Patents Assigned to Herman Miller, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8944507
    Abstract: Seating mechanisms enable the user to vary the seating angle of a chair or stool by enabling at least the portion of the chair that supports the thighs to be tilted forwardly to controllably increase the seating angle while maintaining the spine and pelvic region in vertical alignment. The extent of forward tilt is controlled by pressure applied by the user's thighs that also serves to counterbalance the weight of the user's torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark W. Goetz
  • Publication number: 20150009652
    Abstract: A power receptacle module for a work surface having multiple power receptacles includes a mounting frame configured to be received within an aperture in the work surface, a pivoting receptacle assembly pivotally mounted in the mounting frame and configured to pivot between a first orientation and a second orientation, relative to the mounting frame. The pivoting receptacle assembly has a flat face plate and a plurality of power receptacles fixedly mounted below the flat face plate. When the pivoting receptacle assembly is in the first orientation, the flat face plate is flush with a top surface of the work surface, and the plurality of power receptacles are hidden below the work surface. When the pivoting receptacle assembly is in the second orientation, the flat face plate is disposed at an oblique angle relative to the work surface, and the plurality of power receptacles are exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: HERMAN MILLER, INC.
    Inventors: BRIAN ALEXANDER, Peter Keyzer, Michael Johnson, Lawrence W. Kallio, III, Jeffrey L. Clark
  • Patent number: 8926016
    Abstract: A seating structure includes a backrest member having an upper edge, opposite side edges and a lower edge. The backrest member has a forwardly facing convex shape formed along a vertical centerline thereof between the upper and lower edges. The lower edge has a forwardly facing concave shape. The lower edge has outer portions positioned forwardly of an entirety of the upper edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Yves Behar, Bret Recor, Naoya Edahiro, Qin Li, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Christoher C. Hill, John Matthai, Brock Walker
  • Publication number: 20140370239
    Abstract: An element molded from a particle foam, including for example expanded polypropylene foam, includes at least one visible exterior surface defined by the particle foam. The visible exterior surface is textured having a roughness depth of less than or equal to 1.00 mm and a plurality of vent interfaces each having a maximum width of less than or equal to 0.4 mm. Methods of molding the element, together with a mold and a method of making the mold, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: HERMAN MILLER, INC.
    Inventors: JANJA MAIDL, CLAUDIA PLIKAT, JOHANN BURKHARD SCHMITZ, ROLAND ROLF OTTO ZWICK, CAROLA EVA MARIANNE ZWICK
  • Publication number: 20140361128
    Abstract: A support bracket includes a first vertically extending leg defining a mounting portion, a second vertically extending leg horizontally spaced apart from the first leg, and a third vertically extending leg horizontally spaced apart from the first and second legs. A connector extends horizontally between and connects the first leg and the second leg, and the first leg and the third leg. The first, second and third legs extend downwardly from a lower surface of the connector. A support accessory may be coupled to the mounting portion. A screen, including a plurality of vertically elongated supports, is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudia Plikat, Johann Burkhard Schmitz, Carola Eva Marianne Zwick, Roland Rolf Otto Zwick, Janja Maidl
  • Publication number: 20140360412
    Abstract: A table includes a vertical support column and a base. The base includes a first floor engaging portion disposed on a first side of a vertical axis and a second floor engaging portion disposed on an opposite second side of the vertical axis. The first and second floor engaging portions are weighted such that the base has a center of gravity spaced from the vertical axis on the second side of the vertical axis. A worksurface member is supported by the vertical support column and is vertically spaced from the base. The worksurface member is rotatable relative to the base. In one aspect, the worksurface member has an overall length greater than the overall length of the base. In another aspect, a stop limits rotation of the worksurface member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: GIANFRANCO ZACCAI, KEVIN ROBERT YOUNG, PETER KIRWAN BATES, JOHN F. ALDRICH, ANDREW j. KURRASCH, ROBERT M. SEELEY
  • Patent number: 8887644
    Abstract: A self-tensioning drive belt system includes first and second gears rotatable relative to each other about a common first axis. A drive belt is fixedly secured to the first gear at a first location on the drive belt, and is fixedly secured to the second gear at a second location on the drive belt. A biasing member is disposed between the first and second gears. Various methods of using and assembling the self-tensioning drive system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Booth Edinger, Jeffrey Dennis Roetman
  • Publication number: 20140312754
    Abstract: A worksurface assembly includes a base having an interior, a first support column supported by the base, a first worksurface coupled to the first support column and cantilevered outwardly from the base, a second support column supported by the base and a second worksurface coupled to the second support column and cantilevered outwardly from the base. A cable guide including a plurality of links is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: HERMAN MILLER, INC.
    Inventors: SAM HECHT, Phillip Von Lintel, Ralph James Farrer, Paul Gartland, Noel Carrillo, Andrew Squires, Martin P. Bloomfield, John F. Aldrich
  • Publication number: 20140312661
    Abstract: A suspension chair includes a first and second back support portion having first and second suspension elements extending in first and second substantially perpendicular directions respectively. The first and second suspension elements are tensioned so as to provide first and second normal biasing forces to the first and second body support portions. In one embodiment, the chair includes a fixed support defining an upper portion and a pivotable side support. A fabric layer covers at least a portion of the fixed support and a front surface of the side support. Various furniture arrangements and modular furniture kits incorporating one or more chairs, desks and/or tables are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: HERMAN MILLER, INC.
    Inventors: YVES BEHAR, Qin Li, Naoya Edahiro, Noah Murphy-Reinhertz, Diana Chang, Erik Kreider, Casey Doran Lewis, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Elindo G. Castro, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140311036
    Abstract: A screen assembly includes a core having an edge and first and second opposite side surfaces. A retainer, or edge treatment, is coupled to the edge of the core and extends outwardly from the core. The retainer includes first and second resilient limbs having respective edge portions defining a mouth. First and second cover portions overly the core and exterior surfaces of the retainer. The first and second cover portions wrap around the first and second limbs and are disposed through the mouth such that the edges of the first and second cover portions are retained by the limbs. Various screen supports and accessory interface members also are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: HERMAN MILLER, INC.
    Inventors: BRIAN ALEXANDER, YVES BEHAR, ADWAIT BHAGWAT, JEFFREY A. BOOK, ELINDO G. CASTRO, JR., NOEL CARRILLO, DIANA CHANG, JOEL R. DRAL, NAOYA EDAHIRO, MICHAEL J. KATJE, BRONWYN L. KROHN, EILEEN M. LaMORE, CASEY DORAN LEWIS, QIN LI, JOHN T. MATTHAI, JOHN MORONEY, NOAH MURPHY-REINHERTZ
  • Publication number: 20140298732
    Abstract: A wall assembly includes at least one horizontally extending rail having a rear surface adapted to engage the wall. A plurality of horizontally spaced and vertically extending stiles are coupled to the rail, with the stiles disposed forwardly of the rear surface of the rail. A plurality of interface components are coupled to the plurality of stiles. In various embodiments, the stiles may be interconnected to draw together adjacent interface components. The interface components also may include overlapping upper and lower edges. The stiles may be vertically and/or horizontally (laterally and longitudinally) adjustable relative to the rail. A lock member may be provided to secure at least one of the stiles to the rail. Various systems and methods of assembly and use are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: HERMAN MILLER, INC.
    Inventors: MARK BATES, ANDREW J. BOYCE, CHUL MIN KANG, MICHAEL J. KATJE, SUSAN R. LYONS, KURT E. PORTER, JEFFREY D. ROETMAN, PERRY L. SELLERS, GIANFRANCO DINO ZACCAI
  • Publication number: 20140298658
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multi-layered support structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The method providing multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each include elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The method for manufacturing the multi-layered support structure uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable support structure. Accordingly, the method provides a multi-layered support structure, which provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan S. Brill, Christopher C. Hill, James D. Slagh, Andrew B. Hartmann, Timothy P. Coffield, Kelly E. Washburn, John F. Aldrich, Michael D. Stanton, SR.
  • Patent number: 8801102
    Abstract: A method of testing a seating structure includes disposing a seat engaging member on a seat and engaging a backrest material with an anthropometric surface of a back engaging member. The back engaging member is pivotally attached to the seat engaging member. A test device kit includes a plurality of seat engaging members having different flexibilities and a plurality of back engaging members having different anthropometric rear surfaces. Each of the back engaging members is pivotally connectable with each of the plurality of seat engaging members. A method of assembling a test device includes selecting a seat engaging member from a plurality of seat engaging members having different flexibilities and selecting a back engaging member having an anthropometric rear surface from a plurality of back engaging members each having a different anthropometric rear surface, and pivotally connecting the seat engaging member with the back engaging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Allen Broome, Matthew Reed, Timothy Hoogland, Douglas Woodard
  • Publication number: 20140182229
    Abstract: A furniture docking system includes a dock and various dock supports, including freestanding and non-freestanding dock supports. The dock includes an upper rail having a primary channel and a pair of auxiliary channels opening upwardly from an upper surface of the upper rail, and a pair of side channels opening outwardly from opposite sides of the upper rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: HERMAN MILLER, INC.
    Inventors: PAUL DAME, MICHAEL J. KATJE, SHERYL KNOLL
  • Publication number: 20140165882
    Abstract: A partition system includes various accessories that may be associated with a wall or base element. The accessories include without limitation a power strip, an adjustable shelf, various backdrops and a worksurface assembly. The wall element may be curved or linear in various embodiments. The wall element may include an upstanding wall or a channel, either or both of which are engaged by one or more accessories. In some embodiments, the accessories may be co-located at a single location, with one or more accessories accommodating the others with an expansion device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: CLAUDIA PLIKAT, Johann Burkhard Schmitz, Carola Eva Marianne Zwick, Roland Rolf Otto Zwick, Janja Maidl
  • Patent number: 8691370
    Abstract: A multi-layered support structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The multi-layered support structure includes multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each include elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The multi-layered support structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable support structure. Accordingly, the multi-layered support structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan S. Brill, Christopher C. Hill, James D. Slagh, John F. Aldrich, Timothy P. Coffield, Andrew B. Hartmann, Kelly E. Washburn, Michael D. Stanton, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8667742
    Abstract: A wall assembly includes at least one horizontally extending rail having a rear surface adapted to engage the wall. A plurality of horizontally spaced and vertically extending stiles are coupled to the rail, with the stiles disposed forwardly of the rear surface of the rail. A plurality of interface components are coupled to the plurality of stiles. In various embodiments, the stiles may be interconnected to draw together adjacent interface components. The interface components also may include overlapping upper and lower edges. The stiles may be vertically and/or horizontally (laterally and longitudinally) adjustable relative to the rail. A lock member may be provided to secure at least one of the stiles to the rail. Various systems and methods of assembly and use are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Bates, Andrew J. Boyce, Chul Min Kang, Michael J. Katje, Susan R. Lyons, Kurt E. Porter, Jeffrey D. Roetman, Perry L. Sellers, Gianfranco Dino Zaccai
  • Publication number: 20140053759
    Abstract: A pull-out tray assembly includes a pull-out tray moveable between a closed position and an open position. A front of the tray moves downwardly and a rear of the tray moves upwardly as the tray is moved from the closed to the open position. Likewise, a front cavity is opened and a rear cavity is closed as the pull-out tray is moved from the closed position to the open position. In one embodiment, the pull-out tray assembly includes a slide mechanism pivotally supporting the pull-out tray at a first location on the tray and a track guiding the tray at a second location on the tray. In various embodiments, at least one of a power outlet and communication port is coupled to the pull-out tray. A worksurface assembly incorporating the pull-out tray is also provided, together with a method of using the pull-out tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: JOHN MATTHAI, LEON RANSMEIER
  • Patent number: D699989
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudia Plikat, Johann Burkhard Schmitz, Carola Zwick, Roland Zwick
  • Patent number: D703457
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudia Plikat, Johann Burkhard Schmitz, Carola Eva Marianne Zwick, Roland Rolf Otto Zwick