Patents by Inventor Steven M Benedetti

Steven M Benedetti 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).

  • Publication number: 20130340211
    Abstract: A system for coupling a trim component to a body component having two generally perpendicular surfaces. A rotatable fastener is coupled to the trim component. The rotatable fastener has a plurality of force transmitting surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. BENEDETTI, Patricia E. PATT
  • Publication number: 20130343829
    Abstract: A polymeric fastener includes a body having multiple sides adapted to accept a tool for applying torque to the body to axially rotate the body with respect to a body longitudinal axis. A flange integrally connected to the body extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A wave-shaped washer integrally connected to the flange has multiple valleys interposed between multiple oppositely directed peaks. Multiple triangular shaped frangible connectors integrally join the flange to the wave-shaped washer. Each frangible connector is integrally connected at a first end to the flange, and is integrally connected at an opposite connecting tip to an individual one of the peaks. The connecting tip has a reduced thickness compared to the first end to induce fracture of each frangible connector at the connecting tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Steven M. Benedetti, Patricia Patt
  • Publication number: 20130287521
    Abstract: A retention fastener includes a body panel and first and second leg members connected to the body panel by first leg member portions. Both leg members co-extend away from a body panel first panel face and have a second portion directed back toward the body panel. The first and second leg members include at least one retention feature connected to the second leg member portion, including: a single tooth wing having a smooth curved surface extending to a single wing retention tooth, and a multiple tooth wing positioned beside the single tooth wing. The multiple tooth wing has individual teeth on a curved surface sequentially increasing in height with respect to the curved surface. The multiple tooth wing is oriented in a superimposed position with respect to the single tooth wing so the individual teeth extend outwardly with respect to the smooth curved surface of the single tooth wing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: NEWFREY LLC
    Inventor: Steven M. Benedetti
  • Patent number: 8561265
    Abstract: A trim fastener includes a first fastener portion having a post, and first and second deflecting wings connected to an end of the post, each having a wing extending member, the first and second deflecting wings elastically deflectable toward the post. A second fastener portion connected to the first fastener portion includes a first resilient seal member. A second resilient seal member is integrally connected to a seal surface of the first resilient seal member. The second resilient seal member includes first and second wing enclosure portions connected to the wing extending members of the first and second deflecting wings. First and second through bores are oppositely positioned about the post. The first and second through bores temporarily collapse when receiving portions of the first and second wing enclosure portions when the first and second deflecting wings elastically deflect toward the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Steven M. Benedetti
  • Publication number: 20120318935
    Abstract: A multiple size member retaining insert includes a body having a passageway through opposed body side walls and a cavity between the side walls. A clamp assembly is rotatably connected to the side walls and movable in the cavity. The clamp assembly includes a curved first clamp arm rotated from a receiving position to a retention position, both within the passageway. An oppositely curved second clamp arm rotates from a release position outside the passageway to a clamping position within the passageway. An arm hinge integrally connecting the first and second clamp arms permits the clamp arms to rotate independently. Clamp assembly first and second hinge pins are individually rotatably received in the side walls. A hinge pin rotational axis also defines an arm hinge rotational axis. The second clamp arm ratchets against a toothed member to retain a tube between the first and second clamp arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Steven M. Benedetti
  • Publication number: 20120261942
    Abstract: A trim fastener includes a first fastener portion having a post, and first and second deflecting wings connected to an end of the post, each having a wing extending member, the first and second deflecting wings elastically deflectable toward the post. A second fastener portion connected to the first fastener portion includes a first resilient seal member. A second resilient seal member is integrally connected to a seal surface of the first resilient seal member. The second resilient seal member includes first and second wing enclosure portions connected to the wing extending members of the first and second deflecting wings. First and second through bores are oppositely positioned about the post. The first and second through bores temporarily collapse when receiving portions of the first and second wing enclosure portions when the first and second deflecting wings elastically deflect toward the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Steven M. Benedetti
  • Publication number: 20110278760
    Abstract: A single-piece fastener includes a relatively hard clip and a relatively soft seal. The seal can be overmolded onto the clip. A thermal bond is formed between the seal and the clip to inhibit removal of the seal from the clip. The flexible nature of the umbrella of the clip and the seal can accommodate sealing openings in panels of varying thicknesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Lewis, Roger E. Pilon, Steven M. Benedetti, Charles K. Fischer
  • Patent number: 8051539
    Abstract: A fuse-shaped fastener provides a plastic member having opposed elastically flexible wings, and a metal insert having multiple barbs. The deflectable wings homogenously extend from a molded head and are distally connected by a joining member. The barbs engage within a trim component dog-house assembly. The deflectable wings extend outwardly of the trim component to releasably connect the trim component to an automobile vehicle panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Benedetti, Daniel J. Lubera, Jeffrey A. Slobodecki
  • Patent number: 7832064
    Abstract: A fastener first member connects to a second member by a flexible tether. A third member having multiple deflectable wings slides onto the second member. A first member male pin extends through a third member aperture to engage second member biasing elements, joining the first, second and third members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Rosalind A. Nessel, Steven M. Benedetti, Jeff A. Slobodecki
  • Publication number: 20100088860
    Abstract: A fastener including a base and a support part extending from the base. The support part includes two legs and an end portion; the two legs extend from the base and are connected to one another by the end portion. A retention finger is located between the legs of the support, a first end of the retention finger being attached to the base and a second end of the retention finger being attached to the end portion of the support. The retention finger extends outwardly to a peak and tapers inwardly from the peak towards the first and second ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: NEWFREY LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. BENEDETTI, Matthew L. KOSIARA
  • Publication number: 20090293237
    Abstract: A fuse-shaped fastener provides a plastic member having opposed elastically flexible wings, and a metal insert having multiple barbs. The deflectable wings homogenously extend from a molded head and are distally connected by a joining member. The barbs engage within a trim component dog-house assembly. The deflectable wings extend outwardly of the trim component to releasably connect the trim component to an automobile vehicle panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: NEWFREY LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Benedetti, Daniel J. Lubera, Jeffrey A. Slobodecki
  • Publication number: 20090133233
    Abstract: A fastener first member connects to a second member by a flexible tether. A third member having multiple deflectable wings slides onto the second member. A first member male pin extends through a third member aperture to engage second member biasing elements, joining the first, second and third members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Rosalind A. Nessel, Steven M. Benedetti, Jeff A. Slobodecki
  • Patent number: 7454826
    Abstract: A fastener first member connects to a second member by a flexible tether. A third member having multiple deflectable wings slides onto the second member. A first member male pin extends through a third member aperture to engage second member biasing elements, joining the first, second and third members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Rosalind A. Nessel, Steven M. Benedetti, Jeff A. Slobodecki
  • Patent number: 7419206
    Abstract: A quick connect fastener system is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, a snap-in fastener is used for retaining an automotive vehicle interior trim member. A further aspect of the present invention employs a base and a resilient retainer, one of which includes a metallic portion and the other of which includes a polymeric portion. Moreover, a generally rigid polymeric base employs a channel operably receiving a metallic retainer in a laterally sliding manner to ease in assembly of the retainer to the base in an adhesive and screw-free manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Slobodecki, Steven M. Benedetti, Charles K. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7364382
    Abstract: A fastener for joining trim pieces to a motor vehicle includes a metal insert molded into an elastomeric body of a fastener. An anti-rotational rib prevents excessive rotation of the fastener after installation. Oppositely extending flexible wings of the metal insert are spaced from each other to allow full deflection upon insert of the fastener without interference between the flexible wings. Protective guards formed at distal ends of a pair of support legs provide improved insertion alignment for the fastener as well as protection between the fastener and metal surfaces of the vehicle. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a dog house assembly is provided having aperture and slots mating with the installation features of the silver plate fastener. In still another embodiment, a method for installing a silver plate molding into a vehicle using a fastener of the present disclosure is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Benedetti, Rosalind A. Nessel
  • Publication number: 20080052878
    Abstract: A single-piece fastener includes a relatively hard clip and a relatively soft seal. The seal can be overmolded onto the clip. A thermal bond is formed between the seal and the clip to inhibit removal of the seal from the clip. The flexible nature of the umbrella of the clip and the seal can accommodate sealing openings in panels of varying thicknesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Lewis, Roger E. Pilon, Steven M. Benedetti, Charles K. Fischer
  • Publication number: 20080030042
    Abstract: A quick connect fastener system is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, a snap-in fastener is used for retaining an automotive vehicle interior trim member. A further aspect of the present invention employs a base and a resilient retainer, one of which includes a metallic portion and the other of which includes a polymeric portion. Moreover, a generally rigid polymeric base employs a channel operably receiving a metallic retainer in a laterally sliding manner to ease in assembly of the retainer to the base in an adhesive and screw-free manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Slobodecki, Steven M. Benedetti, Charles K. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7272873
    Abstract: A resilient clip is provided for engaging a dog house coupling feature of a trim component. The resilient clip has a mating member for engaging a hole defined in a body panel. The resilient clip includes a triangular mating feature that is positioned relative to the coupling region. The triangular mating feature contacts at least one surface of the dog house structure to minimize rotation of the resilient clip with respect the to the dog house. This reduces rotation of the resilient clip with respect to the hole defined in the body panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Rosalind Nessel, Steven M Benedetti
  • Patent number: 7204000
    Abstract: A fastener joining accessories to automobiles includes a molded portion having a flexible skirt and two support posts extending from the flexible skirt. A metallic portion insert molded with the molded portion includes both a pair of deflection wings and a pair of looped bights oppositely extending from the flexible skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steven M Benedetti, Rosalind A Nessel
  • Patent number: 7186051
    Abstract: A fastener for joining trim pieces to a motor vehicle includes a metal insert molded into an elastomeric body of a fastener. An anti-rotational rib prevents excessive rotation of the fastener after installation. Oppositely extending flexible wings of the metal insert are spaced from each other to allow full deflection upon insert of the fastener without interference between the flexible wings. Protective guards formed at distal ends of a pair of support legs provide improved insertion alignment for the fastener as well as protection between the fastener and metal surfaces of the vehicle. In another embodiment of the present invention, a dog house assembly is provided having aperture and slots mating with the installation features of the sill plate fastener. In still another embodiment, a method for installing a sill plate molding into a vehicle using a fastener of the present invention is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steven M Benedetti, Rosalind A Nessel