Patent ID: 7690683

Claim:
A method for closing an airbag vent, the method comprising: inflating an airbag cushion, wherein a primary tether is connected with the airbag cushion at one end and is connected at another end to a device for restraining the inflation size of the airbag cushion and for optionally releasing the primary tether, and wherein a secondary tether is connected with the airbag cushion at one end and is connected at another end to a vent in an airbag module housing with a vent opening in an open position; releasing the primary tether to allow the airbag cushion to expand and cause the secondary tether to move from being slack while the primary tether was taut such the secondary tether also becomes taut; closing the vent opening through movement of the secondary tether after release of the primary tether so that the airbag cushion can fully expand; and releasing the secondary tether from engagement with the vent after the vent opening is closed so that the vent opening remains closed and the secondary tether does not restrict the airbag cushion from full expansion.