Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a frame for mounting the seat to a vehicle. The seat assembly also includes a seat pad 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 force concentrator covers at least a portion of the seat pad for protecting the pad during deployment of the airbag. The force concentrator includes an inner panel attached to the airbag assembly and an outer panel attached to the frame. The panels 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 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 force concentrator covers at least a portion of the seat pad for protecting it during deployment of the airbag. The force concentrator 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 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.

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 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 force concentrator covers at least a portion of the seat pad for protecting it during deployment of the airbag. The force concentrator 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 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 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.