Patents by Inventor Steven F. Trinkel

Steven F. Trinkel 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: 5564195
    Abstract: A chair measurement device includes a base configured to stably engage a chair seat in a manner simulating a person sitting on the chair, and further includes an upright member pivotally mounted on the base for simulating the person leaning against the chair back. The upright member includes an upper section having an arcuately shaped rear surface, and an elastic member is extended between the upper section and the base for engaging the chair back to facilitate positioning the device on a chair. The upright member is lockable on the base to facilitate initial positioning of the measurement device on the chair, but is releasable and movable against the chair back to facilitate taking measurements. The base and the upright member include planar surfaces for supporting measurement taking tools, and further include slots for locating the tools in square and predetermined positions on the measurement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association
    Inventors: Douglas D. Kokot, Mary Beth Van De Riet, Paul F. Allie, Steven F. Trinkel, James M. Williams, Randy J. Ruster, James K. G. Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5207479
    Abstract: The present invention is an office chair capable of dynamically tilting to provide a desired seat inclination from an upright position to a maximum tilted position. The preloading mechanism of the spring includes an adjusting screw and a tension arm which provides leverage. The leverage of the preloading mechanism facilitates turning the adjusting screw to vary the preloaded tension of the springs. Also, a spindle cover is provided to stop movement of the seat at the maximum tilted position, and to stop movement of a toggle mechanism at the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Wickman, Dennis R. Motz, Steven F. Trinkel
  • Patent number: 5199774
    Abstract: A cabinet assembly having a plurality of vertical rows of drawers. A combination lock and interlock system is provided wherein a cable having a predetermined slack is positioned adjacent the plurality of drawers and interacts with a catch that is positioned on each drawer. Upon opening of a drawer, the catch moves the cable from a slack position which permits a drawer to be opened to a taut position which prevents the opening of a second drawer. One end of the cable is attached to a remote locking device which selectively pulls the cable taut and releases it to a slack position to allow remote locking and unlocking of all drawers while in their closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Hedinger, Steven F. Trinkel, David L. Hostetter
  • Patent number: 4494721
    Abstract: A seat adjustment mechanism for adjustably connecting a seat to a chair base is provided wherein a threaded spindle is secured to the seat and rotatably and axially movably received within a column member extending upwardly from the chair base. An adjusting nut is threadedly engaged with the spindle and supported within the column member by a bearing assembly, and which is upwardly urged by a compression spring such that the upper surface of the adjusting nut lockingly engages a downwardly facing engaging surface of a lock cap in the column member when the seat is unoccupied. By rotating the seat and the spindle secured thereto, vertical adjustment of the seat is provided. When the seat is occupied, the adjusting nut is moved downwardly by the spindle and against the bearing assembly to compress the spring and disengage the upper surface of the adjusting nut from the downwardly facing engaging surface. The seat and spindle then may be rotated without being vertically adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven F. Trinkel, Patrick E. Strange, Mathew A. Slaats
  • Patent number: 4469382
    Abstract: A remote control locking mechanism is provided for a modular desk assembly, pedestals, cabinets and like assemblies which permits the various storage compartments to be moved about and yet still be locked and unlocked irrespective of their location relative to a remote control lock actuator. Each of the various storage compartments has a locking device attached thereto which is connected to the remote control lock actuator by a cable which is slidably encased within a sheath. The sheath has one end anchored at the particular storage compartment and its opposite end anchored at the remote control lock actuator. One end of the cable is connected to the locking device of the storage compartment and its opposite end connected to a moving device within the remote control lock actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1984
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mathew A. Slaats, Jay M. Henriott, Paul R. Hedinger, Steven F. Trinkel