Element Spaced From Wall, Ceiling, Or Floor And Held By Discrete Retaining Means (e.g., Suspended Ceiling Or Wall) Patents (Class 52/506.06)
  • Patent number: 8938926
    Abstract: Prior art rolled T-beams used in horizontal grids in suspended ceilings, serve as vertical studs in a grid that supports wallboard in a liner for a structural wall. A horizontal strut extends along, and is connected to, the studs, to unite the studs and the strut to form the vertical grid. The grid is braced from the structural wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventors: Brett W. Sareyka, William J. Platt
  • Patent number: 8898984
    Abstract: Façade insulation with at least one support rail which is arranged on an outer wall of a building, and with a multiplicity of heat insulation panels which are supported by the support rail. The support rail is spaced from the outer wall by at least two spacers. To transfer the weight of the heat insulation panel to the outer wall, at least two tension brackets are provided which can each be fixed with a first end to the support rail and with a second end to the outer wall. A mounting kit holds heat insulation panels on an outer wall of a building. The mounting kit includes at least one support rail, at least two spacers, at least two tension brackets and at least one wall fixing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwool International A/S
    Inventor: Hans Winteler
  • Patent number: 8893449
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling grid assembly including parallel spaced main runners and pairs of cross runners on opposite sides of a main runner, the main runners having vertical slots spaced along their lengths, the cross runners having end connectors mutually inter-engaged in a common main runner slot, a brace stabilizing the pair of cross runners against relative hinge action in a vertical plane, the brace being a thin metal body having a cross section complimentary to a cross section of the cross runners, the brace abutting sides of the cross runners and being rigidly attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Abraham M. Underkofler, Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Mark R. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 8882065
    Abstract: A two-piece track assembly may be used in an office environment for mounting accessory components, such as work surfaces, cabinets, shelves, filing units, etc., to either a permanent building wall or to the framework of a movable office wall or office partition system. The track assembly includes a base mountable to the wall or framework via a plurality of fasteners. A track mounts to the base to cover the fasteners used to mount the base. The track also includes a relatively thinly-profiled slot into which a corresponding, relatively thinly-profiled mounting flange of an accessory component is received to mount and support the accessory component upon the track assembly. Optionally, a decorative or functional tile may be mounted to a wall or partition between a pair of track assemblies spaced vertically from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay M. Henriott, Keith E. Metcalf
  • Patent number: 8857120
    Abstract: An aisle containment system is provided. The aisle containment system includes a pair of wall beams suspended from a ceiling, a pair of floor tracks positioned beneath the wall beams and secured to a floor, and at least one blanking panel secured to one of the wall beams and one of the floor tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Samuel M. Marrs, Mark Shurhay, William A. Bernard
  • Patent number: 8851196
    Abstract: A fire sprinkler support assembly includes a leg configured to extend transverse to each of a pair of adjacent parallel spaced beams. The leg includes levered clamp assemblies that are configured for connecting and supporting each end of the leg to a corresponding one of the beams. The levered clamp assemblies include a first plate and a second plate, each plate configured to straddle the beam. The levered clamp assemblies also include a lever assembly. The lever assembly includes a rod passing through corresponding rod openings in the first and second plates, and a lever pivotally connected to one end of the rod. The lever includes a cam surface disposed adjacent to the first plate. The lever assembly is configured to reduce spacing between the plates upon actuation of the lever, whereby the leg is secured to the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Flexhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul S. F. Silcox, Peter M. MacDonald, Norman J. MacDonald, III
  • Patent number: 8850770
    Abstract: A floor system for a building includes prefabricated grid sections attached to framing members of the building and a plurality of panels mounted to the grid to form a structurally integrated floor. The panels are removable to provide access to space below the floor that would otherwise be inaccessible in a conventional floor. A subfloor deck below the floor separates one building story from another and encloses the space between the floor and the deck, which can be used for temporary and permanent installations including, for example, pipes for water, laboratory gases, and compressed air, and power, telephone, and data cables; and as a plenum for HVAC. Either or both of the floor and the subfloor deck can be attached to the building frame to function as a diaphragm. The floor system replaces conventional permanent structural floors and raised accessible flooring systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Roger C. Roen
  • Patent number: 8844235
    Abstract: A mounting rail for mounting a cladding panel in a lapped formation on a wall includes an elongate body shaped in cross section having a vertical upstanding rear flange mountable to a wall, a downwardly extending front flange and a sloping web portion extending from the rear to the front flange. The web portion also includes a downwardly extending channel portion receiving at least an upper portion of a lower panel. The front flange portion forms an upward facing channel portion slidably receiving a lower portion of an upper panel. The mounting rail includes sealing and drainage elements so the cladding panels can be lapped and supported at the position of the mounting rail and the panels are mounted without direct fastenings to a wall. Also disclosed is a mounting rail assembly for a flush mounted cladding panel for a building wall, for forming a drained and ventilated cladding system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cladding Systems International Limited
    Inventor: John Witold Lukaszewicz
  • Patent number: 8844232
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a ceiling mount system for installing a ceiling panel on a grid support body. The ceiling mount system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes clip main bodies coupled to upper surfaces of ceiling panels and configured to accommodate end portions of the grid support body, a pressing block facing an end portion of the grid support body, which is accommodated inside the clip main body, and installed to be able to linearly reciprocate, and one or more clips including an elastic member which provides elastic force to the pressing block inside the clip main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Soon Kie Jung
  • Patent number: 8839573
    Abstract: A panel array support assembly has lower support joists supporting varied panel rails, to which are connected panel holding device or clips. The panel clips are spring-based and configured so that the length of each clip extends in a direction along the length of the panel rails. The panels are supported well inside of the edges extending in the same direction as the panel rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Northern States Metals Company
    Inventors: Paul R. Cusson, Michael G. Greenamyer, Joseph A. Nobile, Thomas P. Kilar, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140260045
    Abstract: Room dividers with a layer of porous fibrous tackable/acoustic sheet material which is sufficiently durable to serve the same function as a non-tackable/acoustic layer, yet which is sufficiently porous that it can be used as a tackable/acoustic surface. This layer can be provided over a panel core, or can be provided in the form of tiles used to cover a panel core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Compatico, Inc.
    Inventor: Shannon D. Near
  • Patent number: 8833025
    Abstract: A system for supporting exterior panels or cladding units on a building substrate. The system includes a plurality of polymeric bracket members, wherein each of the polymeric bracket members further includes an anchor section, adapted to be coupled to the building substrate, and a support section adapted to couple to the exterior cladding unit. In assembly, as disposed between the building substrate and the exterior cladding units, the polymeric bracket members provide a thermal break from the exterior cladding units to the building substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Architectural Products, LLC
    Inventor: G. Matt Krause
  • Patent number: 8826620
    Abstract: A system for supporting exterior panels on a substrate of a building structure. The system has a plurality of polymeric bracket members, and each of the bracket members have at least one anchor section, at least one web section and at least one support section. The polymeric bracket members provide a thermal break from the exterior panel to the substrate of the building structure. A plurality of exterior cladding units are held in place by the bracket members. A plurality of vents are disposed between the panels and the exterior panels, and a plurality of vents are also disposed between the panels and the substrate, thereby forming a ventilation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Architectural Products, LLC
    Inventor: G. Matt Krause
  • Patent number: 8826606
    Abstract: A solar device includes a frame, a solar cell module, an inverter and a fastener mechanism. The frame has a first edge and a second edge opposite to the first edge. The solar cell module is disposed in the frame. The fastener mechanism is used for fastening the frame. The fastener mechanism includes a base and a fastener member. The inverter is fixed on the base. A first end of the fastener member is pivotally connected to the base and a second end of the fastener member has a first extending portion, wherein the first end is opposite to the second end. The first extending portion has a protruding structure. When the first edge of the frame is disposed on the base, the fastener member can be rotated with respect to the base so as to engage the protruding structure with the second edge of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventor: Tung-I Yen
  • Patent number: 8820018
    Abstract: A wall surfacing system for providing a secondary ceiling or wall covering structure adjacent a primary structure. The system provides a plurality of elongated structural support rails, each of these support rails have a coupling web with a bearing surface for attachment to the primary structure, a coupling mechanism, and a stringer portion integrally formed with and connecting the coupling web to the coupling mechanism. A plurality of generally planar surface panels are provided. Each panel has an integral interlocking member configured to mate with the coupling mechanism on the support rail. The elongated support rails are secured to primary structures, thereby extending the surface panels to form an aesthetically pleasing covered surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: IG Creative Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Maley, Robert N. Maley, Laurence R. Maley
  • Patent number: 8813452
    Abstract: Mechanical clips and pier cap assemblies are provided that may be used to construct solar panel mounting frames. The assemblies include a pier cap that is configured to be attached to a top portion of a pier, which includes an opening and a flange stop. The flange stop is configured to support a solar panel mounting frame member. The assemblies further include a clip that has an aperture and a tab, with the tab being configured to be disposed through the opening in the pier cap. The assemblies further include a bolt and a nut, which are used to secure a solar panel mounting frame member to the pier cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Cablofil, Inc.
    Inventor: Dallas Kellerman
  • Patent number: 8782986
    Abstract: A slab module includes a stone slab having a thickness of 3-10 mm. A reinforcing plate includes a first side fixed to a rear side of the stone slab. The reinforcing plate has an area corresponding to an area of the stone slab. A base is made of a rigid material and includes a coupling face on a top side thereof. The coupling face is fixed to a second side of the reinforcing plate. A plurality of posts is provided below the coupling face, with a compartment formed between the posts for receiving a wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Che-An Tsai
  • Patent number: 8782985
    Abstract: A splice plate for joining and aligning extruded trim strips used in suspended ceiling islands and fascias of the type having a pair of opposed flanged channels on its rear face, the splice plate having upper and lower flanges proportioned to slide into the pair of channels and a pair of clamping elements, each of the clamping elements being disposed in a rearwardly horizontally spaced relation to a respective one of said splice plate flanges, a machine screw associated with each clamping element and arranged when turned to draw the respective clamping element forcibly towards an associated plate flange to thereby clamp an intervening portion of a trim channel flange, said plate being sufficiently long to span between a pair of end abutted trim strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Peder Gulbrandsen, Mark Miklosz, Stephen Oshgan, Joe Wascow, Nicholas Jackson
  • Patent number: 8782864
    Abstract: A system for preparing a pre-assembled hanger support. The system includes a bending tool operable to form a bight in the distal end of a structural wire, the bight having a transverse tail extending away from the shaft of the structural wire. The system also includes a wrapping tool having a drive rotor with a clip attachment interface that removably supports a hanger clip and provides selective rotation of the hanger clip and the structural wire, a wire support brace that supports the shaft of the structural wire in substantial alignment with the axis of rotation of the drive rotor, and a tail stop positioned to restrain the rotation of the transverse tail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Richard C. Adams
  • Patent number: 8776469
    Abstract: An adjustable hanger assembly for hanging support rods or ceiling fixtures includes two adjacent spanning angles or channels having at least one clamp assembly at each end thereof and at least one fixture hanging assembly disposed between the ends of the spanning angles or channels. The clamp for use with joists utilizing angles includes legged and washer clamp plates, fastener, and fastening device. The clamp for use with beams utilizing angles includes alternate legged clamp plate, fastener hook, and fastening device. The fixture hanging assembly includes legged and washer fixture plate, hanger rod with threaded end, and fastening. Each legged clamp plates, alternate legged clamp plates, and legged fixture plates is adapted to ride horizontally along top of spanning angles or channels. The load bearing capacity of the angles or channels is increased by bracing these members against each other at clamp assembly and fixture hanging assembly locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas H. Morey
  • Patent number: 8769901
    Abstract: Visible and concealed cladding systems used for attaching laminate panels to building structures are provided. The visible cladding systems comprise tracks and sliding clips to slide the laminate panel into the desired location on the building wall. The concealed cladding systems comprise hanger elements to attach a laminate panel to the building wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: The Diller Corporation
    Inventors: Gavin Todd, Joe Ramuta
  • Patent number: 8769902
    Abstract: A tile system, comprising: —a mounting unit, e.g. a rail fixed to a wall; —a tile unit, e.g. a frame holding a decorative tile; —a tile unit-fastening device configured to fasten the tile unit to the mounting unit, e.g. a pin engaging recesses formed on the mounting and the tile unit, the tile unit-fastening device preferably comprising a repositioning mechanism configured to allow the tile unit to move in one or two directions parallel to the wall after the tile unit is fastened to the mounting unit, e.g. the pin having ribs on its outer surface and the recesses being elongated and having cooperating ribs on their elongated inner faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Mohawk Carpet Corporation
    Inventors: Wesley A. King, Wolfgang Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8763322
    Abstract: [Problem] To be able to reliably fix a solar battery module in an appropriate position on a roof, to have light weight and few components, and to be able to reliably prevent slipping and perform grounding during temporary placement when the fixing position of the solar battery module is adjusted. [Solution] The present invention comprises: a base metal fitting fixed to a rooftop surface; a height-adjusting metal fitting capable of sliding in a vertical direction relative to the base metal fitting; a position-adjusting metal fitting capable of sliding in a horizontal direction relative to the height-adjusting metal fitting; and a fixing metal fitting for sandwiching and fixing the solar battery module between the fixing metal fitting and the position-adjusting metal fitting from the top and bottom, the fixing metal fitting being attached relative to the position-adjusting metal fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Nissei Kinzoku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Hamamura
  • Publication number: 20140157689
    Abstract: A ceiling system in one embodiment includes a support grid including intersecting grid support members and grid openings formed between the grid support members. A vertical baffle is positioned in a grid opening and is attached to the support grid. The baffle includes opposing front and rear faces extending between opposing lateral sides of the baffle. First and second mounting grooves formed in the baffle engage and support the baffle from the grid. In one embodiment, one of the mounting grooves is disposed in each lateral side to support the baffle from opposite sides. The baffle may further include a third mounting groove formed in the rear face which engages the support grid to help align and squarely register the baffle with respect to the grid for clean linear visuals. In one embodiment, the grid support members may have a standard T-shaped cross section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Armstrong World Industries
    Inventors: Todd BERGMAN, Scott HUNTZINGER
  • Patent number: 8745946
    Abstract: A ceiling tile suspension system comprising a clip member, a suspension track releasably securable to the clip member and a ceiling tile suspension rail releasably securable to the suspension track. The clip member is securable to a structural component of a ceiling and has an upper surface and a pair of downwardly depending sides. The suspension track is releasably securable to the clip member and has a pair of upwardly extending legs. At least the sides of the clip member or the legs of the suspension track are horizontally resiliently displaceable to releasably secure the suspension track to the clip member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: Enzo D'Alessandro, Fabbio D'Alessandro
  • Patent number: 8739488
    Abstract: A ceiling panel assembly for being secured to, and for concealing, a suspended inverted T-shaped, longitudinally extending main runner having a vertically disposed web, a horizontally disposed flange divided by the web to equal flange portions, and a protuberance at a terminal end of each of the flange portions, which comprises: a main section with a first and second lateral edge and visible panel sections and two support sections laterally extending in opposite directions, which are disposed above the main section. The two support sections releasably contact two adjacent and laterally spaced main runners, respectively, and one of the sections is adapted to multi-directionally stiffen a corresponding main runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Yaakov Vakhnin
  • Patent number: 8733037
    Abstract: A device for fixing elements in the form of plates to a roof cover for a building, at a distance therefrom, the cover including, on the surface, a coating or a sealing layer attached to the essentially continuous support forming the roof, the device including blocks that can be height-adjustable or not, for supporting and holding the plate-shaped elements, each block having a base with a lower smaller plate to be applied to the surface of the cover and secured thereto, and a head or upper part for directly or indirectly supporting at least one plate-shaped element, the bottom face of the smaller plate (9) of the base (8) of each block (7) being provided with a part (11) of the plate, forming a protector, which is mechanically fixed to the smaller plate (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Soprema
    Inventors: Pierre Etienne Bindschedler, Rémi Perrin, Damien Fulcrand, Henri Desgouilles, André Voges
  • Patent number: 8707640
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a series of removable bulkheads which surround and protect immovable building fixtures such as sprinkler and plumbing lines, heating and ventilation ducts, electrical and telecommunications wiring. A single bulkhead is generally comprised of a vertical panel and a horizontal panel. The bulkheads attach to preexisting ceilings and walls and provide a quick and cost effective method of concealing fixtures and allow easy access to renovate or repair the fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Bosley Wright
  • Publication number: 20140109504
    Abstract: A manufactured panel includes a body having a front, back, top, bottom and side walls, the side walls extend between the front and back, and an interior volume located between the front, back, top, bottom and side walls. An insert having an interior portion is embedded within the interior volume of the body, and an exterior portion extends from the interior portion to an exterior of the body. The exterior portion includes stand-offs protruding from the body, such that at least some of the stand-offs are connected to each other inside the interior volume of the body. At least some of the stand-offs are independent and detached from each other on the exterior of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen W. STEFFES, David J. STUCKY, Andrew C. BRANDT, Robert D. SHAW, Nikki J. WHITNEY
  • Publication number: 20140090328
    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: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: Nathan J. BAXTER, James R. WATERS
  • Publication number: 20140090327
    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: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: James R. WATERS, James P. RINEER, Brian L. SPRINGER, William H. FRANTZ
  • Patent number: 8672281
    Abstract: A rod hanger for securing a rod to a substrate includes a mounting portion configured for engaging the substrate, a rod receiving portion configured for receiving the rod and a connecting element configured for vertically displacing the mounting portion and the rod receiving portion. In addition, at least one anti-rotation element configured for engaging the substrate is provided on the mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Ernst, Donald Buytaert, Michael S. Popovich
  • Patent number: 8667756
    Abstract: Noise dampers of sound absorbent material are inserted on the metal grid beams in a suspended ceiling. Hangers, embedded in a structural ceiling, that support the beams, are insulated from the beams by the noise dampers. Sound vibrations generated in the structural ceiling, which is often a floor, are not transmitted through the hangers, to the suspended ceiling, or to the room, below, but are absorbed in the dampers before reaching the grid beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventors: Brett W. Sareyka, Joshua L. Neal
  • Patent number: 8661757
    Abstract: A fire protective barrier for a residential floor and a method of its construction, the construction involving a floor supported on lightweight joists of a type susceptible to early failure once exposed to a fire existing in the space below the floor, an array of elongated steel main tees suspended below the joists, the tees being parallel and spaced apart by a nominal distance of 2?, the tees having an upper hollow reinforcing bulb, a central vertical web extending downwardly from the bulb and a horizontal flange extending laterally from both sides of the web, drywall panels carried on upper faces of the flanges of adjacent pairs of tees, the drywall panels having a width of slightly less than the center-to-center distance of the tees, a majority of the panels having lengths of 8? or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: United State Gypsum Company
    Inventor: Gary F. Miller
  • Publication number: 20140053491
    Abstract: A building product for attachment to a surface of a building includes a plurality of siding members, and a plurality of spacers, wherein the siding members and spacers are assembled to resemble a plurality of individual siding shingles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Tecton Products, LLC
    Inventors: Robert P. Plagemann, Mark Bratton, Robb Willgohs
  • Patent number: 8646238
    Abstract: Ceiling panels for use in a grid-type suspended ceiling (10) each comprise a thin flexible scrim (40) that is of insufficient rigidity to consistently maintain a substantially planar form when installed in the grid-type suspended ceiling. These embodiments also present a rigidizing and engagement member (60, 122, 161) that attaches to only a relatively minor portion of the thin flexible scrim and that is configured and arranged to substantially increase and maintain rigidity of the thin flexible scrim such that the thin flexible scrim will consistently maintain a substantially planar form when installed in the grid-type suspended ceiling and that will also serve to engage at least one grid runner of the grid-type suspended ceiling to thereby maintain the thin flexible scrim in an installed position within the grid-type suspended ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventor: Peder J. Gulbrandsen
  • Patent number: 8640400
    Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and show a low profile mounting system that includes a at least one rail. A plurality of tracks is formed in the rail with opposing jaws. The opposing jaws define a slot. The opposing jaws are disposed in the rail asymmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the rail. At least one ledge monolithically extends from the rail for holding an object such as a solar panel. A coupler is provided for demountably connecting a solar panel to the rail. A cleat also is provided for attaching the system to a surface. A connector connects the rail to the cleat. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure, but this abstract is not to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of any claim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Unirac, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Liebendorfer
  • Patent number: 8640408
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a grid system including at least one main runner including an aperture; at least one cross spacer including a slot, with the slot formed from a bottom side thereof; and a fixing element. The main runner is insertable into the slot in the cross spacer from a first side of the cross spacer such that, when the main runner is inserted into said slot, the aperture of the main runner is at least partly accessible from a second side of the cross spacer, the second side being opposite to the first side. The cross spacer further includes an aperture, and the fixing element is adapted to, in a locked position, extend through the aperture in the main runner and through the aperture in the cross spacer such that the relative position of the main runner and the cross spacer is fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ecophon AB
    Inventor: Jan Wilkens
  • Patent number: 8640399
    Abstract: This cement mortar panel with prestressed biaxial reinforcement is formed by a slab of cement mortar which, having a thickness ranging from 2 to 7 cms, includes a biaxial reinforcement. The slab has occluded in the cement mortar mass means for versatile operating on the panel assembly allowing for its handling and/or fixation to a building structure, which versatile operating means constitute of themselves, on one part, means for retaining them in the set mass of cement mortar and, on another part opposite to the former, anchoring means either for panel handling members or members for its fixation to the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Carlos Fradera Pellicer
  • Patent number: 8640417
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing coffered ceilings with a plurality of preassembled coffered modules, each of which includes a ceiling panel precut in accordance with an order; cutting beam wall boards in accordance with the order, wherein the beam wall boards are attached to the ceiling panel and extend away from the ceiling panel; and a beam wall molding custom-fitted inside the beam wall boards. Automated systems to receive and fabricate custom coffered module orders upon payment are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jason Tilton
  • Patent number: 8631617
    Abstract: A wall paneling system including at least one finish wall panel configured to prevent moisture from entering an interior of the wall panel and having a finish with a predetermined finished characteristic thereon and a drainage system configured to remove moisture directed into the drainage system by the at least one wall panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Janesky
  • Patent number: 8627625
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a masonry wall panel assembly comprising a panel and a plurality of bricks. The panel is provided with a plurality of horizontally extending contiguous channels bounded by upper and lower protruding ribs, for fitting a row of bricks. Each channel is also fitted with a plurality of compressible retaining tabs positioned along the upper rib of each channel for retaining bricks inserted therein. The bricks are provided with at least one cavity and at least one compression area so that when a brick is inserted into a channel of the panel, the brick is positioned between the ribs such that the cavity of the brick faces one or more of the tabs located on the channel so that the tabs protrude into the cavity of the brick while at the same time compressing the compression area, thereby retaining the brick within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Oldcastle Building Products Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Bouchard, John Penterman
  • Patent number: 8615947
    Abstract: A sheet metal yoke for supporting a pair of main runners of a suspended ceiling grid in parallel alignment with a relatively narrow spacing, the yoke having an inverted U-shape with a horizontal span and a depending leg adjacent each end of the span, a lower end of each leg having a tab extending towards the other leg, the tab being proportioned to fit in a cross runner slot of a main runner and being capable of vertically supporting the main runner at a desired elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Abraham M. Underkofler, Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Mark R. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 8615948
    Abstract: A seismic bracket for supporting ends of suspended ceiling grid runners from a wall comprising a stamped sheet metal body, the body having a horizontally extending portion and a vertically extending portion, the vertically extending portion, in its installed position, rising above the top of a standard grid runner a distance at least 1½ times the height of such standard grid runner, the vertically extending portion having two sections generally coextensive in the vertical direction, a first section being integral with the horizontally extending portion and a second section arranged to be in a vertical plane that intersects a vertical plane occupied by the horizontally extending portion, the horizontally extending portion being arranged to support a grid runner to move longitudinally a limited distance, the second section of the vertically extending portion having an aperture for securing the bracket to the wall at a location substantially above the grid tee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Abraham M. Underkofler, Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Mark R. Paulsen, James J. Lehane, Lee M Tedesco
  • Publication number: 20130333984
    Abstract: An exemplary elevator cab wall panel includes a plurality of panel members that are selectively moveable relative to each other to adjust the size of the panel. The panel is useful for selectively covering a space between a car operating panel and a nearby surface in an elevator cab. The wall panel provides a finished wall surface in the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Christele Gressien, Emmanuel Convard
  • Publication number: 20130333317
    Abstract: A grid runner and method of its manufacture that saves material content with use of a serpentine sheet metal web configured to be essentially scrapless and that results in a parallel chord truss-like construction with open spaces between an upper reinforcing bulb and a lower flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Lehane, JR., Peder J. Gulbrandsen
  • Publication number: 20130318905
    Abstract: A sheet metal yoke for supporting a pair of main runners of a suspended ceiling grid in parallel alignment with a relatively narrow spacing, the yoke having an inverted U-shape with a horizontal span and a depending leg adjacent each end of the span, a lower end of each leg having a tab extending towards the other leg, the tab being proportioned to fit in a cross runner slot of a main runner and being capable of vertically supporting the main runner at a desired elevation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Abraham M. Underkofler, Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Mark R. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 8596007
    Abstract: A panel mounting system includes a support frame having at least one longitudinal frame member with a recess and a catch. A panel has a gripping member extending along a substantial length of the panel, the gripping member having a resiliently deflectable cross-section for engaging the longitudinal frame member. In a first position the gripping member engages the recess so as to hold the panel to the frame. In a second position the gripping member engages the catch, the catch holding the gripping member in the second position, so as to free the panel from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Protean Design Limited
    Inventor: Colin Hibbs
  • Patent number: 8596008
    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. The system requires a minimum number of attachment points to the overhead building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: James R. Waters, James P. Rineer, Brian L. Springer, William H. Frantz
  • Patent number: 8596009
    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: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: Nathan Baxter, James R. Waters