Patents Assigned to Knoll, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5584596
    Abstract: A tension control device is provided, for example, for locking and unlocking a movable support arm for a keyboard or the like, by engaging or disengaging rotational joints having axially displaceable rotationally lockable couplings traversed by a tension line. A control, preferably a caliper, has levers pivoted on a pin, normally biased by a spring to close. The spring pulls the caliper closed; however, the caliper is arranged by linkages to clamp tension onto the line rather than to couple spring tension to the line. A front linkage isolates the spring bias from the line when closed, by folding inwardly such that tension is transmitted substantially exclusively via compression of two pivoted members of the from linkage that align nearly parallel to the line. The biasing spring is coupled between a rear linkage that operates oppositely, and a fixed point such as the caliper pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Peter Greene
  • Patent number: 5568775
    Abstract: An articulating table connection or arrangement includes an in-fill piece occupying a gap between spaced tables and remaining in abutment with the tables as the tables are relatively aligned at any angle around a center defined by a curved arc segment at an edge of at least one of the table tops. At least one of the tables when viewed as a whole in plan is non-circular and preferably C-shaped or kidney shaped, but has a portion of an edge that defines a circularly curved arc segment along a limited distance. The in-fill piece has a complementary shaped edge abutting the arc segment. The in-fill piece carries brackets which stabilize the in-fill piece and tables in such relative positions that the upper surfaces of the tables and in-fill piece occupy a common plane. The brackets further couple the tables and in-fill piece together for relative movement at least so that the complementary edge of the in-fill piece is pivotable relative to the arc segment of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Rizzi, Walter C. Mrotz, III
  • Patent number: 5564667
    Abstract: A movable support arm positions a surface platform for a keyboard, display monitor, pointing device, wrist support or the like relative to a base structure such as the underside of a desk top. Articulated members between a base member and the platform are coupled by joints having rotational couplings on two mutually perpendicular axes, forming universal joints. The joints have axially facing rotational engagement surfaces that can be splined or otherwise made engageable, and are displaceable toward and away from one another, the latter preferably by a spring coupling that is axially limited in extension. The rotational engagement surfaces resist rotation when engaged. A line such as a cable traverses the joints and normally applies tension via a spring, causing all the joints to lock and to hold the supporting platform at a given position and orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan Copeland, H. Peter Greene, Michael McAllister
  • Patent number: 5551752
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cushion for supporting the lumbar area of the back of a person while seated in a chair. The cushion is suitable for use with different types of chairs and is comprised of an elongated strip of flexible material that drapes over the chair back and has a weight on one end thereof to allow easy adjustment of the cushion and a pad of foamed cushion material at the other end. The pad of foamed cushion material is adapted to fit between the chair back and the lumbar area of the back of the seated person and is preferably made of a heat sensitive plastic foam that will mold itself to conform to the shape of the lumbar area of the user's back from the body heat of the person seated in the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Lovegrove, Stephen Peart