Patents by Inventor James R. Waters

James R. Waters 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).

  • Patent number: 10030387
    Abstract: Disclosed is a suspended ceiling system, a securing member, and process of installing a patterned suspended ceiling system. The suspended ceiling system includes a grid system having first members and second members, and at least one substrate which extends below the grid system. The at least one substrate has an exposed surface and a concealed surface, and the at least one substrate has first sides and second sides which extend between the exposed surface and the concealed surface. Securing members attach to the concealed surface proximate the first sides, and the securing members have grid engagement members which secure the at least one substrate to the grid system. The securing members cooperate with the first members and the second members of the grid system to properly position the substrate and the spacing between adjacent at least one substrates is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Nathan J. Baxter, James R. Waters
  • Publication number: 20180148928
    Abstract: A ceiling system in one embodiment includes an overhead support grid comprised of a plurality of intersecting grid support members and a ceiling tile mountable to the grid. Retaining clips support the ceiling tile from the grid which may be concealed from view. The retaining clips each include a cavity that receives a grid support member and a pair of resilient mounting elements configured to lockingly engage a support member. The mounting elements are laterally movable in response to inserting the support member into the cavity of the retaining clip. In one embodiment, the movable elements include locking tabs which create a snap-fit interlock with the grid support member for securing the ceiling tile to the grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: Todd M. Bergman, Francis Testa, James R. Waters, Christopher D. Gaydos, Brian L. Springer, Lori Jo L. Springer, Scott L. Huntzinger
  • Patent number: 9874013
    Abstract: A ceiling system in one embodiment includes an overhead support grid comprised of a plurality of intersecting grid support members and a ceiling tile mountable to the grid. Retaining clips support the ceiling tile from the grid which may be concealed from view. The retaining clips each include a cavity that receives a grid support member and a pair of resilient mounting elements configured to lockingly engage a support member. The mounting elements are laterally movable in response to inserting the support member into the cavity of the retaining clip. In one embodiment, the movable elements include locking tabs which create a snap-fit interlock with the grid support member for securing the ceiling tile to the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Todd M. Bergman, Frances Testa, James R. Waters
  • Publication number: 20170107716
    Abstract: Disclosed is a suspended ceiling system, a securing member, and process of installing a patterned suspended ceiling system. The suspended ceiling system includes a grid system having first members and second members, and at least one substrate which extends below the grid system. The at least one substrate has an exposed surface and a concealed surface, and the at least one substrate has first sides and second sides which extend between the exposed surface and the concealed surface. Securing members attach to the concealed surface proximate the first sides, and the securing members have grid engagement members which secure the at least one substrate to the grid system. The securing members cooperate with the first members and the second members of the grid system to properly position the substrate and the spacing between adjacent at least one substrates is controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: NATHAN J. BAXTER, JAMES R. WATERS
  • Patent number: 9453339
    Abstract: Disclosed is a suspended ceiling system, a securing member, and process of installing a patterned suspended ceiling system. The suspended ceiling system includes a grid system having first members and second members, and at least one substrate which extends below the grid system. The at least one substrate has an exposed surface and a concealed surface, and the at least one substrate has first sides and second sides which extend between the exposed surface and the concealed surface. Securing members attach to the concealed surface proximate the first sides, and the securing members have grid engagement members which secure the at least one substrate to the grid system. The securing members cooperate with the first members and the second members of the grid system to properly position the substrate and the spacing between adjacent at least one substrates is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Nathan J. Baxter, James R. Waters
  • Publication number: 20160273219
    Abstract: A ceiling system in one embodiment includes an overhead support grid comprised of a plurality of intersecting grid support members and a ceiling tile mountable to the grid. Retaining clips support the ceiling tile from the grid which may be concealed from view. The retaining clips each include a cavity that receives a grid support member and a pair of resilient mounting elements configured to lockingly engage a support member. The mounting elements are laterally movable in response to inserting the support member into the cavity of the retaining clip. In one embodiment, the movable elements include locking tabs which create a snap-fit interlock with the grid support member for securing the ceiling tile to the grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: TODD M. BERGMAN, FRANCES TESTA, JAMES R. WATERS
  • Publication number: 20160186432
    Abstract: A ceiling system for use in an interior building environment, In one aspect, the invention may be a ceiling system comprising: a frame comprising a plurality of struts; a plurality of modules, each of the modules comprising a panel and a plurality of hook members coupled to and extending from a top surface of the panel; each of the hook members comprising: an upstanding section; a hook portion at a top end of the upstanding section, the hook portion defining a downwardly-facing open slot; and an attachment flange at a bottom end of the upstanding section that couples the hook member to the top surface of the panel; and the modules mounted to the frame, and wherein for each of the modules, the hook portions of the hook members fit over and rest upon the struts, the struts located in the downwardly-facing open slots of the hook portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: James R. Waters, James P. Rineer, Brian L. Springer, William H. Frantz
  • Patent number: 9376813
    Abstract: A ceiling system includes an overhead support grid defining a grid opening and a ceiling die positioned in the opening. The ceiling tile includes a first tegular edge and an opposing second edge, to one embodiment, the second edge may be tegular. The first tegular edge may have a different configuration than the first tegular edge so that the ceiling tile rests in an angled position when mounted in the support grid. When mounted, the bottom surface of the ceiling tile is angled with respect to the support grid. The first tegular edge includes an end surface defining an exposed reveal that is visible below the grid. By selecting various horizontal orientations of multiple ceiling tiles in adjacent grid openings in the ceiling system, different artistic patterns may be created. In one embodiment, the ceiling tile has a substantially uniform thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Todd M. Bergman, James R. Waters
  • Patent number: 9353521
    Abstract: A ceiling-mounting baffle system including vertical panels. In one embodiment, the system includes a suspension bar mountable from a ceiling or other overhead structure and a vertical panel mountable to the suspension bar. The suspension bar includes a plurality of mounting segments spaced axially along the bar. To mount the panels to the suspension bar, the panel includes a hook element which may be disposed proximate to a top of the panel. The hook is configured to detachably engage a mounting segment to secure the panel to the suspension bar. In one embodiment, the hook element is associated with a recurved mounting slot integrally formed in the panel which receives the mounting segment of the suspension bar. The mounting segment is movable through the slot to hook the panel to the suspension bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventor: James R. Waters
  • Patent number: 9353522
    Abstract: A ceiling system in one embodiment includes an overhead support grid comprised of a plurality of intersecting grid support members and a ceiling tile mountable to the grid. Retaining clips support the ceiling tile from the grid which may be concealed from view. The retaining clips each include a cavity that receives a grid support member and a pair of resilient mounting elements configured to locking! y engage a support member. The mounting elements are laterally movable in response to inserting the support member into the cavity of the retaining clip. In one embodiment, the movable elements include locking tabs which create a snap-fit interlock with the grid support, member for securing the ceiling tile to the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Todd M. Bergman, Frances Testa, James R. Waters
  • Patent number: 9279252
    Abstract: A ceiling system for use in the interior building environment. In one aspect, the invention may be a ceiling system comprising: a plurality of first struts and a plurality of second struts, the second struts intersecting the first struts; a plurality of panels; for each of the plurality of panels, a plurality of hook members attached to the panel; and wherein for each of the plurality of panels, the plurality of hook members comprise a first hook member coupled to one of the first struts and a second hook member coupled to one of the second struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: James R. Waters, James P. Rineer, Brian L. Springer, William H. Frantz
  • Publication number: 20150300015
    Abstract: Disclosed is a suspended ceiling system, a securing member, and process of installing a patterned suspended ceiling system. The suspended ceiling system includes a grid system having first members and second members, and at least one substrate which extends below the grid system. The at least one substrate has an exposed surface and a concealed surface, and the at least one substrate has first sides and second sides which extend between the exposed surface and the concealed surface. Securing members attach to the concealed surface proximate the first sides, and the securing members have grid engagement members which secure the at least one substrate to the grid system. The securing members cooperate with the first members and the second members of the grid system to properly position the substrate and the spacing between adjacent at least one substrates is controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: NATHAN J. BAXTER, JAMES R. WATERS
  • Publication number: 20150300016
    Abstract: A ceiling system includes an overhead support grid defining a grid opening and a ceiling die positioned in the opening. The ceiling tile includes a first tegular edge and an opposing second edge, to one embodiment, the second edge may be tegular. The first tegular edge may have a different configuration than the first tegular edge so that the ceiling tile rests in an angled position when mounted in the support grid. When mounted, the bottom surface of the ceiling tile is angled with respect to the support grid. The first tegular edge includes an end surface defining an exposed reveal that is visible below the grid. By selecting various horizontal orientations of multiple ceiling tiles in adjacent grid openings in the ceiling system, different artistic patterns may be created. In one embodiment, the ceiling tile has a substantially uniform thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: TODD M. BERGMAN, JAMES R. WATERS
  • Publication number: 20150211231
    Abstract: A ceiling system in one embodiment includes an overhead support grid comprised of a plurality of intersecting grid support members and a ceiling tile mountable to the grid. Retaining clips support the ceiling tile from the grid which may be concealed from view. The retaining clips each include a cavity that receives a grid support member and a pair of resilient mounting elements configured to locking! y engage a support member. The mounting elements are laterally movable in response to inserting the support member into the cavity of the retaining clip. In one embodiment, the movable elements include locking tabs which create a snap-fit interlock with the grid support, member for securing the ceiling tile to the grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Todd M. Bergman, Frances Testa, James R. Waters
  • Patent number: 9091051
    Abstract: Disclosed is a suspended ceiling system, a securing member, and process of installing a patterned suspended ceiling system. The suspended ceding system includes a grid system having first members and second members, and at least one substrate which extends below the grid system. The at least one substrate has an exposed surface and a concealed surface, and the at least one substrate has first sides and second sides which extend between the exposed surface and the concealed surface. Securing members attach to the concealed surface proximate the first sides, and the securing members have grid engagement members which secure the at least one substrate to the grid system. The securing members cooperate with the first members and the second members of the grid system to properly position the substrate and the spacing between adjacent at least one substrates is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: Nathan J. Baxter, James R. Waters
  • Publication number: 20150159375
    Abstract: A ceiling system for use in the interior building environment. In one aspect, the invention may be a ceiling system comprising: a plurality of first struts and a plurality of second struts, the second struts intersecting the first struts; a plurality of panels; for each of the plurality of panels, a plurality of hook members attached to the panel; and wherein for each of the plurality of panels, the plurality of hook members comprise a first hook member coupled to one of the first struts and a second hook member coupled to one of the second struts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: James R. WATERS, James P. RINEER, Brian L. SPRINGER, William H. FRANTZ
  • Publication number: 20150068135
    Abstract: A ceiling-mounting baffle system including vertical panels. In one embodiment, the system includes a suspension bar mountable from a ceiling or other overhead structure and a vertical panel mountable to the suspension bar. The suspension bar includes a plurality of mounting segments spaced axially along the bar. To mount the panels to the suspension bar, the panel includes a hook element which may be disposed proximate to a top of the panel. The hook is configured to detachably engage a mounting segment to secure the panel to the suspension bar. In one embodiment, the hook element is associated with a recurved mounting slot integrally formed in the panel which receives the mounting segment of the suspension bar. The mounting segment is movable through the slot to hook the panel to the suspension bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. WATERS
  • Patent number: 8950146
    Abstract: A canopy system for use in the interior building environment. The canopy system of the invention meets seismic code requirements and includes a group suspension system for mechanically aligning and registering canopy modules relative one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: James R. Waters, James P. Rineer, Brian L. Springer, William H. Frantz
  • Patent number: D742551
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventor: James R. Waters
  • Patent number: D789562
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventor: James R. Waters