# US 7,607,731 B2 · External side bag trim close outs > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,607,731 B2 - Document ID: US7607731B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 11/459,137 - Filed: 2006-07-21 - Published: 2008-01-24 - Granted: 2009-10-27 - Earliest claimed: 2006-07-21 - Assignees: Lear Corporation - Inventors: Michael Tracht - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7607731B2 ## CPC - B60R 21/207: in vehicle seats - B60R 2021/2076: {Removable covers with tear seams} - B60R: VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR ## Abstract A trim close out panel for a vehicle seat having a seat cover. The seat cover has an opening that is covered by the close out panel. The close out panel is formed of a stretchable fabric. The stretchable fabric is attached to opening in the seat cover. An external side impact air bag is assembled to a receptacle in the seat over the close out panel. The close out panel applies a tensioning force to the seat cover around the opening. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A seat cover assembly for a vehicle seat having a receptacle for a component, the seat cover assembly comprising: a seat cover installed on the vehicle seat that has an opening that is aligned with the receptacle when the seat cover is installed on the vehicle seat; and a closeout panel attached to the seat cover over the opening, the closeout panel having at least one opening through which the component is secured within the receptacle; wherein the closeout panel is disposed between the receptacle and the component and applies tension to the seat cover in the area of the opening when the component is received within the receptacle. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The seat cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the closeout panel is formed of an elastic material. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The seat cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the closeout panel is concealed by the component when the component is received and secured within the receptacle. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The seat cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the closeout panel has a plurality of openings substantially disposed along an axis. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The seat cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least one opening in the closeout panel is aligned with at least one mounting bolt on the component and at least one bolt hole in the receptacle. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The seat cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the closeout panel is formed of elastic material that is sewn to the seat cover. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The seat cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the component is an air bag assembly. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The seat cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the seat cover is configured to be installed on a seat back. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The seat cover assembly of claim 1 wherein component further comprises a faceplate that conceals the closeout panel when the component is received and secured within the receptacle. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The seat cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the seat cover is made of a stretchable material. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The seat cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the closeout panel corresponds to the shape of the opening in the seat cover. ### Claim 12 A seat cover assembly for a vehicle seat having a receptacle for a component, the seat cover assembly comprising: a seat cover installed on the vehicle seat that has an opening that is aligned with the receptacle when the seat cover is installed on the vehicle seat; and a closeout panel formed of an elastic material attached to the seat cover over the opening; wherein the closeout panel is disposed between the receptacle and the component and applies tension to the seat cover in the area of the opening when the component is received within the receptacle. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The seat cover assembly of claim 12 wherein the closeout panel includes a through hole. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The seat cover assembly of claim 13 wherein the through hole is configured to receive the component. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) The seat cover assembly of claim 12 wherein the closeout panel stretches when the component is received within the receptacle. ### Claim 16 (depends on 12) The seat cover assembly of claim 12 wherein a portion of the seat cover disposed adjacent to the opening is configured to be concealed by the component. ### Claim 17 (depends on 12) The seat cover assembly of claim 12 wherein the component is an air bag assembly. ### Claim 18 (depends on 12) The seat cover assembly of claim 12 wherein the closeout panel is sewn to the seat cover. ### Claim 19 (depends on 12) The seat cover assembly of claim 12 wherein the closeout panel is configured to be at least partially disposed in the receptacle. ### Claim 20 (depends on 12) The seat cover assembly of claim 12 wherein the seat cover is configured to be folded into the receptacle.