Vehicle occupant protection apparatus having vent member that is controlled by a releasable tether

摘要

A vehicle occupant protection apparatus ( 10 ) includes an inflatable occupant protection device ( 38 ) and a support member ( 56 ) having a vent opening ( 78 ) through which inflation fluid may flow. A vent member ( 106 ) is movable relative to the support member ( 56 ) for varying a flow of inflation fluid through the vent opening ( 78 ). The vehicle occupant protection apparatus ( 10 ) also includes a tether ( 144 ) for moving the vent member ( 106 ) and an actuatable mechanism ( 170 ) that has a first condition preventing the tether ( 144 ) from moving the vent member ( 106 ) and a second condition enabling the tether ( 144 ) to move the vent member ( 106 ).