Patent ID: 6176660
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: B60N,B60R,F16B

Abstract:
A fastener assembly for joining a first component to a panel, the fastener assembly comprising:a main body having a central opening extending axially therethrough from an outer first end of the main body to an inner second end of the main body;a pair of elongate spaced apart resilient latch legs extending axially from the second end of the main body on opposite sides of the central opening and terminating at an insertion guide region whereat said pair of latch legs are interengaged, said pair of latch legs being deflectable between said insertion guide region and said main body in directions toward and away from one another and adapted to be selectively received into first and second openings formed in the first component and the panel respectively;at least one locking member carried on at least one of the pair of latch legs, the at least one locking member being adapted for engagement with a peripheral edge of the second opening formed in the panel to retain the fastener body joined to the panel;at least one relatively rigid brace member extending from the second end of the main body radially outside of at least one of said latch legs and being adapted to be selectively received into said first opening formed in the first component for holding the fastener assembly to the first component and being adapted to engage an outer surface of said panel between said first component and the panel for providing relative lateral support between the fastener assembly and the panel; and,a pin member in the central opening for selective axial movement between an outer first position and an inner second position, said pin member operable in the inner second position to selectively attach the fastener assembly to the panel by preventing deflection of the pair of latch legs in a direction toward one another.