Patent ID: 7334814
Filing Date: 2008-02-26
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle, said apparatus comprising: an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device; an inflation fluid source actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating an inflatable volume of said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device; a reaction plate including at least one vent opening; a retainer connectable with said reaction plate to clamp said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device between said reaction plate and said retainer; a vent part having a first condition blocking inflation fluid flow through said at least one vent opening and a second condition permitting inflation fluid flow through said at least one vent opening; and actuatable means for moving said vent part from one of said first and second conditions to the other of said first and second conditions, said vent part, when moved to the other of said first and second conditions, being maintained in the other of said first and second conditions by a plastically deformed portion of said vent part.