Abstract: An adjustable armrest and height adjustment mechanism. The adjustable arm rest has a fixed member having a housing, a vertically adjustable member having a post slidably disposed in the housing, and a sleeve disposed intermediate the post and the housing. The height adjustment mechanism can include a camming slot formed in the post, an angled slot formed in the sleeve member on opposite sides of the camming slot, a locking pin positioned through each of the camming and angled slots, and a bushing projecting into the angled slot and defining upper and lower regions thereof in which the locking pin can be held. The locking pin is movable between respective notches responsive to upward vertical movement of said post such that the vertically adjustable member is held at a height corresponding to each notch until further upward vertical movement of the post.
Abstract: A versatile and ergonomic utility cart is provided. The utility cart can be constructed to various heights, depending upon the length of support posts secured between a top and bottom shelf. The cart can be any shape or design: triangular; rectangular; octagonal and so forth. A vertically adjustable tray support arm mounts a support tray in close proximity to the utility cart. The tray support arm includes a vertical member which is inserted through the top shelf and into the support post and is frictionally secured thereto by a spring-loaded wedge assembly. An articulated arm is rotatably mounted to the vertical member at one end and rotatably mounted to a support tray at an opposite end. The interior of the utility cart between the top and bottom shelves may be left exposed and accessible or may be enclosed by a plurality of panels and door assembles.
Abstract: The present invention discloses an overload protection mechanism for a cable actuated feature on an office chair. The overload protection device allows a person seated in the chair to move a handle to actuate the particular feature of the chair, for example, a reclining backrest, even when the seated person's weight on the backrest prevents the backrest locking mechanism from engaging or disengaging. The movement of the handle causes the cable to move even when the locking mechanism connected to the opposite end of the cable is unable to engage or disengage. The mechanism stores the motion of the cable in a spring device connected to the movement actuators by a rack and pinion gear system. When the binding is released from the actuators, the mechanism moves as originally intended, motivated by the force of the decompressing springs.
Abstract: A keyboard support includes one or more retractable auxiliary support platforms. The keyboard support is constructed of a keyboard platform and a bottom plate which include complementary interior surfaces which form one or more pockets therebetween into which the auxiliary support platforms are slidably retracted. Each auxiliary support platform further includes a top plate and a slider plate. The top plate has a top surface which matches that of the keyboard platform to provide a uniform appearance. The profile of the auxiliary support platforms generally matches that of the pockets so as to be substantially hidden when in the fully retracted position. The top plate is rotatable with respect to the slider plate, and also the keyboard support, so as to enlarge the useable work surface of the auxiliary support platform.
Abstract: The present invention is a door adaptable for work spaces in a modular work area environment. The door is bi-fold in design, can be attached to any flat surface, and is particularly suited for attachment to the flat end portion of the modular wall separating two adjacent modular work spaces. The door can then be used to close the entry and egress area of either adjacent modular work space areas. When not in use, the door can be folded such that it rests in a position perpendicular to the shared modular wall, such that the entry and egress areas of both adjacent modular work spaces are open.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 31, 2002
Date of Patent:
January 27, 2004
Assignee:
Knoll, Inc.
Inventors:
Allen Lee Palmbos, Mark Joseph Consolla, P. Ramsey Madsen, William J. Pokletar
Abstract: A hinge used to mount a door to an overhead storage cabinet is disclosed. The hinge provides a combination linear and articulated motion to provide the clearance between the door of the cabinet and the upper, outer corner of the cabinet. Further, the hinge provides a user assist on the opening of the cabinet door and a self-dampening motion on the closing of the cabinet door without the use of pneumatic cylinders.
Abstract: A modular storage cabinet which can be shipped in a knocked-down condition and assembled on site with a minimal number of mechanical fasteners. Arcuate end connectors are provided for the side panels, which end connectors engage a tube at the corner connections. A sleeve slides over the arcuate end connectors, securely locking the side panels to the tube without the need for screws or any other fasteners. Top and bottom panels are attached at the corner connection assemblies. The cabinet includes a front panel which pivotally receives.one or more doors, or the doors can be directly connected to the top and bottom panels. The side walls in the preferred embodiment are manufactured by a plastic injection molding process. The interior of the side walls may include screw bosses integrally formed therein for attachment of drawer slides, shelving or other accessories. The corner connection assembly can be used for any type of corner connections, such as for modular office panel systems.
Abstract: A method for making a metal drawer head wherein the drawer head can be formed as a unitary part in a multiple stage process without the need for human manipulation of the part during any stage of the forming process. A rotary forming process can preferably be used to form the flanges on the drawer head.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 15, 2001
Date of Patent:
February 11, 2003
Assignee:
Knoll, Inc.
Inventors:
David P. Noel, Stephen A. Rockwell, Thomas E. Bruce, Bernard R. Lavas
Abstract: An overhead storage unit for a modular open office system is provided. The storage unit can be either a freestanding unit or a panel mounted unit. The present invention provides easy to assemble units utilizing a minimum of different components for inexpensive manufacturing and ease of construction. In the freestanding unit, identical end panels are used; whereas in the panel mounted unit complementary right and left end panels are formed. In either unit, the shelves and doors are of identical shape. When assembled, engagement tabs on the panel mounted unit prevent the storage unit from being inadvertently removed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 3, 1997
Date of Patent:
May 28, 2002
Assignee:
Knoll, Inc.
Inventors:
Walter C. Mrotz, III., David P. Noel, Thomas A. Langworthy
Abstract: An armrest assembly for a chair which can be adjusted in multiple aspects with the use of single actuating mechanism. The adjustment aspects of the preferred embodiment include a vertical adjustment with respect to the chair and a horizontal rotational adjustment. Such an armrest assembly can include an armrest base securable to a chair and having a tubular portion, a hollow armrest support slideably and rotationally disposed about the tubular portion and an armpad attached to the top of the hollow armrest support. A handle to disengage the actuating mechanism is provided.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 9, 2000
Date of Patent:
May 28, 2002
Assignee:
Knoll, Inc.
Inventors:
Michael L. McAllister, Gregory P. Allison, Harald Wurl
Abstract: An article of furniture including a leg or legs having wire management capabilities whereby the leg includes channels open along their length and slots at one end of each channel. Each slot extends for the length of each channel so that wires may be disposed in each channel through the slot. The leg further includes flexible members, each flexible member having a rigid, first side fixedly attached to one end of each slot and a flexible second side extending to cover each slot. The second side of the flexible member may be pushed inwardly into either channel opening so that the wires may be laid into the channel through the slot.
Abstract: A stackable panel system having a versatile corner supporting arrangement for addition onto existing wall systems for a modular office system. The corners of the stackable panel include a sliding engagement scheme, wherein a mast assembly is secured to a top portion of the wall system by a mast base and slidably engages a central open area of a corner support on the stackable panel by means of a vertically oriented mast upright. Additional panels can be added to the stackable panels by means of intermediate connectors. On the upper portion of the top panel, a corner trim piece covers over the central open area of the top corners. A top connector helps to rigidly secure adjacent stackable panels, either with a T-shaped, L-shaped or X-shaped connection. A perimeter framing system utilizing the corner support arrangement for the stackable panels is also provided. Each of the frame members includes a semi-circular section and a flat section.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 7, 2000
Date of Patent:
May 21, 2002
Assignee:
Knoll, Inc.
Inventors:
Robert E. Reuter, Wallace C. Bullwinkle, Ronald A. Snyder