Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a frame for mounting the seat assembly to a vehicle, a seat pad disposed proximate the frame, and a trim cover disposed over the seat pad. The trim cover includes a seam adjacent a side of the seat pad. A pad shield covers at least a portion of the seat pad, and protects it during deployment of an airbag disposed within the seat assembly. The pad shield includes a first portion disposed between the seat pad and a side of the trim cover such that a deployment path for the airbag is formed between the first portion of the pad shield and the side of the trim cover. The pad shield facilitates movement of the seat pad away from, and inhibits contact of the seat pad with, the deploying airbag, and also facilitates deployment of the airbag through the seam in the trim cover.

Abstract: A side air bag module is disposed in a cavity in a vehicle seat. At least one reinforcement panel is secured to either the air bag module or the seat frame on an anchoring edge. The opposite edge of the reinforcement panel is sewn to a hem on one side of a tear seam. A barbed retainer may be inserted in a slot to bear upon a peripheral flange portion of the air bag module.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes an air bag arrangement having an inflatable air bag, and a cover material overlaying the air bag arrangement. The cover material has first and second sections that define a seam through with the air bag is deployable. A retainer is connected to the first and second sections of the cover material, and the retainer has a frangible portion. Upon inflation of the air bag, the retainer is configured to separate proximate the frangible portion to allow the air bag to deploy between the first and second sections of the cover material.