Robin V Christopher

US Patent:

6442909, Sep 3, 2002

Filed:

Apr 9, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/829028

Inventors:

Michael L. Waalkes - Grand Rapids MI
Marcus K. Pressnell - Athens AL
Mark T. Slager - Caledonia MI
Michael R. Shields - Greensboro NC
Brian J. Kane - San Francisco CA
Robin Christopher - Athens AL
Dennis J. Boyle - Palo Alto CA
Peter N. Skillman - San Carlos CA
Charles A. Seiber - Atherton CA
Joseph Chang - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

Steelcase Development Corporation - Caledonia MI

International Classification:

E04B 274

US Classification:

52239, 52 361, 52 366, 52571, 211192, 24822213, 24828511, 248245

Abstract:

A knock-down portable partition includes a rigid panel frame having a central portion. The partition includes at least one cover panel covering at least a portion of the central portion of the rigid panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removal of the cover panel on the panel frame. The rigid panel frame includes at least two vertical posts having an upper end, a lower end, and opposite side faces. The opposite faces have at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof, and interconnecting the vertical posts adjacent the connection ports. The panel frame includes quick-disconnect connectors such as movable lock members positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports. The movable lock members are movably mounted for shifting between an unlocked position and a locked position.

US Patent:

6546684, Apr 15, 2003

Filed:

Apr 5, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/827153

Inventors:

Michael L. Waalkes - Athens AL
Marcus K. Pressnell - Athens AL
Mark T. Slager - Kentwood MI
Michael R. Shields - Greensboro NC
Brian J. Kane - San Francisco CA
Robin Christopher - Athens AL
Dennis J. Boyle - Palo Alto CA
Peter N. Skillman - San Carlos CA
Charles A. Seiber - Atherton CA
Joseph Chang - Grand Rapids MI
Richard S. Hand - Holland MI
Douglas L. Scheerhorn - Byron Center MI

Assignee:

Steelcase Development Corporation - Caledonia MI

International Classification:

E04B 274

US Classification:

52239

Abstract:

A knock-down partition panel frame includes a pair of spaced apart generally upright posts, each having at least one receptacle defining a tapered surface. The partition panel frame further includes at least one generally horizontal member extending between and interconnecting the posts. The horizontal member includes fastenerless connectors at opposite ends thereof, each having at least one connecting element engaging with the tapered surface to thereby securely interconnect the posts and the horizontal member to define a rigid partition frame having an interior space. A cover panel is secured to the partition frame, and closes off at least a portion of the interior space.

US Patent:

6910306, Jun 28, 2005

Filed:

Jun 25, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/179607

Inventors:

Michael L. Waalkes - East Grand Rapids MI, US
Marcus K. Pressnell - Athens AL, US
Mark T. Slager - Caledonia MI, US
Michael R. Shields - Greensboro NC, US
Brian J. Kane - San Francisco CA, US
Robin Christopher - Athens AL, US
Dennis J. Boyle - Palo Alto CA, US
Charles A. Seiber - Belmont CA, US
Peter N. Skillman - San Carlos CA, US
Joseph Chang - Grand Rapids MI, US
Richard S. Hand - Grand Rapids MI, US

Assignee:

Steelcase Development Corporation - Caledonia MI

International Classification:

E04H001/00

US Classification:

52239, 522207, 52 366

Abstract:

A knock-down portable partition system has cover panels supported on a post and beam framework designed for quick and easy on-site manual assembly. The framework includes at least two vertical posts and at least two structural beams rigidly, yet detachably interconnecting the vertical posts. Connectors secure the beams to the posts, such that the partition system can be assembled and disassembled manually. The partition system may include utility troughs shaped to retain wires, cabling, etc. therein to provide power and/or communication to the system. The utility troughs have opposite ends shaped to be detachably mounted to the posts.

US Patent:

7448168, Nov 11, 2008

Filed:

Jun 12, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/761693

Inventors:

Michael L. Waalkes - East Grand Rapids MI, US
Marcus K. Pressnell - Athens AL, US
Mark T. Slager - Caledonia MI, US
Michael R. Shields - Greensboro NC, US
Brian J. Kane - San Francisco CA, US
Robin Christopher - Athens AL, US
Dennis J. Boyle - Palo Alto CA, US
Charles A. Seiber - Belmont CA, US
Peter N. Skillman - San Carlos CA, US
Joseph Chang - Grand Rapids MI, US
Richard S. Hand - Grand Rapids MI, US

Assignee:

Steelcase Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

E04C 2/52
E04F 19/00
E04B 2/74
E04H 1/00

US Classification:

52 27, 52239, 522207, 52 364, 52 365, 52 366, 522202

Abstract:

A knock-down portable partition system has cover panels supported on a post and beam framework designed for quick and easy on-site manual assembly. The framework includes at least two vertical posts and at least two structural beams rigidly, yet detachably interconnecting the vertical posts. Connectors secure the beams to the posts, such that the partition system can be assembled and disassembled manually. The partition system may include utility troughs shaped to retain wires, cabling, etc. therein to provide power and/or communication to the system. The utility troughs have opposite ends shaped to be detachably mounted to the posts.

US Patent:

7565772, Jul 28, 2009

Filed:

Jan 27, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/044843

Inventors:

Michael L. Waalkes - East Grand Rapids MI, US
Marcus K. Pressnell - Athens AL, US
Mark T. Slager - Caledonia MI, US
Michael R. Shields - Greensboro NC, US
Brian J. Kane - San Francisco CA, US
Robin Christopher - Athens AL, US
Dennis J. Boyle - Palo Alto CA, US
Charles A. Seiber - Belmont CA, US
Peter N. Skillman - San Carlos CA, US
Joseph Chang - Grand Rapids MI, US
Richard S. Hand - Grand Rapids MI, US

Assignee:

Steelcase, Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

E04C 2/52
E04F 19/00
E04B 2/74
E04H 1/00

US Classification:

52 361, 522381, 52239, 52 364, 52 365, 52 366, 52 27, 522202

Abstract:

A knock-down portable partition system has cover panels supported on a post and beam framework designed for quick and easy on-site manual assembly. The framework includes at least two vertical posts and at least two structural beams rigidly, yet detachably interconnecting the vertical posts. Connectors secure the beams to the posts, such that the partition system can be assembled and disassembled manually. The partition system may include utility troughs shaped to retain wires, cabling, etc. therein to provide power and/or communication to the system. The utility troughs have opposite ends shaped to be detachably mounted to the posts.

US Patent:

60096756, Jan 4, 2000

Filed:

Aug 19, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/914664

Inventors:

Michael L. Waalkes - Athens AL
Marcus K. Pressnell - Athens AL
Mark T. Slager - Kentwood MI
Michael R. Shields - Greensboro NC
Brian J. Kane - San Francisco CA
Robin Christopher - Athens AL

Assignee:

Steelcase Development Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

E04B 276

US Classification:

52239

Abstract:

A knock-down portable partition system has cover panels supported on a post and beam framework designed for quick and easy on-site manual assembly without tools. The framework includes at least two vertical posts with at least two beam connection ports on opposite side faces adjacent upper and lower portions of the posts. Each beam connection port has a window through the side face of the post, and first and second horizontally aligned fastener apertures in front and rear faces of the post adjacent opposite sides of the window. At least two structural beams rigidly, yet detachably interconnect the vertical posts at the upper and lower portions thereof. Each end of each of the structural beams is shaped for close reception in an associated post window, and includes a vertically oriented, transverse notch through a lower portion of the beam in which a lower edge of the post window is closely received to longitudinally lock each beam in its associated post. Each structural beam end also has a third fastener aperture that is spaced from the notch, and is horizontally aligned with the two post apertures. Fastener pins are closely, yet manually received in the first, second and third fastener apertures of each of the beam connection ports to positively retain the beams locked in the posts, such that the partition system can be completely assembled and disassembled manually without tools.

US Patent:

58990356, May 4, 1999

Filed:

May 15, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/856995

Inventors:

Michael L. Waalkes - Athens AL
Mark T. Slager - Kentwood MI
Brian Joseph Kane - San Francisco CA
Marcus K. Pressnell - Athens AL
Michael Robert Shields - Greensboro NC
Robin Christopher - Athens AL
Dennis J. Boyle - Palo Alto CA
Charles A. Seiber - Atherton CA
Peter N. Skillman - San Carlos CA
Joseph Chang - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

Steelcase, Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

E04B 274

US Classification:

52239

Abstract:

A knock-down portable partition includes a panel frame having a central portion. The partition includes at least one cover panel covering at least a portion of the central portion of the panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removal of the cover panel on the panel frame. The panel frame includes at least two vertical posts having an upper end, a lower end, and opposite side faces. The opposite faces have at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof. The upper and lower beams interconnect the vertical posts adjacent the connection ports. The panel frame includes quick-disconnect connectors such as movable lock wedges positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports.

US Patent:

60983582, Aug 8, 2000

Filed:

Apr 15, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/060913

Inventors:

Michael L. Waalkes - Athens AL
Marcus K. Pressnell - Athens AL
Mark T. Slager - Kentwood MI
Michael R. Shields - Greensboro NC
Brian J. Kane - San Francisco CA
Robin Christopher - Athens AL
Dennis J. Boyle - Palo Alto CA
Peter N. Skillman - San Carlos CA
Charles A. Seiber - Atherton CA
Joseph Chang - Grand Rapids MI
Paul J. Granzotto - Grandville MI
Richard S. Hand - Holland MI
Kevin J. Longhurst - Hastings MI
Theodore Q. Chau - Grand Rapids MI
Douglas L. Scheerhorn - Byron Center MI
John L. McCrackin - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

Steelcase Development Inc. - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

E04B 274

US Classification:

52239

Abstract:

A knock-down portable partition including a panel frame having a central portion. At least one cover panel covers at least a portion of the central portion of the panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removable of the cover panel on the panel frame. The panel frame includes at least two vertical posts each having an upper end, a lower end and opposite faces with at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof, and interconnecting the same adjacent the connection ports. Movable lock members having a flexible extension are positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports, and are movably mounted thereon for shifting between an unlocked position and a locked position. The panel frame further includes lock-engaging surfaces positioned on the other of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports.