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TeslaPatent applicationCars & transportInterest 2/10

Tesla patents car trim clip that slides into place

Tesla has filed a patent for a specific type of plastic fastener used to attach interior or exterior trim pieces to a car's body. The design features a base with a track that allows the part to slide into position before locking, and a slot that guides a clip into a window to secure the trim.

Why it mattersThis is a routine mechanical improvement for automotive assembly that likely simplifies how parts are installed or removed during manufacturing or repair.

In the filing’s own words

A fastener can be used to attach a trim component to a vehicle body. The fastener can include a base with a track for receiving the vehicle body and allowing translation along a first directional axis. A retention snap can extend from the base. The retention snap can be engageable with the vehicle body to removably couple the base to the vehicle body. A slot can extend through the base. The slot can be configured to receive a clip and permit translation along a second directional axis. The fastener can also include a window formed in the base. The window can be configured to receive the clip when the clip is inserted into the slot, coupling the trim component to the vehicle body.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A fastener for attaching a trim component to a vehicle body, comprising: a base including a track configured to receive the vehicle body and permit translation of the base relative to the vehicle body along a first directional axis; a retention snap extending from the base, the retention snap engageable with the vehicle body to removably couple the base to the vehicle body; a slot extending through the base and defined by the base, the slot configured to receive a clip, the clip coupled to a tower of the trim component, the slot configured to permit translation of the clip relative to the base along a second directional axis; and a window defined by the base, the window configured to receive the clip when the clip is inserted into the slot to couple the trim component to the vehicle body.

Facts

Company
Tesla (Tesla, Inc.)
Official title
FLOATABLE CLIP RETAINER
Publication number
US20260257628A1
Application number
19068899
Filed
Mar 3, 2025
Published
Sep 3, 2026
Inventors
2
Claims
20

Classified under

B60R 13/0206 Operations & transport
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.