VEHICLE BACKREST WITH SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT

Abstract

Vehicle backrest unit (10) comprising: a backrest side support (12) having a frame member (14) extending therein, a suspension member (68, 70) extending forward from the side support (54, 56) to define a peripheral gap (18); an airbag module (20) which is operably coupled to the frame element (14), a first trim part (22) concealing a rear portion of the frame member (14) and extending forward over the airbag module (20), and a second trim member (26) coupled to a front portion (28) of the frame member (14) and removably coupled to the first trim member (22) along a seam (30), wherein the airbag module (20) is deployable forwardly through the seam (30) to move the second trim member (26) into the circumferential gap.

Description

The present invention relates generally to a seat back for a vehicle seating unit, and more particularly to a side airbag deployed vehicle seat back.Vehicles have side airbags that are increasingly frequently deployed between a vehicle seat and a vehicle door. In certain cases, a side airbag is included within a vehicle seat back to deploy forward and provide a cushioned barrier between a seated occupant and an adjacent vehicle door. These side airbags are often enclosed within the fabric cushioning material of the seatback such that upon deployment of the airbag, the cushioning material is torn to allow the airbag to fully inflate. This form of deployment may result in inconsistent airbag deployment direction and severe damage to the vehicle seat back.DE 10 2006 023 624 A1 discloses an assembly consisting of an airbag unit fastened to the frame of a backrest of a motor vehicle seat having an outer side. U.S. Pat. No. 7,393,005 B2 discloses a seat with an integrated airbag. DE 10 2007 004 767 A1 discloses a backrest for a vehicle seat having a backrest frame which is surrounded by a cover. DE 10 2007 022 620 A1 discloses a vehicle seat which comprises a frame and a cushion part. EP 2 431 220 A1 discloses a vehicle seat that enables deployment of a side airbag in a configuration in which a side support mechanism and a side airbag are installed in a seat back.According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle backrest unit includes a backrest side support having a frame member extending therein. A suspension member extends forwardly from the side support to define a peripheral gap. An airbag module is operably coupled to the frame member. A first trim part conceals a rear portion of the frame member and extends forwardly over the airbag module. A second trim part is coupled to a front part of the frame member and detachably coupled to the first trim part along a seam. The airbag module may be triggered forward by the seam to move the second crew member into the peripheral column.According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle backrest unit includes inner and outer side supports defining a backrest structure. A triggerable airbag module is coupled to the outer side support. A rear panel is at least partially laid around the side supports to cover the airbag module. A front skirt is coupled to the outer side support and abuts the rear panel at a removable seam that opens outwardly when the airbag module is deployed. The rear panel and the front skirt engage to conceal the airbag module and define an outer surface of the seatback structure, wherein the airbag module includes an airbag that extends from a closed position to an inflated position when the airbag module is deployed, and wherein the airbag in the inflated position deforms the rear panel laterally outward and the front skirt forward to extend through the seam, wherein a peripheral gap is defined between the occupant support and the side supports, and wherein the front skirt is elastic and is configured to deform forward into the peripheral gap when the airbag module is deployed.According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle backrest unit includes a side support having a frame member. An airbag is coupled to an elongate channel of the frame member and is operable between closed and deployed positions. A rear trim member extends forwardly adjacent the air bag. A front trim member is coupled to the frame member and abuts the rear trim member to conceal the airbag in the closed position. The front crew member flexes forwardly from the rear crew member in the deployed position. The vehicle backrest unit further comprises:a support flange extending rearward from an intermediate portion of the front trim portion to abut the side portion of the frame member, the support flange separating from the side portion when the airbag inflates to the deployed position and the front trim portion flexes forward; and / ora reinforcing band coupled to an edge portion of the rear trim portion proximate the front trim portion; and / oran elastic suspension member extending outward and forward from the frame member to operably engage an occupant support, wherein a peripheral gap is defined between the occupant support and the side support, and wherein the front trim member is configured to deform forward into the peripheral gap when the airbag inflates to the deployed position.Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate these and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention upon examination of the following specifications, claims and accompanying drawings.In the drawings:FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a seat unit in a vehicle,FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the seat unit showing a support structure of the vehicle backrest unit and a suspension unit extending from the support structure,FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the seat unit having an occupant support and a head restraint shown in dashed lines.FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the seat unit showing an internal frame of the support structure,FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective top view of the vehicle seat back unit,FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective top view of the vehicle seat back unit having the support structure further expanded,FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an edge portion of the vehicle seat back unit taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 4 having an airbag module shown in a closed position; andFIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the edge portion of the vehicle seat back unit having the airbag module shown in a deployed position.For purposes of description, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", and derivatives thereof refer to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. It is to be understood, however, that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, unless expressly specified to the contrary. Further, it is to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical features associated with the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.Referring to FIGS. 1-7A, reference numeral 10 generally designates a vehicle backrest unit including a backrest side support 12 having a frame member 14 extending within the side support 12. A suspension member extends forwardly from the side support 12 to define a peripheral gap 18. An airbag module 20 is operably coupled to the frame member 14. A first trim piece 22 conceals a rear portion 24 of the frame member 14 and extends forwardly over the airbag module 20, and a second trim piece 26 is coupled to a front portion 28 of the frame member 14 and is removably coupled to the first trim piece 22 along a seam 30. The airbag module 20 may be triggered forwardly by the seam 30 to move the second trim piece 26 into the peripheral column 18.Referring to FIG. 1, a seat unit 32 is positioned in a driver side position of a vehicle 34. The seat unit 32 includes a seat 36 pivotally coupled to the vehicle backrest unit 10 about a seat back bracket 38 for pivotally adjusting the vehicle backrest unit 10 between upright and reclined positions relative to the seat 36. The seat 36 is slidably coupled to a floor 40 of the vehicle 34 on a rail unit 42. The rail unit 42 is configured to allow the seat unit 32 to be adjusted in a forward and rearward direction with respect to the floor 40 of the vehicle 34. It will be appreciated that the seat unit 32 may be positioned in various positions in the vehicle 34 other than in the illustrated position, such as a passenger side position, a mid-row position, and a rear seat position. It is also conceivable that the seat 36 does not have the reclining function and does not include the track unit 42 such that the seat 36 is immovably or alternatively coupled to the floor 40 of the vehicle 34.As also shown in FIG. 1, a controller 46 on the vehicle 34 is electrically coupled to the airbag module 20. The vehicle controller 46 actuates an airbag 48 (FIG. 7 ) in the airbag module 20 to inflate to a deployed position 50 (FIG. 7A ) when the vehicle controller 46 detects an impact event of the vehicle 34, as generally understood in the art. The airbag module 20 is contained on the outer side support 12 of the backrest unit 10. The term exterior, for purposes of this disclosure, refers to a lateral side of the vehicle 34 that is closest to a side door 44 or a side interior region 43 of the vehicle 34. The term interior, in turn, for purposes of this disclosure, refers to an area that is closest in a central interior region 45 of the vehicle 34 between the laterally opposing exterior sides.Referring to FIG. 2, the seatback unit 10 includes a seatback structure 52 that includes a first side support 54 and a second side support 56, each of which pivotally couples to a rear portion 58 of the seat 36. A head restraint 60 is coupled to and supported by an upper support 62 of the seatback structure 52 and is positioned centrally between the first and second side supports 54, 56. A backrest suspension system 64 extends forwardly from the backrest structure 52 to engage an occupant support 66. The suspension system 64 includes an upper suspension member 68 and a lower suspension member 70. The lower suspension member 70 statically couples with the lower portion of the backrest structure 52. the lower suspension member 70 includes a first side segment 72 and a second side segment 74 each independently coupling with the backrest structure 52 and extending forwardly and outwardly therefrom. The upper suspension member 68 is positioned above the lower suspension member 70 and couples with a pivot rod 76 extending between the first and second side supports 54, 56 near the upper portion of the lower suspension member 70. It is contemplated that the head restraint 60 is integrated with the upper support 62 of the seatback structure 52, or that the head restraint 60 is not otherwise included on the seat unit 10. It is also conceivable that the headrest 60 is integrated with the occupant support 66 and / or the upper suspension component 68.As illustrated in FIG. 3, the upper and lower suspension members 68, 70 include outwardly extending resilient members 78 that extend forwardly and laterally outwardly from the backrest structure 52 for operably coupling with angled side bolsters 80 of the occupant support 66. The angled side bolsters 80 are integral with the shape of the occupant support 66, and are configured to prevent lateral movement of an occupant's back relative to the occupant support 66, such as lateral movement of the occupant caused by turning the vehicle in motion. The upper suspension member 68 has a first arm 82, a second arm 84, and a central body 86 therebetween. the first and second arms 82, 84 of the upper suspension member 68 each have two outwardly extending elastic members 78. The central body 86 of the upper suspension member 68 operably couples with an extension bracket 88 that protrudes upwardly from the pivot rod 76. The pivot rod 76 extends laterally between the first and second side supports 54, 56 rearward of the occupant support 66, such that the upper suspension member 68 is configured to pivot the pivot rod 76 forward to define a dynamically adjustable upper back support surface 90 (FIG. 4 ). It is contemplated that the pivot rod 76 is operably coupled to a motorized actuator configured to pivot the upper suspension member 68 forward and rearward upon actuation of the motorized actuator. However, it is also contemplated that the pivot rod 76 is operably coupled to a manually adjustable actuation mechanism or is statically coupled between the first and second side supports 54, 56.As shown in FIG. 4, the occupant support is operably coupled to a distal end 92 of the suspension members 68, 70, and more specifically couples a connector 94 on the distal ends 92 of the resilient members 78 to the engagement device 96 on a crew beam 98 of the occupant support 66. the suspension system 64 hangs the side support 66 away from the backrest structure 54 to define the external peripheral gap 18 between the first and second side supports 54, 56 and the occupant support 66. The external peripheral gap 18 may be compressed near a rearward force acting on the occupant support 66 that elastically deforms one or more of the elastic members 78 that support the occupant support 66. The upper suspension member 68 and the lower suspension member 70 including these elastic members 78 thereof are independently elastic under the weight of an occupant. It may be contemplated that more or less elastic members 78 may be included on the upper and / or lower suspension members 68, 70, such as a single rib-shaped elastic member 78 on each side of the upper and lower suspension members 68, 70.Referring to FIG. 5, the occupant support 66 removably couples to the connectors 94 on the distal ends 92 of the resilient members 78. the occupant support 66 includes a crew beam 98 having an open matrix 100 defining a pattern of resilient members configured to support the weight of an occupant. The crew beam 98 has an upper track 102 and a lower track 104 that respectively couple to the upper suspension member 68 and the lower suspension member 70 in a friction fit connection. The friction fit connection is formed between the connecting means 94 on the resilient members 78 and the engagement aperture 96 on an edge portion 106 of the crew beam 98. The occupant support also includes a cushion 108 disposed above a forward surface of the crew support 98. The pad 108 comprises a resilient structure of woven fibers having open areas that allow ventilation; the pad 108 may also comprise an open cell foam, a closed cell foam, or other optional resilient and breathable materials. The occupant support 66 further includes a cover stock 110 to define the back support surface 90 of the occupant support 66 and cooperate in restraining the cushion 108 against the crew support 98. The coverstock material 110 may optionally include a fabric material, a leather material, a vinyl material, or other conceivable seat cushioning materials.As shown in FIG. 5, the seatback structure 52 includes an internal frame 112 and a trim panel 114 configured to substantially enclose the internal frame 112. The trim panel 114 includes the first trim part 22 and the second trim part 26 that removably engage therebetween along the seam 30 to conceal the airbag module 20 and define an outer surface of the side supports 54, 56. The first trim piece 22 substantially encloses a rear portion 24 of the backrest structure 52 The second trim piece 26 substantially encloses a front edge 116 of the backrest structure 52 that includes the front portion 28 of the internal frame 112. The upper and lower members 68, 70 of the suspension system 64 couple to an inner portion 118 of the internal frame 122 and extend forwardly across the first crew member 22 to removably couple the occupant support 66. It is also contemplated that the second crew member 26 may extend laterally inward to be at least partially integrated with the suspension system 64 and substantially enclose the front edge 116 of the seatback structure 52.As illustrated in FIG. 6, the internal frame 112 includes a first frame member 120 and a second frame member 122 that extend upwardly from the pivotal connection with the recliner brackets 38 that couple to the seat 38 (FIG. 4 ). The first and second frame members 120, 122 are substantially parallel to each other and flex upwardly and rearwardly from the back brackets 38 to provide a curved shape substantially similar to the spine of an occupant. Further, the frame members 120, 122 are more robust near the back brackets 38 and taper as they extend upwardly to couple to an upper frame member 124 that extends orthogonally between the first and second frame members 120, 122. Therefore, the first and second seatback side supports 54, 56 each include first and second frame members 120, 122, and the upper support 62 of the seatback structure 52 includes the upper frame member 124 of the internal frame 112. The first frame member 120, which corresponds to the exterior of the seat unit 32, has an elongated cavity 126 on an exterior 128 of the first frame member 120. The cavity 126 is shaped to receive a base portion 130 of the airbag module 20. More specifically, an intermediate portion 132 of the longitudinal extent of the first frame member 120 includes a portion of the cavity that is configured to retain the airbag module 20 and includes a retaining aperture 134 for receiving a lateral protrusion 136 on the base portion 130 of the airbag module 20. The lateral protrusion 136 receives an electrical wire 138 that extends from the airbag module 20 to electrically connect the airbag module 20 to the vehicle controller 46 (FIG. 1 ).The trim panel 114, as shown in FIG. 6, has a reinforcing strap 140 that is removably coupled to an edge portion 142 of the first trim portion 22 to provide inward retention features 144 for engaging the first trim portion 22 with the backrest structure 52. The first trim piece 22, which is shaped as a rear trim panel, partially wraps around the first and second frame members 120, 122 to at least partially cover the airbag module 20. Additionally, the first trim part 22 includes a substantially flat part 146 that extends between the first and second frame members 120, 122. The edge portion 142 of the first trim portion 22 flexes forwardly from the flat portion 146 to a location adjacent the airbag module 20. The second trim piece 26, which is shaped as a U-shaped front skirt, has a first side extension 148 and a second side extension 150 that each engage the inner portion 118 of the first and second frame members 120, 122 and extend outwardly beyond the front edge 116 to engage the first trim piece 22. The second trim part 26 also includes an upper part 152 that couples to the upper frame member 124 and includes a cutout 154 for the headrest 60 extending therethrough and engaging the upper frame member 124. It is contemplated that the internal frame 112 may be constructed of a metal material and that the trim panel 114 may be formed of a polymer material, but it may be contemplated that the frame member may be constructed of other similar substantially rigid materials and that the trim panel may be constructed of other somewhat resilient materials with respect to the internal frame.Referring to FIG. 7, the airbag module 20 is shown in a closed position 156 in which the airbag module 20 is substantially hidden within the trim panel 114. In this position, the first trim part 22 is in abutting contact with the second trim part 26 along the seam 30. the edge portion 142 of the first trim part 112 flexes forwardly from the rear portion 24 of the outer frame member 120 adjacent an outer surface 158 of the base portion 130 of the airbag module 20. The second trim piece 26 flexes laterally outward and partially about the front edge 116 of the frame member 120 to removably engage the edge portion 142 of the first trim piece 22. A support flange 160 extends rearwardly from an intermediate portion 162 of the second crew member 26. The support flange 160 is in abutting contact with the outer surface 128 of the frame member 120 and contacts the base portion 130 of the airbag module 20. The front skirt may therefore flex forwardly into the peripheral gaps 18. It is contemplated that the specific shape and orientation of the first trim part 22 and the second trim part 26 may be alternatively shaped and constructed, particularly with respect to components toward the interior of the airbag module 20.As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the airbag module 20 is triggered forwardly by the seam 30 to move the second trim piece 26 into the peripheral column 18. More specifically, the airbag 48 stored within the base portion 130 of the airbag module 20 is deployed from the closed position 156 (FIG. 7 ) to the deployed position 50 as shown. In the deployed position 50, the airbag 48 inflates and expands outwardly and forwardly from the base portion 130, through the seam 30, and beyond the occupant support 66. In this position, the airbag 48 provides cushioned support between a seated occupant and an exterior interior surface of the vehicle 34, such as the side door 44 (FIG. 1 ). Upon inflation of the airbag 48, the airbag 48 deforms the edge portion 142 of the first trim portion 22 laterally outward. The airbag 48 also deforms the second trim piece 26 forward so that the seam 30 expands at a consistent rate and orientation to accurately steer the airbag 48 forward beyond the occupant support 66 with minimal resistance from the occupant support 66. As the seam opens outwardly and deforms the second trim piece 26 forwardly, the support flange 160 of the second trim piece 26 lifts out of abutting contact with the outer side surface 128 of the frame member 120. The reinforcing strap 140 on the edge portion 142 of the first trim portion 22 also flexes laterally outward similar to the second trim portion 26 upon deployment of the airbag module 20.The deployed position 50, as shown in FIG. 7A, is only an incremental step map while the airbag 48 inflates at a faster rate after deployment, pushing the airbag 48 out of the base portion of the airbag module 20 in the outward and forward directions beyond the illustrated position. It is contemplated that the airbag 20 inflates with gases generated from a pyrotechnic reaction, a compressed air release, and / or another chemical reaction, or another conceivable inflation method. It may also be contemplated that the airbag module 20 may be replaced after deployment of the airbag module 20 and the seatback assembly 10 may be restored to the occupant support 66 and the suspension system 64 with a minimum of repair required.It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the construction of the described invention and other components are not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless otherwise described herein.For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" in all of its forms, coupling, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means joining two components together (electrically or mechanically) directly or indirectly. Such joining may be stationary or movable. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate elements integrally formed as a single part with each other or with the two components. Such mating may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature, except where otherwise stated.It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure readily understand that many changes are possible (for example, variations in the sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the functioning of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and / or elements or plugs or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and / or composites of the system may be made from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Therefore, all such modifications are within the scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, alterations, modifications, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions.It is understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The example structures and processes disclosed herein are exemplary and may not be construed as limiting.It is also to be understood that variations and changes may be made in the above structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims, by their language, specify otherwise.

Claims

A vehicle backrest assembly (10) comprising: a backrest side support (12) having a frame member (14) extending therein, a suspension member (68, 70) extending forwardly from the side support (54, 56) to define a peripheral gap (18); an airbag module (20) operably coupled to the frame member (14), a first trim piece (22) concealing a rear portion of the frame member (14) and extending forwardly across the airbag module (20), and a second trim piece (26) coupled to a front portion (28) of the frame member (14) and detachably coupled to the first trim piece (22) along a seam (30), wherein the airbag module (20) is triggerable forwardly by the seam (30) to move the second trim piece (26) into the peripheral gap.The vehicle backrest unit (10) of claim 1, further comprising: an occupant support (66) operably coupled to a distal end (92) of the suspension member (68, 70), the occupant support (66) suspended away from the side support (54, 56).The vehicle backrest assembly (10) of claim 2, further comprising: an airbag (48) supported within a base portion (130) of the airbag module (20) and actuatable from a closed position to a deployed position, wherein the airbag (48) inflates in the deployed position to extend from the base portion (130) forwardly through the seam (30) and beyond the occupant support (66).The vehicle backrest unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein the suspension member (68, 70) includes an outwardly extending elastic member (78) coupled to an inner part of the frame member (14).The vehicle seat back assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the first and second trim pieces (22,26) engage to conceal the airbag module (20) and define an outer surface of the side support (54,56).The vehicle backrest unit (10) of claim 1, further comprising: a cavity (126) on the side support (54, 56) of the frame member (14) for receiving a base portion (130) of the airbag module (20), the frame member (14) comprising a metal material and the first and second trim pieces (22, 26) comprising a polymer material.A vehicle backrest assembly (10) comprising: inner and outer side supports (54, 56) defining a backrest structure (52); a triggerable airbag module (20) coupled to the outer side support (56); a rear panel at least partially laid around the side supports (54, 56) to cover the airbag module (20); and a front skirt coupled to the outer side support (56) and abutting the rear panel at a removable seam (30) that opens outward when the airbag module (20) is triggered, the rear panel and the front skirt engaging to conceal the airbag module (20) and define an outer surface of the backrest structure (52), the airbag module (20) comprising an airbag (48) that extends from a closed position to an inflated position when the airbag module (20) is triggered, and wherein the airbag (48), in the inflated position, deforms the rear panel laterally outward and the front skirt forward to extend through the seam (30), wherein a peripheral gap (18) is defined between the occupant support (66) and the side supports (54, 56), and wherein the front skirt is resilient and is configured to deform forward into the peripheral gap (18) when the airbag module (20) is deployed.The vehicle backrest unit (10) of claim 7, further comprising: a suspension member (68, 70) having resilient members (78) extending outwardly and forwardly from said inner and outer side supports (54, 56) for operably engaging an occupant support (66).The vehicle backrest assembly (10) of claim 7, wherein the occupant support (66) includes a crew beam (98) having an open matrix (100) defining a pattern of resilient members configured to support the weight of an occupant.The vehicle backrest assembly (10) of claim 7, further comprising: an upper support (62) spanning between the inboard and outboard supports (54, 56), the front skirt coupling to the upper support (62) and having an opening for a head restraint (60) extending therethrough and engaging the upper support (62).A vehicle backrest unit (10) comprising: a side support (54,56) having a frame member (14); an air bag (48) coupled to an elongate channel of the frame member (14) and actuatable between a closed and deployed position; a rear trim piece (22) extending forwardly adjacent the air bag (48); a front trim piece (26) coupled to the frame member (14) abutting the rear trim piece (22) to conceal the air bag (48) in the closed position and bend forwardly from the rear trim piece (22) to the deployed position; the vehicle backrest unit (10) further comprising: a support flange (160) extending rearwardly from an intermediate portion of the front trim piece (26), to abut the side portion of the frame member (14), wherein the support flange (160) separates from the side portion when the airbag (48) inflates to the deployed position and the front trim part (26) flexes forwardly; and / or a reinforcing strap (140) coupled to an edge portion (142) of the rear trim part (22) proximate the front trim part (26); and / or an elastic suspension member (68, 70) extending outward and forward from the frame member (14) for operably engaging an occupant support (66), wherein a peripheral gap (18) is defined between the occupant support (66) and the side support (54, 56), and wherein the front trim (26) is configured to deform forward into the peripheral gap (18) when the airbag (48) inflates to the deployed position.The vehicle backrest assembly (10) of claim 11, wherein a seam (30) is formed between the trim pieces (22,24) with the airbag (48) in the closed position, and wherein the airbag (48) extends through the seam (30) to deform the rear trim piece (22) laterally outward when the airbag (48) inflates to the deployed position.The vehicle backrest unit (10) of claim 11, further comprising: a vehicle controller (46) electrically coupled to the airbag (48), the vehicle controller (46) actuating the airbag (48) to inflate to the deployed position when the vehicle controller (46) detects an impact event.

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