Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a frame and a pad having a portion. A trim cover at least partially surrounds the frame and the portion of the pad. The trim cover includes a tear seam formed therein and has an underside disposed adjacent the portion of the pad. The seat further includes an airbag module having an inflator, a housing defining an opening, and an airbag deployable from a folded position within the housing to an expanded position extending outwardly through the opening of the housing. The seat further includes a deflector having a first portion mounted on the frame and a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion. During deployment of the airbag, the second portion flexes relative to the first portion to move the portion of the pad away from the underside of the trim cover. The airbag is directed between the deflector and the underside of the trim material.

Abstract: A seat assembly having a seat structure, a cover, a back panel, and a package plate. The back panel has a lateral wall that covers a receiving space in which a side airbag module is arranged. The package plate is arranged between the lateral wall and the side airbag module. The package plate has a back end that engages the seat structure and a front end disposed opposite the back end that is located within the receiving space. An airbag of the side airbag module is configured to deploy between the front end and the cover and between the cover and a free end of the lateral wall.

Abstract: A seat having a seat structure, a cover, and a back panel having at least one lateral wall covering a receiving space in a side wall of a backrest in which a side airbag module is arranged. An airbag will deploy between cover and free end of the lateral wall in a deployment direction. The lateral wall is fastened within the receiving space with at least one wall fastener arranged on an inner surface of the lateral wall.

Abstract: A seat assembly having a seat structure, a cover, a back panel, and a package plate. The back panel has a lateral wall that covers a receiving space in which a side airbag module is arranged. The package plate is arranged between the lateral wall and the side airbag module. The package plate has a back end that engages the seat structure and a front end disposed opposite the back end that is located within the receiving space. An airbag of the side airbag module is configured to deploy between the front end and the cover and between the cover and a free end of the lateral wall.

Abstract: A seat (1), in particular a backrest (2) comprises a seat structure (3), a cover (4), and a back panel (5), which back panel (5) has at least one lateral wall (6) covering a receiving space (7) formed in a side wall (8) of the backrest (2), in which a soft cover side airbag module SAM (9) is arranged, wherein the airbag of the SAM (9) will deploy between cover (4) and a free end (10) of the lateral wall (6) in a deployment direction (11).

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly with a frame, a seat pad, and an air bag assembly housing an inflator and a folded air bag that is inflated by the inflator to unfold and project outwardly from the seat through the air bag release seam when the air bag seam is in an opened position. The vehicle seat assembly has an improvement comprising a tear strap secured to the frame and a second end portion secured to the release seam, a guide member through which the tear strap may slidingly pass; and a tether having a first stationary end secured to the frame and a second end that engages the guide member so that movement of the guide member is constrained thereby. The tear strap is movable in response to inflation of the air bag with sufficient force to rupture the release seam, thereby allowing the tear seam to open and allowing the air bag to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a frame for mounting the seat to a vehicle. The seat assembly also includes a seat pad molded from a polymeric material and located proximate the frame. A trim cover is disposed over the seat pad, and includes a seam adjacent a side of the seat pad. An airbag assembly, which includes an airbag and an inflator configured to supply gas to the airbag, is also part of the seat assembly. A pad shield covers at least a portion of the seat pad for protecting it during deployment of the airbag. The pad shield includes inner and outer panels which form a deployment channel for the airbag, and thereby inhibit contact of the airbag with the seat pad as the airbag deploys.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly with a frame, a seat pad, and an air bag assembly housing an inflator and a folded air bag that is inflated by the inflator to unfold and project outwardly from the seat through the air bag release seam when the air bag seam is in an opened position. The vehicle seat assembly has an improvement comprising a tear strap secured to the frame and a second end portion secured to the release seam, a guide member through which the tear strap may slidingly pass; and a tether having a first stationary end secured to the frame and a second end that engages the guide member so that movement of the guide member is constrained thereby. The tear strap is movable in response to inflation of the air bag with sufficient force to rupture the release seam, thereby allowing the tear seam to open and allowing the air bag to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly with a frame, a seat pad, and an air bag assembly housing an inflator and a folded air bag that is inflated by the inflator to unfold and project outwardly from the seat through the air bag release seam when the air bag seam is in an opened position. The vehicle seat assembly has an improvement comprising a tear strap secured to the frame and a second end portion secured to the release seam, a guide member through which the tear strap may slidingly pass; and a tether having a first stationary end secured to the frame and a second end that engages the guide member so that movement of the guide member is constrained thereby. The tear strap is movable in response to inflation of the air bag with sufficient force to rupture the release seam, thereby allowing the tear seam to open and allowing the air bag to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly having a back panel. The back panel is configured to flex to create a gap through which an air bag is deployed.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a frame and a pad having a portion. A trim cover at least partially surrounds the frame and the portion of the pad. The trim cover includes a tear seam formed therein and has an underside disposed adjacent the portion of the pad. The seat further includes an airbag module having an inflator, a housing defining an opening, and an airbag deployable from a folded position within the housing to an expanded position extending outwardly through the opening of the housing. The seat further includes a deflector having a first portion mounted on the frame and a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion. During deployment of the airbag, the second portion flexes relative to the first portion to move the portion of the pad away from the underside of the trim cover. The airbag is directed between the deflector and the underside of the trim material.

Abstract: A seat (1), in particular a backrest (2) comprises a seat structure (3), a cover (4), and a back panel (5), which back panel (5) has at least one lateral wall (6) covering a receiving space (7) formed in a side wall (8) of the backrest (2), in which a soft cover side airbag module SAM (9) is arranged, wherein the airbag of the SAM (9) will deploy between cover (4) and a free end (10) of the lateral wall (6) in a deployment direction (11).

Abstract: A seat (1), in particular a backrest (2), comprises a seat structure (3), a cover (4), and a back panel (5), which back panel (5) has at least one lateral wall (6) covering a receiving space (7) in a side wall (32) of the backrest (2) in which a side airbag module (SAM) is arranged, wherein an airbag of the SAM will deploy between cover (4) and free end (33) of the lateral wall (6) in a deployment direction (34). To improve such a seat to have an excellent outer appearance, wherein the danger of an inadvertent opening of the lateral wall is substantially reduced, and wherein the deployment of the airbag is negatively influenced, the lateral wall (6) is fastened within the receiving space (7) with at least one wall fastening means (9) arranged on an inner surface (10) of the lateral wall (6).

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly with a frame, a seat pad, and an air bag assembly housing an inflator and a folded air bag that is inflated by the inflator to unfold and project outwardly from the seat through the air bag release seam when the air bag seam is in an opened position. The vehicle seat assembly has an improvement comprising a tear strap secured to the frame and a second end portion secured to the release seam, a guide member through which the tear strap may slidingly pass; and a tether having a first stationary end secured to the frame and a second end that engages the guide member so that movement of the guide member is constrained thereby. The tear strap is movable in response to inflation of the air bag with sufficient force to rupture the release seam, thereby allowing the tear seam to open and allowing the air bag to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including a frame, a cushion associated with the frame, an air bag module, and a trim cover disposed proximate the cushion and having an end portion. A coupling member is disposed proximate the end portion. The coupling member engages the air bag module to secure the trim cover.

Abstract: In at least certain embodiments, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a frame, a seat pad, a trim cover including a release seam, a connector to maintain the release seam in a closed position, and an air bag assembly within the trim cover. In accordance with this embodiment, the air bag assembly includes an air bag inflatable to project outwardly through the air bag release seam when the air bag seam is in an opened position. Further in accordance with this embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly further includes an air bag guide and a member comprising a first end portion secured to the air bag guide and a second end portion secured to the connector, with the member being movable in response to inflation of the air bag to break the connector to allow the tear seam to move to the opened position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a frame for mounting the seat to a vehicle. The seat assembly also includes a seat pad molded from a polymeric material and located proximate the frame. A trim cover is disposed over the seat pad, and includes a seam adjacent a side of the seat pad. An airbag assembly, which includes an airbag and an inflator configured to supply gas to the airbag, is also part of the seat assembly. A pad shield covers at least a portion of the seat pad for protecting it during deployment of the airbag. The pad shield includes inner and outer panels which form a deployment channel for the airbag, and thereby inhibit contact of the airbag with the seat pad as the airbag deploys.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including a frame, an air bag module, and a trim cover having an end portion. A first coupling member is disposed proximate the end portion. A second coupling member is adapted to engage the first coupling member. The second coupling member is received in a slot defined by the air bag module and the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly having a back panel. The back panel is configured to flex to create a gap through which an air bag is deployed.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including a trim cover having an end portion. A coupling member is disposed proximate the end portion. The coupling member engages an air bag module to secure the trim cover.