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: 11952776
    Abstract: A ceiling system which includes a substrate and securing members configured to engage a grid system to mount the substrate to the grid system. The securing members may include a mounting flange positioned with its bottom surface adjacent to the substrate. The mounting flange may be coupled to the substrate via fasteners. The securing members may further include a positioning member protruding from a top surface of the mounting flange and terminating in a distal edge. The positioning member may have a first side edge and a second side edge. The securing members may include a grid engagement member extending from the distal edge of the positioning member. The grid engagement member may be located centrally between the first and second side edges of the positioning member. The grid engagement member may have a U-shaped engagement portion configured to engage a grid member of the grid system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Nathan J. Baxter, James R. Waters
  • Patent number: 11479971
    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 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Nathan J. Baxter, James R. Waters
  • Patent number: 11293178
    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: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Todd M. Bergman, Francis Testa, James R. Waters, Christopher D. Gaydos, Brian L. Springer, Lori Jo L. Shearer, Scott L. Huntzinger
  • Patent number: 11098481
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: James R. Waters, James P. Rineer, Brian L. Springer, William H. Frantz
  • Patent number: 10724237
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: James R. Waters, James P. Rineer, Brian L. Springer, William H. Frantz
  • Patent number: 10718113
    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: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Nathan J. Baxter, James R. Waters
  • Patent number: 10711461
    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: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Todd M. Bergman, Francis Testa, James R. Waters, Christopher D. Gaydos, Brian L. Springer, Lori Jo L. Shearer, Scott L. Huntzinger
  • Publication number: 20190249427
    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: April 22, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Todd M. Bergman, Francis Testa, James R. Waters, Christopher D. Gaydos, Brian L. Springer, Lori Jo L. Shearer, Scott L. Huntzinger
  • Patent number: 10294663
    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 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Nathan J. Baxter, James R. Waters
  • Publication number: 20190145099
    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: January 14, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: James R. Waters, James P. Rineer, Brian L. Springer, William H. Frantz
  • Patent number: 10267039
    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: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Todd M. Bergman, Francis Testa, James R. Waters, Christopher D. Gaydos, Brian L. Springer, Lori Jo L. Shearer, Scott L. Huntzinger
  • 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
  • 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: 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: D789562
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventor: James R. Waters
  • Patent number: D884220
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventor: James R. Waters
  • Patent number: D981600
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventor: James R. Waters