Samuel James Ellison

US Patent:

6447080, Sep 10, 2002

Filed:

Jan 7, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/226890

Inventors:

Alan E. Rheault - Grand Rapids MI
Mark W. Chamberlin - Delton MI
Samuel J. Ellison - Wyoming MI
George J. Simons - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

Steelcase Development Corporation - Caledonia MI

International Classification:

A47B 1700

US Classification:

312194, 312205, 312107

Abstract:

A telescopingly adjustable furniture article is provided for filling an office space where the footprint dimensions of the office space are not known ahead of time or are likely to be periodically changed to different sizes. The furniture article includes a desk having a worksurface with ends, a support for supporting one of the ends, and a foot on the other end. A storage unit or cabinet having a top is provided. The foot adjustably rests on the top, so that the top supports the other end of the worksurface, but so that the furniture unit is horizontally adjustable to different locations partially under the worksurface. A Z-bracket interconnects the worksurface to the top of the cabinet to secure the relationship of the cabinet and the desk. The furniture article can advantageously be used by itself or in combination with a building wall or demountable architectural wall, or in combination with a partition system to define a plurality of non-uniformly dimensioned offices. The furniture article is further adjustable to optimize use of space in the offices, but while staying within the dimensions of the office space footprints.

US Patent:

57184925, Feb 17, 1998

Filed:

May 20, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/650463

Inventors:

Samuel J. Ellison - Wyoming MI

Assignee:

Steelcase Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

A47B 1706

US Classification:

312195

Abstract:

A desk includes a worksurface supported by supports defining a knee space under the worksurface and an access opening to the knee space under an edge of the worksurface. A courtesy panel is removably mounted to the furniture structure for movement between a closed position for covering the knee space for privacy and an open position to facilitate access to the knee space by repairment. A first bracket is attached under the worksurface above the courtesy panel, and a second bracket is slidably attached to a top of the courtesy panel for engaging the first bracket. The two brackets include mating apertures, and a thumb screw comprising polymeric material extended downwardly through the second bracket mateably into the first bracket to retain the assembly together.

US Patent:

57094420, Jan 20, 1998

Filed:

Apr 10, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/628551

Inventors:

Thomas G. Feldpausch - Hastings MI
Phillip D. Carino - Grand Rapids MI
Frederick S. Faiks - Greenville MI
David M. DeBoer - Grand Rapids MI
Samuel J. Ellison - Grand Rapids MI
Daniel N. Siegrist - Kentwood MI

Assignee:

Steelcase Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

E05B 6546

US Classification:

312221

Abstract:

A lock system for casegoods, such as desks, cabinets, storage units, wardrobes and the like, includes an elongated, flexible tape or lock member having a plurality of spaced lock studs positioned thereon. A lock actuator moves the tape between unlocked and locked positions. Catches are mounted on the drawers, doors and the like of the article. When the flexible tape is moved to the locked position, the lock studs block or prevent opening movement of the drawers or doors due to contact with the catches. The flexible tape is routed through channels or other mounting structure formed in panels and tops of the article of furniture. An interlock mechanism, which may be integrated with the lock member, includes a lock lever, a cable attached to the lock lever and a plurality of interlock cams. Control members on the drawers rotate the cams to take up the cable causing the interlock lever to pivot and engage the lock member, thereby moving the lock member to a locked position. The interlock mechanism may include a plurality of force generating members which act upon the lock member upon the opening of a drawer.

US Patent:

56904037, Nov 25, 1997

Filed:

Oct 23, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/553813

Inventors:

Samuel J. Ellison - Grand Rapids MI
Daniel N. Siegrist - Grand Blanc MI

Assignee:

Steelcase Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

A47B 7708

US Classification:

3122236

Abstract:

An insert is provided for selectively filling a utility access opening in furniture where the access opening is formed in a panel in the furniture, but where the panel has a thickness that may be one of two different dimensions. The insert includes a sleeve having a stop for engaging a first surface on the panel, short retainers configured to frictionally engage an opposing surface in opposition to the stop when the panel defines a first relatively thin dimension, and long retainers configured to frictionally engage the opposing surface in opposition to the stop when the panel defines a second relatively thick dimension. A port mateably frictionally engages the insert to close the sleeve. The port is frictionally held in the sleeve by detents, and engages the retainers to hold them securely in engagement with the panel. The short retainers can be broken off so that they do not interfere with positioning the port into the sleeve when the sleeve is engaged with a relatively thick panel.

US Patent:

55337988, Jul 9, 1996

Filed:

Oct 15, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/138638

Inventors:

Thomas G. Feldpausch - Hastings MI
Phillip D. Carino - Grand Rapids MI
Frederick S. Faiks - Greenville MI
David M. DeBoer - Grand Rapids MI
Samuel J. Ellison - Grand Rapids MI
Daniel N. Siegrist - Kentwood MI

Assignee:

Steelcase Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

E05B 6546

US Classification:

312219

Abstract:

A lock system for casegoods, such as desks, cabinets, storage units, wardrobes and the like, includes an elongated, flexible tape or lock member having a plurality of spaced lock studs positioned thereon. A lock actuator moves the tape between unlocked and locked positions. Catches are mounted on the drawers, doors and the like of the article. When the flexible tape is moved to the locked position, the lock studs block or prevent opening movement of the drawers or doors due to contact with the catches. The flexible tape is routed through channels or other mounting structure formed in panels and tops of the article of furniture. An interlock mechanism, which may be integrated with the lock member, includes a lock lever, a cable attached to the lock lever and a plurality of interlock cams. Control members on the drawers rotate the cams to take up the cable causing the interlock lever to pivot and engage the lock member, thereby moving the lock member to a locked position. The interlock mechanism may include a plurality of force generating members which act upon the lock member upon the opening of a drawer.

US Patent:

54511011, Sep 19, 1995

Filed:

Oct 15, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/137953

Inventors:

Samuel J. Ellison - Grand Rapids MI
John VanKammen - Belmont MI
Daniel Grabowski - Grand Rapids MI
Bruce Finlayson - Madison WI

Assignee:

Steelcase Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

A47B 1300

US Classification:

3122236

Abstract:

A desk, credenza, return and the like article of furniture includes a horizontal worksurface or top and vertical support panels. Access openings are provided in the vertical panels and in the top. A plurality of wire management supports are cantilevered from or positioned adjacent vertical panels of the article to support wires, cables, conduit and the like within the interior of the article. Openable or removable covers are provided to close the access openings in the furniture. Rear panels of the article may be removable to provide access to the interior of pedestals and the like for routing wire through the interior of the furniture.

US Patent:

59475692, Sep 7, 1999

Filed:

May 16, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/857703

Inventors:

Alan E. Rheault - Grand Rapids MI
Mark W. Chamberlin - Delton MI
Samuel J. Ellison - Wyoming MI
George J. Simons - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

Steelcase Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

A47B 1700

US Classification:

312194

Abstract:

A telescopingly adjustable furniture article is provided for filling an office space where the footprint dimensions of the office space are not known ahead of time or are likely to be periodically changed to different sizes. The furniture article includes a desk having a work surface with ends, a support for supporting one of the ends, and a foot on the other end. A storage unit or cabinet having a top is provided. The foot adjustably rests on the top so that the top supports the other end of the work surface, but so that the furniture unit is horizontally adjustable to different locations partially under the work surface. A Z-bracket interconnects the work surface to the top of the cabinet to secure the relationship of the cabinet and the desk. The furniture article can advantageously be used by itself, in combination with a building wall or demountable architectural wall, or in combination with a partition system to define a plurality of non-uniformly dimensioned offices. The furniture article is further adjustable to optimize use of space in the offices, but while staying within the dimensions of the office space footprints.