FIXING AID FOR SIMPLE FIXING OF SEWN COVERINGS ON SUPPORT PARTS

Abstract

A sewn covering for covering support parts includes at least one first and at least one second trim cover element which are connected to one another via a functional seam. A soft insert runs along at least some sections of the functional seam. The seam stump formed by the functional seam can be surrounded by a seam band which can be fixed by the functional seam. To produce such a sewn covering, a band can be used which has an at least partially elastic seam band that is perforated in the longitudinal direction. At least one soft insert is provided in the longitudinal direction of the partially elastic seam band, which insert is fixed to the seam band.

Claims

1. A sewn covering (30, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4, 30.5, 30.6) for laminating support parts (36), having at least one first and at least one second cover element (40, 42) which are interconnected by way of a functional seam (32, 56), wherein at least one soft insert (14, 14.3, 20, 22, 70) which at least in portions runs along the functional seam (32) is present.

2. The sewn covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein the soft insert (14, 20, 22, 70) is sewn into the functional seam (32).

3. The sewn covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seam stump (46) that is formed by the functional seam (32, 56) is enveloped by a seam band (12, 12.3, 60); the seam band (12, 12.3, 60) being fixed by the functional seam (32, 56).

4. The sewn covering as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one soft insert (14, 14.3, 20, 22) is present between the seam stump (46) and the seam band (12, 12.3).

5. The sewn covering as claimed in claim 3, wherein no soft insert is present in the region of the functional seam (32).

6. The sewn covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seam stump (46) that is enveloped by the soft insert (14, 14.3, 20, 22, 70) and/or the seam band (12, 12.3) has an approximately teardrop-shaped cross section.

7. The sewn covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seam band (12, 12.3) in the longitudinal direction is configured so as to be perforated at least in portions.

8. The sewn covering as claimed in claim 7, wherein the soft insert (14) in the longitudinal direction is configured so as to be perforated at least in portions.

9. The sewn covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one decorative seam which is disposed at a certain spacing from the functional seam is present.

10. The sewn covering as claimed in claim 9, wherein the decorative seam and the functional seam are disposed so as to be mutually parallel.

11. The sewn covering as claimed in claim 3, wherein the seam band on the external side thereof is provided with an adhesive means, in particular with a thermally activatable adhesive means.

12. A tape (10, 10.3, 10.4, 10.6) for producing a sewn covering (30, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4, 30.5) as claimed in claim 1, having an at least partially elastic seam band (12, 12.3); having at least one soft insert (14, 14.3, 20, 22) which in the longitudinal direction of the partially elastic seam band (12, 12.3) is fixed to the latter at least in portions; wherein the seam band (12, 12.3) in the longitudinal direction is configured so as to be perforated.

13. The tape as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one soft insert (14, 14.3) in the longitudinal direction is configured so as to be perforated at least in portions.

14. The tape as claimed in claim 12, wherein two soft inserts (20, 22) are present; the two soft inserts (20, 22) being disposed so as to be mutually parallel; the two soft inserts (20, 22) being fixed to the partially elastic seam band (12, 12.3) at a certain mutual spacing.

15. The tape as claimed in claim 14, wherein the perforation (16, 18) of the seam band (12, 12.3) is configured in the region between the two soft inserts (20, 22).

16. The tape as claimed in claim 12, wherein the perforation of the seam band (12, 12.3) is configured in the region of the at least one soft insert.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0032] The invention will be described and explained in more detail hereunder by means of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing in which:

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a first embodiment of the tape according to the invention;

[0034] FIG. 2 shows a cross section through the tape according to FIG. 1;

[0035] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the second embodiment of the tape according to the invention;

[0036] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a third embodiment of the tape according to the invention;

[0037] FIG. 5 shows a cross section through the tape according to FIG. 4;

[0038] FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the tape according to the invention;

[0039] FIG. 7 shows a cross section through a first embodiment of the covering according to the invention, having a tape according to FIG. 1 or 3, prior to being placed into the groove of a molded part;

[0040] FIG. 8 shows a cross section through the covering according to FIG. 7 that is placed into the groove of a molded part;

[0041] FIG. 9 shows a cross section through a second embodiment of the covering according to the invention, having a tape according to FIG. 4 or 6;

[0042] FIG. 10 shows a cross section through a third embodiment of the covering according to the invention;

[0043] FIG. 11 shows a cross section through a fourth embodiment of the covering according to the invention;

[0044] FIG. 12 shows a cross section through a fifth embodiment of the covering according to the invention;

[0045] FIG. 13 shows a cross section through a sixth embodiment of the covering according to the invention;

[0046] FIG. 14 shows a plan view of a soft insert that is coated with a reinforcement material; and

[0047] FIG. 15 shows a cross section through the soft insert according to FIG. 14.

MEANS OF IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

[0048] A first embodiment of the tape 10 according to the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The tape 10 has a seam band 12 which is between 0.1 to 10.0 millimeters in thickness. The seam band 12 is preferably between 0.2 and 0.5 millimeters in thickness, such that the seam band 12 in the finished sewn covering does not show up in the region that adjoins the functional seam. A soft insert 14 is disposed so as to be centric to the longitudinal axis of the seam band 12. The soft insert 14 can be between 0.3 and 10.0 millimeters in thickness. The soft insert in the present exemplary case is 1.0 millimeter in thickness.

[0049] The soft insert 14 in the present exemplary case is present as having been adhesively bonded to the seam band 12. Alternatively thereto, the soft insert 14 could also be sewn onto the seam band 12. In principle, other possibilities of fastening the soft insert 14 to the seam band 12 would also be feasible.

[0050] A perforation in the form of a plurality of cut-outs 16 which are present at a spacing of approximately 4.5 millimeters are present in the present exemplary embodiment, both in the seam band 12 as well as in the soft insert 14, so as to be centric along the longitudinal axis of the seam band 12. The cut-outs 16 form a perforation such that the tape 10 can be kinked along the longitudinal axis thereof in a particularly simple manner. This facilitates the sewing of the tape 10 into a functional seam, since the seam band 12 more readily folds into the framing aid of the sewing machine that is provided therefore. In the case of the tape 10.3 according to FIG. 3, the perforation in the soft insert 14.3 and in the seam band 12.3 is configured in the form of a plurality of slots 18. The spacing and the size of the slots 18 and of the cut-outs 16 can be adapted to the respective conditions, for example to the material of the sewn covering to be sewn, or to the width or the material of the soft insert and of the seam band, respectively. The shape of the cut-outs 16 can be individually chosen.

[0051] As opposed to these exemplary embodiments illustrated here, also only the seam band 12, 12.3, or only the soft insert 14, 14.3, could have a perforation in the form of cut-outs 16 or of slots 18.

[0052] In the case of the exemplary embodiments illustrated here, the soft insert 14, 14.3 does not extend up to the external periphery of the seam band 12, 12.3. On account thereof, the soft insert 14, 14.3 typically is not present in the region of the functional seam. By contrast thereto, the soft insert could also extend across the entire width of the seam band. In this case, the soft insert would also be present in the region of the functional seam.

[0053] An alternative embodiment of the tape 10.4 according to FIGS. 4 and 5 provides that a total of two soft inserts 20, 22 are fastened to the seam band 12. The two soft insert strips 20, 22 in this case run so as to be mutually parallel and at a certain mutual spacing. The perforation which is not obscured by the soft insert strips 20, 22 is present in the form of cut-outs 16 along the centerline of the seam band 12. In the case of the tape 10.6 according to FIG. 6, the perforation in the seam band 12.3 according to FIG. 3 is configured in the form of a plurality of slots 18.

[0054] As opposed to the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the centric perforation in the form of cut-outs 16 and/or of slots 18 can also be dispensed with in the case of the tape 10.4, 10.6, since the seam band 12, 12.3 in this case on account of the absent soft insert in the central region can already be quite readily kinked in a centric manner.

[0055] Additionally or alternatively to the centric perforation, it would also be possible for the seam band 12, 12.3 to be provided with a lateral perforation which would be present in the region of the soft insert 14, 14.3, or 20, 22, respectively. Such a lateral perforation could by implemented by cut-outs, slots, or other incisions, for example. The soft insert 14, 14.3, 20, 22, on account of this lateral perforation, can come into direct contact with the seam trench of the support part, leading to an improved adhesion of the sewn covering to the seam trench wall, and further facilitating the preliminary fixing of the sewn covering on the support part.

[0056] By contrast to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, one of the two soft insert strips 20, 22 could also be dispensed with. In this case, the soft insert would no longer be present so as to be exactly centric to the seam band 12.

[0057] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a first embodiment of the sewn covering 30 according to the invention, prior to and after the functional seam 32 has been placed into a seam trench 34 of a support part 36. The sewn covering 30 has two cover elements 40, 42 which are fastened to one another by means of a functional seam 32. The two cover elements 40, 42 in the present exemplary case are of leather or artificial leather; in principle, however, other materials of the cover elements 40, 42 are also conceivable. On account of the functional seam 32 a seam stump 46, also referred to as a seam vane, is formed on the lower side 44. The width 48 of the seam stump 46 is typically somewhat smaller than the width 50 of the seam trench 34 of the support part 36.

[0058] The seam stump 46 in the present exemplary case is enveloped by a tape 10 according to FIGS. 1 and 2. The seam band 12 herein is present as being sewn directly into the functional seam 32. The width of the soft insert 14 is chosen such that no soft insert 14 is present in the region of the functional seam 32. This ensures a harmonic and visually smooth functional seam. On account of the soft insert 14 that is present, an approximately teardrop-shaped cross section of the seam stump 46 that is enveloped by the soft insert 14 and by the seam band 12 is created, the maximum, width 52 of said seam stump 46 being somewhat larger than the width 50 of the groove 34 of the molded part 36.

[0059] The mounting of the sewn covering 10 in the seam trench 34 of the support part 36 (cf. FIG. 8) is performed by a displacement the soft insert 14 while the seam stump is pushed into the groove 34 that is provided therefore. On account thereof, the soft insert 14 is squeezed, and the seam stump 46 and thus also the covering 10 are thus locked into the seam trench 34 that is constructed to this end. The functional seams 32 are thus positioned, said functional seams 32 now being fixed in a preliminary manner such that the remaining sewn covering 10 can likewise be fixed in a preliminary manner.

[0060] By contrast to the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the sewn covering 10 could also be produced by means of a conventional seam band and of a strip-shaped soft insert, without the seam band and the soft insert first having to be fastened to one another. The seam band and the soft insert could thus be interconnected only during the sewing process for producing the functional seam. In this case, a first band spool could keep a reserve of the seam band, and a second band spool could keep a reserve of the soft insert. Both band spools could be attached on top of one another, beside one another, behind one another, or else at different places of the sewing machine or of the working space, such that the seam band and the soft insert would run into the sewing machine in a mutually parallel manner and so as to be disposed directly on top of one another. The soft insert and the seam band can be guided in a controlled manner in the tool of the sewing machine, be placed around the peripheral region of the two cover elements, and be fastened to the sewn covering by way of the functional seam. It can be sufficient herein for the seam band to be fastened only by way of the functional seam, while the soft insert would come to lie quasi loosely between the seam stump and the seam band. However, since the seam band bears on the seam stump in a sufficiently taught manner, any shifting of the soft insert can be precluded.

[0061] A second embodiment of the sewn covering 30.2 according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 9. In the case of the sewn covering 30.2 the tape 10.4 according to FIG. 4 has been used instead of the tape 10 according to FIG. 1 for enveloping the seam stump 46. On account thereof, an approximately teardrop-shaped cross section of the seam stump 46 that is enveloped by the two soft insert strips 20, 22 and by the seam band 12 can also be achieved.

[0062] According to FIG. 10, only one soft insert 14 can also be used in an alternative embodiment of the covering 30.3. In this case, the soft insert 14 is sewn to the seam stump 46 by means of the functional seam 32. The external side of the soft insert 14 can be provided with a sliding coating in order for the sewing of the soft insert 14 into the functional seam 32 to be facilitated. The soft insert in this case could also be implemented by a soft thick seam band having a thickness of approximately 0.3 to 5.0 millimeters.

[0063] It would also be possible for in each case one soft insert strip 20, 22 to be fastened to the two external sides of the seam stump 46. Such a sewn covering 10.4 is illustrated in FIG. 11. The two outwardly pointing sides of the soft insert strips 20, 22 can in each case be provided with a sliding coating also in this case. The two soft insert strips 20, 22 can be adhesively bonded to the lower side of the two cover elements 40, 42, for example, and be conjointly acquired by the functional seam 32 when the latter is being sewn. It would also be possible for the two soft insert strips 20, 22 not to be acquired by the functional seam 32; the soft insert strips 20, 22 in this instance would have to be fixed on the seam stump 46 in another suitable manner. This can be established by an adhesive procedure or by a tacking procedure, for example.

[0064] In as far as the soft insert strips 20, 22, or the soft insert 14, respectively, according to FIG. 10 are not acquired by the functional seam 32, no bulging 54 can form above the functional seam 32 which following the lamination of the sewn covering 30.3, 30.4 to the support part 36 could show up on the laminated visible surface of the latter.

[0065] In a second processing step, the sewn covering 30.4 according to FIG. 11 can be retrofitted with a seam band 12 such that the sewn covering 30.5 illustrated in FIG. 12 is created. To this end, the seam band 12 is retrofitted by sewing a further functional seam 56. The two functional seams 32, 56 can be disposed at approximately the same level such that a visually appealing image of the sewn covering 10.5 results when viewed from the front side.

[0066] The sewn covering 10.3 according to FIG. 10 could also be retrofitted with a seam band 12 in a comparable manner. In a modification of FIG. 11 it would also be possible for a soft insert strip 20 or 22 to be attached to only one side of the seam stump. It would also be possible in this case for the seam stump to be retroactively enveloped by a seam band in order for the unilateral soft insert strip to be fixed on the seam stump.

[0067] Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the sewn seam stump to be guided through an immersion bath with silicone, an immersion bath with plastic, or an immersion bath with rubber, so as to achieve a suitable teardrop shape. It would also be possible for a plastic shrouding to be sprayed on.

[0068] A sixth embodiment of the sewn covering 30.6 according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 13. In the case of the sewn covering 30.6 only a seam band 60 without an additional soft insert was used for enveloping the seam stump 46. The seam band 60 that is sewn into the functional seam 32 can fix and stabilize the functional seam 32, thus contributing toward a visually appealing image of the sewn covering 30.6.

[0069] A soft insert 70 in which the use of an additional seam band can be dispensed with is illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. The soft insert 70 in the present exemplary case is coated in each case with two reinforcement strips 76, 78, 80, 82 on the upper side 72 of the former as well as on the lower side 74 thereof. The reinforcement strips in the present exemplary case are in each case present along the longitudinal peripheries of the soft insert 70; the central region of the soft insert 70 is therefore not coated. In as far as the reinforcement strips are applied to the soft insert 70 by way of an immersion bath, the lateral peripheries 84, 86 of the soft insert could also be coated in a corresponding manner. The two lateral peripheries 84, 86 in the present exemplary case remain uncoated.

[0070] By contrast to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the soft insert 70 could also be coated with a reinforcement material only on the upper side 72 of the former or only on the lower side 74 thereof. It would also be possible for the reinforcement material to be provided on the entire upper side 72 and/or on the entire lower side 74.

[0071] The coating of the soft insert 70 serves to prevent the soft insert 70 from expanding in an uncontrolled manner, which would lead to untidy seams and to non-reproducible results. Moreover, the coating can ensure that the soft insert can be easily transported through the tool of the sewing machine such that high sewing speeds can be achieved.