US 7,552,942 B2
Vehicle occupant protection apparatus having vent member that is controlled by a releasable tether
Kurt F. Fischer, Leonard, Mich. (US); Douglas M. Gould, Lake Orion, Mich. (US); and Angelo Adler, Armada, Mich. (US)
Assigned to TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc., Washington, Mich. (US)
Filed on Jun. 23, 2005, as Appl. No. 11/165,069.
Prior Publication US 2006/0290117 A1, Dec. 28, 2006
Int. Cl. B60R 21/16 (2006.01); B60R 21/18 (2006.01); B60R 21/276 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 280—743.2  [280/739; 280/743.1; 280/734; 280/742] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A vehicle occupant protection apparatus comprising:
an inflatable occupant protection device;
a support member having a vent opening through which inflation fluid may flow;
a vent member movable relative to the support member for varying a flow of inflation fluid through the vent opening;
a tether for moving the vent member; and
an actuatable mechanism;
the tether having a first end secured to the vent member, a second end secured to the protection device, and a restraining portion between the first end and the second end and connected to the actuatable mechanism;
the actuatable mechanism having a first condition securing the restraining portion and thereby preventing the tether from moving the vent member and a second condition releasing the restraining portion and thereby enabling the tether to move the vent member.