Kenneth J Bailey

US Patent:

20030102680, Jun 5, 2003

Filed:

Dec 5, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/007444

Inventors:

Joseph Sedlock - Rockford MI, US
Robert Allen - Hudsonville MI, US
Kenneth Bailey - Alto MI, US
David Means - Plymouth MI, US

International Classification:

A44B017/00

US Classification:

292/297000

Abstract:

A plastic grille is attached to vehicle fenders by fasteners having a first connector section particularly shaped to snappingly engage a hole in the grille, and having an oppositely-facing second connector section particularly shaped to snappingly engage a hole in the fenders. The first and second connector sections are shaped for optimal low insertion force, yet high retention force. The first and second connectors have flexible arms that are oriented 90 degrees apart, permitting the connectors to slip in perpendicular directions in their respective receiving holes, thus providing improved tolerance and adjustability during installation. A method of assembly includes pre-attaching the fastener to the plastic component, and then attaching them as a unit to the metal component.