The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 24, 2003
Filed:
Dec. 05, 2001
Joseph M. Sedlock, Rockford, MI (US);
Robert L. Allen, Hudsonville, MI (US);
Kenneth Bailey, Sr., Alto, MI (US);
David Means, Plymouth, MI (US);
Lacks Enterprises, Inc., Grand Rapids, MI (US);
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.