Chrysler Corporation

Herbert J Keller, Jr

Alfred A Bien

Robert L Stewart

Gerald T Niemitalo

Riad E Michael

Russell A Simms

Alfred W Christenson

The present invention provides an arrangement for attaching a flexible elastomeric panel integrally formed with one or more female connectors to an automotive body support surface having one or more associated male connectors in a blind assembly connection. Each female connector comprises a cutting-tooth shaped notch molded in an attaching flange of the panel while the male connector comprises a elongated stem projecting from the support surface. The elongated stem includes a backing plate positioned in parallel spaced relation to the support surface defining a layered gap therebetween. The panel flange is moved into flush contact with the support surface enabling the support flange to be received in a layer-like gap with the stem adapted to be received in a lean-in passage of the female connector. As a result the blind assembly connection is permitted upon the panel being slid relative to the support surface in a self guided manner whereby the stem is cammed into a retaining groove portion of the notch in a resilient snap-in manner.

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Utica, MI, United States of America

Herbert J Keller, Jr