Patents by Inventor Todd T. Andres
Todd T. Andres 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).
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Publication number: 20160353891Abstract: A chair assembly includes a base structure defining upper and lower portions, and a support structure, a seat support structure having a forward portion pivotably connected to the upper portion of the base structure for rotation about a first pivot point and a rearward portion, a back support structure having a forward portion pivotably connected to the lower portion of the base structure for rotation about a second pivot point that is located below and rearward of the first pivot point, and an upwardly extending back portion that moves rearwardly and downwardly as the back support structure pivots and the back portion moves, and a control link pivotably coupled to the seat support structure for rotation about a third pivot point and to the back support structure for rotation about a fourth pivot point each located rearward of the first and second pivot points.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2016Publication date: December 8, 2016Applicant: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Richard N. Roslund, JR., Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann, Todd D. Krupiczewicz, Nathan R. Brock, Jeffrey A. Hall, Gordon J. Peterson, Todd T. Andres
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Patent number: 9492013Abstract: A chair assembly includes seat support and structures each operably coupled to a base structure, wherein the back support structure is movable between upright and reclined positions, and a biasing assembly exerting a biasing force biasing the back support structure towards the upright position, wherein the biasing force is adjustable between first and second magnitudes, and wherein the second magnitude is greater than the first magnitude. The chair assembly further includes an adjustment assembly operably coupled to the biasing assembly allowing a user to adjust the biasing force between the first and second magnitudes, wherein the adjustment assembly adjusts the biasing assembly between a first configuration corresponding to the first magnitude and a second configuration corresponding to the second magnitude, and an assist feature exerting an assist force on the biasing assembly, thereby reducing an input force required to be applied by a user.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann, Todd T. Andres
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Publication number: 20160309901Abstract: A chair back assembly includes a back shell member including laterally extending top, bottom and side portions cooperating to define an open space therebetween, where a portion of the back shell member is located in a lumbar region, a cover having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the cover covers at least a portion of the open space, and a back frame assembly operably supporting the back shell member and movable between upright and reclined positions, wherein the back frame assembly causes the back shell to flex in a fore-to-aft direction as the back frame assembly is moved between the upright and reclined positions independent of an external force being exerted on the back shell member, and where the lumbar portion of the back shell member remains spaced from the back frame as the back frame is moved between the upright and reclined positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2016Publication date: October 27, 2016Applicant: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Gordon J. Peterson, Kurt R. Heidmann, Todd T. Andres, Todd David Krupiczewicz
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Patent number: 9462888Abstract: A control assembly for a chair includes a base structure having a first pivot point and a second pivot point spaced from the first pivot point, a seat support structure having a forward portion pivotably coupled to the base structure for rotation about the first pivot point, a back support structure having a forward portion pivotably coupled to the base structure for rotation about the second pivot point, wherein the back support structure is adapted to move between upright and reclined positions, and wherein the seat support structure reclines rearwardly as the back support structure moves from the upright to reclined positions, and a control link having a first end pivotably coupled to a rearward portion of the seat support structure for rotation about a third pivot point, and a second end pivotably coupled to a rearward portion of the back support structure for rotation about a fourth pivot point.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2015Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Todd T. Andres, Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann
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Patent number: 9458905Abstract: A method of assembling a spring inside of a tube includes providing a coil spring and a tube having a first retaining structure at a first end of the tube. The method includes positioning a rod in the tube. The spring is positioned in the tube, and a second retaining structure is attached to the rod with the spring positioned between the first and second retaining structures. A force is applied to the spring, and the second retaining structure is fixed at a position wherein the spring provides a desired preload.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Todd T. Andres, Gary Lee Karsten, David Allen Bodnar
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Patent number: 9451826Abstract: A chair assembly includes a base structure, a seat support structure pivotably coupled to the base structure, and a back support structure pivotably coupled to the base structure and including an upwardly-extending portion adapted to move between upright and reclined positions and a lower portion extending forwardly of the upwardly-extending portion, and wherein the upwardly-extending portion is operably coupled to the forwardly-extending portion by a first quick connect assembly. The chair assembly further includes a generally forwardly-facing back support assembly and having an upper portion operably coupled to the upwardly-extending portion of the back support and a lower portion, and a back link releasably coupled to the lower portion of the back support surface by a second quick connect assembly and operably coupled to the seat support structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2015Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Richard N. Roslund, Jr., Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann, Todd D. Krupiczewicz, Nathan R. Brock, Jeffrey A. Hall, Gordon J. Peterson, Todd T. Andres
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Patent number: 9408467Abstract: A chair back assembly includes a back shell member comprising a laterally extending top and bottom portions and a pair of longitudinally extending side portions extending between the top and bottom portions and cooperating therewith to define an open space therebetween, a cover having a first surface adapted to support a seated user and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the cover is positioned over the back shell member to cover at least a portion of the open space; and a back frame assembly operably supporting the back shell member and moveable between an upright position, and a reclined position, wherein the back frame assembly causes the back shell to flex in a fore-to-aft direction as the back frame assembly is moved between the upright and reclined positions independent of an external force being exerted on the back shell member.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2015Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Gordon J. Peterson, Robert J. Battey, Kurt R. Heidmann, Todd T. Andres, Todd D. Krupiczewicz
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Publication number: 20150265053Abstract: A control assembly for a chair including a base structure including a first pivot point and a second pivot point spaced from the first pivot point, and a seat support structure directly pivotably coupled to the base structure for rotation about the first pivot point, a back support structure pivotably coupled to the base structure for rotation about the second pivot point, wherein the back support structure is adapted to move between a first and second position, a control link having a first end operably coupled to the seat support structure, and a second end operably coupled to the back support structure, and a biasing assembly exerting a biasing torque about the second pivot point that biases the back support structure from the second position toward the first position, wherein the biasing torque is adjustable between first and second magnitudes when the back support structure is in the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2015Publication date: September 24, 2015Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Gary L. Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann, Todd T. Andres
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Publication number: 20150164226Abstract: A control assembly for a chair includes a base structure having a first pivot point and a second pivot point spaced from the first pivot point, a seat support structure having a forward portion pivotably coupled to the base structure for rotation about the first pivot point, a back support structure having a forward portion pivotably coupled to the base structure for rotation about the second pivot point, wherein the back support structure is adapted to move between upright and reclined positions, and wherein the seat support structure reclines rearwardly as the back support structure moves from the upright to reclined positions, and a control link having a first end pivotably coupled to a rearward portion of the seat support structure for rotation about a third pivot point, and a second end pivotably coupled to a rearward portion of the back support structure for rotation about a fourth pivot point.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2015Publication date: June 18, 2015Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Todd T. Andres, Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann
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Publication number: 20150164227Abstract: A chair assembly includes a base structure, a seat support structure pivotably coupled to the base structure, and a back support structure pivotably coupled to the base structure and including an upwardly-extending portion adapted to move between upright and reclined positions and a lower portion extending forwardly of the upwardly-extending portion, and wherein the upwardly-extending portion is operably coupled to the forwardly-extending portion by a first quick connect assembly. The chair assembly further includes a generally forwardly-facing back support assembly and having an upper portion operably coupled to the upwardly-extending portion of the back support and a lower portion, and a back link releasably coupled to the lower portion of the back support surface by a second quick connect assembly and operably coupled to the seat support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2015Publication date: June 18, 2015Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Richard N. Roslund, JR., Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann, Todd D. Krupiczewicz, Nathan R. Brock, Jeffrey A. Hall, Gordon J. Peterson, Todd T. Andres
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Publication number: 20150157127Abstract: A chair back assembly includes a back shell member comprising a laterally extending top and bottom portions and a pair of longitudinally extending side portions extending between the top and bottom portions and cooperating therewith to define an open space therebetween, a cover having a first surface adapted to support a seated user and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the cover is positioned over the back shell member to cover at least a portion of the open space; and a back frame assembly operably supporting the back shell member and moveable between an upright position, and a reclined position, wherein the back frame assembly causes the back shell to flex in a fore-to-aft direction as the back frame assembly is moved between the upright and reclined positions independent of an external force being exerted on the back shell member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2015Publication date: June 11, 2015Inventors: Gordon J. Peterson, Robert J. Battey, Kurt R. Heidmann, Todd T. Andres, Todd D. Krupiczewicz
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Publication number: 20150157128Abstract: A chair assembly includes seat support and structures each operably coupled to a base structure, wherein the back support structure is movable between upright and reclined positions, and a biasing assembly exerting a biasing force biasing the back support structure towards the upright position, wherein the biasing force is adjustable between first and second magnitudes, and wherein the second magnitude is greater than the first magnitude. The chair assembly further includes an adjustment assembly operably coupled to the biasing assembly allowing a user to adjust the biasing force between the first and second magnitudes, wherein the adjustment assembly adjusts the biasing assembly between a first configuration corresponding to the first magnitude and a second configuration corresponding to the second magnitude, and an assist feature exerting an assist force on the biasing assembly, thereby reducing an input force required to be applied by a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2015Publication date: June 11, 2015Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann, Todd T. Andres
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Patent number: 9049935Abstract: A control assembly for a chair including a base structure including a first pivot point and a second pivot point spaced from the first pivot point, and a seat support structure directly pivotably coupled to the base structure for rotation about the first pivot point, a back support structure pivotably coupled to the base structure for rotation about the second pivot point, wherein the back support structure is adapted to move between a first and second position, a control link having a first end operably coupled to the seat support structure, and a second end operably coupled to the back support structure, and a biasing assembly exerting a biasing torque about the second pivot point that biases the back support structure from the second position toward the first position, wherein the biasing torque is adjustable between first and second magnitudes when the back support structure is in the first position.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann, Todd T. Andres
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Patent number: 9027999Abstract: A control assembly for a chair including a base structure having a first pivot point and a second pivot point spaced from the first pivot point, a seat support structure pivotably coupled to the base structure for rotation about the first pivot point, a back support structure pivotably coupled to the base structure for rotation about the second pivot point, wherein the back support structure is adapted to rotate between a first and second positions, and a control link having a first end coupled to the seat support structure, and a second end coupled to the back support structure, wherein the control link rotates the seat support structure at a slower rate of rotation than a rate of rotation of the back support structure as the back support structure is rotated between the first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Todd T. Andres, Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann
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Patent number: 9027997Abstract: A chair assembly includes a base structure, a seat support structure movably coupled to the base structure, an upwardly-extending back support structure movably coupled to the base structure, wherein the back support structure is adapted to move between an upright and reclined positions, wherein the back support structure is operably coupled to the seat support structure, a flexible shell structure defining a forwardly-facing surface forming a lumbar support, wherein the flexible shell is movably coupled to the seat support structure, and a resilient member generating a variable compressive force acting on the flexible shell structure in a manner that tends to cause a curvature of the back support structure to increase, and wherein the compressive force decreases as the back support structure moves from the upright position to the reclined position.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Steelcasel Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Richard N. Roslund, Jr., Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann, Nathan McCaughan, Pradeep Mydur, Russell T. Holdredge, Mark Vander Veen, Todd D. Krupiczewicz, Nathan R. Brock, Jeffrey A. Hall, Gordon J. Peterson, Todd T. Andres
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Patent number: 9027998Abstract: A chair assembly includes a base structure defining upper and lower portions, a seat support structure having forward and rearward portions, wherein the forward portion of the seat support structure is pivotably coupled to the upper portion, and wherein the seat support structure includes a seat support surface configured to support a seated user thereon, a back support structure having forward and rearward portions, wherein the forward portion of the back supported is pivotably coupled to the lower portion, and wherein the back support structure includes an upwardly extending portion adapted to move between an upright position and a reclined position, and a control link having a first end pivotably coupled to the rearward portion of the seat support structure, and a second end pivotably coupled to the rearward portion of the back support structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Richard N. Roslund, Jr., Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann, Nathan McCaughan, Pradeep Mydur, Russell T. Holdredge, Mark Vander Veen, Todd D. Krupiczewicz, Nathan R. Brock, Jeffrey A. Hall, Gordon J. Peterson, Todd T. Andres
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Patent number: 9022476Abstract: A control assembly for a chair includes a base structure having a first pivot point and a second pivot point spaced from the first pivot point, a seat support structure having a forward portion pivotably coupled to an upper portion of the base structure for rotation about the first pivot point, a back support structure having a forward portion pivotably coupled to a lower portion of the base structure for rotation about the second pivot point, wherein the back support structure is adapted to move between a first and second positions, and a control link having a first end pivotably coupled to a rearward portion of the seat support structure for rotation about a third pivot point, and a second end pivotably coupled to a rearward portion of the back support structure for rotation about a fourth pivot point.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Todd T. Andres, Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann
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Patent number: 9010859Abstract: A chair assembly includes a base structure, a seat support structure pivotably coupled to the base structure, a back support structure pivotably coupled to the base structure and including an upwardly extending portion adapted to move between an upright position and a reclined position, a control link having a first end pivotably coupled to the seat support structure and a second end pivotably coupled to the back support structure, a back support surface having an upper portion pivotably coupled to the back support, and a back link pivotably coupled to the seat support structure, wherein the back support surface is moved forward by the back link relative to the upwardly extending portion of the back support structure as the back support structure is moved from the upright position to the reclined position.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Richard N. Roslund, Jr., Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann, Nathan McCaughan, Pradeep Mydur, Russell T. Holdredge, Mark Vander Veen, Todd D. Krupiczewicz, Nathan R. Brock, Jeffrey A. Hall, Gordon J. Peterson, Todd T. Andres
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Patent number: 9004597Abstract: A chair assembly including a first chair structure, a second chair structure, an actuator assembly coupled to the second chair structure to move the second chair structure between the first and second positions, a control input assembly coupled to the first chair structure, and a control link assembly coupling the control input assembly with the actuator assembly to move the second chair structure between first and second positions, and including a first shaft operably coupled to the control link, and rotatable about a second axis that is substantially orthogonal to the first axis and to the first direction, and first and second universal joint assemblies coupling the first shaft member to the second shaft, wherein actuation of the control input moves the second chair structure between the first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann, Russell T. Holdredge, Todd T. Andres
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Patent number: 8701568Abstract: A worksurface assembly includes a support structure and a top portion that is movable relative to the support structure. The worksurface assembly may include a mounting rail configured to support various accessory units. A utility supply system is provided, and the top portion of the worksurface assembly may be moved to provide access to the utility supply system. A mechanism provides for controlled movement of the top portion of the worksurface assembly relative to the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Scott M. Miller, Robert J. Battey, Todd T. Andres, John R. Hamilton, Daniel N. Phillips, Jamie L. Payne, Brian L. Bultsma, Daniel R. Tatman, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, James D. Houda, David J. Dekker, Michael P. Kelley