Abstract: A furniture system includes an elongated chase having a body extending from a first end to a second end. The body has an upper surface and a lower surface. A first leg is coupled to the lower surface of the body and a second leg is coupled to the lower surface of the body and spaced apart from the first leg. Power cables are positioned within a cavity of the body, the power cables configured to connect to a building's power supply. A modular power unit is coupled to the lower surface of the body. The modular power unit includes a power outlet electrically coupled to the power cables.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 23, 2020
Date of Patent:
April 5, 2022
Assignee:
HERMAN MILLER, INC.
Inventors:
John Matthai, Joshua DeWys, Joel Ruiter, Michael Katje, Peter Keyzer, Michael A. Johnson, Taiyoh Afrik
Abstract: A screen assembly includes a screen including a panel having a recess and a receiver positioned within the recess. The receiver includes a locking member having a cantilevered finger, and a cantilevered actuator. The screen assembly also includes connector having a body and a contact extending from the body. The contact is received in the receiver between the cantilevered finger and the cantilevered actuator. The contact has an opening through which the locking member extends. The cantilevered actuator is movable toward the locking member to move the locking member out of the opening.
Abstract: A power distribution system includes a plurality of wires extending between a first end and a second end. The wires extend continuously between the first and second ends, Each wire includes an electrical conductor and an insulation layer. The power distribution system further includes a receptacle selectively positionable at any position along a length of the wires. The power receptacle includes a housing defining at least one power outlet. A plurality of connection members is positioned within the housing. Each connection member includes a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to contact the electrical conductors within the insulation layers of the plurality of wires for electrically connecting the plurality of connection members to the plurality of wires. The second end is configured to electrically connect the plurality of connection members to the at least one power outlet.
Abstract: A method of manufacturing suspension seating includes providing a blank to be used in a suspension member. The blank has a non-visible marker. The method also includes illuminating the non-visible marker with an excitation source. The non-visible marker becomes detectable when illuminated by the excitation source. The method further includes sensing the non-visible marker with a sensor. The sensor is configured to detect the non-visible marker when illuminated by the excitation source. The method also includes determining, by a controller, a characteristic of the blank using the non-visible marker. The controller is in communication with the sensor and configured to receive information related to the non-visible marker from the sensor. The method further includes adjusting the blank to achieve the desired characteristic.
Abstract: A system and method for communicatively pairing a mobile communication device and a furniture item, such as a desk or table, includes placing the mobile communication device in a communication zone associated with the furniture item. In response to placing the mobile communication device in the communication zone, a communication link is established between the mobile communication device and a communication circuit of the furniture item. A user interface is then displayed on a display screen of the mobile communication device to show a preset height, such as a standing or sitting height, for the furniture device. When a user selects the preset height, an actuator adjusts the furniture item to the specific height. The communication circuit may use any available wireless communication protocol or circuit.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 3, 2020
Date of Patent:
April 20, 2021
Assignee:
HERMAN MILLER, INC.
Inventors:
Jeff Gibson, Christopher Hoyt, Nicolas Milani, Kurt Dykema, Dave Moelker, Jared Thomas
Abstract: A power distribution system includes a track having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second ends. The track defines a channel extending along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of power cables is positioned within the channel. A electrical hub is movably coupled to the second end of the track. The electrical hub is electrically connected to the plurality of power cables and includes a power receptacle. The electrical hub is movable relative to the second end of the track to change a position of the power receptacle relative to the track.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 7, 2019
Date of Patent:
January 5, 2021
Assignee:
HERMAN MILLER, INC.
Inventors:
Brian David Alexander, Peter James Keyzer, Jeffrey Dennis Roetman, Raymond Hugh Riner, Gordon Frank Chapman
Abstract: A body support structure includes a backrest and a seat connected to the backrest. A suspension material is connected to the backrest or the seat. The suspension material has a first zone with a first stiffness and a second zone with a second stiffness greater than the first stiffness. Also included are methods of creating different zones in the suspension material.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 15, 2016
Date of Patent:
December 29, 2020
Assignee:
HERMAN MILLER, INC.
Inventors:
John F. Aldrich, Brock Walker, Jeff Bruner, Adwait Bhagwat, Ethan McGraw, Don Chadwick
Abstract: A body support structure includes a frame and a membrane attached to the frame. The membrane includes elastomeric filaments. The membrane includes different regions with different stiffness. The membrane may form a part of a seat or a backrest.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 10, 2018
Date of Patent:
December 8, 2020
Assignee:
HERMAN MILLER, INC.
Inventors:
Johann Burkhard Schmitz, Claudia Plikat, Carola Eva Marianne Zwick, Roland Rolf Otto Zwick, Andrew Keith Hector, John Fredric Aldrich