阅读说明：本技术 用于内饰列入的止动夹具组件 (Stop clamp assembly for interior trim incorporation ) 是由 J·A·阿戈尼亚 A·V·博古克 C·A·内维斯 A·W·桑廷 于 2018-02-07 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供了一种锁定座椅罩固定系统,所述锁定座椅罩固定系统包括列入压边和止动夹具,所述列入压边具有从所述压边处移除的凹口,所述止动夹具具有所述止动夹具的内表面中的凸块。所述凹口弯曲以维持所述列入压边的结构完整性。所述凸块的尺寸、形状和位置设定成对应于所述列入压边上的所述凹口,使得当所述列入压边插入所述凹口中时,所述凸块可接合于所述列入压边内。所述凸块在所述凹口内的接合防止所述列入压边在所述锁定止动夹具内滑动。具有所述止动夹具的所述列入压边可插入至泡沫座椅内的内饰夹具中,并且所述止动夹具可邻接所述内饰夹具,使得所述列入压边不可相对于所述内饰夹具移动。(a locking seat cover securement system includes a tuck-in hem having a notch removed from the hem and a stop clamp having a tab in an inner surface of the stop clamp. The notches are curved to maintain the structural integrity of the row of beads. The bumps are sized, shaped and positioned to correspond to the notches on the rank binders such that the bumps can engage within the rank binders when the rank binders are inserted into the notches. Engagement of the projection within the recess prevents the entry lip from sliding within the locking detent. The listing blank having the stop clip may be inserted into an interior trim clip within a foam seat, and the stop clip may abut the interior trim clip such that the listing blank is not movable relative to the interior trim clip.)

1. A seat cover securement system, comprising:

An inline lip having a curved recess defined by a recess surface; and

A stop clamp, the stop clamp comprising:

a base;

two legs extending upwardly from the base, the legs having barbs at top regions of the legs; and

A tab, wherein the tab extends upwardly from the base, and wherein the tab has a curved upper engagement surface that corresponds to and nests within the notch surface.

2. the seat cover securement system of claim 1, wherein the notched surface is a portion of a circle.

3. The seat cover securement system of claim 2, wherein the notch surface is semi-circular.

4. The seat cover securement system of claim 1, wherein the tab is in the shape of a portion of a disk, and wherein the notch is sized and shaped to receive the tab.

5. The seat cover securement system of claim 1, wherein the tab is in the shape of a half-disk, and wherein the notch is sized and shaped to receive the tab.

6. the seat cover securement system of claim 1, wherein a tab gap is defined by a side of the tab, a portion of the base, and the leg.

7. A lock-in-lay-down assembly comprising:

A web; and

A binder engaged with and attached to the web, wherein the binder has at least one notch defined by a notch surface in the binder, and wherein the notch surface is curved.

8. the lock inline binder assembly of claim 7, wherein the notch surface is part of a curved cross-sectional shape.

9. The lock inline binder assembly of claim 8, wherein the notch surface is semi-circular.

10. A locking stop clamp comprising:

a base;

A pair of legs extending upwardly from the base;

A barb at an end region of each leg, wherein the base, the legs, and the barbs partially define a central cavity; and

A tab extending from the clamp into the central cavity.

11. the locking stop clamp of claim 10 wherein the tab has an upper surface that is a curved plane.

12. the lock stop clamp of claim 10 wherein the tab is in the shape of a partial disk.

13. A locking stop clamp according to claim 10, wherein said tab extends upwardly from said base, and wherein said tab and said leg define a tab gap between said tab and said leg, whereby said tab and said leg are free of contact between said tab and said leg.

14. the locking stop clamp of claim 11 wherein the tab has an upper surface that is a curved plane that contacts the base at two opposing ends of the curved plane.

15. The locking stop clamp of claim 14 wherein the tab has at least one tab side.

16. The locking stop clamp of claim 10 wherein a top portion of the tab does not contact the leg.

17. An interior trim clip, comprising:

A base;

a first leg extending upwardly from the base;

A second leg extending upwardly from the base;

a barb at an end region of each leg, wherein the base, the legs, and the barbs partially define a central cavity; and

A fastener extending downwardly from a corner between the first leg and the base.

18. the clip of claim 17, wherein the catch includes a support arm extending downwardly from the corner between the first leg and the base, and wherein the catch includes a retaining arm extending upwardly from a lower region of the support arm toward the second leg.

19. The clamp of claim 18, wherein the fastener includes an interface between the retaining arm and the support arm, and wherein the fastener arm and the retaining arm are at an acute angle relative to each other.

20. the clamp of claim 19, wherein the joint comprises a reinforcing knuckle.

21. The clip of claim 19, wherein the engagement portion comprises a spring region, the spring region being a reduced thickness region of the fastener.

22. The clip of claim 19, wherein the spring region is a channel within the land region, the channel extending from a front region of the clip to a rear region of the clip.

23. the clamp of claim 18, wherein the support arm extends downwardly about a radius.

24. The clip of claim 19, wherein the retention arm is thickest at a distal end.

25. The clamp of claim 18, further comprising a lock extending downwardly from a corner between the second leg and the base, wherein the lock extends toward an end portion of the retaining arm.

26. the clip of claim 25, wherein the locking element and the fastening element define a split between the locking element and the fastening element, and wherein the split is a passage between a retention area within the clip and an exterior of the clip.

27. The clip of claim 26, wherein the retention area is adapted to retain a support wire in a seat, and wherein the slit is adapted to be narrower than the support wire.

28. the clamp of claim 25, wherein the latch includes a support arm extending downwardly from the corner between the second leg and the base, and wherein the latch includes a locking arm extending upwardly from a lower region of the support arm toward the retention arm.

29. The clip of claim 16, wherein the clip further comprises an outwardly extending shoulder, wherein the clip is connected to the corner between the base and the first leg.

30. A vehicle seat, comprising:

An enqueueing component, the enqueueing component comprising:

Enlisting the web;

A lineup binder along an edge of the lineup web, the lineup binder having a notch therein; and

A stopping jig having a cavity and a tab extending into the cavity, wherein the stopping jig is attached to the inline lip in such a way that the inline lip engages within the cavity of the stopping jig, and wherein the tab of the stopping jig engages within the recess of the inline lip;

A seat body having an interior trim fixture secured within the seat body, the interior trim fixture having a cavity, wherein the array of beads is engaged within the cavity of the interior trim fixture; and

a seat cover attached to the entry web of the entry assembly, wherein the seat cover is secured to a foam seat body by the entry assembly.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to trim and trim attachment mechanisms, and more particularly to a system for attaching trim and trim to foam and other resilient or flexible substrates using a clip that can engage a listing bead, wire insert, and/or foam seat.

Background

Modern fabric trim covers and their interconnecting spring and cushion components (collectively "upholstery"), such as those used in vehicles, are often carefully sculpted and shaped to produce a comfortable and aesthetic effect. Thus, a fabric (typically cloth, vinyl or leather with a backing material) is secured at various locations along its surface to a resilient or flexible backing that defines a padded substrate for an interior trim article (e.g., a seat bottom, cushion, backrest or headrest). Generally, the close-fitting appearance of the interior trim to the substrate requires that the fabric be bonded to the substrate in any intermediate surface depressions, chevrons or grooves in the surface. Otherwise, the fabric will tend to bulge or "hump" at these non-planar surface features.

One method of effectively and fixedly attaching a trim cover to a foam substrate includes utilizing a resilient polymeric trim clip that is embedded in and bonded to the foam. Referring to fig. 1, one example of an interior clip 100 embedded in a foam substrate 102 is shown. The trim fixture 100 resides within a groove 104 formed in the substrate 102. In this example, fixture 100 is a LOW profile fixture, as described in commonly assigned U.S. patent No.8,099,837 entitled LOW-profile interior trim fixture FOR attaching BEADs TO a FOAM SUBSTRATE (LOW-profile CLIP ATTACHING A bed TO a FOAM SUBSTRATE), the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference as background information that may be used. The exemplary clip 100 includes a planar (flat) rectangular base 110, an upwardly directed clip member 150 with associated legs 160, and inwardly and downwardly directed barbs 170 (the barbs 170 being adapted to capture a file binder therebetween through gaps 180), as described below.

in this example, the clip base 110 includes formations 112 and 114 on opposite ends, the formations 112 and 114 being optional and allowing a "hanging" arrangement in which the clips can be snapped together in a variable length flexible chain during storage and distribution by each cylindrical formation 114 engaging a covering C-shaped formation 112 on an adjacent clip. These versions of hanging CLIPS are described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application 13/787,929 entitled "hanging trim clip system and METHOD FOR ATTACHING hanging CLIPS TO a substrate" (fed TRIM CLIP SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ATTACHING hanging CLIPS TO substrates), "the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. Before the foam is injected into the mold cavity, the installer peels each clip off the chain by removing the cylindrical formations 114 from the adjacent C-shaped formations 112 and applies it to the appropriate location within the mold cavity (e.g. along the groove). In an alternative embodiment, the CLIP base may have a key on the bottom that fits into a corresponding slot on the hard anchor base so that the CLIP can be rotated and locked into place, as described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application 14/534,104 entitled "interior CLIP FOR removable attachment TO a RIGID surface (UPHOLSTERY CLEP FOR REMOVABLE ATTACHMENT TO RIGID SURFACES", the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other embodiments of the clamp base (such as a hook on the bottom of the clamp, or other arrangements for securing the clamp in place) will be understood by those skilled in the art.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a typical prior art installation of a row of beads 210 into a low profile fixture according to this embodiment. In fig. 2, lineup blankholder 210 is attached to the end of a web 220 (fabric), which web 220 is itself attached to a cover trim piece (not shown). Exemplary entry press 210 can be formed as a continuous extrudate of acceptable polymer and includes a pair of upper walls 230 defined at an approximate angle AW relative to horizontal line 231. The bead upper wall 230 is arranged to engage the bottom face 232 of the barb 170. During assembly, the column edge is driven downward (arrow 250) toward the clip member leg/barb gap 180. When the legs are in a resting (springless) arrangement, the maximum width WGB of the listed edge 210 is wider than the width of the gap 180. Thus, the inline hem 210 may deform slightly as its rounded lower face 260 passes through the barb 170, and the reduced thickness legs 160 flex outward (outward arrow 227) as they engage the rounded end of the barb 170 in response to pressure applied by the hem 210.

In fig. 3, the binder 210 has passed completely through the gap 180 and is now against the base 110 (bottoming out). As long as the central region of the clip is high enough to allow the upper wall 230 of the binder 210 to clear the bottom face 232 of the barb 170, the clip legs 160 are allowed to flex back (inward arrow 320) to their original resting (springless) shape. After installation, the natural tension applied to the attached trim cover will normally bias the hemmed upper wall 230 into secure engagement with the bottom face 232 of the barb 170. This tension, along with the relatively tight conformity of the width of the clamp central region and the hem (as shown in FIG. 3), ensures vibration-free interconnection between the foam substrate and the trim cover.

while the exemplary clip and listing-on-edge arrangement described above provides an effective and reliable mechanism for bonding a trim cover to a foam substrate, it allows the listing-on-edge to slide longitudinally within the clip. After installation, the fixture remains lined up with beads in two dimensions, but relies on limited friction between the beads and the interior of the leg to limit longitudinal movement of the beads within the fixture. This longitudinal movement of the included hems can affect the appearance of the entire seat trim cover. Accordingly, it is desirable to secure the listing blank and the trim clip relative to each other in all three dimensions to securely hold the listing blank and, therefore, the seat cover in place.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a stop clamp and an enlistment hem that can secure an upholstery trim cover for movement in multiple dimensions/directions (including inward and outward, upward and downward, and notably, left-to-right and front-to-back) relative to an underlying foam cushion, thereby rendering the trim cover completely stationary relative to the cushion. In one exemplary embodiment, the entry bead may have at least one notch therein, and the retaining clamp may have a tab extending from an inner surface of the clamp such that the tab may engage the notch when the clamp engages the entry bead, thereby preventing the entry bead from moving in the longitudinal direction within the retaining clamp. The entry bead with the attached retaining clip can engage a clip embedded within the seat, and the retaining clip can prevent the entry bead from moving in the longitudinal direction within the embedded clip, as the retaining clip attached to the entry bead can abut the embedded clip to prevent the entry bead from sliding.

The present invention may also provide hooks or fasteners on the bottom of the retaining clip that may be used to engage embedded structures within the foam, such as support wires. The seat may have wires or other support structures embedded within the foam, and the stop clip may have hooks extending from a base of the clip such that the hooks may engage the support wires, thereby securing the listing edge of the trim to the foam of the seat.

These novel clip structures and listing-in engagement systems effectively replace the hook and loop, stitch tab or arched loop connections between the trim and padding in the most realistic functional sense and in a manner that results in significant labor (and, therefore, cost) savings. This arrangement also benefits the user/installer by minimizing possible damage to repetitive stress based ailments, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and the like.

in one exemplary embodiment, a seat cover securing system includes a tuck-in clamp having a curved recess defined by a recess surface, a retainer clamp having a base, two legs extending upwardly from the base, the legs having barbs at top regions of the legs, and a tab extending upwardly from the base, wherein the tab has a curved upper engagement surface corresponding to and nested within the recess surface. The recess surface may be part circular or other curved/curvilinear cross-sectional shape. The recess surface may be semi-circular. The tab may be in the shape of a partial disc or cylinder, or may be a continuous full length linear projection of the base, and the notch may be sized and shaped to receive the tab. The tab may be in the shape of a half-disk, and the notch is sized and shaped to receive the tab. The bump gap may be defined by a side of the bump, a portion of the base, and the leg.

in one exemplary embodiment, a lock-in-hem assembly can include a web, and a hem engaged with and attached to the web, wherein the hem has at least one notch defined by a notch surface in the hem, and wherein the notch surface is curved and does not include corners or edges. The recess surface may be part circular. The recess surface may be semi-circular.

in one exemplary embodiment, the locking stop clamp may include a base, a pair of legs extending upwardly from the base, a barb at an end region of each leg (where the base, legs, and barbs partially define a central cavity), and a tab extending from the clamp to the central cavity. The bump may have an upper surface that is a curved plane. The projection may be in the shape of a partial disc. The tab may extend upwardly from the base, and the tab and the leg may define a tab gap between the tab and the leg, whereby the tab and the leg do not contact between the tab and the leg. The projection may be in the shape of a partial disc. The tab may extend upwardly from the base, and the tab and the leg may define a tab gap between the tab and the leg, whereby the tab and the leg do not contact between the tab and the leg. The tab may have an upper surface that is a curved plane that contacts the base at two opposite ends of the curved plane. The bump may have at least one bump side. The top portion of the bump does not contact the leg.

In one exemplary embodiment, an interior trim clip may include a base, first and second legs extending upwardly from the base, a barb at an end region of each leg (where the base, legs, and barbs partially define a central cavity), and a catch extending downwardly from a corner between the first leg and the base. The clip may include a support arm that may extend downwardly from a corner between the first leg and the base, and the clip may include a retaining arm that extends upwardly from a lower region of the support arm toward the second leg. The catch may include an interface between the retaining arm and the support arm, and the catch arm and the retaining arm may be at an acute angle relative to one another. The joint may include a reinforcing hinge. The engagement portion may include a spring region that is a reduced thickness region of the fastener. The spring region may be a channel within the joint, which may extend from a front region of the clip to a rear region of the clip. The support arm may extend downwardly around the radius. The retention arm may be thickest at the distal end. The clip may have a locking member that may extend downwardly from a corner between the second leg and the base, wherein the locking member may extend toward the end portion of the retaining arm. The locking member and the fastening member may define a split between the locking member and the fastening member, and the split may be a passage between a retention area within the clip and an exterior of the clip. The retention area may be adapted to retain the support wire in the seat, and the split may be adapted to be narrower than the support wire. The latch may include a support arm extending downwardly from a corner between the second leg and the base, and the latch may include a locking arm that may extend upwardly from a lower region of the support arm toward the retention arm. The fastener may have an outwardly extending shoulder, wherein the fastener is connected to a corner between the base and the first leg.

drawings

The following description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 (described) is a partially exposed side view of a foam substrate in the groove area including an embedded trim fixture used in conjunction with an entry lip, as described in the background;

FIG. 2 (described) is a side view of the illustrative clip of FIG. 1 showing an exemplary tuck-in hem of a trim piece inserted therein, as described in the background;

FIG. 3 (described) is a side view of the fixture and resulting interconnect listed in the blankholder as shown in FIG. 2, as described in the background;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary retaining clip with an internal tab according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a side view of an exemplary retaining clip with an internal tab according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5B is a view of the inner bump of FIG. 5A, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary stop clamp with an internal tab of FIGS. 5A and 5B along line 6-6 according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a front view of an exemplary stop clamp according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a front view of another exemplary retaining clip according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary column binder showing the relative dimensions of the binder assembly and various components of the web, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary seat cover securing system having a stop clamp that engages a file hold down on a web according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a side view of an exemplary seat cover securing system having a stop clamp with an inner tab that engages an entry bead with a corresponding notch, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11A is a front view of an exemplary enlisted assembly having notches enlisted in a bead according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11B is a partially transparent front view of an exemplary retaining clip with an internal lug that engages a corresponding notch lined into a bead, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a stop clip securing an interior trim cover in a seat according to one embodiment;

FIG. 12B is a detailed view of a stop clip securing the trim cover in the seat, as shown in FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12C is a detailed front view of the stop clip securing the trim cover in the seat, as shown in FIG. 12B;

FIG. 12D is a detailed front view of two stop clamps on opposite sides of an insert clamp securing an interior trim cover in a seat, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 12E is a perspective view of two retaining clips and two insert clips securing an interior trim cover in a seat according to one embodiment;

FIG. 12F is a detailed front view of two insert clamps on opposite sides of a stop clamp securing an interior trim cover in a seat, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of an exemplary stop clip, wherein the clip is formed by extrusion of a full length bump profile, according to an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a front view of an exemplary entry hold-down showing the relative dimensions of various components of the hold-down assembly and web, according to one embodiment, including notches formed to receive full length tabs of the fixture of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a side view of an exemplary retaining clip with an embedded base according to one embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a side view of an exemplary stop clamp with a key on a base according to one embodiment;

FIG. 17A is a side view of an exemplary clip with a fastener according to one embodiment;

FIG. 17B is a front view of an exemplary clip having the fastener of FIG. 17A according to this embodiment;

FIG. 18A is a side view of an exemplary clip of a fastener having support arms extending from a thigh according to one embodiment;

FIG. 18B is a side view of the example clip of FIG. 18B without a stop tab according to one embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a side view of an exemplary clip having a fastener with offset retention areas according to one embodiment;

FIG. 20A is a side view of an exemplary clamp having a catch and locking arm according to one embodiment;

FIG. 20B is a front view of an exemplary clamp having the catch and locking arm of FIG. 20A according to this embodiment;

FIG. 20C is a front view of the exemplary clip of FIG. 20A without a support tab according to one embodiment;

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of a clamp-to-wire stop clamp securing an interior trim cover in a seat according to one embodiment;

FIG. 21B is a detailed perspective view of the stop clip of FIG. 17A securing the trim cover in the seat, as shown in FIG. 21A; and

Fig. 21C is a detailed perspective view of the stop clip of fig. 20A securing the trim cover in the seat, as shown in fig. 21A.

Detailed Description

I.Stop clamp construction and use

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary retaining clip with an internal tab, according to one embodiment. Exemplary stop clamp 400 may include an internal stop tab 470, and internal tab 470 may engage a notch on the trim hem. The engagement of the interior nubs 470 within the notches prevents the stop clamp from moving along the length of the interior trim hem. The clip 400 can be attached to an interior trim and the interior trim can be. The trim with the stop clip 400 is placed into the hem and then may engage the trim clip embedded within the foam seat, thereby securing the seat cover assembly to the foam seat. The stop clamp 400 may be adjacent to the embedment clamp such that the stop clamp 400 may prevent the row binder from moving laterally within the embedment clamp. The single stop clamp may prevent the column flange from moving in one direction within the embedment clamp so that the cover may withstand the forces exerted thereon during use of the seat. A stop clip may be used to prevent the cover from moving relative to the underlying foam seat in one or more areas of the seat. By way of non-limiting example, as a user relies on the back of the seat, a stop clip on a listed hem located above an insert clip in the back of the seat may allow the cover to resist a downward force on a portion of the cover on the back of the seat. In one embodiment, two stop clips may be located on the entry bead and may engage an upper notch on either side of the insert clip to prevent the entry bead from moving in either direction relative to the insert clip in the foam seat.

An exemplary retaining clip (also referred to as a "clip") 400 may include a base plate 410, legs 420, and barbs 430. The floor 410, legs 420, and barbs 430 may define a chamber 440. The bottom plate 410 may be an upper portion of the clamp base 480. In various embodiments, the base 480 may include, or may be part of, various additional structures (as explained more fully below). Leg 420 may have a thigh 422 and a lower leg 424. The thigh 422 may taper from a thicker region of the lower thigh 426 to a thinner region of the upper thigh 428. The lower leg 424 may be of uniform thickness (not including a taper) between the superior thigh 428 and the barb 430. It is noted that the above-described geometric relationships and dimensions of the barbs, the floor, and the legs are exemplary of a wide range of possible shapes and dimensions.

The two barbs 430 may define a gap 450 between the two barbs 430 such that the rank press may pass between the barbs 430, through the gap 450, and into the chamber 440. Barbs 430 may be directed inward and downward to capture the column entry beads. The barb 430 may have a slider 432 at the top of the barb. The slider 432 can be tilted downward and inward toward the gap 450 so that the column hold down can slide the slider 432 downward and into the gap 450. The barb may have a barb surface 434 at the innermost portion of the barb 430. The barbs 430 may have a bottom surface 436 and a hook 438. The bottom face 436 and the hook 438 can engage the inline lip and hold the inline lip within the chamber. Bottom surface 436 may be ramped inward and downward to capture the rank-in, and prevent the rank-in from being pulled out. The hook 438 may be a corner between an inner portion of the bottom face 436 and a lower portion of the barb face 434. After the rank-in-edge has been inserted into chamber 440, hooks 438 may contact the top of the rank-in-edge, preventing the rank-in-edge from being pulled out of chamber 440. An inner radius R1 may exist between the bottom surface 436 and the leg 420. The inner radius may strengthen the junction of the barb 430 and the leg 420 as compared to a junction with a sharp inner corner. The inner radius R1 may be about 0.38 millimeters ± 0.15 millimeters.

The base plate 410 may have a central region 412 and curved base plate sides 414. The central region 412 may be flat. The curved floor sides 414 may curve upward to meet the lower thigh 424. The clip 400 may have a floor radius R2 between the floor 410 and the leg 420. The floor diameter R2 may be about 0.76 mm ± 0.15 mm.

The clip 400 may have extensions 460, the extensions 460 extending outwardly from the top corners of the clip 400. The top of the extension 460 may be generally horizontal or may be parallel to the base plate 410. The extension 460 may have an extension face 462 between the top of the extension and the slider. The extension face 462 may be substantially vertical.

The fixture 400 has a tab 470 that extends into the cavity 440. The tabs 470 may engage corresponding notches listed in the binder (not shown). In essence, when the projection engages the notch on the binder profile, the projection can be shaped such that it inhibits movement of the stop clip on the binder profile. The tab 470 may have a bonding surface 472 on the exterior of the tab 470. The tab 470 may be in the shape of a partial disc or cylinder and the engagement surface 472 may be the outer circumference of the partial disc or cylinder. The engagement surface 472 may be a curved plane. The engagement surface 472 can nest into the recess, thereby engaging the row blankholder and preventing the row blankholder from sliding within the fixture 400.

the tab 470 may have two engagement surface associations 474, wherein the engagement surface 472 meets the base plate 410. The engagement surface associations 474 may be parallel. The bonding surface may have two edges 476 along two edges of the bonding surface 472. The edges 476 may be parallel to each other on either side of the engagement surface 472. The engagement surface may extend along the side portion from one engagement surface combination 474 to another engagement surface combination 474 having parallel edges. The nubs 470 are illustrated as being located on the floor 410 of the clip 400 and extending into the chamber 440, however, the nubs may be located on the legs 420 or barbs 430 and may extend into the chamber 440.

Because the landing edge is typically a commercially predetermined shape, the clip central region/interior space between the base and the barb must be sufficiently spacious to allow the landing edge to be pushed completely through the gap (as described below) and secured against the bottom face of the barb. Thus, in this embodiment, the flat barb bottom face is oriented at a specific angle AB (an exemplary value of 29 degrees) of between about 20 and 35 degrees, which approximately matches the angle of the top barb engaging wall listed in the binder. Generally, the depicted design allows for pull-push performance to be desired. The clip 400 may be manufactured by injection molding (as will be understood by those skilled in the art) or by any other technique that is appropriate for the geometry of the particular clip.

FIG. 5A is a side view of an exemplary retaining clip with an internal tab, according to one embodiment. The nubs 470 are shown extending upwardly from the floor 410 into the chamber 440. Fig. 5B is a detailed view of the bump of fig. 5A according to this embodiment. The tab 470 may have a tab side 502. Referring to fig. 4 and 5B, the bump side 502 may meet the engagement surface 472 at the rim 476. The bump side 502 may be perpendicular to the bonding surface 472. When the projection engages the notch on the binder profile, the projection may be shaped such that it inhibits movement of the stop clamp on the binder profile. The tab 470 may be in the shape of a partial disk or cylinder, the engagement surface 472 may be the outer circumference of a partial disk, and the tab side 502 may be a planar surface forming the end of a disk. The tab side 502 may extend upward from the bottom plate 410 and may be substantially vertical. The tab side 502 may extend upward from the base plate 410 at a side union 504. The side union 504 may be a corner between the bump side 502 and the bottom plate 410. In one embodiment, the bump sides 502 do not contact the legs 420. Bending the floor side 414 may separate the tab side 502 from the leg 420. A bump gap 506 may exist between bump side 502 and leg 420. The bump gap 506 may be partially defined by the bump side 502 and the leg 420. Bump gap 506 may be defined in part by bump side 502, curved side floor 414 or a portion of the clip base, and leg 420.

the side union 504 may have a rounded corner between the bump side 502 and the bottom plate 410. Alternatively, tab sides 502 may be curved or angled outward and downward to meet bottom plate 410 such that the base of tab 470 is wider than the top of tab 470 when viewed from the side. The tab 470 may extend upward from the floor 410 into the cavity 440. Tab 470 is sized and shaped to correspond with a notch listed in the crimp. Bumps 470 may have a bump width NW of about 3 millimeters and may have a bump height NH of about 2 to 3 millimeters. In various embodiments, one or more nubs 470 may be located on the base plate 410 and/or may be located on one or more legs 420, and may extend into the chamber 440. The location of the at least one tab 470 corresponds to the location of the at least one notch listed on the hold-down edge (not shown). In the embodiment of fig. 5A and 5B, the tab 470 is on the bottom plate 410 and the notch is in the bottom edge of the row of beads.

The leg portion 420 may have an outer leg side portion 510. The outer leg side 510 may be generally vertical, i.e., about 90 degrees. The clip 400 may have an outer bend 512 between the base region 508 and the outer leg side 510. The outer curved portion 512 may have a radius R3 of 3.0 millimeters ± 0.5 millimeters. The leg portion 420 may have an inner leg side portion 514. The inner leg side 514 may be generally vertical at the lower leg 424, forming a generally vertical lower leg medial portion 516. The inner leg side 514 may be angled downward and inward at the thigh 422, forming a thigh inner side 518. The thigh medial portion 518 may be angled between approximately 80 degrees and 85 degrees from a horizontal line between the calf medial portion 516 and the curved baseplate side portion 414. Alternatively, the medial thigh portion may flex and/or tilt downward and inward in a variable manner between the lower leg 424 and the curved baseplate side 414. The medial thigh portion 518 may curve more sharply inward (with a smaller radius) at the lower thigh portion 426, and may have a decreasing inward angle or may curve at the upper thigh portion 428 until it is nearly vertical, with the medial thigh portion 518 meeting the medial calf portion 516.

the chamber 440 may be partially defined by a generally vertical medial calf portion 516, a diagonal femoral portion 518, a curved sole plate side portion 414, and a central region 412 of the sole plate 410. The surface that partially defines the cavity 440 may not include corners from one upper thigh 428 to the base plate 410 to the other upper thigh 428. The absence of corners can make the clip 400 stronger and help prevent the legs 420 from breaking when they flex outward (when the listing seam pushes through the gap 450). The lower leg 424 may have a uniform thickness and have a generally vertical outer leg side 510 and a generally vertical lower leg inner side 516. Alternatively, the chamber 440 may be partially defined by a generally vertical medial calf portion 516 and a medial thigh portion 518, the medial thigh portion 518 may be slightly angled or curved inwardly at the upper thigh portion 428, and may be increasingly angled or curved inwardly at the lower thigh portion 426 until the medial thigh portion 518 meets the curved floor side 414 of the floor 410. The surface that partially defines the chamber 440 may be continuously curved from one of the upper strands 428 to the base plate 410. The surface that partially defines the chamber 440 may curve continuously from one upper thigh 428 to the base plate 410 to the other upper thigh 428.

The thigh 422 may taper from a thinner region at the upper thigh 428 to an increasingly thicker region at the lower thigh 426, and may have an inner thigh side 518 that increasingly tapers or curves inwardly from the upper thigh 428 to the lower thigh 426. The thigh 422 may be at least partially defined by the outer leg side 510. The clip 400 may have a floor radius R2 between the floor 410 and the leg 420, and the floor radius R2 may be about 0.76 millimeters ± 0.15 millimeters. The absence of corners where bottom plate 410 meets legs 420 adds strength to clip 400 and may help prevent legs 420 from breaking when outward pressure is applied to legs 420 from a lineup binder.

The bottom surface 436 may have a barb angle BA of between about 20 degrees and 35 degrees from horizontal. The inner radius R1 between the bottom surface 436 and the leg 420 may be about 0.38 millimeters ± 0.15 millimeters. The absence of corners where the legs 420 meet the barbs 430 stiffens the clip 400 and helps prevent the barbs 430 from breaking when pressure is applied to the barbs 430 from the landing edge.

The clamp 400 may have an outer clamp width CW of about 7.8 millimeters ± 0.5 millimeters. The outer clamp width CW may be the width of the clamp 400 without the extension 460. The outer clamp width CW may be measured from one outer leg side 510 to the other outer leg side 510. The clip 400 can have an extended width EW of about 13 millimeters ± 0.5 millimeters. The fixture 400 may have a fixture height CH of about 10.5 millimeters ± 0.5 millimeters. The clip height CH may be measured from the top of the clip 400 to the base region 508. Note that in alternative embodiments, the height CH of the clip may vary based on the application, location within the seat, and trim style/type: for example, a low profile clamp may be used for a thin hard seat, while a taller clamp may be used for a thicker softer seat.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary stop clamp with an internal tab of FIGS. 5A and 5B along line 6-6. The clip 400 can have an extended face 462, a slider 432, a barbed face 434, a calf medial 516, a thigh medial 518, a curved baseplate side 414, and a tab 470 with an engagement surface 472. The engagement surface 472 meets the base plate 410 at an engagement surface union 474. The engagement surface 472 may originate at one engagement surface union 474 (where the tab 470 meets the base plate 410 at one side of the tab 470) and the engagement surface 472 may terminate at another engagement surface union 474 (where the tab 470 meets the base plate 410 at the other side of the tab 470) with the tab 470 rising from the base plate 410. At least a portion of the engagement surface 472 may be a curved surface. The engagement surface 472 may be continuously curved from side to side. The engagement surface 472 may be partially circular, or arcuate when viewed from the side. The engagement surface 742 may be semi-circular when viewed from the side. The tab 470 may be a partial disk. The tab 470 may be a half disk. When viewed in cross-section, the tab 470 may appear as a partial disk extending upward from the bottom plate 410. Bump 470 may have a radius RN, which may be about 0.5 to 3.0 millimeters. The tab 470 may have a top portion 602, with the top portion 602 being at the top of the tab, at the portion of the tab furthest from the floor.

FIG. 6B is a front view of an exemplary stop clamp, according to one embodiment. The clip 400 may have an extension 460, an outer leg side 510, and an outer bend 512. The clip 400 may have a clip length CL of about 7 millimeters ± 0.15 millimeters. However, in alternative embodiments, the clip length CL may be highly variable, and may be generally longer or somewhat shorter (e.g., 5 to 15 millimeters), depending on the application, the seat profile for which the clip length is desired, and other suitable factors/parameters.

FIG. 7 is a front view of another exemplary stop clamp, according to one embodiment. The retaining clip 700 may have an internal retaining bump 770, a floor 710, a base 780, legs 720, and barbs 730. The stop clamp 700 may have a similar shape and dimensions as the stop clamp 400, except that the stop clamp 700 may not include an upper extension, such as the extension 460 shown in fig. 4, and the stop clamp 700 may have an upper shoulder 790. The upper shoulder 790 may be part of a clip at the junction of the leg 720 and the barb 730. The upper shoulder 790 may be thicker than the barb 730 or the leg 720, and the thicker portion of the clip 700 at the upper shoulder 790 may increase the strength of the clip 700 between the barb 730 and the leg 720. An upper shoulder 790 may extend upwardly and outwardly from an upper corner of the clamp 700. Upper shoulder 790 may define a partial circle.

II.notches for use with retaining clamps are lined up

The listing lip can be sized and shaped for use with a variety of retaining clamps. The entry lip designed for use with a retaining clip may have a notch sized and shaped to receive a retaining tab, as explained more fully below. FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary entry lip showing the relative dimensions of the lip assembly and various components of the web according to one embodiment, however, it should be clear that the entry lip and the stop clamp are designed to fit each other and that various dimensions are possible. The row of hems may be extruded and formed around the web or nonwoven. One version of this method is described in the commonly owned U.S. patent application No.14/839,386 entitled "edge binding for interior trim CLIPS (audiobook CLIPS)" to ago et al, the teachings of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Entry hem 800 includes a hem assembly 810 and a seaming/bonding fabric web 820. The blank holder assembly 810 defines a blank holder 812 in which the cross-sectional shape extends downward from an upper blank holder barb 816 at the upper end to a rounded point 814 in the arrow shape, the upper blank holder barb 816 being arranged to engage the conformable barb 430 of the clip 400.

Binder tip 814 bridges and joins opposing halves of binder assembly 810, each binder assembly 810 defining opposing mirror images of the cross-sectional profile of binder 412 and binder barbs 816. The two halves sandwich the web 820, the web 820 being constructed of any acceptable material in any acceptable manner, such as woven or non-woven polypropylene or other synthetic or natural plant. The web material is somewhat flexible and may be readily stitched, fastened, bonded, and/or fused (by heat, melting, ultrasonic welding, etc.) to join the seat trim cover. In one embodiment, the web 820 is introduced between the halves of the binder assembly 810 as the web 820 exits an extrusion die (described further below with reference to fig. 14) and the halves of the semi-hardened binder (exiting the die) are folded about the binder ends 814 so that each half contacts and fuses to opposite sides of the web. The binder may be composed of a plastic/polymer (and plastic/polymer blends) for automotive applications. In alternative embodiments, the halves may be bonded to the web by adhesives, welding, melt fusion, or the like.

While the dimensions of binder 810 and web 820 are highly variable, the following exemplary dimensions can be used in one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, the overall width OWB of binder 812 may be about 3.5 to 5 (e.g., 4.8 millimeters 0.5) millimeters, with an exemplary tip (814) radius of about 0.8 millimeters. The overall binder height OHB can be about 4 to 7 millimeters (e.g., about 5.7 millimeters ± 0.5). The overall width/thickness of the web 820 may be about 0.5 to 1.5 millimeters (e.g., 0.7 millimeters). In this embodiment, barbs 816 define top surfaces that are separated from each other by an overall angle OAB of about 122 degrees that is symmetric about a vertical line (i.e., the direction of extension of web 420). It is expressly contemplated that the barb angle OAB may vary widely to partially match the angle of the compliant clamp bottom surface 436, as described above.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary seat cover securing system having a stop clamp that engages a row of hold-downs on a web, according to an exemplary embodiment. The example seat cover securement system 900 includes a stop clamp 910 and a listing hold down 920. The listing of hems includes a hem assembly 922 and a bonded/bonded fabric web 924. The binder assembly 922 includes a binder tip 926. The binder top 926 has a notch sized and shaped to correspond to a tab within the clamp, such that the tab engages the notch and prevents the binder assembly 922 from sliding back and forth within the retaining clamp 910. Stop clamp 910 can be incorporated into binder assembly 922 and web 924 can be attached to a seat cover (not shown). The entry lip assembly 922 with the attached retaining clip 910 may then engage an interior trim clip embedded within the foam seat, thereby securing the seat cover to the foam seat. The retaining clamp may be positioned adjacent to the embedment clamp such that the row binder assembly 922 is not slidable within the embedment clamp.

FIG. 10 is a side view of an exemplary retaining clip having an internal tab that engages an array of beads having corresponding notches in accordance with the illustrative embodiment. The stop clamp 910 may have a tab 1012 on an inner surface of the clamp 910. The binder end 926 may have a notch in the binder end 926 that is sized and shaped to engage the tab 1012. The tab 1012 engages into the notch. When the tabs 1012 engage into the notches, the binder assembly 922 is prevented from sliding within the stop fixture 910 in a direction into and/or out of the page.

FIG. 11A is a partial front view of an exemplary inline assembly with notches lined in a bead according to one embodiment. The hold-down end 926 has a notch 1102, the notch 1102 being sized and shaped to engage a corresponding tab on the retaining clip. The notch 1102 may be curved. The notch 1102 may be partially circular in shape when viewed from the side. The notch 1102 may be semi-circular in shape when viewed from the side. The notch 1102 may be defined by a notch surface 1104 on the binder assembly 922. When viewed from the side, the notch surface 1304 may be a curved surface that is in the shape of a partial circular circumference. The curved portion of the notch surface 1104 prevents the notch 1102 from significantly weakening the blank holder assembly. In various embodiments, the size and shape of the notch can be designed to correspond to the size and shape of the tab. Notches cut at straight lines, corners, and/or acute angles can result in binder assemblies with less structural integrity that are more likely to crack or break under pressure conditions. By utilizing curved notch surfaces, the notch can be removed from the binder without causing significant weakening. The curved notches avoid breaking, snapping or cracking of the listing edge. The curved notch shape also avoids cracking, snapping or breaking of the inline binder, as there is no significant stress concentration. This characteristic is advantageous, especially in the case of interior trim exposed to extreme coldness and/or significant temperature extremes. However, it should be noted that other shapes of the notches are expressly contemplated, including triangular, square, rectangular, or other shapes having a 90 degree angle in the notch, or other shapes having various other angles (which may be greater or less than 90 degrees). The notches may be cut from the binder assembly using cutting equipment known in the art.

FIG. 11B is a partially transparent front view of an exemplary retaining clip with an internal lug engaging a corresponding notch lined into a bead, according to one embodiment. The blank end 926 has a notch 1102, the notch 1102 being sized and shaped to receive a tab 1012, the tab 1012 being shown as partially transparent and engaging the notch 1102. In one embodiment, the notch 1102 may have a notch width NTW of about 3 millimeters and a notch height ND of about 2 to 3 millimeters. The tab is sized and shaped to engage the notch 1102. While the size and shape of the notch 1102 can be affected by many factors, including the structural integrity of the binder assembly and the cutting speed of the cutting tool used to cut the notch, the size and shape of the tab can be designed to correspond to the size and shape of the notch.

With the tabs engaged into the notches, the binder assembly is prevented from sliding back and forth within the locking stop clamp. Barbs 430 may engage binder barbs 816 to prevent the binder from being pulled out of the clip, and thus the notch and tab engagement may be maintained. Engagement of the projection within the recess prevents the retaining clamp from moving along the binder assembly.

the user can apply the upholstery cover to the foam seat body using the row hem with the stop clip. By pressing the binder end of the inline binder assembly into the gap between the legs of the retaining clip, the user can engage the inline binder within the cavity of the retaining clip. As the inline binder assembly passes through the gap, the legs may flex outward to allow the inline binder assembly to pass into the chamber. By engaging the tabs of the clip within the notches of the row of beads, the user can prevent the row of beads from sliding within the clip. After the landing edge has passed under the barb, the leg can return to a relaxed shape with a gap that is narrower than the landing edge. The barbs may retain the rank-down edge within the chamber and may prevent the rank-down edge from pulling out of the chamber. The locking tab 470 can engage the notch and can prevent the retaining clip from moving along the length of the row of beads.

III.Interior trim fixed by stop clamp

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a stop clip securing an trim cover in a portion of a seat, according to one embodiment. The partial seat 1200 may have a foam seat body 1202, as shown in phantom in FIG. 12. The foam seat body may have at least one inset clip 1204. The insert clip 1204 may have a base 1206 that may be fixedly embedded within the foam seat body 1202, and the base 1206 may resist pullout and maintain the insert clip 1204 fixedly embedded within the foam seat body. The stop clamp 910 can be secured to the lineup selvedge 812, wherein the tabs of the stop clamp engage the notches of the lineup selvedge such that the stop clamp is not movable along (i.e., in the longitudinal direction) the lineup selvedge, and the web 820 can be secured to a seat cover (not shown). The user may attach stop clamp 910 to entry lip 812 and may attach web 820 to the seat cover. Attachment is conventionally accomplished using manual or automated calculations to drive the stop clip onto the beads (where the clip and beads variously elastically deform under the drive pressure) until the beads trap the barbs of the clip and thus resist pull-out thereof. The trim cover may be secured to the foam seat by engaging the inline binder 812 within a cavity of the embedment fixture 1204, the embedment fixture 1204 being embedded within the foam seat body 1202. The grasping tool may extend through the hole 1208 and may grasp the row binder 812 and pull the row binder 812 down into engagement with the insert clip 1204, thereby securing the seat cover to the foam seat body 1202. The stop clamp 910 can be positioned on the inline binder 812 adjacent to the embedded clamp 1204 in the foam seat 1202, thereby preventing the inline binder 812 from sliding within the embedded foam clamp in the direction of arrow 1210. A single stop clamp may prevent the row blankholder from sliding in one longitudinal direction relative to the embedment foam clamp, while two properly placed stop clamps may be used to prevent the row blankholder from sliding in either opposite direction relative to the embedment clamp. The two retaining clips of such an arrangement may be located on opposite sides of the embedding clip, respectively, such that the embedding clip is fully captured in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, each of the two (or more) stop clamps may be placed (and abutted) against a different/independent embedding clamp along the column binder, e.g., one stop clamp located outside (forward) of the frontmost embedding clamp and the other stop clamp located outside (rearward) of the rearmost embedding clamp. Likewise, a pair of insert clamps may surround and abut the stop clamp to achieve bi-directional (longitudinal) restraint of the column-side/trim cover relative to the foam cushion. The embedding fixture itself may be any acceptable arrangement, as described above and further below.

Fig. 12B is a detailed view of the retaining clip securing the trim cover in the seat, as shown in fig. 12A. The stop clamp 910 engages the rank-in bead 812, where the tabs of the stop clamp engage the notches of the rank-in bead, such that movement of the stop clamp in the X-axis direction (i.e., longitudinal direction) relative to/along the rank-in bead is prevented. The legs of the embedment fixture 1204 may prevent the row binder 812 from moving in the Y-axis direction relative to the embedment fixture 1204, and the bottom plate of the embedment fixture 1204 and the barbs of the embedment fixture 1204 may prevent the row binder from moving in the Z-axis direction relative to the embedment fixture 1204. The stop clamp 910 can be adjacent to the embedment clamp 1204 that is listed on the binder 812. Because the stop clamp 910 is fixed to the entry bead 812, the stop clamp 910 can abut the embedding clamp 1204 and can prevent the entry bead from moving along the X-axis in the direction of arrow 1210. As the stop clip 910 is pressed against the embedding clip 1204, any force exerted on the seat cover in the (longitudinal) direction of arrow 1210 may encounter a resistance, preventing the seat cover from moving in the direction of arrow 1210. In various embodiments, the listing lip 812 can have a second notch on the other side of the embedment fixture, and a second stop fixture can be attached to the listing lip 812 on the other side of the embedment fixture, thereby securing the listing lip relative to the embedment fixture in both directions of the X axis.

fig. 12C is a detailed front view of the retaining clip securing the trim cover in the seat, as shown in fig. 12B. The insert clip 1204 may have a base 1206, and the base 1206 may be embedded within the foam seat body 1202. The stop clamp 910 may be adjacent to the embedding clamp 1204. In one embodiment, the stop clamp 910 can abut the base 1206 such that the stop clamp 910 and the attached row entry lip 812 are not movable relative to the embedding clamp 1204 in the direction of arrow 1210. In various embodiments, the insertion clamp can have various bases and/or structures, and the stop clamp 910 can abut various portions or structures of the insertion clamp (such as legs of the insertion clamp) such that movement of the stop clamp and the listing flange in the direction of arrow 1201 is prevented.

FIG. 12D is a detailed front view of two stop clamps on opposite sides of an insert clamp securing an interior trim cover in a seat, according to one embodiment. The two retaining clips may be located on opposite sides of the embedding clip, respectively, such that the embedding clip is fully captured in the longitudinal direction. The foam seat body may have at least one inset clip 1204, and the at least one inset clip 1204 may have a base 1206, the base 1206 being fixably inset within the foam seat body. The two stop clamps 910 and 901b can be fixed to the inline binders such that they are on opposite sides of the embedment clamp, as shown in fig. 12D. The stop clamps 910 and 910b engage the rank-in-edge 812, where the tabs of the stop clamps engage the notches of the rank-in-edge, such that movement of the stop clamps in the direction of arrows 1210 and 1212 (i.e., lengthwise) relative to/along the rank-in-edge along the X-axis, respectively, is prevented. The stop clamp 910 can abut one side of the embedment clamp 1204 and can prevent the row binder from moving in the (longitudinal) direction of arrow 1210, and the stop clamp 910b can abut the opposite side of the embedment clamp 1204 and can prevent the row binder from moving in the opposite (longitudinal) direction of arrow 1212, thereby securing the row binder and the attached seat cover in both longitudinal directions along the X axis. Having two stop clips on opposite sides of the insert clip can help align the seat cover so that wrinkles are not present when the seat trim cover is assembled with the foam seat body.

Fig. 12E is a perspective view of two retaining clips and two insert clips securing an interior trim cover in a seat, according to one embodiment. Each of the two (or more) retaining clips may be placed (and abutted) against a different/independent embedding clip along the column hem. The foam seat body may have at least two embedded clips 1204 and 1204b, the at least two embedded clips 1204 and 1204b may be fixedly embedded within the foam seat body 1202. As shown in fig. 12E, one stop clamp 910 can be attached to the inline binder 812 and can be located outside (in front of) the front-most embedded clamp 1204; and another stop clamp 910b may be fixed to the row binder and may be located outside (behind) the last embedding clamp 1204b, as shown in fig. 12E. The stop clamps 910 and 910b engage the rank-in-edge 812, where the tabs of the stop clamps engage the notches of the rank-in-edge, such that movement of the stop clamps in the direction of arrows 1210 and 1212 (i.e., lengthwise) relative to/along the rank-in-edge along the X-axis, respectively, is prevented. The stop clamp 910 can abut against the front side of the front insert clamp 1204 and can prevent the line clamp 812 from moving in the (longitudinal) direction of arrow 1210, and the stop clamp 910b can abut against the opposite rear side of the rear insert clamp 1204b and can prevent the line clamp from moving in the opposite (longitudinal) direction of arrow 1212, thereby securing the line clamp and attached seat cover in both longitudinal directions along the X-axis. Having two stop clips on opposite sides of two insert clips may help align the seat cover so that wrinkles are not present when the seat trim cover is assembled with the foam seat body.

Fig. 12F is a detailed front view of two insert clamps on opposite sides of a stop clamp securing an interior trim cover in a seat, according to one embodiment. A pair of embedment clamps 1204 and 1204b may surround and abut the retaining clamp 910 to achieve bi-directional (longitudinal) restraint of the column binder/trim cover relative to the foam cushion. The stop clamp 910 can be positioned on the inline binder 812 such that it can be positioned between and abut two embedment clamps 1204 and 1204b, the two embedment clamps 1204 and 1204b being embedded in the foam 1202 of the foam seat body. The stop clamp 910 engages the rank-in bead 812, wherein the tab of the stop clamp engages the notch of the rank-in bead, such that movement of the stop clamp 910 relative to/along the rank-in bead along the X axis in the direction of arrow 1210 (i.e., longitudinal) is prevented. The stop clamp 910 may abut against the back side of the front embedment clamp 1204 and may prevent the row binder 812 from moving in the (longitudinal) direction of arrow 1212. The stop clamp 910 may also abut against the front side of the rear embedding clamp 1204b and may prevent the row pressing edge 812 from moving in the longitudinal direction of the arrow 1210. By abutting against the two embedding clamps 1204 and 1204b, the stop clamp 910 can secure the row binder and the attached seat cover in both longitudinal directions along the X axis. Having a stop clip located between two embedded clips can help align the seat cover so that wrinkles are not present when the seat trim cover is assembled with the foam seat body.

IV.Extrusion stop clamp

While the stop clip embodiments described above are typically manufactured by injection molding or similar/equivalent techniques, it is contemplated that one version of the clip may be formed in a shape/cross-section similar to that shown and described in fig. 4, 5A and 5B (etc.), but utilizing an extrusion process that produces a continuous length of clip profile that is cut to a desired length. These lengths may be the same (clamp-to-clamp), or may vary depending on the application and/or location within the seat. Since extrusion typically requires a continuous cross-sectional shape along the extrusion direction, the bumps extend from end to end. Accordingly, reference is made to the partial view of the extrusion stop clip 1300 shown in fig. 13. As shown, the cross-sectional profile of the bottom end 1310 of the clamp 1300 (which has upper legs and barbs similar or identical to those described above with respect to fig. 4, 5A, 5B, etc.) includes a full length "bump" 1320 running the full length CLE of the clamp 1300. The height HNE of the bumps is highly variable and may be similar to the maximum height of the rounded bumps described above. The width WNE is also highly variable and may be similar to the rounded bump width described above. Although the tab end 1340 is shown with square corners, various manufacturing techniques (such as grinding, cutting, machining, etc.) may be used to blunt or shorten the end 1340.

FIG. 14 is a front view of an exemplary entry edge showing the relative dimensions of the edge pressing assembly and various components of a web, according to one embodiment, the exemplary entry edge including notches formed to receive full length tabs of the fixture of FIG. 14. As shown in fig. 14, inline hem 1400 with hem 1410 and web 1420 is adapted to receive a clip in a retaining manner. That is, binder 1410 includes one or more rectangular (or another shape) notches 1430 having a length NLE that is at least as long as the bump length (and clip length) CLE. The height/depth HE of the recess 1430 is at least as deep as the height HNE of the bump 1320. In this way, the listing hem is fully engaged by the barb of the clip during assembly (down arrow 1450) with the tab 1320 captured by the notch 1430. Notably, this arrangement allows the row of beads to be configured in a toothed fashion, with a series of notches and each clip adapted to reside in a particular notch; in this way, the interior trim is highly stable with respect to the cushion. Although the notched ends 1460 are shown as right angles, they may be cut with rounded corners to relieve stress.

V.embedded locking clamp

In various embodiments, a clip configured to be embedded within a foam seat may have a stop tab such that the row hem cannot slide back and forth (longitudinally constrained thereof) within the embedded clip. Referring back to fig. 5A, the clip 400 may have a base region 508 at the bottom of the clip 400. In various embodiments, the clip can have a base (not shown) at the bottom of the clip 400, and the retaining clip can be embedded in the foam seat and can also be attached to the row of beads with the tabs engaged within the notches (as explained more fully below). The retaining clip may have hooks or snaps (not shown) at the bottom of the clip 400, and the clip may attach to structures within the foam seat and may also attach to a listing hem, with the tabs engaged within the notches (as explained more fully below). The base region 508 may be on top of the base or may be part of the base. In one embodiment, the base region 508 may be at the bottom of the base (which is a flat member) such that the base region 508 is exposed on the bottom of the base. In an alternative embodiment, the base region 508 is not exposed, but instead is bonded to or on top of the base. The base may be widely variable and may include hooks, keys, flat members for engaging the foam, or other bases as will be known to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 15 is a side view of an exemplary retaining clip with an embedded base according to one embodiment. The exemplary clip 1500 may be configured with a generally linear and planar base 1580, however, in various embodiments, the clip may have hooks, fasteners, or other engagement structures for engaging support structures within the foam. A pair of clamp legs 1520 may extend upwardly from the base 1580 to a pair of barbs 1530. The clip 1500 may not include extensions or outward protrusions, such as extension 460, at the top of the clip. Barb 1530 may have a slider 1532, with slider 1532 being angularly displaceable at a slide angle SA of between about 25 degrees and 35 degrees, with an exemplary value of 32.84 degrees. The barbs 1530 taper toward and terminate at relatively rounded ends at the gap 1550, the gap 1550 opening into a chamber 1540 that is adapted to receive and secure an entry crimp having a geometry described further below. The gap 1550 may have a width WG between about 1.2 millimeters and 3.0 millimeters. In an exemplary embodiment, the width WG of the gap 1550 is about 2.05 + -0.15 millimeters with the legs in a natural, unflexed state. The barb face 1532 traversing the gap 1550 defines a surface that is substantially perpendicular relative to the plane defined by the base 1580. In the region directly below the gap 1550, the chamber 1540 between the legs 1520 opens to a widened width WCA of between about 4.5 millimeters and 5.5 millimeters. In one exemplary embodiment, the width WCA (with the leg in a natural unflexed state) is about 4.71 ± 0.15 millimeters. In an exemplary embodiment, barbs 1530 covering and enclosing the chamber extend from the legs inward toward the gap 1550 for a distance of between about 1.2 and 1.5 millimeters. In an exemplary embodiment, each barb 830 extends inward from the leg a distance of about 1.44 millimeters.

It is noted that any angle obtained with reference to the base is taken as a reference to a horizontal plane, which generally passes through the base in the extension direction of the base. In this embodiment, the base top surface of the clip is substantially flat, so the horizontal reference plane is virtually coplanar with the base top. Where the base has an irregular surface in an alternative embodiment, any horizontal plane passing through the roots of the clip legs (where they extend from the base) may be used as a reference surface for the clip member measurements as provided herein. Thus, in alternative embodiments, the base itself need not be planar.

the leg 1520 may have a thigh 1522 and a lower leg 1524. The leg 820 defines an approximate leg thickness TL along its length in the range of about 1.0 to 2.0 millimeters, with an exemplary value of about 1.53 millimeters. In an exemplary embodiment, the leg portion exhibits a generally uniform thickness TL along all or nearly all of its overall length (greater than the root radius or fillet (R4, R5)). This uniform thickness helps to better distribute bending loads and tension because the deflection along each leg is somewhat constant, thereby avoiding breakage during jig installation, hem installation, and breakage due to pull-out tension during field use. In the exemplary embodiment, thigh portion 1522 extends from base portion at a first angle AL1, with first angle AL1 being in a range between approximately 80 degrees and 85 degrees, with an exemplary value being 82.17 degrees. At an elevation HL1 of about 4.0 to 4.3 millimeters above the base 1580 (illustratively 4.29 millimeters), the lower leg 1524 then extends to the top of its respective barb at an angle AL2, the angle AL2 being closer to vertical and measuring about 88 to 90 degrees (90 degrees in the illustrative embodiment). Each strand 1522 defines a constant Thickness (TL) along its length to the respective root at the base. Alternatively, the thigh 1522 may define a slight outward taper toward the base for added strength. Also, the roots of the legs define a slight fillet or radius relative to the base to avoid stress concentrations inherent in sharp corners. In this embodiment, the outer base fillet R4 has a radius of about 1.48 millimeters and the inner base fillet radius R5 has a radius R2 of about 0.76 millimeters. The slider 1532 may be rounded at the ends to assist in guiding the row entry lip into the gap 1550. The radius between the slider 1532 and the clamp face 1534 may have a radius R6 of about 1.02 millimeters. The inner radius (within the chamber 1540) R7 between the inner leg 1520 and the barb 1530 may be about 0.38 millimeters. This results in a flattened bottom face 1536 at the bottom of each barb 1530 while avoiding stress concentrations in this region. The outer tip radius R5 of each barb may be about 1.08 millimeters. The resulting overall height HC of the exemplary clip 1500 from the base bottom to the barb top can be about 10.0 millimeters or less.

While the illustrative clip legs typically exhibit a thigh 1522 and a lower leg 1524 that are each generally linear and directed at different angles, it is expressly contemplated that the legs may define a somewhat continuous bend, or that a greater number (more than two) of linear segments may include each leg. Thus, the angles AL1 and AL2 are defined for the average or median angle, respectively, of the curved or segmented sections of the leg that generally fall within the elevation range of the lower section and the elevation range of the upper section.

The clamp 1500 has a tab 1570 that extends into the chamber 1540. The bumps 1570 can engage corresponding notches listed in a binder (not shown). Bumps 1570 may have bonding surfaces 1572 on top of bumps 1570. Engagement surface 1572 can nest into the notch, thereby engaging the row blankholder and preventing the row blankholder from sliding within the fixture 1500. The bumps 1570 are illustrated as being located on the floor 1510 of the fixture 1500 and extending into the chamber 1540, however, the bumps may be located on the legs 1520 or barbs 1530 and may extend into the chamber 1540. Bumps 1570 may have bump sides 1574. Bump sides 1574 may be substantially vertical. Alternatively, the bump sides 1574 may curve or slope outward and downward to meet the bottom plate 1510 such that the base of the bump 1570 is wider than the top of the bump 1570 when viewed from the side. The bumps 1570 may extend upward from the bottom plate 1510 into the chamber 1540. In various embodiments, one or more bumps 1570 may be located on the bottom plate 1510 and/or may be located on one or more legs 1520 and may extend into the chamber 1540. The location of the at least one projection 1570 corresponds to the location of the at least one notch listed on the binder (not shown). In the embodiment corresponding to fig. 5A and 5B, the bumps 1570 are on the bottom plate 1510 and the notches are in the bottom edge of the row of binder.

FIG. 16 is a side view of an exemplary stop clamp with a key on a base according to one embodiment. Clamp 1600 may have legs 1620, barbs 1630, cavities 1640, gaps 1650, extensions 1660, tabs 1670, and bases 1680. Base 1680 can have keys 1682 extending downward from base 1680. Keys 1682 can be inserted into corresponding slots on the rigid surface so that clamp 1600 can be twisted and locked into place on the rigid surface. In various embodiments, the clip may not include a key, and may have a planar base, at least one hook extending downward from the base, or other instrument for attachment to a seat. The leg is shown with an outer base fillet 1622 and an inner base fillet 1624. In this embodiment, the inner base radius 1624 may gradually curve into the floor and meet the bump 1670. Bumps 1670 may be in the shape of a partial disk or cylinder that extends upward from the base of clip 1600.

VI.Clip-to-wire retaining clip and other arrangements

in various embodiments, the foam seat may have embedded support wires and may not include embedded clamps. Instead of clips embedded in the foam, these clips may be secured to the embedded wires. The trim cover may be secured to the hemmed web and the hemmed edge may be inserted into a wire clamp, which may be secured to the embedded wire. Fig. 17A is a side view of an exemplary clip to wire retaining clip with a fastener according to one embodiment. The clip-to-wire retaining clip 1700 can include a floor 1710, legs 1720, and barbs 1730. The bottom plate 1710 can be an upper surface of the clamp base 1716. The floor 1710, legs 1720, and barbs 1730 can define a cavity 1740. The cavity 1740 may be adapted to hold the file down. Leg 1720 may have a thigh 1722 and a lower leg 1724. The strands 1722 may taper from a thicker region of the lower strand 1726 to a thinner region of the upper strand 1728. The calf 1724 can be of uniform thickness (not including a taper) between the superior thigh 1728 and the barb 1730. It is noted that the above-described geometric relationships and dimensions of the barbs, the floor, and the legs are exemplary of a wide range of possible shapes and dimensions.

the two barbs 1730 can define a gap 1742 between the two barbs 1730 such that the column hem can pass between the barbs 1730, through the gap 1742, and into the cavity 1740. Barbs 1730 may be directed inward and downward to capture the column hold down. Barb 1730 may have slider 1732 at the top of the barb. The slide 1732 may be tilted downward and inward toward the gap 1742 such that the line crimp may slide the slide 1732 downward and into the gap 1742. The barbs may have barb faces 1734 at the innermost portions of barbs 1730. Barbs 1730 may have bottom faces 1736 and hooks 1738. Bottom face 1736 and hooks 1738 may engage and hold the row of beads within the chamber. Bottom face 1736 may be ramped inward and downward to capture the line binder and prevent the line binder from being pulled out. Bottom face 1736 may have a barb angle BA of between about 20 degrees and 35 degrees from horizontal. Hooks 1738 may be corners between an inner portion of bottom face 1736 and a lower portion of barbed face 1734. After the rank-in binder has been inserted into cavity 1740, hooks 1738 may contact the top of the rank-in binder, preventing the rank-in binder from being pulled out of cavity 1740. An inner radius R8 may exist between bottom face 1736 and leg 1720. The inner radius may strengthen the combination of the barbs 1730 and the legs 1720 as compared to a combination with a sharp inner corner. The inner radius R8 may be about 0.38 millimeters ± 0.15 millimeters.

The floor 1710 may have a central region 1712 and curved floor sides 1714. The central region 1712 can be flat. Curved floor side 1714 may curve upward to meet lower thigh 1724. The clip 1700 may have a floor radius R9 between the floor 1710 and the leg 1720. The floor diameter R9 may be about 0.76 mm ± 0.15 mm.

The clamp 1700 may have an extension 1744, the extension 1744 extending outwardly from a top corner of the clamp 1700. The top of the extension 1744 may be generally horizontal or may be parallel to the bottom plate 1710. The extension 1744 may have an extension face 1746 between the top of the extension and the slide 1732. The extension face 1746 may be substantially vertical.

the clamp-to-wire stop clamp 1700 has a tab 1750 that extends into the cavity 1740. The bumps 1750 can engage corresponding notches listed in a binder (not shown). The tab 1750 may have an engagement surface 1752 on the exterior of the tab 1750. The tab 1750 may be in the shape of a partial disc or cylinder, and the engagement surface 1752 may be the outer circumference of the partial disc or cylinder. The engagement surface 1752 may be a curved plane. The engagement surface 1752 can nest into the notch, thereby engaging the row blankholder and preventing the row blankholder from sliding within the fixture 1700.

The tab 1750 may have two joint engagement surfaces 1754 where the engagement surfaces 1752 meet the floor 1710. The joint engagement surface 1754 may be parallel. The engagement surface may have two edges 1756 along two edges of the engagement surface 1752. The rims 1756 may be parallel to each other on either side of the engagement surface 1752. The engagement surfaces may extend along the side from one engagement surface union 1754 to another engagement surface union 1754 having parallel rims 1756. The bumps 1750 can have bump sides 1758. The tab side portions 1758 can meet the engagement surface 1752 at the rim 1758. The tab side portions 1758 may be perpendicular to the engagement surface 1752. The tab 1750 may be in the shape of a partial disk or cylinder, the engagement surface 1752 may be the outer circumference of the partial disk, and the tab side 1758 may be a planar surface forming the end of the disk. The tab side 1758 may extend upward from the floor 1710 and may be substantially vertical. The tab sides may extend upward from the floor 1710 at side unites 1759. The side unites 1759 may be the corners between the lug sides 1758 and the floor 1710. In one embodiment, tab side portions 1758 do not contact leg 1720. Bending floor side 1714 may separate tab side 1758 from leg 1720. A bump gap may exist between bump side 1758 and leg 1720. The bump gap may be partially defined by bump side 1758 and leg 1720. The tab gap may be partially defined by tab side 1758, curved side floor 1714 or a partial clip base, and leg 1720. The nubs 1750 are shown on the floor 1710 of the clip 1700 and extending into the cavity 1740, however, the nubs may be on the legs 1720 or barbs 1730 and may extend into the cavity 1740.

The side union 1759 may have rounded corners between the tab side 1758 and the floor 1710. Alternatively, the tab sides 1758 can be bent or angled outward and downward to meet the floor 1710, such that the base of the tab 1750 is wider than the top of the tab 1750 when viewed from the side. A tab 1750 may extend upwardly from the floor 1710 into the cavity 1740. The bumps 1750 are sized and shaped to correspond with the notches listed in the crimp. Bumps 1750 may have a bump width of about 3 millimeters and may have a bump height of about 2 to 3 millimeters. In various embodiments, one or more nubs 1750 may be located on the floor 1710 and/or may be located on the one or more legs 1720 and may extend into the cavity 1740. The location of the at least one tab 1750 corresponds to the location of at least one notch listed on the binder (not shown).

Leg 1720 may have an outer leg side 1760. The outer leg side 1760 may be generally vertical, i.e., about 90 degrees. Leg 1720 may have an inner leg side 1782. The inner leg side 1782 can be generally vertical at the lower leg 1724, forming a generally vertical lower leg medial portion 1764. The inner leg side 1782 can be angled downward and inward at the thigh 1722, forming a thigh inner side 1766. The thigh medial portion 1766 may be at an angle between about 80 degrees and 85 degrees from a horizontal line between the calf medial portion 1764 and the curved floor side 1714. Alternatively, the medial thigh portion may flex and/or tilt downward and inward in a variable manner between the lower leg 1724 and the curved floor side 1714. Thigh inner side 1766 may curve more sharply inward (at a smaller radius) at lower thigh portion 1726, and may have a decreasing inward angle or may curve at upper thigh portion 1728 until it is nearly vertical, with thigh inner side 1766 meeting lower leg inner side 1764.

the cavity 1740 may be defined in part by a generally vertical medial calf portion 1764, a diagonal thigh portion medial portion 1766, curved floor sides 1714, and a central region 1712 of the floor 1710. The surface partially defining the cavity 1740 may not include a corner from one upper strand 1728 to the bottom plate 1710 to the other upper strand 1728. The absence of corners where bottom plate 1710 meets leg 1720 adds strength to clip 1700 and can help prevent leg 1720 from breaking when outward pressure is applied to leg 1720 from a landing lip (when the landing lip pushes through gap 1742 and the leg stretches outward to allow the landing lip to enter the gap). The calf 1724 can be of uniform thickness and has a generally vertical outer leg side 1760 and a generally vertical calf inner side 1764. Alternatively, cavity 1740 may be defined in part by generally vertical medial calf portion 1764 and medial thigh portion 1766, medial thigh portion 1766 may be slightly angled or curved inwardly at upper thigh portion 1728, and may be increasingly angled or curved inwardly at lower thigh portion 1726 until thigh portion medial portion 518 meets curved floor side 1714 of floor 1710. The surface that partially defines the cavity 1740 may curve continuously from one of the upper strands 428 to the bottom plate 1710. The surface partially defining the cavity 1740 may curve continuously from one upper strand 1728 to the bottom plate 1710 to the other upper strand 1728. Thigh 1722 may taper from a thinner region at upper thigh 1728 to an increasingly thicker region at lower thigh 1726, and may have an inner thigh side 1766 that tapers or curves increasingly inward from upper thigh 1728 to lower thigh 1726. Thigh portion 1722 may be at least partially defined by outer leg side portion 1760.

The clamp-to-wire retaining clamp 1700 can have a fastener 1770 and a split 1772. The catch 1770 can extend from the bottom of the clamp base 1716. The clamp base 1716 can have a catch side 1774 and a locking member side 1776, and the catch 1770 can extend from the catch side 1774 of the base 1716. In the exemplary embodiment of fig. 17A, the fastener side is shown on the left side and the lock side is shown on the right side, however, the fastener side may be on the right side and the lock side may be on the left side without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Fasteners 1770 can extend from the bottom of leg 1720 and the bottom of clamp base 1716. Fasteners 1770 can extend from lower corners of leg 1720 and clip base 1716. The fastener 1770 can have a fastener root 1778, wherein the fastener extends from the bottom of the leg 1720 and/or the bottom of the clamp base 1716. Outer leg side 1760 may extend down to catch 1770 and catch root 1778 may be where catch 1770 meets leg 1720 and base 1716. The catch heel 1778 can be a thicker region of the clip that can add strength to the clip 1700 and prevent the catch 1770 from disconnecting from the clip 1700 when the catch 1770 flexes open to allow the support wire in the seat to pass into the retention area of the catch 1770. The fastener may have a fastener combination 1779 where the outer leg side 1760 meets the outer side wall 1771 of the fastener 1770. Fastener associations 1779 can be at bottom corners of leg 1720 and base 1716.

The catch 1770 can extend downward and away from the catch side 1774 of the clamp base 1716, and can extend back upward toward the locking member side 1776 of the clamp base 1716. The catch 1770 can have a downwardly extending support arm 1780 and can extend outwardly from a catch side 1774 of the clamp base 1716. The catch 1770 can have a retaining arm 1782, and the retaining arm 1782 can extend upward from a lower portion of the support arm 1780 toward the lock side 1776 of the clamp base 1716. The fastener 1770 can have a ledge 1784, and the ledge 1784 can extend inwardly from the support arm 1780 and can traverse under the clamp base 1716. The ledge 1784 can have a leading edge 1786, and the leading edge 1786 can be at the bottom surface of the clamp 1700. The front edge 1786 can be a first portion of the clip that can be pushed into the foam of the seat. The retaining arms 1782 can extend upward from the crosspiece 1784 toward the clip base 1716. The retention arm 1782 can have a lip 1788 and a distal point 1789. The lip 1788 can be the end of the retaining arm 1782. The lip 1788 can be the portion of the retaining arm 1782 closest to the clamp base 1716. The lip 1788 can be the highest portion of the retaining arm 1782, or the portion of the retaining arm 1782 closest to the barb 1730 on the lock side 1776 of the clip 1700. The distal point 1789 can be the portion of the catch 1770 furthest from the lock side 1776, that is, the portion of the catch 1770 in fig. 17A that extends furthest to the outside to the right. The retaining arm 1782 can have a guide surface 1780 on an inner surface of the retaining arm 1782. The retaining arm 1782 can have a reinforced region 1792, which can be thicker in the reinforced region 1792 than other portions of the catch 1770.

The catch 1770 can at least partially define an interior retaining region 1794, and the interior retaining region 1794 can be adapted to retain a support structure, such as a wire, that can be embedded within the foam of the seat. The clip base can optionally have a locking member 1796, and the locking member 1796 can be a locking ridge extending downward from the locking member side of the clip base 1716. The lock can have a lock root 1797 with the lock extending from the bottom of the leg 1720 and/or the lock side 1776 of the clamp base 1716. The root of the locking element may be a thicker region of the clamp 1700. The locking member 1796 can at least partially define a retention area 1784. The slit 1772 can be a passage in the seat foam of an embedded structure (such as a support wire) to pass through the slit 1772 and into the retention area 1794. The slit 1772 can be defined by a fastener 1770 on one side of the slit 1772 and a locking member 1794 on the other side of the slit 1772. The slit 1772 can be defined by a lip 1788 and a guide surface 1790 of the catch 1770 on one side of the slit 1772 and a lock 1796 and/or a lock side 1776 of the base 1716 on the other side of the slit 1772.

The fastener may be in the shape of a partial loop, which may be part of a loop. The inner retention area 1794 can be at least partially defined by a retention area wall 1798, and the retention area wall 1798 can define a partial circle. The inner retention region 1794 can have a center point 1799, and the center point 1799 can be centered within the inner retention region 1794. The center point 1799 can be generally centered between the catch side 1774 and the catch side 1776 of the clamp 1700, such that the center point 1799 is generally on the centerline of the clamp 1700, or generally equidistant from the two barbs 1730. The retention region wall 1798 can have an inner radius R10 of about 2.5 millimeters. The fixture 1700 may have an overall fixture height OH that may be measured from the top of the fixture 1700 to the leading edge 1786. The overall clip height OH may be about 16 to 20 millimeters, and preferably about 18.5 millimeters. The clamp 1700 may have an overall width OW, which may be measured from the outer edge of one extension 1744 to the outer edge of the other extension 1744. The overall width OW may be about 10 to 14 millimeters, and preferably about 11.8 millimeters. It is noted that in various embodiments, the overall height OH of the clip may vary based on the application, location within the seat, and trim style/type: for example, a low profile clamp may be used for a thin hard seat, while a taller clamp may be used for a thicker softer seat.

A support structure (such as a support wire) that can be embedded in the foam of the seat can be retained in the retention region 1794 of the clasp 1770. The clamp 1700 can be secured to the support wire within the seat by passing the support wire through the slit 1772 and into the fastener 1770. The slit 1772 can be narrower compared to the support wire. The catch 1770 can flex outward and open to allow the support wire to pass through the slit 1772 and into the retention area 1794. After the support wire has passed into the retaining region 1794, the fastener 1770 can return to a relaxed state as an initial position, in which the fracture is small compared to the support wire. The support wire can remain within the inner retention region 1794 after passing through the fracture. The locking member 1796, which can be a locking ridge, can help hold the support wire in place within the retaining region 1794 after the support wire has passed through the locking member 1795 and into the retaining region 1794 and the catch 1770 has returned to its original shape. The locking ridge may be a material ridge extending downwardly from the base of the clip. The locking member 1796 can help retain the support structure within the retention area 1794, as the locking member 1796 can extend downward from the clamp base 1716 to narrow and/or lengthen the slit 1772. The lock 1796 can help retain the support structure within the retention area 1794 because the lock 1796 can take any force load of a portion applied by the wire in the pull-out direction, thereby reducing the force load on the fastener in the event that the wire is pulled from the retention area toward the fracture.

the user can apply the interior trim cover to the seat body using the interior trim stop jig and the listing flange. A user may pass a support structure (such as a support wire embedded within a seat) through the split of the clip-to-wire retaining clip, thereby securing the clip-to-wire retaining clip to the embedded wire. Passing the support wire through the slit may flex the fastener open sufficiently to allow the support wire to pass through the slit and into the holding area. After the support wire has been centered in the retaining area, the fastener may return to an initial position in which the support wire is retained within the retaining area. The user can apply the upholstery cover to the seat body by engaging the tuck-in seam into the cavity of the at least one clip to the wire upholstery stop clip. The user can engage the inline binder within the cavity by pressing the binder end of the inline binder assembly into the gap between the legs of the fixture. As the inline binder assembly passes through the gap, the legs may flex outward to allow the inline binder assembly to pass into the chamber. By engaging the tabs of the clip within the notches of the row of beads, the user can prevent the row of beads from sliding within the clip. After the landing edge has passed under the barb, the leg can return to a relaxed shape with a gap that is narrower than the landing edge. The barbs may retain the rank-down edge within the chamber and may prevent the rank-down edge from pulling out of the chamber. The locking tab can engage the notch and can prevent the row hem from moving within the clamp. The in-line hem of the trim cover may be held in a cavity of the clip to wire trim stop clip, and the support in the seat may be held in the holding area so that the trim cover may be fixed to the seat.

FIG. 17B is a front view of an exemplary clip with the fastener of FIG. 17A according to this embodiment. The fixture 1700 may have an overall fixture length OL, which may be measured from the front to the back of the fixture 1700. The overall clip length OL may be about 5 to 10 millimeters, and preferably about 8 millimeters.

Because the landing edge is typically a commercially predetermined shape, the clip central region/interior space between the base and the barb must be sufficiently spacious to allow the landing edge to be pushed completely through the gap (as described below) and secured against the bottom face of the barb. Thus, in this embodiment, the flat barb bottom face is oriented at a specific angle AB (an exemplary value of 29 degrees) of between about 20 and 35 degrees, which approximately matches the angle of the top barb engaging wall listed in the binder. Generally, the depicted design allows for pull-push performance to be desired. Thus, pulling the row entry bead out of the fixture requires more strength than pushing it in, thereby presenting the performance of a highly efficient exemplary design.

Fig. 18A is a side view of an exemplary clip of a fastener having support arms extending from a thigh, according to one embodiment. The clip 1700 can have a leg 1720 and a catch 1770. The catch 1770 can have a downwardly extending support arm 1780 and can extend outwardly from the bottom of the leg 1720 and the clamp base 1716. The fastener can have a fastener root 1778, with the fastener 1770 extending from the bottom of the leg 1720 and the clamp base 1716. Support arm 1780 can have an outer wall 1771, and outer wall 1771 can extend outward to meet outer leg side 1760 at thigh 1722. The catch 1770 can have a catch combination 1779, wherein the side wall 1771 meets the outer leg 1760 at the thigh portion 1722. Having fastener associations 1779 at the thigh 1722 can result in thicker fastener roots 1778, and the thicker fastener roots 1778 can be stronger and more resistant to breaking, so that the fastener 1770 can be stronger under higher load conditions. Turning to fig. 17A and 18, however, having a fastener union 1779 at the clamp base 1716 and having a smaller fastener root 1778 may allow the fastener 1770 to flex open more easily, which allows the support wire to pass into the retention area 1794 more easily.

FIG. 18B is a side view of the example clip of FIG. 18B without a stop tab according to one embodiment. As shown in fig. 18B, the clamp-to-wire clamp may not include a stop tab. The clip shown in fig. 18B can be used, for example, to secure a seat cover with an inline lip that does not have a notch for a tab.

FIG. 19 is a side view of an exemplary clip with a clip having an offset retention area according to one embodiment. In various embodiments, the clamp 1900 may have a retention region 1794, and the retention region 1794 may be offset from the center of the clamp 1900. The center point 1799 of the retention area 1794 may be biased toward the lock side 1776 of the clamp 1900. The catch 1700 can have a downwardly extending support arm 1780 and can extend inwardly from a catch side 1774 of the clamp base 1716. The catch can have a retaining arm 1782, and the retaining arm 1782 can extend outward beyond the locking member side 1776 of the clip base 1716. The lip 1788 of the retaining arm 1782 can be positioned over the lock side 1776 of the clip base 1716 such that the lip 1788 is not directly below the clip base 1716 or clip legs 1720. The retention arm 1782 can have a distal point 1789. The distal point 1789 can be the portion of the catch 1770 furthest from the lock side 1776, that is, the portion of the catch 1770 in fig. 19 that extends furthest to the outside to the right. In one embodiment, the distal point 1789 can also be the portion of the clip 1700 furthest away from the lock side 1776, that is, the portion of the clip 1900 in fig. 19 that extends furthest outward to the right.

the clamp 1900 may have a lock 1902, and the lock 1902 may protrude downwardly and outwardly toward the guide surface 1790. The lock 1902 may protrude toward the guide surface 1790 such that a slit 1772 between the lock 1902 and the guide surface 1790 may be narrower compared to the support wire. In various embodiments, the retention arm 1782 and the lock 1902 may extend outward to the right various distances, and the retention arm 1782 and the lock 1902 may form a slit 1772 at the opening of the retention region 1794, the slit 1772 may be narrower as compared to the support wire; however, the distance that the retaining arm 1782 and the lock 1902 extend outward to the right, as well as the width of the slit 1772, may vary in different applications. In various embodiments, the embedded wire can be about 4 to 6 millimeters, and the retention region 1794 can be sized to accommodate the wire, and the slit 1772 can be slightly smaller than the wire.

The clip 1900 with the offset retention area may have an overall clip height AH that may be measured from the top of the barb to the bottom of the catch 1770. The overall jig height AH may be about 16 to 20 millimeters, and preferably about 18.3 millimeters. The clamp 1900 may have an upper width UW, which may be measured as the distance between the outer ends of the two extensions 1744. The upper width UW may be about 10 to 14 millimeters, and preferably about 11.8 millimeters. The clip 1900 can have a catch width LW, which can be measured as the lateral distance between the upper extension 1744 and the distal point 1789 of the retention arm 1782. The fastener width LW may be about 11 to 15 millimeters, and preferably about 12.3 millimeters.

Fig. 20A is a side view of an exemplary clamp having a catch and locking arm according to one embodiment. The clip 2000 may include a base 1710, legs 1720, barbs 1730, and a cavity 1740. The clamp 2000 may include a tab 1750 extending into the cavity 1740. The bottom plate 1710 may be an upper surface of the clamp base 2010. The clamp 2000 can include a fastener 2020 and a lock 2050, and the clamp base 2010 can have a fastener side 2012 and a lock side 2014. In the exemplary embodiment of fig. 20, the fastener side is shown on the left side and the lock side is shown on the right side, however, the fastener side may be on the right side and the lock side may be on the left side without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The clip 2020 may extend from a clip side 2012 of the clip base 2010. Fasteners 2020 may extend from the bottom of leg 1720 and the bottom of clamp base 2010. Fasteners 2020 may extend from lower corners of the leg 1720 and the clamp base 2010.

The clip 2020 can have a clip root 2022, wherein the clip extends from the bottom of the leg 1720 and/or the clip side 2012 of the clip base 2010. The outer leg side 1760 may extend down to the fastener 2020, and the fastener root 2022 may be where the fastener 2020 meets the leg 1720 and the base 2010. The fastener may extend outwardly and/or downwardly from the fastener root 2022. The projection 2020 may have a shoulder 2024. The shoulder 2024 may extend from the fastener side 2012 of the clamp 2020 at the fastener root 2022. The shoulder 2024 may increase the size and strength of the fastener root 2022. The shoulder 2024 may thicken the connection between the fastener 2020 and the base 2010, such that the fastener 2020 may be less prone to breaking. The fastener may have an exterior sidewall 2026 and a fastener union 2016 where the exterior leg portions 1760 meet the exterior sidewall 2026 of the fastener 2020. Fastener associations 2016 may be on the outside of strands 1722 of leg 1720.

The clip 2020 can extend downward and away from the clip side 2012 of the clip base 2010 and can at least partially define a retention area 2080. The clip 2020 can have a downwardly extending support arm 2028 and can extend outwardly from the clip side 2012 of the clip base 2010. The clasp can have a retaining arm 2030, and the retaining arm 2030 can extend upward from a lower portion of the support arm 2028 toward the latch side 2014 of the clip base 2010. The fastener 2020 may have an interface 2032 between the support arm 2028 and the retaining arm 2030.

The engagement portion 2032 may have a spring region 2034. The spring region 2034 may be a reduced thickness region of the support arm 2028, the joint 2032, and/or the retention arm 2030. The spring region may be in the form of an omitted material region which may be shaped substantially as a partial circle. The spring region may be a channel within the fastener at the joint such that the channel extends into the page along the z-axis from the front of the clip to the back of the clip. The channels of the spring region may be defined by semi-circular or semi-cylindrical walls. An omitted material area of generally circular shape may be centered, where the inner surfaces of the support arms 2028 and the inner surfaces of the retaining arms 2030 come together at the joint 2032. The spring region 2034, which may have an area of omitted material, may have a reduced flex strength due to the omitted material so that the retaining arm 2030 may flex more easily toward the support arm 2028. This reduced flex strength (which allows the retention arm 2030 to flex more easily toward the support arm) may allow support structures within the foam seat (such as support wires) to more easily pass through the slits and into the retention area 2080 of the fastener 2020.

the joint 2032 may have a reinforcing knuckle 2036. The reinforcing knuckle 2036 may be an area of material that may extend downward as part of the joint 2032. Reinforcing hinge joint 2036 may be in the shape of an acute angle, which may be an extension of the outer portions of support arm 2028 and retaining arm 2030. The reinforcing hinge joint 2036 may provide increased extension strength to the retaining arm 2030 due to the additional material forming the joint 2032, such that the retaining arm 2030 is reinforced against breakage as the retaining arm 2030 extends away from the support arm 2028. The fastener 2020 may have a leading edge 2038, and the leading edge 2038 may be at the bottom of the clamp 2000. Leading edge 2038 may be the lowermost portion of reinforcing knuckle 2036. The retaining arm 2030 may have a lip 2040 and a distal point 2042. The lip 2040 may be the end of the retaining arm 2030. The lip 2040 may be the portion of the retaining arm 2030 closest to the clip base 2010. The lip 2040 can be the uppermost portion of the retaining arm 2030, or the portion of the retaining arm 2030 closest to the barb 1730 on the locking element side 2014 of the clip 2000. The distal point 2042 can be the portion of the catch 2020 that is furthest from the lock side 2014, that is, the portion of the catch 2020 that extends furthest to the outside and to the right in fig. 20A. The retaining arm 2030 may have a curved tip 2044, and the curved tip 2044 may be a portion of the distal end of the retaining arm 2030 near the distal point 2042, as explained more fully below.

the fastener 2020 may at least partially define an interior retaining area 2080, and the interior retaining area 2080 may be adapted to retain a support structure, such as a wire, that may be embedded within the foam of the seat. The clamp 2000 can also have a lock 2050, and the lock 2050 can partially define an inner retention area 2080. The lock 2050 can have a lock root 2052, where the lock extends from the bottom of the leg 1720 and/or the lock side 2014 of the clamp base 2010. The lock root 2052 may be a thicker region of the clip 2000 at the base of the lock 2050. The outer leg side 1760 may extend down to the lock 2050 and the lock root 2052 may be the location where the lock 2050 meets the leg 1720 and the base 2010. The locking element can extend outward and/or downward from the locking element root 2052. The lock 2050 may have a shoulder 2054. The shoulder 2054 may extend from the lock side 2014 of the clamp 2020 at the lock root 2052. The shoulder 2054 may increase the size and strength of the lock heel 2052. The shoulder 2054 may thicken the connection between the lock 2050 and the base 2010 so that the lock 2050 may be less prone to breaking. The lock can have an outer side wall 2056 and a lock combination 2046 where the outer leg side 1760 meets the outer side wall 2056 of the lock 2050. The lock member association 2056 may be external to the thigh 1722 of the leg 1720.

The lock 2050 can extend downward and away from the lock side 2014 of the clamp base 2010 and can at least partially define a retention area 2080. The lock 2050 can have downwardly extending support arms 2058 and can extend outwardly from the lock side 2014 of the clamp base 2010. The lock 2050 may have a locking arm 2060, which locking arm 2060 may extend upward toward the catch side 2012 of the clamp base 2010. The lock 2050 may have an engagement 2062 between the support arm 2058 and the locking arm 2060.

The junction 2062 may have spring regions 2064. The spring regions 2064 may be reduced thickness regions of the support arms 2062, the engagement portions 2064, and/or the locking arms 2060. The spring regions 2064 may be in the form of omitted material regions that may be shaped substantially like a partial circle. The spring region may be a channel within the fastener at the joint such that the channel extends into the page along the z-axis from the front of the clip to the back of the clip. The channels of the spring region may be defined by semi-circular or semi-cylindrical walls. The omitted material area of the generally circular shape may be centered, with the inner surfaces of support arm 2058 and locking arm 2060 converging together at junction 2062. Spring regions 2064, which may have regions of omitted material, may have reduced flex strength due to the omitted material so that locking arms 2060 may flex more easily toward support arm 2058. This reduced flex strength, which allows locking arm 2060 to flex more easily toward support arm 2058, may allow support structures within the foam seat, such as support wires, to pass more easily into retention area 2080 of fastener 2020.

The joint 2062 may have a reinforcing hinge 2066. The reinforcing hinge 2066 may be a region of material that may extend downward as part of the joint 2062. Reinforcing hinge 2066 may be in the shape of an acute angle, which may be an extension of the outer portions of support arm 2058 and locking arm 2060. Reinforcing hinge 2066 may have increased extension strength due to the additional material forming joint 2062, such that locking arm 2060 is reinforced against breakage as locking arm 2060 extends away from support arm 2058. The joint 2062 may have a leading edge 2068, and the leading edge 2068 may be at the bottom of the clamp 2000. The leading edge 2068 may be the lowermost portion of the reinforcing knuckle 2066. Locking arm 2060 may have a lip 2070 and a distal point 2072. The lip 2070 may be the end of the retaining arm 2060. Lip 2070 may be the portion of locking arm 2060 closest to clamp base 2010. Lip 2070 may be the highest portion of locking arm 2060, or the portion of locking arm 2060 closest to barb 1730 on catch side 2012 of clip 2000. Distal point 2072 can be the portion of lock 2050 that is furthest away from fastener side 2012, that is, the portion of lock 2050 that extends furthest outward to the right in fig. 20A.

The fastener 2020 and the lock 2050 may at least partially define an interior retention area 2080, and the interior retention area 2080 may be adapted to retain a support structure, such as a wire, that may be embedded within the foam of the seat. The clamp may have a slit 2082, and the slit 2082 may be a passage for embedded structures (such as support wires) in the seat foam to pass through the slit 2082 and into the retention area 2080. The support wire may be retained within the inner retention area 2080 after passing through the slit 2082. The split 2082 may be defined by a fastener 2020 on one side of the split and a locking piece 2050 on the other side of the split 2082. The split 2082 may be defined by the retaining arms 2030 of the fastener 2020 on one side of the split 2082 and the locking arms 2060 of the locking member 2050 on the other side of the split 2082. The fracture 2082 may be narrower than the support wire, however, the fracture may flex to allow the support wire to pass through the fracture 2082. When a user pushes the clamp 2000 onto a support structure (such as a wire in a seat), the wire may pass between the two support hinges and may press against the retaining arm 2030 and locking arm 2060. Spring regions 2034 and 2064 may allow locking arm 2060 and/or retaining arm 2030 to flex more easily under pressure toward their respective support arms 2028 and 2058 so that the support wire may push retaining arm 2030 and locking arm 2060 aside and through slit 2082 and into retaining region 2080. After the support wire has entered the retention area 2080, the fastener 2020 and the lock 2050 may return to their original shape in the relaxed position such that the slit 2082 may be narrower than the support wire and the support wire may be retained within the retention area 2080. Locking arms 2060 of locking member 2050 may help retain the support structure within retention area 2080 because locking arms 2060 may narrow slits 2082.

Retention area 2080 can be approximately centered along the center of the clip, that is, retention area 2080 can be approximately centered between fastener side 2012 and lock side 2014, or can be approximately equidistant from the two barbs 1730. The retention area 2080 may be defined by retention area walls 2084. The retention area wall 2084 can include an inner surface of the fastener 2020 and an inner surface of the locking member 2050. Retaining area walls 2084 may include the inner surfaces of retaining arms 2030 and 2028 of fastener 2020, the lower surface of base 2010, and the inner surfaces of support arms 2058 and locking arms 2060 of lock 2050.

After the wire has been pressed into the retention area 2080, any force exerted on the clamp in the opposite direction (that is, in the direction of pull-out or disengagement) may cause the wire to exert a force against the inner surface of the retention arm 2030. Due to the geometry of the fastener 2020, the force of the wire may be directed against the retaining arm 2030, and the wire may slide the retaining arm 2030 downward toward the spring region 2034. The additional material of the reinforcing knuckle 2036 (which extends below the spring region) may impart strength to the retaining arm so that the retaining arm may have increased resistance to extending away from the support arm 2028. The additional material of reinforcing hinge joint 2036 may help prevent the retaining arm 2030 from breaking under the force applied to the retaining arm from the support wire in retaining area 2080. The retaining arm 2030 may extend slightly under this force condition until the outer surface of the retaining arm 2030 may abut the lip 2070 of the locking arm 2060. The locking arm 2060 may employ a portion of the force load to help retain the wire within the retention area 2080 and prevent breakage of the retention arm 2030. The retaining arm may have a curved end 2044 such that the retaining arm may curve slightly around the lip 2070 of the locking arm 2060 and may abut against the locking arm 2060. The locking arm 2060 may have a reinforcing hinge 2066, and the additional material of the reinforcing hinge 2066 (which extends below the spring region 2064) may impart strength to the locking arm 2060 so that the locking arm may have increased resistance to extending away from the support arm 2068. The additional material of the reinforcing hinge 2066 may help prevent the locking arm 2060 from breaking under the force exerted on the locking arm 2060 from the retaining arm 2030 when the support wire exerts a force on the retaining arm 2030. The retaining arms 2030 (including the curved end portions 2044) effectively form a floor of the retaining area 2080 that prevents the support wire from reaching the fractured locking arms. Because the support wire may exert a force against the retaining arm, but may not exert a force directly against the locking arm, the support wire is effectively retained by both the retaining arm and the underlying locking arm so that the force load may be split between the catch 2020 and the lock 2050, increasing the strength of the clamp and reducing the likelihood of breakage. The shoulders 2024 and 2054 may also add strength, which may prevent the fastener 2020 or the locking piece 2050 from disconnecting from the clip. Similar to the reinforcing knuckles, the additional material of the shoulder at the root may impart additional strength to the fastener 2020 and the locking piece 2050, which may help prevent the fastener 2020 and/or the locking piece 2050 from disconnecting from the clamp 2000. The additional material of the shoulders 2024 and 2054 may impart additional strength to the clip leg 1702, which may help prevent the clip leg 1720 from disconnecting from the clip 2000. The user may engage the tuck-in selvage of the upholstery cover within the cavity 1740 between the legs 1720 and the support wire may be engaged within the interior retention area 2080 so that the upholstery cover may be secured to the foam seat in an efficient manner and may resist breakage.

the user can apply the upholstery cover to the seat body by engaging the tuck-in seam within the cavity 1740 of the at least one upholstery clip. The user may pass a support structure (such as a support wire embedded within a seat) through the slit of the clamp. Passing the support wire through the slit may flex the fastener open sufficiently to allow the support wire to pass through the slit and into the holding area. The clasp may be flexed open by flexing the retention arm toward the support arm, and the clasp may be flexed open by flexing the support arm outward. After the support wire has been centered in the retaining area, the fastener may return to an initial position in which the support wire is retained within the retaining area. The in-line edge of the trim cover may be held in the cavity and the support in the seat may be held in the holding area so that the trim cover may be fixed to the seat.

The clamp 2000 may have an overall clamp width DW, which may be measured as the distance between the outer ends of the two extensions 1744. The clamp width DW may be about 11 to 15 millimeters, and preferably about 13 millimeters. The clamp 2000 can have an overall clamp height DH that can be measured from the top of the barb 1730 to the bottom of the fastener 2020. The overall clip height DH can be about 20 to 24 millimeters, and preferably about 21.5 millimeters. The overall clip height DH can be about 22.3 millimeters. Fig. 20B is a front view of an exemplary clamp having the catch and locking arm of fig. 20A according to this embodiment. The clip 2000 may have an overall clip length DL, which may be measured from the front to the back of the clip 2000. The overall clip length DL may be about 5 to 10 millimeters, and preferably about 8 millimeters. The outer side wall 2026 of the fastener and the outer side wall 2056 of the lock may form an outer angle OA. The outer angle OA may be about 21 to 23 degrees.

VII.Clamp for fixing interior trim to wire stop clamp

Fig. 21A is a perspective view of a clamp-to-wire stop clamp securing an interior trim cover in a seat, according to one embodiment. The seat 2100 may have a foam seat body 2102, as shown in phantom in fig. 21. The foam seat body can have at least one embedded support structure, such as wires 2104. A clamp-to-wire retaining clamp (such as clamp 1700 and clamp 2000) can be secured to the embedded wire 2104 by passing the support wire into the holding area (as described above). The web 820 of the included assemblies may be attached to the seat cover. The interior trim cover can be secured to the foam seat by engaging the inline hems 812 within the cavity of the clip-to-wire stop clip secured to the wires 2104 embedded within the foam seat body 2102. The tabs of the retaining clips 1700 and 2000 can engage the notches in the row of beads 812, such that movement of the row of beads within the retaining clips is prevented; and a seat cover (not shown) is fixed to the foam seat body so that it cannot move in any direction. A single clamp-to-wire stop clamp can prevent the row blankholder from moving in any direction relative to the clamp.

FIG. 21B is a detailed perspective view of the stop clip of FIG. 17A securing the trim cover in the seat, as shown in FIG. 21A; and fig. 21C is a detailed perspective view of the stop clip of fig. 20A securing the trim cover in the seat, as shown in fig. 21A. As shown, the foam seat body 2102 can have an opening or gap 2110 in the foam, and the opening or gap 2110 can be sized and shaped to accommodate a clamp-to-wire stop clamp. The gap 2110 may have sidewalls 2112, and the foam on the sides of the gap forming the sidewalls 2112 may prevent the clip from sliding along the wire, such that the clip is secured in place relative to the foam seat body 2102. The seat cover is thus fixed in position relative to the foam seat body, with the clamp fixed in position relative to the foam seat body and the listing blank fixed in position relative to the clamp.

Fig. 20C is a front view of the example clip of fig. 20A without a stop tab, according to one embodiment. As shown in fig. 20C, the clamp-to-wire clamp may not include a stop tab. The clip shown in fig. 20C can be used, for example, to secure a seat cover with an inline lip that does not have a notch for the tab.

VIII.Conclusion

It should be clear that the above embodiments provide an effective mechanism for preventing longitudinal movement of the row selvedge and associated trim cover relative to the foam substrate. The manufacture of the stop clip and attachment in the seat assembly described herein is quite simple. They are potentially adaptable to a variety of uses, including foam-in-place arrangements and clip-to (in) wire arrangements. Certain clip-to-wire geometries also have broader applicability over stop clip embodiments and may be used with or without surrounding stop clips as conventional listing clips.

It should be clear that the above-described locking system provides a secure attachment to the listing edge within a retaining fixture that prevents the listing edge from moving freely in any direction while still maintaining the structural integrity of the listing edge. In particular, it should be clear that the clip design herein can be installed at any location along the row of beads as well as at a plurality of locations, and its installation location is contemplated as, but not limited to, an end location to achieve a desired result and/or performance.

The foregoing has been a detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Features of each of the various embodiments described above may be combined with features of other described embodiments as appropriate to provide multiple combinations of features in associated new embodiments. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes several independent embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. For example, the retaining clip may not have structures extending from the base or a variety of bases, including but not limited to a flat planar base, a hook base, a base with a fastener, a base with a locking key, or other possibilities. The clip may have various additional features, such as an instrument for engaging a tool to the side of the fastener so that a user can flex the fastener outward and open to release the support wire. As used herein, various directional and orientational terms (such as "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "bottom", "top", "side", "front", "rear", "left", "right", etc.) are used merely as relative conventions and are not used as absolute orientations with respect to a fixed coordinate space or system (such as the direction of action of gravity). Further, where the term "substantially" or "about" is used with respect to a given measurement, value, or characteristic, it refers to an amount that is within a normal operating range to achieve the desired result, but which includes some variability due to inherent inaccuracies of the system and errors within allowable tolerances (e.g., 1% to 2%). Accordingly, this description is intended by way of example only, and is not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present invention.