Trim fabric grip handle

Abstract

A control handle assembly for use in a vehicle seat, including a movable handle which changes the position of the vehicle seat. Surrounding the movable handle is a first flange. Covering the first flange is a second flange. The trim fabric is engaged between the first flange and the second flange. Use of the disclosed invention enables the assembly of a vehicle seat without the need for a support surface for mounting the control handle during seat build-up of the vehicle.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A control handle assembly for use in a vehicle seat covered with trim fabric, said control handle assembly comprising: 
 means for changing the mechanical condition of a system for controlling the position of the vehicle seat;    a flange for surrounding said means for changing the mechanical condition;    said flange including a plurality of outwardly facing spikes constructed and arranged to engage the trim fabric;    a face plate constructed and arranged to both fit over said flange and engage said means for changing the mechanical condition; and    said face plate including a plurality of inward facing spikes constructed and arrange to engage the trim fabric.    
     
     
         2 . The control handle assembly as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said means for changing the mechanical condition engages a cable.  
     
     
         3 . A vehicle seat comprising: 
 a seat frame;    padding covering said seat frame;    means for controlling the position of the vehicle seat;    a control handle assembly including: 
 a first flange constructed and arranged for mounting a seat position control handle assembly, said seat position control handle assembly constructed and arranged to activate said means for controlling the position of the vehicle seat;  
 a second flange constructed and arranged to fit over said first flange; and  
 means for capturing said trim fabric between said first and said second flanges.  
   
     
     
         4 . The vehicle seat as defined in  claim 3 , wherein said means for capturing said trim fabric includes a plurality of spikes.  
     
     
         5 . The vehicle seat as defined in  claim 3 , wherein said means for capturing said trim fabric includes adhesive.  
     
     
         6 . The vehicle seat as defined in  claim 3 , wherein said means for capturing said trim fabric includes a plurality of protrusions and corresponding receptacles.  
     
     
         7 . The vehicle seat as defined in  claim 3 , wherein said second flange is a decorative face plate.  
     
     
         8 . The vehicle seat as defined in  claim 3 , wherein said control handle assembly and said means for controlling the position of the vehicle seat are interconnected by a cable.  
     
     
         9 . The vehicle seat as defined in  claim 3 , wherein said control handle assembly and said means for controlling the position of the vehicle seat are electrically interconnected.  
     
     
         10 . The vehicle seat as defined in  claim 3 , wherein said second flange is positioned over said first flange by engagement with said control handle assembly.  
     
     
         11 . A control handle assembly for changing the position of a vehicle seat wherein said vehicle seat includes a seat frame, padding covering the seat frame, and trim fabric covering the padding, said control handle assembly not requiring a support surface for installation on the vehicle seat, said control handle assembly comprising: 
 a frame constructed and arranged to surround and mount a movable control handle system;    said frame including: 
 a first section attached to said movable control handle system, and a removable second section constructed and arranged for mounting to said movable control handle system and interacting with said first section to engage the trim fabric between said first section and said second section of said frame.  
   
     
     
         12 . The control handle assembly as defined in  claim 11 , further including a plurality of spikes for engaging the trim fabric.  
     
     
         13 . The control handle assembly as defined in  claim 11 , further including an adhesive for engaging the trim fabric.  
     
     
         14 . The control handle assembly as defined in  claim 11 , further including a plurality of protrusions and corresponding receptacles for engaging the trim fabric.  
     
     
         15 . The control handle assembly as defined in  claim 11 , wherein said second section is a decorative face plate.  
     
     
         16 . A method for constructing a vehicle seat including a seat frame, padding and trim fabric, wherein the position of the vehicle seat is governed by a position control handle, said method comprising the steps of: 
 locating the position control handle with respect to the seat frame;    installing the padding on the seat frame;    installing the trim fabric over the padding; and    capturing the trim fabric between a first flange and a second flange, wherein said first flange is constructed and arranged to surround the position control handle and said second flange is constructed and arranged for mounting over said first flange.    
     
     
         17 . The method as defined in  claim 16 , wherein the trim fabric is captured between said first flange and said second flange with a plurality of spikes.  
     
     
         18 . The method as defined in  claim 16 , wherein the trim fabric is captured between said first flange and said second flange with adhesives.  
     
     
         19 . The method as defined in  claim 16 , further including the step of connecting said position control handle to a seat movement mechanism.  
     
     
         20 . The method as defined in  claim 16 , wherein said section is a decorative face plate.