Patent ID: 6857698

Claim:
A seat frame assembly for mounting in a vehicle between an exterior panel and a center console mounted in a vehicle the seat frame member comprising: generally vertical inboard and outboard side members defining outer surfaces; a separate first spacer bracket attached to said outboard side member, said first spacer bracket having a first contact surface spaced apart from said outer surface of said outboard side member; and a separate second spacer bracket attached to said inboard side member, said second spacer bracket having a first contact surface spaced apart from said outer surface of said inboard side member wherein the first and second spacer brackets cooperate to widen the width of the seat frame to help minimize the intrusion of an exterior panel upon a side impact of the vehicle; wherein each spacer bracket includes: an upper flange; an upper plate positioned below and outwardly spaced from said upper flange; a center flange positioned below and inwardly spaced from said upper plate; and a lower plate positioned below and outwardly spaced from said center flange.