Patents by Inventor Mark E. Benden

Mark E. Benden 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: 7048236
    Abstract: A vertical adjustment apparatus is described for use in the field of workstation design. The vertical adjustment apparatus is attachable to a workstation and operates to selectively raise and lower a device, such as a keyboard, such that the device may be utilized by a user in a seated position, as well by the user in a standing position, such that the apparatus allows the device to be elevated to a 95th percentile standing elbow rest height. A locking means for to selectively lock an upper tray at a predetermined height above a base tray is also described. The apparatus may include a power means for adjusting the height of the upper tray over the base tray. A method of adjusting a device for use by a user in a seated and in a standing position is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Neutral Posture, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E Benden, Jerome J Congleton, Christopher A. Smith
  • Patent number: 7036886
    Abstract: An adjustable support assembly is described for use with any prior art seating device having a post and a plurality of substantially horizontal legs. In some embodiments, the support assembly has a support with at least two voids for mounting to the post of the seating device, and at least one leg. The outer perimeter of the support is moveable outwardly with respect to the post of the seating device via selective engagement with one of the voids. Further, the attachment of the legs to the support provides a way to selectively lock the support to prevent rotation of the support about the post. A method of adjusting the support is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Neutral Posture, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E Benden, Christopher A. Smith, Jerome J Congleton, Larry Johnson
  • Patent number: 6877812
    Abstract: A support apparatus is provided for use in the field of workstation design. The support apparatus is movably attachable to a seating device to selectively provide both dorsal and ventral support to a seated user. The support apparatus is movable, by a user in the seated position, between the position providing ventral support and the position providing dorsal support. Also provided is a method of selectively supporting either the ventral or dorsal side of a user by one apparatus, the apparatus moveable by a user in the seated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Neutral Posture, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome J. Congleton, Mark E. Benden, Rebecca Congleton Boenigk, John C. Guillen
  • Publication number: 20040108763
    Abstract: A support apparatus is described for use in the field of workstation design. The support apparatus is movably attachable to a seating device to selectively provide both dorsal and ventral support to a seated user. The support apparatus is movable, by a user in the seated position, between the position providing ventral support and the position providing dorsal support. Also described is a method of selectively supporting either the ventral or dorsal side of a user by one apparatus, the apparatus moveable by a user in the seated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Neutral Posture, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome J. Congleton, Mark E. Benden, Rebecca Congleton Boenigk, John C. Guillen
  • Patent number: 6607246
    Abstract: A footrest apparatus is described for use in the field of workstation design. The footrest apparatus comfortably supports the chair user's feet and includes a support section and a connecting section. The footrest apparatus may be detachably connected to chair legs. The footrest apparatus may be adjusted to accommodate chairs of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Neutral Posture Ergonomics, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Benden
  • Patent number: 6604786
    Abstract: A support apparatus is described for use in the field of workstation design. The support apparatus is removably attachable to either the armrest of the chair, the back of the chair, or a desk. In this way, accessories—such as a computer, keyboard and/or a mouse—can be utilized by a person seated in the chair or standing near the chair. Also described is a support apparatus having two sides rotatably attachable to a chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Neutral Posture, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Benden, Jerome J. Congleton, N. Michele Smithey
  • Patent number: 6296312
    Abstract: A multi-position armrest designed for use with a conventional chair to enhance the comfort of an individual seated within the chair. The armrest includes a support arm having a first end adapted for attachment to a chair and a second end coupled to an arm pad in a manner permitting the arm pad to selectively rotate relative to the support arm. The arm pad includes a first circular locking member engaging a second circular locking member on the support arm to selectively lock the arm pad relative to the support arm. The armrest is also provided with a resilient coupling assembly coupling the arm pad to the support arm in a manner permitting the arm pad to move from the support arm to disengage the first circular locking member from the second circular locking member and permit the arm pad to rotate relative to the support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Neutral Posture Ergonomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome J. Congleton, Rebecca Congleton Boenigk, Bobby A. Boenigk, Mark E. Benden
  • Patent number: 6290295
    Abstract: A pump assembly is described for use in the field of workstation design. The pump assembly is described for use in combination with a chair back having an expandable fluid bladder for lumbar support. The pump assembly allows a person, while seated, to more easily inflate or deflate an expandable fluid bladder. An actuator for inflating and deflating the expandable fluid bladder is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Neutral Posture Ergonomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Benden, Rebecca C. Boenigk, Kendall A. Belt, David W. Ebner
  • Patent number: 6220663
    Abstract: A pump assembly is described for use in the field of workstation design. The pump assembly is described for use in combination with a chair back having an expandable fluid bladder for lumbar support. The pump assembly allows a person, while seated, to more easily inflate or deflate an expandable fluid bladder. An actuator for inflating and deflating the expandable fluid bladder is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Neutral Posture Ergonomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Benden, Rebecca C. Boenigk, Kendall A. Belt, David W. Ebner
  • Patent number: 6142571
    Abstract: A footrest apparatus is described for use in the field of workstation design. The footrest apparatus comfortably supports the chair user's feet and includes a support section and a connecting section. The footrest apparatus may be detachably connected to chair legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Neutral Posture Ergonomics, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Benden
  • Patent number: D458777
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Neutral Posture Ergonomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Benden, N. Michele Smithey
  • Patent number: D463441
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Neutral Posture Ergonomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Benden, N. Michele Smithey