Patents by Inventor Robert M. Scheper

Robert M. Scheper 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: 10253527
    Abstract: A smart locker includes electronics to operate a user interface, including a keypad, and to receive user commands via the keypad to lock or unlock the smart locker with an electronic lock. The smart locker also receives primary input power and provides direct charging power and wireless charging power for charging electronic devices. The smart locker also is capable of receiving secondary input power to operate the electronic lock in the absence of the primary input power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: STEELCASE INC.
    Inventors: Charles Beasley, Rachel Anne Neiman, Felipe Efrain Castaneda Roldan, Robert M. Scheper
  • Publication number: 20170356218
    Abstract: A smart locker includes electronics to operate a user interface, including a keypad, and to receive user commands via the keypad to lock or unlock the smart locker with an electronic lock. The smart locker also receives primary input power and provides direct charging power and wireless charging power for charging electronic devices. The smart locker also is capable of receiving secondary input power to operate the electronic lock in the absence of the primary input power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Applicant: STEELCASE INC.
    Inventors: Charles Beasley, RACHEL ANNE NEIMAN, FELIPE EFRAIN CASTANEDA ROLDAN, Robert M. SCHEPER
  • Patent number: 6394548
    Abstract: A seating unit is provided having a base assembly, a back frame pivoted to the base assembly for movement between upright and reclined positions, and a seat slidably supported on the base assembly and pivoted to the back frame so that the seat moves forwardly and its rear moves forwardly and downwardly with the back frame upon recline. A flexible back is connected to the back frame at top and bottom locations and is provided with lumbar adjustment for improved lumbar force/support and shape. A seat is provided with seat depth adjustment and with active and passive thigh flex support. The seat includes a front section adjustably and/or flexibly supported on a rear section for optimal comfort while supporting a seated adult user's thighs, With the rear section being configured to carry a majority of the weight of a typical seated adult user. A novel energy mechanism is provided that includes a moment arm shift adjuster for adjusting the spring tension on the back frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Glenn A. Knoblock, Larry DeKraker, Kurt R. Heidmann, Michelle R. Johnson, Robert M. Scheper
  • Patent number: 6364416
    Abstract: An article of furniture is disclosed. The article of furniture includes a multi-purpose article of furniture for use by at least one worker in a work environment having a horizontal support surface such as a floor and at least one vertical support surface such as a wall. The article includes a core formed by a first core section coupled to a second core section at an angular displacement and a cover configured to fit around the core. The core can be oriented in a first position for a first purpose and a second position for a second purpose. The article may be stored adjacent another article of furniture in a first arrangement and in use adjacent another article of furniture in a second arrangement. The article may also be a pocket for storing items attached to a covering skin. The covering skin may include a marking identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Alan E. Rheault, Robert M. Scheper, George J. Simons
  • 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: 5964436
    Abstract: A chair base includes a leg assembly having a plurality of radially extending legs, and a leg cover adapted to cover the legs. The tubular legs have a top surface divided by a centerline and have apertures offset from the centerline. The leg covers are adapted to cover the legs, and the leg covers include downwardly extending off-centered bosses for engaging the apertures. Each of the tubular legs has an end with aligned vertical holes therein. A sleeve-like pintle receiver is located in the aligned vertical holes and flared at its top and bottom to hold the pintle receiver in the tubular legs. The leg assembly includes a tubular center hub. The plurality of radially extending tubular legs each have a top wall, a bottom wall, and opposing sidewalls, the top and bottom walls each having an arcuately shaped end engaging the center hub. A pair of ring welds extends continuously circumferentially around the center hub for welding the arcuately shaped ends of the top and bottom walls to the center hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Robert S. Grooters, Kurt R. Heidmann, John L. Hendricks, Michael A. Kolarik, Brian H. Root, Bruce G. Rose, Robert M. Scheper
  • Patent number: 5906343
    Abstract: A chair base includes a leg assembly having a plurality of radially-extending legs, and a leg cover adapted to cover the legs. The tubular legs have a top surface divided by a center line and have apertures offset from the center line. The leg covers are adapted to cover the legs, and the leg covers including downwardly extending off-centered bosses for engaging the apertures. Each of the tubular legs have an end with aligned vertical holes therein. A sleeve-like pintle retainer is located in the aligned vertical holes and flared at its top and bottom to hold the pintle retainer in the tubular legs. The leg assembly includes a tubular center hub. The plurality of radially extending tubular legs each have a top wall, a bottom wall and opposing side walls, the top and bottom walls each having an arcuately shaped end engaging the center hub. A pair of ring welds extend continuously circumferentially around the center hub for welding the arcuately shaped ends of the top and bottom walls to the center hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Robert S. Grooters, Kurt R. Heidmann, John L. Hendricks, Michael A. Kolarik, Brian H. Root, Bruce G. Rose, Robert M. Scheper
  • Patent number: 5873634
    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: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt R. Heidmann, Brian L. Christensen, Micahel 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: 5871258
    Abstract: A chair is provided having a base assembly, a back frame pivoted to the base assembly for movement between upright and reclined positions, and a seat slidably supported on the base frame and pivoted to the back assembly so that the seat moves forwardly and its rear moves forwardly and downwardly with the back frame upon recline. A flexible back is connected to the back frame at top and bottom locations and is provided with lumbar adjustment for improved lumbar force/support and shape. A seat is provided with seat depth adjustment and with active and passive thigh flex support. The seat includes a front section adjustably and/or flexibly supported on a rear section for optimal comfort while supporting a seated adult user's thighs, with the rear section being configured to carry a majority of the weight of a typical seated adult user. A novel energy mechanism is provided that includes a moment arm shift adjuster for adjusting the spring tension on the back frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Glenn A. Knoblock, Larry DeKraker, Kurt R. Heidmann, Michelle R. Johnson, Robert M. Scheper
  • Patent number: 5842264
    Abstract: A structural support shell for a tilt-back chair has a back portion, a seat portion, and a flexible compression zone extending between the back and seat portions in an integrally molded, one-piece unit. The chair has a base with a recline control pivoting recline control lever. The seat portion of the shell is fixed to the base and the back portion of the shell is fixed to the recline control lever. The flexible compression zone provides a simplified construction for an ergonomic chair design having an effective axis of rotation between the back portion and seat portion which is located above the seat portion, forward of the back portion, and generally adjacent to the hip joints of a seated user. The chair includes side arms that laterally and then rotatably engage side arm supporting connectors on the chair to facilitate assembly. The chair further includes a one-piece shell having tabs for mateably engaging flanges on the chair seat and back to also facilitate assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Charles P. Roossien, David C. Pugh, Dale M. Groendal, James E. Massey, Robert M. Scheper, Duane F. Nagel, Bruce M. Smith, Douglas A. Smith, Brian L. Scholten
  • 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: 5662381
    Abstract: A structural support shell for a tilt-back chair has a back portion, a seat portion, and a flexible compression zone extending between the back and seat portions in an integrally molded, one-piece unit. The chair has a base with a recline control pivoting recline control lever. The seat portion of the shell is fixed to the base and the back portion of the shell is fixed to the recline control lever. The flexible compression zone provides a simplified construction for an ergonomic chair design having an effective axis of rotation between the back portion and seat portion which is located above the seat portion, forward of the back portion, and generally adjacent to the hip joints of a seated user. The chair includes side arms that laterally and then rotatably engage side arm supporting connectors on the chair to facilitate assembly. The chair further includes a one-piece shell having tabs for mateably engaging flanges on the chair seat and back to also facilitate assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Charles P. Roossien, David C. Pugh, Dale M. Groendal, James E. Massey, Robert M. Scheper, Duane F. Nagel, Bruce M. Smith, Douglas A. Smith, Brian L. Scholten
  • 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
  • Patent number: 5630643
    Abstract: A chair includes a base, a chair control and tilt mechanism, a shell assembly and a cushion assembly. The shell assembly includes a seat shell fixed to the base and a separate back shell. The back shell and seat shell are interconnected by a mechanical hinge. The hinge includes a pair of tabs on the back shell received in sockets defined by the seat shell. The tabs are retained in the sockets by the chair base. Back supports or chair arms have ends operatively connected to the tilt mechanism. Opposite ends of the arms are secured to the seat back to support and guide the back during tilting movement. The cushion assembly includes a molded foam member having a fabric or other upholstery material joined thereto. The back shell includes an integral, hinged upholstery flap. The fabric of the cushion assembly is folded over and joined to the flap. The flap is folded and operatively connected to a rear surface of the back shell. The seat shell includes another integral upholstery attachment flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventors: Brian L. Scholten, James E. Abraham, Dale M. Groendal, Robert M. Scheper, Thomas R. Hahn, Douglas A. Smith
  • Patent number: D441224
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Scheper, William R. Easton, Barry E. Vitale
  • Patent number: D449455
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Alan E. Rheault, Robert M. Scheper
  • Patent number: D450954
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Scheper, William R. Easton, Barry E. Vitale
  • Patent number: D608047
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Scheper, Steven J. Beukema
  • Patent number: D624083
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Scheper, Steven J. Beukema, Lane D. Sturman, Erik R. Peterson, Douglas D. Buyce
  • Patent number: D624084
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Scheper, Steven J. Beukema, Lane D. Sturman, Erik R. Peterson, Douglas D. Buyce