PERIMETER POCKET SYSTEM
A system for forming perimeter pockets includes a number of flat members and a number of different extruded shapes. The extruded shapes are configured for joining selected ones of the flat members into perimeter pockets adapted for different applications.
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This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/722,031, filed Aug. 23, 2018 and titled “Perimeter Pocket System”, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONA ceiling pocket or perimeter pocket is an enclosed space often provided above or adjacent to a suspended ceiling, for routing electrical wires, enclosing shades, or the like. Various structures have been provided for constructing such pockets, and the structures themselves are also sometimes called perimeter pockets.
Previous perimeter pockets have lacked adaptability to different situations
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “the present invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below. Statements containing these terms should not be understood to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to the entire specification of this patent, all drawings, and each claim.
According to one aspect, a system for forming perimeter pockets comprises a number of flat members and a number of different extruded shapes configured for joining selected ones of the flat members into perimeter pockets adapted for different applications. In some embodiments, the number of flat members comprises different flat members, including solid and perforated flat members. In some embodiments, the number of different extruded shapes comprise one or more extruded shapes defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of one or more of the number of flat members. In some embodiments, the slots are of a shape and size to receive edges of the one or more flat members in a press fit. In some embodiments, the slots define bulbous ends for receiving adhesive. In some embodiments, at least some of the slots include serrated features for engaging the received flat members. In some embodiments, the number of different extruded shapes comprise an extruded shape defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of two flat members with the two flat members at right angles to each other. In some embodiments, the number of different extruded shapes comprise an extruded shape defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of two flat members with the two flat members parallel with each other. In some embodiments, the extruded shape defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of two flat members with the two flat members parallel with each other also includes a hook feature. In some embodiments, the number of different extruded shapes comprise an extruded shape defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of two flat members with the two flat members at right angles to each other, the extruded shape also including an extending leg opposite one of the two flat members. In some embodiments, the extruded shape defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of two flat members with the two flat members at right angles to each other and including an extending leg opposite one of the two flat members also defines an attached tray. In some embodiments, the number of different extruded shapes comprise an extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members, the extruded shape also including an extending leg at a right angle to the received flat member. In some embodiments, the extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members and including an extending leg at a right angle to the received flat member also comprises a hook feature opposite the extending leg. In some embodiments, the extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members and including an extending leg at a right angle to the received flat member also comprises hook features on a face of a web of the extruded shape. In some embodiments, the extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members and including an extending leg at a right angle to the received flat member also comprises a corner bead. In some embodiments, the system further comprises at least one member having a brake-formable shape. In some embodiments, the number of different extruded shapes comprise an extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members at a first edge of the extruded shape, having a right-angle leg at a second edge of the extruded shape, and having at least two hook features on a first face of a web of the extruded shape between the first and second edges. In some embodiments, the extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members at a first edge of the extruded shape, having a right-angle leg at a second edge of the extruded shape, and having at least two hook features on a face of a web of the extruded shape between the first and second edges, also comprises at least two additional hook features on a second face of the web opposite the first face. In some embodiments, the number of different extruded shapes comprise three or more shapes selected from the group of shapes consisting of: an extruded shape defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of two flat members with the two flat members at right angles to each other; an extruded shape defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of two flat members with the two flat members parallel with each other; an extruded shape defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of two flat members with the two flat members parallel with each other, the extruded shape also including a hook feature; an extruded shape defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of two flat members with the two flat members at right angles to each other, and includes an extending leg opposite one of the two flat members; an extruded shape defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of two flat members with the two flat members at right angles to each other, the extruded shape also including an extending leg opposite one of the two flat members, and the extruded shape also defining an attached tray; an extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members, and including an extending leg at a right angle to the received flat member; an extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members, and including an extending leg at a right angle to the received flat member, and also including a hook feature opposite the extending leg; an extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members, and including an extending leg at a right angle to the received flat member, and also including hook features on a face of a web of the extruded shape; an extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members, and including an extending leg at a right angle to the received flat member, and also including a corner bead; an extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members at a first edge of the extruded shape, having a right-angle leg at a second edge of the extruded shape, and having at least two hook features on a first face of a web of the extruded shape between the first and second edges; and an extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members at a first edge of the extruded shape, having a right-angle leg at a second edge of the extruded shape, and having at least two hook features on a first face of a web of the extruded shape between the first and second edges, and also comprising at least two additional hook features on a second face of the web opposite the first face.
According to another aspect, a perimeter pocket comprises an extruded shape defining slots disposed at right angles to each other, and first and second flat, elongate panels. Edges of the first and second flat panels are disposed respectively in slots of the extruded shape such that the flat panels are held at right angles to each other and define a rectangular space. In some embodiments, the edges of the first and second flat panels are press-fitted into the slots, or are secured in the slots by an adhesive.
The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.
The flat pieces of the perimeter pocket 100 are joined together using extruded corner shapes 204 and 205, and a ledge for suspended ceiling 104 is provided by an edge shape 206. Edge shape 206 is an example of an extruded shape having a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of a flat member, and including an extending leg at a right angle to the received flat member. These and other combinable components are described in more detail below.
In some embodiments, slots such as the slots 401 and 402 in extruded shape 204 (and other shapes described herein) may be formed with serrated features, to further secure flat pieces in the slots. Extruded shapes having slots with serrated features are described in more detail below.
An upper leg 301 of the corner shape 204 may extend above the flat piece 201, opposite the flat piece 202, and may, in conjunction with corner shape 205, provide a tray for containing wiring or other items laid on the top of the perimeter pocket 100, or may act as a supporting member when attached via hanger wire to structure above.
Grooves 302 and 303 may be provided on the legs of the corner shape 204, for conveniently receiving self-tapping screws for joining the flat pieces 201 and 202 to the corner shape 204, if desired.
The extruded shape 206 may be especially helpful in joining a suspended ceiling such as the suspended ceiling 104 to the perimeter pocket 100. For example, the extruded shape 206 includes a lower shelf 703, on which structure 704 of the suspended ceiling 104 may rest. The extruded shape 206 is also an example of an extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members, the extruded shape also including an extending leg at a right angle to the received flat member.
Although not shown in
For the purposes of this disclosure, an “extruded shape” is an elongate member having a constant cross section suitable for initial formation by extrusion. Some such shapes may also be formable by molding, casting, or bending of flat stock. This use of the word “shape” is common in the metal fabrication, plastic fabrication, and building trades. Additional features such as through holes, threads, or other features may be added after the initial formation of the extruded shape, and the member is still considered to be an extruded shape.
A variety of other extruded shapes may be provided, and are combinable with flat pieces to create a large number of perimeter pocket configurations useful in different situations. The various extruded shapes may be made of aluminum, a polymer, or another suitable material. The additional extruded shapes may include features similar to some of those discussed above, for example slots for receiving flat pieces and grooves for facilitating the insertion of self-tapping screws. Other features and configurations will be described below. However, it is to be understood that the above and following examples are not intended to be an exhaustive catalog of the possible configurations.
Each of the side pieces 1801 includes hooks 1806 for receiving clips 1807, for mounting of the suspended ceiling 104. The side pieces 1801 also include shelves 1808 for supporting other kinds of decorative ceiling treatments 1809. The side piece 1801 is also an example of an extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members at a first edge of the extruded shape, having a right-angle leg at a second edge of the extruded shape, and having at least two hook features on a first face of a web of the extruded shape between the first and second edges.
In addition, the slot 2602 is formed with serrated features 2605. The serrated features may be spaced to interfere slightly with the flat member 2603 as the flat member 2603 is inserted into the slot 2602. The serrated shape of the serrated features 2605 may enhance the grip of the slot 2602 on the flat member 2603, to help prevent accidental disassembly of a perimeter pocket including the extruded shape 2601 and the flat member 2603. In other embodiments, the serrated features may provide reservoirs for adhesive placed in the slot 2602.
The extruded shape 2601 also includes hook features 2606, similar to the hook features 1806 described above, for attaching the structure of a suspended ceiling.
The extruded shape 2801 also includes a corner bead 2807, similar to the corner bead 1502 described above. Extruded shapes 2601 and 2801 are examples of an extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members, and including an extending leg at a right angle to the received flat member, and also including hook features on a face of a web of the extruded shape.
Other kinds of items may be placed in a perimeter pocket, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. For example, such perimeter pockets may serve as a mounting places or housings for security cameras, smoke or gas detectors, sprinkler system components such as sprinkler heads, or other kinds of items.
The various parts of perimeter pockets embodying the invention may be finished in any suitable way, for example by painting, powder coating, plating, or another process or combination of processes.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the method and system of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. It is to be understood that any workable combination of the features and capabilities disclosed herein is also considered to be disclosed.
Claims
1. A system for forming perimeter pockets, the system comprising:
- a number of flat members; and
- a number of different extruded shapes configured for joining selected ones of the flat members into perimeter pockets adapted for different applications.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the number of flat members comprises different flat members, including solid and perforated flat members.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the number of different extruded shapes comprise one or more extruded shapes defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of one or more of the number of flat members.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the slots are of a shape and size to receive edges of the one or more flat members in a press fit.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein the slots define bulbous ends for receiving adhesive.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein at least some of the slots include serrated features for engaging the received flat members.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the number of different extruded shapes comprise an extruded shape defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of two flat members with the two flat members at right angles to each other.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the number of different extruded shapes comprise an extruded shape defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of two flat members with the two flat members parallel with each other.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the extruded shape defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of two flat members with the two flat members parallel with each other also includes a hook feature.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the number of different extruded shapes comprise an extruded shape defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of two flat members with the two flat members at right angles to each other, the extruded shape also including an extending leg opposite one of the two flat members.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the extruded shape defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of two flat members with the two flat members at right angles to each other and including an extending leg opposite one of the two flat members also defines an attached tray.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the number of different extruded shapes comprise an extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members, the extruded shape also including an extending leg at a right angle to the received flat member.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members and including an extending leg at a right angle to the received flat member also comprises a hook feature opposite the extending leg.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members and including an extending leg at a right angle to the received flat member also comprises hook features on a face of a web of the extruded shape.
15. The system of claim 12, wherein the extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members and including an extending leg at a right angle to the received flat member also comprises a corner bead.
16. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one member having a brake-formable shape.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the number of different extruded shapes comprise an extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members at a first edge of the extruded shape, having a right-angle leg at a second edge of the extruded shape, and having at least two hook features on a first face of a web of the extruded shape between the first and second edges.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members at a first edge of the extruded shape, having a right-angle leg at a second edge of the extruded shape, and having at least two hook features on a face of a web of the extruded shape between the first and second edges, also comprises at least two additional hook features on a second face of the web opposite the first face.
19. The system of claim 1, wherein the number of different extruded shapes included in the system comprise three or more shapes selected from the group of shapes consisting of:
- an extruded shape defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of two flat members with the two flat members at right angles to each other;
- an extruded shape defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of two flat members with the two flat members parallel with each other;
- an extruded shape defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of two flat members with the two flat members parallel with each other, the extruded shape also including a hook feature;
- an extruded shape defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of two flat members with the two flat members at right angles to each other, and includes an extending leg opposite one of the two flat members;
- an extruded shape defining slots of a shape and size to receive edges of two flat members with the two flat members at right angles to each other, the extruded shape also including an extending leg opposite one of the two flat members, and the extruded shape also defining an attached tray;
- an extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members, and including an extending leg at a right angle to the received flat member;
- an extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members, and including an extending leg at a right angle to the received flat member, and also including a hook feature opposite the extending leg;
- an extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members, and including an extending leg at a right angle to the received flat member, and also including hook features on a face of a web of the extruded shape;
- an extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members, and including an extending leg at a right angle to the received flat member, and also including a corner bead;
- an extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members at a first edge of the extruded shape, having a right-angle leg at a second edge of the extruded shape, and having at least two hook features on a first face of a web of the extruded shape between the first and second edges; and
- an extruded shape defining a slot of a shape and size to receive an edge of one of the flat members at a first edge of the extruded shape, having a right-angle leg at a second edge of the extruded shape, and having at least two hook features on a first face of a web of the extruded shape between the first and second edges, and also comprising at least two additional hook features on a second face of the web opposite the first face.
20. A perimeter pocket, comprising:
- an extruded shape defining slots disposed at right angles to each other; and
- first and second flat, elongate panels, wherein edges of the first and second flat panels are disposed respectively in slots of the extruded shape such that the flat panels are held at right angles to each other and define a rectangular space.
21. The perimeter pocket of claim 20, wherein the edges of the first and second flat panels are press-fitted into the slots, or are secured in the slots by an adhesive.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 22, 2019
Publication Date: Feb 27, 2020
Applicant: Fry Reglet Corporation (Santa Fe Springs, CA)
Inventors: Mark E. Brinkman (Cumming, GA), Robert Stuart (Rome, GA)
Application Number: 16/548,647