Abstract: A fastener for coupling a trim panel to a support member includes a mounting grommet with a funnel-shaped receiver communicating with an aperture for receiving one end of a fastener pin having a plurality of spaced annular ratcheting grooves formed thereon. The opposite or second end of the pin includes a pointed end with a pair of resilient locking arms, which extend divergently outwardly and away from an apex of the second end of the pin at an acute angle and at a spacing of about 180°, for insertion into an aperture of a support structure. Interposed between the first and second ends of the fastening pin is a resilient, generally cup-shaped seal which engages a surface of the support structure opposite the locking arms for providing a seal surrounding the aperture in the support structure to which the fastening pin is inserted. The grommet includes an annular slot defined by a collar on one side and a shoulder of the funnel-shaped receiver on the other.

Abstract: A removable plastic automobile boss has a body formed with a bore for receiving a threaded fastener. A flat seating flange is formed on the front portion of the body, the flange including left and right ears respectively protruding outwardly from the left and right sides of the body. Top and bottom ramp-shaped engagement abutments are formed on the body. Further, a slit is formed on the body such that the top and bottom engagement abutments ride against the periphery of an instrument panel receptacle when the boss is advanced into the receptacle, thereby causing the top and bottom halves to be urged toward each other to permit the boss to be fully inserted into the receptacle. The front portion snappingly resumes an engaged configuration when the engagement abutments clear the periphery to sandwich the periphery between the engagement abutments and the seating flange to engage the boss with the instrument panel.