Patent ID: 8523221

Claim:
An airbag module deployment device for an airbag deployable from under a seat cover having a stitched seam having a length, the device comprising: a collar positionable about the airbag, the collar including a plurality of tear strips each having a first end extending from the collar, and a second end opposite the first end sewn into the stitched seam to intersect a partial portion of the stitched seam, the plurality of tear strips thereby intersecting the stitched seam at a plurality of separated locations along the length of the stitched seam, the plurality of tear strips thereby operative to tear the seat cover stitched seam at a plurality of separate locations along the length of the stitched seam when the airbag is deploying, thereby weakening the stitched seam to admit passage of the airbag past the seat cover.