Patents by Inventor Alan C. Wendt

Alan C. Wendt 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: 6782670
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan C. Wendt
  • Patent number: 6748712
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin E. Likozar, James A. Fletterick, Alan C. Wendt, David B. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20030230043
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Martin E. Likozar, James A. Fletterick, Alan C. Wendt, David B. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20030205016
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a free form ceiling panel for suspended ceiling systems that is designed to create the appearance of moguls. The free form ceiling panels are designed to 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. Alternatively, a standard planar grid system with variable length extension posts attached to the grid can be utilized to secure the free form panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Peder Gulbrandsen, James J. Lehane, Alan C. Wendt
  • Publication number: 20030121227
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Alan C. Wendt
  • Publication number: 20030046889
    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 evenly spaced apertures to allow light from above the suspended ceiling to pass through. The upper layer also includes a surface with a plurality of apertures 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Diane Irene Lynch, Alan C. Wendt
  • Publication number: 20030046890
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Diane Irene Lynch, Alan C. Wendt
  • Patent number: 6467228
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan C. Wendt, Merritt W. Seymour, Gregory M. Ahren
  • Patent number: 6298623
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a stand-alone adjustable trim strip system that can be used for the attachment of lighting and signs. The trim strip system is designed to conceal hardware used for attaching lighting and signs and also provides for a system that can be adapted to accommodate architectural design. The system has the capability of being suspended from the structure of a building by wires or rods or can be affixed to walls or ceilings by using fasteners. The system is comprised of one or more trim strips and brackets that can be shaped into different polymeric shapes or can be arranged in a grid format. The system has the ability to attach electric lighting and signs while providing for an aesthetically pleasing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan C. Wendt
  • Patent number: 6260325
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling system in which the grid runners are largely concealed by the panels to produce a distinctive high quality appearance. In various illustrated embodiments, the visual effect is produced as a result of the panels being separated by a relatively narrow gap in two perpendicular directions or by a narrow gap in one direction and essentially no gap in the perpendicular direction, and the grid being recessed above the main face of the panels. The panels are accurately positioned on the grid by metal clips, normally permanently attached to the panels, which engage upstanding flange portions of the grid runners. The accurate positioning afforded by the clips assures that visually distracting variations in the size of the narrow gaps are avoided. The clips can also serve to avoid accidental dislodging of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan C. Wendt, David R. Stover, Gerald L. Koski
  • Patent number: 6138425
    Abstract: The present invention is a clip used in the construction of suspended ceiling grid systems for the hanging of drywall or other panels. The clip provides a versatile means of joining two suspended grid beams at various points of transition between two grid beams, such as a transition in the ceiling surface, thus eliminating the need for a different means of joining in each situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan C. Wendt
  • Patent number: 6047512
    Abstract: A drywall suspension grid system comprising a selection of various sized and specified pre-formed and pre-engineered "T" grid beams and components used to construct a grid having a grid face upon which drywall is mounted, thus creating a suspended drywall ceiling. The suspension grid system can be used to create flat ceilings, curved ceilings, soffits, fascia for floating edge ceilings, utility interfaces, or any combination thereof in a suspended grid drywall ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan C. Wendt, David A. Willey
  • Patent number: 6035876
    Abstract: A free-standing ceiling structure including an elongate column member having a bottom end and a top end. A plurality of primary arms are attached to the column member and extend radially therefrom. Each primary arm includes first and second sub-arms extending outwardly therefrom. A pair of peripheral panel members are respectively attached to and supported by a primary arm and by the sub-arms attached to the primary arm. A plurality of central canopy members are attached to and supported by the primary arms. A plurality of secondary arms extend radially from the column member and are located below the primary arms. The outer end of each secondary arm includes a light fixture. The column member includes one or more utility devices for providing environmental control and communication services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Stover, Merritt W. Seymour, Robert J. Surra, Alan C. Wendt, Merle Lindby-Young
  • Patent number: 6018923
    Abstract: The present invention is a clip used in the construction of suspended ceiling grid systems for the hanging of drywall or other panels. The clip provides a versatile means of joining two suspended grid beams at points of transition in the ceiling surface in many different intersecting orientations, thus eliminating the need for a different means of joining in each situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan C. Wendt
  • Patent number: 5937605
    Abstract: The present invention is a clip used in the construction of suspension grid ceilings that are either island ceilings or ceilings having floating edges. The clip provides a versatile means for attaching face trim, such as COMPASSO.TM. trim, to the ceiling edge created by the suspended grid beams. The clip mounting can be vertically adjusted so that the typical trim problems of gaps or inconsistencies between the face trim and the horizontal ceiling panels may be eliminated without resorting to traditional finishing procedures. The same clip may be used in several different mounting situations involving the grid beam arranged to the trim at angles ranging from parallel to orthogonal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan C. Wendt
  • Patent number: 5699641
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling grid system with an integrated aperture for accessories such as lights, air diffusers and like accessories. The system has an appearance ring of suitable size that forms the aperture and that interconnects with runner elements of corresponding suitable length. The ring is disposed at the geometric center of a grid module and the interconnected runners are arranged to provide support for the ring and related accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Tinen, Pawan Singal, Douglas Hooper, Alan C. Wendt
  • Patent number: 5590502
    Abstract: A panel access clip for relocatable partitions having a snap-engageable part struck-up from a base portion over a central cut-out and joining said base portion at a flexure zone spaced inwardly from a panel engaging portion of the clip, whereby to reduce shear forces on the panel edge and locate the point of bending flexure during engagement and disengagement with a support member to a zone spaced at least one-half the width of the clip from said panel engaging portion. The clip being capable of allowing engaged panels to be removed from a wall partition assembly without damage to the edges of the panel, whether they are kerfed or non-kerfed panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan C. Wendt
  • Patent number: 4944122
    Abstract: A demountable partition system is provided having horizontally oriented panels and bands for wire management and attachment of wall supported furniture. In the system, a horizontal runner has upper and lower edges engaging wall panels disposed above and below. A recess is formed in the runner between the upper and lower edges and a cap engages the runner and covers the recess. The runner may be used to route and conceal wiring and to support hang-on furniture at any location along the length of the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Inventor: Alan C. Wendt
  • Patent number: D474550
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan C. Wendt
  • Patent number: D396018
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Stover, Merritt W. Seymour, Robert J. Surra, Alan C. Wendt, Merle Lindby-Young