Minneapolis, MN, United States of America

Rodney C Schoenfelder

This inventor holds 18 USPTO granted patents, primarily in Seating Design. Top assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.. Active years: 1994-2009.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Rodney C Schoenfelder. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/rodney-c-schoenfelder-n4noilmh

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

Calculating rank

USPTO Granted Patents = 18

% Patents Active = 100.0

Average Co-Inventor Count = 5.7

ph-index = 18

Forward Citations = 2,464(Granted Patents)

Company Filing History:

18 out of 605

Herman Miller, Inc.

patents

Years Active: 1994-2009

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Areas of Expertise:

Contoured Seating

Chair Mechanism

Flexible Backrest

Woven Fabric

Tilt Control

Pneumatic Support

Adjustable Armrest

Seating Structure

Office Chair

Support Assembly

Fabric Weave Pattern

Seat and Back Unit

18 patents (USPTO):Sort by Forward CitationsExplore Patents

1. 7594700 - Contoured seating structure (2009-09-29),

2. 6966604 - Chair with a linkage assembly (2005-11-22),

3. 6733080 - Seating structure having a backrest with a flexible membrane and a moveable armrest (2004-05-11),

4. 6726286 - Seating structure having a fabric with a weave pattern (2004-04-27),

5. 6722741 - Seating structure having a backrest with a bowed section (2004-04-20),

6. 6702390 - Support assembly for a seating structure (2004-03-09),

7. 6588842 - Backrest (2003-07-08),

8. 6386634 - Office chair (2002-05-14),

9. 6125521 - Process for making an office chair (2000-10-03),

10. 6059368 - Office chair (2000-05-09),

11. 6035901 - Woven fabric membrane for a seating surface (2000-03-14),

12. D420523 - Chair (2000-02-15),

13. 5772282 - Tilt control mechanism for a chair (1998-06-30),

14. 5765804 - Pneumatic support colunm for a chair (1998-06-16),

15. D386023 - Seat and back unit for a chair (1997-11-11),

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Rodney C. Schoenfelder

Introduction

Rodney C. Schoenfelder is a notable inventor based in Minneapolis, MN, with a remarkable portfolio of 18 patents. His work primarily focuses on innovative seating solutions that enhance comfort and functionality. Schoenfelder's contributions to the field of design and ergonomics have made a significant impact on the furniture industry.

Latest Patents

Among his latest patents, Schoenfelder has developed a "Contoured Seating Structure." This invention features a chair that includes a control housing, a seat, and a back support with an upwardly extending upright portion. The link portion extends forwardly from the lower part of the upright portion and is pivotally connected to the control housing about a first pivot axis. The seat is connected to the link portion and is pivotable relative to it. Additionally, a linkage is coupled to the seat and is pivotally connected to the control housing at a second pivot axis positioned rearwardly and downwardly from the first pivot axis. Another significant patent is the "Chair with a Linkage Assembly," which shares similar structural features and innovative mechanisms to enhance user experience.

Career Highlights

Schoenfelder has made substantial contributions to Herman Miller, Inc., a leading company in the design and manufacture of furniture. His work has been instrumental in advancing ergonomic design principles, making seating more comfortable and adaptable to various user needs. His innovative designs have not only improved functionality but have also set new standards in the industry.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Schoenfelder has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as William E. Stumpf and Donald T. Chadwick. These partnerships have fostered a creative environment that has led to groundbreaking advancements in furniture design.

Conclusion

Rodney C. Schoenfelder's innovative spirit and dedication to improving seating solutions have left a lasting legacy in the furniture industry. His patents reflect a commitment to enhancing user comfort and functionality, making him a significant figure in the field of design.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.

Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]