Patents by Inventor Thomas R. Maas

Thomas R. Maas 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: 6415567
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Karl J. Mead, Marvin C. Knauf, Thomas R. Maas
  • Patent number: 5230552
    Abstract: A module is provided for communicating utilities to a worksurface or the like from a remote source. The module includes a housing which is pivotally mounted within an aperture in the worksurface. The housing has a hollow interior for receiving one of a plurality of utility connector modules, such as an electrical or communication receptacle. The housing is pivotable between an open position wherein the receptacle is exposed and accessible, and a closed position wherein the receptacle is substantially hidden or retracted. In the preferred embodiment, the housing naturally moves to a closed position so that the receptacles are protected by an upper surface on the housing that is contoured to direct any spilled fluids away from the receptacle when the housing is in the closed position. Also in the preferred embodiment, the receptacles are oriented so that any spilled fluids flow away from the receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy H. Schipper, Robert J. Doornbos, Larry D. Fox, Gary P. Frantz, Paul P. Hausner, Thomas R. Maas, Jeffery A. Musculus, Larry L. Rillema, Scott H. Russell, James L. Brandt, David A. Shipman, Edward L. Tyler, Steven E. Wiersma
  • Patent number: 5220871
    Abstract: A freestanding modular furniture arrangement is provided to create workstations in open office plans, and other similar applications. Each furniture unit includes a worksurface with capped cutouts in the rear corners to mount overhead cabinets, privacy screens, and other furniture accessories. A mounting rail extends continuously along the rearward edge of each worksurface, and is capable of removably supporting therein a plurality of different amenities, such as bookshelves, CRT stands, fans, task lamps, etc., so as to permit a worker to personalize his or her own workstation. A removable stanchion permits certain convertible amenities to be supported either freestanding on the worksurface, or along the rear of the worksurface on the mounting rail. An L-shaped intermediate leg is available to support the worksurface in a cantilevered fashion to facilitate unfettered task chair movement along the forward edge of the worksurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Gary H. Grund, Craig S. DeDamos, Michael L. Deimen, Terence M. Duncan, David A. Feutz, Charles G. Humphrey, Royal A. Kent, Edmund X. Klipa, Thomas R. Maas, Jon R. Mullen, Randall P. Nelsen, Linda M. Parker, James G. Paulsen, Alan L. Pearson, Mark T. Slager, Carolyn M. Varellas-Olree, Gale F. Wilcox, Michael E. Wurth
  • Patent number: 5103741
    Abstract: A freestanding modular furniture arrangement is provided to create workstations in both open and closed office plans, and other similar applications. Each furniture unit includes a worksurface with capped cutouts in the rear corners to mount overhead cabinets, privacy screens, and other furniture accessories. A mounting rail extends continuously along the rearward edge of each worksurface, and is capable of removably supporting therein a plurality of different amenities, such as bookshelves, CRT stands, fans, task lamps, etc., so as to permit a worker to personalize his or her own workstation. A removable stanchion permits certain convertible amenities to be supported either freestanding on the worksurface, or along the rear of the worksurface on the mounting rail. An L-shaped intermediate leg is available to support the worksurface in a cantilevered fashion to facilitate unfettered task chair movement along the forward edge of the worksurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Gary H. Grund, Craig S. DeDamos, Michael L. Deimen, Terence M. Duncan, David A. Feutz, Charles G. Humphrey, deceased, Royal A. Kent, Edmund X. Klipa, Thomas R. Maas, Jon R. Mullen, Randall P. Nelsen, Linda M. Parker, James G. Paulsen, Alan L. Pearson, Mark T. Slager, Carolyn M. Varellas-Olree, Gale F. Wilcox, Michael E. Wurth
  • Patent number: 5094174
    Abstract: A freestanding modular furniture arrangement is provided to create workstations in open office plans, and other similar applications. Each furniture unit includes a worksurface with capped cutouts in the rear corners to mount overhead cabinets, privacy screens, and other furniture accessories. A mounting rail extends continuously along the rearward edge of each worksurface, and is capable of removably supporting therein a plurality of different amenities, such as bookshelves, CRT stands, fans, task lamps, etc., so as to permit a worker to personalize his or her own workstation. A removable stanchion permits certain convertible amenities to be supported either freestanding on the worksurface, or along the rear of the worksurface on the mounting rail. An L-shaped intermediate leg is available to support the worksurface in a cantilevered fashion to facilitate unfettered task chair movement along the forward edge of the worksurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Gary H. Grund, Craig S. DeDamos, Michael L. Deimen, Terence M. Duncan, David A. Feutz, Charles G. Humphrey, Royal A. Kent, Edmund X. Klipa, Thomas R. Maas, Jon R. Mullen, Randall P. Nelsen, Linda M. Parker, James G. Paulsen, Alan L. Pearson, Mark T. Slager, Carolyn M. Varellas-Olree, Gale F. Wilcox, Michael E. Wurth
  • Patent number: 5092253
    Abstract: A freestanding modular furniture arrangement is provided to create workstations in open office plans, and other similar applications. Each furniture unit includes a worksurface with capped cutouts in the rear corners to mount overhead cabinets, privacy screens, and other furniture accessories. A mounting rail extends continuously along the rearward edge of each worksurface, and is capable of removably supporting therein a plurality of different amenities, such as bookshelves, CRT stands, fans, task lamps, etc., so as to permit a worker to personalize his or her own workstation. A removable stanchion permits certain convertible amenities to be supported either freestanding on the worksurface, or along the rear of the worksurface on the mounting rail. An L-shaped intermediate leg is available to support the worksurface in a cantilevered fashion to facilitate unfettered task chair movement along the forward edge of the worksurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Gary H. Grund, Craig S. DeDamos, Michael L. Deimen, Terence M. Duncan, David A. Feutz, Charles G. Humphrey, Royal A. Kent, Edmund X. Klipa, Thomas R. Maas, Jon R. Mullen, Randall P. Nelsen, Linda M. Parker, James G. Paulsen, Alan L. Pearson, Mark T. Slager, Carolyn M. Varellas-Olree, Gale F. Wilcox, Michael E. Wurth