Patents by Inventor Joel T. Ruiter

Joel T. Ruiter 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).

  • Publication number: 20020189180
    Abstract: A partition panel includes a rigid panel frame having a lower portion configured to support the partition panel freestanding on a floor surface. The rigid panel frame defines a horizontal upper edge and an intermediate height between the upper edge and the lower portion. A utility trough extends horizontally adjacent the horizontal upper edge, and the utility trough defines a utilities passageway having an upwardly facing elongated opening extending along substantially the entire length of the utility trough and providing access to the utilities passageway. A horizontally repositionable vertically extending utility support member is adapted to support utility lines extending from the utilities passageway of the utility trough to the intermediate height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Jonathan J. King, Joel T. Ruiter, David J. Dekkar, James D. Houda
  • Publication number: 20020189179
    Abstract: A storage unit for use in an office environment. The storage unit includes a structural frame having two opposing side panels, at least one laterally extending panel extending between and interconnecting the side panels to define an interior space. The frame includes a perimeter defining an access opening that provides access to the interior space. The storage unit includes a flexible cover having opposing side edges, a front edge, and a rear edge. The flexible cover is attached to the structural frame proximate said rear edge of said flexible cover. The flexible cover extends freely from the attachment to the frame. The flexible cover has an engagement feature which is selectively engageable with the frame at first and second locations on the frame. Engagement of the cover with the frame at the first location places the flexible cover in a closed position with the opposing side edges of the flexible cover extending proximate the perimeter defining the access opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Jonathan J. King, Joel T. Ruiter, David J. Dekkar, James D. Houda, Peter E. Mack
  • Patent number: D458230
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Scott Hand, Joel T. Ruiter, Stephen Wahl