Edward Jason Tyler

US Patent:

52305520, Jul 27, 1993

Filed:

Jun 6, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/711662

Inventors:

Timothy H. Schipper - Grand Rapids MI
Robert J. Doornbos - Wyoming MI
Larry D. Fox - Grandville MI
Gary P. Frantz - Grand Rapids MI
Paul P. Hausner - Grand Rapids MI
Thomas R. Maas - Wyoming MI
Jeffery A. Musculus - Wyoming MI
Larry L. Rillema - Grand Rapids MI
Scott H. Russell - Kalamazoo MI
James L. Brandt - Jenison MI
David A. Shipman - Grand Rapids MI
Edward L. Tyler - Caledonia MI
Steven E. Wiersma - San Diego CA

Assignee:

Steelcase Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

A47B 9618
H01R 1344

US Classification:

3122236

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. Further, the preferred module assembly is constructed to generally set in an aperture in a worksurface panel in a hanging fashion, thus facilitating installation, maintenance and repair.

US Patent:

60990767, Aug 8, 2000

Filed:

Nov 19, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/443522

Inventors:

Duane F. Nagel - Grand Rapids MI
Daniel P. Beemer - Wyoming MI
Dale M. Groendal - Jenison MI
Jeffrey A. Hall - Grand Rapids MI
Edward L. Tyler - Caledonia MI

Assignee:

Steelcase Development Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

A47C 1023

US Classification:

297337

Abstract:

A chair includes a base, a seat operably supported on the base for depth adjustment, and a back operably supported by an upright that extends from the base for recline. The back includes a structural back support, a rear cover covering a rear side of the back support, and a front/lower concave cover covering the upright between a rear of the seat and below the back support to provide a one-piece back and seat appearance. The concave cover defines a concavity shaped to receive a rear of the seat to facilitate depth adjustment, but so that the one-piece back and seat appearance is maintained. The concave cover further includes upwardly extending tabs that engage a lower marginal edge of the back support to facilitate assembly. A flexible sheet covers a front side of the back, and includes a lower portion that wraps around the lower marginal edge and onto a rear surface of the back support, and the concave cover includes an upwardly facing flange that overlaps the lower marginal edge of the back support to trap the lower portion against the lower marginal edge. A vertically adjustable lumbar support is operably mounted on the back support for vertical movement, and handles are provided that move along vertical side edges of the back along a path that is non-parallel the vertical path of the lumbar support.

US Patent:

60626496, May 16, 2000

Filed:

Mar 3, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/034188

Inventors:

Duane F. Nagel - Grand Rapids MI
Daniel P. Beemer - Wyoming MI
Dale M. Groendal - Jenison MI
Jeffrey A. Hall - Grand Rapids MI
Edward L. Tyler - Caledonia MI

Assignee:

Steelcase Development Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

A47C 702

US Classification:

29745238

Abstract:

A chair includes a base, a seat operably supported on the base for depth adjustment, and a back operably supported by an upright that extends from the base for recline. The back includes a structural back support, a rear cover covering a rear side of the back support, and a front/lower concave cover covering the upright between a rear of the seat and below the back support to provide a one-piece back and seat appearance. The concave cover defines a concavity shaped to receive a rear of the seat to facilitate depth adjustment, but so that the one-piece back and seat appearance is maintained. The concave cover further includes upwardly extending tabs that engage a lower marginal edge of the back support to facilitate assembly. A flexible sheet covers a front side of the back, and includes a lower portion that wraps around the lower marginal edge and onto a rear surface of the back support, and the concave cover includes an upwardly facing flange that overlaps the lower marginal edge of the back support to trap the lower portion against the lower marginal edge. A vertically adjustable lumbar support is operably mounted on the back support for vertical movement, and handles are provided that move along vertical side edges of the back along a path that is non-parallel the vertical path of the lumbar support.