Robert W Osterland

US Patent:

7096638, Aug 29, 2006

Filed:

May 30, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/449647

Inventors:

Robert W. Osterland - East China Township MI, US
Jeff A. Slobodecki - Wales MI, US
Matthew H. Gibbons - Farmington Hills MI, US

Assignee:

Newfrey LLC - Newark DE

International Classification:

F16B 5/06

US Classification:

52708, 527164, 527167, 24295

Abstract:

A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion with a pair of top flanges a pair of fastening fingers and a pair of abutting coupling flanges Each of the fastening fingers are coupled to the body portion that is coupled to an associated top flange Each of the abutting flanges has a concave surface, which engages the mounting structure. The fastening finger portions are configured to engage a first side of a mounting flange on an interior trim component. An optional sealing member may be used to provide sealing engagement.

US Patent:

7120971, Oct 17, 2006

Filed:

Mar 4, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/469718

Inventors:

Robert W Osterland - East China Township MI, US
Jeff A Slobodecki - Wales MI, US

Assignee:

Newfrey LLC - Newark DE

International Classification:

A44B 17/00

US Classification:

24295, 24458, 411508

Abstract:

A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion () with a pair of top flanges (), a pair of fastening fingers () and a pair of abutting coupling flanges (). Each of the fastening fingers () are coupled to the body portion () that is coupled to an associated top flange (). Each of the abutting flanges () has a concave surface, which engages the mounting structure. The fastening finger () portions are configured to engage a first side of a mounting flange on an interior trim component.

US Patent:

7320157, Jan 22, 2008

Filed:

Aug 31, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/514069

Inventors:

Daniel J Lubera - Roseville MI, US
Robert Osterland - East China Township MI, US

Assignee:

Newfrey LLC - Newark DE

International Classification:

A44B 21/00
F16B 5/12

US Classification:

24295

Abstract:

A resilient clip with a plurality of twisted wings for engaging a first structure. The twisted wings provide the clip with a low ratio of insertion force to pull-out force, rendering the clip relatively easy to install yet difficult to pull out. In one embodiment, the resilient clip includes at least three wing members that cooperate to prevent the resilient clip from rotating relative to the first structure. In another embodiment, the resilient clip includes an engagement portion having a plurality of teeth for engaging a tab formed into a second structure. The teeth of the engagement portion engage the tab, permitting the resilient clip to be coupled to the second structure. When the resilient clip is engaged to the first structure, the teeth of the engagement portion cannot disengage the tab, rendering the resilient clip non-removably coupling the resilient clip to the first and second structures.

US Patent:

7337505, Mar 4, 2008

Filed:

Mar 13, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/717257

Inventors:

Derek Scroggie - Macomb MI, US
Robert Osterland - East China MI, US

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc - Glenview IL

International Classification:

F16B 5/12

US Classification:

24297

Abstract:

A w-based panel fastener for securing a molding to a panel includes a nose and a pair of offset wings extending from the nose. The nose has a longitudinal length, an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The wings are spaced from each other along the longitudinal length of the nose, and each of the wings includes a guide portion extending from the outer surface of the nose and a retainer portion extending generally from the inner surface of the nose. The spaced apart guide portions of the wings form a surface for initial insertion into the opening in the panel. The retainer portion of the wings is adapted to interfit with the opening in the panel to secure the fastener to the panel.

US Patent:

7351023, Apr 1, 2008

Filed:

Mar 20, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/384796

Inventors:

Derek Scroggie - Macomb MI, US
Robert Osterland - East China MI, US

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

F16B 19/00

US Classification:

411508, 411913, 24297

Abstract:

A w-base retainer that may be used in many applications, including numerous applications throughout the automotive industry, includes two-stage double-snap-over w-base features with opposite w-base features for assembling moldings to a sheet metal or substrate panel. The w-base retainer will improve the ease of assembly of parts, provide a proper fit, and provide a functional retention of moldings to structural panels. The w-base retainer may be used on, for example, automotive body side moldings, including, for example, doors, pillars, green house moldings and other moldings.

US Patent:

7698787, Apr 20, 2010

Filed:

Oct 18, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/583213

Inventors:

Derek Scroggie - Macomb MI, US
Robert Osterland - East China MI, US

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

A44B 1/04

US Classification:

24297, 411 24, 411 32, 411 46, 411508, 411510, 411913

Abstract:

A w-base fastener includes multiple legs that compress towards a common member, to which the legs are attached, during the installation through an opening of a structure. These legs then engage the backside of the structure to which the fastener is mounted to hold the fastener in a mounted position within the opening. The fastener also includes a head or similar structure that permits items to be mounted to the fastener. The w-base fastener described herein also includes opposite flex arm features for thermal expansion for assembling moldings to a panel. Embodiments of the invention are used to provide for the ease of assembly, proper fit, and functional retention of moldings to structural panels, while also providing for the thermal expansion of the moldings. Aspects of the invention may be advantageously employed on automotive body side moldings including doors, rockers, wheel flares and other areas.

US Patent:

7954206, Jun 7, 2011

Filed:

Jan 18, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/016493

Inventors:

Derek Scroggie - Macomb MI, US
Robert Osterland - East China MI, US
Aaron Jagoda - Richmond MI, US

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

A44B 99/00
F16B 19/00

US Classification:

24297, 24453, 411509

Abstract:

A fastener assembly configured to secure a first panel to a second panel includes a pin and a grommet. The pin includes a shaft connected to a tip. The grommet is configured to snapably secure into a hole of a panel. The grommet includes a central passage. The shaft is adjustably secured within the central passage, such that the shaft is allowed to shift a fixed distance within the central passage in a first direction, but is locked in place in the central passage with respect to a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.

US Patent:

8020354, Sep 20, 2011

Filed:

Nov 7, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/266844

Inventors:

Derek Scroggie - Macomb MI, US
Robert Osterland - East China MI, US
Aaron Jagoda - Richmond MI, US

Assignee:

Illinois Tools Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

E04C 2/38

US Classification:

527166, 527162

Abstract:

A molding retainer is provided for securing a molding to a return flange in a roof ditch. The retainer generally includes a throat, a stop, a molding seat and a molding clip. In the case of a discontinuous flange having individual flange coupons, the throat may define a through-hole that fits over each flange coupon. The throat may include a plurality of fingers adapted to snap fit into windows in the flange coupons, with the fingers being mounted at different heights to accommodate variations in the placement of the windows. In the case of a continuous flange, the throat may define a channel that fits over the flange. The stop engages the floor of the roof ditch to provide a reference point for the height of the molding, and the molding clip engages and holds the molding.