Closure for seat back cover

Claim 2

A closure mechanism for an automotive seat back cover, the seat cover being of the type formed for sliding engagement over a seat back having support channels and a cushion and having at least one open end, the closure mechanism comprising: a first snap member fixedly secured to the seat cover proximate the open end thereof; a second snap member fixedly secured to the seat cover proximate the open end thereof in juxtaposition with the first snap member; and means disposed on the first and second snap members to permit snap-fit engagement of the snap members solely upon the imposition of a force urging the snap members together, the permitting means comprising: an elongated base portion forming a part of each snap member and extending substantially across the width of the seat back including means for effecting attachment to the seat cover; a drive portion adapted to be engaged by a closure tool and integrally formed with the base portion of each snap member; a hook portion integrally formed with the base portion of one of the snap members; and a catch portion integrally formed with the other of the snap members and defining a channel for receiving the hook portion in snap-fit relationship.

Claim 3

A closure mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein at least the hook portion and the catch portion are formed to be laterally coextensive with the base portions.

Claim 4

A closure mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein the catch portion includes a flexible catch leg member extending parallel to and offset from the base portion in cantilever fashion to define a channel therewith, the catch leg having a hook formed proximate its free end for abuttingly engaging the other snap member hook portion.

Claim 5

A closure mechanism as defined in claim 2 wherein the catch portion includes a flexible catch leg member extending parallel to and offset from the base portion in cantilever fashion to define a channel therewith, the catch leg having a hook formed proximate its free end for abuttingly engaging the other snap member hook portion.

Claim 6

A closure mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein the snap members are integrally formed as plastic members.

Claim 7

A closure mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein the drive portions each comprise a tool receiving surface facing outwardly away from the other snap member.

Claim 8

A closure mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein the drive portions each comprise a tool receiving surface facing outwardly away from the other snap member.

Claim 9

A cover for an automotive seat back having a cushion, the cover being formed in envelope fashion having a closed end engaging the top surface of the seat back and an open bottom end closable by an improved closure mechanism comprising: a first snap member fixedly secured to the seat cover proximate the open end thereof; a second snap member fixedly secured to the seat cover proximate the open end thereof in juxtaposition with the first snap member; and means disposed on the first and second snap members to permit snap-fit engagement of the snap members solely upon the imposition of a force urging the snap members together and compressing the seat back cushion, the permitting means comprising: an elongated base portion forming a part of each snap member and extending substantially across the width of the seat back including means for effecting attachment to the seat cover; a drive portion adapted to be engaged by a closure tool and integrally formed with the base portion of each snap member; a hook portion integrally formed with the base portion of one of the snap members; and a catch portion integrally formed with the other of the snap members and defining a channel for receiving the hook portion in snap-fit relationship.

Claim 10

A cover for an automotive seat back having a cushion, the cover being formed in envelope fashion having a closed end engaging the top surface of the seat back and an open bottom end closable by an improved closure mechanism comprising: a first snap member fixedly secured to the seat cover proximate the open end thereof; a second snap member fixedly secured to the seat cover proximate the open end thereof in juxtaposition with the first snap member; and means disposed on the first and second snap members to permit snap-fit engagement of the snap members solely upon the imposition of a force urging the snap members together and compressing the seat back cushion, the permitting means comprising: an elongated base portion forming a part of each snap member and extending substantially across the width of the seat back including means for effecting attachment to the seat cover; a drive portion adapted to be engaged by a closure tool and integrally formed with the base portion of each snap member; a hook portion integrally formed with the base portion of one of the snap members; and a catch portion integrally formed with the other of the snap members and defining a channel for receiving the hook portion in snap-fit relationship.

Claim 11

A closure mechanism as defined in claim 8 wherein the catch portion includes a flexible catch leg member extending parallel to and offset from the base portion in cantilever fashion to define a channel therewith, the catch leg having a hook formed proximate its free end for abuttingly engaging the other snap member hook portion upon removal of the force compressing the seat back cushion.