Abstract: A sheet metal nut including a cage part (1) that is fitted with a bottom plate (2), supporting edge sections, and opposite side plates (4, 5). Contacting final sections (15, 16) are disposed across from the supporting edge sections and grip the peripheral zones of a hole along with the supporting edge sections in a mounted arrangement of the sheet metal nut. The supporting edge sections are molded onto the bottom plate (2) while a separate securing part (10) is joined to the side plates (4, 5) and is equipped with two leg plates (11, 12) that are located between the side plates (4, 5) and extend from a base region (13) towards the supporting edge sections (24, 25) at an increasing distance from each other. The contacting final sections (15, 16) are molded onto one respective free end of a leg plate (11, 12), are aligned with their front sides directed towards one another, and lie across from the supporting edge sections (24, 25).

Abstract: A fastening arrangement includes a locking part having a head plate and a foot shaft configured with catch noses, bearing tenons, and spring webs having catch noses and web wings. The receiving element includes a profiled surface and an edge wall including inwardly convex portions and outwardly concave portions. When the locking part is in a mounted position, the bearing tenons are disposed in first depressions while the spring webs are in a rear engagement position in which the catch noses engage behind an element. When the locking part is in a demounted position, the bearing tenons are disposed in second depressions and the spring webs are in a released position in which they are out of engagement with the element.

Abstract: A fastener for an inner panel of a motor vehicle has a proximal fastening foot for connection to the inner panel and a distal retaining clip for the captive fastening in a retaining opening of a vehicle body reinforcement. A retaining ramp, which is movable in the direction of an opening plane of the retaining opening of the vehicle body reinforcement, is provided between the proximal fastening foot and the distal retaining clip to retain the fastener in the retaining opening. It is thus possible to pull the fastener as a whole somewhat out of the retaining opening, in order to form an opening space for unfolding an airbag between the inner panel and the vehicle body reinforcement.

Abstract: A fixing element fixes a part to a support wall. When the fixing element is inserted into an opening in the support wall and reaches a predetermined end position, the fixing element locks to the support wall. The fixing element includes a stop element, a snap-on element, and an unlocking element. The stop element bears against a side of the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support wall. The snap-on element is positioned on an inner side of the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support wall. The unlocking element is connected to the snap-on element. The unlocking element is configured to permit the snap-on element to be unlocked and the fixing element to be removed from the opening. An installation tool and a testing tool may be used in conjunction with the fixing element.

Abstract: A window system for installation in a structure is provided. The window system includes a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure. The window system further includes at least one window pane having a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one sash that surrounds the at least one window pane, wherein the sash has a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one window frame comprising at least one head, sill, and jamb; and at least one mounting base integral to the window.

Abstract: An airbag arrangement for a vehicle occupant restraint system is provided. The airbag arrangement comprising an inflatable airbag for protecting a vehicle occupant, a fastening element for fastening the airbag to a support structure, and means for counteracting a torquing of the fastening element pre-mounted at the airbag, wherein the means comprise an opening through which the pre-mounted fastening element reaches, said opening being designed to counteract a torquing of the pre-mounted fastening element. The opening comprises two sections that cross one another.

Abstract: A heat dissipation device (100) includes a fin assembly (10) having a plurality of fins (12). Each fin includes a locking tab (126b) with a connecting end (1268), a free end (1269), a hole (1261) adjacent to the connecting end, a hook (1262) adjacent to the free end, and a tongue (1263) between the hole and the hook. A punched hole (127b) in each fin is adjacent to the locking tab, which extends through the punched hole of an adjacent fin. The hook of the locking tab engages the hole in the locking tab of the adjacent fin, locking them together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastener and a fastening system for fixing a curtain airbag in a vehicle. The fastener is fixed to a mounting hole in a body frame or the like of the vehicle by inserting an attachment portion of the fastener into the mounting hole while a head portion securing the attachment of the airbag curtain to the fastener and the vehicle. The fastener comprises a first load bearing structure adapted to maintain its shape when the airbag curtain is activated and a second energy absorbing structure adapted to deform when the airbag curtain is activated. The advantages by such a fastener is that the energy absorbing structure of the fastener will absorb a part of the energy from the forces working on the structure comprising the attachment holes such that there is less stress and damages to the attachment site and less risk for detachment of the airbag curtain.

Abstract: Provided is a clip which can be easily detached from a mounting hole solely by pulling a base portion thereof in any one direction. A clip (10) is equipped with a base portion (20) to engage with a front-side peripheral edge of a mounting hole (5), and a locking leg (30) to engage with a back-side peripheral edge of the mounting hole (5). The locking leg (30) has a stem portion (40) and a pair of elastic engagement members (50) extending in an anchor-fluke-like fashion from the forward ends of the stem portion (40) and having at their forward ends engagement portions (51) to engage with the back-side peripheral edge of the mounting hole (5). An axis (C) of the stem portion (30) and a line (L) connecting the centers of the engagement portions (51) of the pair of elastic engagement members (50) are offset from each other as seen in an axial direction of the stem portion (40).

Abstract: A vehicle headliner attachment system for displaceable attachment of a headliner to a sunroof assembly frame. The attachment system includes at least one snap-in male connector including a distal insertion head adapted to be press fit into a corresponding elongated female acceptance slot disposed at a position adjacent to the perimeter of a sunroof opening. The male connector is releasably held at a support element secured to the headliner. The support element is oriented on the headliner such that the male connector is slideable along the elongated female acceptance slot without disengaging from the support element when the headliner is moved rearward relative to the assembly frame.

Abstract: A spring loaded spacer for fastening components and control units together with touch control face plates or panels wherein the spacer has a shank portion nested in a barrel portion, one end of the barrel portion being connected to a chassis or the like and its shank portion being connected to one or more printed circuit boards and/or components, and wherein the shank portion is spring loaded within the barrel portion and is adapted to receive one or more printed circuit boards and/or components under tensioned engagement.

Abstract: A connector for removably fastening an ornamental object to an article comprising a fastener receptacle having a cavity defined by an inner surface and a top connective lip forming a keyhole opening for receiving a fastener member having at least one radially extending foot configured to pass through the keyhole opening and to rotate within said cavity. The inner surface further has a nodule and a stop creating at least one generally J-shaped catch. The connector further has at least one flexing tab for exerting a force on the fastener member for positioning the at least one radially extending foot between the nodule and the stop thereby removably locking the fastener member in place. Also provided is a means for affixing the receptacle to the article and a means for securing the ornamental object to the fastener member outside the cavity.

Abstract: A fuse-shaped fastener provides a plastic member having opposed elastically flexible wings, and a metal insert having multiple barbs. The deflectable wings homogenously extend from a molded head and are distally connected by a joining member. The barbs engage within a trim component dog-house assembly. The deflectable wings extend outwardly of the trim component to releasably connect the trim component to an automobile vehicle panel.

Abstract: A fastener with a shank and, arranged at one end of the shank, a head intended for welding to a workpiece, has multiple detent pawls formed on the shank that extend radially outward from the shank toward the head and that are elastically resilient in the radially inward direction. On the outside, each detent pawl has an engagement recess with support surfaces. The shank has a longitudinal hole, in which is located a stud, wherein one end of the stud projects out of the longitudinal hole and forms the head for welding. Also formed on the shank is a flange that is elastically resilient in the axial direction, whose outermost edge region is located opposite the engagement recess of the detent pawls.

Abstract: When an insertion portion of a clip is inserted into a through hole and passes through the through hole, lug portions revert toward their original shape, and the top faces of the lug portions are contactable with peripheral edge portions of the through hole. An operation lever is inserted into a fixing hole of a body panel in this state, and after passing through the fixing hole, the operation lever reverts toward its original shape, and the operation lever is contactable to peripheral edge portions of the fixing hole. An operation portion is tilted from this state, and a lock bar is engaged with a lock groove. Movement of the operation lever is thereby restricted, and a housing is fixed to the body panel.

Abstract: A pin having a head and a plurality of legs extending from that head, and a bushing having a flange and a shank extending from that flange, are comprised. In the flange, holes for accepting a plurality of legs are provided in a plurality corresponding to the number of legs, and in the shank, corresponding spaces for accepting each of the legs which have passed through the holes are provided in a plurality corresponding to the number of legs. The cross-section of the shank is polygonal, spaces are disposed on the surfaces of the shank capable of forming that polygon, and elastic latching pieces extending outward in lateral directions are provided at positions adjacent to the flange in a plurality corresponding to the spaces. By inserting the legs into the spaces, the elastic latching pieces are prevented from being displaced in directions whereby they would approach the spaces.

Abstract: A retaining pin with self biasing keeping means has a head and a tubular pin that has a plurality of detent fingers on its end. The detent fingers are formed by slitting and deforming the ends of the pin. The detent fingers are bent to extend beyond the outside diameter of the pin with the forward ends terminating in a diameter smaller than that diameter. As the pin is inserted in a matched opening, the detent fingers compress to allow the pin to penetrate the opening and then return to their original position to retain them therein. To remove the pin, the process is reversed. The instant retaining pin with self biasing keeping means is conducive to modern mass production methods of production such as cold heading.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a panel, a main body, a button, and a fastener. The panel defines a hole. The main body defines a quadrate through hole. The button resists against the panel, opposite to the main body. The fastener includes an elastic head at a first end and a block at an opposite second end. The elastic head passes through the hole of the panel to be fixed to the button, the block passes through the quadrate through hole of the main body. A panel fixture for the electronic device is provided as well.

Abstract: A fastener includes a push pin, a plug and an elastic member. The push pin includes a head, a shaft extending from the head, and a clipping foot extending radially from the shaft. Two through receiving holes are defined in the head. A snapping hole is defined in the head and communicates with the receiving holes. The shaft and the clipping foot are between the receiving holes. The plug includes a handle, and two insertion portions extending from the handle. A raised point extends from each of the insertion portions. The insertion portions of the plug can extend through the receiving holes respectively until the raised points are snapped in the snapping hole and the insertion portions extend adjacent to the clipping foot. The elastic member can engage with the push pin to supply an elastic force pointing from the clipping foot to the head to the push pin.

Abstract: An exemplary locking assembly includes a locking member and a sleeve. The locking member includes a locking portion, a neck portion, and a head portion. One end of the neck portion is connected to the head portion, and another end of the neck portion is connected to the locking portion. An outer diameter of the locking portion is larger than that of the neck portion. An outer diameter of the locking portion is larger than that of the neck portion. The sleeve defines a through hole therein for holding and guiding the locking member. The through hole includes a first part. The sleeve further includes a restricting portion extending out from an inner surface of the through hole adjoining the first part of the through hole. After locking portion of the locking member passes through the restricting portion of the sleeve, the restricting portion blocks the locking portion from sliding out of the sleeve.

Abstract: The fastener comprises a head and a snap-engagement foot comprising a rigid core and curved flexible wings. Each wing has a convex surface bordered by said core, by a longitudinal edge surface and by a transverse edge surface. Each transverse edge surface has, viewed by an observer viewing said convex surface, a V-shape of which the point, which is directed outwardly, is located at said inflection plane. The core is a hub about which at least three said wings are regularly spaced. Each wing comprises a corner delimited by said longitudinal edge surface and by a shoulder and a web less thick than the corner, disposed between the hub and the shoulder. Each wing is adapted to flex by elastic deformation towards the convex surface of the neighboring wing.

Abstract: A holding device for holding a stud, which includes a radially projecting flange in a securing position, comprises a collet component including a hollow tubular insertion section defining an insertion axis, and a clamping section operable to exert a radially inwardly directed clamping force for clamping the stud. A securing device is arranged on the insertion section and includes a securing sleeve formed of plurality of separate securing-sleeve sections that are radially movable relative to one another. A clearance space is defined between a bottom end of the securing-sleeve sections and a top end of the clamping section, and the clearance space is operable for holding a flange of a stud in the securing position.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for joining a component to a support part, comprises a stud fixable to the support part and a resilient clip fixed to the component and connectable to the stud in a defined position by the head of the stud. The stud further comprises: a shank, a head located at the first end of the shank, and an attachment end formed at the second end of the shank. The head includes an underside with a shoulder having a conically tapering contact surface, and the contact surface of the shoulder has an area with a friction-enhancing surface. The clip further comprises: a fastening section defining an opening to receive the head end of the stud, and resilient retaining means, located in the opening, and engageable with the conically tapered contact surface of the head when the clip is installed on the stud.

Abstract: A fastener, particularly for lenses, has an elastically deformable elongated body that is suitable to be inserted in through holes formed in one of the members to be joined; the elongated body comprises a substantially cylindrical stem that has a first end that forms a wider head and a second end that forms a plurality of frustum-shaped members that are arranged in series; the bases of the frustum-shaped members are directed towards the wider head the second end terminates into an extension, the diameter of the wide head and the diameter of the bases are greater than the diameter of the stem.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided an interior part mounting clip for mounting an interior part on a panel member including: a pin portion having a smaller external diameter than the internal diameter of a mounting hole formed in a frame-shaped mounting seat formed on the interior part and inserted into and made movable in the mounting hole; a head portion formed at one end of the pin portion and engaging with the mounting seat; and a stem portion formed at the other end of the pin portion and engaging with an engaging hole formed in the panel member. The head portion includes at least three protrusions protruding radially outward of the pin portion, and an outer frame mounted in a manner to be elastically displaced relative to the pin portion through a plurality of elastic portions extending radially outward from the portions of the pin portion between the protrusions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fastener that comprises a stud member and a nut member. The stud member includes a base portion, a stem, a plurality of locating features, and, a plurality of slanted ridges. The stem has a head portion and a body portion, where the body portion is positioned on the base portion for enabling the stem to extend vertically from the base portion. The plurality of locating features extends from the body portion, and is disposed on the base portion. The plurality of slanted ridges extends from the stem. The nut member includes a central element configured to have two projecting members extending opposite to each other from a periphery of the central element. The central element comprises an aperture therewithin for receiving the stem therethrough and for interlocking the nut member with the stud member to retain the stud member at a locked configuration.

Abstract: A heatsink may be releasably secured to a substructure of an electronic system, such as a circuit board, in engagement with a heat-generating component, such as a processor.

Abstract: A w-base fastener that may be used in many applications, including numerous applications throughout the automotive industry, combines the functionality of a w-base fastener with the serviceability of other fasteners. The w-base fastener of the invention provides the ability to service the w-base fastener without damaging the panel or hole in which the fastener is inserted. This is accomplished by incorporating a break joint configured to break at a predetermined load. This break joint permits the fastener to be easily extracted when it breaks under the predetermined load. As the two sections of the fastener are separated, hooks on the fastener body engage tabs on the legs and pull the legs of the w-base fastener inward to prevent interference between the legs and the panel as the fastener is extracted from the hole.

Abstract: The invention includes a support frame for producing a dental workpiece. The frame has a Z axis and comprising wall sections defining a hole that extends along the Z axis through the frame. At least one of the wall sections comprises an adhesive-directing surface extending along the Z axis in a non-parallel relationship. Such a configuration provides optimized methods for affixing a blank to the support frame and optimized properties of the blank after fixation to the support frame.

Abstract: A part mounting mechanism includes a boss, and a resin clip adapted to be assembled to the boss. The resin clip includes holding pieces, elastic engagement pieces, and a connecting portion. The part mounting mechanism also includes projecting portions formed on facing inner surfaces of the connecting portion at predetermined intervals in a staggered fashion along a direction in which the boss is inserted. When the boss is inserted into the connecting portion, the projecting portions bite into the distal end portion of the boss.

Abstract: A fastening device comprising a main portion having a base end portion and a distal end portion wherein its base end is attached to a head intended to be in contact with a rim at the outer side of an aperture when the fastening device is located in the aperture. The main portion is provided with guiding elements in order to guide the fastening device when inserted into the aperture and resilient elements which during insertion will be pressed inwards in order to at a later stage, when the resilient elements have passed the rim of the aperture, resiliently move back and thus provide a locking of the fastening device by being in contact with the rim on the inside of the aperture. The guiding element is provided with at least three vanes which are attached at its bases to the head such that they are located at an essentially equidistant spacing from the centre point.

Abstract: An anchor system for a hollow wall or ceiling includes an anchor portion having a flange and a penetrating portion extending from a rear surface of the flange. The penetration portion has a fixed sleeve extending from the rear surface of the flange and a pivoting locking leg connected to the fixed sleeve by a hinge. The fixed sleeve has a non-round opening extending longitudinally therethrough and the pivoting locking leg has a stub extending from a rear surface thereof to retain the penetrating portion rigid as the anchor is inserted into the wall or ceiling. A pin portion has a body including a flexible shaft and an actuating element extending transversely from an end of the shaft. The shaft tapers, near the actuating element toward the actuating element to define a transverse dimension. The actuating element has a heel at about a rear surface thereof.

Abstract: A fastener adapted to pass through aligned holes through workpieces is disclosed. The fastener includes a pin member having a transition portion wherein the diameter of the transition portion decreases radially as it extends from the smooth cylindrical shank portion to the threaded portion. The fastener may also comprise a sleeve member and a clamping means. The clamping means includes a collar, a nut, or any other possible clamping means. In exemplary embodiments, the workpieces can be formed with a plurality of materials, the materials including composite, metallic, or composite/metallic structures, any combination thereof. In particular embodiments, the fastener has interference capability of 0.0005 to 0.0100 inches in composite structures without risk of composite delamination or damage. As a result of the fastener interference, gaps between the fastener and the structure are eliminated thereby providing good electrical conductivity between components.

Abstract: A dowel for insertion into an opening (12) of a wall (14), in particular on a vehicle body, has a shank section (16) which extends through the opening (12) in an inserted state and a flange (18) adjoined thereto and made of a first material component, and a sealing section (20) made of a second material component. The second material component is a plastic material which expands at an elevated temperature and tightly closes the opening (12) in the expanded state.

Abstract: A cable tie includes a locking head and an attached strap, the locking head being adapted to receive and engage the strap when the tie is formed into a closed loop. The cable tie additionally includes a fir-tree fastener connected to the locking head by an elongated standoff that includes a stem and an enlarged member which separates the stem into first and second sections. In use, a plurality of wires bundled together by the tie can be secured to an automotive valve cover by inserting the fastener and the first section of the stem through a corresponding bore formed in the valve cover. With tie inserted as such, the second section of the stem serves to space the bundled wires away from the valve cover, with the first section of the stem and the enlarged member together serving to stabilize the tie within the bore of the valve cover.

Abstract: This invention relates to a two-piece grommet adapted for holding a cable in an aperture, such as in a desk or work surface so as to absorb any strain imposed on the cable and to provide an attractive covering for the hole drilled to pass the cable. The grommet consists of two portions. The first portion comprises a cap having an extended flange and adapted to frictionally fit into the cylindrical sleeve and against the lip. The cap has an aperture cut into it through which the cable passes therethrough.

Abstract: A connecting element (10), in particular for connecting a lining piece with a support, includes a head part (12) for fastening to the lining piece, and a foot part (14) for fastening to the support. The head part (12) and the foot part (14) are connected with each other elastically so that the foot part (14) is movable relative to the head part (12) in directions perpendicular to a central axis (A) of the connecting element (10).

Abstract: A clip for fastening an article to a panel having a hole has a base and a self expanding head attached to the base. The self-expanding head has at least one column extending from the base to a platform that is spaced from the base. First and second flexible beams are attached to the platform at one end and to the base at an opposite end. The first flexible beam has a first plurality of retention shoulders and the second flexible beam has a second plurality of retention shoulders. Each plurality of retention shoulders includes at least one retention shoulder that is spaced from every other retention shoulder in a vertical direction.

Abstract: An auger clip assembly configured to be secured to a foam panel may include a main body having a cylindrical main wall that define a central chamber, a first set of opposed threads radially extending from the main wall and a connection stud secured to the main body. Each of the threads includes a leading edge connected to a trailing end, which is in turn connected to a stop flap that outwardly extends from the main wall. The connection stud is configured to securely mate into a reciprocal hole of a structure, such as a vehicle frame. The main body securely connects within a mating hole of the foam panel through a quarter turn.

Abstract: An article-attaching device includes a casing and a holding member fitted into the casing. The holding member has engageable portions configured to be engageable with a hook of an article. The holding member includes a frame portion fitted to the casing and a pair of torsionally-deformable members extending downward from opposed portions of the frame portion. The torsionally-deformable members have engageable portions and a hook receiver under the engageable portions. A hook passes between the engageable portions from inside of the frame portion, causing the respective torsionally-deformable members to be elastically spread and be torsionally deformed, followed by entering the receiver to be prevented from coming out thereof.

Abstract: A clipping device including a pin and a grommet, the pin including an engaging groove, an enlarging groove, the grommet including a flange part and a body part, the body part being divided into a plurality of divisional leg portions interposing slits, inwardly directed projections being formed on respective inner faces of the divisional leg portions, wherein the pin is provided with a stepped part on its upper end edge, and a swinging piece which is connected to a side face of the divisional leg portion so as to swing in a horizontal direction is provided in the slit of the grommet, the swinging piece being projected outwardly from the body part of the grommet while it is in a free state, and adapted to be pressed by inner peripheral faces of panel holes when inserted into the panel holes.

Abstract: A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion with a pair of top flanges and a pair of abutting coupling flanges. Each of the abutting flanges has an engagement surface and an engagement member, which engages the mounting structure. The elastic abutting flanges also have a base portion and a transition portion. A ramped surface of the engagement feature extends above the base portion. A substantially flat peripheral surface of the engagement feature in the transition portion is adapted to engage the panel to provide resistance to removal of the fastener from the mounting aperture. To manufacture a clip, a punch is used to apply a force to displace material of the elastic abutting flange portion into a die cavity to form the engagement. The elastic abutting flange portion is bent at a location passing through the engagement feature.

Abstract: A clip including a stud engagement part which is configured to receive a stud. The stud engagement part has a first end with a stud receiving opening and a second end with a flange. A pair of retainer pieces extend from the stud engagement part near the second end of the stud engagement part. An elastic piece extends diagonally from an end of the retainer piece, the elastic piece being longer than the retainer piece.

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 generally rectangular intra-spinous spacer preferably made of bone material advantageously has a low potential for bone fusion. The spacer has depressions sized and positioned on opposite sides to receive spinal processes. The depressions reduce the amount of bone-to-spinal process contact. A fixation strap of the spacer secured either to both the superior and inferior spinous processes or to only one of the superior or inferior processes laterally maintains the implanted position of the spacer and limits either flexion and extension, just flexion, or just extension.

Abstract: A fuel cell has a unit cell in which a membrane electrode assembly, in which a pair of electrodes are provided on either side of an electrolyte membrane, is provided between a first separator and a second separator. Pin insertion holes are respectively provided in a plurality of portions in an outer periphery of each of the first and the second separators, and the pin insertion holes of the first separators are respectively coaxial with those of the second separator. A leg portion of a cell fastening pin made of resin is inserted through each pair of the coaxial pin insertion holes of the first and the second separators. The unit cell is fastened by fitting a flange portion formed at an end of the leg portion to the first separator, and fitting a hook portion formed at the other end of the leg portion to the second separator.

Abstract: The invention includes a support frame for producing a dental workpiece. The frame has a Z axis and comprising wall sections defining a hole that extends along the Z axis through the frame. At least one of the wall sections comprises an adhesive-directing surface extending along the Z axis in a non-parallel relationship. Such a configuration provides optimized methods for affixing a blank to the support frame and optimized properties of the blank after fixation to the support frame.

Abstract: A fastening clip configured to secure a first panel to a second panel may include a base supporting a plurality of resilient beams, and a plurality of tangs outwardly extending from an outer surface of each of the resilient beams. The plurality of tangs are configured to securely engage the first and/or second panels. The fastening clip may also include stabilizing flaps on either side.

Abstract: Fasteners characterized by structures which are suitable to be engaged reversibly in a slot of a rigid part, such as a metal sheet or the frame of a car for example. The structure provides easy insertion but difficult extraction of the fastener from the slot, without producing squeaking noises during end-use. Easy manufacturing and high dimensional accuracy are also great assets of the fasteners. The invention also pertains to an assembly of said rigid part and the fastener, an assembly connecting parts with the fastener of this invention, as well as vehicles comprising such assemblies.

Abstract: A mounting element having an essentially rectangular base plate with four edges from which two first arms extend and face each other. The first arms have a first contact section a first distance from the base plate. At least two second arms also face each other, which exhibit a second contact section a second distance from the base plate which is greater than the first distance. At least the first arms extend to their first contact section from the base plate in such a way that their distance from each other increases. In order to achieve an improved retaining effect, one arm extends from each edge of the base plate so that the base plate and arms surround an inner space.