Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (11) in the event of a side impact to the vehicle comprises a vehicle door (30) for location adjacent to and outboard of a vehicle seat (38). An air bag module (12) mounted in the door (30) includes an air bag (14) and an actuatable inflator (16) for inflating the air bag from a deflated condition stowed in the door to an inflated condition extending inboard from the door. The vehicle door (30) comprises a structural door panel (32), at least one exterior skin panel (36) supported on the structural panel, and at least one interior trim panel (34) supported on the structural door panel. The structural door panel (32) is formed as one piece and has module portions (50) disposed between the interior trim panel (34) and the exterior skin panel (36). The module portions (50) define a recess (52) in the structural door panel (32) for receiving and supporting the module (12).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a retainer ring configured to overlie an edge portion (52) of an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) adjacent to an opening (53) defined by the edge portion (52). A mounting stud projects from the retainer ring. In a one embodiment, the mounting stud (64) has a central axis (71) and a free end (72) spaced from the retainer ring (54) along the axis (71). The peripheral size and shape of the mounting stud (64) are uniform fully between the retainer ring (54) and the free end (72). The mounting stud (64) further has an axially extending bore (85) configured to receive a screw-threaded fastener (66). In an additional embodiment, the mounting stud (124) is receivable through an aperture (76) in a reaction structure (28). The mounting stud (124) and a key (140) are configured to snap together into an interlocked condition in which the key (140) blocks withdrawal of the mounting stud (124) from the aperture (76) in the reaction structure (28).