Ronald Evans Hodges

US Patent:

6481168, Nov 19, 2002

Filed:

Nov 20, 1995

Appl. No.:

08/559832

Inventors:

Ronald R. Hodges - Grandville MI
George V. Weller - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

Steelcase Development Corporation - Caledonia MI

International Classification:

E04B 548

US Classification:

522207, 52239

Abstract:

A utility panel system is provided for open office spaces, and the like. Each utility panel has a relatively thick, skeleton-like frame, with a foot and opposite sides shaped for interconnection with like panel frames to create a substantially freestanding utility panel system. Cover panels are detachably connected to the opposite faces of each panel frame to enclose the same, and provide ready access to the panel interior. Horizontal utility troughs extend continuously between the opposite sides of each panel frame in a vertically stacked relationship. The utility troughs have open ends located at the opposite panel sides, and are positioned such that when adjacent utility panels are interconnected in a side-by-side relationship, the utility troughs are aligned to form multiple raceways. Panel connectors are provided to connect the utility panels with one or more of a variety of existing partition panels, such that the utility panels act as a spine which supplies utilities to the existing partition panels.

US Patent:

6684583, Feb 3, 2004

Filed:

Jan 28, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/058328

Inventors:

Ronald R. Hodges - Grandville MI
George V. Weller - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

Steelcase Development Corporation - Caledonia MI

International Classification:

E04B 548

US Classification:

522207, 52239

Abstract:

A utility panel system is provided for open office spaces, and the like. Each utility panel has a relatively thick, skeleton-like frame, with a foot and opposite sides shaped for interconnection with like panel frames to create a substantially freestanding utility panel system. Cover panels are detachably connected to the opposite faces of each panel frame to enclose the same, and provide ready access to the panel interior. Horizontal utility troughs extend continuously between the opposite sides of each panel frame in a vertically stacked relationship. The utility troughs have open ends located at the opposite panel sides, and are positioned such that when adjacent utility panels are interconnected in a side-by-side relationship, the utility troughs are aligned to form multiple raceways. Panel connectors are provided to connect the utility panels with one or more of a variety of existing partition panels, such that the utility panels act as a spine which supplies utilities to the existing partition panels.

US Patent:

6951085, Oct 4, 2005

Filed:

Feb 2, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/769938

Inventors:

Ronald R. Hodges - Grandville MI, US
George V. Weller - Grand Rapids MI, US

Assignee:

Steelcase Development Corporation - Caledonia MI

International Classification:

E04B005/48

US Classification:

522207, 52239

Abstract:

A utility panel system is provided for open office spaces, and the like. Each utility panel has a relatively thick, skeleton-like frame, with a foot and opposite sides shaped for interconnection with like panel frames to create a substantially freestanding utility panel system. Cover panels are detachably connected to the opposite faces of each panel frame to enclose the same, and provide ready access to the panel interior. Horizontal utility troughs extend continuously between the opposite sides of each panel frame in a vertically stacked relationship. The utility troughs have open ends located at the opposite panel sides, and are positioned such that when adjacent utility panels are interconnected in a side-by-side relationship, the utility troughs are aligned to form multiple raceways. Panel connectors are provided to connect the utility panels with one or more of a variety of existing partition panels, such that the utility panels act as a spine which supplies utilities to the existing partition panels.

US Patent:

39714756, Jul 27, 1976

Filed:

Apr 16, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/568673

Inventors:

Ronald R. Hodges - Grandville MI

Assignee:

Steelcase, Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

B65D 2104
A47F 508

US Classification:

211 88

Abstract:

A tray for a manual document handling system for use in processing and handling documents in offices and the like and for use on specially designed support panels. The trays are of a special shape for easy insertion, storing and retrieving of documents in an orderly fashion and include an inclined side wall against which the documents lay. An insert sheet member is provided to be mounted against the side wall for increasing the surface area against which papers lay when inserted into the tray. An unique locking mechanism is provided for securing the insert sheet member in place.

US Patent:

46428240, Feb 17, 1987

Filed:

Sep 27, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/781260

Inventors:

Ronald R. Hodges - Grandville MI

International Classification:

A61G 708

US Classification:

5 81R

Abstract:

A bed access apparatus for use with a wide variety of bed designs, that includes a structural framework having floor anchor plates that rest upon the supporting floor surface. The bed rests on top of the anchor plates so that the apparatus is stabilized by the bed. An outrigger bar extends generally laterally to overhead connecting bars that extend the length of the bed, and the outrigger bar is spaced above the overhead bars in order to provide a raised handhold that extends out over the side of the bed.

US Patent:

53416155, Aug 30, 1994

Filed:

Mar 23, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/036067

Inventors:

Ronald R. Hodges - Grandville MI
George V. Weller - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

Steelcase Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

E04B 548

US Classification:

522207

Abstract:

A utility panel system is provided for open office spaces, and the like. Each utility panel has a relatively thick, skeleton-like frame, with a foot and opposite sides shaped for interconnection with like panel frames to create a substantially freestanding utility panel system. Cover panels are detachably connected to the opposite faces of each panel frame to enclose the same, and provide ready access to the panel interior. Horizontal utility troughs extend continuously between the opposite sides of each panel frame in a vertically stacked relationship. The utility troughs have open ends located at the opposite panel sides, and are positioned such that widen adjacent utility panels are interconnected in a side-by-side relationship, the utility troughs are aligned to form multiple raceways. Panel connectors are provided to connect the utility panels with one or more of a variety of existing partition panels, such that the utility panels act as a spine which supplies utilities to the existing partition panels.

US Patent:

54872464, Jan 30, 1996

Filed:

Jul 6, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/271376

Inventors:

Ronald R. Hodges - Grandville MI
George V. Weller - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

Steelcase Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

E04B 548

US Classification:

522207

Abstract:

A utility panel system is provided for open office spaces, and the like. Each utility panel has a relatively thick, skeleton-like frame, with a foot and opposite sides shaped for interconnection with like panel frames to create a substantially freestanding utility panel system. Cover panels are detachably connected to the opposite faces of each panel frame to enclose the same, and provide ready access to the panel interior. Horizontal utility troughs extend continuously between the opposite sides of each panel frame in a vertically stacked relationship. The utility troughs have open ends located at the opposite panel sides, and are positioned such that when adjacent utility panels are interconnected in a side-by-side relationship, the utility troughs are aligned to form multiple raceways. Panel connectors are provided to connect the utility panels with one or more of a variety of existing partition panels, such that the utility panels act as a spine which supplies utilities to the existing partition panels.

US Patent:

52090353, May 11, 1993

Filed:

Jan 10, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/639513

Inventors:

Ronald R. Hodges - Grandville MI
George V. Weller - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

Steelcase Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

E04B 548

US Classification:

522207

Abstract:

A utility panel system is provided for open office spaces, and the like. Each utility panel has a relatively thick, skeleton-like frame, with a foot and opposite sides shaped for interconnection with like panel frames to create a substantially freestanding utility panel system. Cover panels are detachably connected to the opposite faces of each panel frame to enclose the same, and provide ready access to the panel interior. Horizontal utility troughs extend continuously between the opposite sides of each panel frame in a vertically stacked relationship. The utility troughs have open ends located at the opposite panel sides, and are positioned such that when adjacent utility panels are interconnected in a side-by-side relationship, the utility troughs are aligned to form multiple raceways. Panel connectors are provided to connect the utility panels with one or more of a variety of existing partition panels, such that the utility panels act as a spine which supplies utilities to the existing partition panels.