Abstract: A w-base fastener includes multiple legs that compress towards a common member, to which the legs are attached, during the installation through an opening of a structure. These legs then engage the backside of the structure to which the fastener is mounted to hold the fastener in a mounted position within the opening. The fastener also includes a head or similar structure that permits items to be mounted to the fastener. The w-base fastener described herein also includes opposite flex arm features for thermal expansion for assembling moldings to a panel. Embodiments of the invention are used to provide for the ease of assembly, proper fit, and functional retention of moldings to structural panels, while also providing for the thermal expansion of the moldings. Aspects of the invention may be advantageously employed on automotive body side moldings including doors, rockers, wheel flares and other areas.

Abstract: A molding retainer is provided for securing a molding to a return flange in a roof ditch. The retainer generally includes a throat, a stop, a molding seat and a molding clip. In the case of a discontinuous flange having individual flange coupons, the throat may define a through-hole that fits over each flange coupon. The throat may include a plurality of fingers adapted to snap fit into windows in the flange coupons, with the fingers being mounted at different heights to accommodate variations in the placement of the windows. In the case of a continuous flange, the throat may define a channel that fits over the flange. The stop engages the floor of the roof ditch to provide a reference point for the height of the molding, and the molding clip engages and holds the molding.

Abstract: A fastener assembly configured to secure a first panel to a second panel includes a pin and a grommet. The pin includes a shaft connected to a tip. The grommet is configured to snapably secure into a hole of a panel. The grommet includes a central passage. The shaft is adjustably secured within the central passage, such that the shaft is allowed to shift a fixed distance within the central passage in a first direction, but is locked in place in the central passage with respect to a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A w-base retainer that may be used in many applications, including numerous applications throughout the automotive industry, includes two-stage double-snap-over w-base features with opposite w-base features for assembling moldings to a sheet metal or substrate panel. The w-base retainer will improve the ease of assembly of parts, provide a proper fit, and provide a functional retention of moldings to structural panels. The w-base retainer may be used on, for example, automotive body side moldings, including, for example, doors, pillars, green house moldings and other moldings.

Abstract: A fastener assembly configured to secure a first panel with respect to a second panel includes a base having lateral wings connected to a central post. The lateral wings and the central post converge at a distal tip. Each of the lateral wings includes a first outer surface and a second outer surface, wherein the first outer surface is inwardly angled toward the distal tip. The fastener assembly also includes angled retaining ledges located between the first outer surface and the second outer surface. The angled retaining ledges are canted in a non-parallel fashion with respect to a plane of at least one of the first and second panels. The angled retaining ledges allow for safe and easy removal of the base from at least one of the first and second panels.

Abstract: A w-based panel fastener for securing a molding to a panel includes a nose and a pair of offset wings extending from the nose. The nose has a longitudinal length, an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The wings are spaced from each other along the longitudinal length of the nose, and each of the wings includes a guide portion extending from the outer surface of the nose and a retainer portion extending generally from the inner surface of the nose. The spaced apart guide portions of the wings form a surface for initial insertion into the opening in the panel. The retainer portion of the wings is adapted to interfit with the opening in the panel to secure the fastener to the panel.

Abstract: A w-base retainer that may be used in many applications, including numerous applications throughout the automotive industry, includes two-stage double-snap-over w-base features with opposite w-base features for assembling moldings to a sheet metal or substrate panel. The w-base retainer will improve the ease of assembly of parts, provide a proper fit, and provide a functional retention of moldings to structural panels. The w-base retainer may be used on, for example, automotive body side moldings, including, for example, doors, pillars, green house moldings and other moldings.

Abstract: A w-base fastener includes multiple legs that compress towards a common member, to which the legs are attached, during the installation through an opening of a structure. These legs then engage the backside of the structure to which the fastener is mounted to hold the fastener in a mounted position within the opening. The fastener also includes a head or similar structure that permits items to be mounted to the fastener. The w-base fastener described herein also includes opposite flex arm features for thermal expansion for assembling moldings to a panel. Embodiments of the invention are used to provide for the ease of assembly, proper fit, and functional retention of moldings to structural panels, while also providing for the thermal expansion of the moldings. Aspects of the invention may be advantageously employed on automotive body side moldings including doors, rockers, wheel flares and other areas.

Abstract: A fastener for connecting a first component to a second component includes a first component connecting end allowing relative movement between a first component connected thereto and the fastener during assembly and during conditions of expansion and contraction. A second component connecting end of the fastener is configured for connecting to a second component.

Abstract: A fastener for connecting a first component to a second component includes a first component connecting end allowing relative movement between a first component connected thereto and the fastener during assembly and during conditions of expansion and contraction. A second component connecting end of the fastener is configured for connecting to a second component.

Abstract: A multi-component connection system suitable for automobiles includes a female clip member having a slot, and a male clip member having a male element insertable within the slot. The slot and male element include mutually engageable cooperative structures. A shank connected to the male element includes wings mounted at a distal end and capable of resilient lateral deflection relative to the longitudinal axis of the shank. The female clip member may be affixed to a first component and the male clip member may be insertable within a hole in a second component so as to connect the two components when the male clip member is inserted in the hole, the male element is disposed within the slot, and the cooperative structures are engaged.

Abstract: A multi-component connection system suitable for automobiles includes a female clip member having a slot, and a male clip member having a male element insertable within the slot. The slot and male element include mutually engageable cooperative structures. A shank connected to the male element includes wings mounted at a distal end and capable of resilient lateral deflection relative to the longitudinal axis of the shank. The female clip member may be affixed to a first component and the male clip member may be insertable within a hole in a second component so as to connect the two components when the male clip member is inserted in the hole, the male element is disposed within the slot, and the cooperative structures are engaged.

Abstract: A wedge assembly for supporting automotive doors, particularly pivoted tail gate doors and sliding van doors, which is mounted between surfaces that are not horizontal so that the load applied to the assembly includes a vertical component. The assembly includes a striker member and a wedge member, the former being mounted on the vertical side pillar of an automotive door frame, and the latter being mounted on the side pillar of a pivoted tail gate or sliding door. The assembly provides both vertical and lateral support for the door and door frame and prevents misalignment between the two which can otherwise develop over the life of the vehicle.