Abstract: An apparatus comprises a vehicle steering wheel (12) including an armature (14). The armature (14) has a base portion (16), a circumferentially extending rim portion (18), and at least one spoke (20) extending between the rim portion and the base portion. The base portion (16) includes oppositely disposed first and second surfaces (22 and 24) and a plurality of openings (30) extending between the first and second surfaces. An inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (40) abuts the first surface (22). The inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (40) comprises an inflatable air bag (42) and an actuatable inflator (44) for, when actuated, inflating the air bag. The inflator (44) has a radially outwardly extending flange (60). The flange (60) includes a plurality of apertures (66). A plurality of one-piece locking members (100) secure the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (40) to the armature (14).

Abstract: An instrument panel assembly (22) comprises a structural carrier member (30) which is formed as one piece and has a first section (40) defining a first chamber (54) for receiving and supporting a first component (110). The structural carrier member (30) has a second section (80) defining a second chamber (92) for receiving and supporting a second component (130). The first component (110) comprises a first inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (114) received in the first chamber (54). The structural carrier member (30) further defines a deployment opening (55) through which the first protection device (114) is inflatable from the first chamber (54). The second component (130) comprises an occupant knee protection device (132) received in the second chamber (92) for helping to protect the vehicle occupant's legs in the event of a vehicle collision.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) comprises an inflatable protection device (32). The apparatus (10) also comprises an actuatable inflator (30) remote from the protection device (32) for providing inflation fluid under pressure for inflating the protection device. The apparatus (10) further comprises a conduit (48) connected in fluid communication between the inflator (30) and at least a portion of the protection device (32) for directing inflation fluid from the inflator to the protection device. The conduit (48) includes at least one quick disconnect coupling (50) through which inflation fluid flows from the inflator (30) upon actuation of the inflator.