Resilient two stage clip for automotive application

Abstract

A two stage spring clip for moveably fastening a first substrate to a second substrate through an aperture. The clip is comprised of an insert nose portion with outwardly tapered legs to form a first retaining portion. The first retaining portion has a first retaining shoulder that extends at a first angle that is substantially perpendicular to a centerline. The outwardly extending legs extend from said first retaining shoulder to form a second retaining shoulder. The second retaining shoulder extends from said centerline at a second angle that is less than the angle of the first retaining shoulder. The legs are further equipped with stop flanges that extend from the outwardly extending legs at an angle that prevents the over insertion of the spring clip into an aperture by acting as a stop against the sides of said aperture. The outwardly extending legs terminate in opposed flanges and during deployment of an air bag side curtain. The clip is displaced any distance, and preferably 13-15 mm, yet retained in the aperture to prevent the trim cover from detachment from the pillar during air bag deployment.

1 . A unitary two stage spring clip for moveably fastening a first substrate to a second substrate through cooperatively aligned apertures in said substrates, said clip comprising an insert nose portion with outwardly tapered legs to form a first retaining portion; said first retaining portion having a first retaining shoulder that extends at a first angle relative to a centerline; said outwardly extending legs extend from said first retaining shoulder to form a second retaining shoulder; said second retaining shoulder extending from said centerline at a second angle from said centerline; said legs further equipped with spring flanges in opposed relation to each other; said spring flanges further adapted to permit insertion of a post on a trim piece between said flanges and prevent removal of the post; said legs equipped with stop flanges that extend from the outwardly extending legs at an angle that prevents over insertion of the spring clip into an aperture by acting as a stop against a substrate surface proximal said aperture; said outwardly extending legs terminating in opposed flanges, the clip may be inserted into the aperture and the resilient spring clip is retained in the aperture. 
   
   
       2 . The two stage clip of  claim 1 , wherein said clip is retained in an aperture by the interaction of the second retaining shoulder and the aperture. 
   
   
       3 . The two stage retention clip of  claim 1 , wherein said clip, in response to a force, may be dislodged from interaction of the second retaining shoulder with the aperture, thereby permitting the clip to be partially removed from said aperture and permitting said first retaining shoulder to engage said aperture. 
   
   
       4 . The two stage retaining clip of  claim 1 , wherein said clip is resilient and constructed of metal or plastic. 
   
   
       5 . The two stage retaining clip of  claim 1 , further including spring flanges formed in the nose portion of the outwardly extending legs to provide for a more secure fit and insertion into an aperture. 
   
   
       6 . The two stage retaining clip of  claim 3 , wherein said first substrate is a trim cover and said second substrate is a pillar in a vehicle, and said force is the deployment of an air curtain. 
   
   
       7 . The two stage retaining clip of  claim 6 , wherein said clip, in response to said force, is displaced from about 13 to about 15 mm, thereby permitting the air curtain to deploy without permitting the trim cover to become completely detached from said A pillar. 
   
   
       8 . A two stage spring clip for moveably fastening a first substrate to a second substrate through cooperatively aligned apertures in said substrates, said clip being a unitary structure formed from a single piece of resilient material, comprising a pair of legs joined as a unitary piece to present a substantially U shaped profile; each said leg is equipped with opposed deflection tabs and terminated in a stop; said deflection tab acting as retention for a post on a substrate inserted therebetween; each stop equipped with a leg portion that terminates in a shoulder; each shoulder oriented to be at a first angle relative to a centerline; and an insert nose portion formed of angled inclined surfaces that join said shoulders, said inclined surfaces spaced apart from each other; one inclined surface equipped with at least one flange; said other inclined surface equipped with a recess cooperative to said flange. 
   
   
       9 . The two stage clip of  claim 8 , wherein said clip is retained in an aperture by the interaction of the second retaining shoulder and the aperture. 
   
   
       10 . The two stage retention clip of  claim 8 , wherein said clip, in response to a force, may be partially dislodged from interaction of the second retaining shoulder with the aperture, thereby permitting the clip to be partially removed from said aperture and permitting said first retaining shoulder to engage said aperture. 
   
   
       11 . The two stage retaining clip of  claim 8 , wherein said clip is resilient and constructed of metal or plastic. 
   
   
       12 . The two stage retaining clip of  claim 8 , further including spring flanges formed in the nose portion of the outwardly extending legs to provide for a more secure fit and insertion into an aperture in a trim panel. 
   
   
       13 . The two stage retaining clip of  claim 10 , wherein said first substrate is a trim cover and said second substrate is a pillar in a vehicle, and said force is the deployment of an air curtain. 
   
   
       14 . The two stage retaining clip of  claim 13 , wherein said clip, in response to said force, is displaced from about 13 to about 15 mm, thereby permitting the air curtain to deploy without permitting the trim cover to become completely detached from said retaining pin and said A pillar. 
   
   
       15 . The two stage retaining clip of  claim 8 , further including at least one reinforcement rib at least partially overlying said U shaped legs and at least one flange extending from at least one said inclined surface.