Patents by Inventor Douglas M. VanDeRiet
Douglas M. VanDeRiet 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).
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Patent number: 8960796Abstract: A seating structure includes a central spine and an upper back structure having a pair of arms extending upwardly and outwardly from the central spine. The upper back structure is pivotally connected to the central spine about a first horizontal axis. A back support structure is pivotally connected to the spine about a second horizontal axis and is pivotally connected to the ends of each of the arms about a third horizontal axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: John F. Aldrich, Ryan S. Brill, Elindo G. Castro, Jr., Christopher C. Hill, James D. Slagh, Troy Roark, Douglas M. VanDeRiet, Jeffrey A. Weber
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Publication number: 20140070587Abstract: A seating structure includes a central spine and an upper back structure having a pair of arms extending upwardly and outwardly from the central spine. The upper back structure is pivotally connected to the central spine about a first horizontal axis. A back support structure is pivotally connected to the spine about a second horizontal axis and is pivotally connected to the ends of each of the arms about a third horizontal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Inventors: John F. Aldrich, Ryan S. Brill, Elindo G. Castro, JR., Christopher C. Hill, James D. Slagh, Troy Roark, Douglas M. VanDeRiet, Jeffrey A. Weber
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Patent number: 8469454Abstract: A seating structure includes a central spine and an upper back structure having a pair of arms extending upwardly and outwardly from the central spine. The upper back structure is pivotally connected to the central spine about a first horizontal axis. A back support structure is pivotally connected to the spine about a second horizontal axis and is pivotally connected to the ends of each of the arms about a third horizontal axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Jason Holt, John F. Aldrich, Douglas M. VanDeRiet
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Patent number: 8419133Abstract: An upper portion of the back is pivotable relative to the lower portion between a neutral position and an extended position, with the upper portion being pivotable relative to the lower portion independent of the tilt position of the back. In one aspect, an adjustment mechanism is coupled between lower and upper back support members and pivots the upper support member between at least first and second support positions.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Jason Holt, Jeffrey A. Weber, Christopher C. Hill, John F. Aldrich, Douglas M. VanDeRiet
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Patent number: 8186761Abstract: A suspended pixelated seating structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The suspended pixelated seating 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 use independent elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The suspended pixelated seating structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable suspended seating structure. Accordingly, the suspended pixelated seating structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2010Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Ryan S. Brill, Douglas M. VanDeRiet, John F. Aldrich, Christopher C. Hill, Andrew J. Kurrasch, James D. Slagh, Matthew Parkinson, Matthew P. Reed, Jeffrey A. Weber, Timothy P. Coffield
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Publication number: 20110298261Abstract: An upper portion of the back is pivotable relative to the lower portion between a neutral position and an extended position, with the upper portion being pivotable relative to the lower portion independent of the tilt position of the back. In one aspect, an adjustment mechanism is coupled between lower and upper back support members and pivots the upper support member between at least first and second support positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventors: Jason Holt, Jeffrey A. Weber, Christopher C. Hill, John F. Aldrich, Douglas M. VanDeRiet
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Publication number: 20110285192Abstract: A seating structure includes a central spine and an upper back structure having a pair of arms extending upwardly and outwardly from the central spine. The upper back structure is pivotally connected to the central spine about a first horizontal axis. A back support structure is pivotally connected to the spine about a second horizontal axis and is pivotally connected to the ends of each of the arms about a third horizontal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventors: Jason Holt, John F. Aldrich, Douglas M. VanDeRiet
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Publication number: 20110241270Abstract: Support elements and support structures form the basis of ergonomic body supports for chairs, mattresses and other structures. The support elements may be individually designed according to their location and body support function. Thus, the structures that include the support elements may provide point-tailored support for any part of the body to enhance comfort, fit, and proper anatomical support.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: Douglas M. VanDeRiet, Christopher C. Hill, Andrew J. Kurrasch, John F. Aldrich, Timothy Hoogland, Jeffrey A. Weber, Jason Holt, Ryan S. Brill
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Patent number: 7931257Abstract: Support elements and support structures form the basis of ergonomic body supports for chairs, mattresses and other structures. The support elements may be individually designed according to their location and body support function. Thus, the structures that include the support elements may provide point-tailored support for any part of the body to enhance comfort, fit, and proper anatomical support.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Douglas M. VanDeRiet, Christopher C. Hill, Andrew J. Kurrasch, John F. Aldrich, Timothy Hoogland, Jeffrey A. Weber, Jason Holt, Ryan S. Brill
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Patent number: 7922248Abstract: A seating structure has an articulated seat and back. A rear portion of the seat is automatically pivotable relative to a forward portion of the seat as the seat is tilted between upright and reclined tilt positions. An upper portion of the back is pivotable relative to the lower portion between a neutral position and an extended position, with the upper portion being pivotable relative to the lower portion independent of the tilt position of the back. In one aspect, an adjustment mechanism is coupled between lower and upper back support members and pivots the upper support member between at least first and second support positions. A seat with an adjustable seat depth is also provided, along with various methods for operating the different aspects and embodiments of the seating structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: John F. Aldrich, Ryan S. Brill, Elindo G. Castro, Jr., Christopher C. Hill, James D. Slagh, Troy Roark, Douglas M. VanDeRiet, Jeffrey A. Weber
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Publication number: 20100253128Abstract: A suspended pixelated seating structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The suspended pixelated seating 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 use independent elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The suspended pixelated seating structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable suspended seating structure. Accordingly, the suspended pixelated seating structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventors: Ryan S. Brill, Douglas M. VanDeRiet, John F. Aldrich, Christopher C. Hill, Andrew J. Kurrasch, James D. Slagh, Matthew Parkinson, Matthew P. Reed, Jeffrey A. Weber, Timothy P. Coffield
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Patent number: 7740321Abstract: A suspended pixelated seating structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The suspended pixelated seating 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 use independent elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The suspended pixelated seating structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable suspended seating structure. Accordingly, the suspended pixelated seating structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2006Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Ryan S. Brill, Douglas M. VanDeRiet, John F. Aldrich, Christopher C. Hill, Andrew J. Kurrasch, James D. Slagh, Matthew Parkinson, Matthew P. Reed, Jeffrey A. Weber, Timothy P. Coffield
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Patent number: 7721658Abstract: A computer workstation includes a worksurface horizontally moveable from a first worksurface position to a second worksurface position. At least a portion of the worksurface rotates about a horizontal axis as the worksurface is moved from the first worksurface position to the second worksurface position. A monitor support is moveable horizontally and vertically and moveably coupled to the worksurface. The worksurface or the monitor support is moveable in response to a movement of the other of the worksurface and the monitor support.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Robert Seeley, Joel R. Dral, Jeffrey A. Weber, John F. Aldrich, Douglas M. VanDeRiet
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Patent number: 7425037Abstract: A tiltable chair including a base, a fulcrum member having a curved support surface, a back support pivotally connected to the base at a pivot axis and pivotable between at least an upright position and a rearward tilt position, and at least one leaf spring having first and second ends, with the first end being restrained by the base. The at least one leaf spring engages the curved support surface of the fulcrum member at a first contact point when the back support is in the upright position and at a second contact point when the back support is in the rearward tilt position, wherein the second contact point is positioned rearwardly on the at least one leaf spring relative to the first contact point. A link member is pivotally connected to the back support at a first pivot location and is pivotally connected to the at least one leaf spring at a second pivot location. The link member defines a vector between the first and second pivot locations and the first pivot location and the pivot axis define a plane.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2003Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Johann Burkhard Schmitz, Claudia Plikat, Nicolai Neubert, Carola E. M. Zwick, Roland R. O. Zwick, John F. Aldrich, Christopher C. Hill, James D. Slagh, Douglas M. VanDeRiet
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Publication number: 20080217977Abstract: A seating structure has an articulated seat and back. A rear portion of the seat is automatically pivotable relative to a forward portion of the seat as the seat is tilted between upright and reclined tilt positions. An upper portion of the back is pivotable relative to the lower portion between a neutral position and an extended position, with the upper portion being pivotable relative to the lower portion independent of the tilt position of the back. In one aspect, an adjustment mechanism is coupled between lower and upper back support members and pivots the upper support member between at least first and second support positions. A seat with an adjustable seat depth is also provided, along with various methods for operating the different aspects and embodiments of the seating structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Inventors: John F. Aldrich, Rayan S. Brill, Elindo G. Castro, Christopher C. Hill, James D. Slagh, Troy Roark, Douglas M. VanDeRiet, Jeffrey A. Weber
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Patent number: 7249802Abstract: A tiltable chair including a housing, a back support pivotally attached to the housing about a first horizontal axis and a seat support pivotally attached to the back support about a second horizontal axis and moveably supported by a curved track formed on the housing. A leaf spring includes a first end supported by the housing and a second end biasing the back support and seat support in an upward direction. Preferably, a fulcrum member, which includes a support surface having a curvilinear contour, is moveably supported in the housing and engages a bottom surface of the spring intermediate the first and second ends of the spring. Preferably, a linkage mechanism including a first and second link is adapted to adjust the position of the fulcrum. In another preferred embodiment, a gear housing is removably disposed in said housing and coupled to the fulcrum. In one preferred embodiment, rearward and forward tilt limiters are provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Johann Burkhard Schmitz, Claudia Plikat, Nicolai Neubert, Carola E. M. Zwick, Roland R. O. Zwick, Chad D. Aerts, John F. Aldrich, Christopher C. Hill, Shane M. Ramsdell, James D. Slagh, Douglas M. VanDeRiet
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Patent number: 7213886Abstract: A kit for assembling a seating structure includes a tilt housing having a plurality of connector arrangements including at least a first and second connector arrangement. A first seating arrangement has a first mounting arrangement configured to be connected to the first connector arrangement. A second seating arrangement has a second mounting arrangement configured to be connected to the second connector arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Johann Burkhard Schmitz, Claudia Plikat, Nicolai Neubert, Carola E. M. Zwick, Roland R. O. Zwick, John F. Aldrich, Douglas M. VanDeRiet
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Patent number: 6955402Abstract: A fabric seat for a chair and a method and machine for manufacturing the fabric seat. The fabric seat comprises a seat frame that supports the outer circumference of a fabric material. The seat frame comprises grasping members that secure the fabric to the seat frame and retain the desired stretch in the fabric. The grasping members can be teeth. A cover is also provided, which is snapped onto the circumference of the seat frame, to trap the fabric and protect the user from the grasping members.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Herman Miller Inc.Inventors: Douglas M. VanDeRiet, Daniel J. Raether, Jeff Weber, Todd D. Krupiczewicz, Robert G. Nyhuis, Timothy P. Coffield
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Patent number: D587914Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2008Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey A. Weber, Douglas M. VanDeRiet
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Patent number: D597771Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2008Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey A. Weber, Douglas M. VanDeRiet