US Patent 7628443 Self-engaging rod retaining clip

A self-engaging rod retaining clip assembly for retaining a rod and a method of retaining the rod to a vehicle closure support component is disclosed. The self-engaging rod retaining clip assembly holds a rod retaining clip in a desired position on a vehicle closure support component until the rod is installed. Installing the rod includes pressing the rod against a rod pivoting flange, which causes clip retention flanges to flex outward around a clip support arm until the rod is sufficiently retained inside a rod channel in the support component. The clip retention flanges then snap towards each other to retain the clip, and hence the rod, in the support component.