Patent ID: 8291553
Filing Date: 2012-10-23
Classification: B60J,B60R,F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A trim panel for mounting to a support structure of an automotive vehicle by a clip having a first flange at one end of the clip and a second flange spaced apart from the first flange, and a clip body defined as the portion of the clip between the first flange and the second flange, said trim panel comprising: an inner surface facing an interior of the vehicle and an opposite outer surface facing the support structure; and a housing extending from said outer surface, said housing having a window and an attachment wall formed above said window, said window having a width greater than a width of the first flange of the clip, said attachment wall having an aperture extending between an upper surface and an opposite bottom surface of said attachment wall and a slot formed in said attachment wall to connect said window with said aperture for receiving the clip body, said slot having a width that is less than said width of said window; and wherein a portion of said attachment wall adjacent said slot and said window includes a retention step extending from said bottom surface, said retention step having a distal surface and a side edge extending between said bottom surface of said attachment wall and said distal surface, said distal surface being spaced apart from said bottom surface of the attachment wall; wherein upon insertion of the clip body into said aperture, said side edge of said retention step provides an abutment to a side of the first flange to retain the clip body within said aperture.