Richard H Wolters

US Patent:

6832670, Dec 21, 2004

Filed:

Jan 6, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/336915

Inventors:

Richard H. Wolters - Grand Rapids MI 49525
Thomas R. Burt - Santa Barbara CA 93110

International Classification:

A45C 514

US Classification:

190 18A, 190 151, 190 39, 190115, 280 37, 280 47371, 280651, 280655

Abstract:

A convertible travel case has a frame including an upright with a handle for grasping and a base with wheels for towing. A rigid case is mounted on the frame by a connector bracket having one portion pivotally connected with an upper part of the case and another portion slidably connected with the upright to permit the case to be shifted between a generally vertical storage position and a generally horizontal cart position. The frame and case have mating catch members at the bottom of the case. A releasable lock connects the connector bracket and the upright in a first raised position wherein the catch members are engaged to retain the case in the storage position, and a second lowered position wherein the catch members are disengaged and the lower end of the case is swung outwardly away from the frame with the connector bracket shifting downwardly along the upright to the cart position for supporting additional luggage on top of the case.

US Patent:

40625877, Dec 13, 1977

Filed:

Jan 13, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/648794

Inventors:

Richard H. Wolters - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

Herman Miller, Inc. - Zeeland MI

International Classification:

A47C 7027

US Classification:

297306

Abstract:

A pivotally mounted back support for a chair is disclosed incorporating a pivotal mounting utilizing a plurality of interleaved clutch plates. Alternate ones of the clutch plates are stationary and the remainder are connected to the lower end of the back support post to pivot with the post about a common pivot shaft. Locking of the fore and aft pivotal position of the back is effected by squeezing together the clutch plates to provide a surface-to-surface frictional bond. Springs urge the post into erected position. A handle, readily accessible to a person seated on the chair is provided to effect locking and release of the clutch and thus pivotal adjustment of the position of the back.

US Patent:

53221745, Jun 21, 1994

Filed:

Dec 11, 1992

Appl. No.:

8/002629

Inventors:

Richard H. Wolters - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

Haworth, Inc. - Holland MI

International Classification:

A47F 700

US Classification:

211153

Abstract:

A worksurface arrangement (12) includes a structural core (21) having an enlarged upper surface bounded by generally vertical edge surfaces. Upper and side surfaces of the core (21) are covered by a thin sheetlike laminate (31) which provides soft surfaces and edges. The laminate includes an outer thin layer (32) of a thermoplastic material disposed in overlying relationship to an inner layer (33) of resilient foam material. These two layers are preferably secured together, and the outer layer (32) has a thickness which is a small fraction of the thickness of the underlying resilient foam layer (33), which latter layer is itself relatively thin.

US Patent:

51956497, Mar 23, 1993

Filed:

May 6, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/696153

Inventors:

Richard H. Wolters - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

B65D 4316

US Classification:

220343

Abstract:

A treadle top container for refuse and the like comprises a lower container member interconnected with an upper container member by an upright container member. The upright container member includes a hollow portion which communicates with a hollow portion of the lower container member and a hollow portion of the upper container member. A foot pedal is movably mounted adjacent to the lower container member while a lid is movably mounted adjacent to a rotatable portion of the upper container member. The lid is shaped to selectively close an open marginal edge of the upper container member. A flexible actuator is provided having one end operatively connected with the foot pedal and the other end operatively connected with a pivot rod located within and attached to the rotatable portion of the hollow portion of the upper container member. The flexible actuator is configured in such a manner such that shifting the foot pedal between a first and second position rotates the pivot rod, which rotates the rotatable portion of the hollow portion of the upper container member, and moves the lid between the open and closed positions. The actuator extends continuously from the foot pedal through the hollow portion of the lower container member, then through the hollow portion of the upright container member, and finally through the hollow portion of the upper container member to the pivot rod.

US Patent:

40184153, Apr 19, 1977

Filed:

Jan 13, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/648793

Inventors:

Richard H. Wolters - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

Herman Miller, Inc. - Zeeland MI

International Classification:

A45D 1904
F16M 1300

US Classification:

248381

Abstract:

A tilting chair support mechanism is provided including a spindle support, a pivotally mounted tilt plate and an encapsulated spring acting between the support and the tilt plate biasing the plate into a forwardly or return tilted position. The spring is mounted within the side silhouette of the plate. The mechanism is so designed that the plate can be released for full forward pivotal tilting in which position, the spring is released for removal or replacement. Means are provided for limiting the forward pivotal movement of the plate when the chair is in normal use. Provision is made for adjustment of the preload applied to the encapsulated spring.

US Patent:

40265099, May 31, 1977

Filed:

Aug 16, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/714799

Inventors:

Richard H. Wolters - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

Herman Miller, Inc. - Zeeland MI

International Classification:

F16M 1100
F16M 1300

US Classification:

248406

Abstract:

A supporting spindle for a chair is disclosed which can be shifted from a mode in which the height of the seat is adjusted by rotating the seat while the seat is occupied to a mode in which the seat can be rotated in either direction without effecting any change in vertical position when the seat is occupied. The change in mode is effected by the release of a lock when the spindle is downwardly telescoped against the bias of a spring by the weight of the seat's occupant.

US Patent:

43736424, Feb 15, 1983

Filed:

Dec 4, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/212946

Inventors:

Richard H. Wolters - Grand Rapids MI
William C. Anderson - Cascade MI
Charles R. Tyke - Cascade MI
Charles P. Schreiner - Saugatuck MI

Assignee:

Westinghouse Electric Corp. - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

B65D 122
B65D 634
B65D 2102

US Classification:

220 72

Abstract:

A material handling tote adapted for multiple storage and handling techniques. The tote includes a bottom, side and end walls and a substantially continuous multi-purpose flange at the upper edge of the side and end walls. The multi-purpose flange is constructed and arranged to releasably retain a lid, provide for stackability, include carrying grips and facilitate cantilevered hanging and retentive glide storage.

US Patent:

D3374050, Jul 13, 1993

Filed:

Apr 23, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/513169

Inventors:

Richard H. Wolters - Grand Rapids MI

US Classification:

D34 5