Patents by Inventor Randall Lee Bixler

Randall Lee Bixler 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: 8046957
    Abstract: A stack-on panel assembly for panel-based partition systems includes a connector bracket with a first portion shaped for connection with the top of an associated base panel, and a second portion upstanding from the first portion and having a first latch member. The stack-on panel assembly also includes a stacker panel having a bottom portion shaped for abutting support on top of the base panel, and a vertically extending slot disposed along one side to receive and retain therein the second portion of the connector bracket. A second latch member is disposed within the stacker panel at a location adjacent to the slot, and automatically engages and positively locks with the first latch member on the connector bracket when the stacker panel is lowered into place on top of the base panel to positively, yet detachably, connect the stacker panel on the base panel in a vertically stacked relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Charles D. Towersey, Gordon F. Chapman, Randall Lee Bixler
  • Patent number: 7841142
    Abstract: A stack-on panel assembly is supported on a base panel having tubular uprights disposed adjacent opposite sides thereof with open tops and a fastener end extending into an interior of the uprights. A stacker panel has a bottom portion abuttingly supported on a top portion of the base panel, a vertically extending slot along one side thereof, and a first latch member adjacent to the slot. A connector bracket has a lower portion received in the interior portion of the frame upright, and an aperture shaped to receive the fastener end to vertically locate the connector bracket relative to the base panel. The connector bracket is received in the slot to horizontally locate the stacker panel relative to the base panel, and has a second latch member selectively engaging the first latch member on the stacker panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Charles D. Towersey, Gordon F. Chapman, Randall Lee Bixler
  • Publication number: 20080115434
    Abstract: A stack-on panel assembly for panel-based partition systems includes a connector bracket with a first portion shaped for connection with the top of an associated base panel, and a second portion upstanding from the first portion and having a first latch member. The stack-on panel assembly also includes a stacker panel having a bottom portion shaped for abutting support on top of the base panel, and a vertically extending slot disposed along one side to receive and retain therein the second portion of the connector bracket. A second latch member is disposed within the stacker panel at a location adjacent to the slot, and automatically engages and positively locks with the first latch member on the connector bracket when the stacker panel is lowered into place on top of the base panel to positively, yet detachably, connect the stacker panel on the base panel in a vertically stacked relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Charles D. Towersey, Gordon F. Chapman, Randall Lee Bixler
  • Publication number: 20080115433
    Abstract: A stack-on panel assembly is supported on a base panel having tubular uprights disposed adjacent opposite sides thereof with open tops and a fastener end extending into an interior of the uprights. A stacker panel has a bottom portion abuttingly supported on a top portion of the base panel, a vertically extending slot along one side thereof, and a first latch member adjacent to the slot. A connector bracket has a lower portion received in the interior portion of the frame upright, and an aperture shaped to receive the fastener end to vertically locate the connector bracket relative to the base panel. The connector bracket is received in the slot to horizontally locate the stacker panel relative to the base panel, and has a second latch member selectively engaging the first latch member on the stacker panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Charles D. Towersey, Gordon F. Chapman, Randall Lee Bixler