Patents by Inventor Michael W. Haan

Michael W. Haan 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: 5979988
    Abstract: A chair construction and method for building a chair having selected features are provided. The construction includes a plurality of interchangeable different components including different base assemblies, back assemblies, seats, arms, and chair controls that can be selected to provide different features on a "customized" chair. The different chair controls are constructed from a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable energy modules and a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable seat support modules. All components include standardized connections for engaging the related components, and further include various mechanisms and designs so that by selecting particular components, a chair having various features and appearances can be provided. For example, the plurality of interchangeable seat support modules includes a non-adjustable seat support module, a seat-angle-adjustable seat support module, and a seat-depth-adjustable seat support module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt R. Heidmann, Brian L. Christensen, Michael W. Haan, Glenn A. Knoblock, Eric T. McClure, Noe Palacios, Brian H. Root, David D. Sayers, Robert M. Scheper, Patrick P. Schwoerer, James P. Steffens, Greg A. VanStee
  • Patent number: 5782536
    Abstract: A chair construction and method for building a chair having selected features are provided. The construction includes a plurality of interchangeable different components including different base assemblies, back assemblies, seats, arms, and chair controls that can be selected to provide different features on a "customized" chair. The different chair controls are constructed from a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable energy modules and a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable seat support modules. All components include standardized connections for engaging the related components, and further include various mechanisms and designs so that by selecting particular components, a chair having various features and appearances can be provided. For example, the plurality of interchangeable seat support modules include a non-adjustable seat support module, a seat-angle-adjustable seat support module, and a seat-depth-adjustable seat support module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt R. Heidmann, Brian L. Christensen, Michael W. Haan, Glenn A. Knoblock, Eric T. McClure, Noe Palacios, Brian H. Root, David D. Sayers, Robert M. Scheper, Patrick P. Schwoerer, James P. Steffens, Greg A. VanStee
  • Patent number: 5630647
    Abstract: A chair construction and method for building a chair having selected features are provided. The construction includes a plurality of interchangeable different components including different base assemblies, back assemblies, seats, arms, and chair controls that can be selected to provide different features on a "customized" chair. The different chair controls are constructed from a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable energy modules and a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable seat support modules. All components include standardized connections for engaging the related components, and further include various mechanisms and designs so that by selecting particular components, a chair having various features and appearances can be provided. For example, the plurality of interchangeable seat support modules include a non-adjustable seat support module, a seat-angle-adjustable seat support module, and a seat-depth-adjustable seat support module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt R. Heidmann, Brian L. Christensen, Michael W. Haan, Glenn A. Knoblock, Eric T. McClure, Noe Palacios, Brian H. Root, David D. Sayers, Robert M. Scheper, Patrick P. Schwoerer, James P. Steffens, Greg A. VanStee