Abstract: A vehicle seat component (18) includes a side air bag module (18) mounted on a frame (24) within a trim cover (30) that also covers a seat pad (26). An air bag guide (44) includes flexible inner and outer panels (46,48) that extend between a release seam (32) of the trim cover (30) and the air bag module (18) to provide a guiding function to an air bag (36) upon inflation so as to project outwardly through the release seam (32) for use. An inner extremity (52) of the flexible inner panel (46) of the air bag guide (44) has a grommet (58) that is secured to a frame (24) by a threaded stud (38) and a nut (40) that also mount the air bag module on the frame, and the inner extremity (56) of the flexible outer panel (48) is secured in any suitable manner to the seat component.

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 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 component (18) includes a side air bag module (18) mounted on a frame (24) within a trim cover (30) that also covers a seat pad (26). An air bag guide (44) includes flexible inner and outer panels (46,48) that extend between a release seam (32) of the trim cover (30) and the air bag module (18) to provide a guiding function to an air bag (36) upon inflation so as to project outwardly through the release seam (32) for use. An inner extremity (52) of the flexible inner panel (46) of the air bag guide (44) has a grommet (58) that is secured to a frame (24) by a threaded stud (38) and a nut (40) that also mount the air bag module on the frame, and the inner extremity (56) of the flexible outer panel (48) is secured in any suitable manner to the seat component.

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.