Patents by Inventor Marvin C. Knauf
Marvin C. Knauf 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: 10669713Abstract: An office work system includes a first and second table assemblies each including a first work surface having first and second ends, and leg arrangements coupled to the work surfaces and configured to support the work surfaces above a floor surface, a beam arrangement that includes an upwardly-facing surface, a first end, a second end, and a pair of channels extending between the first and second ends, the channels coextending with one another and being located at the same vertical height, wherein the first table and second table assemblies are coupled to the beam arrangement, a work tool positioned above the beam arrangement, and a connector assembly connecting the work tool to the beam arrangement, where the connector assembly is coupled to the work tool and engages the pair of channels of the beam arrangement such that the work tool may be repositioned along a length of the beam arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2017Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Feldpausch, Marvin C. Knauf, Bradley D. Youngs, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, John R. Hamilton, Ryan Geister, Daniel Phillips
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Patent number: 10626600Abstract: A partition assembly for subdividing a floor plan area that includes a beam assembly including a beam member including an upper wall, a pair of side walls, a bottom wall, first and second ends, and a pair of channels extending between the first and second ends, each of the channels positioned closer to one of the pair of side walls than to a longitudinally-extending center line of the beam member, a lower frame member located below the beam member, and vertical frame members extending between the beam member and the lower frame member, a work tool positioned above the beam assembly, and a connector assembly connecting the work tool to the beam assembly, where the connector assembly is coupled to the work tool and engages the pair of channels of the beam member.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Feldpausch, Marvin C. Knauf, Bradley D. Youngs, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, John R. Hamilton, Ryan Geister, Daniel Phillips
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Patent number: 10329759Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 3, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Mark T. Slager, Marvin C. Knauf, Allen C. Hager, Steven Keith Meek
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Publication number: 20180080225Abstract: An office work system includes a first and second table assemblies each including a first work surface having first and second ends, and leg arrangements coupled to the work surfaces and configured to support the work surfaces above a floor surface, a beam arrangement that includes an upwardly-facing surface, a first end, a second end, and a pair of channels extending between the first and second ends, the channels coextending with one another and being located at the same vertical height, wherein the first table and second table assemblies are coupled to the beam arrangement, a work tool positioned above the beam arrangement, and a connector assembly connecting the work tool to the beam arrangement, where the connector assembly is coupled to the work tool and engages the pair of channels of the beam arrangement such that the work tool may be repositioned along a length of the beam arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2017Publication date: March 22, 2018Inventors: Michael J. Feldpausch, Marvin C. Knauf, Bradley D. Youngs, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, John R. Hamilton, Ryan Geister, Daniel Phillips
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Publication number: 20180073249Abstract: A partition assembly for subdividing a floor plan area that includes a beam assembly including a beam member including an upper wall, a pair of side walls, a bottom wall, first and second ends, and a pair of channels extending between the first and second ends, each of the channels positioned closer to one of the pair of side walls than to a longitudinally-extending center line of the beam member, a lower frame member located below the beam member, and vertical frame members extending between the beam member and the lower frame member, a work tool positioned above the beam assembly, and a connector assembly connecting the work tool to the beam assembly, where the connector assembly is coupled to the work tool and engages the pair of channels of the beam member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2017Publication date: March 15, 2018Inventors: Michael J. Feldpausch, Marvin C. Knauf, Bradley D. Youngs, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, John R. Hamilton, Ryan Geister, Daniel Phillips
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Patent number: 9611641Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: John R. 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: 20170022707Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2016Publication date: January 26, 2017Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Mark T. Slager, Marvin C. Knauf, Allen C. Hager, Steven Keith Meek
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Patent number: 9506247Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 27, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Mark T. Slager, Marvin C. Knauf, Allen C. Hager, Steven Keith Meek
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Publication number: 20150275513Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2015Publication date: October 1, 2015Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Mark T. Slager, Marvin C. Knauf, Allen C. Hager, Steven Keith Meek
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Patent number: 9051729Abstract: A reversible door assembly for use in a panel wall system includes a door frame assembly having first and second door jamb assemblies which are adapted to receive vertical slider members in a channel disposed along a length of the door jamb assemblies. The slider members are vertically adjustable within the channels and may include hinge mechanism such that either door jamb assembly can hingedly support a door member therefrom. As one door jamb assembly supports the door member between open and closed positions, the opposite door jamb assembly includes a vertically adjustable latch striker plate for engaging a door latch mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Karl J. Mead, Marvin C. Knauf
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Publication number: 20150068134Abstract: An office work system that comprises a beam assembly that includes a first horizontal frame member having an upper surface and an upwardly opening first channel that extends along a length of the first horizontal frame member, a work surface having an upper surface, and a work surface support assembly that engages the first channel and is positionable along a length of the beam, and adjustably supports the work surface at a plurality of vertical heights relative to the first horizontal frame member, wherein at least one of the plurality of vertical heights positions the upper surface of the work surface above the upper surface of the first horizontal frame member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventors: Michael J. Feldpausch, Marvin C. Knauf, Bradley D. Youngs, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, John R. Hamilton, Ryan Geister, Daniel Phillips
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Patent number: 8910435Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 27, 2009Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Feldpausch, Marvin C. Knauf, Bradley D. Youngs, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, John R. Hamilton, Ryan Geister
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Patent number: 8850762Abstract: A vertically adjustable door assembly for use in a modular wall assembly includes a door opening defined by first and second door jamb assemblies which are adapted to receive vertical slider members in a channel disposed along a length of the door jamb assemblies. The slider members are vertically adjustable within the channels and include hinge mechanism such that either door jamb assembly can support a door member therefrom. Another aspect of the invention includes a vertically adjustable header assembly providing an aesthetically pleasing uniform appearance between the door assembly and the modular wall assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Marvin C. Knauf, Karl J. Mead, Beverly Jo Sugarbaker, Jamie L. Payne
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Publication number: 20140075862Abstract: A reversible door assembly for use in a panel wall system includes a door frame assembly having first and second door jamb assemblies which are adapted to receive vertical slider members in a channel disposed along a length of the door jamb assemblies. The slider members are vertically adjustable within the channels and may include hinge mechanism such that either door jamb assembly can hingedly support a door member therefrom. As one door jamb assembly supports the door member between open and closed positions, the opposite door jamb assembly includes a vertically adjustable latch striker plate for engaging a door latch mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: Steelcase, Inc.Inventors: Karl J. Mead, Marvin C. Knauf
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Publication number: 20140075861Abstract: A vertically adjustable door assembly for use in a modular wall assembly includes a door opening defined by first and second door jamb assemblies which are adapted to receive vertical slider members in a channel disposed along a length of the door jamb assemblies. The slider members are vertically adjustable within the channels and include hinge mechanism such that either door jamb assembly can support a door member therefrom. Another aspect of the invention includes a vertically adjustable header assembly providing an aesthetically pleasing uniform appearance between the door assembly and the modular wall assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Marvin C. Knauf, Karl J. Mead, Beverly Jo Sugarbaker, Jamie L. Payne
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Patent number: 8104850Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: 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
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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: 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: 20080296457Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 6415567Abstract: A partition for spatially dividing open building space and the like including a plurality of frames having adjacent frame ends interconnected by vertically spaced connector brackets to define a post-simulating joint and a trim system for the plurality of frames. The trim system includes a locator bracket and at least one side trim strip. The locator bracket is shaped to be attached to one of the connector brackets and includes upstanding side walls with outward extending upper tabs. The at least one side trim strip is shaped to enclose an associated open side of the post-simulating joint and includes at least one inwardly protruding top tab, each top tab mating and abutting at least one of the upper tabs of the locator bracket to positively locate the at least one side trim strip with respect to the adjacent frame ends.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Karl J. Mead, Marvin C. Knauf, Thomas R. Maas