Element Spaced From Wall, Ceiling, Or Floor And Held By Discrete Retaining Means (e.g., Suspended Ceiling Or Wall) Patents (Class 52/506.06)
  • Patent number: 7971402
    Abstract: A stack of a plurality of thin film adhesively bonded members are removably coupled to a ceiling. The adhesive is configured to allow an exposed layer to be removed without removing the entire stack of square members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Shawn Engberg
  • Patent number: 7971680
    Abstract: An acoustic housing, a light fixture, a suspended ceiling system, and a method of decreasing sound transfer from a light fixture in a suspended ceiling are disclosed. An acoustic hood for a light fixture in a suspended ceiling may include a partially enclosed space formed between a plurality of wall portions. A light fixture may include first and second layers that are coupled to one another and form a partially enclosed space. A suspended ceiling system may include the acoustic hood or light fixture. The method relates to disposing an acoustic housing spaced from the light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Spirit Acoustics Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert J. Morgan, III, Mark A. Adkins
  • Publication number: 20110146183
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceiling tile unit comprising a tile body made of mineral fibre material, a surface layer and a guide. The tile body has a front side, a rear side and at least one side edge, and the surface layer is arranged on said front side of said tile body. A groove is provided in said rear side of said tile body dividing said tile body into a first tile body section and a second tile body section. Said guide is adapted to form a fold guidance for inclination of said first tile body section in relation to said second tile body section by folding about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of said groove. The invention further relates to a method for forming a ceiling tile unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Jan WILKENS, Jonas SKEPPAS, Thomas NILSSON
  • Publication number: 20110139044
    Abstract: A system of gravel modules to be used atop a room or other enclosure in which there is a threat of explosion. Each module has a rigid metal box frame, which contains a two layers of gravel. The lower gravel layer is screen gravel, and a layer of graded gravel is above the screen gravel. The box frame has a lower and an upper criss-cross pattern of bridge cable. A stack of wire mesh and other supporting material is laid over the lower bridge cable to support the screen gravel, and more wire mesh is laid over the screen gravel to support the graded gravel. The depths and grades of gravel are selected according to the type potential explosion, in terms of explosive fragment sizes and the nature of any expanding gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: SOUTHWEST RESEACH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Thomas Z. Moore, Walter M. Gray
  • 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: 7954293
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Soft Cells A/S
    Inventor: Jesper Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7950201
    Abstract: Drainage under a deck can be performed by a structure that includes hanging components and corrugated panels. For example, a hanging component can have connected first and second portions, with the first portion being connected to hang from one of the joists and extending downward to where it connects to the second portion, which is below the joist. The second portion can be connected to support of at least one of the panels from above. The upper surfaces of panels are sloped so that drainage occurs from a high part to a low part. The direction of slope and the direction of corrugations are not perpendicular, and can be approximately the same. The hanging components can, for example, be L-shaped brackets, U-shaped, or inverted T-shaped, and can be integrally formed by extrusion of plastic or can be metal. The panels can be corrugated plastic or metal sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: OFIC North America Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Adair, Jr., L. Paul Nelson, II
  • Publication number: 20110120040
    Abstract: A PCM heat insulation blanket (10) is positioned in a wall structure of a building for modulating the transfer of heat to and from the controlled internal temperature of the building structure. The PCM heat insulation blanket includes an array of pods (12) with one group of pods 12A containing a first PCM and a second group of pods containing a second PCM 12B having a different phase change temperature than the first group of pods. The pods with different PCMs are substantially uniformly intermixed among each other. The pods are formed of laminated sheets, each of which may include a metal foil that is vapor impermeable and tends to maintain the PCMs in the blanket at approximately the same temperature, and which also functions to reflect radiant heat away from the temperature controlled internal space of the building structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Robert J. Alderman
  • Patent number: 7946089
    Abstract: Manufacture of roll formed one piece sheet metal grid tees that affords different load ratings with the same gauge and quality of sheet stock and the same overall cross-section dimensions by varying the width of the strip used to make the tees and disposing material added for increased load rating at the area of the hollow reinforcing bulb of the tees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. LaLonde
  • Patent number: 7937902
    Abstract: A rain screen system for attaching an array of panels to the outside of a building, by means of a track system. The track system includes a series of horizontal mounting tracks that extend across the entire width of the panel array. Each horizontal mounting track has an upturned building-side leg that forms both a mounting flange, through a local shim, to the building, as well as the building side of a water tight, continuous, self draining gutter system. Each track also has an upturned panel-side leg that forms both a mounting flange for the lower edge of a panel and the panel side of the gutter system. Each track also forms a water seal at the top edge of the panel. The gutter system has a weep holes on the panel side of the gutter system, adapted so that drainage is fed to the top of the lower panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventors: Stewart Smith, Andrew D Smith
  • Publication number: 20110099934
    Abstract: A ceiling system includes ceiling members that are supported intermediate their ends, are positioned to catch liquid and debris from above, and provide a pleasing appearance from below, while still being easily removed individually from the ceiling. The ceiling system may be installed under a deck support structure and provide adjacent ceiling members having nested male and female inverted J-shaped legs extending upwardly. The nested legs of the ceiling members are suspended on downwardly extending J-shaped hooks mounted to the support structure in an array. The hooks are positioned to define a clearance space between hooks such that the female leg of an adjacent ceiling member can be raised into a clearance space to allow removal of a nested male leg of a ceiling member being removed from the ceiling. The system can be configured so that the ceiling members are supported without being held in place by fasteners, and removal of the ceiling members occurs without the removal of any such fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Hal J. Rhoad, II
  • Patent number: 7926238
    Abstract: A stab-in connector that locks with an opposing identical connector, through a slot in the main beam of a suspended ceiling grid. The connector has a straight locking latch that is cantilevered from a bend at a base of the connector. The bend is in the form of an arc. The bend forms a pivot for the latch. Contact between the cantilevered straight locking latch and the side of the slot is delayed as the connector is being stabbed into the slot. During the delay, the connectors are positioned within the slot, and relative to each other, so that substantially less force is needed than the force that was necessary to engage prior art stab-in connectors into locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventors: Brett W. Sareyka, Yu Lin, William J. Platt
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110078969
    Abstract: The invention provides a bracket and method of its use for adapting standard wall angle trim for use in sloped ceiling construction. The disclosed bracket arrangement can be used for the top edge or bottom edge of a sloped ceiling and be adjusted to match the angle of any practical ceiling slope. In disclosed embodiments, the bracket has the form of a rectangular flat steel sheet. The sheet has a hinge or bend line running lengthwise in its mid-area. The bend line is made by cutting the sheet intermittently along its length and thereby dividing the sheet into two sections. The cuts may be made, for example, by punching elongated slots along the bend line in a blank being formed into the bracket. Also punched into the bracket blank are a plurality of holes distributed lengthwise on marginal areas of the two sections of the blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: USG INTERIORS, INC.
    Inventors: Lee M. Tedesco, James J. Lehane, JR., Abraham M. Underkofler, Mark R. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 7918065
    Abstract: A fastening member which can fix with sufficient strength siding boards whose lateral joint portions are disposed in a portion where no vertical member is provided and prevent displacement in the vertical direction, is capable of ensuring a ventilation space without using furring strips and has excellent durability, and an external wall construction structure using the same are provided. A fastening member 1 has a long fixing plate portion 11 which is fixed to at least one vertical member 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Nichiha Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuneaki Ito
  • Publication number: 20110072744
    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: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: IG CREATIVE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul J. Maley, Robert N. Maley, Laurence R. Maley
  • Patent number: 7913466
    Abstract: A panel structure including a flexible panel, at least one edge strip and mounting hardware is provided. Also provided is a method of configuring the panel structure. The edge strip has at least one mounting member receiving area provided thereon. The mounting member receiving area is dimensioned to receive the mounting hardware therein. The mounting hardware cooperates with the edge strip to suspend and mount the flexible panel. When installed, the panel structure provides a canopy-like visual element to a space in which it is suspended or mounted. The panel structure may be suspended or mounted in various configurations having different degrees of flex or curvature. The panel structure can be installed easily and reconfigured easily to suit the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: Richard D. Stackenwalt, Eric Krantz-Lilienthal, Guillaume Martin
  • Patent number: 7895796
    Abstract: A building element (10) comprises a substantially metallic, substantially planar core member (20) and a thermally insulating and water resistant sheathing member (30) either side of the core member. The core member is continuous along a substantial length of the building element and a void (40) is created between the core member and at least one of the sheathing members. At least one bridging member (50) is provided in the void and couples the core member and at least one of the sheathing members. A building system and method of construction are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: BC&I ENVIRO SOLUTIONS Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Herbert John Baldock, Shane William Baldock
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110030302
    Abstract: Provided is a panel support system for architectural displays. The panel support system includes an architectural panel defining a carved surface, an opposing architectural attachment surface and a sidewall extending between the carved surface and the architectural attachment surface. A planar support member is connected to the architectural attachment surface. The planar support member is sized and configured to mitigate deformation of the carved surface. A mounting system may also be included, having a panel mounting member coupled to the panel and a support surface mounting member connected to a wall. The panel mounting member includes a cup engageable with a bulbous tip formed on the support surface mounting member. An alignment system may further be provided and include alignment members which are attached to respective panels. The alignment members connected to adjacent panels are engageable with each other to align the adjacent panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Pujol John J.
  • Publication number: 20110023398
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods configured for installing a decorative feature having a wave-like appearance. For example, a system for installing the decorative feature can include one or more mounts configured to attach to a support structure and support one or more decorative panels. The system can also include a plurality of decorative panels configured to be disposed within or supported by the mounts. Each decorative panel can have a concave or convex configuration to produce a wave-like appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: WOVIN WALL PTY LTD
    Inventors: Allan R. Ismay, Richard C. Perrior
  • Patent number: 7861480
    Abstract: A subframe for retrofitting an existing roof with a new roof is disclosed. In some embodiments, the subframe comprises a base, a first and second longitudinal flanges, a first wall extending between the base and the first longitudinal flange, a second wall spaced apart from the first wall and extending between the base and the second longitudinal flange, and a traversely-oriented punch out passing through the base, the first wall and the second wall. The punch out is configured to receive a rib of the existing roof. Once installed on the existing roof and coupled to the new roof, the subframe and new roof form an enclosed, self-supporting structure with increased structural capacity and stability in comparison to conventional retrofitted roof systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Top-Hat Framing System, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Wendelburg, Tim A. Lane
  • Patent number: 7856788
    Abstract: The invention comprises a completely recessed wall-wash lighting fixture capable of being installed within a ceiling. The lighting fixture comprises a housing, which contains a lamp. The invention may comprise a lighting fixture further comprises a reflector disposed within the housing and adjacent to the first end of the housing. The invention may also comprise a flared lamp shield attached to the housing, which is capable of protecting the lighting fixture from damage. The lamp shield extends below the ceiling when the lighting fixture is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventor: Paul Thompson
  • Patent number: 7856776
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plane structure, such as a wall, floor, ceiling or roof, comprising profiles (3A) extending mutually parallel in a first direction, elements (1) which can be coupled releasably to the profiles, wherein a profile extends on both sides of an element and wherein the elements are coupled to both adjacent profiles. The invention also relate to the elements and profiles for use in this structure, as well as to the method for building such a structure. An automatic positioning of the elements is created as a result of these measures; this then no longer depends on the skill of the builder. Owing to the releasability of the coupling the elements can simply be stacked on the profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Press Brick System B.V.
    Inventor: Leonardus Johannes Maria Van Der Lee
  • Patent number: 7849651
    Abstract: A wall materials bracket comprises a base piece 11, a catching piece 12, a spacing piece 13 and a holding piece 14, and further includes a leaning means for leaning an insulation put on the catching piece 12 against a wall substrate. For example, the leaning means is constructed with the upper half 111 of the upper part 110 of the base piece 11, a slope 113 in the lower half 112 of the upper part 110, and a cavity 132 and bosses (133) in the upper part 130 of the spacing piece 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Kubota Matsushitadenko Exterior Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masami Fujito, Norio Tsuda
  • Patent number: 7849646
    Abstract: A gymnastic floor structure includes an elastic collective floor substrate 30 having a given area formed by arranging a plurality of plywood unit floor panels 3 equipped with a plurality of elastically supporting leg members 2 provided on a bottom surface thereof on a floor surface of a building, and an elastic layer including a flat cushioning air mat 4 and a fiber mat 5 as essential structural elements provided on the floor substrate 30. The air mat 4 includes a linking body 41 in which a pair of textile inner sheets 41a and 41b are linked by a plurality of linking threads 43 and airtight external sheets 42 and 42a entirely covering the linking body 41, and has an airtight space 44 therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: NGC Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Harinishi
  • Patent number: 7849652
    Abstract: A main tee member having a measurement indicia system for use with a suspended ceiling includes a support flange and a web extending upwardly from the support flange. The web has first and second sides and a plurality of receiving channels extending from the first side of the web to the second side of the web. The receiving channels are configured to receive a cross tee member. A plurality of first indicia are marked on the first side, and a plurality of second indicia are marked on the second side, and are disposed at the same incremental distances along the length of the main tee member for indicating the location of a selected receiving channel for receiving a first selected cross tee member, and for indicating the location of a selected receiving channel for receiving a second selected cross tee member to be introduced from the opposite side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventors: James J. Lehane, Donald James Leahy
  • Patent number: 7832165
    Abstract: A subfloor assembly for supporting a floor on a substrate includes a plurality of lower subfloor panels and a plurality of upper subfloor panels. The lower subfloor panels are resiliently disposed over the substrate while the upper subfloor panels are disposed over the lower subfloor panels. Each of the upper subfloor panels has at least one pocket and the pocket is disposed over a void that is provided between adjacent lower subfloor panels. An anchor is positioned in each pocket and is attached to the substrate. The anchor also engages a surface of a shoulder of at least one of the lower subfloor panels that is exposed under the pocket to thereby limit resilient upward movement of the subfloor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Connor Sport Court International, Inc.
    Inventor: Erlin A. Randjelovic
  • Patent number: 7810289
    Abstract: A high impact, moisture resistant, wall panel system and methods for mounting a high impact, moisture resistant wall panel to an existing structure are disclosed herein. A high impact, moisture resistant wall panel includes an inert substrate composed of a high density inorganic material, wherein the substrate is dimensionally stable, a laminate composed of a substantially rigid polymeric material, and an adhesive for engaging the laminate to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Environmental Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 7810288
    Abstract: A cladding system for cladding a supporting structure, the cladding system includes two cladding panels each defining a respective substantially laterally extending panel flange. The cladding panels are attachable to the supporting structure in a substantially coplanar and side-by-side relationship relatively to each other. The system also includes a cladding moulding insertable between the first and second cladding panel, the cladding moulding defining a moulding base and two moulding legs each extending from the moulding base substantially opposed to each other, the two moulding legs being angled relatively to the moulding base, each of the moulding legs defining a respective leg edge substantially opposed to the moulding base. The cladding moulding being substantially resiliently deformable between an undeformed configuration and a deformed configuration, the moulding legs being spaced apart from each other by a smaller distance in the deformed configuration than in the undeformed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: André Lechasseur
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7805904
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling fixture for hanging items from a suspended ceiling that is adjustable in multiple degrees of freedom includes a body spanning a distance between adjacent frame members of a suspended ceiling. The fixture also includes brackets for hanging the body from the adjacent frame members. Additionally included is a hanger assembly for hanging an item from the fixture, where the hanger assembly is adjustable along the body of the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Clark, Michael A. Whittier, David H. Cheney
  • Patent number: 7805899
    Abstract: A high impact, moisture resistant, wall panel system and methods for mounting a high impact, moisture resistant wall panel to an existing structure are disclosed herein. A high impact, moisture resistant wall panel includes an inert substrate composed of a high density inorganic material, wherein the substrate is dimensionally stable, a laminate composed of a substantially rigid polymeric material, and an adhesive for engaging the laminate to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Environmental Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 7788875
    Abstract: An edge trim system for suspended island ceilings in which a one-piece clip couples standard grid tees to standard wall molding. The clip is arranged to snap onto the grid tees where the ceiling boundary is along a line of the grid and to be screw fastened onto a tee where the ceiling boundary is other than along the grid. The clip is arranged to snap into and retain the molding in place without fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan C. Wendt
  • 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: 7770349
    Abstract: A clip for bridging a longitudinal gap between a pair of grid tee lengths, the clip having a cruciform shape in plan view formed by a set of four integral arms, one pair of the arms extending along a first line in opposite directions from a center of the clip, and another pair of arms extending along a line perpendicular to said first line in opposite directions from the center of the clip, said arms when oriented for installation having an inverted U-shape cross-section proportioned to fit over a respective one of four intersecting lengths of grid tees having an inverted T-shape with a reinforcing hollow bulb at its upper edge, at least one of said arms having a longitudinally extending fastener receiving slot and other of said arms having locations for receiving respective fasteners, said slot and receiving locations each being arranged to receive a fastener and allow the fastener to be anchored into the bulb of an associated tee, said slot being arranged to allow its respective grid tee length to telescope
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee M. Tedesco, Paul D. LaLonde, Ilya Lerner
  • Patent number: 7762034
    Abstract: A method for securing two pieces of sheet material is provided using a stitch preferably made by sequentially passing the grid member through two die sets. The first die set lances a strap out of the two sheets of metal such that, at the approximate center or midsection of the strap, the first layer of material is displaced completely out of the plane defined by the web, while the second layer is only partially displaced out of the plane of the web so that a portion of the second layer remains in the space vacated by the first layer of the strap. The lanced strap is then passed through a second die set, in which the first and second layers of the strap are deformed or “swaged” such that the first layer is flattened and expanded in width beyond the edges of the hole in the web created when the strap was lanced. This provides interference such that the first layer of the strap cannot pass back through the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Chicago Metallic Corporation
    Inventors: Scott G. Jankovec, Peter G. Jahn, Loring M. Johnson, Matthew D. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 7752823
    Abstract: A purlin bracing system for metal building roof includes braces which have pairs of tabs extending from one end. A brace is arranged perpendicular to a purlins, and its tabs are inserted through slots in the central web of the purlin. Another brace is then applied on the opposite side of the purlin, and headed pin is dropped through aligned holes in the tabs to secure them on opposite side of the purlin's central web. No tools or special fasteners are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford M. Robinson, Russell C. Burnham
  • Patent number: 7748188
    Abstract: The present invention is a fastening member formed of a single steel plate for fastening exterior panels to a building frame and a structure using the fastening member. The fastening member includes, a base plate portion functioning as a fastening portion to a building frame side, a central supporting portion to be in contact with the rear surface of an upper exterior panel at the time of the fastening, and an engaging portion extended from a lower end of the central supporting portion, the engaging portion being configured to be engaged with upper and lower ends of exterior panels at the time of the fastening. Between an upwardly extended portion and a downwardly extended portion constituting the engaging portion, a cutout for decreasing the rigidity of the engaging portion is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Nichiha Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Tsuneaki Ito
  • Patent number: 7743572
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an anti-vibration sound insulator for a suspended ceiling which is intended to be used either in residential or commercial applications. The insulator comprises a metal furring devised to be fixed to the ceiling. It also includes a central part comprising a star-shaped element having an upper vertical plate provided with an orifice and two lower plates each having extremities. These extremities are folded so as to jointly form a slide rail sized to receive and support the folded extremities of the metal furring. The central part also comprises an insulating element devised to be inserted in the upper plate orifice, this insulating element including an orifice. This latter orifice allows introducing a fixing element so as to fix the insulator beneath a floor, or against a joist supporting the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Soprema, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Ducharme
  • Publication number: 20100154336
    Abstract: Described is a façade structure, having a sub-structure that is formed from vertical and/or horizontal profiled supports, is located in front of a building wall or is anchored in a fixed manner in the ground or in the building wall. Façade panels made of ceramic material are secured to the sub-structure via panel holders (13). For securing the panel holder (13) to the sub-structure, the sub-structure has a vertical flange (14), in which a vertical row of holes (16) is realized by a plurality of elongated holes (14l) located one above another, wherein the elongated holes (14l) each extend at an acute angle to the horizontal and are located parallel to one another, and the row of holes (16) is located between two parallel extending guide ribs (14f), which protrude forward from the vertical flange (14f).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: MOEDING KERAMIKFASSADEN GMBH
    Inventor: Rudolf Wagner
  • Publication number: 20100132274
    Abstract: Structure (1) for mounting, on a building wall, at least one frame (50) consisting of a rectangular framework (51), comprising a carcass (2) made of at least two uprights (3) and at least two crossbars (4) assembled so as to form at least one rectangular underframe (15) adapted for receiving a frame (50), and means for fixing at least one frame on the carcass, each upright (3) having a central core (31) bordered by two side wings (32, 33) comprising recesses (38, 39) for receiving the crossbars (4). Each crossbar (4) has a central core (40) and side wings (41, 42) comprising recesses in line with the uprights (3) at the intersections between the crossbars (4) and the uprights (3) in such a way that the wings of the uprights (3) and the crossbars (4), extending on the inner periphery of the rectangular underframe (15), form a projecting border on which a frame (5) may be fitted. Wall provided with a structure of this type on which panel-holding frames are mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicants: ARCELORMITTAL-STAINLESS AND NICKLE ALLOYS, SOLARTE
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Reyal, Yves Jautard
  • Patent number: 7716891
    Abstract: Panels (20A, 20B) are attached to extrusions (66A, 66B) by fasteners 90. Clips (70) are attached to a structure (50) by fasteners (35). The extrusions and the clips engage in a manner which allows the panels to move in any direction, as needed, without the panel detaching from the structure and falling. The extrusions also provide for the use of optional reveal strips (87). An extrusion has a restraining area (86), a reveal strip stop area (58), and a T-slot (65). A clip has a T-channel (74), a tensioning stop arm (69), and a secondary reinforcing arm (80). The panels can be installed in rows, in columns, or diagonally, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Altech Panel Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Jerry L. Radford
  • Publication number: 20100115872
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a substructure for aligning a building cover structure for an insulated wall (1), wherein said wall (1) is provided with a layer of insulation material (2), which is mounted to the wall (1) by a plurality of elongated insulation mounting members (3) and cover support profiles (4), which are mounted on the mounting members (2), comprises adjustment means for adjusting the distance between the mounting members (3) and the cover support profiles (4), wherein said adjustment means comprises two or more assembly brackets (5) mounted on at least one side of the cover support profile (4), and wherein each assembly bracket (5) comprises a cover support profile receiving first end (5A) and a distal second end (5B) adapted for penetration into the insulation material (2) on one or both sides of the insulation mounting member (3) and that the bracket is provided with apertures (11, 12) between said first and second ends (5A, 5B) receiving associated fasteners for securing the assembly brac
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Rockwool International A/S
    Inventors: David Overton Chabre Holm, Nikolaj Bjerngaard
  • Publication number: 20100115871
    Abstract: A mounting bracket is provided for mounting a cladding panel to a structure. The mounting bracket comprises a body (2) having first and second walls (4,6) spaced from one another and a third wall (8) extending between the first and second walls (4,6). A first aperture (24) is located in the first wall (4) and a second aperture (26) is located in the second wall (6). The apertures (24,26) are substantially co-axial and adapted to receive a fixture therein. The mounting member also comprises at least one pair of resilient flanges (12) projecting from the third wall (8), the pair of flanges (12) adapted to clamp a portion of a cladding panel between them. A new fixture for securing such mounting members to the structure is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: John O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 7707798
    Abstract: A screening device is provided with multiple channel upper and lower panel retaining members that allow multiple panels to be laterally moved past each other. Channel end caps, a panel rolling member assembly and close spacing of the upper and lower panel retaining members prevent removal of the panels from the screening device. A support structure uses angled castings and extrusion members for rapid custom screen device assembly that avoids long welding assembly times as well as subsequent weld failure due to screen device vibration. The panel rolling member assembly uses balls, rollers or wheels to easily move the panels in their channels. A trim member with oppositely faced channels engages upper and lower projections on the panel retaining members and covers fastener heads located in a recess in the panel retaining members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: James E. Cullinan
  • Publication number: 20100101167
    Abstract: An adjustable hanger assembly for hanging support rods or ceiling fixtures includes two adjacent spanning angles or channels having at least one clamp assembly at each end thereof and at least one fixture hanging assembly disposed between the ends of the spanning angles or channels. The clamp for use with joists utilizing angles includes legged and washer clamp plates, fastener, and fastening device. The clamp for use with beams utilizing angles includes alternate legged clamp plate, fastener hook, and fastening device. The fixture hanging assembly includes legged and washer fixture plate, hanger rod with threaded end, and fastening. Each legged clamp plates, alternate legged clamp plates, and legged fixture plates is adapted to ride horizontally along top of spanning angles or channels. The load bearing capacity of the angles or channels is increased by bracing these members against each other at clamp assembly and fixture hanging assembly locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas H. Morey
  • Patent number: 7703243
    Abstract: A ceiling tile of gypsum and cellulose fibers formed into a board by initially mixing the fibers and gypsum in a water-based slurry that is felted and thereafter pressed and dried with a desired board thickness, the dried board being processed to form a plurality of holes in a face thereof through at least the majority of the thickness of the board, the collective volume of the holes being sufficient to reduce the weight of the board by at least 10% and increase the NRC exhibited by the board over that which would otherwise be found in a board of the same composition without such holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: Mirza A. Baig
  • Publication number: 20100095627
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for suspending ceiling tiles, comprising a plurality of substantially parallel up-per 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
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Oskar Meres, Michael Bjorn Hansen
  • Patent number: 7694475
    Abstract: A fire rated glass flooring system comprising a first layer of glass which is a structural glass and a second layer of glass which is a fire rated glass, together with a structural frame supporting the flooring system, wherein the two layers of glass are positioned one above the other and are separated by at least one load transferring means. The flooring system is more aesthetic than conventional frames as the user of a load transferring means allows the first and second layers of glass to be brought closer together and hence the structural frame supporting the system is less visible through the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Wilde Contracts Limited
    Inventor: Michael Scott Rae