The invention relates to an automotive vehicle element that is capable of receiving a safety cushion and that has an envelope equipped with a seam that can be ripped as the result of the effect of the cushion's inflation. According to the invention, it includes a pocket that is constructed so as to receive the cushion, the pocket having an opening whose edges are attached to the lips of the rippable seam.
An assembly of the invention includes a two-section trim cover for covering a component of a vehicle. The outer surfaces of the trim sections are secured to each other thereby forming a plain scam, with margin portions of the trim cover folded inward of the outer surfaces. The assembly further includes a two-section cavity liner for directing the force of the inflatable airbag in a direction toward the plain seam. To prevent the margin portions of the trim cover from blocking the plain seam, the margin portions of the trim cover are secured to the liner sections. The margin portions of the trim cover are, however, secured to the liner sections without substantial penetration through the outer surfaces of the trim cover. For this reason, the assembly offers an aesthetically pleasing housing for an inflatable airbag as the stitching is substantially hidden from a vantage facing the outer surfaces of the trim cover.
A vehicle seat comprises a back rest and a gas bag module integrated into said back rest extending in an upward direction to have an upward extent. The gas bag module includes a gas bag and a gas generator. When installed, the gas bag is arranged within the back rest so as to be extended in the upward direction of the back rest and one of folded and rolled up transversely to the upward direction. A height of said gas bag when inflated corresponds substantially to said upward extent of the back rest.
A vehicle seat assembly includes a trim cover defining an outside surface of the seat assembly, and including a frangible portion extending along a length of the trim cover. An airbag assembly includes an airbag and an inflator configured to supply gas to the airbag. An airbag housing includes a frangible portion along a side of the airbag housing that is generally aligned with the frangible portion of the trim cover. A tear strip is attached to the trim cover and spans the frangible portion of the trim cover to inhibit separation of the frangible portion of the trim cover prior to deployment of the airbag. The tear strip extends along at least some of the length of the frangible portion of the trim cover, and is configured to separate during deployment of the airbag to facilitate deployment of the airbag through the frangible portion of the trim cover.
In at least certain embodiments, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a frame, a seat pad, a trim cover including a first and second end adjacent each other to form a release seam, and an air bag assembly mounted on the frame. In accordance with this embodiment, the air bag assembly includes an inflator and air bag that is inflatable to project outwardly from the seat through the air bag release seam. Further in accordance with this embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly further includes an air bag guide including an inner panel and an outer panel, a first member extending between and connecting the first end of the trim cover and the inner panel, a second member connecting the second end of the trim cover and the outer panel, and a connector engaged with and connecting the first member with the second member.
In at least certain embodiments, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a frame, a seat pad, a trim cover extending over the seat pad and including a first and second end portion forming a release seam adjacent the seat pad, and an air bag assembly within the trim cover. In accordance with this embodiment, the air bag assembly includes an inflator and an air bag inflatable to project outwardly from the seat through the air bag release seam of the trim cover. Further in accordance with this embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly further includes an air bag guide including an inner panel and an outer panel, a first connector connected to the first and second end portions of the trim cover, and a second connector connected to outer panels.