Patents by Inventor Allen C. Hager

Allen C. Hager has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10329759
    Abstract: A method of installing a panel member on a frame assembly includes the steps of providing a panel member having inner and outer surfaces and providing one or more positioning assemblies on the inner surface of the panel. The positioning assemblies each having an adjustable positioning member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly. The method further includes setting the positioning members to determine a registration point for the panel member along the frame assembly. One or more driving assemblies are then provided on the inner surface of the panel, each having a biasing member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly to drive the panel member towards the registration point on the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Mark T. Slager, Marvin C. Knauf, Allen C. Hager, Steven Keith Meek
  • Publication number: 20170022707
    Abstract: A method of installing a panel member on a frame assembly includes the steps of providing a panel member having inner and outer surfaces and providing one or more positioning assemblies on the inner surface of the panel. The positioning assemblies each having an adjustable positioning member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly. The method further includes setting the positioning members to determine a registration point for the panel member along the frame assembly. One or more driving assemblies are then provided on the inner surface of the panel, each having a biasing member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly to drive the panel member towards the registration point on the frame assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Mark T. Slager, Marvin C. Knauf, Allen C. Hager, Steven Keith Meek
  • Patent number: 9506247
    Abstract: A window assembly for partition walls. The window assembly includes a plurality of connector assemblies that are configured to be connected to a partition frame around an opening through the partition frame. Each connector assembly includes a base structure and at least one movable retainer that is biased towards an engaged position. The window assembly also includes a subframe including two pairs of elongated subframe members having opposite ends that are rigidly interconnected to define a generally rectangular central opening. The subframe further defines oppositely facing inner and outer side faces. The subframe includes a connecting portion protruding away from the inner side face and engaging the movable retainer to connect the subframe to the connector assemblies. The window assembly further includes at least one sheet of light-transmitting material secured to the subframe and extending across the central opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Mark T. Slager, Marvin C. Knauf, Allen C. Hager, Steven Keith Meek
  • Patent number: 9487949
    Abstract: A method of installing a panel member on a frame assembly includes the steps of providing a panel member having inner and outer surfaces and providing one or more positioning assemblies on the inner surface of the panel. The positioning assemblies each having an adjustable positioning member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly. The method further includes setting the positioning members to determine a registration point for the panel member along the frame assembly. One or more driving assemblies are then provided on the inner surface of the panel, each having a biasing member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly to drive the panel member towards the registration point on the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Allen C. Hager, Mark T. Slager
  • Publication number: 20150275513
    Abstract: A window assembly for partition walls. The window assembly includes a plurality of connector assemblies that are configured to be connected to a partition frame around an opening through the partition frame. Each connector assembly includes a base structure and at least one movable retainer that is biased towards an engaged position. The window assembly also includes a subframe including two pairs of elongated subframe members having opposite ends that are rigidly interconnected to define a generally rectangular central opening. The subframe further defines oppositely facing inner and outer side faces. The subframe includes a connecting portion protruding away from the inner side face and engaging the movable retainer to connect the subframe to the connector assemblies. The window assembly further includes at least one sheet of light-transmitting material secured to the subframe and extending across the central opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Mark T. Slager, Marvin C. Knauf, Allen C. Hager, Steven Keith Meek
  • Patent number: 8966842
    Abstract: A panel wall system includes a frame assembly adapted to support a plurality of skin assemblies in a floor-to-ceiling relationship, wherein the skin assemblies include solid panel assemblies as well as captured glass skin assemblies. The solid panel assemblies are coupled to the frame assembly via latch mechanisms having actuator levers which are accessible in gaps formed between adjacent solid panel assemblies, wherein a user of the wall panel system can discern whether or not a panel assembly is properly engaged with the frame assembly based on the visibility and positioning of the actuator lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Allen C. Hager, Mark T. Slager, Steven Keith Meek
  • Publication number: 20140075869
    Abstract: A panel wall system includes a frame assembly adapted to support a plurality of skin assemblies in a floor-to-ceiling relationship, wherein the skin assemblies include solid panel assemblies as well as captured glass skin assemblies. The solid panel assemblies are coupled to the frame assembly via latch mechanisms having actuator levers which are accessible in gaps formed between adjacent solid panel assemblies, wherein a user of the wall panel system can discern whether or not a panel assembly is properly engaged with the frame assembly based on the visibility and positioning of the actuator lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Allen C. Hager, Mark T. Slager, Steven J. Meek
  • Publication number: 20140075757
    Abstract: A method of installing a panel member on a frame assembly includes the steps of providing a panel member having inner and outer surfaces and providing one or more positioning assemblies on the inner surface of the panel. The positioning assemblies each having an adjustable positioning member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly. The method further includes setting the positioning members to determine a registration point for the panel member along the frame assembly. One or more driving assemblies are then provided on the inner surface of the panel, each having a biasing member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly to drive the panel member towards the registration point on the frame assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Allen C. Hager, Mark T. Slager
  • Patent number: 8365798
    Abstract: A privacy screen assembly has a first elongated support, a second elongated support, and a privacy screen having a first end operably coupled with the first elongated support and a second end operably coupled to the second elongated support, wherein the first privacy screen is positionable between a retracted position and a deployed position. A support member vertically supports the privacy screen and is positionable between a retracted position, wherein the support member is stored within an interior of one of the first elongated support and the second elongated support in a substantially linear configuration, and a deployed position, wherein a substantial portion of the support member extends from the interior of the elongated support and wherein a substantial portion of the support member exits the interior of the elongated support such that less of the support member is present in the interior of the elongated support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Adrian Gomez, Allen C. Hager, Kurt R. Heidmann
  • Patent number: 8104850
    Abstract: An office furniture unit has an outer face with slotted hangers, and a removable storage unit assembly including a bottom panel positioned in a generally horizontal orientation along the office furniture unit, and a top panel disposed above and generally parallel with the bottom panel. First and second panels are disposed at opposite ends of the top and bottom panels and are connected therewith to define a rigid, box-shaped case having an open back portion. The first and second end panels have rear portions with multiple vertically spaced slots. First and second hanger brackets have a rear portion with first hooks selectively received in the slotted hangers of the office furniture units, and a forward portion with second hooks selectively received in the slots in the rear portions of the first and second end panels to detachably support the case against the outer face of the office furniture unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Allen C. Hager, Robert E. Jeffers, William K. Hofman, Brian L. Bultsma, Scott Michael Miller, Marvin C. Knauf, Karl Heinz Mueller, John R. Hamilton, Karl J. Mead
  • Publication number: 20090294078
    Abstract: A privacy screen assembly has a first elongated support, a second elongated support, and a privacy screen having a first end operably coupled with the first elongated support and a second end operably coupled to the second elongated support, wherein the first privacy screen is positionable between a retracted position and a deployed position. A support member vertically supports the privacy screen and is positionable between a retracted position, wherein the support member is stored within an interior of one of the first elongated support and the second elongated support in a substantially linear configuration, and a deployed position, wherein a substantial portion of the support member extends from the interior of the elongated support and wherein a substantial portion of the support member exits the interior of the elongated support such that less of the support member is present in the interior of the elongated support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Adrian Gomez, Allen C. Hager, Kurt R. Heidmann
  • Publication number: 20080297015
    Abstract: A storage unit assembly and method for office furniture units includes two end panels and a bottom panel configured to support objects thereon. A back stop rail is connected to end panels and the bottom panel. The back stop rail includes a lower web having a bottom flange and a center flange, wherein the bottom flange abuts the bottom panel of the storage unit, and the center flange extends above the bottom panel into the storage unit. An upper web is connected to the center flange, wherein the upper web extends upwardly and terminates at a top flange. A rear flange extends downwardly from the top flange, wherein the planar extent of the rear flange is substantially coplanar with the planar extent of the lower web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Allen C. Hager, Robert E. Jeffers, William K. Hofman, Brian L. Bultsma, Scott Michael Miller, Karl Heinz Mueller, John R. Hamilton, Karl J. Mead
  • Publication number: 20080296457
    Abstract: An office furniture unit has an outer face with slotted hangers, and a removable storage unit assembly including a bottom panel positioned in a generally horizontal orientation along the office furniture unit, and a top panel disposed above and generally parallel with the bottom panel. First and second panels are disposed at opposite ends of the top and bottom panels and are connected therewith to define a rigid, box-shaped case having an open back portion. The first and second end panels have rear portions with multiple vertically spaced slots. First and second hanger brackets have a rear portion with first hooks selectively received in the slotted hangers of the office furniture units, and a forward portion with second hooks selectively received in the slots in the rear portions of the first and second end panels to detachably support the case against the outer face of the office furniture unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Allen C. Hager, Robert E. Jeffers, William K. Hofman, Brian L. Bultsma, Scott Michael Miller, Marvin C. Knauf, Karl Heinz Mueller, John R. Hamilton, Karl J. Mead
  • Patent number: 7051482
    Abstract: An office panel partition includes a panel frame having at least two uprights and a horizontal structural member rigidly interconnecting the uprights. The panel frame has a first side and a second opposite side, and the panel frame defines at least four apertures on the first side thereof. The partition also includes a cover member having a major planar surface defining an exterior surface of the partition. The cover member includes at least four projections that are removably insertable into the at least four apertures to removably secure the cover member to the frame. The apertures are arranged in at least two vertically spaced horizontal rows and at least two horizontally spaced vertical columns. The apertures in a first one of the columns have different horizontal dimensions than those of the apertures located in the other of the columns. Each of the projections has a range of lateral positions when inserted into a respective one of the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas B. MacDonald, Steven E. Sanders, Mark T. Slager, Dean K. Hubbard, Roy W. Fink, Steven J. Throndset, David J. Battey, Robert E. Jeffers, Allen C. Hager
  • Publication number: 20040154756
    Abstract: An office panel partition includes a panel frame having at least two uprights and a horizontal structural member rigidly interconnecting the uprights. The panel frame has a first side and a second opposite side, and the panel frame defines at least four apertures on the first side thereof. The partition also includes a cover member having a major planar surface defining an exterior surface of the partition. The cover member includes at least four projections that are removably insertable into the at least four apertures to removably secure the cover member to the frame. The apertures are arranged in at least two vertically spaced horizontal rows and at least two horizontally spaced vertical columns. The apertures in a first one of the columns have different horizontal dimensions than those of the apertures located in the other of the columns. Each of the projections has a range of lateral positions when inserted into a respective one of the apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas B. MacDonald, Steven E. Sanders, Mark T. Slager, Dean K. Hubbard, Roy W. Fink, Steven J. Throndset, David J. Battey, Robert E. Jeffers, Allen C. Hager
  • Patent number: 6684929
    Abstract: An office panel partition includes a panel frame having at least two uprights and a horizontal structural member rigidly interconnecting the uprights. The panel frame has a first side and a second opposite side, and the panel frame defines at least four apertures on the first side thereof. The partition also includes a cover member having a major planar surface defining an exterior surface of the partition. The cover member includes at least four projections that are removably insertable into the at least four apertures to removably secure the cover member to the frame. The apertures are arranged in at least two vertically spaced horizontal rows and at least two horizontally spaced vertical columns. The apertures in a first one of the columns have different horizontal dimensions than those of the apertures located in the other of the columns. Each of the projections has a range of lateral positions when inserted into a respective one of the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas B. MacDonald, Steven E. Sanders, Mark T. Slager, Dean K. Hubbard, Roy W. Fink, Steven J. Throndset, David J. Battey, Robert E. Jeffers, Allen C. Hager
  • Publication number: 20030155083
    Abstract: An office panel partition includes a panel frame having at least two uprights and a horizontal structural member rigidly interconnecting the uprights. The panel frame has a first side and a second opposite side, and the panel frame defines at least four apertures on the first side thereof. The partition also includes a cover member having a major planar surface defining an exterior surface of the partition. The cover member includes at least four projections that are removably insertable into the at least four apertures to removably secure the cover member to the frame. The apertures are arranged in at least two vertically spaced horizontal rows and at least two horizontally spaced vertical columns. The apertures in a first one of the columns have different horizontal dimensions than those of the apertures located in the other of the columns. Each of the projections has a range of lateral positions when inserted into a respective one of the apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Douglas B. MacDonald, Steven E. Sanders, Mark T. Slager, Dean K. Hubbard, Roy W. Fink, Steven J. Throndset, David J. Battey, Robert E. Jeffers, Allen C. Hager
  • Patent number: 6397534
    Abstract: A cover member for room partitions having a frame with at least one slotted cross-member. The cover member includes a pivoting lock member having a protruding lock tab shaped for reception in a slot in a slotted cross-member of a frame. A connecting member rotatably connects the lock member to a surface of the cover member in a manner which permits the lock member to be rotated about a center of rotation between an insertion position wherein the lock tab is in registry with the cross-member slot and an engaged position wherein the lock tab is engaged with the cross-member to positively yet removably lock the cover member on the frame. The lock member is set up such that the lock tab has a smaller lateral displacement from the center of rotation of the pivoting lock member in the engaged position than in the insertion position. At least one frictional member is configured to be connected to the cover member and extend through the pivoting lock member to frictionally hold the pivoting lock member in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Allen C. Hager, Steven F. Goodman
  • Patent number: 6158179
    Abstract: A wall structure for dividing building space includes several different freestanding base panels such as an internally open partition panel, a sound-deadening partition panel, a glass-supporting partition panel, and a doorway-supporting partition panel, and further includes an overhead system comprising a structural expressway construction, a transom subframe, covers for the subframe, and a glass module attachable to the subframe. The structural expressway construction has a torque box bracket for moving support from an inboard location spaced from the vertical side edge of the base panels to the vertical side edge. The transom subframe mounts atop the different base panels, and telescopingly extends into mating engagement with a ceiling channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Anne C. Ackerly, David J. Battey, David P. Churchill, James H. Davies, Gregg R. Draudt, Michael D. Elsholz, Roy W. Fink, Steven F. Goodman, Steven C. Gortsema, Peter C. Greenberg, Allen C. Hager, Harold Halvorson, Jr., James D. Houda, Robert E. Jeffers, Gary S. Juhlin, Robert J. Luchetti, Karl J. Mead, Scott H. Russell, Peter J. Schauer, David A. Shipman, Anthony A. Stachowiak, Michael Tingley, Genevieve Wing
  • Patent number: 6128877
    Abstract: A variable width panel includes a frame having a knock-down construction adapted for on-site assembly. The frame includes a first rigid stile adapted to be disposed in a generally vertical assembled orientation along a first side of the frame. At least two rigid cross-members having first ends thereof rigidly attached to the stile are disposed in a vertically spaced-apart relationship, and extend in a generally horizontal assembled orientation. The cross-members having predetermined full width with a construction which permits the cross-members to be cut to a custom width at a second end thereof during the on-site assembly for use in a special width panel that is adapted for connection with the standard width panels. The frame also includes fasteners for detachably connecting the second ends of the cross-members with the second stile to define a pocket therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Steven F. Goodman, Roy W. Fink, Allen C. Hager, James D. Houda, Michael H. Abson