Patents by Inventor Brian L. Springer

Brian L. Springer 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: 9951916
    Abstract: An integrated ceiling and light system that incorporates a light module into a ceiling tile. The system may include a grid support system suspended from an overhead support structure that includes at least one grid support element and first and second ceiling tiles supported by the grid support element in an adjacent manner. A nesting cavity may be formed into the first and second ceiling tiles such that a light module may be disposed within the nesting cavity and coupled to the first and second ceiling tiles. The ceiling tiles may be of the type that conceals the grid support element on which it is supported. In one alternative embodiment, the light module and a nesting region of the ceiling tile may include corresponding edge profiles to facilitate mating therebetween to enable coupling of the light source to the ceiling tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Peter J. Oleske, Brian L. Springer, Anthony J. Jaskierski, Todd M. Bergman, Keith A. Koger, Christopher D. Gaydos, Craig W. Desantis, Jere W. Myers, Jonathan P. Van Dore, G. Douglas Vernau, Kenneth P. Kehrer, Paul A Hough, Ravindra Deshpande
  • Patent number: 9938717
    Abstract: A ceiling system in one embodiment conceals joints between adjoining ceiling panels to provide a monolithic ceiling appearance. The system includes the support structure and ceiling panels each having a top surface, bottom surface, and peripheral edges. In one embodiment, the peripheral edges of the panels may have a hybrid edge detail including a first edge profile and a second edge profile different than the first. A facing material, bonded to the bottom surfaces of ceiling panels after securement to the support structure, has a continuous uninterrupted extent to cover and conceal multiple panels and joints. The facing may be adhesively bonded to the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: AWI LICENSING LLC
    Inventors: Christopher D. Gaydos, Brian L. Springer, Lori Jo L. Shearer, Scott L. Huntzinger
  • Patent number: 9909311
    Abstract: A ceiling system includes a grid support member, and first and second ceiling panels abutted at a joint. In the factory-supplied condition, each panel has a facing sheet already adhesively bonded to a central region of the panel. Perimeter portions of the facing are left un-bonded to an annular peripheral region of the surface surrounding the central region. This allows seams to be made in the field. The facing sheet comprises a cantilevered flap extending beyond a peripheral edge of the panel. During field installation, the flap of a first panel extends across the joint overlapping the second panel's un-bonded facing sheet in the peripheral region. The double thickness of facings is cut to form a seam laterally offset from the joint, which is concealed. A field applied or activated adhesive bonds the facing to the peripheral regions of each panel. A related installation method is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Christopher D. Gaydos, Brian L. Springer, Lori Jo L. Shearer, Scott L. Huntzinger
  • Publication number: 20170342710
    Abstract: A ceiling system includes a grid support member, and first and second ceiling panels abutted at a joint. In the factory-supplied condition, each panel has a facing sheet already adhesively bonded to a central region of the panel. Perimeter portions of the facing are left un-bonded to an annular peripheral region of the surface surrounding the central region. This allows seams to be made in the field. The facing sheet comprises a cantilevered flap extending beyond a peripheral edge of the panel. During field installation, the flap of a first panel extends across the joint overlapping the second panel's un-bonded facing sheet in the peripheral region. The double thickness of facings is cut to form a seam laterally offset from the joint, which is concealed. A field applied or activated adhesive bonds the facing to the peripheral regions of each panel. A related installation method is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher D. Gaydos, Brian L. Springer, Lori Jo L. Shearer, Scott L. Huntzinger
  • Patent number: 9556613
    Abstract: A ceiling system includes a grid support member, and first and second ceiling panels abutted at a joint. In the factory-supplied condition, each panel has a facing sheet already adhesively bonded to a central region of the panel. Perimeter portions of the facing are left un-bonded to an annular peripheral region of the surface surrounding the central region. This allows seams to be made in the field. The facing sheet comprises a cantilevered flap extending beyond a peripheral edge of the panel. During field installation, the flap of a first panel extends across the joint overlapping the second panel's un-bonded facing sheet in the peripheral region. The double thickness of facings is cut to form a seam laterally offset from the joint, which is concealed. A field applied or activated adhesive bonds the facing to the peripheral regions of each panel. A related installation method is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Christopher D. Gaydos, Brian L. Springer, Lori Jo Shearer, Scott L. Huntzinger
  • Publication number: 20160273218
    Abstract: A ceiling system in one embodiment conceals joints between adjoining ceiling panels to provide a monolithic ceiling appearance. The system includes the support structure and ceiling panels each having a top surface, bottom surface, and peripheral edges. In one embodiment, the peripheral edges of the panels may have a hybrid edge detail including a first edge profile and a second edge profile different than the first. A facing material, bonded to the bottom surfaces of ceiling panels after securement to the support structure, has a continuous uninterrupted extent to cover and conceal multiple panels and joints. The facing may be adhesively bonded to the panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER D. GAYDOS, BRIAN L. SPRINGER, LORI JO L. SHEARER, SCOTT L. HUNTZINGER
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20160178146
    Abstract: An integrated ceiling and light system that incorporates a light module into a ceiling tile. The system may include a grid support system suspended from an overhead support structure that includes at least one grid support element and first and second ceiling tiles supported by the grid support element in an adjacent manner. A nesting cavity may be formed into the first and second ceiling tiles such that a light module may be disposed within the nesting cavity and coupled to the first and second ceiling tiles. The ceiling tiles may be of the type that conceals the grid support element on which it is supported. In one alternative embodiment, the light module and a nesting region of the ceiling tile may include corresponding edge profiles to facilitate mating therebetween to enable coupling of the light source to the ceiling tile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: PETER J. OLESKE, BRIAN L. SPRINGER, ANTHONY J. JASKIERSKI, TODD M. BERGMAN, KEITH A. KOGER, CHRISTOPHER D. GAYDOS, CRAIG W. DESANTIS, JERE W. MYERS, JONATHAN P. VAN DORE, G. DOUGLAS VERNAU, KENNETH P. KEHRER, PAUL A. HOUGH, RAVINDRA DESHPANDE
  • Publication number: 20160178145
    Abstract: An integrated ceiling and light system that incorporates a light module into a ceiling tile or vertical panel. In certain embodiments, the light module may be coupled directly to the ceiling tile. The light module may have a weight per unit exposed surface area that is less than a weight per unit exposed surface area of the ceiling tile. The ceiling tile may have a first weight per unit volume that is greater than a second weight per unit volume of the light module coupled thereto, thereby preventing sagging of the ceiling tile. The ceiling tile may have a recess formed therein with the light module disposed within the recess. In such embodiment, a weight of the light module may be equal to or less than three times the weight of the portion of the ceiling tile that was removed to form the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: PETER J. OLESKE, BRIAN L. SPRINGER, ANTHONY J. JASKIERSKI, TODD M. BERGMAN, KEITH A. KOGER, CHRISTOPHER D. GAYDOS, CRAIG W. DESANTIS, JERE W. MYERS, JONATHAN P. VAN DORE, G. DOUGLAS VERNAU, KENNETH P. KEHRER, PAUL A. HOUGH, RAVINDRA DESHPANDE
  • Patent number: 9347220
    Abstract: A ceiling system in one embodiment includes a grid support member including a flange defining a bottom surface and a ceiling panel supported by the grid support member. A first facing sheet includes a peripheral edge portion attached to the grid support member. An integral cutting guide groove is formed in the bottom surface of the grid support member. The peripheral edge portion of first facing sheet includes an edge which is axially aligned with the groove. A second ceiling panel includes a second facing sheet including a peripheral edge portion having an edge axially aligned with the groove and disposed adjacent the edge of the first facing sheet to form a seam. The first and second facing sheets conceal the grid support member. A related method of installation is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Christopher David Gaydos, Brian L. Springer
  • Publication number: 20160138265
    Abstract: A ceiling system in one embodiment includes a grid support member including a flange defining a bottom surface and a ceiling panel supported by the grid support member. A first facing sheet includes a peripheral edge portion attached to the grid support member. An integral cutting guide groove is formed in the bottom surface of the grid support member. The peripheral edge portion of first facing sheet includes an edge which is axially aligned with the groove. A second ceiling panel includes a second facing sheet including a peripheral edge portion having an edge axially aligned with the groove and disposed adjacent the edge of the first facing sheet to form a seam. The first and second facing sheets conceal the grid support member. A related method of installation is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER DAVID GAYDOS, BRIAN L. SPRINGER
  • Patent number: 9328510
    Abstract: A ceiling system in one embodiment includes ceiling panels configured for attachment to an overhead support grid. The ceiling panel includes profiled first and second edges that engage parallel first and second grid support members respectively. At least one intermediate channel is formed in the top surface between the first and second edges. The channel defines a seating surface that engages a third grid support member arranged parallel to and between the first and second grid support members. The central portion of the ceiling panel is supported in a manner which allows the panel to span across and cover at least two grid openings, thereby providing a ceiling system that utilizes large format panels exceeding the size of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: Brian L. Springer, Nathan J. Baxter, G. Douglas Vernau, Ryan D. Hanuschak
  • 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: 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
  • 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
  • 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: 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: 7947615
    Abstract: An interior building system which includes a curved, acoustical, self-supporting composite panel which differentiates and accents the interior building space, and, at the same time, provides substantial sound absorbing capabilities. The composite panel is composed of two or more layers of non self-supporting soft fiber material and a discontinuous layer of adhesive interposed between each of the soft fiber layers. The system further includes mounting hardware for attaching the panel to the building structure. The mounting hardware has a perforated plate which is embedded in the panel which minimizes the visibility of the hardware, and, at the same time, provides enhanced load bearing capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: Brian L. Springer, John Felegi, Jr., James R. Waters, Guillaume Martin
  • Publication number: 20090000248
    Abstract: A canopy system for use in the interior building environment. The canopy system of the invention meets seismic code requirements and includes a means 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: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: James R. Waters, James P. Rineer, Brian L. Springer, William H. Frantz
  • Publication number: 20030134556
    Abstract: Disclosed is both a method and composition for forming a thermo-formable acoustical panel. The panel may be formed from multi-component polymer fibers or mono-filament polymer fibers dispersed in a mineral fiber batt. The polymer fibers are bound to the mineral fibers by the application of heat to form the acoustical panel. The panel exhibits both enhanced flame resistance and thermal insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Peter A. Christie, Anthony L. Wiker, Brian L. Springer, John R. Garrick, Kenneth E. Heiser