A fastening system

Abstract

A fastening system 100 for a vehicle trim assembly comprises a hook 102 and receiver 104, wherein: the hook comprises: a hook base (106, figure 1b); a strut (108); and a catch plate (110) coupled to t

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a fastening system. Aspects of the invention relate to a 5 fastening system, a receiver, a hook, a vehicle trim panel, a vehicle body panel, and a vehicle. BACKGROUND Fastening systems to couple vehicle components are known. DE102010029509 discloses an example. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages 10 associated with the prior art. 04 02 25 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects of the invention are defined in the appended claims. Aspects of the invention relate to a female fastener, a male fastener, a vehicle trim panel, a 15 body panel, and a vehicle. According to an aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a fastening system for a vehicle trim assembly, the fastening system comprising a hook and a receiver, wherein: the hook comprises: a hook base; a strut; and a catch plate coupled to the 20 base via the strut so that the catch plate is spatially separated from the hook base; the receiver comprises: a receiver base; opposing first and second walls each comprising a base portion extending from the receiver base and a return portion, the return portion having: a first projection extending towards the opposing wall; and a second projection extending from the first projection towards the receiver base, wherein the opposing first and second walls form a 25 receiver channel having an insertion end and an opposing Z-location end; and an interference rib extending from the receiver base into the receiver channel, the interference rib comprising an interference face; the catch plate of the hook is releasably insertable into the receiver channel in a Z-direction from the insertion end toward the Z-location end; and when inserted, the hook is: Y-located with respect to the receiver by the catch plate being held in an 30 interference fit between a face of the return portion of the first and second opposing walls and the interference face. Advantageously in use in a vehicle the fastening system permits close packaging of other vehicle components near to the fastening system. 35 04 02 25 The receiver comprises an end stop positioned at the Z-location end; such that when inserted, the hook is: Z-located with respect to the receiver by the catch plate contacting the end stop of the receiver. 5 In an embodiment, the return portions of the opposing first and second walls form a slot through which the strut of the hook passes on insertion of the hook into the receiver, the slot having an X-axis slot width defined as the spacing between the second projections of the opposing first and second walls; the hook comprises a first and second spur each extending from the strut, the extension of the spurs defining a maximum overall spur width equal to or 10 greater than the X-axis slot width; such that when inserted, the hook is: X-located with respect to the receiver by the first and second spurs being held in an interference fit between the return portion of the opposing first and second walls. In another embodiment, the return portions of the opposing first and second walls form a slot through which the strut of the hook passes on insertion of the hook into the receiver, the slot having an X-axis slot width defined as the 15 spacing between the second projections of the opposing first and second walls; the catch plate has a maximum X-axis catch plate width equal to or greater than the X-axis slot width; such that when inserted, the hook is: X-located with respect to the receiver by the catch plate being held in an interference fit between the second projections of the opposing first and second walls. 20 The interference rib may comprise a Z-axis form having: a sigmoid curve section comprising a beginning positioned distal to the Z-location end and having a zero Y-axis depth from the receiver base; and a ramp section comprising an ending positioned proximate the Z-location end and having an ending Y-depth from the receiver base, wherein: the sigmoid curve section 25 ends at an ending between the sigmoid curve section beginning and the ramp section ending, the sigmoid curve section ending having a non-zero Y-axis depth from the receiver base; the ramp section begins at a beginning collocated with the sigmoid curve section ending, the ramp section beginning having the non-zero Y-axis depth; and the non-zero Y-axis depth is greater than the ramp section ending Y-axis depth. Optionally an interference gap is defined between 30 the face of the return portion and the interference face, the interference gap varying in Y-axis depth along the Z-axis and having a minimum depth proximate the end of the sigmoid curve section; a portion of the receiver is deformable; and the minimum depth of the interference gap is less than a maximum thickness of the catch plate so that insertion of the hook induces deformation of the portion of the receiver as the catch plate passes the minimum depth of the 35 interference gap. 04 02 25 In an embodiment the first projection comprises the face of the return portion. In another embodiment, the second projection comprises the face of the return portion. A Y-axis receiver channel depth may be defined between the receiver base and the face of 5 the return portion; wherein the Y-axis receiver channel depth is greater at the insertion end than the Z-location end. Each of the strut and the catch plate may comprise: an insertion end arranged to be first inserted into the receiver channel when the hook is inserted into the receiver; and a tail end 10 opposite to the insertion end in the Z-axis; where the strut is tapered from the tail end to the insertion end so that the insertion end of the catch plate is further from the receiver base than the tail end of the catch plate is from the receiver base when the hook is inserted into the receiver. 15 The catch plate may comprise a tapering width so that insertion end has a minimum X-axis width. According to an aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a receiver for a fastening system, the receiver comprising the features of the receiver as 20 hereinbefore defined. According to an aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a hook for a fastening system, the hook comprising the features of the hook as hereinbefore defined. 25 According to an aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a vehicle trim or body panel comprising a receiver and / or a hook as hereinbefore defined. According to an aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a vehicle comprising: a fastening system; a receiver; a hook; or a vehicle trim or body panel as 30 hereinbefore defined. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken 35 independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any 04 02 25 new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1a shows a fastening system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 1a XY shows a cross section through the fastening system of Figure 1a; 10 Figure 1b shows a hook of the fastening system of Figure 1a; Figure 1c shows a receiver of the fastening system of Figure 1a; Figure 2a shows a fastening system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2a ZY shows a cross section through the fastening system of Figure 2a; Figure 2a XY shows a cross section through the fastening system of Figure 2a; 15 Figure 2b shows a hook of the fastening system of Figure 2a; Figure 2c shows a receiver of the fastening system of Figure 2a; Figure 3a shows a fastening system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3a ZY shows a cross section through the fastening system of Figure 2a; Figure 3a XY shows a cross section through the fastening system of Figure 3a; 20 Figure 3b shows a hook of the fastening system of Figure 3a; Figure 3c shows a receiver of the fastening system of Figure 3a; Figure 4a schematically shows an interference rib profile according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4b schematically shows an interference rib profile according to an embodiment 25 of the invention; Figure 5 shows a receiver having the interference rib profile of Figure 4b; Figure 6 shows a fastening system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 XY shows a cross section through the fastening system of Figure 6; Figure 7 shows a hook of a fastening system according to an embodiment of the 30 invention; Figure 8 shows a vehicle trim connection location according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 9 shows a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention. 35 DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following description, X, Y and Z axes are used in the conventional manner to facilitate description of the invention. It should be understood that references to X, Y and Z axes and 04 02 25 directions are local to the invention as illustrated in the accompanying figures. In use with or alongside another component, the invention may be orientated such that the local X, Y and Z axes are offset from an X, Y and Z axes as conventionally used for that other component. Figure 1a shows a fastening system 100 for a vehicle trim assembly. Example vehicle trim 5 assemblies include elements of a door such as a door frame and a door card. The fastening system comprises a hook 102 as also shown in Figure 1b, and a receiver 104 as also shown in Figure 1c. The following description makes reference to features shown in Figures 1a, 1b and 1c and is described with reference to the axes C100 shown in Figure 1a. Numerals are shown in figures where the features are most visible. It will be appreciated that in the 10 aforementioned example trim assembly, the hook is attached to the door card and the receiver is attached to the door frame. Releasable insertion of the hook into the receiver releasably couples the door card to the door frame. This is advantageous in that the door card can be removed for replacement, repair and the like of the vehicle trim assembly. Other vehicle trim assemblies are within the scope of the invention and described further below. 15 The hook comprises a hook base 106, a strut 108 and a catch plate 110. The hook base has a planar form. The hook base comprises a first pair of lug apertures 112 and a second pair of screw apertures 114. Each one of each pair of lug and screw apertures are positioned at opposing ends of the hook base 106 and either side of the strut 108. The apertures provide fixing locations to attach the hook to a part of the vehicle trim assembly. On first installation 20 the lug apertures are used. Lugs featuring on the part of the vehicle trim assembly are passed through the lug apertures and a weld made to fix the hook to the part. In the event that future repair requires removal of the hook, the lugs can be cut to remove the hook. The screw apertures then provide a fixing point for second and subsequent installation wherein the hook is reattached to the part using screws passing through the screw apertures into the part. 25 Positioning of the aperture pairs either side of the strut ensures that the hook base does not move away from the part once fixed thereto. The strut 108 extends substantially in a Y direction from the XZ plane of the hook base 106 and forms a framework on which the catch plate 110 is positioned. The catch plate is thus spatially separated from the hook base. That is to say the catch plate does not directly attach 30 to the hook base. This is advantageous in that the space around the strut can be used for packaging items such as cables and the like. Furthermore, in embodiments where the hook 102 is formed from a single moulded piece, the spatial separation of the catch plate from the hook base permits moulding using only three mould parts. The catch plate has a planar form and a thickness arranged to provide interference with the receiver as will be described. The 35 thickness varies where indents 116 are provided in the catch plate to reduce material usage. 04 02 25 As such a catch plate interference thickness Tc is defined as the functional thickness for said interference with the receiver. The XZ’ plane of the catch plate forms an angle 0c with the XZ plane of the hook base. As will be described, the angle enables the fastening system to draw parts of the vehicle trim assembly into engagement as the hook is inserted into the receiver. 5 Notches 118 at the connection of the catch plate with the strut are provided to introduce some flexibility to the hook to provide for manufacturing tolerances. That is to say the hook may be required to distort or flex during insertion into the receiver, and the notches facilitate at least part of that distortion or flexibility. The catch plate is shaped to aid insertion into the receiver. Specifically, the catch plate 10 comprises a Z-end 154 which is first inserted into the receiver as will be described. The catch plate narrows toward the Z-end. Other shapes may be useful. The receiver 104 comprises a receiver base 120. The example receiver base has a planar form. The receiver comprises opposing first and second walls 122, 124. Each wall comprises a base portion 126 which connects with and extends orthogonally in a Y-direction from the XZ 15 plane of the receiver base 120. Each wall further comprises a return portion comprising a first projection 128 which extends from the base portion substantially in an X-direction towards the opposing wall, and a second projection 130 which extends from the first projection substantially in a Y-direction towards the receiver base 120. A face 132 of the return portion faces the receiver base. Together the opposing first and second walls form a receiver channel 20 134 into which the hook 102 is releasably insertable. The receiver channel has an insertion end 136 and a Z-location end 138, which is at the opposite end of the receiver channel to the insertion end. The hook 102 is insertable, Z-end 154 first, into the receiver channel as indicated by arrow 140 along a Z-direction from the insertion end toward the Z-location end. The receiver comprises an interference rib 142 which extends in a Y-direction from the XY 25 plane of the receiver base 120 into the receiver channel 134. The interference rib has an interference face 144. An interference gap Gy is defined in a Y-direction between the interference face 144 and the face 132 of each return portion of the first and second opposing walls 122,124. Gy is less than the catch plate interference thickness Tc so that when the hook is inserted into the receiver, an interference fit is formed and the hook is located with respect 30 to the receiver in a Y-direction. Figure 1a XY is a cross-sectional view through a midpoint 146 of the catch plate in an XY plane. The figure schematically shows both the pre- and postinsertion conditions to illustrate the relationship of Gy and Tc. It will be appreciated that Gy is only slightly less than Tc. A coupling 148 is positioned on an opposing side of the receiver base to the side from which 35 the opposing first and second walls extend. The coupling comprises a catch 150 configured 04 02 25 for engagement with a corresponding latch of one part of the vehicle trim assembly. The catch has a known appearance so is not described further. Other attachment methods may be useful. The receiver 104 is formed from a single material using injection moulding. Other 5 arrangements where the receiver 104 is made using other moulding techniques or from multiple parts are within the scope of the invention. The receiver channel has a receiver channel angle 0r (illustrated in figure 1a). At the insertion end 136, the base portion 126 of each of the first and second wall extends further in the Y direction than the base portion 126 does at the Z-location end 138. The receiver channel angle 10 0r is formed between a line through the extent of the base portions at the ends 136, 138 and a line extending along the base portion 126 in the Z-direction. The receiver channel angle is configured so that as the hook is inserted into the receiver, the hook is drawn towards the receiver in the Y direction. In use when fastening a vehicle trim assembly, this arrangement draws vehicle trim into engagement. In embodiments of the invention, the catch plate angle 15 6c is substantially equal to the receiver channel angle 0r. Figure 2a shows a fastening system 200 for a vehicle trim assembly. The fastening system 200 carries the features of the fastening system 100 as previously described. Accordingly, where reference is required to common purposed features, the reference numerals in relation to the fastening system 100 are increased by 100 so that, for example 102 of the fastening 20 system 100 becomes 202 for the fastening system 200. The receiver 204 comprises an end stop 252 positioned at the Z-location end 238 of the receiver channel 234. When the hook 202 is inserted into the receiver 204, the Z-end 254 of the catch plate 210 contacts the end stop 252. This locates the hook 202 with respect to the receiver 204 in the Z-direction. This contact is illustrated by numeral 256 in Figure 2a ZY, 25 which is a cross-sectional view through the midpoint 246 of the catch plate in a ZY plane. The hook is located in the Y direction as shown in Figure 2a XY by the interference fit of the catch plate 210 with the interference fib 242 and return portions 230 of the first and second opposing walls. Figure 3a shows a fastening system 300 for a vehicle trim assembly. The fastening system 30 300 carries the features of the fastening systems 100 and 200 as previously described. Accordingly, where reference is required to common purposed features, the reference numerals in relation to the fastening system 100 are increased by 200 and those in relation to the fastening system 200 are increased by 100 so that, for example 102 of the fastening 04 02 25 system 100 becomes 302 for the fastening system 300 and, for example 256 of the fastening system 200 becomes 356 for the fastening system 300. The hook 302 comprises first and second spurs 370, 372 each extending from the strut 308. At the maximum extension from the strut, the first and second spurs create a maximum overall 5 spur width Tw. When the hook 302 is inserted into the receiver 304, the spurs 370, 372 are held in an interference fit between the return portions of the first and second walls 322, 324. In the embodiment shown, the spurs are held between the first projections of the return portions. In other embodiments the spurs are held between the second projections of the return portions. In either arrangement, the portion between which the spurs are held is herein 10 called a slot and has an X-axis slot width is shown in Figure 3a XY by Gx. The maximum overall spur width Tw is greater than the X-axis slot width Gx to achieve the interference fit. Advantageously, this feature means that when the hook is inserted into the receiver 304, the hook is X-located with respect to the receiver. That is to say the hook cannot move in X with respect to the receiver. Additionally, the hook is prevented from rotating about the Y axis with 15 respect to the receiver. As with previous embodiments, the hook is located in Y by catch plate interference with the first and second opposing walls 322, 324 and the interference rib 342. It is located in Z by the catch plate Z-end contacting the end stop. The embodiment of Figure 3a therefore features a four-way location of the hook with respect to the receiver. The spurs 370, 372 are, in the embodiment shown, shaped to have a width that is narrower at 20 an end of the spurs adjacent the insertable end 354 of the hook 302. As described above in relation to the shape of the catch plate, the spurs are shaped to aid insertion of into the receiver. Figures 4a and 4b schematically shows first 4a and second 4b Z-axis forms of an interference rib 442 as hereinbefore described. The description for both figures refers to the axes C400. 25 The Z-axis form 401 a of Figure 4a comprises a sigmoid curve section 403a and a ramp section 405a. The sigmoid curve section has a beginning 407 with a zero Y-axis depth at or on the receiver base 406 distal to the Z-location end 438. That is to say the interference rib does not protrude from the receiver base at the beginning. This is advantageous in that the hook cannot catch on the beginning of the interference rib. The sigmoid curve section has an ending 409a 30 with a non-zero Y-axis depth from the receiver base 406. At this point the ramp section 405a begins. It will be appreciated that the transition from one section to the other is smooth. Therefore, the ramp section 405a has a beginning with the same Y-axis depth as the sigmoid curve section ending. The ramp section decreases in Y-depth to a ramp section ending 411 which is proximal to the Z-location end 438. 04 02 25 Figure 4a further shows the interference gap Gy measured between the face 432 of the return portion and the interference face 444a of the interference rib. In this embodiment, the interference gap is consistent along a majority of the ramp section and specifically along the section where the catch plate resides when the hook is inserted into the receiver. As 5 hereinbefore described, the interference gap Gy is less than the catch plate interference thickness Tc so as to create the interference fit to Y-locate the hook. Figure 4b shows an embodiment where the interference gap varies between Gy’ and Gy” where Gy” is less than the catch plate interference thickness Tc and Gy’ is less than Gy”. This has the advantage that as the hook is inserted into the receiver, the receiver deforms to allow 10 for the catch plate to pass Gy’ before partially returning back to its pre-deformed state as the catch plate reaches Gy”. In this way the catch plate is held in both Z directions. To remove the hook from the receiver, an operator must apply a force to deform the receiver. The deformation is elastic. The varying interference gap thickness is achieved through a Z-axis form 401 b. The form 401 b 15 comprises, like 401a, a sigmoid curve section 403b having a beginning 407 and an ending 409b, and a ramp section 405b having a beginning 409b and an ending 411. However, the non-zero Y-axis depth of the sigmoid curve section ending 409b is greater than the non-zero Y-axis depth of the same 409a in respect of form 401a. Other arrangements for achieving the varying thickness, for example by reducing the Y-axis depth of the ramp ending 411, are within 20 the scope of the invention. Figure 5 shows a receiver 504 comprising an interference rib 542 having a form 401b as schematically shown in Figure 4b. Like features of the receiver 504 to the forementioned receivers are shown but not labelled. Figure 6 shows a fastening system 600 for a vehicle trim assembly. The fastening system 600 25 carries the features of the fastening system 100 as previously described in relation to Figure 1a. Accordingly, where reference is required to common purposed features, the reference numerals in relation to the fastening system 600 are increased by 500 so that, for example 102 of the fastening system 100 becomes 602 for the fastening system 600. In the fastening system embodiment 600, the second projection 630 extends from the first projection 628 at a 30 point less than the full extension of the first projection. This means that that the face 632 of the return portion is on the first projection unlike in the earlier embodiment 100 where the face 132 is on the second projection. The face 632 being on the first projection 628 means that in the embodiment of Figure 6, the interference gap is formed between the interference rib 642 and the face of the return portion as positioned on the first projection. As shown in Figure 6 35 XY, the gap between the second projections of the first and second opposing walls 622, 624 04 02 25 forms the X-axis slot width Gx. The catch plate has a maximum X-axis catch plate width Wc, which is greater than the X-axis slot width so that when the hook 602 is inserted into the receiver 604, the catch plate forms an interference fit with the second projections. Advantageously therefore, in this embodiment the catch plate insertion Io cates the hook with 5 respect to the receiver in both X and Y and acts against rotation about Y. Thus, the spurs of the fastening system 300 are not required. Inclusion of an end stop as discussed in related to the fastening system 200 results in four-way location of the hook with respect to the receiver. The fastening system of Figure 6 may therefore be more compact in Y compared to previously described embodiments. 10 Figure 7 shows the reverse 774 of a hook 702 of a fastening system having the features of any of the hooks as hereinbefore described. By reverse it is intended to mean the side of the hook base 706 opposite to that from which the strut coupling the catch plate 710 projects. It will be appreciated that where reference is required to features common with previously described hooks, the reference numerals in relation to Figure 7 are increased by 600 from 15 those in Figure 1a so that, for example 102 becomes 702. The reverse 774 comprises a raised pattern 776 configured to align with a corresponding raised pattern 817 on a portion of the vehicle trim panel 800 as shown in Figure 8. The matched raised patterns has the advantage of allowing isolating material to be installed in the gaps 778, 819 between the raised patterns 776, 817. The isolating material has the advantage of reducing vibration and noise through 20 the coupling between the vehicle trim panel and the hook. The lugs mentioned earlier in respect of the apertures 112’ and 112” are shown in Figure 8 as 815’ and 815”. In the embodiment shown one lug is larger than the other to ensure correct installation of the correspondingly sized apertures 712’, 712” (shown in Figure 7) of the hook. Figure 9 shows a vehicle 900 comprising one or more of: a fastening system 100, 200, 300; a 25 receiver 104, 204, 304; a hook 102, 202, 302; a vehicle trim panel 902; and a vehicle body panel 904, as described in the preceding paragraphs. It is to be appreciated that amendments and modifications may be made to the different aspects and / or embodiments described within this application without departing from the scope of the claims of this application. Further it is to be appreciated that there may be made 30 alternative aspects and / or embodiments not described in this application which do not depart from the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

04 02 251. A fastening system for a vehicle trim assembly, the fastening system comprising a hook and a receiver, wherein:5 the hook comprises:a hook base;a strut; anda catch plate coupled to the hook base via the strut so that the catch plate is spatially separated from the hook base;10 the receiver comprises:a receiver base;opposing first and second walls each comprising a base portion extending from the receiver base and a return portion, the return portion having:a first projection extending towards the opposing wall; and15 a second projection extending from the first projection towards the receiverbase, wherein the opposing first and second walls form a receiver channel having an insertion end and an opposing Z-location end; andan interference rib extending from the receiver base into the receiver channel, the interference rib comprising an interference face;20 the catch plate of the hook is releasably insertable into the receiver channel in a Z-direction from the insertion end toward the Z-location end; and when inserted, the hook is:Y-located with respect to the receiver by the catch plate being held in an interference fit between a face of the return portion of the first and second25 opposing walls and the interference face, andwherein:the receiver comprises an end stop positioned at the Z-location end; andwhen inserted, the hook is:Z-located with respect to the receiver by the catch plate contacting the end stop 30 of the receiver.

2. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein:the return portions of the opposing first and second walls form a slot through which the strut of the hook passes on insertion of the hook into the receiver, the slot having an X-35 axis slot width defined as the spacing between the second projections of the opposing first and second walls;04 02 25the hook comprises a first and second spur each extending from the strut, the extension of the spurs defining a maximum overall spur width equal to or greater than the X-axis slot width; and when inserted, the hook is:5 X-located with respect to the receiver by the first and second spurs being held inan interference fit between the return portion of the opposing first and second walls.

3. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein:10 the return portions of the opposing first and second walls form a slot through which the strut of the hook passes on insertion of the hook into the receiver, the slot having an X-axis slot width defined as the spacing between the second projections of the opposing first and second walls;the catch plate has a maximum X-axis catch plate width equal to or greater than the X-15 axis slot width; andwhen inserted, the hook is:X-located with respect to the receiver by the catch plate being held in an interference fit between the second projections of the opposing first and second walls.

204. The fastening system of any preceding claim, wherein the hook comprises a flexible portion positioned about the coupling of the catch plate to the strut, the flexible portion being arranged to enable single-axis rotation of the catch plate with respect to the strut.

255. The fastening system of any preceding claim, wherein the interference rib comprises a Z-axis form having:a sigmoid curve section comprising a beginning positioned distal to the Z-location end and having a zero Y-axis depth from the receiver base; and30 a ramp section comprising an ending positioned proximate the Z-location endand having an ending Y-depth from the receiver base, wherein:the sigmoid curve section ends at an ending between the sigmoid curve section beginning and the ramp section ending, the sigmoid curve section ending having35 a non-zero Y-axis depth from the receiver base;the ramp section begins at a beginning collocated with the sigmoid curve section ending, the ramp section beginning having the non-zero Y-axis depth; andthe non-zero Y-axis depth is greater than the ramp section ending Y-axis depth.04 02 256. The fastening system of claim 5, wherein:an interference gap is defined between the face of the return portion and the5 interference face, the interference gap varying in Y-axis depth along the Z-axis and having a minimum depth proximate the end of the sigmoid curve section;a portion of the receiver is deformable; andthe minimum depth of the interference gap is less than a maximum thickness of the catch plate so that insertion of the hook induces deformation of the portion of the 10 receiver as the catch plate passes the minimum depth of the interference gap.

7. The fastening system of any preceding claim, wherein the first projection comprises the face of the return portion or the second projection comprises the face of the return portion.

158. The fastening system of any preceding claim, wherein:a Y-axis receiver channel depth is defined between the receiver base and the face of the return portion; andthe Y-axis receiver channel depth is greater at the insertion end than the Z-location20 end.

9. The fastening system of any preceding claim wherein: each of the strut and the catch plate comprises:an insertion end arranged to be first inserted into the receiver channel when the25 hook is inserted into the receiver; anda tail end opposite to the insertion end in the Z-axis; and the strut is tapered from the tail end to the insertion end so that the insertion end of the catch plate is further from the receiver base than the tail end of the catch plate is from the receiver base when the hook is inserted into the receiver.3010. The fastening system of:any of claims 1 to 8 where the catch plate comprises an insertion end arranged to be first inserted into the receiver channel when the hook is inserted into the receiver; or claim 9,35 wherein:the catch plate having a tapering width so that insertion end has a minimum X-axis width.

11. A receiver for a fastening system, the receiver comprising the features of the receiver as claimed in the fastening system of any of claims 1 to 10.5 12. A hook for a fastening system, the hook comprising the features of the hook asclaimed in the fastening system of any of claims 1 to 10.

13. A vehicle trim or body panel comprising a receiver as claimed in claim 11 and / or a hook as claimed in claim 12.1014. A vehicle comprising:a fastening system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10;a receiver as claimed in claim 11;a hook as claimed in claim 12; or15 a vehicle trim or body panel as claimed in claim 13.04 02 25

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