Patents by Inventor Brian H. Root

Brian H. Root 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).

  • Patent number: 7841664
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a control system for a chair is provided. The control system is comprised of first and second resilient blocks, first and second stabilizing members and first and second rockers. The first stabilizing member has first and second ends and defines a first horizontal axis. The first end of the first stabilizing member extends into the first resilient block and the second end of the first stabilizing member extends into the second resilient block. The second stabilizing member is coupled to the first stabilizing member by a connector. The second stabilizing member has first and second ends and defines a second horizontal axis disposed in parallel to the first horizontal axis. The first end of the second stabilizing member is operably coupled to the first rocker, and the second end of the second stabilizing member is operably coupled to the second rocker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Holdredge, Christopher Norman, Kurt Heidmann, Brian H. Root, Mark Dinnewith
  • Publication number: 20090302649
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a control system for a chair is provided. The control system is comprised of first and second resilient blocks, first and second stabilizing members and first and second rockers. The first stabilizing member has first and second ends and defines a first horizontal axis. The first end of the first stabilizing member extends into the first resilient block and the second end of the first stabilizing member extends into the second resilient block. The second stabilizing member is coupled to the first stabilizing member by a connector. The second stabilizing member has first and second ends and defines a second horizontal axis disposed in parallel to the first horizontal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Russell Holdredge, Christopher Norman, Kurt Heidmann, Brian H. Root, Mark Dinnewith
  • Patent number: 5979988
    Abstract: A chair construction and method for building a chair having selected features are provided. The construction includes a plurality of interchangeable different components including different base assemblies, back assemblies, seats, arms, and chair controls that can be selected to provide different features on a "customized" chair. The different chair controls are constructed from a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable energy modules and a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable seat support modules. All components include standardized connections for engaging the related components, and further include various mechanisms and designs so that by selecting particular components, a chair having various features and appearances can be provided. For example, the plurality of interchangeable seat support modules includes a non-adjustable seat support module, a seat-angle-adjustable seat support module, and a seat-depth-adjustable seat support module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt R. Heidmann, Brian L. Christensen, Michael W. Haan, Glenn A. Knoblock, Eric T. McClure, Noe Palacios, Brian H. Root, David D. Sayers, Robert M. Scheper, Patrick P. Schwoerer, James P. Steffens, Greg A. VanStee
  • Patent number: 5979845
    Abstract: An assembly for mounting the piston rod of a gas spring, such as may be used in adjustable-length chairs, stools, tables or the like, is disclosed. The hub tube used in the assembly is flared outwardly at its lower end to form a shoulder. The washer, to which the end of the piston rod is attached, is supported on the shoulder against movement into the tube. After the washer is placed against the shoulder, the end of the tube is rolled inwardly to contain the washer in the downward direction. The expanded area for support of the washer increases resistance to upward movement of the washer in response to the strong forces exerted by the gas spring. The expanded lower section of the tube also provides an area onto which the legs of the chair may be welded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Battey, John L. Hendricks, Charles L. Cartwright, Brian H. Root
  • Patent number: 5964436
    Abstract: A chair base includes a leg assembly having a plurality of radially extending legs, and a leg cover adapted to cover the legs. The tubular legs have a top surface divided by a centerline and have apertures offset from the centerline. The leg covers are adapted to cover the legs, and the leg covers include downwardly extending off-centered bosses for engaging the apertures. Each of the tubular legs has an end with aligned vertical holes therein. A sleeve-like pintle receiver is located in the aligned vertical holes and flared at its top and bottom to hold the pintle receiver in the tubular legs. The leg assembly includes a tubular center hub. The plurality of radially extending tubular legs each have a top wall, a bottom wall, and opposing sidewalls, the top and bottom walls each having an arcuately shaped end engaging the center hub. A pair of ring welds extends continuously circumferentially around the center hub for welding the arcuately shaped ends of the top and bottom walls to the center hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Robert S. Grooters, Kurt R. Heidmann, John L. Hendricks, Michael A. Kolarik, Brian H. Root, Bruce G. Rose, Robert M. Scheper
  • Patent number: 5906343
    Abstract: A chair base includes a leg assembly having a plurality of radially-extending legs, and a leg cover adapted to cover the legs. The tubular legs have a top surface divided by a center line and have apertures offset from the center line. The leg covers are adapted to cover the legs, and the leg covers including downwardly extending off-centered bosses for engaging the apertures. Each of the tubular legs have an end with aligned vertical holes therein. A sleeve-like pintle retainer is located in the aligned vertical holes and flared at its top and bottom to hold the pintle retainer in the tubular legs. The leg assembly includes a tubular center hub. The plurality of radially extending tubular legs each have a top wall, a bottom wall and opposing side walls, the top and bottom walls each having an arcuately shaped end engaging the center hub. A pair of ring welds extend continuously circumferentially around the center hub for welding the arcuately shaped ends of the top and bottom walls to the center hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Robert S. Grooters, Kurt R. Heidmann, John L. Hendricks, Michael A. Kolarik, Brian H. Root, Bruce G. Rose, Robert M. Scheper
  • Patent number: 5873634
    Abstract: A chair construction and method for building a chair having selected features are provided. The construction includes a plurality of interchangeable different components including different base assemblies, back assemblies, seats, arms, and chair controls that can be selected to provide different features on a "customized" chair. The different chair controls are constructed from a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable energy modules and a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable seat support modules. All components include standardized connections for engaging the related components, and further include various mechanisms and designs so that by selecting particular components, a chair having various features and appearances can be provided. For example, the plurality of interchangeable seat support modules include a non-adjustable seat support module, a seat-angle-adjustable seat support module, and a seat-depth-adjustable seat support module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt R. Heidmann, Brian L. Christensen, Micahel W. Haan, Glenn A. Knoblock, Eric T. McClure, Noe Palacios, Brian H. Root, David D. Sayers, Robert M. Scheper, Patrick P. Schwoerer, James P. Steffens, Greg A. VanStee
  • Patent number: 5782536
    Abstract: A chair construction and method for building a chair having selected features are provided. The construction includes a plurality of interchangeable different components including different base assemblies, back assemblies, seats, arms, and chair controls that can be selected to provide different features on a "customized" chair. The different chair controls are constructed from a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable energy modules and a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable seat support modules. All components include standardized connections for engaging the related components, and further include various mechanisms and designs so that by selecting particular components, a chair having various features and appearances can be provided. For example, the plurality of interchangeable seat support modules include a non-adjustable seat support module, a seat-angle-adjustable seat support module, and a seat-depth-adjustable seat support module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt R. Heidmann, Brian L. Christensen, Michael W. Haan, Glenn A. Knoblock, Eric T. McClure, Noe Palacios, Brian H. Root, David D. Sayers, Robert M. Scheper, Patrick P. Schwoerer, James P. Steffens, Greg A. VanStee
  • Patent number: 5630649
    Abstract: A chair construction and method for building a chair having selected features are provided. The construction includes a plurality of interchangeable different components including different base assemblies, back assemblies, seats, arms, and chair controls that can be selected to provide different features on a "customized" chair. The different chair controls are constructed from a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable energy modules and a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable seat support modules. All components include standardized connections for engaging the related components, and further include various mechanisms and designs so that by selecting particular components, a chair having various features and appearances can be provided. For example, the plurality of interchangeable seat support modules include a non-adjustable seat support module, a seat-angle-adjustable seat support module, and a seat-depth-adjustable seat support module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt R. Heidmann, Brian L. Christensen, Brian H. Root, Patrick P. Schwoerer, James P. Steffens
  • Patent number: 5630647
    Abstract: A chair construction and method for building a chair having selected features are provided. The construction includes a plurality of interchangeable different components including different base assemblies, back assemblies, seats, arms, and chair controls that can be selected to provide different features on a "customized" chair. The different chair controls are constructed from a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable energy modules and a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable seat support modules. All components include standardized connections for engaging the related components, and further include various mechanisms and designs so that by selecting particular components, a chair having various features and appearances can be provided. For example, the plurality of interchangeable seat support modules include a non-adjustable seat support module, a seat-angle-adjustable seat support module, and a seat-depth-adjustable seat support module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt R. Heidmann, Brian L. Christensen, Michael W. Haan, Glenn A. Knoblock, Eric T. McClure, Noe Palacios, Brian H. Root, David D. Sayers, Robert M. Scheper, Patrick P. Schwoerer, James P. Steffens, Greg A. VanStee