Patents by Inventor Gregory M. Ahren
Gregory M. Ahren has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8534014Abstract: An elongated metal grid runner for a suspended ceiling, the grid runner having a cross-section with an upper hollow reinforcing bulb, a vertical web extending below the bulb, and lower flange elements extending laterally from opposite sides of the web, the length of the grid runner being less than about 9?, a permanent magnet disposed on each end of the grid runner at its flange elements, the magnet being adapted to overlie and be attracted to a horizontal leg of a steel wall angle to thereby releasably retain the grid runner in position on the wall angle.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: USG Interiors, LLCInventor: Gregory M. Ahren
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Patent number: 8511023Abstract: Mounting systems for attaching metal suspended ceiling panels to form a decorative rectangular array. In one system the panels are mounted on bolt slot grid runners spaced from the wall and trimmed with island ceiling trim. In another system, panels are mounted on unique backer boards that protect the panels against physical damage by resisting compressive forces on the face of the panels.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2012Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: USG Interiors, LLCInventors: Peder Gulbrandsen, Gregory M. Ahren, John D. Bankston
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Publication number: 20120167513Abstract: An elongated metal grid runner for a suspended ceiling, the grid runner having a cross-section with an upper hollow reinforcing bulb, a vertical web extending below the bulb, and lower flange elements extending laterally from opposite sides of the web, the length of the grid runner being less than about 9?, a permanent magnet disposed on each end of the grid runner at its flange elements, the magnet being adapted to overlie and be attracted to a horizontal leg of a steel wall angle to thereby releasably retain the grid runner in position on the wall angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2010Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: USG INTERIORS, INC.Inventor: Gregory M. Ahren
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Patent number: 8051618Abstract: A clip for suspending ceiling panels from a horizontal channel having a C-shape formed by a vertical web and integral opposed horizontal upper and lower flanges, the clip comprising a sheet metal body, the body including a vertical web extending between upper and lower portions, the upper portion being configured to overlie the horizontal upper flange of the channel when installed thereon, the lower portion being configured to lie below the horizontal lower flange of the channel, the lower portion including a generally upstanding hook section adapted to be received in a downwardly open channel on the ceiling panel beneath the C-shaped channel to enable the clip to support the panel by transferring the weight of the panel to the C-shaped channel, the hook section being fixed against horizontal movement relative to the body vertical web.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventors: Gregory M. Ahren, John D. Bankston, James A. Fletterick
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Publication number: 20100050554Abstract: A clip for suspending ceiling panels from a horizontal channel having a C-shape formed by a vertical web and integral opposed horizontal upper and lower flanges, the clip comprising a sheet metal body, the body including a vertical web extending between upper and lower portions, the upper portion being configured to overlie the horizontal upper flange of the channel when installed thereon, the lower portion being configured to lie below the horizontal lower flange of the channel, the lower portion including a generally upstanding hook section adapted to be received in a downwardly open channel on the ceiling panel beneath the C-shaped channel to enable the clip to support the panel by transferring the weight of the panel to the C-shaped channel, the hook section being fixed against horizontal movement relative to the body vertical web.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: USG INTERIORS, INC.Inventors: Gregory M. Ahren, John D. Bankston, James A. Fletterick
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Patent number: 7658047Abstract: A suspended ceiling comprising a pair of parallel main grid tees, the tees being of the type having its panel supporting flange forming a hollow with a downwardly open slot, a plurality of identical stabilizer bars spacing said main grid tees a predetermined distance, trim strips assembled on said main grid tees, the trim strips each having a first portion hooked into the hollow flange of a respective tee and a second portion abutting a web of the respective tee, the stabilizer bars being arranged to engage opposite sides of reinforcing bulbs of the main grid tees to hold the same against relative lateral horizontal movement from their desired positions, the stabilizer bars engaging the trim strips in a manner that holds their second portions in abutment with the webs of their respective tees. The stabilizer bars are formed of sheet metal and have bendable tabs that can be bent to hold said trim strip second portions in contact with the webs of their respective tees.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2008Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventors: John D. Bankston, Gregory M. Ahren, John Harcula
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Patent number: 7637065Abstract: A clip for suspending ceiling panels from a horizontal channel having a C-shape formed by a vertical web and integral opposed horizontal upper and lower flanges, the clip comprising a sheet metal body, the body including a vertical web extending between upper and lower portions, the upper portion being configured to overlie the horizontal upper flange of the channel when installed thereon, the lower portion being configured to lie below the horizontal lower flange of the channel, the lower portion including a generally upstanding hook section adapted to be received in a downwardly open channel on the ceiling panel beneath the C-shaped channel to enable the clip to support the panel by transferring the weight of the panel to the C-shaped channel, the hook section being fixed against horizontal movement relative to the body vertical web.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventors: Gregory M. Ahren, John D. Bankston, James A. Fletterick
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Patent number: 7634881Abstract: A cross panel for a grid type suspended ceiling comprising a sheet metal body forming a rectangular face adapted to close the space between the flanges of a pair of parallel grid tees. The panel has four connectors each adjacent a respective corner of the panel face and adapted to extend through a slot in the web of the adjacent grid tee for interlocking the panel to the tees in a manner that maintains the parallel spacing and alignment of the tees and affords a simple, aesthetically pleasing appearance.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventors: Gregory M. Ahren, John D. Bankston
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Publication number: 20080184644Abstract: A suspended ceiling comprising a pair of parallel main grid tees, the tees being of the type having its panel supporting flange forming a hollow with a downwardly open slot, a plurality of identical stabilizer bars spacing said main grid tees a predetermined distance, trim strips assembled on said main grid tees, the trim strips each having a first portion hooked into the hollow flange of a respective tee and a second portion abutting a web of the respective tee, the stabilizer bars being arranged to engage opposite sides of reinforcing bulbs of the main grid tees to hold the same against relative lateral horizontal movement from their desired positions, the stabilizer bars engaging the trim strips in a manner that holds their second portions in abutment with the webs of their respective tees. The stabilizer bars are formed of sheet metal and have bendable tabs that can be bent to hold said trim strip second portions in contact with the webs of their respective tees.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicant: USG INTERIORS, INC.Inventors: John D. Bankston, Gregory M. Ahren, John Harcula
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Publication number: 20080155916Abstract: A suspended ceiling comprising a pair of parallel main grid tees, the tees being of the type having its panel supporting flange forming a hollow with a downwardly open slot, a plurality of identical stabilizer bars spacing said main grid tees a predetermined distance, trim strips assembled on said main grid tees, the trim strips each having a first portion hooked into the hollow flange of a respective tee and a second portion abutting a web of the respective tee, the stabilizer bars being arranged to engage opposite sides of reinforcing bulbs of the main grid tees to hold the same against relative lateral horizontal movement from their desired positions, the stabilizer bars engaging the trim strips in a manner that holds their second portions in abutment with the webs of their respective tees. The stabilizer bars are formed of sheet metal and have bendable tabs that can be bent to hold said trim strip second portions in contact with the webs of their respective tees.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: USG INTERIORS, INC.Inventors: John D. Bankston, Gregory M. Ahren, John Harcula
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Patent number: 7392629Abstract: A suspended ceiling comprising a pair of parallel main grid tees, the tees being of the type having its panel supporting flange forming a hollow with a downwardly open slot, a plurality of identical stabilizer bars spacing said main grid tees a predetermined distance, trim strips assembled on said main grid tees, the trim strips each having a first portion hooked into the hollow flange of a respective tee and a second portion abutting a web of the respective tee, the stabilizer bars being arranged to engage opposite sides of reinforcing bulbs of the main grid tees to hold the same against relative lateral horizontal movement from their desired positions, the stabilizer bars engaging the trim strips in a manner that holds their second portions in abutment with the webs of their respective tees. The stabilizer bars are formed of sheet metal and have bendable tabs that can be bent to hold said trim strip second portions in contact with the webs of their respective tees.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2006Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventors: John D. Bankston, Gregory M. Ahren, John Harcula
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Patent number: 6763641Abstract: A suspended ceiling island is constructed of sheet metal panels that since they are assembled without a supporting gridwork can be configured to create substantially any desired free form island shape. Typically, the panels have a pair of generally opposed straight sides and a pair of generally opposed free form sides. The straight sides, ideally, include upstanding flanges that are used to stiffen, interconnect and suspend the panels. Additionally, the flanges can be shaped into hollow sections similar to standard grid tee shapes to enable the use of standard hardware to attach trim strips to the perimeter of the island.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventors: Gregory M. Ahren, John Bankston
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Patent number: 6467228Abstract: The invention is directed to a hinged ceiling panel, which is pivotally attached to a suspended ceiling grid structure to provide for a hinged ceiling panel that pivots to allow access to the area above the grid. The hinged ceiling panel includes a hinge located on a first edge and grid-releasable flanges located on the remaining edges of the panel. The hinged ceiling panel is designed so that a single person can easily release the panel from the grid system and pivot it downwards whereby the hinge supports it. The hinged ceiling panel is also designed so that an individual can also reposition the panel within the grid structure without the aid of others.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventors: Alan C. Wendt, Merritt W. Seymour, Gregory M. Ahren