Patent ID: 7257867
Filing Date: 2007-08-21
Classification: B60R,F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A clip for attaching a second member to a first member, wherein the clip includes a first clip component to be attached to the first member and a second clip component working with the first clip component to support the second member, wherein the first clip component has a flange for contacting the first member, a leg extending from the flange for insertion into a mounting hole in the first member, and a shank extending from the flange in a direction opposite to the leg, wherein the second clip component has a flange for contacting the second member, a tube for receiving the shank therein, and an engagement portion inside the tube, and wherein a tip of the shank of the first clip component has an engagement portion for engaging the engagement portion of the second clip component so that the second member is clamped between the flange of the first clip component and the flange of the second clip component, wherein the engagement portion of the second clip component comprises a pair of pawls, having an inclined posture so tips thereof approach one another in an insertion direction of the first clip component shank into the tube of the second clip component, and wherein the engagement portion of the first clip component comprises a shank head with a shoulder for engaging the tips of the pawls when the pawls return to the inclined posture after the pawls have been bent outward, wherein the shank of the first clip component has a tapered portion near the head to receive the pawls in the inclined posture, wherein the pawls are constructed so that, after being bent outward, they quickly return to the inclined posture and snap in place against the tapered portion when the head passes between the pawls, wherein the flange of the second clip component is formed in a round plate shape to surround the outer periphery of the tube intermediate its length, wherein the tube has a first portion at one side of the flange of the second component constructed to enter a mounting hole in the second member and to guide the shank of the first clip component into the tube, and a second portion at the opposite side of the flange of the second component, in which the engagement portion of the first clip component engages the engagement portion of the second clip component.