Patents by Inventor James D. Houda
James D. Houda 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: 20230086481Abstract: A panel assembly includes a vertical panel, an overhang panel and a curved transition panel disposed between the vertical panel and the overhang panel. A fabric layer may be applied to one or more of the various panels by way of a stay being engaged with fabric layer and inserted through an opening in the one or panels. A light assembly may be secured to the panel assembly with a mounting portion. A hook assembly includes vertical and horizontal flanges, with a magnet coupled to the horizontal flange and a hook connected to the vertical flange.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2022Publication date: March 23, 2023Applicant: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: John Mark Allen, William B. Bennie, Brian Bultsma, Rachel L. Dekker, Michael John Feldpausch, Anbazhagan Gandhi, James D. Houda, Trevor A. Knauf
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Patent number: 8701568Abstract: A worksurface assembly includes a support structure and a top portion that is movable relative to the support structure. The worksurface assembly may include a mounting rail configured to support various accessory units. A utility supply system is provided, and the top portion of the worksurface assembly may be moved to provide access to the utility supply system. A mechanism provides for controlled movement of the top portion of the worksurface assembly relative to the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Scott M. Miller, Robert J. Battey, Todd T. Andres, John R. Hamilton, Daniel N. Phillips, Jamie L. Payne, Brian L. Bultsma, Daniel R. Tatman, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, James D. Houda, David J. Dekker, Michael P. Kelley
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Publication number: 20130239855Abstract: A worksurface assembly includes a support structure and a top portion that is movable relative to the support structure. The worksurface assembly may include a mounting rail configured to support various accessory units. A utility supply system is provided, and the top portion of the worksurface assembly may be moved to provide access to the utility supply system. A mechanism provides for controlled movement of the top portion of the worksurface assembly relative to the support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: STEELCASE INC.Inventors: Scott M. Miller, Robert J. Battey, Todd T. Andres, John R. Hamilton, Daniel N. Phillips, Jamie L. Payne, Brian L. Bultsma, Daniel R. Tatman, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, James D. Houda, David J. Dekker, Michael P. Kelley
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Patent number: 8276523Abstract: A worksurface assembly includes a support structure and a top portion that is movable relative to the support structure. The worksurface assembly may include a mounting rail configured to support various accessory units. A utility supply system is provided, and the top portion of the worksurface assembly may be moved to provide access to the utility supply system. A mechanism provides for controlled movement of the top portion of the worksurface assembly relative to the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Scott M Miller, Robert J Battey, Todd T Andres, John R Hamilton, Daniel N Phillips, Jamie L Payne, Brian L Bultsma, Daniel R Tatman, Mark T Slager, Kurt R Heidmann, James D Houda, David J Dekker, Michael P Kelley
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Publication number: 20090293773Abstract: A worksurface assembly includes a support structure and a top portion that is movable relative to the support structure. The worksurface assembly may include a mounting rail configured to support various accessory units. A utility supply system is provided, and the top portion of the worksurface assembly may be moved to provide access to the utility supply system. A mechanism provides for controlled movement of the top portion of the worksurface assembly relative to the support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Scott M. Miller, Robert J. Battey, Todd T. Andres, John R. Hamilton, Daniel N. Phillips, Jamie L. Payne, Brian L. Bultsma, Daniel R. Tatman, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, James D. Houda, David J. Dekker, Michael P. Kelley
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Patent number: 7527335Abstract: An armrest structure includes a tubular support, and an armrest having a tubular end telescopingly engaging the tubular support. A support plate engages bottom walls of the tubular support and the tubular end in a laminar arrangement. A clamping bolt slides through a top hole and into aligned holes in the laminar arrangement, with its head abutting the aligned holes. A clamping handle on a bottom of the bolt is rotatable between a clamping position tensioning the bolt to secure the arrangement, and a release position de-tensioning the bolt. By this arrangement, remaining walls of the tubular support and the tubular end are not deformed even when the clamp is clampingly pressing the adjacent sidewall sections together. An adjustable back with actuator handles at a lower edge of the back, and a seat assembly with fingers that retain an upholstery cover tight against concave areas are also shown.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2007Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: David C. Eberlein, Kirt D. Martin, James D. Houda, David J. Dekker
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Publication number: 20070200407Abstract: An armrest structure includes a tubular support, and an armrest having a tubular end telescopingly engaging the tubular support. A support plate engages bottom walls of the tubular support and the tubular end in a laminar arrangement. A clamping bolt slides through a top hole and into aligned holes in the laminar arrangement, with its head abutting the aligned holes. A clamping handle on a bottom of the bolt is rotatable between a clamping position tensioning the bolt to secure the arrangement, and a release position de-tensioning the bolt. By this arrangement, remaining walls of the tubular support and the tubular end are not deformed even when the clamp is clampingly pressing the adjacent sidewall sections together. An adjustable back with actuator handles at a lower edge of the back, and a seat assembly with fingers that retain an upholstery cover tight against concave areas are also shown.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: David C. Eberlein, James D. Houda, David J. Dekker
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Publication number: 20070200401Abstract: An armrest structure includes a tubular support, and an armrest having a tubular end telescopingly engaging the tubular support. A support plate engages bottom walls of the tubular support and the tubular end in a laminar arrangement. A clamping bolt slides through a top hole and into aligned holes in the laminar arrangement, with its head abutting the aligned holes. A clamping handle on a bottom of the bolt is rotatable between a clamping position tensioning the bolt to secure the arrangement, and a release position de-tensioning the bolt. By this arrangement, remaining walls of the tubular support and the tubular end are not deformed even when the clamp is clampingly pressing the adjacent sidewall sections together. An adjustable back with actuator handles at a lower edge of the back, and a seat assembly with fingers that retain an upholstery cover tight against concave areas are also shown.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: David C. Eberlein, Kirt D. Martin, James D. Houda, David J. Dekker
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Patent number: 7210270Abstract: An elevated raceway for routing utility lines in a vertically spaced relationship above the upper edge of a partition. The raceway includes an elongated passageway configured to retain utility lines in a horizontally extending manner. A first support member extends downwardly from the raceway, and has a connector spaced apart from the raceway a first vertical distance. The connector is configured to attach to a partition frame. A second support member extends downwardly from the raceway, and has a connector spaced apart from the raceway a second vertical distance that is different from the first vertical distance, such that the raceway is supported at a generally uniform vertical height above an upper edge of a partition having sections with different heights.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2000Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Jonathan J. King, Joel T. Ruiter, David J. Dekker, James D. Houda
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Patent number: 6662731Abstract: A table includes a round table top defining an unobstructed open slot that extends inwardly about halfway from a perimeter of the table top. The slot is shaped to receive a freestanding article of furniture slid horizontally into the slot, such as a screen, a partition panel, a leg of another table, or the like. The table top is pivoted to the base by links that are mechanically moveable over-center to a locking position when the table top is moved to a use position. A handle is formed as part of one of the links to assist with the over-center movement. The base is adapted to nest against similar bases for compact storage, and includes two feet with low-height flat ends that lie close to a floor surface so that they do not objectionably interfere with mating furniture nor with a person's feet when using the table.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: David S. Teppo, John R. Hamilton, Brett R. Kincaid, James D. Houda
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Patent number: 6625935Abstract: A partition panel for offices includes a partition frame having a horizontal frame member and a pair of horizontally spaced apart vertical frame members connected to the horizontal frame member. An accessory support is connected to the horizontally extending frame member at a selected one of a plurality of locations to permit adjustable connection of the accessory support to the horizontal frame member. The accessory support includes a plurality of vertically spaced apart connectors adapted to support an accessory unit at a selected one of a plurality of vertically spaced locations. An accessory unit is removably connected to the accessory support at a selected one of the vertically spaced apart connectors.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2000Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Jonathan J. King, Joel T. Ruiter, David J. Dekkar, James D. Houda
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Patent number: 6591555Abstract: A storage unit for use in an office environment. The storage unit includes a structural frame having two opposing side panels, at least one laterally extending panel extending between and interconnecting the side panels to define an interior space. The frame includes a perimeter defining an access opening that provides access to the interior space. The storage unit includes a flexible cover having opposing side edges, a front edge, and a rear edge. The flexible cover is attached to the structural frame proximate said rear edge of said flexible cover. The flexible cover extends freely from the attachment to the frame. The flexible cover has an engagement feature which is selectively engageable with the frame at first and second locations on the frame. Engagement of the cover with the frame at the first location places the flexible cover in a closed position with the opposing side edges of the flexible cover extending proximate the perimeter defining the access opening.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Jonathan J. King, Joel T. Ruiter, David J. Dekkar, James D. Houda, Peter E. Mack
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Patent number: 6591563Abstract: A partition panel includes a rigid panel frame having a lower portion configured to support the partition panel freestanding on a floor surface. The rigid panel frame defines a horizontal upper edge and an intermediate height between the upper edge and the lower portion. A utility trough extends horizontally adjacent the horizontal upper edge, and the utility trough defines a utilities passageway having an upwardly facing elongated opening extending along substantially the entire length of the utility trough and providing access to the utilities passageway. A horizontally repositionable vertically extending utility support member is adapted to support utility lines extending from the utilities passageway of the utility trough to the intermediate height.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Jonathan J. King, Joel T. Ruiter, David J. Dekkar, James D. Houda
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Publication number: 20030121458Abstract: A table includes a round table top defining an unobstructed open slot that extends inwardly about halfway from a perimeter of the table top. The slot is shaped to receive a freestanding article of furniture slid horizontally into the slot, such as a screen, a partition panel, a leg of another table, or the like. The table top is pivoted to the base by links that are mechanically moveable over-center to a locking position when the table top is moved to a use position. A handle is formed as part of one of the links to assist with the over-center movement. The base is adapted to nest against similar bases for compact storage, and includes two feet with low-height flat ends that lie close to a floor surface so that they do not objectionably interfere with mating furniture nor with a person's feet when using the table.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2001Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventors: David S. Teppo, John R. Hamilton, Brett R. Kincaid, James D. Houda
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Publication number: 20020189180Abstract: A partition panel includes a rigid panel frame having a lower portion configured to support the partition panel freestanding on a floor surface. The rigid panel frame defines a horizontal upper edge and an intermediate height between the upper edge and the lower portion. A utility trough extends horizontally adjacent the horizontal upper edge, and the utility trough defines a utilities passageway having an upwardly facing elongated opening extending along substantially the entire length of the utility trough and providing access to the utilities passageway. A horizontally repositionable vertically extending utility support member is adapted to support utility lines extending from the utilities passageway of the utility trough to the intermediate height.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2001Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: Jonathan J. King, Joel T. Ruiter, David J. Dekkar, James D. Houda
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Publication number: 20020189179Abstract: A storage unit for use in an office environment. The storage unit includes a structural frame having two opposing side panels, at least one laterally extending panel extending between and interconnecting the side panels to define an interior space. The frame includes a perimeter defining an access opening that provides access to the interior space. The storage unit includes a flexible cover having opposing side edges, a front edge, and a rear edge. The flexible cover is attached to the structural frame proximate said rear edge of said flexible cover. The flexible cover extends freely from the attachment to the frame. The flexible cover has an engagement feature which is selectively engageable with the frame at first and second locations on the frame. Engagement of the cover with the frame at the first location places the flexible cover in a closed position with the opposing side edges of the flexible cover extending proximate the perimeter defining the access opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2001Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: Jonathan J. King, Joel T. Ruiter, David J. Dekkar, James D. Houda, Peter E. Mack
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Patent number: 6158179Abstract: A wall structure for dividing building space includes several different freestanding base panels such as an internally open partition panel, a sound-deadening partition panel, a glass-supporting partition panel, and a doorway-supporting partition panel, and further includes an overhead system comprising a structural expressway construction, a transom subframe, covers for the subframe, and a glass module attachable to the subframe. The structural expressway construction has a torque box bracket for moving support from an inboard location spaced from the vertical side edge of the base panels to the vertical side edge. The transom subframe mounts atop the different base panels, and telescopingly extends into mating engagement with a ceiling channel.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1998Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventors: Anne C. Ackerly, David J. Battey, David P. Churchill, James H. Davies, Gregg R. Draudt, Michael D. Elsholz, Roy W. Fink, Steven F. Goodman, Steven C. Gortsema, Peter C. Greenberg, Allen C. Hager, Harold Halvorson, Jr., James D. Houda, Robert E. Jeffers, Gary S. Juhlin, Robert J. Luchetti, Karl J. Mead, Scott H. Russell, Peter J. Schauer, David A. Shipman, Anthony A. Stachowiak, Michael Tingley, Genevieve Wing
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Patent number: 6128877Abstract: A variable width panel includes a frame having a knock-down construction adapted for on-site assembly. The frame includes a first rigid stile adapted to be disposed in a generally vertical assembled orientation along a first side of the frame. At least two rigid cross-members having first ends thereof rigidly attached to the stile are disposed in a vertically spaced-apart relationship, and extend in a generally horizontal assembled orientation. The cross-members having predetermined full width with a construction which permits the cross-members to be cut to a custom width at a second end thereof during the on-site assembly for use in a special width panel that is adapted for connection with the standard width panels. The frame also includes fasteners for detachably connecting the second ends of the cross-members with the second stile to define a pocket therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1998Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventors: Steven F. Goodman, Roy W. Fink, Allen C. Hager, James D. Houda, Michael H. Abson
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Patent number: 6047508Abstract: A reconfigurable office partition includes a movable panel with a rigid frame, a core panel mounted therein, and at least one cover panel detachably mounted on the frame and enclosing an associated portion thereof. The frame has at least one vertical stile with first and second channels that extend longitudinally therealong and are shaped to receive utilities therein through outwardly opening sides. The outwardly opening sides of the channels are juxtaposed in opposite directions to facilitate routing utilities along both faces of the panel. A variable height frame support may be positioned between the top of the panel and the building ceiling for floor-to-ceiling applications.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1998Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventors: Steven F. Goodman, Roy W. Fink, James D. Houda, Michael H. Abson, Allen C. Hager
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Patent number: D467555Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Jonathan J. King, Joel T. Ruiter, David J. Dekker, James D. Houda