Snap-in attachment clip for plastic panel

Abstract

A U-shaped edge attachment clip adapted for securing each outboard end of a plastic panel to an associated vehicle body side panel downwardly offset horizontally disposed flange. Each flange free edge includes a pair of longitudinally spaced cutouts. Each attachment clip, of resilient sheet material, has an elongate, generally U-shaped bifurcated configuration defining an upper contoured leg and a lower planar leg having their proximate ends joined by a bight wall. The upper leg is formed with inner and outer longitudinally spaced pairs of spring tangs matching lower leg underling end tab portions and a center elongated tab portion adapted to grip the flange. The longitudinally spaced upper tangs and lower tab portions define a pair of matching clip upper and lower leg end notches which, when aligned with associated flange cutouts, are adapted to receive panel integral snap-in locking prongs. An integral leaf spring on the clip is adapted to resiliently biases a depending end wall of the plastic panel upwardly upon engagement of the prongs, thereby positioning the plastic panel exterior surface in flush relation with adjacent an portion of the body panel. The clips and their associated panel cutouts allow the plastic panel freedom to thermally expand outboard. The plastic panel is readily removed by sliding each clip inboard from its respective body flange thereby releasing its associated plastic panel locking prongs.