Patents by Inventor Gregg R. Draudt

Gregg R. Draudt 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: 6167676
    Abstract: A freestanding portable partition panel system is provided for open office spaces and the like. Each panel includes a skeleton-like frame having two vertical uprights positioned adjacent opposite side edges thereof, and at least two pairs of horizontal stringers attached to the outer faces of the uprights in a vertically spaced-apart relationship to rigidly interconnect the same. One or more horizontal rows of slots are defined in each of the stringers. Cover panels are detachably mounted thereon to provide ready access to the frame. The cover panels permit access to the slots, and special off-module connectors with hooks for engaging the slots are provided for interconnecting adjacent panels in off-module positions. The hooks of the connectors are engaged with selected slots to hold a first partition panel perpendicular to a second partition panel in an off-module position on its face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Development, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Shipman, Benjamin G. Shaw, Charles A. Seiber, Don S. Minami, David D. McClanahan, Robert J. Luchetti, Christopher O. Lada, Phillip M. Hobson, James B. Eldon, III, Gregg R. Draudt
  • 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: 6134844
    Abstract: A furniture system is particularly adapted to support group activities in open plans, and the like. A plurality of columns support an overhead framework on the floor of a building in a freestanding fashion at a predetermined elevation, generally above average user height. A plurality of individual panels are provided, wherein each panel is constructed to permit easy, manual, bodily translation of the same by an adult user. A hanger arrangement is associated with the overhead framework, and cooperates with connectors on the panels to detachably suspend the panels at various locations along the overhead framework. The panels are manually reconfigurable between many different arrangements to efficiently and effectively support different group activities. Preferably, the panels are capable of providing a partitioning function to visually divide at least a portion of the workspace, and/or a display function to facilitate group communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Cornell, Gregg R. Draudt, Robert J. Luchetti, Kurt S. Bodden, Linda K. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 6134852
    Abstract: A freestanding portable partition panel system is provided for open office spaces and the like. Each panel includes a skeleton-like frame having two vertical uprights positioned adjacent opposite side edges thereof, and at least two pairs of horizontal stringers attached to the outer faces of the uprights in a vertically spaced-apart relationship to rigidly interconnect the same. One or more horizontal rows of slots are defined in each of the stringers. Cover panels are detachably mounted thereon to provide ready access to the frame. The cover panels permit access to the slots, and special off-module connectors with hooks for engaging the slots are provided for interconnecting adjacent panels in off-module positions. The hooks of the connectors are engaged with selected slots to hold a first partition panel perpendicular to a second partition panel in an off-module position on its face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Shipman, Benjamin G. Shaw, Charles A. Seiber, Don S. Minami, David D. McClanahan, Robert J. Luchetti, Christopher O. Lada, Phillip M. Hobson, James B. Eldon, III, Gregg R. Draudt
  • Patent number: 6134845
    Abstract: A freestanding portable partition panel system is provided for open office spaces and the like. Each panel includes a skeleton-like frame having two vertical uprights positioned adjacent opposite side edges thereof, and at least two pairs of horizontal stringers attached to the outer faces of the uprights in a vertically spaced-apart relationship to rigidly interconnect the same. One or more horizontal rows of slots are defined in each of the stringers. Cover panels are detachably mounted thereon to provide ready access to the frame. The cover panels permit access to the slots, and special off-module connectors with hooks for engaging the slots are provided for interconnecting adjacent panels in off-module positions. The hooks of the connectors are engaged with selected slots to hold a first partition panel perpendicular to a second partition panel in an off-module position on its face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Shipman, Benjamin G. Shaw, Charles A. Seiber, Don S. Minami, David D. McClanahan, Robert J. Luchetti, Christopher O. Lada, Phillip M. Hobson, James B. Eldon, III, Gregg R. Draudt
  • Patent number: 6128873
    Abstract: An integrated prefabricated furniture system is provided for fitting-out a building space of the type having a generally open plan interior defined by fixed walls. The furniture system includes a wall-covering frame, freestanding partition frames, and floor-to-ceiling frames that can be interconnected to subdivide the building space. The wall-covering frame is constructed to be positioned against and selectively cover portions of the fixed walls, and the portable partition system and the floor-to-ceiling frames are constructed to spatially divide the building space into a plurality of work areas, with at least one of the freestanding partition frames having an end abutted against the wall-covering frame. A plurality of cover panels are removably attached to the wall-covering frame and to the freestanding partition frames for covering the wall-covering frame, the freestanding partition frames, and the floor-to-ceiling frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Shipman, Robert J. Luchetti, Gregg R. Draudt
  • Patent number: 6044612
    Abstract: A freestanding portable partition panel system is provided for open office spaces and the like. Each panel includes a skeleton-like frame having two vertical uprights positioned adjacent opposite side edges thereof, and at least two pairs of horizontal stringers attached to the outer faces of the uprights in a vertically spaced apart relationship to rigidly interconnect the same. One or more horizontal rows of slots are defined in each of the stringers. Cover panels are detachably mounted thereon to provide ready access to the frame. The cover panels permit access to the slots, and special off-module connectors with hooks for engaging the slots are provided for interconnecting adjacent panels in off-module positions. The hooks of the connectors are engaged with selected slots to hold a first partition panel perpendicular to a second partition panel in an off-module position on its face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Shipman, Benjamin G. Shaw, Charles A. Seiber, Don S. Minami, David D. McClanahan, Robert J. Luchetti, Christopher O. Lada, Phillip M. Hobson, James B. Eldon, III, Gregg R. Draudt
  • Patent number: 6003275
    Abstract: A furniture system is particularly adapted to support group activities in open plans, and the like. A plurality of columns support an overhead framework on the floor of a building in a freestanding fashion at a predetermined elevation, generally above average user height. A plurality of individual panels are provided, wherein each panel is constructed to permit easy, manual, bodily translation of the same by an adult user. A hanger arrangement is associated with the overhead framework, and cooperates with connectors on the panels to detachably suspend the panels at various locations along the overhead framework. The panels are manually reconfigurable between many different arrangements to efficiently and effectively support different group activities. Preferably, the panels are capable of providing a partitioning function to visually divide at least a portion of the workspace, and/or a display function to facilitate group communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Cornell, Robert J. Luchetti, Gregg R. Draudt, Kurt S. Bodden, Linda K. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 5950386
    Abstract: A wall construction for subdividing building space includes a pair of interconnected frames forming a rectangular arrangement, the interconnected frames having abutting vertical side edges and non-abutting vertical side edges, and a removable cover for covering a portion of the interconnected frames, the cover including cover vertical side edges, the cover being removably supported on the interconnected frames. In one form, the cover spans the abutting vertical side edges of the interconnected frames with at least one of the cover vertical side edges being located between the non-abutting vertical side edges. In another form, the cover vertical side edges are both located between the non-abutting vertical side edges of the interconnected frames, and further both are misaligned with the abutting vertical side edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Shipman, Robert J. Luchetti, Gregg R. Draudt, Charles A. Seiber, Phillip M. Hobson, Benjamin G. Shaw, James B. Eldon, III, David D. McClanahan
  • Patent number: 5899036
    Abstract: A freestanding portable partition assembly and related system are provided for open office spaces and the like. Each partition system includes a floor channel having an aperture defined therein; a partition frame having a downwardly projecting leg assembly received in said aperture; and a locking plate slidably engaging the floor channel and having a slot receiving a portion of the downwardly projecting leg assembly therein for releasably coupling the partition frame to the floor channel. With this construction, the partition frames may be quickly and easily connected to the floor channels, and the entire assembly may be shipped with the floor channel attached without fear of damage. Moreover, the resulting assembly resists damage from catastrophic events, such as earthquakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Seiber, Benjamin G. Shaw, Christopher O. Lada, Phillip M. Hobson, Robert P. Poppe, David A. Shipman, Robert J. Luchetti, Gregg R. Draudt, James B Eldon, III, David D. McClanahan
  • Patent number: 5839240
    Abstract: A partition system for subdividing a building space includes a partition frame including a top frame member and intermediate frame members, cover panels releasably attached to the partition frame to cover the partition frame, and a floor channel including an upwardly facing channel for supporting the partition frame. An upper trim system includes a top cap configured to engage and cover the top frame member, and further includes an end cap configured to engage and cover an end of the intermediate frame members, and still further includes a corner piece for aesthetically interconnecting the top cap and the end cap. A lower trim system includes an elongated base trim side piece attached to the floor channel for covering a lower portion of the partition frame, and further includes a base trim end shoe attached to the partition frame for covering an end of the frame along the building floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Elsholz, Karl J. Mead, Gregg R. Draudt, Steven D. Desmit, William H. Palermo
  • Patent number: 5746035
    Abstract: A freestanding portable partition panel and related system are provided for open office spaces and the like. Each panel includes a skeleton-like frame having two vertical uprights positioned adjacent opposite side edges thereof. A foot extends downwardly from the bottom of the frame to abuttingly support the panel freestanding on a floor surface. Two pairs of horizontal stringers are attached to the outer faces of the uprights in a vertically spaced apart relationship to rigidly interconnect the same, and define therebetween two horizontal raceway cavities which open to the opposite side faces of the frame, and extend continuously between the opposite side edges thereof. Hence, when like panels are interconnected side-by-side, the open ends of adjacent raceway cavities are aligned and communicate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Seiber, Benjamin G. Shaw, Christopher O. Lada, Phillip M. Hobson, Robert P. Poppe, David A. Shipman, Robert J. Luchetti, Gregg R. Draudt, James B. Eldon, III, David D. McClanahan
  • Patent number: 5740650
    Abstract: A freestanding portable partition panel and related system are provided for open office spaces and the like. Each panel includes a skeleton-like frame having two vertical uprights positioned adjacent opposite side edges thereof. A foot extends downwardly from the bottom of the frame to abuttingly support the panel freestanding on a floor surface. Two pairs of horizontal stringers are attached to the outer faces of the uprights in a vertically spaced apart relationship to rigidly interconnect the same, and define therebetween two horizontal raceway cavities which open to the opposite side faces of the frame, and extend continuously between the opposite side edges thereof. Hence, when like panels are interconnected side-by-side, the open ends of adjacent raceway cavities are aligned and communicate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Seiber, Benjamin G. Shaw, Christopher O. Lada, Phillip M. Hobson, Robert P. Poppe, David A. Shipman, Robert J. Luchetti, Gregg R. Draudt, James B. Eldon, III, David D. McClanahan
  • Patent number: 5724778
    Abstract: A furniture system is particularly adapted to support group activities in open plans, and the like. A plurality of columns support an overhead framework on the floor of a building in a freestanding fashion at a predetermined elevation, generally above average user height. A plurality of individual panels are provided, wherein each panel is constructed to permit easy, manual, bodily translation of the same by an adult user. A hanger arrangement is associated with the overhead framework, and cooperates with connectors on the panels to detachably suspend the panels at various locations along the overhead framework. The panels are manually reconfigurable between many different arrangements to efficiently and effectively support different group activities. Preferably, the panels are capable of providing a partitioning function to visually divide at least a portion of the workspace, and/or a display function to facilitate group communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Cornell, Robert J. Luchetti, Gregg R. Draudt, Kurt S. Bodden, Linda K. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 5687513
    Abstract: A dynamic workspace module is provided for open plan spaces, and the like, and includes a compact footprint, comprising a freestanding framework supporting a three-sided partition to form an interior workspace and a portal opening for user ingress and egress. A door partition shaped to selectively close the portal opening is movably mounted on the framework. The door partition preferably has an arcuate plan shape, and is positioned adjacent one side of the portal opening, such that shifting the door partition from the fully open position to the fully closed position both increases the amount of the interior space in the workspace module, and alters the plan shape thereof for improved freedom of user movement, while alleviating any sense of user claustrophobia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Baloga, Paul B. Siebert, Marvin LaLone, David J. Luzenske, Brian B. Chambers, Michael E. Tingley, Gregg R. Draudt, Steven W. Eriksson
  • Patent number: 5651219
    Abstract: A dynamic workspace module is provided for open plan spaces, and the like, and includes a compact footprint, comprising a freestanding framework supporting a three-sided partition to form an interior workspace and a portal opening for user ingress and egress. A door partition shaped to selectively close the portal opening is movably mounted on the framework. The door partition preferably has an arcuate plan shape, and is positioned adjacent one side of the portal opening, such that shifting the door partition from the fully open position to the fully closed position both increases the amount of the interior space in the workspace module, and alters the plan shape thereof for improved freedom of user movement, while alleviating any sense of user claustrophobia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Baloga, Paul B. Siebert, Marvin La Lone, David J. Luzenske, Brian B. Chambers, Michael E. Tingley, Gregg R. Draudt, Steven W. Eriksson
  • Patent number: 5511348
    Abstract: A furniture system is particularly adapted to support group activities in open plans, and the like. A plurality of columns support an overhead framework on the floor of a building in a freestanding fashion at a predetermined elevation, generally above average user height. A plurality of individual panels are provided, wherein each panel is constructed to permit easy, manual, bodily translation of the same by an adult user. A hanger arrangement is associated with the overhead framework, and cooperates with connectors on the panels to detachably suspend the panels at various locations along the overhead framework. The panels are manually reconfigurable between many different arrangements to efficiently and effectively support different group activities. Preferably, the panels are capable of providing a partitioning function to visually divide at least a portion of the workspace, and/or a display function to facilitate group communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Cornell, Robert J. Luchetti, Gregg R. Draudt, Kurt S. Bodden, Linda K. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 5452547
    Abstract: A dynamic workspace module is provided for open plan spaces, and the like, and includes a compact footprint, comprising a freestanding framework supporting a three-sided partition to form an interior workspace and a portal opening for user ingress and egress. A door partition shaped to selectively close the portal opening is movably mounted on the framework. The door partition preferably has an arcuate plan shape, and is positioned adjacent one side of the portal opening, such that shifting the door partition from the fully open position to the fully closed position both increases the amount of the interior space in the workspace module, and alters the plan shape thereof for improved freedom of user movement, while alleviating any sense of user claustrophobia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Baloga, Paul B. Siebert, Marvin LaLone, David J. Luzenske, Brian B. Chambers, Michael E. Tingley, Gregg R. Draudt, Steven W. Eriksson
  • Patent number: 5282341
    Abstract: A dynamic workspace module is provided for open plan spaces, and the like, and includes a compact footprint, comprising a freestanding framework supporting a three-sided partition to form an interior workspace and a portal opening for user ingress and egress. A door partition shaped to selectively close the portal opening is movably mounted on the framework. The door partition preferably has an arcuate plan shape, and is positioned adjacent one side of the portal opening, such that shifting the door partition from the fully open position to the fully closed position both increases the amount of the interior space in the workspace module, and alters the plan shape thereof for improved freedom of user movement, while alleviating any sense of user claustrophobia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Baloga, Paul B. Siebert, Marvin LaLone, David J. Luzenske, Brian B. Chambers, Michael E. Tingley, Gregg R. Draudt, Steven W. Eriksson