FLEXIBLE BACKREST SLIDING PLANE CONNECTION FOR SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT

Abstract

Vehicle backrest assembly (10) comprising: a cushion assembly (12) having a seating surface (14); a back plate (16) with a first side part (18), a second side part (20) and a back part (22), wherein a first film hinge (24) is arranged between the first side part (18) and the back part (22) and a second film hinge (26) is arranged between the second side part (20) and the back part (22); a frame (28) disposed between the back plate (16) and the cushion assembly (12); a peripheral cushion structure (30) supporting a periphery (32) of the cushion assembly (12); a cutout plate (36) coupled to the back plate (16) and disposed behind the peripheral cushion structure (30) to define a circumferential gap (38) between the cutout plate (36) and the peripheral cushion structure (30) extending around the sides of the backrest assembly (10); a shingled portion (40) of the recess plate (36) extending behind and coupled to the back plate (16), and an airbag (42) coupled to the frame (28) and configured to deploy between the cutout plate (36) and the back plate (16), wherein the second side member (20) and the second film hinge (26) define a triangular portion (129) configured to bend away from the cutout plate (36) when the airbag (42) is deployed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a vehicle seatback assembly and, more particularly, to a flexible seatback sliding plane connection for side airbag deployment for a vehicle seatback assembly. BACKGROUND OF REVELATION

[0002] It is becoming increasingly common for vehicles to incorporate airbag assemblies in locations that allow the contained airbag to deploy quickly and with a high degree of precision to the desired protection areas. It is generally understood that one location where airbag assemblies are more commonly installed is in a seatback for deployment between a passenger and an adjacent vehicle door. Typically, these side airbags are enclosed by the fabric upholstery material of the seatback, so that upon airbag deployment, the upholstery material is torn. This form of deployment can lead to inconsistent airbag deployment and significant damage to the seatback. As vehicle seats are equipped with airbag assemblies, it also becomes desirable to reduce the overall volume of the vehicle seats to reduce weight and provide adequate space for passengers within the vehicle.

[0003] The document US 5 826 938 A discloses a vehicle seat with a side airbag.

[0004] Vehicle seat assemblies are currently provided to include integrated safety features for the protection of the vehicle occupant. Vehicle seat assemblies must be designed to ensure that the vehicle seat is structurally sound and provides the support required by a vehicle occupant. To enhance the safety features of a vehicle seat, an airbag deployment device may be incorporated into the vehicle seat design. When an airbag deployment device is incorporated into the vehicle seat design, the vehicle seat layout must allow for proper deployment of the airbag deployment device. Thus, it is desirable to provide a seat assembly that can be assembled in an efficient manner while also providing interfacing features designed to allow proper deployment of an airbag deployment device. SUMMARY OF REVELATION

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seatback assembly includes a cushion having a seating surface. A back panel includes a first side panel, a second side panel, and a back panel. A first living hinge is disposed between the first side panel and the back panel, and a second living hinge is disposed between the second side panel and the back panel. A frame is disposed between the back panel and the cushion assembly. A peripheral cushion structure supports a periphery of the cushion assembly. A cutout panel is coupled to the back panel and disposed rearward of the peripheral cushion structure to define a circumferential gap between the cutout panel and the peripheral cushion structure that extends around the sides of the seatback assembly. A shingled portion of the cutout panel extends rearward of and is coupled to the back panel.An airbag is coupled to the frame and designed to deploy between the cutout plate and the back plate.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seatback assembly includes a seatback frame disposed between a back panel and a bolster assembly. A peripheral bolster structure supports a periphery of the bolster assembly. A cutout panel is coupled to the back panel and disposed behind the peripheral bolster structure to define a peripheral gap. A shingled portion of the cutout panel is concealed behind and coupled to the back panel. An airbag deploys between the cutout panel and the back panel.

[0007] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seatback assembly includes a seatback frame disposed between a back panel and a bolster assembly. A peripheral bolster structure supports a periphery of the bolster assembly. A cutout panel is coupled to the back panel and disposed behind the peripheral bolster structure to define a peripheral gap. A shingled portion of the cutout panel is concealed behind and coupled to the back panel. An airbag is deployed between the cutout panel and the back panel.

[0008] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seatback assembly includes a peripheral cushion structure and a back panel. A cutout panel is coupled to the back panel and disposed behind the peripheral cushion structure to define a peripheral gap. A portion of the cutout panel is shingled behind the back panel. The construction set forth above provides a robust seat structure that is simple to manufacture and includes an improved interface between a side airbag and a deployment channel through which the airbag deploys.

[0009] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by one skilled in the art upon further examination of the following description, claims, and appended drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In the drawings: is Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle seatback assembly of the present disclosure disposed in a vehicle; is Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective top view of the vehicle backrest assembly of Fig. 1; is Fig. 3 an elevation of the vehicle backrest assembly of Fig. 2 from the front; is Fig. 4 a side elevation of the vehicle backrest assembly of Fig. 2; is Fig. 5 is a top perspective exploded view of an embodiment of the vehicle seatback assembly of the present disclosure; is Fig. 6 is a partial front exploded perspective view of a cutout panel, a frame, and a back panel of the vehicle seatback assembly of the present disclosure; is Fig. 7 an elevation of the rear seat cutout panel of Fig. 6 from the front; is Fig. 7A is an elevation of the rear seat cutout panel of Fig. 7 from behind; is Fig. 8 is a front elevational view of a back panel of the vehicle seatback assembly of the present disclosure; is Fig. 8A is an elevation of the back plate of Fig. 8 from behind; is Fig. 9 is a perspective exploded rear view of the cutout plate and the back plate of the vehicle backrest assembly; is Fig. 9A is a perspective exploded partial plan view of the cutout plate and the back plate along line IXA-IXA of Fig. 9; is Fig. 9B is a side exploded partial cross-sectional elevation of the recess plate and the back plate of Fig. 9 along line IXB. is Fig. 10 is a top perspective view of the interlocked front cutout plate and the back plate; is Fig. 10A is a partial perspective top view of the cutout plate and the back plate of Fig. 10 along line XA; is Fig. 10B is a partial cross-sectional side elevation of the recess plate and the back plate of Fig. 10 along line XB; is Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional planar view of a portion of the cutout plate and the back plate prior to a collision event; and is Fig. 11A is a cross-sectional planar view of a portion of the cutout plate and backplate of the present disclosure after airbag deployment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0011] For the purposes of this description, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and terms derived therefrom shall refer to the disclosure as set forth in Fig. 1. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations unless expressly stated to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and methods illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting unless expressly stated to the contrary in the claims.

[0012] In this document, prepositions such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like are used solely to distinguish one object or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any such relationship or order between such objects and actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," and any variation thereof are to be construed as non-exclusive, such that a process, procedure, item, or facility that includes a number of listed elements includes not only those elements, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such a process, procedure, item, or facility. An element that is preceded by a "comprises"...a" does not exclude, without further limitation, the presence of additional, identical elements in the process, procedure, article or facility incorporating that element.

[0013] With reference to the Fig. 1-11A, reference numeral 10 generally designates a vehicle seatback assembly having a bolster assembly 12 including a seating surface 14. A back panel 16 includes a first side member 18, a second side member 20, and a back member 22. A first living hinge 24 is disposed between the first side member 18 and the back member 22, and a second living hinge 26 is disposed between the second side member 20 and the back member 22. A frame 28 is disposed between the back panel 16 and the bolster assembly 12. A peripheral bolster structure 30 supports a periphery 32 of the bolster assembly 12. A recess plate 36 is coupled to the back panel 16 and disposed rearward of the peripheral bolster structure 30 to define a peripheral gap 38 between the recess plate 36 and the peripheral bolster structure 30. The peripheral cushion structure 30 extends around the sides of the vehicle backrest assembly 10.A shingled portion 40 of the cutout panel 36 extends behind and is coupled to the back panel 16. An airbag 42 is coupled to the frame 28 and configured to deploy between the cutout panel 36 and the back panel 16.

[0014] Referring again to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the present disclosure is generally directed to a vehicle seatback assembly 10 for use in a vehicle 50, such as a car, a truck, a van, etc. It is also contemplated that the concept set forth in this disclosure may be used with a front seat or forward seat of the vehicle 50 as well as with rear seats of the vehicle 50. The vehicle seatback assembly 10, as illustrated, includes a seat base 52 positioned on track sliders 54 to facilitate fore and aft movement of the vehicle seatback assembly 10 relative to the vehicle 50. A vehicle seat 55 is positioned on the seat base 52 and is movable relative thereto, as will be set forth in more detail below. In addition, the vehicle seatback assembly 10 includes a backrest 56 having a lower lumbar region 58 and an upper thoracic region 60, and a headrest 62.Each of the components of the backrest 56 may be designed for adjustability to appropriately support the weight of different occupants in the vehicle 50.

[0015] Now referring to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the vehicle seatback assembly 10 is configured such that deployment of the airbag 42 results in the expansion of the airbag 42 moving between the cutout plate 36 and the second side portion 20 of the back panel 16. The second side portion 20 of the back panel 16 pivots about the second film hinge 26, thereby providing space for deployment of the airbag 42. It is generally contemplated that the airbag 42 may be positioned on either the first side portion 18 or the second side portion 20. In this case, the airbag 42 will deploy on either the inboard or outboard side of the vehicle seatback assembly 10. Although the airbag 42 is illustrated as being deployed around a lower region of the seatback 56, it should also be understood that the airbag 42 may deploy along an entire side of the seatback 56 or a portion of a side of the seatback 56.

[0016] Referring to Fig. 5, the frame 28 of the backrest 56 is generally wrapped on a rear side by the back panel 16 and on a front side by the recess panel 36. The shingled portion 40 of the recess panel 36 extends behind and is coupled to the back panel 16 to provide an aesthetically pleasing coupling of the backrest 56. An upper thoracic adjustment feature 70 is configured to adjust an upper portion of the backrest 56 and to allow movement of the upper backrest relative to the lower backrest. The upper thoracic adjustment feature 70 is coupled to an upper backrest support 71. A lower lumbar region 72 is operatively coupled to a lower backrest support 74. The upper and lower backrest supports 71, 74 provide support to the upper and lower bolsters 76, 78 and a cover material 80 upon which an occupant rests.

[0017] Referring again to Fig. 5, the upper thoracic adjustment feature 70 includes a plurality of snap-engagement elements 90 configured to engage mounting openings 92 defined on a peripheral extent 94 of the upper backrest support 71. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower lumbar region 72 also includes a plurality of snap-engagement elements 90 configured to engage mounting openings 92 in the lower backrest support 74. In addition, the upper and lower backrest supports 71, 74 include a plurality of peripheral retention slots 96 configured to engage and support a periphery 98 of the upper and lower bolsters 76, 78. It should be noted that the lower backrest support 74 includes a plurality of slots 100 configured to allow air movement through the vehicle backrest assembly 10.This construction is useful when a climate control system, which may include an air movement device such as a fan, is coupled to the vehicle backrest assembly 10. The entire vehicle backrest assembly 10 is operatively coupled to the seat base 52 at support brackets 102, which include recliner core members 104 configured to facilitate rotation of the vehicle backrest assembly 10 relative to the seat base 52. Furthermore, an upper portion of both the back plate 16 and the front cutout plate 36 define an opening 110 for receiving a headrest trim piece 112, which in turn is configured to receive the headrest 62.

[0018] Now referring to Fig. 6, the back plate 16 and the front recess plate 36 are shown as being extended away from the seat frame 28. The back plate 16 includes upper hooks 120 configured to engage an upper cross member 122 of the seat frame 28. In addition, the back plate 16 also includes retaining clips 124 in a lower portion thereof configured to engage an anchor bracket disposed on a rear side of a lower cross member 126 of the seat frame 28. The recess plate 36 is configured to engage either the seat frame 28 or the back plate 16, resulting in the recess plate 36 being securely engaged over a forward portion of the seat frame 28. Each side of the back plate 16 includes a triangular portion configured to bend away from the recess plate 36. More specifically, the first side part 18, the first film hinge 24 and a first grooved part 125 define a triangular section 127.Similarly, the second side member 20, the film hinge 26 and a second grooved member 128 define a triangular section 129.

[0019] With reference to the Fig. 7 and Fig. 7A, the recess plate 36 includes various features. As previously noted, the front recess plate 36 includes the upper opening 110 configured to receive the headrest trim piece 112. The recess plate 36 also includes side members 130, 132 configured to engage the first and second side panels 18, 20 of the back panel 16. A lower portion of the back panel 16 includes a lower cross member 134 configured to provide rigidity to the recess plate 36. An upper cross member 135 of the recess plate 36 includes a plurality of engagement features 140 configured to couple to engagement features 141 on the back panel 16. The side members 130, 132, as well as the lower cross member 134 and the upper cross member 135, together define an intermediate cavity 136.It is generally contemplated that the plurality of engagement features 140 may include snap posts configured to engage slots in the back panel 16 or may include slots configured to receive snap posts from the back panel 16. Additionally, the side members 130, 132 include securing features 142 having a plurality of openings configured to engage the backrest 56. The securing features 142 are supported by a plurality of inner, laterally extending flanges 144 that provide structural rigidity to the back panel 16 proximate the shingled portion 40.

[0020] Now referring to the Fig. 8 and Fig. 8A, the back plate 16 is designed to complement the shape of the front recess plate 36 as well as a rear side of the seat frame 28. A lower portion of the back plate 16 includes a W-shaped controlled deformation region 150 configured to allow the movement of an occupant's buttocks and lower back region to move rearward, which may result in outward movement of the first and second plates 152, 154 of the W-shaped controlled deformation region 150 during a rear-end collision. Conversely, the W-shaped controlled deformation region 150 also allows the movement of the first and second plates 152, 154 into the seatback 56, as forced by the knees of an occupant behind the vehicle backrest assembly 10 during a frontal collision event.A plurality of mounting posts 156, which may be hot-staked posts, are disposed beneath the retaining clips 124 and are configured to engage a lower portion of the seatback 56. It should be noted that a panel or pocket may be provided above an indentation 160 positioned on a rear portion of the back panel 16, providing a storage option within the vehicle 50. It is contemplated that the panel or pocket may be generally rigid or flexible. The back panel 16 also includes scalloped portions 161 configured to accommodate the recliner core member 104 and possibly a portion of the seat base 52.

[0021] Now referring to Fig. 9, as previously noted, the cutout panel 36 and the back panel 16 generally include a periphery that is complementary. Consequently, the shingled portion 40 of the front cutout panel 36 can simply extend beyond the coupling with the back panel 16, thus providing a visually seamless transition from the cutout panel 36 to the back panel 16, as disclosed in more detail herein. A lower portion of both the cutout panel 36 and the back panel 16 include recesses configured to receive a lower portion of the backrest 56 and a portion of the seat base 52.

[0022] Now referring to the Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B, portions of the front recess plate 36 and the back plate 16 are shown prior to assembly. As shown, the front recess plate 36 includes an elongated engagement flange 170 configured to engage a complementary receiving flange 172 on the back plate 16. The elongated engagement flange 170 includes a nub 174 at a distal end 176 thereof that provides a friction fit configured to engage receiving slots 178 behind the receiving flange 172 of the back plate 16. The receiving slots 178 are formed into individual hooks 179 as well as decoupling fasteners 181. The nubs 174 may be in the form of a plurality of nubs extending vertically along the length of the elongated engagement flange 170, or a single elongated nub 174 extending along the elongated engagement flange 170. The elongated engagement flange 170 forms part of the first side member 18.The first side member 18 also includes a side wall 180 extending generally orthogonal to the receiving flange 172. As shown in . Fig. 9A, the first living hinge 24 is shown as being located on an inner portion 182 of the backplate 16. However, it should be noted that the first living hinge 24 could be defined by a channel disposed on an outer portion 184 of the backplate 16 or by a hollowed-out channel disposed between the outer portion 184 and the inner portion 182 of the backplate 16. The receiving slots 178, defined generally between the receiving flange 172 and the sidewall 180 of the first side portion 18 of the backplate 16, are shown as being intermittent along a vertical extent of the first side portion 18. However, it is understood that in alternative embodiments including a plurality of receiving slots 178, a receiving slot 178 or an elongated slot defining a receiving slot 178 may also be defined behind the receiving flange 172 of the first side member 18.

[0023] Referring again to the Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B, the front recess plate 36 includes the elongated engagement flange 172 and an offset portion 186 of a front wall 188. The connection features 142 are disposed on an inboard side of the recess plate 36. The reinforcement members 144, which extend laterally across the recess plate 36, extend between the elongated engagement flange 170, the front wall 188, and the offset portion 186 of the recess plate 36. Although multiple reinforcement members 144 are illustrated, it should be understood that more or fewer reinforcement members 144 may be employed, or that the front recess plate 36 may be thicker or include a more rigid structure, such that reinforcement members 144 are unnecessary.

[0024] Now referring to the Fig. 10-10B, in the illustrated embodiment, the recess plate 36 is shown after assembly to the back plate 16. As shown, the elongated engagement flange 170 of the front recess plate 36 is inserted behind the receiving flange 172 of the first side member 18. The nubs 174 extending forwardly from the elongated engagement flange 170 of the front recess plate 36 are in secure frictional engagement with the receiving slots 178 located behind the receiving flange 172 of the first side member 18 of the back plate 16. In this position, the elongated engagement flange 170 and the receiving flange 172 on the shingled portion 40 and on an upper portion of the recess plate 36 that directly engages the back plate 16 but is free of a shingled portion generally define an aesthetically seamless transition from the back plate 16 to the front recess plate 36.This arrangement provides a stable and robust structure designed for daily use by an occupant. In the event of a collision, the airbag 42 can be easily deployed against the first side member 18 and the front cutout panel 36, resulting in the airbag 42 being deployed outside the vehicle seatback assembly 10.

[0025] Referring again to the Fig. 9-10B, it is understood that the features shown and described with respect to the first side panel 18 of the back plate 16 also apply to the second side panel 20 and the second film hinge 26. For the purpose of minimizing duplication, an identical discussion regarding the function and features of the second side panel 20 and the second film hinge 26 is not provided. However, it is understood that all features disclosed with respect to the first side panel 18 and the first film hinge 24 of the back plate 16 also apply to the second side panel 20 and the second film hinge 26 of the back plate 16.

[0026] Now referring to the Fig. 11 and Fig. 11A shows the deployment of the airbag 42 between the front recess plate 36 and the second side part 20. Fig. 11 illustrates the airbag 42 prior to deployment, with the front recess panel 36 stowed behind the back panel 16, and more specifically, with the offset portion 186 and the elongated engagement flange 170 of the front recess panel 36 stowed behind the receiving flange 172 of the second side portion 20 of the back panel 16. This structure represents normal daily use of the vehicle seatback assembly 10. As shown in Fig.11A, the airbag 42 is shown deployed, with the receiving flange 172 disengaging from the elongated engagement flange 170 of the front cutout plate 36 and the airbag 42 deploying therebetween. It should be noted that the front cutout plate 36, and specifically the offset portion 186 and the elongated engagement flange 170 of the cutout plate 36, do not change position or change very little. However, the second side panel 20 changes position substantially as the second side panel 20 pivots about the second living hinge 26 of the back panel 16.

[0027] It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any particular material. Other embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a variety of materials unless otherwise described herein.

[0028] For purposes of the present disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the direct or indirect interconnection of two components (electrical or mechanical). Such a connection may be stationary or movable. Such a connection may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate elements integrally connected to each other or to the two components as a single, one-piece body. Such a connection may be permanent or removable or detachable, unless otherwise specified.

[0029] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as apparent from the exemplary embodiments, are merely exemplary. While only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, one skilled in the art who reads this disclosure will readily recognize that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in size, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter presented.For example, elements shown as being integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts, or elements shown as consisting of multiple parts may be integrally connected, the function of the connections may be reversed or otherwise different, the length or width of the structures and / or elements or connectors or other elements of the system may be different, the type or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be different. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, and in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made to the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0030] 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 disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

[0031] It is also to be understood that changes and modifications may be made to the above structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it is further understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless such claims expressly state otherwise.

Claims

[1] Vehicle backrest assembly (10) comprising: a cushion assembly (12) having a seating surface (14); a back plate (16) with a first side part (18), a second side part (20) and a back part (22), wherein a first film hinge (24) is arranged between the first side part (18) and the back part (22) and a second film hinge (26) is arranged between the second side part (20) and the back part (22); a frame (28) disposed between the back plate (16) and the cushion assembly (12); a peripheral cushion structure (30) supporting a periphery (32) of the cushion assembly (12); a cutout plate (36) coupled to the back plate (16) and disposed behind the peripheral cushion structure (30) to define a circumferential gap (38) between the cutout plate (36) and the peripheral cushion structure (30) extending around the sides of the backrest assembly (10); a shingled portion (40) of the recess plate (36) extending behind and coupled to the back plate (16), and an airbag (42) coupled to the frame (28) and configured to deploy between the cutout plate (36) and the back plate (16), wherein the second side member (20) and the second film hinge (26) define a triangular portion (129) configured to bend away from the cutout plate (36) when the airbag (42) is deployed. [2] The vehicle seatback assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the recess plate (36) defines an intermediate cavity (136). [3] The vehicle seatback assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the recess plate (36) includes an upper recess configured to receive a headrest (62). [4] The vehicle seatback assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the cutout plate (36) includes laterally extending inner flanges (144) configured to provide support proximate the shingled portion (40). [5] The vehicle backrest assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein an upper portion of the cutout plate (36) directly engages the back plate (16) and is free of a shingled portion (40). [6] Vehicle backrest assembly (10) comprising: a backrest frame (28) disposed between a back plate (16) and a cushion assembly (12); a peripheral cushion structure (30) supporting a periphery (32) of the cushion assembly (12); a cutout plate (36) coupled to the back plate (16) and disposed behind the peripheral cushion structure (30) to define a circumferential gap (38); a shingled part (40) of the recess plate (36) which is hidden behind the back plate (16) and coupled thereto, and an airbag (42) that is deployed between the cutout plate (36) and the back plate (16), wherein the second side part (20) and the second film hinge (26) define a triangular section (129) that is designed to bend away from the back plate (16) when the airbag (42) is deployed. [7] The vehicle backrest assembly (10) of claim 6, wherein the back plate (16) comprises a first side member (18), a second side member (20) and a back member (22), wherein a first film hinge (24) is disposed between the first side member (18) and the back member (22) and a second film hinge (26) is disposed between the second side member (20) and the back member (22). [8] A vehicle backrest assembly (10) according to claim 6, further comprising: a plurality of decoupling fasteners disposed on the back plate (16) and adapted to engage the shingled portion (40). [9] The vehicle backrest assembly (10) of claim 6, wherein the recess plate (36) defines an intermediate cavity (136). [10] The vehicle seatback assembly (10) of claim 6, wherein the cutout plate (36) includes an upper recess configured to receive a headrest (62). [11] The vehicle seatback assembly (10) of claim 6, wherein the cutout plate (36) includes laterally extending inner flanges (144) configured to provide support proximate the shingled portion (40). [12] The vehicle backrest assembly (10) of claim 6, wherein an upper portion of the cutout plate (36) directly engages the back plate (16) and is free of a shingled portion (40). [13] Vehicle backrest assembly (10) comprising: a backrest frame (28) disposed between a back plate (16) and a cushion assembly (12); a peripheral cushion structure (30) supporting a periphery (32) of the cushion assembly (12); a cutout plate (36) coupled to the back plate (16) and disposed behind the peripheral cushion structure (30) to define a circumferential gap (38); a shingled portion (40) of the recess plate (36) defined by an engagement flange (170) concealed behind the back plate (16) and coupled to a complementary receiving flange (172) of the back plate (16), the recess plate (36) including laterally extending inner flanges (144) connecting a front wall of the recess plate (36) to an offset portion of the recess plate (36), the laterally extending inner flanges (144) being adapted to provide support proximate the shingled portion (40), and an airbag (42) which is deployed between the recess plate (36) and the back plate (16). [14] The vehicle backrest assembly (10) of claim 13, wherein a plurality of decoupling fasteners are disposed on the back plate (16) and are adapted to engage the shingled portion (40). [15] The vehicle seatback assembly (10) of claim 13, wherein the recess plate (36) defines an intermediate cavity (136). [16] The vehicle seatback assembly (10) of claim 13, wherein the recess plate (36) includes an upper recess configured to receive a headrest (62).

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