Abstract: A seat assembly of a vehicle includes a seat cushion, and a plurality of inflatable tubes located in the seat cushion. An inflation apparatus is operably connected to the plurality of inflatable tubes to selectably inflate the plurality of inflatable tubes upon detection of a crash event. A method of operating a seat assembly of a vehicle includes detecting a crash event, and selectably inflating a plurality of inflatable tubes in a seat cushion of the seat assembly in response to detection of the crash event. One or more inflatable tubes may be provided in a seat back, headrest and/or side bolster of the seat assembly to enhance active and passive safety features and to improve occupant comfort. This feature can be extended to a seat backrest, seat bolster and seat headrest to enhance active and passive safety features.

Abstract: A vehicle seat system includes a seat including a seat back and a seat base and a passive restraint system mounted adjacent to the seat. The passive restraint system includes a lap belt. A belt adjuster is mounted at the seat. The belt adjuster includes a member operable to engage and shift the lap belt away from the seat back upon being exposed to a selected deceleration force.

Abstract: A vehicle seat system includes a seat including a seat back and a seat base and a passive restraint system mounted adjacent to the seat. The passive restraint system includes a lap belt. A belt adjuster is mounted at the seat. The belt adjuster includes a member operable to engage and shift the lap belt away from the seat back upon being exposed to a selected deceleration force.

Abstract: An airbag assembly according to the present disclosure includes an airbag cushion and a first tether. The airbag cushion is configured to be stored in a roof of a vehicle when the airbag cushion is uninflated. The airbag cushion is configured to at least partially cover an opening in a sidewall of the vehicle when the airbag cushion is inflated. The first tether is coupled to a forward edge of the airbag cushion at a first location. The first tether is configured to be coupled to a body of the vehicle at a second location. A length of the first tether between the first and second locations is configured to vary as the airbag cushion is deployed.

Abstract: An airbag assembly according to the present disclosure includes an airbag cushion and a first tether. The airbag cushion is configured to be stored in a roof of a vehicle when the airbag cushion is uninflated. The airbag cushion is configured to at least partially cover an opening in a sidewall of the vehicle when the airbag cushion is inflated. The first tether is coupled to a forward edge of the airbag cushion at a first location. The first tether is configured to be coupled to a body of the vehicle at a second location. A length of the first tether between the first and second locations is configured to vary as the airbag cushion is deployed.