Fastener apparatus for an automotive body panel component

A one piece resilient clip for fastening an automotive grill panel having a plurality of tabs to an automotive body having a plurality of apertures for receiving the tabs therein, the clip comprising:

• a first U-shaped section adapted to receive a grill panel tab therein, said first U-shaped section having a plurality of tab engaging barbs disposed therein for engaging said tab and preventing axial withdrawal of said tab therefrom;
• a second U-shaped section axially aligned with said first U-shaped section and adapted to be inserted into said body aperture, said second U-shaped section having a first leg portion and a second leg portion, said second leg portion being resiliently flexible relative to said first leg portion, and inclined at a predetermined angle away from said first leg portion to define a ramped surface thereby;
• said first U-shaped section being folded back into a contact relationship with said first leg portion of said second U-shaped section, said contact relationship being operative to increase the strength and rigidity of said apparatus;
• a shoulder disposed on said second leg portion of said second U-shaped section, said shoulder being adapted to contact said automotive body, and said shoulder and said second leg portion being cooperative to prevent rattling of said apparatus in said aperture;
• and
• a positive locking tab member formed on said second leg portion of said second U-shaped section, said tab member being configured to resiliently compress upon insertion of said clip into said aperture and being operative to spring out and engage said body and provide a snap-fit retention to resist axial withdrawal of said clip from said aperture.