Apparatus for controlling flow of inflation fluid through a vent opening of an air bag module
First Claim
1. An apparatus for controlling flow of inflation fluid through a vent opening in an air bag module, the apparatus comprising:
- a vent member movable to control flow of the inflation fluid through the vent opening, the vent member comprising a vent member opening extending through the vent member; and
a tether for controlling movement of the vent member, the tether comprising first and second portions, the second portion being folded to form multiple layers;
the tether being positioned relative to the vent member so that the multiple layers of the second portion engage a first side of the vent member, the first portion of the tether extending through the vent member opening and away from an opposite second side of the vent member, the engagement of the second portion with the vent member causing the vent member to move in response to movement of the tether.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for controlling flow of inflation fluid through a vent opening (50) in an air bag module (10) includes a vent member (14) movable to control flow of the inflation fluid through the vent opening. The vent member (14) includes a vent member opening (84) extending through the vent member. A tether (12) for controlling movement of the vent member (14) includes a first portion (90) and second portion (92). The second portion (92) is folded to form multiple layers (112, 114). The tether (12) is positioned relative to the vent member (14) so that the multiple layers (112, 114) of the second portion (92) engage a first side (62) of the vent member. The first portion (90) of the tether (12) extends through the vent member opening (50) and away from an opposite second side (60) of the vent member (14). The engagement of the second portion (92) with the vent member (14) causes the vent member (14) to move in response to movement of the tether (12).
35 Citations
29 Claims
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1. An apparatus for controlling flow of inflation fluid through a vent opening in an air bag module, the apparatus comprising:
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a vent member movable to control flow of the inflation fluid through the vent opening, the vent member comprising a vent member opening extending through the vent member; and a tether for controlling movement of the vent member, the tether comprising first and second portions, the second portion being folded to form multiple layers; the tether being positioned relative to the vent member so that the multiple layers of the second portion engage a first side of the vent member, the first portion of the tether extending through the vent member opening and away from an opposite second side of the vent member, the engagement of the second portion with the vent member causing the vent member to move in response to movement of the tether. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. An apparatus for controlling flow of inflation fluid through a vent opening in an air bag module, the apparatus comprising:
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a vent member movable to control flow of the inflation fluid through the vent opening; and a tether for controlling movement of the vent member, the tether comprising first and second portions, the second portion being folded to form multiple layers and the first portion extending from the multiple layers; the tether being positioned relative to the vent member so that the multiple layers of the second portion are maintained in engagement with a surface of the vent member, the engagement of the folded second portion with the surface of the vent member causing the vent member to move in response to tension on the first portion of the tether. - View Dependent Claims (27)
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28. An apparatus for controlling flow of inflation fluid through a vent opening in an air bag module, the apparatus comprising:
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a vent member movable to control flow of the inflation fluid through the vent opening; and a tether for controlling movement of the vent member, the tether comprising first and second portions, the second portion comprising portions of the tether folded into multiple layers and secured to help maintain the folded multiple layer configuration of the second portion, the first portion extending through an opening in the vent member, the second portion being sized to form an interference with the vent member so that movement of the tether effects movement of the vent member.
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29. An apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
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an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device inflatable between structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant; an inflation fluid source for providing inflation fluid for inflating the protection device; structure defining a housing for supporting the protection device and inflation fluid source, the housing comprising a vent opening; a vent member movable to control inflation fluid flow through the vent opening, the vent member comprising a vent member opening extending through the vent member; and a tether for controlling movement of the vent member, the tether comprising first and second portions, the second portion being folded to form multiple layers that engage a first side of the vent member, the first portion of the tether extending through the vent member opening and away from an opposite second side of the vent member, the first portion of the tether being configured for movement in response to deployment of the protection device, the engagement of the second portion with the vent member causing the vent member to move in response to movement of the first portion of the tether.
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Specification