Patents by Inventor Lawrence J. Higgins

Lawrence J. Higgins has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Trim retainer
    Patent number: 7770266
    Abstract: A retainer employs a flexible arm with an internal rib. In another aspect of the present invention, a retainer has at least one generally triangularly shaped projection laterally extending from an arm. A further aspect of the present invention retainer provides a laterally enlarged member, a trim panel-retaining head and stem, a central post, one or more flexible wings flexibly spanning between a tip of the post and the laterally enlarged member, and an internal rib and/or at least a pair of generally angular extensions flexibly extending from each arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Higgins, Steven Michael Benedetti, Girishsingh A. Mokashi
  • Two-piece interior trim retainer
    Patent number: 7114221
    Abstract: A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion with a pair of top flanges, a pair of fastening members and a pair of abutting flanges. Each of the fastening members has a base portion that is coupled to an associated one of the top flanges. Each of the abutting flanges has a locking fingers which engages the mounting structure. Finger flange portions are configured to engage a first side of a mounting flange on an interior trim component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Matthew H. Gibbons, Roger E. Pilon, Lawrence J. Higgins
  • Two-piece interior trim retainer
    Publication number: 20040139584
    Abstract: A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion with a pair of top flanges, a pair of fastening members and a pair of abutting flanges. Each of the fastening members has a base portion that is coupled to an associated one of the top flanges. Each of the abutting flanges has a locking fingers which engages the mounting structure. Finger flange portions are configured to engage a first side of a mounting flange on an interior trim component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Matthew H. Gibbons, Roger E. Pilon, Lawrence J. Higgins
  • Grommet fastener assembly for automobiles
    Patent number: 5533237
    Abstract: A fastener assembly for fastening an interior panel to an exterior or body panel of an automobile comprising a grommet of plastic material that forms a non-porous seamless bathtub-like enclosure surrounding a metal clip retainer member which is secured within the interior thereof; the retainer-grommet is designed to snap-fit into a hole in the body panel of an automobile. A depending lug or prong from the interior panel of the automobile is provided with an enlarged tip that cooperates with the metal clip retainer so that the prong can be pushed into a snap-fit relationship with the metal clip member within the sealed enclosure of the grommet or by pulling can be removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Emhart, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Higgins
  • Wire bundle retainer
    Patent number: 5161759
    Abstract: A retainer which will secure a wire bundle to a panel like the retainer is hinged U shaped portions which can be releasably closed to clamp the bundle between deflectable pair of spreadable wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Emhart, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Burns, Lawrence J. Higgins, Nicholas Jackson, Nicholas M. Benedetti