Patents by Inventor Michael R. Shields
Michael R. Shields 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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Patent number: 8122837Abstract: A stackable, nestable, and gangable table for use in varied environments such as classrooms, conferences, testing, etc includes a wire frame scaled according to the anticipated use, a table top and a modesty panel angled obtusely from the table top to accommodate stacking and/or nesting of the tables. The table further includes glide members on the wire frame base that accommodates the ganging of tables next to one another. The glide members are mounted on the base in such a manner that they engage the opposing glides on the aligned consecutive table. The table also includes a mounting mechanism for mounting accessories such as a side storage pouch to provide additional storage and help delineate the personal work space of each table.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Ditto Sales, Inc.Inventor: Michael R. Shields
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Publication number: 20110079169Abstract: A stackable, nestable, and gangable table for use in varied environments such as classrooms, conferences, testing, etc includes a wire frame scaled according to the anticipated use, a table top and a modesty panel angled obtusely from the table top to accommodate stacking and/or nesting of the tables. The table further includes glide members on the wire frame base that accommodates the ganging of tables next to one another. The glide members are mounted on the base in such a manner that they engage the opposing glides on the aligned consecutive table. The table also includes a mounting mechanism for mounting accessories such as a side storage pouch to provide additional storage and help delineate the personal work space of each table.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: DITTO SALES, INC.Inventor: Michael R. Shields
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Patent number: 7849804Abstract: A stackable, nestable, and gangable table for use in varied environments such as classrooms, conferences, testing, etc includes a wire frame scaled according to the anticipated use, a table top and a modesty panel angled obtusely from the table top to accommodate stacking and/or nesting of the tables. The table further includes glide members on the wire frame base that accommodates the ganging of tables next to one another. The glide members are mounted on the base in such a manner that they engage the opposing glides on the aligned consecutive table. The table also includes a mounting mechanism for mounting accessories such as a side storage pouch to provide additional storage and help delineate the personal work space of each table.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Ditto Sales, Inc.Inventor: Michael R. Shields
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Patent number: 7827921Abstract: A portable chair and table set is provided that is tiltable and nestable to simplify and accommodate compact storage. The chair includes a seat shell that is pivotably mounted to a nestable support frame. Hinges connect the shell to the frame and are configured to hold the seat shell in a tilted configuration for storage. In this tilted configuration, several chairs can be horizontally nested so that the overall length of the nest chairs is minimized. Similarly, the table includes a table top having a unitary desk surface and modesty panel that is pivotably mounted to a support frame by hinges that are configured to hold the table top in a tilted configuration that allows horizontal nesting of several tables in a minimal overall length. The hinges can be easily disengaged by manual movement of the table top to its in use position.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2008Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Ditto Sales, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Shields, Jerald W. Nichols, Mark R. Dilger
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Publication number: 20090273214Abstract: A portable chair and table set is provided that is tiltable and nestable to simplify and accommodate compact storage. The chair includes a seat shell that is pivotably mounted to a nestable support frame. Hinges connect the shell to the frame and are configured to hold the seat shell in a tilted configuration for storage. In this tilted configuration, several chairs can be horizontally nested so that the overall length of the nest chairs is minimized. Similarly, the table includes a table top having a unitary desk surface and modesty panel that is pivotably mounted to a support frame by hinges that are configured to hold the table top in a tilted configuration that allows horizontal nesting of several tables in a minimal overall length. The hinges can be easily disengaged by manual movement of the table top to its in use position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2008Publication date: November 5, 2009Applicant: DITTO SALES, INC.Inventors: Michael R. Shields, Jerald W. Nichols, Mark R. Dilger
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Patent number: 7565772Abstract: A knock-down portable partition system has cover panels supported on a post and beam framework designed for quick and easy on-site manual assembly. The framework includes at least two vertical posts and at least two structural beams rigidly, yet detachably interconnecting the vertical posts. Connectors secure the beams to the posts, such that the partition system can be assembled and disassembled manually. The partition system may include utility troughs shaped to retain wires, cabling, etc. therein to provide power and/or communication to the system. The utility troughs have opposite ends shaped to be detachably mounted to the posts.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2005Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Steelcase, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Charles A. Seiber, Peter N. Skillman, Joseph Chang, Richard S. Hand
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Patent number: 7448168Abstract: A knock-down portable partition system has cover panels supported on a post and beam framework designed for quick and easy on-site manual assembly. The framework includes at least two vertical posts and at least two structural beams rigidly, yet detachably interconnecting the vertical posts. Connectors secure the beams to the posts, such that the partition system can be assembled and disassembled manually. The partition system may include utility troughs shaped to retain wires, cabling, etc. therein to provide power and/or communication to the system. The utility troughs have opposite ends shaped to be detachably mounted to the posts.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2007Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Charles A. Seiber, Peter N. Skillman, Joseph Chang, Richard S. Hand
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Publication number: 20080066659Abstract: A stackable, nestable, and gangable table for use in varied environments such as classrooms, conferences, testing, etc includes a wire frame scaled according to the anticipated use, a table top and a modesty panel angled obtusely from the table top to accommodate stacking and/or nesting of the tables. The table further includes glide members on the wire frame base that accommodates the ganging of tables next to one another. The glide members are mounted on the base in such a manner that they engage the opposing glides on the aligned consecutive table. The table also includes a mounting mechanism for mounting accessories such as a side storage pouch to provide additional storage and help delineate the personal work space of each table.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2006Publication date: March 20, 2008Applicant: DITTO SALES, INC.Inventor: Michael R. Shields
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Patent number: 6910306Abstract: A knock-down portable partition system has cover panels supported on a post and beam framework designed for quick and easy on-site manual assembly. The framework includes at least two vertical posts and at least two structural beams rigidly, yet detachably interconnecting the vertical posts. Connectors secure the beams to the posts, such that the partition system can be assembled and disassembled manually. The partition system may include utility troughs shaped to retain wires, cabling, etc. therein to provide power and/or communication to the system. The utility troughs have opposite ends shaped to be detachably mounted to the posts.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Charles A. Seiber, Peter N. Skillman, Joseph Chang, Richard S. Hand
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Publication number: 20030070377Abstract: A knock-down portable partition system has cover panels supported on a post and beam framework designed for quick and easy on-site manual assembly. The framework includes at least two vertical posts and at least two structural beams rigidly, yet detachably interconnecting the vertical posts. Connectors secure the beams to the posts, such that the partition system can be assembled and disassembled manually. The partition system may include utility troughs shaped to retain wires, cabling, etc. therein to provide power and/or communication to the system. The utility troughs have opposite ends shaped to be detachably mounted to the posts.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Charles A. Seiber, Peter N. Skillman, Joseph Chang, Richard S. Hand
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Patent number: 6546684Abstract: A knock-down partition panel frame includes a pair of spaced apart generally upright posts, each having at least one receptacle defining a tapered surface. The partition panel frame further includes at least one generally horizontal member extending between and interconnecting the posts. The horizontal member includes fastenerless connectors at opposite ends thereof, each having at least one connecting element engaging with the tapered surface to thereby securely interconnect the posts and the horizontal member to define a rigid partition frame having an interior space. A cover panel is secured to the partition frame, and closes off at least a portion of the interior space.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Peter N. Skillman, Charles A. Seiber, Joseph Chang, Richard S. Hand, Douglas L. Scheerhorn
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Patent number: 6442909Abstract: A knock-down portable partition includes a rigid panel frame having a central portion. The partition includes at least one cover panel covering at least a portion of the central portion of the rigid panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removal of the cover panel on the panel frame. The rigid panel frame includes at least two vertical posts having an upper end, a lower end, and opposite side faces. The opposite faces have at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof, and interconnecting the vertical posts adjacent the connection ports. The panel frame includes quick-disconnect connectors such as movable lock members positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2001Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Peter N. Skillman, Charles A. Seiber, Joseph Chang
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Publication number: 20020029529Abstract: A partition includes at least two vertical posts with upper and lower beams having opposite ends thereof interconnecting the vertical posts to define when in an assembled condition, a rigid panel frame having a substantially open interior. The panel frame defines a vertical dimension. At least one cover panel is configured to enclose at least a portion of the open interior of the panel frame, and is removably mounted on the panel frame to readily access the open interior thereof. The cover panel defines an interior surface and a center portion spaced-apart from the posts. A cover panel brace is connected with the upper beam, and has an outer surface abutting the interior surface of the cover panel to support the cover panel adjacent the center portion to prevent flexing of the cover panel. The cover panel brace is longitudinally extensible to accommodate variations of the vertical dimension between the upper and lower beams.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Peter N. Skillman, Charles A. Seiber, Joseph Chang, Paul J. Granzotto, Richard S. Hand, Kevin J. Longhurst, Theodore Q. Chau, Douglas L. Scheerhorn, John L. McCrackin
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Patent number: 6301846Abstract: A knock-down portable partition includes a rigid panel frame having a central portion. The partition includes at least one cover panel covering at least a portion of the central portion of the rigid panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removal of the cover panel on the panel frame. The rigid panel frame includes at least two vertical posts having an upper end, a lower end, and opposite side faces. The opposite faces have at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof, and interconnecting the vertical posts adjacent the connection ports. The panel frame includes quick-disconnect connectors such as movable lock members positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1999Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Peter N. Skillman, Charles A. Seiber, Joseph Chang
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Patent number: 6276103Abstract: A partition includes at least two vertical posts with upper and lower beams having opposite ends thereof interconnecting the vertical posts to define when in an assembled condition, a rigid panel frame having a substantially open interior. The panel frame defines a vertical dimension. At least one cover panel is configured to enclose at least a portion of the open interior of the panel frame, and is removably mounted on the panel frame to readily access the open interior thereof. The cover panel defines an interior surface and a center portion spaced-apart from the posts. A cover panel brace is connected with the upper beam, and has an outer surface abutting the interior surface of the cover panel to support the cover panel adjacent the center portion to prevent flexing of the cover panel. The cover panel brace is longitudinally extensible to accommodate variations of the vertical dimension between the upper and lower beams.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2000Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Peter N. Skillman, Charles A. Seiber, Joseph Chang, Paul J. Granzotto, Richard S. Hand, Kevin J. Longhurst, Theodore Q. Chau, Douglas L. Scheerhorn, John L. McCrackin
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Publication number: 20010013209Abstract: A knock-down portable partition includes a rigid panel frame having a central portion. The partition includes at least one cover panel covering at least a portion of the central portion of the rigid panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removal of the cover panel on the panel frame. The rigid panel frame includes at least two vertical posts having an upper end, a lower end, and opposite side faces. The opposite faces have at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof, and interconnecting the vertical posts adjacent the connection ports. The panel frame includes quick-disconnect connectors such as movable lock members positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2001Publication date: August 16, 2001Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Peter N. Skillman, Charles A. Seiber, Joseph Chang
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Patent number: 6098358Abstract: A knock-down portable partition including a panel frame having a central portion. At least one cover panel covers at least a portion of the central portion of the panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removable of the cover panel on the panel frame. The panel frame includes at least two vertical posts each having an upper end, a lower end and opposite faces with at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof, and interconnecting the same adjacent the connection ports. Movable lock members having a flexible extension are positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports, and are movably mounted thereon for shifting between an unlocked position and a locked position.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Peter N. Skillman, Charles A. Seiber, Joseph Chang, Paul J. Granzotto, Richard S. Hand, Kevin J. Longhurst, Theodore Q. Chau, Douglas L. Scheerhorn, John L. McCrackin
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Patent number: 6009675Abstract: A knock-down portable partition system has cover panels supported on a post and beam framework designed for quick and easy on-site manual assembly without tools. The framework includes at least two vertical posts with at least two beam connection ports on opposite side faces adjacent upper and lower portions of the posts. Each beam connection port has a window through the side face of the post, and first and second horizontally aligned fastener apertures in front and rear faces of the post adjacent opposite sides of the window. At least two structural beams rigidly, yet detachably interconnect the vertical posts at the upper and lower portions thereof. Each end of each of the structural beams is shaped for close reception in an associated post window, and includes a vertically oriented, transverse notch through a lower portion of the beam in which a lower edge of the post window is closely received to longitudinally lock each beam in its associated post.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1997Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher
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Patent number: D543736Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2005Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventor: Michael R. Shields
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Patent number: D549478Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2005Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventor: Michael R. Shields