Fixing device for a handle

A device for attaching a vehicle accessory to a body panel and a trim panel in the presence or absence of a space therebetween, comprising:

• a carrier body configured to receive the vehicle accessory and having a first latching member configured to extend at least partially through an opening in the trim panel and the body panel, and a blocking member interacting with the carrier body to engage the first latching member to the body panel so that the handle and the trim panel are attachable to the body panel in a close-fitting relationship, the carrier body further comprising a structure configured to receive an adapter member having a first portion configured to engage the trim panel and a second portion having a second latching member configured to engage the opening in the body panel and configured to interact with the blocking member to engage the second latching member to the body panel so that the handle and trim cover are attachable to the body panel in a spaced-apart relationship.

An attachment apparatus configured for coupling a vehicle accessory and a trim panel to a body panel within a vehicle, comprising:

• a carrier body attachable to the vehicle accessory and including a first stop for engaging the trim panel and a first latching member for engaging a cutout in the body panel, and a blocking member insertable within the latching member to couple the accessory and the trim panel to the body panel when the trim panel and the body panel are substantially free of a space therebetween, wherein the carrier body further comprises structure for receiving an adapter member having a second stop for engaging the trim panel and a second latching member for engaging the cutout in the body panel so that the accessory is attachable to the body panel with a space between the trim panel and body panel when the blocking member is inserted.