Patent ID: 8469438

Claim:
A fastener for attaching a trim panel to a substrate, the fastener comprising: a clip portion extending along a longitudinal axis and including a first clip wall disposed along a first wall plane, a second clip wall laterally spaced from the first clip wall, and an end clip wall interconnecting the first clip wall and the second clip wall, the first clip wall, the end clip wall and the second clip wall defining a channel having a U-shaped cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and configured for slideably receiving an edge of the substrate in interlocking engagement; a support wall attached to the second clip wall and extending away from the second clip wall to a distal edge laterally spaced from the second clip wall; and a latch configured for releasably engaging the trim panel in interlocking engagement through a slot defined in the trim panel from a direction approximately perpendicular relative to the plane, wherein the latch includes: a first latch portion attached to the distal edge of the support wall and extending away from the plane to a hinge portion; a second latch portion attached to the hinge portion and extending toward the plane in spaced relationship relative to the first latch portion; wherein the first latch portion includes a first retention feature extending away from the second latch portion, and the second latch portion includes a second retention feature extending away from the first latch portion and disposed opposite the first retention feature across a latch plane; wherein the first latch portion and the second latch portion are configured for resilient compression toward each other to allow the first retention feature of the first latch portion and the second retention feature of the second latch portion to pass through the slot in the trim panel, and thereafter spring outward away from the plane of the latch so that the first retention feature and the second retention feature engage the trim panel and secure the trim panel in place; and at least one finger configured for continuously biasing the trim panel to reduce movement of the trim panel relative to the latch.