Snap-in fastener
View Patent ↗A snap-in fastener is provided for securing a vehicle component to a vehicle structure. The fastener comprises a base having a longitudinal axis, a first leg extending downwardly and outwardly from the base and configured to apply a force to the vehicle structure in a first direction, and a second leg extending downwardly from the base and configured to apply a force to the vehicle structure in a second direction that is substantially opposite the first direction. The first leg may have a first portion extending from the base at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis and a second portion extending from the first portion at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis that is different than the first angle. The first leg may also have a foot having a contact surface with an inwardly extending profile for engaging an edge of the vehicle structure.
1. A mounting assembly configured to be secured to a structural portion of a vehicle that has a first side, a second side, and an aperture that extends through the structural portion from the first side to the second side, the mounting assembly comprising:
a vehicle component;
a mounting bracket coupled to the vehicle component; and
a snap-in fastener coupled to the mounting bracket, the fastener comprising:
a base;
a first leg extending downwardly and outwardly from the base and configured to apply a force in a first direction to an edge of the aperture on the first side of the structural portion of the vehicle, the first leg including a foot configured to engage the edge, wherein the foot has a substantially U-shaped cross section defined by first and second substantially parallel members and a cross member, wherein the first parallel member has a first contact surface with a first concave profile when viewed normal to a first plane running through a longitudinal axis of the snap-in fastener and a centerline of the first leg and the second parallel member has a second contact surface with a second concave profile when viewed normal to a second plane running through the longitudinal axis of the snap-in fastener and the centerline of the first leg, wherein the first and second concave profiles of the first and second contact surfaces are configured to engage the edge to apply force in the first direction to secure the fastener in the structural portion; and
a second leg extending downwardly and outwardly from the base and configured to apply a force to the second side of the structural portion in a second direction that is substantially opposite the first direction, the second leg being spaced apart from the first leg.
2. The mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein the first leg has a first portion extending from the base at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis and a second portion extending from the first portion at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis that is larger than the first angle to allow the first portion to be inserted into the aperture relatively unimpeded.
3. The mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein the vehicle component is a visor.
4. The mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein the snap-in fastener comprises more than one first leg and more than one second leg.
5. The mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein the first leg includes a first portion extending from the base at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis and a second portion extending from the first portion at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis that is different than the first angle.
6. The mounting assembly of claim 5 wherein the second portion is non-linear.