elastic clip

Abstract

This invention relates to a resilient clip for attaching a panel to a vehicle structure having at least one mounting member. The resilient clip includes a base having an upper surface and a lower surface, the base being configured to engage coercively with the mounting member. The resilient clip includes a body portion having a central axis extending away from the lower surface of the base, and including a first planar wall member and a second planar wall member, the second planar wall member being spaced apart from the first planar wall member relative to the central axis, each of the first and second planar wall members extending away from the lower surface toward a distal end on the central axis and converging at the distal end. The body portion further includes at least a first pair of opposing retaining elements, each retaining element disposed on and extending laterally outward from a corresponding one of the first and second planar wall members, the first pair of opposing retaining elements being configured to securely engage during use when inserted into an opening in the panel.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a resilient clip for use in vehicles. In particular, this invention relates to a resilient clip for fastening panels to vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] In the motor vehicle industry, it is generally known that components need to be fastened to vehicles. Various types of fasteners are used in motor vehicle applications, for example, under the hood or inside vehicle panels. One widely used fastener in vehicles is the clamp, often called a spring clip. Spring clips are used to secure interior trim components (such as vehicle panels) to the vehicle.

[0003] Conventional flex clips are typically used to mount vehicle panels onto vehicle structures. They can also be used to mount panels into high-impact areas of the vehicle structure. Flex clips generally have relatively high mounting forces; that is, they require considerable force (e.g., thrust) to move the clip into the corresponding hole in the vehicle structure. However, the relatively high force required for installation can pose difficulties for manufacturers and users (e.g., in the case of manual assembly). In some configurations, additional components or parts may be required to facilitate attachment of the clip to the structure. The need for additional tools or parts (such as screws or other fasteners) significantly increases complexity and subsequent costs in the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the additional components required for assembly can unnecessarily increase the overall weight of the clip assembly. Similarly, in cases where vehicle parts must be removed for repair or replacement due to damage, the flex clip will need to be removed from the assembly first. However, many conventional flex clips fail to facilitate multiple reinstallations because the clips may deteriorate or break over time. Additionally, the clip should have sufficient holding force once installed so that it does not accidentally disengage during use. Likewise, typical flex clips are often designed for specific structural thicknesses.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved resilient clip that can alleviate or mitigate one or more of the aforementioned problems. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a resilient clip with better retention characteristics (including relatively low insertion force and relatively high removal resistance) and better versatility to allow, for example, a range of resilient clips of different thicknesses with minimal weight and complexity.

[0005] This invention provides at least an alternative to the existing elastic clips. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, an elastic clip is provided according to the appended claims.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a resilient clip is provided for attaching a panel to a vehicle structure having at least one mounting member. The resilient clip includes a base and a body portion. The base has an upper surface and a lower surface configured to engage coercively with the mounting member. The body portion has a central axis extending away from the lower surface of the base and includes a first planar wall member and a second planar wall member, the second planar wall member being spaced apart from the first planar wall member relative to the central axis. Each of the first and second planar wall members extends away from the lower surface toward a distal end on the central axis and converges at the distal end. The body portion further includes at least a first pair of opposing retaining elements, each retaining element disposed on a corresponding one of the first and second planar wall members and extending laterally outward from the wall member. The first pair of opposing retaining elements are configured to be securely engaged during use when inserted into an opening in the panel.

[0008] This provides the advantage of a universal clip, which can be made from a single piece of material and configured for a range of different panel thicknesses. Specifically, the opposing planar wall members offer better stability and strength while also being flexible in at least one direction (e.g., elastically bending towards the central axis) to minimize the thrust required during insertion. Furthermore, this provides improved holding force (e.g., tensile strength) to the opposing retaining elements because the retaining elements protrude directly from the planar wall members rather than as separate entities.

[0009] Advantageously, the resilient clip may include a second pair of opposing retaining elements. The second pair of opposing retaining elements is laterally spaced from the first pair of opposing retaining elements on the outer wall surface of a corresponding one of the first and second planar wall members. By providing the second pair of opposing retaining elements laterally spaced from the first pair on the outer wall surface of the respective planar wall members, the retaining elements are arranged to contact and securely engage with the orifice of the panel in the spaced-apart area. This increases the retaining performance of the clip while ensuring that the resilient clip can be removed when needed. The spaced-apart first and second pairs of opposing retaining elements are particularly advantageous because the spacing allows the retaining elements to engage with the orifice of the panel over a larger area, thereby allowing for a more uniform distribution of force.

[0010] Advantageously, each of the first pair of opposing retaining elements and the second pair of opposing retaining elements can form a shoulder adapted to lock into contact with the surface of the panel during use. This allows the resilient clip to be positioned in a predetermined location. That is, the shoulder provides a positioning function, thereby positioning the panel relative to the vehicle structure in a selected position. The shoulder prevents the resilient clip from changing position after it has been secured in the desired position.

[0011] Advantageously, each of the first and second planar wall members can be resiliently biased in a direction laterally away from the central axis. This allows the first and second planar wall members to engage with the panel in a snap-fit ​​manner when the resilient clip is inserted into the panel's aperture. The opposing retaining elements of the corresponding first and second planar wall members can be resiliently biased in a direction laterally away from the central axis.

[0012] Advantageously, the first planar wall member and the second planar wall member can deform collaboratively to temporarily reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the body portion.

[0013] Advantageously, each of the first pair of opposing retaining elements can be integrally formed with a corresponding one of the first planar wall member and the second planar wall member.

[0014] Advantageously, each of the second pair of opposing retaining elements can be integrally formed with a corresponding one of the first and second planar wall members.

[0015] Advantageously, the body portion may include a polymer. By providing a body portion comprising a polymer, the degree of wear or corrosion can be reduced when the resilient clip is inserted into the vehicle structure. Reduced wear and corrosion are beneficial because this allows for more frequent reinstallation of the resilient clip compared to, for example, a metal resilient clip. In some examples, the body portion may include a plastic material. In some examples, the body portion includes polyoxymethylene (POM).

[0016] Advantageously, the polymer may include one or more of polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene. In some examples, the polymer may include polyoxymethylene.

[0017] Advantageously, the resilient clip may further include a first rib extending from the first planar wall member toward the distal end. This increases the stiffness and strength of the resilient clip. More specifically, providing a rib extending from the first planar wall member allows the resilient clip to deform in a controlled manner when inserted into an aperture in the panel.

[0018] Advantageously, the first rib member can be integrally formed with the first planar wall member.

[0019] Advantageously, the resilient clip may further include a second rib extending from the second planar wall member toward the distal end. This further increases the stiffness and strength of the resilient clip.

[0020] Advantageously, the second rib member can be integrally formed with the second planar wall member.

[0021] Advantageously, the central axis of the body can extend substantially vertically away from the lower surface of the base.

[0022] Advantageously, the upper and lower surfaces can be oriented in a plane that crosses the central axis of the body portion. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Embodiments of the invention will now be described below by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the elastic clip according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0025] Figure 2 Showing Figure 1 A schematic front view of the elastic clip;

[0026] Figure 3 Showing Figure 1 A schematic side view of the elastic clip;

[0027] Figure 4 Showing Figure 1 A schematic top view of the elastic clip;

[0028] Figure 5 A schematic perspective view shows the flexible clips that attach the panel to the vehicle structure during use;

[0029] Figure 6 Showing the first configuration Figure 5 A schematic top view of the elastic clamp assembly;

[0030] Figure 7 Showing the second configuration Figure 5 A schematic top view of the elastic clamp assembly;

[0031] Figure 8 A schematic top view of a resilient clip assembly according to another embodiment in a first configuration is shown; and

[0032] Figure 9 Showing the second configuration Figure 8 A schematic top view of the elastic clamping assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The described example embodiments relate to a resilient clip, particularly for securing panels to a vehicle. However, the invention is not limited to resilient clips for securing body panels to a vehicle. For example, resilient clips can be used to secure any structural member to another structural member, such as securing vehicle interior trim pieces like interior cover panels to a vehicle.

[0034] Some terms used in the following description are for convenience only and are not restrictive. The terms “right,” “left,” “down,” “up,” “front,” “back,” “upward,” “downward,” and “downward” indicate directions referenced in the drawings and are described relative to the state in which the parts are assembled and installed. The terms “inward,” “toward,” and “outward,” “toward,” respectively refer to directions toward and away from the specified centerline or geometric center (e.g., central axis) of the described element, and their specific meanings are obvious from the context of the specification.

[0035] Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “connected,” “attached,” “linked,” and “installed” are intended to include a direct connection between two components without any other components in between, as well as an indirect connection between components—where one or more other components are between the aforementioned components. The terms include those specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and words with similar meanings.

[0036] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the use of ordinal adjectives such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely indicates that different instances of similar objects are being referred to, and is not intended to imply that the objects described must be in a given order in time, space, hierarchy, or any other way.

[0037] Similar reference numerals are always used to describe similar features.

[0038] First refer to Figures 1 to 4 A resilient clip 101 is provided. The resilient clip 101 is provided with a base 102. The base 102 has an upper surface 104 and a lower surface 106. The upper surface 104 and the lower surface 106 are arranged on opposite surfaces of the base 102 and are separated by a predetermined thickness of the base 102. In the example embodiment shown, the upper surface 104 and the lower surface 106 of the base 102 are substantially planar continuous surfaces. The resilient clip 101 is provided with a body portion 112. Figure 2 As can be seen most clearly, the body portion 112 has a central axis 114 extending along the longitudinal axis of the body portion 112. The upper surface 104 and the lower surface 106 of the base portion 102 are arranged to cross the central axis 114 of the body portion 112.

[0039] The body portion 112 has a first wall member 116 and a second wall member 118. The first wall member 116 and the second wall member 118 are substantially flat. The first wall member 116 has an outer wall surface 117 facing away from the central axis 114. The second wall member 118 has an outer wall surface 119 facing away from the central axis 114. The outer wall surfaces 117 and 119 of the first wall member 116 and the second wall member 118 face opposite directions. In the illustrated example embodiment, the first wall member 116 and the second wall member 118 extend away from the base 102 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 104 and the lower surface 106 of the base 102. However, in other embodiments, the planar wall members 116 and 118 may extend from the base 102 in a direction not perpendicular to the principal plane of the base 102. For example, the planar wall members 116 and 118 may form an angle of 45 degrees, 60 degrees, or 75 degrees with the base 102.

[0040] In this particular example embodiment, the body portion 112 is made of polypropylene. However, any other suitable material is contemplated, such as, but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene. In some example embodiments, the body portion 112 may be made of polyoxymethylene.

[0041] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the first wall member 116 and the second wall member 118 extend along the entire width of the base 102 (see details). Figure 1 However, it is envisioned that wall members 116 and 118 may extend only partially across the width of the base 102. The first planar wall member 116 and the second planar wall member 118 are spaced apart from each other. That is, the second planar wall member 118 is spaced apart from the first planar wall member 116 in a relative manner, such that the central axis 114 lies between the first planar wall member 116 and the second planar wall member 118. The first planar wall member 116 extends in a direction away from the lower surface 106 of the base 102. The first wall member 116 and the second wall member 118 extend toward a distal end 120 and converge toward that distal end. The distal end 120 of the body portion 112 lies on the central axis 114.

[0042] A pair of opposing retaining elements 122, 124 are provided on a corresponding one of the first wall member 116 and the second wall member 118. In other words, the first retaining element 122 is disposed on the first wall member 116 away from the base 102. The first retaining element 122 disposed on the first wall member 116 extends laterally outward from the first wall member 116 in a direction opposite to the central axis 114. The second retaining element 124 is disposed on the second wall member 118 away from the base 102. The second retaining element 124 disposed on the second wall member 118 extends laterally outward from the second wall member 118 in a direction opposite to the central axis 114. The first retaining element 122 and the second retaining element 124 form a first pair of retaining elements 122, 124 positioned opposite to each other.

[0043] Each of the retaining elements 122, 124 includes a shoulder 136 formed between the distal end 120 and the upper surface 104 of the base 102. The shoulder 136 extends laterally outward to engage with a panel surface, as referenced. Figure 5 Described.

[0044] As in Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As most clearly seen, the example elastic clip 101, in addition to the first pair of opposing retaining elements 122, 124, also has a second pair of opposing retaining elements 132, 134. The second pair of opposing retaining elements 132, 134 is identical to the first pair of opposing retaining elements 122, 124. The first pair of opposing retaining elements 122, 124 and the second pair of opposing retaining elements 132, 134 are laterally displaced along the respective first wall member 116 and second wall member 118. More specifically, the first retaining element 122 and the third retaining element 132 are laterally spaced apart on the outer wall surface 117 of the first wall member 116. The second retaining element 124 and the fourth retaining element 134 are laterally spaced apart on the outer wall surface 119 of the second wall member 118.

[0045] Special Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 A first rib 142 is provided between the first retaining element 122 and the third retaining element 132 on the first wall member 116. The first rib 142 extends from the first wall member 116 toward the distal end 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the first rib 142 is integrally formed with the first wall member 116. Similarly, a second rib 144 is provided between the second retaining element 124 and the fourth retaining element 134 on the second wall member 118. The second rib 144 extends from the second wall member 118 toward the distal end 120.

[0046] Now for reference Figure 5The diagram illustrates a resilient clip 101 as described above, which is assembled with a panel 500 and a vehicle structure 1000. In this example embodiment, the vehicle structure is a dock 1000. The panel 500 is shown as a rectangular panel, but depending on the desired application, it is contemplated that the panel 500 can be of any shape, such as circular, square, regular, irregular, or any arbitrary shape. The panel 500 is provided with an aperture 510 extending through the entire thickness of the panel 500. In this example embodiment, the aperture 510 is a slot. The dock 1000 is provided with a mounting member 1010, which provides a surface for engaging the resilient clip 101 with the dock 1000. The bottom surface of the mounting member 1010 has a surface for engaging the resilient clip 101. The top surface of the mounting member 1010 is located on the opposite side of the bottom surface. The top surface is used for engaging the panel 500.

[0047] In use, the resilient clip 101 is mounted (i.e., coupled) to the panel 500 by inserting the distal end 120 of the resilient clip 101 through an opening 510 in the panel 500. The distal end 120 of the resilient clip 101 is narrower than the rest of the resilient clip 101. As the resilient clip 101 is inserted into the opening 510, retaining elements 122, 124, 132, 134 contact the side profile of the opening 510. Shoulders 136 extend laterally outward during use to abut against and engage the surface of the panel 500. Each shoulder 136 is angled relative to the opposing retaining elements 122, 124, 132, 134. Shoulders 136 extend outward away from the central axis 114 to engage with the panel 500. In some example embodiments, the shoulders 136 of the opposing retaining elements 122, 124, 132, 134 are the laterally furthest portions of the resilient clip 101 from the central axis 114. The shoulder 136 provides a predetermined depth into which the elastic clip 101 is inserted into the panel 500.

[0048] As the resilient clip 101 is inserted into the aperture 510, the opposing retaining elements 122, 124, 132, 134 engage with the side profile of the aperture 510, thereby providing resistance (i.e., friction) to the resilient clip 101. To overcome this resistance, a force is applied to the resilient clip 101 in the insertion direction. As the opposing retaining elements 122, 124, 132, 134 contact the panel 500, they are pushed inward toward the central axis 114, reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the body portion 112. More specifically, the inward movement of the opposing retaining elements 122, 124, 132, 134 pushes the first wall member 116 and the second wall member 118 of the body member 112 inward, reducing the width of the resilient clip 101 to fit within the aperture 510. The reduction in cross-sectional area allows the resilient clip 101 to be inserted into the panel 500. In some example embodiments, the base 102 forms a stop that prevents the resilient clip 101 from being pulled through the opening 510 of the panel 500.

[0049] The angled arrangement of the opposing retaining elements 122, 124, 132, and 134 also facilitates the removal of the resilient clip 101 from the panel 500. After the resilient clip 101 is inserted into the panel 500, the opposing retaining elements 122, 124, 132, and 134 provide resistance to holding the resilient clip 101 in place. However, when a force is applied to overcome this resistance to remove the resilient clip 101 from the panel 500, the opposing retaining elements 122, 124, 132, and 134 come into contact with the panel 500, thereby pushing the opposing retaining elements 122, 124, 132, and 134 inward toward the central axis 114. This reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the body portion 112, thereby allowing the resilient clip 101 to be removed from the panel 500.

[0050] Figure 6 A resilient clip 101 is shown partially inserted into an opening 510 of a panel 500. A first pair of opposing retaining elements 122, 124 engage with the opening 510 of the panel 500 at one end. A second pair of opposing retaining elements 132, 134 engage with the opening 510 of the panel 500 at the other end. When a force is applied to the resilient clip 101 in a direction away from the page, the retaining elements 122, 124, 132, 134 are pushed inward toward the central axis 114. Figure 7As shown, this causes the retaining elements 122, 124, 132, and 134 to elastically deform, and subsequently causes the first wall member 116 and the second wall member 118 to deform inward toward the central axis 114. This deformation allows a temporary reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the body portion 112, enabling the elastic clip 101 to fit inside the aperture 510. By reducing the cross-sectional area, the elastic clip 101 can be fully inserted into the aperture 510. In some embodiments, the elastic clip 101 deforms laterally inward and simultaneously deforms axially in the direction away from the page.

[0051] When the elastic clip 101 is fully inserted, the first wall member 116 and the second wall member 118 are offset outward from the central axis 114. Figure 6 The position shown. This increases the cross-sectional area of ​​the body portion 112 to its original size (i.e., the size before force is applied to the elastic clip 101). The shoulder portion 136 of the assembled elastic clip 101 engages the elastic clip 101 with the panel 500. This arrangement locks the elastic clip 101 in place relative to the surface of the panel 500. To remove the elastic clip 101 from the panel 500, force is applied in the opposite direction (i.e., into). Figure 6 The force of the page (the force of the page) causes the retaining elements 122, 124, 132, 134 to be pushed inward toward the central axis 114. This allows the resilient clip 101 to pass through and enter the aperture 510 of the panel 500, so that the resilient clip 101 can be removed.

[0052] When the resilient clip 101 is assembled with the panel 500, the resilient clip 101 and the panel 500 are assembled with the dock 1000 by slidably engaging the base 102 of the resilient clip 101 with the mounting member 1010. More specifically, the base 102 is laterally inserted into the dock 1000 such that the upper surface 104 of the base 102 engages with the mounting member 1010. In this way, vertical movement of the resilient clip 101 and the panel 500 assembly relative to the dock 1000 is prevented. It is also contemplated that, in some example embodiments, the resilient clip 101 may be assembled with the dock 1000 before the panel 500 is assembled with the resilient clip 101 and the dock 1000.

[0053] Now for reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 A resilient clip 201 is provided for assembly with the panel 600 and the vehicle structure 1000. In this example embodiment, the panel 600 is substantially the same as the panel 500 described above, and the vehicle structure 1100 is substantially the same as the vehicle structure 1000 described above.

[0054] Figure 8A resilient clip 201 is shown partially inserted into an opening 610 of a panel 600. When the resilient clip 201 is partially inserted, retaining elements 222, 224, 232, 234 engage with the opening 610 of the panel 600. When a force is applied to the resilient clip 201 in a direction away from the page, the retaining elements 222, 224, 232, 234 are pushed inward toward the central axis 214. Figure 9 As shown, this causes the corresponding opposing retaining elements 222, 224, 232, 234 to elastically deform inward toward the central axis 114. In this embodiment, only retaining elements 222, 224, 232, 234 deform inward. The first wall member 216 and the second wall member 218 do not deform inward toward the central axis 214. This configuration allows for a temporary reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the body portion 112, enabling the elastic clip 201 to fit inside the aperture 610 of the panel 600. Therefore, the elastic clip 201 can be fully inserted into the aperture 610.

[0055] After the elastic clip 201 is fully inserted into the aperture 610 of the panel 600, the retaining elements 222, 224, 232, 234 of the corresponding first pair of opposing retaining elements 222, 224 and the second pair of opposing retaining elements 232, 234 elastically move outward away from the central axis 214. The locking of the elastic clip 201, the removal of the elastic clip 201 from the panel 600, and the assembly of the elastic clip 201 and the panel 600 with the dock (not shown) are essentially as described above. Figures 5 to 7 As stated above.

[0056] In the specification portion and claims of this specification, the words “comprising” and “including”, and variations thereof, mean “including but not limited to”, and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other parts, additions, components, integrals, or steps. In the specification portion and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification should be understood to consider both the plural and singular forms unless the context requires otherwise.

[0057] Features, integrals, properties, compounds, chemical portions, or groups described in connection with specific aspects, embodiments, or examples of the invention should be understood to be applicable to any other aspects, embodiments, or examples described herein, unless incompatible therewith. All features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination unless at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not limited to the details of any of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel feature or combination of novel features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, or drawings), or to any novel step or combination of novel steps in any method or process so disclosed.

[0058] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting, and that various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications to the detailed design described above are possible.

Claims

1. A resilient clip (101) for attaching a panel (500, 600) to a vehicle structure (1000) having at least one mounting member (1010), the resilient clip comprising: The base (102) has an upper surface (104) and a lower surface (106) and is configured to engage in a cohesive manner with the mounting member (1010); as well as A body portion (112) having a central axis (114) extending away from the lower surface (106) of the base portion (102), and including a first planar wall member (116) and a second planar wall member (118), the second planar wall member being spaced apart from the first planar wall member (116) relative to the central axis (114), each of the first and second planar wall members (116, 118) extending away from the lower surface (106) toward a distal end (120) on the central axis (114) and converging at the distal end, the body portion (112) further comprising: At least a first pair of opposing retaining elements (122, 124), each retaining element disposed on and extending laterally outward on a corresponding one of the first planar wall member (116) and the second planar wall member (118), the at least first pair of opposing retaining elements being configured to securely engage during use when inserted into the openings (510, 610) of the panels (500, 600); and A first rib member having a length extending from the first planar wall member toward the distal end, wherein the first rib member is integrally connected along its length to a first retaining element among the opposing retaining elements.

2. The elastic clip according to claim 1, wherein the elastic clip includes a second pair of opposing retaining elements (132, 134), the second pair of opposing retaining elements being laterally spaced from the first pair of opposing retaining elements (122, 124) on the outer wall surface of a respective one of the first and second planar wall members (116, 118).

3. The elastic clip of claim 2, wherein, Each of the first pair of opposing retaining elements (122, 124) and the second pair of opposing retaining elements (132, 134) forms a shoulder (136) adapted to lock into contact with the surface of the panel (500, 600) during use.

4. The elastic clip of claim 1, wherein, Each of the first and second planar wall members (116, 118) is elastically biased in a direction laterally away from the central axis (114).

5. The elastic clip of claim 1, wherein, The first planar wall member (116) and the second planar wall member (118) can deform in concert to temporarily reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the body part (112).

6. The elastic clip according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first pair of opposing retaining elements (122, 124) is integrally formed with a corresponding one of the first planar wall member (116) and the second planar wall member (118).

7. The elastic clip according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the second pair of opposing retaining elements (132, 134) is integrally formed with a corresponding one of the first planar wall member (116) and the second planar wall member (118).

8. The elastic clip according to claim 1, wherein, The body portion (112) comprises a polymer.

9. The elastic clip according to claim 8, wherein, The polymer includes one or more of polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene.

10. The elastic clip according to claim 1, wherein, The first rib member (142) is integrally formed with the first planar wall member (116).

11. The resilient clip according to claim 1, further comprising a second rib member (144) having a length extending from the second planar wall member (118) toward the distal end (120), wherein, The second rib (144) is integrally connected along its length to the second retaining element in the opposing retaining element.

12. The elastic clip according to claim 11, wherein, The second rib member (144) is integrally formed with the second planar wall member (118).

13. The elastic clip according to claim 1, wherein, The central axis (114) of the body portion (112) extends substantially vertically away from the lower surface of the base portion.

14. The elastic clip according to claim 1, wherein, The upper surface (104) and the lower surface (106) are oriented in a plane that cuts through the central axis (114) of the body portion (112).

15. The elastic clip according to claim 1, wherein, The upper surface (104) and the lower surface (106) are substantially planar continuous surfaces.

16. A resilient clip for attaching a panel to a vehicle structure having at least one mounting member, the resilient clip comprising: A base having an upper surface and a lower surface, the base being configured to engage in a cohesive manner with the mounting member; as well as The body portion has a central axis extending away from the lower surface of the base portion and includes a first planar wall member and a second planar wall member, the second planar wall member being spaced apart from the first planar wall member relative to the central axis, each of the first and second planar wall members extending away from the lower surface toward a distal end on the central axis and converging at the distal end, the body portion further including at least a first pair of opposing retaining elements, each retaining element being disposed on and extending laterally outward therefrom on a corresponding one of the first and second planar wall members, the at least first pair of opposing retaining elements being configured to be securely engaged during use when inserted into an opening in the panel; The base includes a first portion extending outward from the first planar wall member to a first free end, and a second portion extending outward from the second planar wall member to a second free end, wherein the upper surface along the first portion to the first free end is substantially continuous and planar, and wherein the upper surface along the second portion to the second free end is substantially continuous and planar. The base includes a third portion that extends between and connects the first planar wall member and the second planar wall member.

17. A resilient clip for attaching a panel to a vehicle structure having at least one mounting member, the resilient clip comprising: A base having an upper surface and a lower surface, the base being configured to engage in a cohesive manner with the mounting member; as well as The body portion has a central axis extending away from the lower surface of the base portion and includes a first planar wall member and a second planar wall member, the second planar wall member being spaced apart from the first planar wall member relative to the central axis. Each of the first and second planar wall members extends away from the lower surface toward a distal end on the central axis and converges at the distal end. The body portion further includes at least a first pair of opposing retaining elements, each retaining element being disposed on and extending laterally outward from a corresponding one of the first and second planar wall members. The at least first pair of opposing retaining elements are configured to be fixedly engaged during use when inserted into an aperture of the panel. The body portion also includes a first rib member extending from the first planar wall member toward the distal end, wherein the first planar wall member includes an inner planar surface facing the second planar wall member, and the first rib member includes an inner planar surface, the inner planar surface of the first rib member being coplanar with the inner planar surface of the first planar wall member. The body portion includes a second rib extending from the second planar wall member toward the distal end, wherein the second planar wall member includes an inner planar surface facing the first planar wall member, and the second rib includes an inner planar surface, the inner planar surface of the second rib and the inner planar surface of the second planar wall member being located in the same plane.

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