Patent ID: 7004498

Claim:
An inflatable curtain module configured to provide side impact protection for an occupant of a vehicle, the inflatable curtain module comprising: a cushion configured to inflate in an inflation direction inward of a lateral surface of the vehicle; a tether attached to a lower portion of the cushion, the tether having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion between the first and second ends, wherein the first and second ends are attached together to form a loop; a lower anchor attachable to a vehicle surface proximate a deployed position of the lower portion of the cushion, wherein the lower tether anchor is configured to slidably retain the intermediate portion to exert tension on the lower portion of the cushion when the cushion is inflated; and a tensioning ring positioned to encircle a portion of the loop to draw opposing portions of the loop toward each other, thereby increasing tension exerted on the cushion in the deployed position.