Abstract: A vehicle seat in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is provided. The vehicle seat includes an air bag module coupled to a vehicle seat frame, the air bag module having an inflatable cushion. The vehicle seat further includes a seat cover configured to cover at least a portion of the air bag module. The seat cover has a deployment opening defining a first edge and a second edge adjacent the first edge. The vehicle seat further includes first and second interlocking members attached to the seat cover proximate the first and second edges, respectively. The first interlocking member is configured to interlock with the second interlocking member to thereby close the deployment opening. The first and second interlocking members extend substantially an entire length of the first and second edges. The first and second interlocking members disengage from one another upon deployment of the inflatable cushion to allow the inflatable cushion to pass through the deployment opening.

Abstract: A side curtain air bag assembly for use in protection of an occupant within a vehicle which has a roof and a side structure below the roof. The assembly includes an inflatable air bag curtain adapted for inflation away from the vehicle roof in covering relation to at least a portion of the side structure between the side structure and an occupant. The assembly further includes a directional guide assembly including a dynamic guide element operatively connected to the inflatable air bag curtain such that upon inflation of the inflatable air bag curtain away from the vehicle roof, the dynamic guide element is carried in a direction extending away from the vehicle roof. Upon application of a tensioning force between the inflatable air bag curtain and the dynamic guide element having a vertical force component projecting towards the vehicle roof and a horizontal force component projecting into the inflatable air bag curtain the dynamic guide element is substantially locked into place at a position below the roof.

Abstract: A side curtain air bag assembly for use in protection of an occupant within a vehicle which has a roof and a side structure below the roof. The assembly includes an inflatable air bag curtain adapted for inflation away from the vehicle roof in covering relation to at least a portion of the side structure between the side structure and an occupant. The assembly further includes a directional guide assembly including a dynamic guide element operatively connected to the inflatable air bag curtain such that upon inflation of the inflatable air bag curtain away from the vehicle roof, the dynamic guide element is carried in a direction extending away from the vehicle roof. Upon application of a tensioning force between the inflatable air bag curtain and the dynamic guide element having a vertical force component projecting towards the vehicle roof and a horizontal force component projecting into the inflatable air bag curtain the dynamic guide element is substantially locked into place at a position below the roof.