Patents by Inventor Andrew B. Hartmann
Andrew B. Hartmann 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).
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Publication number: 20240108129Abstract: An elevated platform system includes first and second platform sections and a ladder for accessing the platform sections in an elevated position. The platform sections are aligned in longitudinal arrangement and are configured to be selectively disposed and coupled between a pair of mobile storage units. The first platform section has a proximal end portion defining an opening for receiving a ladder hook. A distal end of the first platform section can releasably couple to a proximal end portion of the second platform section. The platform sections are movable between a deployed or installed position in which they secure the first and second storage units to form an elevated walking or standing surface therebetween, and a retracted or uninstalled position in which the platform sections are detached from at least one of the mobile storage units the allow relative movement of the storage units.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventors: Thomas A. French, Delos A. Rockwell, Andrew B. Hartmann
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Patent number: 11839298Abstract: A movable storage assembly includes a pair of upright frame pieces joined together by a lateral rail. The rail's opposite ends each include a T-shaped upper tab having upward and downward extending portions, and a lower tab with downwardly extending portion. The upper and lower tabs are simultaneously insertable into upper and lower openings along the uprights, and then lowerable so that the downward portions of the upper and lower tabs secure the rail to the uprights. Upward movement of the rail causes the upward portions of the upper tabs of engage the uprights above the upper openings, preventing removal of the upper tabs from the uprights. Optionally, part of a platform is supportable at the rail and cooperates with the upper tabs to prevent removal of the lateral rail from the uprights, even if the downwardly extending portions of the tabs are disengaged from the uprights.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2022Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: Pipp Mobile Storage Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A French, Delos A. Rockwell, Andrew B. Hartmann
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Publication number: 20230061415Abstract: A movable storage assembly includes a pair of upright frame pieces joined together by a lateral rail. The rail's opposite ends each include a T-shaped upper tab having upward and downward extending portions, and a lower tab with downwardly extending portion. The upper and lower tabs are simultaneously insertable into upper and lower openings along the uprights, and then lowerable so that the downward portions of the upper and lower tabs secure the rail to the uprights. Upward movement of the rail causes the upward portions of the upper tabs of engage the uprights above the upper openings, preventing removal of the upper tabs from the uprights. Optionally, part of a platform is supportable at the rail and cooperates with the upper tabs to prevent removal of the lateral rail from the uprights, even if the downwardly extending portions of the tabs are disengaged from the uprights.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2022Publication date: March 2, 2023Inventors: Thomas A. French, Delos A. Rockwell, Andrew B. Hartmann
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Patent number: 11478079Abstract: A movable storage assembly has first and second mobile storage units that are selectively movable towards and away from one another and are equipped with a deployable and retractable (or installable and removable) platform to facilitate access to upper regions of the storage units. The platform is movably coupled to one of the mobile storage units and can be repositioned between a deployed or installed position in which the platform interlocks the first storage unit to the second storage forming an elevated walking or standing surface therebetween, and a retracted or removed position in which the platform is partially disconnected to allow the first mobile storage unit to move independently and into close proximity with the second mobile storage unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Pipp Mobile Storage Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. French, Delos A. Rockwell, Andrew B. Hartmann
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Publication number: 20220106118Abstract: A mobile carriage system includes a frame supported by a surface, a drive shaft that extends along the frame and drives a drive wheel to move the frame along the surface, and a guide track that extends along the surface and has an elevated track portion. The drive wheel supports the frame and rolls along the surface, and a guide wheel rides along the elevated track portion. The drive wheel is fixedly secured onto the drive shaft and is rotatable by the drive shaft. The guide wheel is also mounted onto the drive shaft but is freely rotatable on the drive shaft, with the drive wheel having a smaller diameter than the drive wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2021Publication date: April 7, 2022Inventors: Andrew B. Hartmann, David E. Kowalski
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Publication number: 20210137264Abstract: A movable storage assembly has first and second mobile storage units that are selectively movable towards and away from one another and are equipped with a deployable and retractable (or installable and removable) platform to facilitate access to upper regions of the storage units. The platform is movably coupled to one of the mobile storage units and can be repositioned between a deployed or installed position in which the platform interlocks the first storage unit to the second storage forming an elevated walking or standing surface therebetween, and a retracted or removed position in which the platform is partially disconnected to allow the first mobile storage unit to move independently and into close proximity with the second mobile storage unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2020Publication date: May 13, 2021Inventors: Thomas A. French, Delos A. Rockwell, Andrew B. Hartmann
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Patent number: 10226893Abstract: An elastomeric load hearing surface with different load support characteristics in different directions. In one embodiment, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching. In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors and variations in thickness that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another embodiment, a surface is both oriented and includes mechanical structures.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Daniel S. Sommerfeld, Andrew B. Hartmann
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Patent number: 9976621Abstract: A thermoplastic spring and a method for manufacturing the thermoplastic spring are provided to reduce the effect of creep during use of the spring. The spring is molded and deformed to final dimensions by pre-inducing creep in the molded body.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2010Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Robert K. Strating, Dean A. Zimmerman, Andrew B. Hartmann
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Patent number: 9629467Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multi-layered support structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The method providing multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each include elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The method for manufacturing the multi-layered support structure uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable support structure. Accordingly, the method provides a multi-layered support structure, which provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Ryan S. Brill, Christopher C. Hill, James D. Slagh, Andrew B. Hartmann, Timothy P. Coffield, Kelly E. Washburn, John F. Aldrich, Michael D. Stanton, Sr.
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Publication number: 20160214310Abstract: An elastomeric load hearing surface with different load support characteristics in different directions. In one embodiment, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching, In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors and variations in thickness that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another embodiment, a surface is both oriented and includes mechanical structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2015Publication date: July 28, 2016Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Daniel S. Sommerfeld, Andrew B. Hartmann
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Patent number: 9215933Abstract: An elastomeric load bearing surface with different load support characteristics in different directions. In one embodiment, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching. In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors and variations in thickness that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another embodiment, a surface is both oriented and includes mechanical structures.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2006Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Daniel S. Sommerfeld, Andrew B. Hartmann
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Publication number: 20140298658Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multi-layered support structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The method providing multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each include elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The method for manufacturing the multi-layered support structure uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable support structure. Accordingly, the method provides a multi-layered support structure, which provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Ryan S. Brill, Christopher C. Hill, James D. Slagh, Andrew B. Hartmann, Timothy P. Coffield, Kelly E. Washburn, John F. Aldrich, Michael D. Stanton, SR.
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Patent number: 8691370Abstract: A multi-layered support structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The multi-layered support structure includes multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each include elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The multi-layered support structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable support structure. Accordingly, the multi-layered support structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Ryan S. Brill, Christopher C. Hill, James D. Slagh, John F. Aldrich, Timothy P. Coffield, Andrew B. Hartmann, Kelly E. Washburn, Michael D. Stanton, Sr.
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Publication number: 20120153536Abstract: A thermoplastic spring and a method for manufacturing the thermoplastic spring are provided to reduce the effect of creep during use of the spring. The spring is molded and deformed to final dimensions by pre-inducing creep in the molded body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Robert K. Strating, Dean A. Zimmerman, Andrew B. Hartmann
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Patent number: 8185985Abstract: An elastomeric load bearing surface includes an integral attachment mechanism, wherein portions of the load bearing surface attach to each other to secure the load bearing surface to a support structure. In one embodiment, a molded elastomeric strip includes a tab that wraps around a support structure frame member, and a receptacle that receives and retains the first portion. The load bearing surface may be formed from a plurality of molded elastomeric strips, each having a tab extending around the frame member and an opening receiving the tab. The strips may be oriented to reduce creep by aligning the crystalline structure of the elastomer in one direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2008Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Andrew B. Hartmann
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Publication number: 20100243856Abstract: An elastomeric load bearing surface includes an integral attachment mechanism, wherein portions of the load bearing surface attach to each other to secure the load bearing surface to a support structure. In one embodiment, a molded elastomeric strip includes a tab that wraps around a support structure frame member, and a receptacle that receives and retains the first portion. The load bearing surface may be formed from a plurality of molded elastomeric strips, each having a tab extending around the frame member and an opening receiving the tab. The strips may be oriented to reduce creep by aligning the crystalline structure of the elastomer in one direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2008Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Andrew B. Hartmann
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Publication number: 20100021685Abstract: A multi-layered support structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The multi-layered support structure includes multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each include elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The multi-layered support structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable support structure. Accordingly, the multi-layered support structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Inventors: Ryan S. Brill, Christopher C. Hill, James D. Slagh, John F. Aldrich, Timothy P. Coffield, Andrew B. Hartmann, Kelly E. Washburn, Michael D. Stanton, SR.