Abstract: A side airbag system (12) for a vehicle is provided. The side airbag system (12) includes a seatback frame (16) having a front side (20), a rear side (22), and an outboard side (24). The outboard side (24) of the seatback frame (16) has an airbag module (26) coupled thereto and extending substantially outboard from the seatback frame (16). The airbag module (26) is positioned for deploying an airbag (30) substantially forward. The rear side (22) of the seatback frame (10) has a rear cover panel (40) attached thereon. This rear cover panel (40) is a one-piece element for covering the airbag module (26) and both the rear side (22) and the outboard side (24) of the seatback frame (16). The system (12) also includes foam cushion padding (34), which is deformed by the airbag (30) upon its deployment.

Abstract: A seating system for an automotive vehicle includes a side airbag mounted to an outboard portion of a seatback, with the side airbag having an occupant reaction surface which is combined with deployable upper and lower reaction members attached to the airbag to define an augmented occupant reaction surface available upon inflation of the airbag.