Floatable clip retainer
AssigneeTesla, Inc.
InventorsYongquan Yu, Mario Raafat Sedky Saad
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fastener can be used to attach a trim component to a vehicle body. The fastener can include a base with a track for receiving the vehicle body and allowing translation along a first directional axis. A retention snap can extend from the base. The retention snap can be engageable with the vehicle body to removably couple the base to the vehicle body. A slot can extend through the base. The slot can be configured to receive a clip and permit translation along a second directional axis. The fastener can also include a window formed in the base. The window can be configured to receive the clip when the clip is inserted into the slot, coupling the trim component to the vehicle body.
Claims20
A fastener for attaching a trim component to a vehicle body, comprising:
- a base including a track configured to receive the vehicle body and permit translation of the base relative to the vehicle body along a first directional axis;
- a retention snap extending from the base, the retention snap engageable with the vehicle body to removably couple the base to the vehicle body;
- a slot extending through the base and defined by the base, the slot configured to receive a clip, the clip coupled to a tower of the trim component, the slot configured to permit translation of the clip relative to the base along a second directional axis;
- and
- a window defined by the base, the window configured to receive the clip when the clip is inserted into the slot to couple the trim component to the vehicle body.
A vehicle trim attachment system, comprising:
- a vehicle body;
- a trim component including a tower extending from an underside of the trim component;
- a clip connected to the tower;
- and
- a fastener for attaching a trim component to a vehicle body, the fastener including:
- a base including a track to receive the vehicle body and permit translation of the base relative to the vehicle body along a first directional axis;
- a retention snap extending from the base, the retention snap engageable with the vehicle body to removably couple the base to the vehicle body;
- a slot extending through the base and defined by the base, the slot configured to receive a clip, the clip coupled to a tower of the trim component, the slot configured to permit translation of the clip relative to the base along a second directional axis;
- and
- a window defined by the base, the window configured to receive the clip when the clip is inserted into the slot to couple the trim component to the vehicle body.
A method of attaching a trim component to a vehicle body, the method comprising:
- obtaining a fastener including a base, a track defined by the base, a retention snap extending from the base, and a slot formed in the base;
- inserting a portion of the vehicle body into the track to allow movement of the base relative to the vehicle body along a first directional axis relative to the base;
- engaging the retention snap with the vehicle body to removably couple the base to the vehicle body;
- and
- inserting a clip on a tower of the trim component at least partially into the slot of the base to couple the trim component to the vehicle body, the slot configured to permit the clip and the tower to translate within the fastener along a second directional axis relative to the base, the second directional axis substantially perpendicular to the first directional axis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.