Abstract: A wall molding for suspended ceiling systems has a self-aligning feature adapted to locate one end of a piece being installed on the end of a previously installed piece so that an installation of high quality workmanship is quickly obtained. The self-aligning feature is in the form of a tongue extending longitudinally beyond a faux end and adapted to nest in the previously installed piece. The tongue fits within the spaces between hems on the longitudinal edges of legs of a right angle cross-section and the opposed legs so that the tongue is laterally restrained in the planes of the legs and is longitudinally restrained by abutting end edges.

Abstract: Disclosed is an acoustical tile composition in which the conventional starch binder is replaced by a wet-strength resin, such as a polyamine epichlorohydrin resin, can be fabricated into ceiling tiles and panels using conventional water felting processes and equipment with improved efficiency. The acoustical tile compositions, with the polyamine epichlorohydrin resins binder, can be dried significantly faster than comparable compositions containing conventional starch binders.

Abstract: A free form ceiling panel for suspended ceiling systems that creates the appearance of moguls. The free form ceiling panels fit into a suspended ceiling grid. The free form ceiling is a grid system made up of curving tee members and preformed curved panels. The grid members curve in predefined radii into which formed panels are placed. The frame is formed from individual curved grid members that meet at their respective ends to form intersections. The grid members are rigid preformed members that are curved so that when interconnected a curve is formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceiling panel for suspended ceiling systems that is designed to create a moiré effect when viewed from below. The moiré ceiling panels are designed to fit into a standard suspended ceiling grid and include a semi-transparent upper layer, a semi-transparent lower layer, and a light diffusing layer. The lower layer includes a surface with a plurality of openings to allow light from above the suspended ceiling to pass through. The upper layer also includes a surface with a plurality of openings and is connected to the lower layer to form the moiré panel. The light diffusing layer is connected to the upper panel and is design to intensify the moiré pattern while simultaneously concealing the area above the panel.

Abstract: A composition for a slurry for manufacture of acoustical panels includes one or more fillers, one or more binders, water and zinc pyrithione. At least of the fillers and/or binders includes microbial nutrients in an amount of at least 1% based on the dry weight of the acoustical panel. In another embodiment of the invention, acoustical panels include a core having a plurality of opposing surfaces and being at least ⅛ inches thick. The core comprises the dried product of a slurry of fillers, binders and water. Zinc pyrithione is present in at least one of the core and a coating applied to at least one of the surfaces of the core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel ceiling panel that is used with a corresponding grid system to create a shingle-type ceiling structure. The panels, are arranged in the grid system to create various patterns including shingles, saw teeth, undulations, pin wheels, among others and are designed to enhance the appearance of retail and office space. The ceiling is comprised of a grid system made up of intersecting grid members suspended from the building structure with hangers. The grid members are rigid preformed members that include a base portion a bridge portion and a bulb portion. The base portion is perpendicularly oriented to the bridge member and is adapted to support the panels. The panels are square when viewed in plan view but have a tapered cross-section about all or part of the panels. The panels can be fabricated out of polycarbonate or metal and can be opaque or translucent.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a scalable suspension system for domed shaped ceilings that includes a framework of suspension members interconnected to a central hub. The framework of suspension members are used to support a domed shaped ceiling fabricated from plaster or gypsum wallboard. The suspension members include primary spoke members, secondary spoke members, intercostal members and cross tees. The primary spoke members are attached to the central hub component. The intercostal members are spanned between the primary spoke members. The secondary spoke members are connected to the intercostal members, and extend between the primary spoke members. The primary and secondary spoke members are interconnected by the cross tees to create a unified structure. The hub includes radially indexed integral tabs that facilitate the attachment of the hanger wires and allows for the rigid attachment of the primary spoke members in a precise radial pattern.

Abstract: A connector for a main tee of a suspended ceiling grid that has improved self-aligning and connection force properties. The connector has an end tab with a forward portion bent at a lead angle and a receiving pocket with an outwardly flared entrance that, with an opposed identical connector, cooperate to provide smooth horizontal alignment. The end portion, additionally, includes an edge profile that vertically aligns itself with the receiving pocket of the opposed connector. The receiving pocket includes a spring-like resilient wall that limits the assembly force to overcome interference with projecting lock lances even when the connectors are nearly out of dimensional tolerance. The spring-like pocket wall, shape of the lock lance, and reinforcing beads contribute to an improved audible click signaling that a connection has been completed. The lock lance works with a relief groove to augment self-alignment of the connectors.

Abstract: A grid tee for a suspended ceiling system having integral centering tabs to prevent misalignment of the tee in the space between adjacent ceiling tiles that could otherwise allow the edge of a tile to slip off a flange of the tee. The centering tabs are cut out of the web of the tee with a cantilevered free length that is sufficient to enable the tabs to deflect a relatively large fraction of the width of a flange portion without permanently bending whereby variations in the widths of tiles are accommodated without development of excessive forces which could otherwise cause the tabs to impale themselves into the edges of the tiles.

Abstract: 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.