Abstract:
A vehicle accessory has a mounting wall with an elongated slot which slideably receives a snap-in fastener which is fixed in the orthogonal direction of installation of the snap-in fastener. The fastener cooperates with an elongated slot formed in a vehicle support structure which slot extends orthogonally to the slot in the vehicle accessory such that the fastener can be moved into alignment on two axes to align with the aperture in the vehicle for insertion of the fastener and installation of the accessory.
Abstract:
A clip fastener includes a retainer member having a spring clip cooperating with a post projecting from the underlying sheet metal of the vehicle such that the retainer can be slid over the post and locked into position by the clip. An accessory, such as a grab handle, is attached to the retainer using a conventional fastener. The retainer preferably includes a tapered slot for allowing the fastener to slide into locking engagement with the mounting post.
Abstract:
A lighted grab handle particularly adapted for use at entry doorways on a large vehicle. The handle has a chamber in one end at an interior facing surface and which contains a recessed light socket. In use, light splashes on the vehicle wall on which the grab handle is mounted, making the handle easier to see in the dark.
Abstract:
A termination structure for an assist strap includes a rectangular, ring-like mounting bracket used to secure an end of the assist strap and a generally U-shaped assist strap termination piece to a vehicle. The termination piece, which has first and second legs, and assist strap extend from opposite open ends of the bracket. The first leg, the end of the assist strap and the base of the bracket are fastened to each other and to the vehicle by a screw. The distal end of the second leg is positioned within the bracket so that the assist strap appears to have a loop at its end. The second leg has an L-shaped first fastener element secured to its interior surface which engages the upstanding head of the screw, which serves as a second fastener element. The fastener elements are positioned and sized so that the distal end of second leg, which is resilient, is compressed within the bracket to keep the fastener elements engaged to prevent removal of the distal end of the second leg.
Abstract:
A device for attaching an article, such as an armrest, a hand grip, etc., to a base surface is disclosed. The device comprises an attachment clip and an insert which is receivable in an aperture in the clip. The clip is secured in an opening in the base surface. A dentate structure is provided either on the insert or in the attachment clip, and a locking device is provided on the other of the insert or the clip to engage the dentate structure, thereby to secure the attachment clip and the insert together. The locking device preferably is a suitably shaped spring. The insert is either tubular in shape, or a longitudinal segment of a tube. Rotation of the insert to one orientation disengages the dentate structure and the locking device, enabling insertion and removal of the insert. Rotation of the insert to another orientation engages the dentate structure and the locking device for locking the insert against longitudinal shifting.