Airbag module having variable tether system

A variable tether system (28) adapted for use in an inflatable cushion (20) of an airbag module (14) having a first pair of tether elements (34) each having a first end (38) and a second end (44), the first ends each being secured to inner portions (40) of the inflatable cushion and the second ends each being secured to inner portions (46) of the inflatable cushion, the first ends each being secured to the inflatable cushion at positions remote from the second ends and the second ends being secured to the inflatable cushion at a location closer to an inflation opening of the inflatable cushion than the first ends, wherein each of the first pair of tether elements has a portion between each of the first and second ends which is not secured to the inflatable cushion; and a second pair of tether elements each having a first side and a second side, the first side of one of said second pair of tether elements being secured to a portion of one of the first pair of tether elements and the first side of the other one of the second pair of tether elements being secured to the portion of the other one of the first pair of tether elements and the second sides are configured for being releasably secured to an actuation mechanism (48).