Suspended Ceiling Patents (Class 52/220.6)
  • Patent number: 8006453
    Abstract: A hanging display system is provided comprising an electrified grid system adapted for operative communication with display animation modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Anderson
  • Patent number: 7975448
    Abstract: A wall channel for a drywall ceiling has a generally U-shaped cross-section with a vertical leg interconnecting two generally-horizontal legs. The lower horizontal leg is adapted to support an inverted tee-runner that has a vertical web and opposed flanges, the opposed flanges being adapted to rest on the horizontal leg of the wall angle. The lower horizontal leg is formed with a plurality of pairs of locating tabs that are spaced apart a distance sufficient to accommodate the width of the opposed flanges of the tee-runner. The upper horizontal leg is formed with a plurality of pairs of locating tabs that are spaced apart a distance sufficient to accommodate the width of the reinforcing bulb of the tee-runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Chicago Metallic Corporation
    Inventors: Peter G. Jahn, Scott G. Jankovec
  • Publication number: 20110131900
    Abstract: A multipurpose beam for side-by-side panel false ceiling constructions includes a bearing profile with a pair of side was joined together by a substantially horizontal wall and having a bottom opening, at least one functional element with an anchoring portion designed to be received in the compartment, coupling means for connecting together the profile and the anchoring portion, and support means associated with the profile for supporting at least one panel of a false ceiling construction. The anchoring portion of the functional element is designed to hold the functional element integrated in the profile and entirely contained in the compartment. The support means extend from the side walls to hold the panels substantially flush with the longitudinal edges of the opening. A false ceiling structure and a modular system for customized design of a false ceiling that includes the beam are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: GEMINO S.R.L.
    Inventor: Ruggero Grandi
  • Patent number: 7954771
    Abstract: A mount for situating a sprinkler nozzle of a fire extinguishing system in an opening of a suspended ceiling system, the fire extinguishing system having a main line to which a downwardly directed sprinkler nozzle is connected by a flexible hose line, a bridge provided on the top side of the ceiling system extending essentially parallel thereto, the bridge being connected to girders of the ceiling system by a detachable clamp, and the sprinkler nozzle being at least indirectly attached to the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH
    Inventor: Gerd Paulig
  • Patent number: 7937903
    Abstract: A panel for use in constructing a ceiling of an enclosure, particularly a cleanroom without using a grid support. The panel includes a thin shell or skin which is placed around an internal bracing member in such as fashion that the resulting panel can be hung from an overhead support in a fashion to have a single join or seam between adjacent panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Portafab
    Inventors: Wayne McGee, Trace Woodrum, Bob Weible
  • Publication number: 20110097986
    Abstract: A modular air-handling plenum for capable of supporting surgical apparatus or other objects is disclosed. The plenum is usually rectangular, may be formed of sheet metal, and features a truss spanning the width of the plenum to carry the weight of the apparatus. The plenum itself is attached to the ceiling of a room. An air handling component may be included to provide filtered and/or conditioned air in the vicinity of the suspended apparatus, or the plenum may be used strictly as an apparatus support, with no air-conditioning function. An ordinary suspended ceiling may also be mounted in the plenum for continuity with the remainder of the room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: Huntair, Inc.
    Inventors: Zareer Cursetjee, Kevin Schreiber, David L. Baugh
  • Patent number: 7926237
    Abstract: A wall or ceiling panel secures a grid insert, preferably of an architectural metal mesh, within a frame using a series of spring clips. The spring clips engage the metal mesh and are retained in a securing slot provided at an interior edge of the panel frame. Each spring clip includes at least one engagement member that passes through and engages the grid insert. The spring also includes a securing base that is received and retained within the securing slot of the frame. The panel can also include a securing arrangement for supporting the grid member at a position spaced from the frame to avoid downward bowing of the metal mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Decoustics Limited
    Inventors: Martin Daniel Gerkes, Heikki Kolga, Ronald White
  • Patent number: 7886496
    Abstract: An extruded aluminum bottom-load ceiling used in conjunction with cleanrooms comprises main tees and cross tees with removable flanges. The tees are connected via cam-lock devices or splice bars and may be hung on a 4?×4? or 8?×8? configuration. The tees also include hammerhead-nut slots used to suspend the tees from the building structure above and hang AMHS hangers from the tees. Grid stiffeners are included to increase the carrying capacity of the tees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: DAW Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Spransy
  • Patent number: 7874116
    Abstract: A clip for attaching the end of a grid tee to a wall angle. The clip, in various forms, is arranged to frictionally lock between the hem of the horizontal leg of the wall angle and the vertical leg. The clip, typically, has a pair of opposed open hems forming channels in which the flange of the tee end is received to join the tee to the clip. The clip can be elongated horizontally to accommodate movement of the grid during seismic activity. The clip can be used to trim the edges of a ceiling island and can be made to accommodate angular intersections of the grid with a wall or island edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. LaLonde
  • Patent number: 7841149
    Abstract: A flexible ceiling panel is preferably formed from sheet metal, such as aluminum sheet. Each ceiling panel has a generally rectangular shape (corresponding in width to the spacing between the main runners) and is formed with a hem on all four edges. A series of bendable tabs are formed integrally with the hem of the panel. To secure the panel to the associated grid system, the tabs are folded upwardly and outwardly from the panel along two axes to secure the panel to the grid system. Alternatively, a plurality of separate spring clips is used to secure the panel to the grid system. Each clip includes a first leg adapted to have at least a portion thereof received in the hem of the ceiling panel. A second leg extends generally perpendicularly from the first leg and includes a detent extending toward the first leg, the detent being adapted to secure the clip to the flange of the runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Chicago Metallic Corporation
    Inventors: Peter G. Jahn, Scott G. Jankovec, Thomas E. Smith
  • Patent number: 7836662
    Abstract: A service ceiling is provided for carrying supply lines in a room of a building having at least one aisle region, in particular in a laboratory. The service ceiling is provided with an intrinsically rigid support frame composed of profiled members which is fastened in the region of the ceiling of the room. At least one air inlet duct for feeding in fresh air, and lines for feeding in sanitary media are provided. The service ceiling is distinguished in that the support frame extends in a first plane at a distance from the ceiling of the building, and in that the air inlet duct extends above the aisle region essentially flush with the underside of the support frame, in the plane of the support frame, and in that the lines for feeding in the sanitary media extend above the air inlet duct in a second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: H. Lüdi + Co. AG Gas-und Energiesysteme
    Inventor: Hansjürg Lüdi
  • Patent number: 7836659
    Abstract: A floor plug (40) is disclosed having an upper portion (41) with a top plate (44) and a neck (48), a lower portion (42) with a bottom plate (51), and post (32) which coupled the two portions together and draws them towards each other sandwiching the floor therebetween. The upper portion is positioned within the bore hole (20) and the lower portion is coupled to the post so as to be threadably drawn against the underside of the floor. Once the adhesive has cured a viscous smoothing compound or concrete floor leveler is poured over the floor plug upper portion and surrounding concrete floor area. If necessary, the concrete floor leveler material is smoothed to provide a generally smooth or level surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Audrey Barnes
  • Patent number: 7810294
    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: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: IG Creative Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J Maley, Robert N Maley, Laurence R Maley
  • Publication number: 20100229475
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to accessories which are attached to the support grid members of a grid framework system. The accessories are a means to insulate electrified conductors attached to the support grid members from other conductive items located proximate thereto, a management device for cables and wires, and a retention device for fixedly attaching a component to the grid framework system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Jere W. Myers, Todd M. Bergman, Brian T. Patterson, Jae A. Eisenhower, Brett Sareyka
  • Patent number: 7779593
    Abstract: A wall angle for a suspended ceiling, which may either be a drywall suspended ceiling or a lay-in tile suspended ceiling, has a cross-section forming a substantially right angle of the vertical leg and a horizontal leg. The horizontal leg is adapted to support an inverted tee-runner that has a vertical web and opposed flanges, the opposed flanges being adapted to rest on the horizontal leg of the wall angle. The horizontal leg is formed with a plurality of pairs of locating tabs, at least one tab in each pair being upwardly extending and vertically-oriented. The tabs in each pair are spaced apart a distance sufficient to accommodate the width of the opposed flanges of the tee-runner. At least one of the tabs in each pair has a downwardly extending detent adapted to permit installation of a tee-runner, but to inhibit removal of the tee-runner. The pairs of tabs are spaced, on center, a pre-determined distance that depends upon the intended application of the wall angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Chicago Metallic Corporation
    Inventors: Peter G. Jahn, Scott G. Jankovec
  • Patent number: 7770341
    Abstract: An electrical conduit encasement including a top section and bottom section secured together by mortar and adjacent encasements by mortar. A pair of vertically extending threaded rods suspend the concrete encasements with the rods extending through members attached to plates embededly attached to the encasements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Ductcrete, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Fox
  • Publication number: 20100187370
    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: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Ronald J. Parigoris, Wayne A. Gutschow, Benjamin Hartman
  • Publication number: 20100146885
    Abstract: The invention includes an electrified framework system having a plurality of grid members which form a grid framework. A conductive material is disposed on a surface of at least one of the plurality of grid members as shown throughout the drawings. The system includes connectors which provide electrical connections between the conductive material on the grid framework and various electrical fixtures. The electrified framework system includes a support clip for supporting depending articles suspended from the grid framework into a room space. The support clip does not interfere with the electrical and mechanical actuator controlling the connector and grid interface connection mechanism. The support clip attaches the connector to the grid element such that the connector, and any device attached thereto, will not inadvertently become detached from the grid element during a seismic event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Jere W. Myers, Todd M. Bergman
  • Publication number: 20100139190
    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 or 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: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: USG INTERIORS, INC.
    Inventors: James J. Lehane, Peder Gulbrandsen
  • Publication number: 20100139189
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling system comprising metal grid members and rectangular composite acoustical panels, the panels having edges at their peripheries, the grid members having a cross section generally like an inverted T such that they provide oppositely extending flanges adapted to support the panels at their edges, a resilient element at a juncture between a support on the grid member flanges and at least one edge of each panel, the resilient element being arranged to temporarily deflect to permit a panel to be raised from below the grid member into an installed position and to extend itself to hold such panel in position on the grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. LaLonde
  • Publication number: 20100132281
    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: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Sandor A. Frecska, Brian T. Patterson, William E. Beakes, Jere W. Myers, Joseph R. Woelfling
  • Publication number: 20100126090
    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: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: USG INTERIORS, INC.
    Inventors: Ying (Lora) Liang, Daniel Boss, Graeme Gee
  • Patent number: 7690168
    Abstract: A clip for attaching the end of a grid tee to a wall angle. The clip, in various forms, is arranged to frictionally lock between the hem of the horizontal leg of the wall angle and the vertical leg. The clip, typically, has a pair of opposed open hems forming channels in which the flange of the tee end is received to join the tee to the clip. The clip can be elongated horizontally to accommodate movement of the grid during seismic activity. The clip can be used to trim the edges of a ceiling island and can be made to accommodate angular intersections of the grid with a wall or island edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D LaLonde
  • Publication number: 20100077682
    Abstract: A perimeter for a screen opening in a wooden drop ceiling has two parallel long sides connected by left and right end caps. The longs sides and end caps form a narrow screen opening for raising and lowering a movie or video screen attached to the original ceiling of the room. The long sides have approximately three foot lengths connected by transition blocks to form the long perimeter sides. The inner edges of the long sides, transition blocks and end caps are all tapered identically to slope inwardly toward the screen opening and upwardly toward the ceiling. The slope tends to narrow the perceived opening to make it more attractive to the eye. The entire screen opening perimeter system is easily attached to an existing metal T-rail drop ceiling by clips approximately three-fourths to an inch long, three thousandths of an inch thick and having a gap of approximately 0.242 inches. The clips require only approximately 7.8 pounds of force to attach the screen perimeter to the T-rail system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: JOSEPH E. ADAMS
  • Patent number: 7679222
    Abstract: A power and signal distribution system for the building interior and a method for operating a power and signal distribution system for the building interior are provided. The system includes a plurality of conductors adjacent to at least one surface of a plurality of support members forming a grid. The system further includes at least one shunt switch in communication with at least two conductors, the shunt switch being configurable to selectively conduct power or signals between the at least two conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventors: Brian T. Patterson, Sean D. Browne, William E. Beakes, Sandor A. Frecska, Jere W. Myers
  • Publication number: 20100037533
    Abstract: A hanging display system is provided comprising an electrified grid system adapted for operative communication with display animation modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Rick Anderson
  • Patent number: 7661229
    Abstract: A ceiling system including a grid framework having a plurality of grid elements arranged in a substantially horizontal plane. A conductive material is embedded in one of the plurality of grid elements. The grid element in which the conductive material is embedded includes at least one slot such that portions of the conductive material are exposed. A tap is attached to the grid element so that it is in alignment with the slot, and, in turn, with the conductive material. The tap includes a housing, a conductor engaging means and a tap conductor. The conductor engaging means forms a connection with the conductive material embedded in the grid element and the tap conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventors: Sandor A. Frecska, Brian T. Patterson, William E. Beakes, Jere W. Myers, Joseph R. Woelfling
  • Publication number: 20090301010
    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: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph J. Kelly, William J. Platt
  • Patent number: 7617649
    Abstract: An article hanging system capable of easily changing an exhibit position and an exhibit height of an article such as a goods exhibited in a shop, a hanger and a display shelf comprises a ceiling rail assembly, a wire holder slidably retained to the ceiling rail assembly, a wire hanging down from the wire holder, a gripper fixably attachable at a desired position along the wire, a wire holder attached to a lower end of the wire and a floor rail assembly to which the wire holder is slidably retained. Each of the rail assemblies comprises longitudinal rails extending in a longitudinal direction (the Y-direction) and lateral rails slidable with respect to the longitudinal rail as being spanned between the longitudinal rails. Each of the wire holders are slidable along the lateral rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: A.G.K. Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Arakawa
  • Publication number: 20090249717
    Abstract: The fan filter mounting frame is useful in installation of equipment in a cell of suspension grid systems when the equipment is passed through and is placed in a corner of the cell. The equipment is supported partially directly by the grid and partially indirectly by the grid through an adapting frame insert. The frame insert is connected between the equipment and the suspension grid system and may have two legs that meet at an apex, a first leg extending along a first grid rail and a second leg extending along an adjacent second grid rail. Each of the two legs also extends between its respective rail and the equipment, supporting the equipment on the respective suspension grid rails. Thus, the grid system may be in its design position or condition prior to and during placement and replacement of the equipment without disruption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: MOD-TEC, LLC
    Inventor: Martin Helmus
  • Publication number: 20090178358
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling construction includes fill-in panels, diffusers and/or light fixtures which are retained in their openings by spring clips that have been pre-attached to the ceiling grid frame members. The clips bear against edges of the panels to keep them in place normally, but they can be deflected out of the way by pushing up on the panels when necessary. As the tips of the clips contact the frame members during deflection, they provide increasing resistance to further deflection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: PRECISION AIR PRODUCTS CO.
    Inventor: Augustus Ray Boyd
  • Publication number: 20090139158
    Abstract: A wide wall angle useful in locations of seismic activity to support ceiling tile and grid tees of a suspended ceiling comprising an assembly of an elongated base angle and an elongated extension strip, the base angle having generally perpendicular legs integral with one another and intersecting at a longitudinally extending corner, one leg being adapted to be fixed against a wall with the corner down, and the other adapted to project horizontally from the wall, the extension strip having a face with greater than the width of the horizontal leg, the extension strip having a multiple layer construction, two layers of the extension strip being held together in close parallel relation by an intermediate web integral with the layers, at least portions of the two layers being arranged to frictionally engage at least a part of the horizontal leg of the base angle spaced from the corner such that the strip can be assembled on and frictionally retained on the horizontal leg of the base angle, the horizontal leg of th
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: USG INTERIORS, INC.
    Inventor: Paul D. LaLonde
  • Publication number: 20090126295
    Abstract: A ceiling panel system is developed that comprises a ceiling panel having a face portion with four corner areas and a skirt portion extending rearward from the face portion. The face portion has a main decorative hole with a peripheral edge from which a main flange portion extends rearward. The corner areas of the face portion has first to fourth subordinate decorative holes with a peripheral edge from which first to fourth subordinate flange portion extends rearward. A main decorative object is fitted to the main decorative hole so as to protrude from the face portion of the ceiling panel. The clips are adapted to grip the main flange portion for the main decorative object and the subordinate flange portions for the subordinate decorative objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Kwon Hee Kim
  • Publication number: 20090126287
    Abstract: An acoustic panel (1) has a recess (8) extending part or all way down to a facing (7). A panel loudspeaker (11) may be fixed in the recess or a water sprinkler (14) or other device may be mounted in or above the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Rockwool International A/S
    Inventor: Oskar Meres
  • Patent number: 7503147
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling grid system has parallel main runners and perpendicular cross members which are formed of pultruded fiber-reinforced plastic. The main runners have vertical webs with regularly spaced vertical slots. The cross members are connected to each other and to the main runners by resilient extruded PVC cross connectors which pass through the main runner web slots and resiliently engage the ends of the cross members. The cross connectors have a horizontal element which is received within horizontal slots in the ends of the cross members, and two vertical elements which engage the cross member webs therebetween. The main runners are supported by overhead hanger wires. Ceiling tiles are received on horizontal flanges of the connected main runners and cross members. The connectors may be attached without tools for convenient assembly of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Foss
  • Publication number: 20080276560
    Abstract: A modular ceiling comprising a first and second main runners defining an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface defining a longitudinal retaining cavity along the first main runner and two grooves disposed parallel to and, respectively, on each side from the longitudinal retaining cavity; a cross member installable at an angle from the main runners and adapted to connect the first main runner with the second main runner, the cross member being secured to the main runners by a cross member fastener having a cross runner anchor adapted to engage the groove defined in main runners; and a panel adapted to be disposed between main runners and being supported, at least in part, by main runners. A method for installing a ceiling kit is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: LES PLAFONDS EMBASSY INC. / EMBASSY CEILING INC.
    Inventor: Patrick Labonte
  • Publication number: 20080236068
    Abstract: A wall channel for a drywall ceiling has a generally U-shaped cross-section with a vertical leg interconnecting two generally-horizontal legs. The lower horizontal leg is adapted to support an inverted tee-runner that has a vertical web and opposed flanges, the opposed flanges being adapted to rest on the horizontal leg of the wall angle. The lower horizontal leg is formed with a plurality of pairs of locating tabs that are spaced apart a distance sufficient to accommodate the width of the opposed flanges of the tee-runner. The upper horizontal leg is formed with a plurality of pairs of locating tabs that are spaced apart a distance sufficient to accommodate the width of the reinforcing bulb of the tee-runner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Peter G. Jahn, Scott G. Jankovec
  • Publication number: 20080155916
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling comprising a pair of parallel main grid tees, the tees being of the type having its panel supporting flange forming a hollow with a downwardly open slot, a plurality of identical stabilizer bars spacing said main grid tees a predetermined distance, trim strips assembled on said main grid tees, the trim strips each having a first portion hooked into the hollow flange of a respective tee and a second portion abutting a web of the respective tee, the stabilizer bars being arranged to engage opposite sides of reinforcing bulbs of the main grid tees to hold the same against relative lateral horizontal movement from their desired positions, the stabilizer bars engaging the trim strips in a manner that holds their second portions in abutment with the webs of their respective tees. The stabilizer bars are formed of sheet metal and have bendable tabs that can be bent to hold said trim strip second portions in contact with the webs of their respective tees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: USG INTERIORS, INC.
    Inventors: John D. Bankston, Gregory M. Ahren, John Harcula
  • Publication number: 20080104905
    Abstract: An insulated drop ceiling is provided for a metal building having spaced apart metal purlins with conduit or other structure extending across the purlins. Plastic support members are clipped to the purlins, and have an upper channel to accommodate the conduit, and a lower channel to support ceiling panels from the purlins and below the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: KEVIN W. KINZLER
  • Publication number: 20080086962
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a flexible ceiling panel preferably formed from sheet metal, such as aluminum sheet. Each ceiling panel has a generally rectangular shape (corresponding in width to the spacing between the main runners) and is formed with a hem on all four edges. A series of bendable tabs are formed integrally with the hem of the panel. To secure the panel to the associated grid system, the tabs are folded upwardly and outwardly from the panel along two axes to secure the panel to the grid system. Alternatively, a plurality of separate spring clips is used to secure the panel to the grid system. Each clip includes a first leg adapted to have at least a portion thereof received in the hem of the ceiling panel. A second leg extends generally perpendicularly from the first leg and includes a detent extending toward the first leg, the detent being adapted to secure the clip to the flange of the runner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Peter G. Jahn, Scott G. Jankovec, Thomas E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080066394
    Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a system of panels which could for instance be used for a suspended ceiling comprising one or more rows (R1, R2, . . . ) of panels (2), where one or more of the panels (2) of a given row can be moved from a first, upper level (a), where the panels are fixed relative to the system to a second, lower level (b), where the panels can be displaced along and underneath panels situated at the first level, thereby providing access through the system of panels to the space above or behind the panels. According to the invention there is furthermore provided panels for such systems, the panels comprising a substantially rigid frame (6, 12), the frame being furthermore provided with means for cooperation with mating means on a suspension and guide system, thereby allowing said movement from one level to the other and vice versa and said displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: ART ANDERSEN A/S
    Inventor: Jesper Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7281355
    Abstract: Ceiling panel assemblies are conventionally suspended from a building structure, and each panel assembly has a core panel provided with dividers and spacers, and panel bridging members to allow cables to be strong in the ceiling as required to accommodate the power and low voltage requirements in the space therebelow. A decorative panel completes each panel assembly. A fire retardant panel may be provided also, to enclose the cables in wireways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventor: Michael T. Cole
  • Patent number: 7264214
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stock bar and T-bar coupling structure for mounting a sprinkler. In the present invention, a locking bracket is easily securely coupled to a T-bar using an elastic locking unit and a wing bolt. Furthermore, a stock bar made of standard rectangular pipe is coupled to the locking bracket by a first locking unit such that the stock bar crosses over the T-bar. Because this locking bracket is manufactured as a separate component from the stock bar, the present invention can be used without limiting the distance between the T-bars. Furthermore, the present invention has an advantage in that a standard rectangular pipe can be easily used as a stock bar merely by cutting the pipe to a desired length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Kofulso Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-il Oh
  • Patent number: 7240884
    Abstract: A mounting device of a sprinkler comprises: a main body provided with a pair of side plates and an upper plate disposed on upper portions of the side plate; a rail mounting portion formed at lower ends of the side plates and insertedly fixed to a support rail; a support bar fixing portion formed at an upper side of the main body, for supporting the support bar; and a locking member inserted in the side plates in a lateral direction, for preventing the rail mounting portion from being separated from the support rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Paradise Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dae-Min Shim
  • Patent number: 7143562
    Abstract: An apparatus and system to secure a panel to suspended ceiling system which includes a plurality of suspension elements. The apparatus is a border structure that enables attachment of the panel to the suspension element. The border structure includes a plurality of horizontal surface members and a plurality of vertical sections, with a first horizontal surface member being inserted into a hanger secured to the suspension element, and with a second horizontal surface member supporting an end of a panel. At least one vertical section joins the plurality of horizontal surface members. A spring hold down clip secures the panel from unintended displacement during a seismic event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: Eric Krantz-Lilienthal, Richard D. Stackenwalt, James K. Kelley
  • Patent number: 7017317
    Abstract: A ceiling system is disclosed which has the desirable aesthetic features of a decorative ceiling without the disadvantages of custom fabrication or other types of pre-manufactured ceiling systems. The ceiling system utilizes a plurality of pre-manufactured, modular decorative panels and a fastening system with a snap in mechanism that permits the panels to be installed vertically from below and which minimizes the visibility of the supporting fastening system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Leonard Thomas Capozzo
  • Patent number: 6931794
    Abstract: A framing device or support member (1) for framing a fitting, such as a power point or switch (8), within orifice (4) provided in a surface member (3). The device/member is provided with a lip (5) on the extremity thereof which enables a layer of settable material (6) to be applied thereto. A cover plate (9), provided on said fitting (8), is neatly shaped to fit within the framing device/member (1). A substantially smooth and flush surface is formed between the settable material (6) outside the framing device (1) and the cover plate (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: John David Tilbury Burgess
  • Publication number: 20040128927
    Abstract: Ceiling panel assemblies are conventionally suspended from a building structure, and each panel assembly has a core panel provided with dividers and spacers, and panel bridging members to allow cables to be strong in the ceiling as required to accommodate the power and low voltage requirements in the space therebelow. A decorative panel completes each panel assembly. A fire retardant panel may be provided also, to enclose the cables in wireways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: The Wiremold Company
    Inventor: Michael T. Cole
  • Patent number: 6715246
    Abstract: A ceiling tile transmitter and receiver system having at least one transmitter/receiver device located in a ceiling panel either during or after the ceiling panel fabrication process. In one embodiment one or more pockets of variable size and shape are created on a surface of the ceiling panel during or after the ceiling panel manufacturing process and then a transmitter/receiver device, such as an RF antenna, is inserted in the pocket. In another embodiment, the transmitter/receiver device is embedded in the front side (lower surface) of the ceiling tile and a “scrim” covering is placed over it to secure it in place. The transmitter/receiver device can also be embedded inside the ceiling tile or on an upper, lower or side surface of the ceiling tile. Various combinations of these embodiments can be used with a single ceiling tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandor A. Frecska, John E. Cronin
  • Publication number: 20030230043
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a scalable suspension system for domed shaped ceilings that includes a framework of suspension members interconnected to a central hub. The framework of suspension members are used to support a domed shaped ceiling fabricated from plaster or gypsum wallboard. The suspension members include primary spoke members, secondary spoke members, intercostal members and cross tees. The primary spoke members are attached to the central hub component. The intercostal members are spanned between the primary spoke members. The secondary spoke members are connected to the intercostal members, and extend between the primary spoke members. The primary and secondary spoke members are interconnected by the cross tees to create a unified structure. The hub includes radially indexed integral tabs that facilitate the attachment of the hanger wires and allows for the rigid attachment of the primary spoke members in a precise radial pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Martin E. Likozar, James A. Fletterick, Alan C. Wendt, David B. Lewis