Patents by Inventor Andrew J. Kurrasch
Andrew J. Kurrasch 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: 20160353888Abstract: A furniture arrangement includes a worksurface having a side edge and opposite front and rear edges, where the worksurface is vertically spaced so as to define leg space beneath each of the front and rear edges. A chair is positioned adjacent the rear edge and has a backrest defined by first and second back support portions extending in first and second directions. The first and second back support portions are substantially perpendicular. The first back support portion has an end positioned adjacent the rear edge such that the second back support portion is spaced from the rear edge and defines an ingress and egress opening between the second back support portion and the rear edge. The first and second back support portions and the rear edge define a U-shaped occupancy space in plan view.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2016Publication date: December 8, 2016Inventors: Yves Behar, Qin Li, Naoya Edahiro, Noah Murphy-Reinhertz, Diana Chang, Erik Kreider, Casey Doran Lewis, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Elindo G. Castro, JR.
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Patent number: 9414673Abstract: A suspension chair includes a first and second back support portion having first and second suspension elements extending in first and second substantially perpendicular directions respectively. The first and second suspension elements are tensioned so as to provide first and second normal biasing forces to the first and second body support portions. In one embodiment, the chair includes a fixed support defining an upper portion and a pivotable side support. A fabric layer covers at least a portion of the fixed support and a front surface of the side support. Various furniture arrangements and modular furniture kits incorporating one or more chairs, desks and/or tables are provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Yves Behar, Qin Li, Naoya Edahiro, Noah Murphy-Reinhertz, Diana Chang, Erik Kreider, Casey Doran Lewis, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Elindo G. Castro, Jr.
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Publication number: 20160135590Abstract: A table includes a support column defining an axis, a base supporting the support column, a worksurface supported by the support column such that the work surface is rotatable relative to the base about the axis of the support column. The table further includes a rotation mechanism including a swing arm housing coupled to the worksurface. The swing arm housing is rotatable in a first angular direction about the axis to rotate the worksurface in a second angular direction about the axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2016Publication date: May 19, 2016Inventors: Gianfranco Zaccai, Kevin Young, Peter Bates, John F. Aldrich, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Robert M. Seeley
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Patent number: 9301615Abstract: A seating structure includes a backrest member having an upper edge, opposite side edges and a lower edge. The backrest member has a forwardly facing convex shape formed along a vertical centerline thereof between the upper and lower edges. The lower edge has a forwardly facing concave shape. The lower edge has outer portions positioned forwardly of an entirety of the upper edge.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Yves Behar, Bret Recor, Naoya Edahiro, Qin Li, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Christopher C. Hill, John Matthai, Brock Walker
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Patent number: 9271569Abstract: A table includes a vertical support column and a base. The base includes a first floor engaging portion disposed on a first side of a vertical axis and a second floor engaging portion disposed on an opposite second side of the vertical axis. The first and second floor engaging portions are weighted such that the base has a center of gravity spaced from the vertical axis on the second side of the vertical axis. A worksurface member is supported by the vertical support column and is vertically spaced from the base. The worksurface member is rotatable relative to the base. In one aspect, the worksurface member has an overall length greater than the overall length of the base. In another aspect, a stop limits rotation of the worksurface member.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2014Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Gianfranco Zaccai, Kevin Young, Peter Bates, John F. Aldrich, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Robert M. Seeley
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Patent number: 9211014Abstract: A body support structure includes a molded polymeric support grid having a three-dimensional molded contour. The support grid includes a body support region having a plurality of through openings separated by a plurality of lands. In one embodiment, an area of the openings is greater than an area of the lands. In another embodiment, the ratio of a surface area of the lands relative to an area defined by an outer peripheral edge is less than or equal to 0.74. A fabric layer is bonded to the plurality of lands and covers the plurality of openings. Methods of manufacturing and recycling the body structure are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Johann Burkhard Schmitz, Claudia Plikat, Carola E. M. Zwick, Roland R. O. Zwick, Andrew J Kurrasch
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Publication number: 20150216311Abstract: A seating structure includes a backrest member having an upper edge, opposite side edges and a lower edge. The backrest member has a forwardly facing convex shape formed along a vertical centerline thereof between the upper and lower edges. The lower edge has a forwardly facing concave shape. The lower edge has outer portions positioned forwardly of an entirety of the upper edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2014Publication date: August 6, 2015Applicant: HERMAN MILLER, INC.Inventors: Yves Behar, Bret Recor, Naoya Edahiro, Qin Li, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Christopher C. Hill, John Matthai, Brock Walker
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Patent number: 8926016Abstract: A seating structure includes a backrest member having an upper edge, opposite side edges and a lower edge. The backrest member has a forwardly facing convex shape formed along a vertical centerline thereof between the upper and lower edges. The lower edge has a forwardly facing concave shape. The lower edge has outer portions positioned forwardly of an entirety of the upper edge.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2013Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Yves Behar, Bret Recor, Naoya Edahiro, Qin Li, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Christoher C. Hill, John Matthai, Brock Walker
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Publication number: 20140360412Abstract: A table includes a vertical support column and a base. The base includes a first floor engaging portion disposed on a first side of a vertical axis and a second floor engaging portion disposed on an opposite second side of the vertical axis. The first and second floor engaging portions are weighted such that the base has a center of gravity spaced from the vertical axis on the second side of the vertical axis. A worksurface member is supported by the vertical support column and is vertically spaced from the base. The worksurface member is rotatable relative to the base. In one aspect, the worksurface member has an overall length greater than the overall length of the base. In another aspect, a stop limits rotation of the worksurface member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Applicant: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: GIANFRANCO ZACCAI, KEVIN ROBERT YOUNG, PETER KIRWAN BATES, JOHN F. ALDRICH, ANDREW j. KURRASCH, ROBERT M. SEELEY
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Publication number: 20140312661Abstract: A suspension chair includes a first and second back support portion having first and second suspension elements extending in first and second substantially perpendicular directions respectively. The first and second suspension elements are tensioned so as to provide first and second normal biasing forces to the first and second body support portions. In one embodiment, the chair includes a fixed support defining an upper portion and a pivotable side support. A fabric layer covers at least a portion of the fixed support and a front surface of the side support. Various furniture arrangements and modular furniture kits incorporating one or more chairs, desks and/or tables are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: HERMAN MILLER, INC.Inventors: YVES BEHAR, Qin Li, Naoya Edahiro, Noah Murphy-Reinhertz, Diana Chang, Erik Kreider, Casey Doran Lewis, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Elindo G. Castro, JR.
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Publication number: 20140028061Abstract: A seating structure includes a backrest member having an upper edge, opposite side edges and a lower edge. The backrest member has a forwardly facing convex shape formed along a vertical centerline thereof between the upper and lower edges. The lower edge has a forwardly facing concave shape. The lower edge has outer portions positioned forwardly of an entirety of the upper edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Yves Behar, Bret Recor, Naoya Edahiro, Qin Li, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Christoher C. Hill, John Matthai, Brock Walker
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Publication number: 20130147252Abstract: A body support structure includes a molded polymeric support grid having a three-dimensional molded contour. The support grid includes a body support region having a plurality of through openings separated by a plurality of lands. In one embodiment, an area of the openings is greater than an area of the lands. In another embodiment, the ratio of a surface area of the lands relative to an area defined by an outer peripheral edge is less than or equal to 0.74. A fabric layer is bonded to the plurality of lands and covers the plurality of openings. Methods of manufacturing and recycling the body structure are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: JOHANN BURKHARD SCHMITZ, Claudia PLIKAT, Carola E.M. ZWICK, Roland R.O. ZWICK, Andrew J. KURRASCH
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Patent number: 8449037Abstract: A seating structure includes a backrest member having an upper edge, opposite side edges and a lower edge. The backrest member has a forwardly facing convex shape formed along a vertical centerline thereof between the upper and lower edges. The lower edge has a forwardly facing concave shape. The lower edge has outer portions positioned forwardly of an entirety of the upper edge.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2011Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Yves Behar, Bret Recor, Naoya Edahiro, Qin Li, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Christopher C. Hill, John Matthai, Brock Walker
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Patent number: 8186761Abstract: A suspended pixelated seating structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The suspended pixelated seating 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 use independent elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The suspended pixelated seating structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable suspended seating structure. Accordingly, the suspended pixelated seating structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2010Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Ryan S. Brill, Douglas M. VanDeRiet, John F. Aldrich, Christopher C. Hill, Andrew J. Kurrasch, James D. Slagh, Matthew Parkinson, Matthew P. Reed, Jeffrey A. Weber, Timothy P. Coffield
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Publication number: 20120007400Abstract: A seating structure includes a backrest member having an upper edge, opposite side edges and a lower edge. The backrest member has a forwardly facing convex shape formed along a vertical centerline thereof between the upper and lower edges. The lower edge has a forwardly facing concave shape. The lower edge has outer portions positioned forwardly of an entirety of the upper edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventors: Yves Behar, Bret Recor, Naoya Edahiro, Qin Li, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Christopher C. Hill, John Matthai, Brock Walker
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Publication number: 20110272986Abstract: In one embodiment, a chair includes a frame and a seat support coupled to the frame. The seat support is slidable relative to the frame from a disengaged position to an engaged position. A seat member is coupled to the seat support. The seat member is slidable relative to the seat support from a disengaged position to an engaged position. Methods of assembly are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Inventors: Joseph IACOVONI, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Timothy Hoogland, Douglas VanDeRiet
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Publication number: 20110241270Abstract: Support elements and support structures form the basis of ergonomic body supports for chairs, mattresses and other structures. The support elements may be individually designed according to their location and body support function. Thus, the structures that include the support elements may provide point-tailored support for any part of the body to enhance comfort, fit, and proper anatomical support.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: Douglas M. VanDeRiet, Christopher C. Hill, Andrew J. Kurrasch, John F. Aldrich, Timothy Hoogland, Jeffrey A. Weber, Jason Holt, Ryan S. Brill
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Patent number: 7931257Abstract: Support elements and support structures form the basis of ergonomic body supports for chairs, mattresses and other structures. The support elements may be individually designed according to their location and body support function. Thus, the structures that include the support elements may provide point-tailored support for any part of the body to enhance comfort, fit, and proper anatomical support.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Douglas M. VanDeRiet, Christopher C. Hill, Andrew J. Kurrasch, John F. Aldrich, Timothy Hoogland, Jeffrey A. Weber, Jason Holt, Ryan S. Brill
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Patent number: 7896436Abstract: Office components are described that include a base, a seat supported by the base, a microprocessor, and a load sensor electrically coupled with the microprocessor and mechanically coupled with the seat and, based on movement thereof, operative to detect occupancy of the seat and provide a signal to the microprocessor indicative thereof. The load sensor may be a strain gauge, a piezo device or combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2010Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Andrew J. Kurrasch, Robert L. Beck, Daniel Robert Kuiper, Arturo J. Bonomie
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Patent number: 7878591Abstract: A chair for providing sacral support including a seat, a backrest, a flexible support member and a sacral support member. The backrest has a frame with a generally central opening. The membrane is formed from an elastic material connected to the frame and extends across the central opening. A sacral support member is positioned proximate the central opening and is configured to apply support to the sacrum of a user sitting on the seat. The sacral support member incorporates a load distribution system and method in order to properly support and fit the anatomical contours of the sacrum and pelvis of a user while seated in the chair.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Herman Miller Inc.Inventors: Brock M. Walker, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Ted R. Martin