Abstract: A fastening device for attaching an assembly comprising at least two planar elements, comprises: A clip for insertion into openings in the planar elements for holding the planar elements together including a planar head having a central opening for providing access to an inner cavity of the clip; two lateral upright members having a first end that is secured to the head and a second end, the second ends being joined to each other; and a pin that is intended to be inserted into an inner cavity in the clip in order to lock the assembly. The pin comprises at least one flexible bridging piece having a central portion that is connected to a main body of the pin by means of two flexible portions, and the pin contacts a lateral upright member of the clip to lock and hold the assembled planar elements together.

Abstract: An insert type expandable garnish is provided and includes a body part that is inserted into a mounting part of a groove shape formed on the surface of a vehicle. A tension structure part is disposed on the body part to press the body part from the inner bottom surface of the mounting part toward the outside of the vehicle, when the body part is pressed toward the mounting part and inserted into the mounting part. An expandable bracket part protrudes from the body part and is adhered with the mounting part, when the tension structure part presses the body part.

Abstract: A vehicle panel assembly includes a first panel, a second panel and a retaining element. The first panel has a first side and a second side with at least one aperture extending from the first side to the second side. The second panel overlies a portion of the first side of the first panel. The second panel includes at least one snap-fitting member extending through the at least one aperture and contacting an area of the second side adjacent to the at least one aperture. The retaining element includes at least one restricting part that extends from the second side of the first panel into the at least one aperture to restrict movement of the snap-fitting member and inhibit disengagement of the snap-fitting member with the area of the second side adjacent to the at least one aperture.

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 fastener clip includes a base plate and a first and second pair of laterally offset legs extending from the base plate. At least one first wing extends from the first pair of laterally offset legs. The at least one first wing has an engagement region. At least one second wing extending from the second pair of laterally offset legs. The at least one second wing has an engagement region, such that a distance between the engagement regions and the base plate is operative to vary continuously according to a slot thickness. The fastener clip is operative for insertion into the slot defined in a first engagement structure, such as a vehicle chassis.

Abstract: An attachment assembly includes a molding, a support member, and a clip. The molding assembly includes a molding body and a molding protrusion extending from the molding body. The support member includes a support body and defines a support opening that extends into the support body. The clip includes a first clip arm and a second clip arm coupled to the first clip arm. The first clip arm is disposed in the support opening. The second clip arm is spaced apart from the support body so as to define a clip channel configured to receive the molding protrusion. The clip is configured to couple the molding assembly to the support member when the clip channel receives the molding protrusion.

Abstract: A fastening device includes a clip and a retaining element. The clip has a head from which lateral wings for fastening to a panel and resilient lugs for fastening the retaining element to the clip extend laterally. The retaining element temporarily fastened inside the clip is inserted in this state inside a mounting hole or opening where final fastening of the device to the panel is performed. The retaining element has an internal cavity for disassembling the clip. The resilient lugs have a fold from which they extend so as to form inner wings which are provided with an opening. Upon insertion of the retaining element, projections of the retaining element engage inside the opening.

Abstract: A panel attachment arrangement for attaching a panel to a support having a pair of opposite sides each opposite side having an engagement lip which, in use, are on the opposite face of the support to the panel, the panel attachment arrangement including: a pair of first projections adapted to receive a pair of opposite sides of a support; each projection including an inward transverse second projection adapted to seat behind or in a corresponding one of the recesses in the support, wherein one or more of (a) the panel, (b) the first projections, or (c) the second projections are flexible or resilient, whereby the second projections can be resiliently splayed or flexed beyond the opposite sides of the support to engage the corresponding lip when the flexing force is removed.

Abstract: A window surround molding is secured on a vehicle door flange with a retainer clip. The molding extends in a longitudinal direction and has a cross-section including first and second channels separated by a Dutch bend. The flange is disposed in the second channel on one side of the Dutch bend. The clip is disposed in the first channel on an opposite side of the Dutch bend. An arm extends in the longitudinal direction away from first and second ends of the clip and engages the molding to secure the clip within the first channel. The clip also includes a lower edge that engages the Dutch bend. A flex tab protrudes from a front face of the clip and engages the flange to secure the molding on the flange and to prevent rotation of the molding relative to the flange.

Abstract: A flat vehicle body component made of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic has at least one interconnecting web that protrudes from the flat vehicle body component and that is made entirely of the matrix material epoxy resin. A mounting part at least partially envelops the interconnecting web in a force locking manner, so that the mounting part is clamped securely on the interconnecting web. The mounting part has at least one hole that can be used for fastening another component. An additional component may be fastened in the hole in a conventional manner, so that the carbon fiber reinforced plastic component does not need corresponding holes. The interconnecting web may be integrally molded on the vehicle body component during its manufacture so that practically no additional engineering effort is needed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping holder as well as to a pane assembly comprising such a clamping holder and to a method for producing such a pane assembly. Pane assemblies, which are injection molded on the edge side by a frame section, are known in the state of the art. In response to the production of the pane assembly, a retaining strip, which is embedded into the frame section through this after the injection molding process, is furthermore inserted into the injection molding tool. A retaining clamp, by means of which trim can be attached to the pane assembly in a clamping manner, must be attached to the retaining strip after the completion of the pane assembly. To avoid the requirement of subsequently attaching a retaining clamp, provision is made for a clamping holder comprising a connecting section and a clamp section, which is embodied such that connecting section and clamp section can together be inserted into an injection molding tool.

Abstract: A retention feature for securing a trim component to a panel of an automotive vehicle includes an elongate clip extending from the trim component and a selectively releasable locking device disposed on the panel. The clip is configured to be inserted through an opening defined by the panel. The locking device includes: a restraining portion on a first side of the panel; an actuating portion on a second side of the panel; and a biasing feature configured to compliantly bias the restraining portion into the locked state. The restraining portion of the locking device obstructs the withdrawal of the elongate clip from the panel when in a locked state, and is configured to transition from the locked state to an unlocked state in response to the application of a force to the actuating portion.

Abstract: An end cap is attached to a molding main body and is attached to a vehicle body by pressing a clip via the molding main body to the vehicle body. The end cap includes a cap portion which covers an end portion of the molding main body when the end cap is attached to the molding main body, an insertion portion whose proximal end portion is continuous with the cap portion and which is inserted into the molding main body, and a rib which is provided on the insertion portion such that the rib projects from an opening of the molding main body and which receives a reaction force from the vehicle body when a forward end portion of the rib butts against the vehicle body due to a pressing force which is applied to the clip via the molding main body so as to lock the clip.

Abstract: A fastener for securing a trim panel to a substrate of a door includes a clip portion configured for slideable insertion over an edge of the substrate, and a latch configured for passing through a slot defined by the trim panel from a direction approximately perpendicular relative to a first wall plane. The latch includes at least one finger configured for biasing against the trim panel to limit movement of the trim panel relative to the fastener.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a vehicle body panel, a trim panel and a first mounting arrangement. The vehicle body panel includes interior and exterior attached panels. The exterior panel includes a base surface extending along a peripheral edge of the vehicle body panel and a mounting surface that is raised relative to an adjacent portion of the base surface. The mounting surface defines an aperture that extends to an opposite concave surface of the exterior panel. The base surface of the exterior panel abuts the interior panel along a majority of a perimeter of the mounting surface. The trim panel is coupled to the vehicle body panel. The first mounting arrangement couples the trim panel to the vehicle body panel and engages a periphery of the aperture through the mounting surface to at least partially retain the trim panel to the vehicle body panel in an installed position.

Abstract: A window surround molding is secured on a vehicle door flange with a retainer clip. The molding extends in a longitudinal direction and has a cross-section including first and second channels separated by a Dutch bend. The flange is disposed in the second channel on one side of the Dutch bend. The clip is disposed in the first channel on an opposite side of the Dutch bend. An arm extends in the longitudinal direction away from first and second ends of the clip and engages the molding to secure the clip within the first channel. The clip also includes a lower edge that engages the Dutch bend. A flex tab protrudes from a front face of the clip and engages the flange to secure the molding on the flange and to prevent rotation of the molding relative to the flange.

Abstract: An end cap is attached to a molding main body and is attached to a vehicle body by pressing a clip via the molding main body to the vehicle body. The end cap includes a cap portion which covers an end portion of the molding main body when the end cap is attached to the molding main body, an insertion portion whose proximal end portion is continuous with the cap portion and which is inserted into the molding main body, and a rib which is provided on the insertion portion such that the rib projects from an opening of the molding main body and which receives a reaction force from the vehicle body when a forward end portion of the rib butts against the vehicle body due to a pressing force which is applied to the clip via the molding main body so as to lock the clip.

Abstract: A molding for attachment to a flange portion includes a retention portion having first and second legs defining a channel for receiving the flange portion, and a support member coupled to the retention portion and movable relative thereto. The support member includes an outboard surface and an inboard surface. A film is disposed along the outboard surface of the support member. A clip is formed along and extends out from the first leg of the retention portion. The clip is engageable with the support member to lock the support member in place relative to the retention portion for positioning the film along the flange portion.

Abstract: A skirting board comprising a base profile and a guard profile. The base profile comprises a receiving portion and a deflecting arm. The guard profile comprises a protruding portion, that interfaces with the receiving portion of the base profile, and a curved portion. The guard profile combines with the base profile to provide at least one open space. Finally, the deflecting arm and the curved portion combine to provide a surface used to finish a corner produced by a floor and a wall.

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 molding system includes a clip and a molding. The clip attaches to at least one panel of a vehicle. The clip includes a body that presents a surface. A pair of lips extends from the body in opposition to the surface. A fastener extends from the surface and is configured for engaging the at least one panel of the vehicle. A sealant is disposed on the surface. The sealant is configured to expand upon application of a condition such that the sealant engages the at least one panel of the vehicle to retain the clip to the at least one panel of the vehicle. The molding is configured to snap over the pair of lips on the clip such that the molding is secured to the at least one panel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A channel fastener is described. The channel fastener may secure molding to a vehicle roof ditch and includes a retainer clip and a fastener. The retainer clip includes a body having an opening for receiving a pin, an attachment feature located on an end of the body, a clamp feature located on either side of the opening, and wings extending from the body. The attachment feature secures the molding to the channel fastener. The wings center and align the channel fastener within the roof ditch. The fastener includes an aperture for receiving the pin, wherein the fastener may be slidably secured within the body. The fastener may slide laterally and longitudinally from a center of the retainer clip toward either wall of the roof ditch.

Abstract: An elbow is positionable at the lower end of a down spout. A protective strip fabricated of an elastomeric material is positioned over the bottom of the elbow. The strip is fabricated to include an elongated member in a generally C-shaped cross sectional configuration. The elongated member covers a portion of the bottom of the elbow. The protective strip is fabricated to also include an elongated component in a generally C-shaped cross sectional configuration. The elongated component fabricated of a metallic material and is totally encased within the elastomeric material. The component is adapted to be crimped onto the bottom of the elbow.

Abstract: A ceiling system which includes a plurality of grid elements which form a grid framework and a plurality of downwardly accessible ceiling panels. The ceiling panels include a substrate and at least two mounting members. Each mounting member cooperates with the substrate to provide strength and rigidity characteristics to the substrate and to form a grid receiving cavity. Each mounting member further cooperates with a grid element to accurately position the panel relative to the grid framework. When installed, the system provides no visual indications on how the ceiling panel can be removed.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for attaching an automotive surface component, such as a carpet and/or trim, to a primary surface on an automotive panel forming a wall of an automotive structural member, such as a rocker panel. The automotive panel has a space therebehind and holes therethrough. Plug portions of plug fastener assemblies having hollow bodies are pressed through the holes prior to filling the space behind the panel with foam. Fastener insert portions of the plug fastener assemblies for retaining carpet and/or other automotive surface components, such as trim strips, are inserted into the hollow bodies of the plug portions. Cooperating shoulders and flanges hold the plug portions in the panel and cooperating shoulders and flanges hold the fastener insert portions in the hollow bodies of the plug portions. While the use described is for rockers in automotive vehicles, the plug fastener arrangement is usable as fasteners for other purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a window unit (10) comprising a window pane (11) and a frame (12). The frame (12) consists of two parts, a basic frame (15) and an additional frame (16). The basic frame (15) has a bearing surface (17) which contacts the window pane (11) to which the frame is permanently fixed by means of an adhesive layer (19) deposited on the bearing surface. The basic frame (15) further comprises a connecting surface (21) for the additional frame (16). Said additional frame (16) in turn also has a connecting surface (21) of the basic frame (15). The two frame parts (15; 16) are removably or permanently joined together via their connecting surfaces (21; 26).

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 vehicle interior trim component and a method for manufacturing the same are provided in which a vehicle interior trim component comprises a substrate provided with a groove portion having a plurality of bottomed groove portions and a plurality of cutout groove portions from which the bottoms have been cut, and a trim member provided with a first cover portion, the second cover portion, and a fixing member mounted on a boundary portion between the first cover portion and the second cover portion, the first cover portion located on the opposite side of the groove portion from a second cover portion, the trim member covering the substrate. The boundary portion including the fixing member is attached to the groove portion by insertion through one end of the groove portion. Each of the cutout groove portions is provided on its edge with a retainer for retaining the fixing member.

Abstract: A weather strip includes a bottom wall that faces or is in contact with an end face of a fixed window glass that closes a window opening of a side door. An outer wall extends from the bottom wall on an outer side of the vehicle body with respect to the fixed window glass, and an inner wall extends from the bottom wall on an inner side of the vehicle body with respect to the fixed window glass so that the inner wall and the outer wall sandwich a peripheral portion of the fixed window glass in a thickness direction. The inner wall is provided with a spacing groove for creating a space between the fixed window glass and the inner wall.

Abstract: A device for attaching a profiled trim to a portion of a shaped bead mounted on a glazing, for example mounted on at least part of the periphery of a glazing. The device includes at least one rigid clip including at least an upstream interacting part configured to allow interaction with the shaped bead and a downstream interacting part configured to allow interaction with the profiled trim. The upstream interacting part includes at least one protruding male element or a hollow female element, this element interacting respectively with a corresponding hollow female element or a protruding male element arranged in the shaped bead. The hollow female element has internal dimensions at least partially less than external dimensions of the protruding male element.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the demand for a technology that enables reutilization of a molding main body and the fasteners for fixing a molding main body to an automobile following the removal of these parts from one another. The present invention proposes a car molding and fastener, in which a base plate is provided to a fastener for fixing molding main body to a car body, base plate being inserted into and held in place in housing space of a fastener holder that is formed to molding main body. Elastic pieces are provided on opposite sides of base plate, and have protruding portions which engage in a releasable manner with engage-and-stop portions on either side of fastener holder. By manipulating these elastic pieces, the aforementioned engagement is released, so that fastener can be separated from fastener holder in this car molding.

Abstract: A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion 22 with a pair of top flanges 24, a pair of fastening fingers 26 and a pair of abutting coupling flanges 28. Each of the fastening fingers 26 are coupled to the body portion 22 that is coupled to an associated top flange 24. Each of the abutting flanges 26 has a concave surface, which engages the mounting structure. The fastening finger 26 portions are configured to engage a first side of a mounting flange on an interior trim component. An optional sealing member 122 may be used to provide sealing engagement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic clip, for the detachable connection of a trim plate to a support piece, in particular, to the door frame of a motor vehicle. The clip comprises a head piece (1) and an anchoring foot (2), which may be inserted in an opening in the support piece (4) and an upper part (3), for fixing to the trim plate (6), which may be connected to the head piece (1) in a snap-fastening manner. The head piece (1) has the form of an open cylinder, with a central recess (7), on the edge (8) of which inwardly-projecting support segments (9) are formed, in order to guarantee application of the clip, even with variations in tolerance between the fixing site on the trim plate (6) and the fixing opening (5) in the support piece (4). Furthermore, a support plate (10) is provided above the anchoring foot (2), above which a T-shaped support pin (11) extends.

Abstract: A clip for mounting a weatherstrip between an end side of a window and a window frame includes: a weatherstrip side member having arms for engaging the weatherstrip and tabular engagement pieces extending from a base portion of the arms; and a window frame side member including box-shape holding portions for allowing the tabular engagement pieces to slide therein and an attachment device, i.e. T stud attachment portion and a double-sided tape, for attaching to the window frame. An engagement device is provided between the engagement pieces and the holding portions, and is formed of claws provided on one of the engagement pieces and holding portions and holes provided on the other. The weatherstrip side member and the window frame side member can be separately formed, and easily combined.

Abstract: A side moulding which is readily manufactured and mounted on an exterior side surface of a body or door of a motor vehicle, and is free from the generation of noise during the running of the motor vehicle or upon the opening and closing of the door of the motor vehicle. The side moulding includes a main body, clips for mounting the main body to the body or door of the motor vehicle, and cushion members provided in a rear surface of the main body. Each of the cushion members includes a cushion part for achieving a cushioning operation against the main body, and the body or door of the motor vehicle, and a fitting part for fitting to each of rib parts provided in the rear surface of the main body.

Abstract: A pillar trim structure comprises: a vehicular pillar; a pillar trim for covering the pillar from the inner side of a compartment; a first retained member having its one end fixed on a vehicular widthwise face of the pillar trim and extended to the side of the pillar and its other end retained in a first hole formed in the pillar; and a second retained member having its one end fixed on the vehicular widthwise face of the pillar trim and extended to the side of the pillar and its other end retained in a second hole formed in the pillar. The engagements between the first and the second retained members, and the pillar can be released by deforming the pillar trim to separate the other end of the first retained member and the other end of the second retained member.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is the development of a support strip, which lends a seal, made from a rubber material, a stiffness adequate for production and assembly, has good extension and compression properties, has an adequate mobility in order to be able to follow the given directional curves of the chassis components and lends the seal a clamping force sufficient for a secure and durable seating of the seal on the attachment flange of the chassis components. Said aim must be achieved with the proviso of a lowest possible weight and low production costs for said support strip. The aim is achieved by means of an asymmetric arrangement of short (2) and long (3) wedge-like recesses and slots (4) in the support strip as in FIG. 1, permitting a low weight and low production costs in fulfilling the said aims. The invention further relates to an asymmetric strip which can be used as reinforcing support for a seal made from rubber material in chassis production of automobiles.

Abstract: A trim system includes aesthetic trim components adapted for interconnected attachment to painted exterior vehicle body panels. The first and second trim components have edge flanges that define a joint line between their outer surfaces but that overlap to prevent see-through between the trim components. The first and second trim components include a recess and a hook frictionally engaging the recess to retain the first and second trim components closely together to minimize a width of the joint line. The first and second trim components also include an alignment flange portion and a clamping flange engaging the alignment flange portion to maintain an optimal flushness of the outer surfaces. At least one of the edge flanges has a reduced thickness to minimize a thickness of the assembly, with the hook and clamping flanges also being designed to minimize total thickness.

Abstract: An article holder includes a base to be attached to an inner side portion of a frame and at lease two clip members to be assembled to the base with a space therebetween. The clip members receive therein engaging projections of projecting pieces provided at an article while elastically expanding. Also, the clip members include inserting portions having engaging portions to be engaged with the engaging projections of the projecting pieces through rebounding at terminal positions to which the projecting pieces are inserted. Moreover, the clip members are rotatably assembled to the base. Thus, in case a window glass is curved to have a curved inner side on a passenger's compartment side, the article can be held corresponding to the curve by changing the engaging positions of a plurality of engaging portions with respect to the article.

Abstract: A process for producing a composite constructional element from a basic body made of plastic which is provided with ribs and is partially or completely connected to a reinforcing element made of metal or reinforced plastic. In this process, the connection of the basic body and reinforcing element to form the composite constructional element for the transfer of shearing, torsional, flexural and tensile/compressive stresses takes place at a subsequent time in a separate work step.

Abstract: A solar module assembly comprising a solar module, at least one locating part in the form of a profiled rail with a longitudinally extending slot therein and a clip with a hook for fixing the solar module to the profiled rail when the clip is inserted in the slot.

Abstract: In a pillar trim mounting structure, a clip mount is protruded from the center of the back of an upper end of a center pillar trim; locking pieces are provided on both sides thereof; a clip mounted on the clip mount and the locking pieces are fitted in a mounting hole and locking holes of a center pillar panel, respectively, so that the strength of mounting the pillar trim is increased and the center pillar trim become disengaged even when an air bag is activated. Since the conventional bolt is eliminated, the ornamental cap is also eliminated and a simple appearance can be achieved. When the air bag is activated, an upper surface of each of the locking pieces work as a barrier or a guide and prevents the air bag from entering the center pillar trim and the air bag can be guided in a proper direction of expansion.

Abstract: A motor vehicle trim panel assembly and method including a molded plastic trim panel having a facia portion, an integral skirt portion, a plurality of flat cantilever platforms on an inside surface of the facia portion, and a plurality of pairs of raised bosses on the inside surface of the facia portion. Each platform has a pair of side panels attached thereto by integral “living” hinges. A push-in fastener is supported in a slot in each platform. The side panels are folded down and snapped behind the raised bosses which retain the side panels in active positions defining struts between the platform and the inside surface of the facia portion. Force applied to an outside surface of the facia portion thrusts the push-in fastener into a socket in a vehicle body panel to secure the facia portion without the push-in fasteners being externally visible. The struts react to the facia portion a fraction of the thrust applied to the push-in fastener to prevent flexure of the platform.

Abstract: Disclosed is an otherwise conventional wood molding that has a keyhole slot milled along its length on the mounting side thereof. Special mounting plates are attached to the wall via nails or other fasteners and include a specially designed key protrusion that mate with the keyhole slot. Inserting the key into the keyhole slot, the molding can be attached to and removed from the wall quickly, easily and repetitively without damaging either the molding or the wall.