Lear Corporation

Steven E Peck

John F Whitaker

Kurt Dettloff

Donald A Lux

David J Harrell

Ed Dykema

Michael Price

Walt Dick, Jr

Walter Dick, Jr

Matthew C Bluntzer

Matthew S McMaster

A trim cover for use with a vehicle seat having an air bag includes an outer layer. The outer layer includes a front portion having first and second ends. The outer layer further includes first and second bolster portions connected to the first and second ends, respectively, and an intermediate portion connected to the first and second bolster portions at first and second bolster seams, respectively. The first bolster seam is configured to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. A first reinforcement panel is positioned adjacent the first bolster portion. The first reinforcement panel has a first end portion connected to the outer layer proximate the first end of the front portion, and a second end portion connected to the outer layer proximate the first bolster seam. A second reinforcement panel is positioned adjacent the intermediate portion. The second reinforcement panel has one end portion connected to the outer layer proximate the first bolster seam, and an opposite end portion connected to the outer layer proximate the second bolster seam. The reinforcement panels are configured to reinforce the outer layer during deployment of the air bag so that the air bag deploys through the first bolster seam.

Reinforced seat cover

An air bag system includes an inflatable air bag and a housing surrounding the air bag. The housing has first and second portions that are moveable away from each other upon inflation of the air bag. Furthermore, the first and second portions have first and second receptacles, respectively, that are engageable with first and second engaging members, respectively, of a cover material, for securing the cover material to the housing.

Air bag system

A folding passenger seat assembly with integral child restraint for a motor vehicle includes a seat portion and a backrest portion hinged to the seat portion. A seat latch finger selectively locks the backrest portion in a vertical use position. A child seat is integrally recessed within the backrest portion and includes a hinged bottom cushion. The backrest portion and child seat are interlocked so that the bottom cushion of the child seat can only be deployed if the backrest portion is latched in its vertical use position. Conversely, the backrest portion cannot be folded down if the child seat is deployed. The child seat includes a throw bolt at its hinge point for constantly and unyieldingly locking the bottom cushion in its stowed condition until deliberately released therefrom. Such deliberate release is accomplished by a footrest actuator on the bottom cushion.

Vehicle seat with integral child restraint seat

A motor vehicle includes a folding passenger seat assembly having a seat portion and a backrest portion. The backrest portion has a left end and a right end both of which are hinged to the seat portion so that the backrest portion can be folded from a vertical use position to a horizontal non-use position. A child safety seat is secured to the backrest portion. The left hinged end of the backrest portion is provided with a manual latch for selectively locking the left end of the backrest portion in the vertical use position. The right end of the backrest cushion is provided with an inertial latch for automatically locking the right end of the backrest portion in its vertical use position only in response to sudden deceleration of the motor vehicle. Weight, component cost and labor are conserved by installing the manual latch on only the left end of the backrest portion to lock it in its vertical use position. The backrest portion is freely folded to its non-use position by actuating the manual latch; the inertial latch only locks during sudden deceleration.

Combined mechanical and inertial latch for vehicle seat

A child restraint assembly is integrated into the backrest portion of a passenger seat in motor vehicle. The assembly includes a rear cushion and a pivoting bottom cushion for supporting a child in a seated posture. Left and right safety belts extend in a generally vertical direction over the torso of the child to secure the child on the rear and bottom cushions. The left and right safety belts are wound on individual retractor spools each having a respective vertical axis of rotation which allows the left and right safety belts to emanate in opposing horizontal directions. A diverter plate is positioned near the retractor spools for redirecting each of the left and right safety belts from the generally horizontal direction upon which each emanates from its respective retractor spool to the generally vertical use direction, thus providing more efficient and beneficial packaging options. Also, it is possible to better maintain tension in the safety belts thereby resisting improper rewinding upon the retractor spools. Additionally, the retraction forces present on the safety belts by way of the power or other return spring mechanism associated with the retractor spools reduces the chances for discomfort to the restrained child.

Growing community of inventors

Highland, MI, United States of America

Steven E Peck