Patents by Inventor Kurt R. Heidmann
Kurt R. Heidmann 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: 8701568Abstract: A worksurface assembly includes a support structure and a top portion that is movable relative to the support structure. The worksurface assembly may include a mounting rail configured to support various accessory units. A utility supply system is provided, and the top portion of the worksurface assembly may be moved to provide access to the utility supply system. A mechanism provides for controlled movement of the top portion of the worksurface assembly relative to the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Scott M. Miller, Robert J. Battey, Todd T. Andres, John R. Hamilton, Daniel N. Phillips, Jamie L. Payne, Brian L. Bultsma, Daniel R. Tatman, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, James D. Houda, David J. Dekker, Michael P. Kelley
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Publication number: 20140077553Abstract: A chair assembly including a first chair structure, a second chair structure, an actuator assembly coupled to the second chair structure to move the second chair structure between the first and second positions, a control input assembly coupled to the first chair structure, and a control link assembly coupling the control input assembly with the actuator assembly to move the second chair structure between first and second positions, and including a first shaft operably coupled to the control link, and rotatable about a second axis that is substantially orthogonal to the first axis and to the first direction, and first and second universal joint assemblies coupling the first shaft member to the second shaft, wherein actuation of the control input moves the second chair structure between the first and second positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann, Russell T. Holdredge, Todd T. Andres
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Publication number: 20140077557Abstract: A control assembly for a chair includes a base structure having a first pivot point and a second pivot point spaced from the first pivot point, a seat support structure having a forward portion pivotably coupled to an upper portion of the base structure for rotation about the first pivot point, a back support structure having a forward portion pivotably coupled to a lower portion of the base structure for rotation about the second pivot point, wherein the back support structure is adapted to move between a first and second positions, and a control link having a first end pivotably coupled to a rearward portion of the seat support structure for rotation about a third pivot point, and a second end pivotably coupled to a rearward portion of the back support structure for rotation about a fourth pivot point.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Todd T. Andres, Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann
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Publication number: 20140077556Abstract: A control assembly for a chair including a base structure having a first pivot point and a second pivot point spaced from the first pivot point, a seat support structure pivotably coupled to the base structure for rotation about the first pivot point, a back support structure pivotably coupled to the base structure for rotation about the second pivot point, wherein the back support structure is adapted to rotate between a first and second positions, and a control link having a first end coupled to the seat support structure, and a second end coupled to the back support structure, wherein the control link rotates the seat support structure at a slower rate of rotation than a rate of rotation of the back support structure as the back support structure is rotated between the first and second positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: STEELCASE INC.Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Todd T. Andres, Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann
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Publication number: 20140077549Abstract: A chair assembly includes a base structure, a seat support structure movably coupled to the base structure, an upwardly-extending back support structure movably coupled to the base structure, wherein the back support structure is adapted to move between an upright and reclined positions, wherein the back support structure is operably coupled to the seat support structure, a flexible shell structure defining a forwardly-facing surface forming a lumbar support, wherein the flexible shell is movably coupled to the seat support structure, and a resilient member generating a variable compressive force acting on the flexible shell structure in a manner that tends to cause a curvature of the back support structure to increase, and wherein the compressive force decreases as the back support structure moves from the upright position to the reclined position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Richard N. Roslund, Jr., Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann, Nathan McCaughan, Pradeep Mydur, Russell T. Holdredge, Mark Vander Veen, Todd D. Krupiczewicz, Nathan R. Brock, Jeffrey A. Hall, Gordon J. Peterson, Todd T. Andres
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Publication number: 20140077558Abstract: A chair assembly includes a seat support structure having a seat surface pivotable about a first pivot point between first and second positions, and a back support assembly coupled to the seat support structure, movable between upright and reclined positions and pivotable about a second pivot point, wherein the first pivot point is located at a position along a first line perpendicular to a second line tangential to the seat surface and at a forward most portion of a back surface, forward between along a third line parallel with the second line, down to the second line along a fourth line perpendicular with the second line, up the fourth line such that the second pivot point is located within a given radius from the first pivot point when the back support assembly is in the upright and reclined positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Kurt R. Heidmann, Gordon J. Peterson, Todd T. Andres
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Publication number: 20140077555Abstract: A chair assembly includes a base structure defining upper and lower portions, a seat support structure having forward and rearward portions, wherein the forward portion of the seat support structure is pivotably coupled to the upper portion, and wherein the seat support structure includes a seat support surface configured to support a seated user thereon, a back support structure having forward and rearward portions, wherein the forward portion of the back supported is pivotably coupled to the lower portion, and wherein the back support structure includes an upwardly extending portion adapted to move between an upright position and a reclined position, and a control link having a first end pivotably coupled to the rearward portion of the seat support structure, and a second end pivotably coupled to the rearward portion of the back support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Richard N. Roslund, Jr., Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann, Nathan McCaughan, Pradeep Mydur, Russell T. Holdredge, Mark Vander Veen, Todd D. Krupiczewicz, Nathan R. Brock, Jeffrey A. Hall, Gordon J. Peterson, Todd T. Andres
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Publication number: 20140077551Abstract: A chair assembly includes a base structure, a seat support structure pivotably coupled to the base structure, a back support structure pivotably coupled to the base structure and including an upwardly extending portion adapted to move between an upright position and a reclined position, a control link having a first end pivotably coupled to the seat support structure and a second end pivotably coupled to the back support structure, a back support surface having an upper portion pivotably coupled to the back support, and a back link pivotably coupled to the seat support structure, wherein the back support surface is moved forward by the back link relative to the upwardly extending portion of the back support structure as the back support structure is moved from the upright position to the reclined position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Richard N. Roslund, Jr., Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann, Nathan McCaughan, Pradeep Mydur, Russell T. Holdredge, Mark Vander Veen, Todd D. Krupiczewicz, Nathan R. Brock, Jeffrey A. Hall, Gordon J. Peterson, Todd T. Andres
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Publication number: 20140077552Abstract: A control assembly for a chair including a base structure including a first pivot point and a second pivot point spaced from the first pivot point, and a seat support structure directly pivotably coupled to the base structure for rotation about the first pivot point, a back support structure pivotably coupled to the base structure for rotation about the second pivot point, wherein the back support structure is adapted to move between a first and second position, a control link having a first end operably coupled to the seat support structure, and a second end operably coupled to the back support structure, and a biasing assembly exerting a biasing torque about the second pivot point that biases the back support structure from the second position toward the first position, wherein the biasing torque is adjustable between first and second magnitudes when the back support structure is in the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: STEELCASE INC.Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann, Todd T. Andres
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Publication number: 20130239855Abstract: A worksurface assembly includes a support structure and a top portion that is movable relative to the support structure. The worksurface assembly may include a mounting rail configured to support various accessory units. A utility supply system is provided, and the top portion of the worksurface assembly may be moved to provide access to the utility supply system. A mechanism provides for controlled movement of the top portion of the worksurface assembly relative to the support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: STEELCASE INC.Inventors: Scott M. Miller, Robert J. Battey, Todd T. Andres, John R. Hamilton, Daniel N. Phillips, Jamie L. Payne, Brian L. Bultsma, Daniel R. Tatman, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, James D. Houda, David J. Dekker, Michael P. Kelley
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Patent number: 8365798Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Adrian Gomez, Allen C. Hager, Kurt R. Heidmann
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Patent number: 8276523Abstract: A worksurface assembly includes a support structure and a top portion that is movable relative to the support structure. The worksurface assembly may include a mounting rail configured to support various accessory units. A utility supply system is provided, and the top portion of the worksurface assembly may be moved to provide access to the utility supply system. A mechanism provides for controlled movement of the top portion of the worksurface assembly relative to the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Scott M Miller, Robert J Battey, Todd T Andres, John R Hamilton, Daniel N Phillips, Jamie L Payne, Brian L Bultsma, Daniel R Tatman, Mark T Slager, Kurt R Heidmann, James D Houda, David J Dekker, Michael P Kelley
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Patent number: 7926880Abstract: A seating construction includes a perimeter frame defining an open area, and a one-piece molded seating component supported on the frame. The seating component includes a plurality of integrally-formed flexible slats defining a support surface over the open area. Resilient wires are coupled to the slats to resiliently support the slats when flexed. The component can be handled as a unit for assembly, and is retained by connecting rods that extend along the side section of the frame, with the slats each rotatably engaging mating bearing structure on the frame. A flex-limiting member in a center of the frame limits the resilient supports to a maximum deflected condition. Tabs on the molded component interconnect the slats and permit one-piece molding, but are either flexible or breakable to permit independent flexing of the slats. Methods related to the above are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Kurt R. Heidmann, Gordon J. Peterson
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Publication number: 20100127551Abstract: A seating construction includes a perimeter frame defining an open area, and a one-piece molded seating component supported on the frame. The seating component includes a plurality of integrally-formed flexible slats defining a support surface over the open area. Resilient wires are coupled to the slats to resiliently support the slats when flexed. The component can be handled as a unit for assembly, and is retained by connecting rods that extend along the side section of the frame, with the slats each rotatably engaging mating bearing structure on the frame. A flex-limiting member in a center of the frame limits the resilient supports to a maximum deflected condition. Tabs on the molded component interconnect the slats and permit one-piece molding, but are either flexible or breakable to permit independent flexing of the slats. Methods related to the above are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2010Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventors: Kurt R. Heidmann, Gordon J. Peterson
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Patent number: 7712834Abstract: A back support includes a base, a seat, and a back frame pivoted to the base. The seating unit has a flexible back (i.e., back shell) supported on the back frame and having stiff upper and lower sections connected by a forwardly protruding flexible lumbar section for providing lumbar support to a seated user. A spring mechanism is connected to the back frame and to a center lower edge of the flexible back. The spring mechanism biases the flexible back to bias the lumbar toward a forwardly protruding shape to provide optimal lumbar support when in the upright position and also during recline of the seated user.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Glenn A. Knoblock, Daryl Knoblock, legal representative, Arnold B. Dammermann, Larry DeKraker, Kurt R. Heidmann, Gordon J. Peterson, Charles P. Roossien, David S. Teppo
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Patent number: 7686399Abstract: A back includes an integrated articulating back frame and a back support. The back frame has a lower segment pivoted to a chair control, an upper segment for thoracic support, and links forming a four-bar linkage with the upper and lower segments, with a joint being formed at the lumbar region. The back support is stretchable in limited directions to accommodate shape change in the articulating back frame but to provide adequate support to a seated user. Upon receiving a rearward pressure on the lumbar joint, the back frame itself changes shape. The pivot locations in the four bar linkage create a mechanism that simultaneously controls rotational and translational movement of the upper segment during flexure of the lumbar. The back frame is close to the back support to provide significant design flexibility, but permit substantial lumbar flexure. Various back supports are contemplated that accommodate articulation of the back frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Kurt R. Heidmann, Gordon J. Peterson
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Publication number: 20090293402Abstract: An office work system comprises a first furniture unit having a first laterally-extending channel, and a second furniture unit having a second laterally-extending channel, the second channel being disposed substantially parallel to and at least substantially the same vertical height as the first channel, such that at least a portion of the first and second channels coextend. The office work system further comprises a work accessory and a connector assembly to connect the work accessory to the first and second furniture units along the coextending portions of the channels, the assembly including a pair of engagement members adapted to engage the first and second channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventors: John Hamilton, Marvin C. Knauf, Bradley D. Youngs, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, Daniel Phillips, Helen A. Buckley, Ryan Pauly
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Publication number: 20090293773Abstract: A worksurface assembly includes a support structure and a top portion that is movable relative to the support structure. The worksurface assembly may include a mounting rail configured to support various accessory units. A utility supply system is provided, and the top portion of the worksurface assembly may be moved to provide access to the utility supply system. A mechanism provides for controlled movement of the top portion of the worksurface assembly relative to the support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Scott M. Miller, Robert J. Battey, Todd T. Andres, John R. Hamilton, Daniel N. Phillips, Jamie L. Payne, Brian L. Bultsma, Daniel R. Tatman, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, James D. Houda, David J. Dekker, Michael P. Kelley
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Publication number: 20090293388Abstract: A beam assembly for subdividing a floor plan area comprises a horizontally-extending beam member including an interiorly-facing surface, a bottom wall having at least one aperture extending therethrough, and at least one horizontally-extending lower frame member located below the beam member. The beam assembly further comprises at least one vertical frame member extending between and coupled with the beam member and the at least one lower frame member, wherein the at least one vertical frame member extends through the at least one aperture and the bottom wall of the beam member and interferingly engages the interior-facing surface of the beam member.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventors: Michael J. Feldpausch, Marvin C. Knauf, Bradley D. Youngs, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, John R. Hamilton, Ryan Geister
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Publication number: 20090294078Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Adrian Gomez, Allen C. Hager, Kurt R. Heidmann