Patents Assigned to Herman Miller, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6769747
    Abstract: A table includes a support structure comprising a first wire support and a second wire support. Each of the first and second wire supports comprises opposite ends that are joined to define a first and second foot. A portion of each of the first and second wire supports form a first and second support platform respectively. A work surface is supported on the first and second support platforms. In another aspect, a preferred embodiment of the support structure further comprises a first and second cap member disposed on an upper surface of the work surface and connected to the first and second support platforms such that the work surface is clamped therebetween. In another aspect, an accessory includes a mounting portion that is disposed between a first surface of a work surface and one of the support platform and the cap member. The cap member is connected to the support platform with the mounting portion clamped between one of the support platform and the cap member and the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Ping Pang Chan, Rama Chorpash, Thomas William Granzow, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Jeffrey Fredrick Miller
  • Patent number: 6766748
    Abstract: A table includes a support leg having an elongated channel extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the support leg and opening laterally outwardly from said support leg. The channel has an open end at a top of the support leg. In a preferred embodiment, a catch member extends across at least a portion of said channel and a worksurface is supported by the top of said support leg. In another aspect, the worksurface has a cutout shaped to receive at least a portion of the top of the support leg with at least a portion of the channel nested in the cutout. In a preferred embodiment, the support leg includes a socket that is shaped to receive a portion of the worksurface. A method of routing a utility line on a table is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Insalaco, David J. Ritch, Mark B. Saffell, Gordon J. Stannis
  • Patent number: 6764144
    Abstract: A storage unit includes a first and second horizontal shelf member, at least one vertical panel disposed between the first and second horizontal shelf members, and at least one tie member. A bottom of the at least one vertical panel is supported by the first shelf member and the second shelf member is supported on a top of the at least one vertical panel. The at least one tie member extends between and connects the first and second horizontal shelf members, with the at least one panel clamped therebetween. In another aspect of the invention, a method for assembling a storage unit is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Insalaco, David J. Ritch, Mark B. Saffell, Gordon J. Stannis
  • Patent number: 6758523
    Abstract: A method of installing a spring into a chair and a chair with a preload member that prevents a user from removing an initial stress from the spring. The method includes positioning a spring guide in a first position and installing the spring into the chair in an unstressed state. The spring is then stressed by adjusting the spring guide away from the first position. When the spring has been stressed to at least the desired initial stress, the preload member is positioned to prevent the spring guide from being adjusted back to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas M. VanDeRiet, Jeffrey R. Oberlin
  • Patent number: 6755473
    Abstract: A chair, or other office furniture device, includes a first and second support member. The first support member has a longitudinal extent and a fluid passageway formed within at least a portion thereof. A first piston, having a first and second end, is moveably disposed in the fluid passageway. The second support member is coupled to the first end of the first piston. A fluid supply is disposed in the fluid passageway and communicates with the second end of the first piston. A pressure is applied to the fluid supply. A fluid flow controller controls a flow of the fluid supply and is operable between at least an open and closed position, wherein the fluid supply is allowed to flow when the controller is in the open position and wherein the fluid supply is not allowed to flow when the controller is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Stewart D. Reed, James M. Schaddelee, George A. Miles, Steven B. Panse
  • Publication number: 20040113945
    Abstract: A graphical user interface (“GUI”) and method is disclosed for use with a product specification computer program for specifying complex highly configurable products. The GUI provides for simultaneously displaying, navigating, selecting and assembling of complex objects/products and configuration thereof into a design layout using a multi-pane display. The display provides both two dimensional and three dimensional representations of the design layout as well as product selection and manipulation tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel H. Park, Keva Michael Moskowitz, Kevin Earl Meboe, Daniel Malcolm Toloudis
  • Patent number: 6732660
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a workstation kit includes a support column having a partially open end, an easily accessible interior cavity, and a number of openings in the column's outer surface allowing utilities to be run within the column to the workstation. The support column has a plurality of holes around its periphery allowing the easy addition of a variety of workstation components in a number of different configurations providing a workstation with high modularity. Another component of the workstation kit is a cap defined by a vertical cavity and attaching to a partially open end of the support column allowing utilities to be run into the column and additionally providing a handle. An accessory includes a retractable privacy screen which attaches to the column. Methods for reconfiguring a workstation kit and for wiring a workstation are provided. Additionally, methods for attaching and detaching a retractable privacy screen are provided. Finally, a method of moving a workstation is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Dame, Toren Orzeck
  • Patent number: 6733080
    Abstract: A seating structure includes a backrest having a top and bottom and includes a frame. The frame includes a pair of spaced apart side members defining an opening therebetween. Each of the side members has a length. A flexible membrane extends between and is attached to the side members across the opening. An armrest is moveably mounted to each of the side members. Each of the armrests is adjustably moveable along at least a portion of the length of the side members between at least a first position and a second position. The first position is closer to the bottom of the backrest than the second position. A method of adjusting the seating structure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Stumpf, Rodney C. Schoenfelder, Donald Chadwick, Carolyn Keller, Timothy P. Coffield, Randy J. Sayers, Jeffrey W. Bruner, Eric Cammenga
  • Patent number: 6729085
    Abstract: A stackable wall panel assembly including a lower wall panel having a top, a bottom, vertically extending ends and opposite sides and an upper wall panel having a top, a bottom, vertically extending ends and opposite sides. A vertically extending stanchion has a lower end connected to the top of the lower wall panel and an upper end connected to the bottom of the upper wall panel. The bottom of the upper wall panel is spaced from the top of the lower wall panel to form an open space between the upper and lower wall panels. In a preferred embodiment, a rail extends between the stanchions. Also in a preferred embodiment, a cover covers the space formed between the upper and lower wall panels. In another aspect, a second stanchion is connected to the top of the upper wall panel and a second upper wall panel is connected to the top of the second stanchion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Newhouse, David B. Martin, Kevin Scott Breuker, Mark James Dinneweth, Steven M. Van Weiren, Thomas L. Verkaik
  • Patent number: 6726286
    Abstract: A seating structure having a fabric with a weave pattern for supporting the body of a user. The fabric includes a plurality of strands of multifilament yarn and a plurality of monofilaments running generally perpendicular to the strands. At least some of the monofilaments are arranged in pairs. The monofilaments in each pair weaving alternatively above and below some adjacent strands and crossing over each other between other adjacent strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Stumpf, Rodney C. Schoenfelder, Donald Chadwick, Carolyn Keller, Timothy P. Coffield, Randy U. Sayers, Jeffrey W. Bruner, Eric Cammenga
  • Patent number: 6726285
    Abstract: An improved method of constructing seating surfaces, provides greater comfort through superior surface adjustments for a variety of users. The seating structure provides greater airflow to contact areas of the occupant's body, and is more efficient and economical to produce. The seating surface construction is comprised of a plurality of support sections, or bosses/platforms and of a plurality of web connectors interconnecting the support sections. The support sections, or bosses/platforms are more rigid than their corresponding web connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome Carmel Caruso, Steven Jerome Caruso
  • Patent number: 6722741
    Abstract: A seating structure includes a support structure, a seat supported by the support structure and a backrest pivotally connected to the support structure. The seat includes a front and rear. The backrest is positioned adjacent the rear of the seat. The backrest includes a frame having a pair of bow-shaped side members. Each of the side members has a lower section and an upper section. The upper sections extend from the lower sections so as to form a pair of first bowed sections at substantially a lumbar region of the backrest. A flexible membrane is attached to and extends between the side members. The flexible membrane has a second bowed section corresponding to the first bowed sections of the side members. A method of using the seating structure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Stumpf, Rodney C. Schoenfelder, Donald Chadwick, Carolyn Keller, Timothy P. Coffield, Randy J. Sayers, Jeffrey W. Bruner, Eric Cammenga
  • Patent number: 6718717
    Abstract: A modular wall panel and mounting members for attaching a panel covering thereto. The modular wall panel has one or more flanges that connect to a frame support. A panel covering is tensioned across a face of the frame support and is connected to the flanges by the mounting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller Inc.
    Inventors: J. Dennis Henderson, Todd Alan Shane
  • Patent number: 6711871
    Abstract: A wall panel assembly comprising a curved, upwardly opening channel and a support member having a downwardly extending insert portion. The insert portion is inserted into the channel. A component is attached to the support member. In a preferred embodiment, a rail member comprises the channel and is removeably attached to a wall panel frame. In another aspect, the wall panel further includes at least a second channel and a second support member engaged with the second channel. The second support member being further attached to the component. In a preferred embodiment, one or both of the second support members include a rotatable cam member that releasably engages the component. A method is also provided for configuring a wall panel with an off-module component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean M. Beirise, Kevin L. McClintock, Todd A. Shane
  • Patent number: 6702390
    Abstract: A seating structure includes a support assembly for supporting the body of a user. The support assembly includes a frame member defining an opening and having a channel formed around at least a portion of a perimeter of the opening and an expandable carrier member expandable between at least a first and second configuration. The carrier member is inserted into the channel when expanded to the second configuration. A membrane of elastic material covers the central opening. The membrane has an edge, at least a portion of which is attached to the carrier member. The membrane is stretched a desired amount as the carrier member is expanded between the first and second configurations. A method of assembling a seating structure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Stumpf, Rodney C. Schoenfelder, Donald Chadwick, Carolyn Keller, Timothy P. Coffield, Randy J. Sayers, Jeffrey W. Bruner, Eric Cammenga
  • Patent number: 6695220
    Abstract: A powder spray system comprises a plurality of supply hoppers, a purge air supply, a manifold operably connected to each of the plurality of supply hoppers, and a spray gun. The manifold comprises a plurality of outlets. The spray gun is operable in a plurality of spraying configurations and a purging configuration. The spray gun is selectively, removably connected to at least one of the outlets when in one of the plurality of the spraying configurations and is removably connected to the purge air supply when in the purging configuration. A method of operating a powder spray system also is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Vollmer
  • Patent number: 6684582
    Abstract: A modular tile and modular tile system is disclosed. The modular tile includes a base structure having a generally horizontal portion. Floor support members are positioned on a bottom surface of the generally horizontal portion. Upper column members extend above the horizontal portion of the modular tile. A cover is supported by the upper column members a distance above the horizontal portion thereby creating a chamber between the horizontal portion and the cover. The chamber is adapted to receive cabling therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Peart, Ross Lovegrove, Robert W. Insalaco
  • Patent number: D489472
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Newhouse, Ayse Birsel
  • Patent number: D489827
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Ayse Birsel, Robert W. Insalaco
  • Patent number: D490994
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Johann Burkhard Schmitz, Claudia Plikat, Nicolai Neubert, Carola E. M. Zwick, Roland R. O. Zwick