastening structure for a seating foam, comprising a foam and a reinforcement fabric, and characterized in that the fastening structure is directly provided at a reinforcement fabric at a location corresponding to a fastening position, and is connected to the reinforcement fabric. The fastening structure of the present invention simultaneously meets two functional requirements of a foam, namely reinforcement of a side B of the foam and fastening of an exterior side A of the foam. The novel fastening structure of the present invention saves space, is thin and light, enhances the strength of the foam against a pull-out force, and optimizes a foam production process.

A vehicle seat system is provided that includes heating, cooling, and occupant sensing functionality in a single unit. The system includes carbon nanotube (CNT) elements disposed adjacent the seat surface. The CNT elements may be woven or stitched to a vehicle seat cover, or may be disposed in a mat that is placed between a seat cushion and the seat cover. The CNT elements may be used for heating, cooling, and occupant sensing, without requiring separate units or circuits. The system may include Peltier elements attached to the CNT elements, with the Peltier elements transferring heat between the CNT elements and a heat bank. The heat bank may be in the form of a heat sink, or the heat bank may be the seat rails of the vehicle seat, with the Peltier elements attached to the seat rails.

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.

A method for manufacturing a covering system for a motor vehicle seat member includes the steps of: providing a support, a cover and a pad; associating the support with the cover, the pad being left free between the support and the cover; and creating longitudinal seam lines, one on either side of the pad. The longitudinal seam lines join together the support and the cover. The longitudinal seam lines form straight segments, extending in a transverse direction towards the first pad, and join together the support, the cover, and the first pad.

Provided is a composite material for vehicles capable of substantially preventing the occurrence of wrinkles caused by ease stitching. This composite material for vehicles is a layered product of a skin material and a polyurethane foam sheet. The skin material has a play structure which, when the composite material for vehicles is stitched, allows the skin material to follow deformation caused by the stitching with a smooth state of a surface of the skin material maintained. The skin material is a woven fabric including warp yarns and weft yarns. The warp yarns and/or the weft yarns include two or more types of yarns having different total finenesses, and form the play structure.

Disclosed are a vehicle seat cover made of an artificial suede. The vehicle seat cover includes a top layer provided in the top portion, a bottom layer provided in the bottom portion, and a intermediate layer positioned between the top layer and the bottom layer. Each of the layers has a tricot texture, and the top layer includes the first yarn having a configuration in which the dope dyed microfiber yarn and the first high shrinkage yarn are interlaced. Thus, the suede material may have superior friction fastness and the light fastness and the vehicle seat cover is manufactured at less cost than a vehicle seat cover made of a conventional artificial suede.

A method of producing a functional vehicle component includes fixing a leather sheet over a surface of a vehicle component, applying a flexible electronic circuit to an A-surface of the leather sheet, and arranging a pigmented coating over the circuit. The pigmented coating inhibits or prevents the circuit from being visible through the pigmented coating. The method may include attaching an electronic element, such as a light source, a sensor, a wireless transmitter, or a switch, to the circuit. When the circuit includes a light source, the pigmented coating inhibits or prevents the light source from being visible through the pigmented coating, but light emitted by the light source is visible through the pigmented coating.