The assignee for this patent application is Illinois Tool Works INC.
Reporters obtained the following quote from the background information supplied by the inventors: “It is known to use snap-in fasteners to connect panels or other structures in opposing relation to one another. A number of prior connection devices and techniques are known and disclosed in the art. By way of example only, and not limitation, these include the connection devices and techniques disclosed in U.S. Patent Application 20120317757A1 to Risdale et al., and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,715,185 to Angellotti; 6,752,950 to Clarke; 7,017,239 to Kurily et al.; and 7,152,281 to Scroggie, the teachings of all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein. Such fasteners typically include a ‘W’ base clip or other snap-in element that is inserted into an acceptance opening in a primary support panel such as sheet metal forming a structural portion of a vehicle, appliance or the like. Such fasteners also include a head portion that is mounted at a secondary panel or other structure such as a piece of trim or the like. In some environments of use, the head portion may be secured within an intermediate doghouse structure disposed at a surface of the secondary panel which is oriented in facing relation to the primary support structure.(…)
