Patents by Inventor Mark T. Slager

Mark T. Slager 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: 10669713
    Abstract: An office work system includes a first and second table assemblies each including a first work surface having first and second ends, and leg arrangements coupled to the work surfaces and configured to support the work surfaces above a floor surface, a beam arrangement that includes an upwardly-facing surface, a first end, a second end, and a pair of channels extending between the first and second ends, the channels coextending with one another and being located at the same vertical height, wherein the first table and second table assemblies are coupled to the beam arrangement, a work tool positioned above the beam arrangement, and a connector assembly connecting the work tool to the beam arrangement, where the connector assembly is coupled to the work tool and engages the pair of channels of the beam arrangement such that the work tool may be repositioned along a length of the beam arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Feldpausch, Marvin C. Knauf, Bradley D. Youngs, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, John R. Hamilton, Ryan Geister, Daniel Phillips
  • Patent number: 10626600
    Abstract: A partition assembly for subdividing a floor plan area that includes a beam assembly including a beam member including an upper wall, a pair of side walls, a bottom wall, first and second ends, and a pair of channels extending between the first and second ends, each of the channels positioned closer to one of the pair of side walls than to a longitudinally-extending center line of the beam member, a lower frame member located below the beam member, and vertical frame members extending between the beam member and the lower frame member, a work tool positioned above the beam assembly, and a connector assembly connecting the work tool to the beam assembly, where the connector assembly is coupled to the work tool and engages the pair of channels of the beam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Feldpausch, Marvin C. Knauf, Bradley D. Youngs, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, John R. Hamilton, Ryan Geister, Daniel Phillips
  • Patent number: 10329759
    Abstract: A method of installing a panel member on a frame assembly includes the steps of providing a panel member having inner and outer surfaces and providing one or more positioning assemblies on the inner surface of the panel. The positioning assemblies each having an adjustable positioning member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly. The method further includes setting the positioning members to determine a registration point for the panel member along the frame assembly. One or more driving assemblies are then provided on the inner surface of the panel, each having a biasing member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly to drive the panel member towards the registration point on the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Mark T. Slager, Marvin C. Knauf, Allen C. Hager, Steven Keith Meek
  • Publication number: 20180080225
    Abstract: An office work system includes a first and second table assemblies each including a first work surface having first and second ends, and leg arrangements coupled to the work surfaces and configured to support the work surfaces above a floor surface, a beam arrangement that includes an upwardly-facing surface, a first end, a second end, and a pair of channels extending between the first and second ends, the channels coextending with one another and being located at the same vertical height, wherein the first table and second table assemblies are coupled to the beam arrangement, a work tool positioned above the beam arrangement, and a connector assembly connecting the work tool to the beam arrangement, where the connector assembly is coupled to the work tool and engages the pair of channels of the beam arrangement such that the work tool may be repositioned along a length of the beam arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Michael J. Feldpausch, Marvin C. Knauf, Bradley D. Youngs, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, John R. Hamilton, Ryan Geister, Daniel Phillips
  • Publication number: 20180073249
    Abstract: A partition assembly for subdividing a floor plan area that includes a beam assembly including a beam member including an upper wall, a pair of side walls, a bottom wall, first and second ends, and a pair of channels extending between the first and second ends, each of the channels positioned closer to one of the pair of side walls than to a longitudinally-extending center line of the beam member, a lower frame member located below the beam member, and vertical frame members extending between the beam member and the lower frame member, a work tool positioned above the beam assembly, and a connector assembly connecting the work tool to the beam assembly, where the connector assembly is coupled to the work tool and engages the pair of channels of the beam member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Michael J. Feldpausch, Marvin C. Knauf, Bradley D. Youngs, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, John R. Hamilton, Ryan Geister, Daniel Phillips
  • Patent number: 9850657
    Abstract: An office partition system including a partition frame having front and rear sides. Front and rear transparent sheet material is disposed on the front and rear sides of the partition frame, respectively. Horizontally and vertically extending dividers are disposed between the front and rear transparent sheet material to define a plurality of vertically juxtaposed interior chambers. The front transparent sheet material comprises a plurality of first sheets, each first sheet having horizontally-extending upper and lower edges. The upper and lower edges of adjacent first sheets are vertically spaced apart to define horizontally elongated gaps therebetween. The horizontally elongated gaps are fluidly connected to interior chambers disposed above and below the horizontal dividers to define Helmholtz resonators whereby sound that is incident on the front side of the partition frame is absorbed to the Helmholtz resonance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Roy W. Fink, Mark T. Slager
  • Publication number: 20170247880
    Abstract: An office partition system including a partition frame having front and rear sides. Front and rear transparent sheet material is disposed on the front and rear sides of the partition frame, respectively. Horizontally and vertically extending dividers are disposed between the front and rear transparent sheet material to define a plurality of vertically juxtaposed interior chambers. The front transparent sheet material comprises a plurality of first sheets, each first sheet having horizontally-extending upper and lower edges. The upper and lower edges of adjacent first sheets are vertically spaced apart to define horizontally elongated gaps therebetween. The horizontally elongated gaps are fluidly connected to interior chambers disposed above and below the horizontal dividers to define Helmholtz resonators whereby sound that is incident on the front side of the partition frame is absorbed to the Helmholtz resonance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Roy W. Fink, Mark T. Slager
  • Patent number: 9611641
    Abstract: An office work system comprises a first furniture unit having a first laterally-extending channel, and a second furniture unit having a second laterally-extending channel, the second channel being disposed substantially parallel to and at least substantially the same vertical height as the first channel, such that at least a portion of the first and second channels coextend. The office work system further comprises a work accessory and a connector assembly to connect the work accessory to the first and second furniture units along the coextending portions of the channels, the assembly including a pair of engagement members adapted to engage the first and second channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Hamilton, Marvin C. Knauf, Bradley D. Youngs, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, Daniel Phillips, Helen A. Buckley, Ryan Pauly
  • Publication number: 20170022707
    Abstract: A method of installing a panel member on a frame assembly includes the steps of providing a panel member having inner and outer surfaces and providing one or more positioning assemblies on the inner surface of the panel. The positioning assemblies each having an adjustable positioning member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly. The method further includes setting the positioning members to determine a registration point for the panel member along the frame assembly. One or more driving assemblies are then provided on the inner surface of the panel, each having a biasing member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly to drive the panel member towards the registration point on the frame assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Mark T. Slager, Marvin C. Knauf, Allen C. Hager, Steven Keith Meek
  • Patent number: 9506247
    Abstract: A window assembly for partition walls. The window assembly includes a plurality of connector assemblies that are configured to be connected to a partition frame around an opening through the partition frame. Each connector assembly includes a base structure and at least one movable retainer that is biased towards an engaged position. The window assembly also includes a subframe including two pairs of elongated subframe members having opposite ends that are rigidly interconnected to define a generally rectangular central opening. The subframe further defines oppositely facing inner and outer side faces. The subframe includes a connecting portion protruding away from the inner side face and engaging the movable retainer to connect the subframe to the connector assemblies. The window assembly further includes at least one sheet of light-transmitting material secured to the subframe and extending across the central opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Mark T. Slager, Marvin C. Knauf, Allen C. Hager, Steven Keith Meek
  • Patent number: 9487949
    Abstract: A method of installing a panel member on a frame assembly includes the steps of providing a panel member having inner and outer surfaces and providing one or more positioning assemblies on the inner surface of the panel. The positioning assemblies each having an adjustable positioning member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly. The method further includes setting the positioning members to determine a registration point for the panel member along the frame assembly. One or more driving assemblies are then provided on the inner surface of the panel, each having a biasing member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly to drive the panel member towards the registration point on the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Allen C. Hager, Mark T. Slager
  • Publication number: 20150275513
    Abstract: A window assembly for partition walls. The window assembly includes a plurality of connector assemblies that are configured to be connected to a partition frame around an opening through the partition frame. Each connector assembly includes a base structure and at least one movable retainer that is biased towards an engaged position. The window assembly also includes a subframe including two pairs of elongated subframe members having opposite ends that are rigidly interconnected to define a generally rectangular central opening. The subframe further defines oppositely facing inner and outer side faces. The subframe includes a connecting portion protruding away from the inner side face and engaging the movable retainer to connect the subframe to the connector assemblies. The window assembly further includes at least one sheet of light-transmitting material secured to the subframe and extending across the central opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Mark T. Slager, Marvin C. Knauf, Allen C. Hager, Steven Keith Meek
  • Publication number: 20150068134
    Abstract: An office work system that comprises a beam assembly that includes a first horizontal frame member having an upper surface and an upwardly opening first channel that extends along a length of the first horizontal frame member, a work surface having an upper surface, and a work surface support assembly that engages the first channel and is positionable along a length of the beam, and adjustably supports the work surface at a plurality of vertical heights relative to the first horizontal frame member, wherein at least one of the plurality of vertical heights positions the upper surface of the work surface above the upper surface of the first horizontal frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Feldpausch, Marvin C. Knauf, Bradley D. Youngs, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, John R. Hamilton, Ryan Geister, Daniel Phillips
  • Patent number: 8966842
    Abstract: A panel wall system includes a frame assembly adapted to support a plurality of skin assemblies in a floor-to-ceiling relationship, wherein the skin assemblies include solid panel assemblies as well as captured glass skin assemblies. The solid panel assemblies are coupled to the frame assembly via latch mechanisms having actuator levers which are accessible in gaps formed between adjacent solid panel assemblies, wherein a user of the wall panel system can discern whether or not a panel assembly is properly engaged with the frame assembly based on the visibility and positioning of the actuator lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Allen C. Hager, Mark T. Slager, Steven Keith Meek
  • Patent number: 8910435
    Abstract: A beam assembly for subdividing a floor plan area comprises a horizontally-extending beam member including an interiorly-facing surface, a bottom wall having at least one aperture extending therethrough, and at least one horizontally-extending lower frame member located below the beam member. The beam assembly further comprises at least one vertical frame member extending between and coupled with the beam member and the at least one lower frame member, wherein the at least one vertical frame member extends through the at least one aperture and the bottom wall of the beam member and interferingly engages the interior-facing surface of the beam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Feldpausch, Marvin C. Knauf, Bradley D. Youngs, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, John R. Hamilton, Ryan Geister
  • Patent number: 8701568
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20140075869
    Abstract: A panel wall system includes a frame assembly adapted to support a plurality of skin assemblies in a floor-to-ceiling relationship, wherein the skin assemblies include solid panel assemblies as well as captured glass skin assemblies. The solid panel assemblies are coupled to the frame assembly via latch mechanisms having actuator levers which are accessible in gaps formed between adjacent solid panel assemblies, wherein a user of the wall panel system can discern whether or not a panel assembly is properly engaged with the frame assembly based on the visibility and positioning of the actuator lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Allen C. Hager, Mark T. Slager, Steven J. Meek
  • Publication number: 20140075757
    Abstract: A method of installing a panel member on a frame assembly includes the steps of providing a panel member having inner and outer surfaces and providing one or more positioning assemblies on the inner surface of the panel. The positioning assemblies each having an adjustable positioning member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly. The method further includes setting the positioning members to determine a registration point for the panel member along the frame assembly. One or more driving assemblies are then provided on the inner surface of the panel, each having a biasing member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly to drive the panel member towards the registration point on the frame assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Allen C. Hager, Mark T. Slager
  • Publication number: 20130239855
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: 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
  • Patent number: 8276523
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: 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