Suspended Ceiling Patents (Class 52/220.6)
  • Patent number: 10900227
    Abstract: A wall surfacing system for providing a secondary ceiling or wall covering structure adjacent a primary structure. The system provides a plurality of elongated structural support rails, each of these support rails have a coupling web with a bearing surface for attachment to the primary structure, a coupling mechanism, and a portion integrally formed with and connecting the coupling web to the coupling mechanism. A plurality of generally planar surface panels are provided. Each panel has an integral interlocking member configured to mate with the coupling mechanism on the support rail. The elongated support rails are secured to primary structures, thereby extending the surface panels to form an aesthetically pleasing covered surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: IG Creative Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Maley, Robert N. Maley, Laurence R. Maley
  • Patent number: 10563829
    Abstract: A fastening device for fastening lighting devices to T-shaped profiles of a false ceiling. The fastening device may include a shaped flat body of electrically insulating material having conductive tracks embedded therein. The conductive tracks may have first ends and second ends that protrude from opposite ends of the flat body. The conductive tracks may be configured for establishing an electrical connection between a lighting device and a power supply source located above the false ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: OSRAM GMBH
    Inventors: Simon Bobbo, Valerio Michielan
  • Patent number: 10214901
    Abstract: The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA EXPANDED METAL PRODUCTS COMPANY
    Inventors: Donald Anthony Pilz, Raymond Edward Poliquin, Fernando Hernandez Sesma
  • Patent number: 10161131
    Abstract: A wall surfacing system for providing a secondary ceiling or wall covering structure adjacent a primary structure. The system provides a plurality of elongated structural support rails, each of these support rails have a coupling web with a bearing surface for attachment to the primary structure, a coupling mechanism, and a portion integrally formed with and connecting the coupling web to the coupling mechanism. A plurality of generally planar surface panels are provided. Each panel has an integral interlocking member configured to mate with the coupling mechanism on the support rail. The elongated support rails are secured to primary structures, thereby extending the surface panels to form an aesthetically pleasing covered surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: IG Creative Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Maley, Robert N. Maley, Laurence R. Maley
  • Patent number: 9869085
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for connecting an overhead roof structure to below roof structure elements of a building. The below roof structure elements include a wall having a top plate member or ceiling support structure. The bracket assembly includes overhead fixing members, a bracket member, bearing member, sleeve member, and below roof structure fastener, which are interconnected and fastened together. One end of the bracket member is connectable to the overhead fixing members to the overhead roof structure and the other end is connectable to the below roof structure fastener which is connectable to the below roof structure. The bearing and sleeve members are located and connected between the bracket member and the below roof structure such that the bracket member rests without loading on the bearing member which then rests on the sleeve member which when used rests without loading on the below roof structure, providing structural integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventors: Shaun Evans, Scott Simpson
  • Patent number: 9038326
    Abstract: A ceiling system in one embodiment includes a support grid including intersecting grid support members and grid openings formed between the grid support members. A vertical baffle is positioned in a grid opening and is attached to the support grid. The baffle includes opposing front and rear faces extending between opposing lateral sides of the baffle. First and second mounting grooves formed in the baffle engage and support the baffle from the grid. In one embodiment, one of the mounting grooves is disposed in each lateral side to support the baffle from opposite sides. The baffle may further include a third mounting groove formed in the rear face which engages the support grid to help align and squarely register the baffle with respect to the grid for clean linear visuals. In one embodiment, the grid support members may have a standard T-shaped cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: Todd Bergman, Scott Huntzinger
  • Patent number: 9038344
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling system for a building structure includes a plurality of parallel struts for supporting a plurality of parallel vanes suspended from the struts in perpendicular relationship thereto. The vanes can be suspended in downwardly spaced relationship to the struts or in contiguous relationship therewith and occur in different forms including illuminated vanes, adjustable vanes and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Mayer
  • Patent number: 8991120
    Abstract: A cross member for a narrow channel in a suspended ceiling grid comprising a carrier and a cover, the carrier having a web and a planar flange on a lower edge of the web, end connectors at opposite ends of the carrier web, the cover having a three-dimensional cross-section with an overall width generally equal to the width of the carrier flange and integral bendable tabs, the tabs being adjacent the ends of the cover and short in comparison to a length of the cover, the tabs being constructed to be manually folded over the flange of the carrier to lock the cover to the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Lehane, Jr., Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Mark R. Paulsen, Abraham M. Underkofler
  • Patent number: 8955272
    Abstract: An elongated stabilizer bar for maintaining a pair of grid runners in parallel upright positions to support a panel on respective grid runner support surfaces, the stabilizer bar having a horizontal leg and a vertical leg, the horizontal leg having self-penetrating tabs arranged to pierce and thereby grip a core of the panel to fix the stabilizer bar to the panel, a vertical leg having a vertical slot at each end, the slot having an open bottom, the slot having a horizontal width adapted to receive and confine an upper reinforcing bulb of a respective one of the pair of grid runners to thereby restrain the respective grid runner against excessive bowing and twisting deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Abraham M. Underkofler, Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Mark R. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 8955273
    Abstract: A short cross member for a narrow utility channel formed of malleable sheet metal and having a vertical double ply web and a horizontal flange symmetrically disposed on both sides of a lower edge of the web, integral end connectors formed on each end of the cross member from sheet material contiguous with the web, the integral end connectors being arranged to support the flange in coplanar relation with flanges of the channel, the end connectors and the web being weakened at a predetermined vertical line whereby the cross member can be assembled in a narrow channel by bending at the associated line of weakness to shorten the effective overall length of the cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Lehane, Jr., Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Mark R. Paulsen, Abraham M. Underkofler
  • Publication number: 20150040495
    Abstract: A short cross member for a narrow utility channel formed of malleable sheet metal and having a vertical double ply web and a horizontal flange symmetrically disposed on both sides of a lower edge of the web, integral end connectors formed on each end of the cross member from sheet material contiguous with the web, the integral end connectors being arranged to support the flange in coplanar relation with flanges of the channel, the end connectors and the web being weakened at a predetermined vertical line whereby the cross member can be assembled in a narrow channel by bending at the associated line of weakness to shorten the effective overall length of the cross member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Lehane, JR., Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Mark R. Paulsen, Abraham M. Underkofler
  • Publication number: 20150040494
    Abstract: A cross member for a narrow channel in a suspended ceiling grid comprising a carrier and a cover, the carrier having a web and a planar flange on a lower edge of the web, end connectors at opposite ends of the carrier web, the cover having a three-dimensional cross-section with an overall width generally equal to the width of the carrier flange and integral bendable tabs, the tabs being adjacent the ends of the cover and short in comparison to a length of the cover, the tabs being constructed to be manually folded over the flange of the carrier to lock the cover to the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Lehane, JR., Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Mark R. Paulsen, Abraham M. Underkofler
  • Patent number: 8950153
    Abstract: A wireguide configured to couple to a T-bar structure of a drop ceiling and method for installing the wireguide is provided. The wireguide includes a first portion contacting a base of the T-bar structure; a second portion extending from the first portion over a top member of the T-bar structure; and a third portion extending from the second portion to the base of the T-bar structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Domenick Luongo
  • Patent number: 8881477
    Abstract: A ceiling frame system 1 comprises a plurality of frame members 1 configured to depend from the ceiling. The frame members 1 include one or more service conduits 11 and are configured to be interconnected to one or more other frame members 1 to interconnect said service conduits 11 between predetermined interconnected frame members 1. The services are accessible at one or more predetermined locations along the length of each frame member 1. A ceiling frame member 1 is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Enlighten Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: David Whitfield
  • Patent number: 8835776
    Abstract: An exemplary guideway mechanism includes four branches each including two parallel rails, four groups of connecting blocks each including four connecting blocks arranged at four corners of an imaginary square, and four supporting brackets each connecting one corresponding group of connecting blocks. Adjacent ends of the rails of each branch respectively connect two adjacent connecting blocks. Each of two ends of each rail connects one corresponding connecting block. Two adjacent rails respectively located in two adjacent branches are perpendicular to each other and connected together by a respective connecting block of one corresponding group of connecting blocks. The other two rails respectively located in the two adjacent branches connect another two respective connecting blocks of the one corresponding group of connecting blocks. The whole guideway mechanism is frame-shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shen-Chun Li, Hsien-Chuan Liang, Shou-Kuo Hsu
  • Patent number: 8820018
    Abstract: A wall surfacing system for providing a secondary ceiling or wall covering structure adjacent a primary structure. The system provides a plurality of elongated structural support rails, each of these support rails have a coupling web with a bearing surface for attachment to the primary structure, a coupling mechanism, and a stringer portion integrally formed with and connecting the coupling web to the coupling mechanism. A plurality of generally planar surface panels are provided. Each panel has an integral interlocking member configured to mate with the coupling mechanism on the support rail. The elongated support rails are secured to primary structures, thereby extending the surface panels to form an aesthetically pleasing covered surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: IG Creative Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Maley, Robert N. Maley, Laurence R. Maley
  • Patent number: 8739487
    Abstract: A ceiling panel uses a perimeter frame with a wide outwardly extending bottom flange defining a thin panel edge. Preferably the bottom flange includes a lower surface for securing of a finished substrate about the panel perimeter. The upper surface of the bottom flange receives a gusset clip that includes two arms for securement of the bottom flange and an upwardly extending lift and shift securing tab. The upwardly extending lift and shift securing tab is preferably located within a depth of the ceiling panel generally defined by an acoustical dampening material located within the perimeter frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: CertainTeed Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Daniel Gerkes, Heikki Kolga, Ronald White
  • Patent number: 8720146
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling structure for a refrigerated storage and a construction method thereof are provided. The suspended ceiling structure comprises a ceiling grid which comprises a main grid, hanging members and an attachment grid. An insulating strip made of polyurethane foam is placed on the main grid so as to serve as a cushion block. An upper color-coated steel sheet is provided above the insulating strip and a lower color-coated steel sheet is arranged below the main grid. A thermal break component is arranged between the main grid and the lower steel sheet, and a polyurethane insulating material is sprayed in successive layers between the upper and lower color coated steel sheets. The ceiling structure can improve the insulation effect of the refrigerated storage and save energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Guangzhou Baier Cold-Chain Polyurethane Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hong Wang
  • Patent number: 8720147
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for attaching installations above a ceiling for ceiling panels between substantially inverted T-shaped ceiling beams, the ceiling beams (20) being arranged in a substantially rectangular/square pattern to form T-beam crossings and defining ceiling panel (22) supporting areas. The apparatus includes a fixation base having connection points for the installation with at least three legs (2) extending from the fixation base (1) for connecting the fixation base (1) to the ceiling beams (20) in a beam crossing and for attaching the fixation base (1) at a distance from said beam crossing, as well as an attachment portion (3) for fastening the legs (2) to the beams (20). Also described is a method for attaching installations above a ceiling for ceiling panels (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Roman Empire AS
    Inventor: Oystein Roman
  • Patent number: 8640408
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a grid system including at least one main runner including an aperture; at least one cross spacer including a slot, with the slot formed from a bottom side thereof; and a fixing element. The main runner is insertable into the slot in the cross spacer from a first side of the cross spacer such that, when the main runner is inserted into said slot, the aperture of the main runner is at least partly accessible from a second side of the cross spacer, the second side being opposite to the first side. The cross spacer further includes an aperture, and the fixing element is adapted to, in a locked position, extend through the aperture in the main runner and through the aperture in the cross spacer such that the relative position of the main runner and the cross spacer is fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ecophon AB
    Inventor: Jan Wilkens
  • Patent number: 8615947
    Abstract: A sheet metal yoke for supporting a pair of main runners of a suspended ceiling grid in parallel alignment with a relatively narrow spacing, the yoke having an inverted U-shape with a horizontal span and a depending leg adjacent each end of the span, a lower end of each leg having a tab extending towards the other leg, the tab being proportioned to fit in a cross runner slot of a main runner and being capable of vertically supporting the main runner at a desired elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Abraham M. Underkofler, Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Mark R. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 8596009
    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: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: Nathan Baxter, James R. Waters
  • Patent number: 8584412
    Abstract: An electrically powerable grid element having first and second conductive members of opposing polarity. The grid element includes first and second electrical access slots which expose the conductive members. The grid element includes a tap which has a conductor engaging means which forms an electrical connection with the first and second conductors via the first and second electrical access slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventors: Sandor A. Frecska, Brian T. Patterson, William E. Beakes, Jere W. Myers, Joseph R. Woelfling
  • Patent number: 8578673
    Abstract: The space above a suspended ceiling grid that extends along a corridor is kept open and free of hang wires by creating a truss at each end of a beam in the grid. The truss includes the beam itself, an opposing wall along one side of the space, and a gusset stay that extends from the wall to the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventors: Joseph J. Kelly, William J. Platt
  • Patent number: 8578659
    Abstract: An overhead arrangement, for use in a suspended ceiling system having a grid framework of frame elements lying in a ceiling plane and bounding a plurality of openings for supporting a corresponding plurality of ceiling members, includes an electrical apparatus, such as a DC power supply, a support for supporting the electrical apparatus on the framework at an elevation above one of the ceiling members supported in one of the openings, and a slanted control panel on the housing and having manually accessible controls and visually accessible displays. The slanted control panel is obliquely and downwardly inclined relative to the ceiling plane to enable manual access to the controls and visual access to the displays through the opening to the slanted control panel from below the framework after the ceiling member is at least partially removed from its opening without mechanical interference between the ceiling tile and the electrical apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nexter Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Parigoris, Wayne A. Gutschow, Benjamin Hartman
  • Publication number: 20130291460
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sprinkler mounting device, in which an open-type mounting bracket adapted to mount a reducer having a head includes a means to be temporarily joined to a support bar, thereby preventing a separation of the mounting bracket from the support bar during work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Seung-il Oh
  • Publication number: 20130291461
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sprinkler mounting device having a mounting bracket that includes a tightening member mounted on the front of a bracket body for opening and closing an open portion by a lever, so that the tightening member can firmly hold a reducer, to which a head is joined, once a worker shifts the lever back after inserting the reducer into the bracket body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Seung-il Oh
  • Publication number: 20130276389
    Abstract: An aisle containment system is provided. The aisle containment system includes a pair of wall beams suspended from a ceiling, a pair of floor tracks positioned beneath the wall beams and secured to a floor, and at least one blanking panel secured to one of the wall beams and one of the floor tracks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Samuel M. Marrs, Mark Shurhay, William A. Bernard
  • Patent number: 8534014
    Abstract: An elongated metal grid runner for a suspended ceiling, the grid runner having a cross-section with an upper hollow reinforcing bulb, a vertical web extending below the bulb, and lower flange elements extending laterally from opposite sides of the web, the length of the grid runner being less than about 9?, a permanent magnet disposed on each end of the grid runner at its flange elements, the magnet being adapted to overlie and be attracted to a horizontal leg of a steel wall angle to thereby releasably retain the grid runner in position on the wall angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory M. Ahren
  • Publication number: 20130192152
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for strengthening floor structures and for organizing utility conduits. The apparatus includes a rectangular shaped web having first and second opposing sides. The web bridges between two adjacent floor joists and is perpendicular to the adjacent floor joists. A beam is located a predetermined distance from the first side and is parallel to the first side. The beam and the first side form a pocket for receiving a portion of a floor joist. A channel is formed in the second side for receiving a beam from another substantially identical web so that the two webs may be interlocked. The web includes a central portion having a plurality of openings therein for receiving elongated utility conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Raymond J. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8485835
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling grid tee of conventional cross-sectional shape having a plurality of generally planar parallel and orthogonal surfaces and at least two electrically isolated conductor strips attached to the planar areas of the tee surfaces extending along substantially the full length of the tee, a connector for supplying low voltage electrical power to or from the conductors, the connector having a configuration complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the grid tee and including at least two electrical contacts for energizing each of said conductor strips when said connector is positioned on said grid tee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Ying (Lora) Liang, Daniel Boss, Paul D. LaLonde, Peder Gulbrandsen
  • Patent number: 8474200
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling system has a series of nodes interconnected by grid members to define a grid network. Each node includes a connection plate having a central port area that is adapted to form a recessed part of the finished surface of the ceiling system that is visible between adjacent suspended ceiling panels that conceal the grid members. The connection plate preferably includes grid member connecting arms extending outwardly from the connection plate. The central port area includes a cavity adapted for different purposes. This cavity can receive ceiling components, for example various light fixtures, securing devices or a removable access panel that covers the central port area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Decoustics Limited
    Inventors: Martin Daniel Gerkes, Heikki Kolga, Ronald White
  • Patent number: 8474199
    Abstract: A sprinkler mounting device, in which an open-type mounting bracket for mounting a reducer having a head is temporarily joined to a support bar, thereby preventing a separation of the mounting bracket from the support bar during work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Kofulso Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-il Oh
  • Patent number: 8453407
    Abstract: A seismic clip for suspended ceiling grid tees that offers high strength, rigidity, versatility and ease of assembly while improving the ability of a clip to self-align with a grid tee. The clip includes a lanced tab that serves to establish and maintain alignment of the clip body and the tee to which it is assembled whereby a tendency of a clip to be tilted upwardly relative to the tee is eliminated or greatly reduced. The alignment tab serves to initially align the clip and tee either when it is assembled by snapping it over the tee or by sliding the tee endwise into the clip. The tab is configured so that it does not unduly add to the assembly force level when the clip is snapped over the tee or when the tee and clip are slipped endwise together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Lee M. Tedesco, James J. Lehane, Jr., Peder J. Gulbrandsen
  • Patent number: 8443564
    Abstract: A clip for a suspended ceiling grid to join a pair of grid runners intersecting a third grid runner from opposite sides of the third grid runner, the clip being bendable sheet metal symmetrical about a vertical plane, having a saddle portion with a seat and generally planar flaps depending from opposite sides of the seat, including a pair of generally planar wings each cantilevered from a respective one of the flaps; the seat width corresponding to a hollow reinforcing bulb of a grid runner, the flaps extend over the sides of the reinforcing bulb and web of the third grid runner, a flap and wing joined at a vertical bend line, weaker than each adjacent area of the flap and wing whereby the wing can be manually bent to a desired angle relative to the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventor: John D. Bankston, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8359801
    Abstract: A roll-formed grid runner comprising a sheet metal strip folded into an upper hollow single wall reinforcing bulb, a double wall web below the bulb, a channel extending laterally from both sides of a lower end of the web to a bend and upwardly from the bend to a panel supporting elevation, the bend on each side of the web existing at a longitudinally extending score line where a thickness of the strip is locally reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Lehane, Jr., Peder J. Gulbrandsen, John L. Hammond, Abraham M. Underkofler, Mark R. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 8341913
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for suspending ceiling tiles, comprising a plurality of substantially parallel upper supports, a plurality of substantially parallel lower supports which are substantially perpendicular to the upper supports and which cross the upper supports at crossing points, the upper supports having apertures and being suspended via suspending means, a mounting clip which affixes each lower support to an upper support at a crossing point, the lower supports each having a substantially vertical web, wherein the mounting clip has the form of two plates each having an upper section and a lower section and the upper section of each plate has a protruding section at one edge, and the two protruding sections each pass through an aperture in the upper support, whereby the lower sections of the two plates pass on opposite sides of the vertical web of the lower support and press against and grip the lower support as a result of the protruding sections being held within the aperture or apertures i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwool International A/S
    Inventors: Oskar Meres, Michael Bjorn Hansen
  • Patent number: 8338719
    Abstract: An electrified grid for a suspended ceiling comprising first and second grid sections lying in a common ceiling plane, each grid section having metal main tees and metal cross tees intersecting with the main tees, the first and second sections being adjacent one another and having respective main tees in parallel alignment and with a fixed spacing not substantially greater than the length of the cross tees, the grid sections being electrically insulated from one another whereby at least said main tees of fixed spacing can be held at opposite voltage polarities and an electrical device carried on or above the ceiling can be powered by electrical connection of separate ones of its leads to the metal tees of a respective one of said first and second grid sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Lehane, Peder Gulbrandsen
  • Publication number: 20120291376
    Abstract: An arrangement for a laboratory room that is confined by a floor, a ceiling and walls connecting the floor with the ceiling, the arrangement comprises: a main base suspended on the floor; a tool base arranged on the main base; a platform arranged around the tool base, wherein the platform is permeable for air, and the platform is suspended at the walls; an air inlet arranged below the platform; an air outlet arranged above the tool base; and air guides for directing an air flow upwards at least partially parallel to the main base and/or the tool base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Urs T. Duerig, Bernd W. Gotsmann, Emanuel Loertscher, Daniel Widmer
  • Patent number: 8314336
    Abstract: A rectangular ceiling tile proportioned for use in a standard rectangular ceiling grid module formed by grid tees, the tile having a pair of conductors arranged to feed low voltage electrical power from the grid elements to an electric or electronic device carried on the tile, the conductors each extending to an edge or edges of the tile and adapted to make physical contact with a conductor carried on a grid element when supported on such grid element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Ying (Lora) Liang, Daniel Boss, Graeme Gee
  • Publication number: 20120240495
    Abstract: A data center ceiling system includes a data center ceiling system grid having a grid attachment frame, a plurality of acoustical ceiling panels carried by the grid attachment frame and an elongated hardware suspension slot in the grid attachment frame, the hardware suspension slot bordering at least a portion of each of the plurality of acoustical ceiling panels. At least one hardware suspension rod engages the hardware suspension slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Craig Eychaner, William Nichols
  • Publication number: 20120204506
    Abstract: A ceiling frame system 1 comprises a plurality of frame members 1 configured to depend from the ceiling. The frame members 1 include one or more service conduits 11 and are configured to be interconnected to one or more other frame members 1 to interconnect said service conduits 11 between predetermined interconnected frame members 1. The services are accessible at one or more predetermined locations along the length of each frame member 1. A ceiling frame member 1 is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: ENLIGHTEN AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
    Inventor: David Whitfield
  • Publication number: 20120186175
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling system has a series of nodes interconnected by grid members to define a grid network. Each node includes a connection plate having a central port area that is adapted to form a recessed part of the finished surface of the ceiling system that is visible between adjacent suspended ceiling panels that conceal the grid members. The connection plate preferably includes grid member connecting arms extending outwardly from the connection plate. The central port area includes a cavity adapted for different purposes. This cavity can receive ceiling components, for example various light fixtures, securing devices or a removable access panel that covers the central port area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Martin Daniel GERKES, Heikki KOLGA, Ronald WHITE
  • Patent number: 8215075
    Abstract: An up-tight surface covering system for attaching a facing of a panel member to a support structure comprises an adjustable hanger bracket for attaching a grid member to the support structure and a clip for attaching the panel member to the grid member. The adjustable hanger bracket comprises an arm rotatably attached to a support. The arm includes a first section extending substantially parallel to the support and a second section extending substantially perpendicular to the support. The second section has at least one slot for receiving a mechanical fixing member. The clip comprises a main body portion having an attachment member extending from a substantial center thereof. The main body portion has engagement members extending from opposing sides of the main body portion and substantially perpendicular thereto. The engaging members have abutment members extending from side surfaces thereof substantially perpendicular to the main body portion and the engaging members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventor: Todd M. Bergman
  • Patent number: 8209931
    Abstract: In a panel suspended ceiling for seismic prone areas, a superstructure extends from and above the ceiling grid. The superstructure is engaged within a lateral support bar that slidably supports the superstructure, and ceiling, during a seismic event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventor: Brett W. Sareyka
  • Patent number: 8146316
    Abstract: An elongated grid tee for supplying low voltage power on a suspended ceiling comprising at least two electrically conductive paths electrically insulated from each other, extending lengthwise of the tee, and accessible for receiving or supplying electrical power at numerous locations along the length of the tee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Boss, Ying (Lora) Liang
  • Patent number: 8091301
    Abstract: Partition walls for absorbing or reflecting sound waves are already available in various types and qualities. Such partition walls are generally permanently fixed to a structural member of a building, for example, or are otherwise permanently stationed, in order to absorb a substantial part of the incidental sound waves, and thus actually remove them. The invention relates to an improved sound-insulating partition wall. The invention also relates to an assembly method for such a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Unispace A.G.
    Inventor: Cornelis Jacobus Van Klaveren
  • Publication number: 20110308179
    Abstract: A ceiling wiring access point device is comprised of a frame panel that can be temporarily placed in a grid ceiling system during the installation of wire and cable into a ceiling space. The frame panel has an opening through which wire and cable may be inserted as it is threaded up into the ceiling. The internal edges of the opening are provided with roller members to provide a relative frictionless edge against which the wires may pass. Dust guards are provided at the opening to prevent debris from the ceiling area from falling to the room below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: HEPACART, INC.
    Inventor: Jeff PIRNER
  • Patent number: 8079186
    Abstract: A soffit system is disclosed and has elongate first and second soffit components. Each soffit component includes a support flange and a sidewall integrally connected to one another along a lengthwise joint. A connector is carried on each of the sidewalls. A connector leg is carried on each of the sidewalls that is spaced from and parallel to the second joint. The connector and the connector leg extend in a lengthwise direction. Each sidewall is oriented at a non-parallel angle relative to each support flange, respectively. The first connector and the second connector are pushed toward one another to selectively join the first and second soffit components, and are pulled apart to separate the first and second soffit components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas Williams
  • Patent number: 8046966
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling assembly preferably formed of wood or wood-like material for aesthetic purposes. A ceiling panel grid is formed of ceiling panel support members that include runners and cross members arranged in intersecting relationship forming cells that support ceiling tiles. A plurality of parallel runners are installed between opposed room walls. Cross members are installed in perpendicular relationship to the runners and are intersected by the runners. The runners extend from wall to wall. The cross members extend between one runner and the next. The support members have a cross-sectional shape of an inverted “T” to provide a seat for a ceiling tile. A unique unibody connector at the intersection of the cross members and runners secures the cross members to the runners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventors: Mahlon L. Moore, Gregory T. Moore