Patents by Inventor Niels Diffrient

Niels Diffrient 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: 20090091174
    Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable armrest that can readily raised, or lowered, and optionally rotated in a horizontal plane. In one embodiment, the present armrest is released from its use position be raising the front portion of the armrest. The armrest is moved into the desired position and then the front portion is lowered to secure the armrest in the desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Humanscale Corporation
    Inventor: Niels Diffrient
  • Publication number: 20090015053
    Abstract: The invention provides a chair armrest that is variably adjustable to allow a user to assume an ergonomically preferred sitting position. The ergonomic chair armrest comprises, either separately or together, an arm support assembly capable of adjustment to various positions through a vertical plane and an arm pad assembly capable of adjustment to various positions through a horizontal plane. The invention further provides an ergonomic chair having an armrest that is adjustable in both a vertical plane and a horizontal plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Niels Diffrient
  • Patent number: 7475946
    Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable armrest that can readily raised, or lowered, and optionally rotated in a horizontal plane. In one embodiment, the present armrest is released from its use position be raising the front portion of the armrest. The armrest is moved into the desired position and then the front portion is lowered to secure the armrest in the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Humanscale Corporation
    Inventor: Niels Diffrient
  • Publication number: 20070069565
    Abstract: A chair of the tilting type which includes a base, a seat and back, with the base pivotally supporting the seat with two parallel links of a four-bar parallel linkage, with one of the links extending to support the back. The four-bar linkage is duplicated on each side of the chair by forming the two opposite parallel links or cranks from the upturned ends of the tubes which pass through the base in parallel but vertically offset fashion, the base thus forming the fixed bar of the linkage with its opposite bar or coupler being formed by the seat. A spring within the base is operative on one (of both) of the tubes to urge the chair to an upright position. The tubes are pivotally connected to the seat and one of the tubes extends and is fixedly connected to the back. As the back tilts, the four-bar mechanism is engaged and lifts the seat which thereby uses the occupant's weight to counteract the reclining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventor: Niels Diffrient
  • Publication number: 20070001497
    Abstract: The invention provides a seating apparatus having a reclining movement with a corresponding seat lift movement. The apparatus further provides a seating support surface having increased comfort comprising a shaped diaphragm with a series of calculated openings provided throughout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Niels Diffrient
  • Publication number: 20060006723
    Abstract: The invention provides a chair armrest that is variably adjustable to allow a user to assume an ergonomically preferred sitting position. The ergonomic chair armrest comprises, either separately or together, an arm support assembly capable of adjustment to various positions through a vertical plane and an arm pad assembly capable of adjustment to various positions through a horizontal plane. The invention further provides an ergonomic chair having an armrest that is adjustable in both a vertical plane and a horizontal plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Publication date: January 12, 2006
    Inventor: Niels Diffrient
  • Publication number: 20050264087
    Abstract: A mesh chair component having contours that support a user appropriately can be made by combining a plurality of mesh panels to form the component. For instance, in a preferred embodiment of the present inventions, three preformed mesh panels are combined to form the back rest of a chair that provides its user with lumbar support without the necessity of additional structural support. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, mesh panels are used in combination with a beneficially contoured frame to provide a chair seat with a waterfall front.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Publication date: December 1, 2005
    Inventor: Niels Diffrient
  • Patent number: 6959965
    Abstract: A chair of the tilting type which includes a base, a seat and back, with the base pivotally supporting the seat with two parallel links of a four-bar parallel linkage, with one of the links extending to support the back. The four-bar linkage is duplicated on each side of the chair by forming the two opposite parallel links or cranks from the upturned ends of the tubes which pass through the base in parallel but vertically offset fashion, the base thus forming the fixed bar of the linkage with its opposite bar or coupler being formed by the seat. A spring within the base is operative on one (of both) of the tubes to urge the chair to an upright position. The tubes are pivotally connected to the seat and one of the tubes extends and is fixedly connected to the back. As the back tilts, the four-bar mechanism is engaged and lifts the seat which thereby uses the occupant's weight to counteract the reclining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Humanscale Corporation
    Inventor: Niels Diffrient
  • Publication number: 20040245835
    Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable armrest that can readily raised, or lowered, and optionally rotated in a horizontal plane. In one embodiment, the present armrest is released from its use position be raising the front portion of the armrest. The armrest is moved into the desired position and then the front portion is lowered to secure the armrest in the desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Niels Diffrient
  • Patent number: 6817149
    Abstract: A space dividing system includes a column and a series of partition panels adapted for interconnection with the column. The column includes an internal passage, and is adapted to receive wiring from a building for supplying power to a receptacle arrangement interconnected with the column. Adjacent panels are connected to the column at spaced locations, and the receptacle arrangement is exposed between the adjacent panels. The column includes a structural skeleton to which the receptacle arrangement is mounted, and a series of covers are releasably engaged with the structural skeleton for finishing the aesthetic appearance of the column. An adjustable height mounting arrangement is interconnected with the upper end of the column for connection to a ceiling to stabilize the upper end of the column. Each panel is in the form of a frame defining an opening within which a core is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Krueger International, Inc
    Inventors: Niels Diffrient, Timothy J. Bouche, Andrew J. Kopish
  • Patent number: 6772567
    Abstract: A space dividing system includes a column and a series of partition panels adapted for interconnection with the column. The column includes an internal passage, and is adapted to receive wiring from a building for supplying power to a receptacle arrangement interconnected with the column. Adjacent panels are connected to the column at spaced locations, and the receptacle arrangement is exposed between the adjacent panels. The column includes a structural skeleton to which the receptacle arrangement is mounted, and a series of covers are releasably engaged with the structural skeleton for finishing the aesthetic appearance of the column. An adjustable height mounting arrangement is interconnected with the upper end of the column for connection to a ceiling to stabilize the upper end of the column. Each panel is in the form of a frame defining an opening within which a core is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.
    Inventors: Niels Diffrient Jr., Timothy J. Bouche, Andrew J. Kopish
  • Patent number: 6754998
    Abstract: A space dividing system includes a column and a series of partition panels adapted for interconnection with the column. The column includes an internal passage, and is adapted to receive wiring from a building for supplying power to a receptacle arrangement interconnected with the column. Adjacent panels are connected to the column at spaced locations, and the receptacle arrangement is exposed between the adjacent panels. The column includes a structural skeleton to which the receptacle arrangement is mounted, and a series of covers are releasably engaged with the structural skeleton for finishing the aesthetic appearance of the column. An adjustable height mounting arrangement is interconnected with the upper end of the column for connection to a ceiling to stabilize the upper end of the column. Each panel is in the form of a frame defining an opening within which a core is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.
    Inventors: Niels Diffrient, Timothy J. Bouche, Andrew J. Kopish
  • Patent number: 6709058
    Abstract: A chair of the tilting type which includes a base, a seat and back, with the base pivotally supporting the seat with two parallel links of a four-bar parallel linkage, with one of the links extending to support the back. The four-bar linkage is duplicated on each side of the chair by forming the two opposite parallel links or cranks from the upturned ends of the tubes which pass through the base in parallel but vertically offset fashion, the base thus forming the fixed bar of the linkage with its opposite bar or coupler being formed by the seat. A spring within the base is operative on one (of both) of the tubes to urge the chair to an upright position. The tubes are pivotally connected to the seat and one of the tubes extends and is fixedly connected to the back. As the back tilts, the four-bar mechanism is engaged and lifts the seat which thereby uses the occupant's weight to counteract the reclining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Humanscale Corp.
    Inventor: Niels Diffrient
  • Patent number: 6571519
    Abstract: A space dividing system includes a column and a series of partition panels adapted for interconnection with the column. The column includes an internal passage, and is adapted to receive wiring from a building for supplying power to a receptacle arrangement interconnected with the column. Adjacent panels are connected to the column at spaced locations, and the receptacle arrangement is exposed between the adjacent panels. The column includes a structural skeleton to which the receptacle arrangement is mounted, and a series of covers are releasably engaged with the structural skeleton for finishing the aesthetic appearance of the column. An adjustable height mounting arrangement is interconnected with the upper end of the column for connection to a ceiling to stabilize the upper end of the column. Each panel is in the form of a frame defining an opening within which a core is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.
    Inventors: Niels Diffrient, Timothy J. Bouche, Andrew J. Kopish
  • Publication number: 20020166300
    Abstract: A space dividing system includes a column and a series of partition panels adapted for interconnection with the column. The column includes an internal passage, and is adapted to receive wiring from a building for supplying power to a receptacle arrangement interconnected with the column. Adjacent panels are connected to the column at spaced locations, and the receptacle arrangement is exposed between the adjacent panels. The column includes a structural skeleton to which the receptacle arrangement is mounted, and a series of covers are releasably engaged with the structural skeleton for finishing the aesthetic appearance of the column. An adjustable height mounting arrangement is interconnected with the upper end of the column for connection to a ceiling to stabilize the upper end of the column. Each panel is in the form of a frame defining an opening within which a core is received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Krueger International, Inc.
    Inventors: Niels Diffrient, Timothy J. Bouche, Andrew J. Kopish
  • Publication number: 20020149247
    Abstract: A chair of the tilting type which includes a base, a seat and back, with the base pivotally supporting the seat with two parallel links of a four-bar parallel linkage, with one of the links extending to support the back. The four-bar linkage is duplicated on each side of the chair by forming the two opposite parallel links or cranks from the upturned ends of the tubes which pass through the base in parallel but vertically offset fashion, the base thus forming the fixed bar of the linkage with its opposite bar or coupler being formed by the seat. A spring within the base is operative on one (of both) of the tubes to urge the chair to an upright position. The tubes are pivotally connected to the seat and one of the tubes extends and is fixedly connected to the back. As the back tilts, the four-bar mechanism is engaged and lifts the seat which thereby uses the occupant's weight to counteract the reclining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Niels Diffrient
  • Publication number: 20020129575
    Abstract: A space dividing system includes a column and a series of partition panels adapted for interconnection with the column. The column includes an internal passage, and is adapted to receive wiring from a building for supplying power to a receptacle arrangement interconnected with the column. Adjacent panels are connected to the column at spaced locations, and the receptacle arrangement is exposed between the adjacent panels. The column includes a structural skeleton to which the receptacle arrangement is mounted, and a series of covers are releasably engaged with the structural skeleton for finishing the aesthetic appearance of the column. An adjustable height mounting arrangement is interconnected with the upper end of the column for connection to a ceiling to stabilize the upper end of the column. Each panel is in the form of a frame defining an opening within which a core is received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: Krueger International, Inc.
    Inventors: Niels Diffrient, Timothy J. Bouche, Andrew J. Kopish
  • Publication number: 20020129576
    Abstract: A space dividing system includes a column and a series of partition panels adapted for interconnection with the column. The column includes an internal passage, and is adapted to receive wiring from a building for supplying power to a receptacle arrangement interconnected with the column. Adjacent panels are connected to the column at spaced locations, and the receptacle arrangement is exposed between the adjacent panels. The column includes a structural skeleton to which the receptacle arrangement is mounted, and a series of covers are releasably engaged with the structural skeleton for finishing the aesthetic appearance of the column. An adjustable height mounting arrangement is interconnected with the upper end of the column for connection to a ceiling to stabilize the upper end of the column. Each panel is in the form of a frame defining an opening within which a core is received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: Krueger International, Inc.
    Inventors: Niels Diffrient, Timothy J. Bouche, Andrew J. Kopish
  • Patent number: D535432
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Humanscale Corporation
    Inventor: Niels Diffrient
  • Patent number: D584908
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Humanscale Corporation
    Inventor: Niels Diffrient