Air bag module with vent controlled by tether

摘要

A vehicle occupant protection apparatus ( 10 d) includes an inflatable occupant protection device ( 300 ) and a support member ( 316 ). A vent opening ( 350 ) extends through the support member ( 316 ). A vent member ( 360 ) is associated with the vent opening ( 350 ). The vent member ( 360 ) initially closes the vent opening ( 350 ). Inflation fluid moves the vent member ( 360 ) relative to the support member ( 316 ) for enabling a flow of inflation fluid through the vent opening ( 350 ). A tether ( 386 ) extends between the inflatable occupant protection device ( 300 ) and the vent member ( 360 ). The tether ( 386 ) is responsive to inflation of the inflatable occupant protection device ( 300 ) away from the support member ( 316 ) by more than a predetermined distance for moving the vent member ( 360 ) relative to the support member ( 316 ) for reducing the flow of inflation fluid through the vent opening ( 350 ).