Inverted T-bar Type Patents (Class 52/506.07)
  • Patent number: 11879250
    Abstract: A panel assembly for a suspended ceiling system, an adjustable corner bracket thereof, and a method of assembling such a panel assembly. The panel assembly may include a ceiling panel having a groove in its rear surface, a plurality of suspension bars disposed within the groove along the sides thereof, and a plurality of corner brackets disposed within the groove along the corners thereof. The corner brackets may include a first arm portion extending along a first arm axis and a second arm portion extending along a second arm axis. The corner brackets may be adjustable to alter an angle measured between the first and second arm axes so that the corner brackets may be used in different grooves having different shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventor: Scott D. Harnish
  • Patent number: 11871844
    Abstract: Provided is a reinforcement beam for horizontal frames, the reinforcement beam being configured to be used in a prefabricated shelf that is fabricated with vertical frames and horizontal frames, the horizontal frames including a connection portion fastened to the vertical frames at end portions of the connection portion, and an abutment portion which is formed by folding the connection portion such that the abutment portion is formed integrally with the connection portion and which supports a support plate. The reinforcement beam for the horizontal frames includes a body portion in which a pulling portion configured to support a lower outer surface of the connection portion is provided on each of opposite ends of the body portion. The reinforcement beam for the horizontal frames prevents the horizontal frames from collapsing under a large load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: SPEEDRACK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyo Sang Yoon, Yoon Ki Kim, Jae Koon Han, Jun Hyuk Lee
  • Patent number: 11852178
    Abstract: Embodiments of the adjustable clamps having a curved body having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first side section, a second side section, a middle section, a recess, and a bore to receive a fastener to compress, or expand the adjustable clamps are presented herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Jim Glover
  • Patent number: 11788285
    Abstract: A novel design of rails for a suspended ceiling, the rails including expansion absorbers. The absorbers are produced so that the rails can absorb an expansion while maintaining the integrity of the ceiling, so that the ceiling panels do not fall in the event of a fire. The rails maintain a significant load-bearing capacity despite the presence of one or more expansion absorbers over the length thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PLACO
    Inventors: Maxime Lefranc, Robin Czyzewicz
  • Patent number: 11773590
    Abstract: A ceiling suspension system is disclosed and includes a plurality of grid members configured to form a grid for the ceiling suspension system, each grid member comprising a bulb, a web and a flange. The system also includes a plurality of wall support brackets configured to mount the grid to walls in a structure. Each wall support bracket comprises a vertical back, a lower flange at a lower end of the vertical back, and an upper flange at an upper end of the vertical back. Further, the upper flange is generally V-shaped when viewed longitudinally and each wall support bracket only one tab in the lower flange for each grid member. Moreover, the only one tab is configured to engage and retain the flange of a respective grid member, such that the respective grid member rests on the lower flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: CERTAINTEED CEILINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robin C. Czyzewicz, Bryan Neubeker, Lorenzo Salazar, Thomas G. Murray
  • Patent number: 11767675
    Abstract: A customizable cladding system is provided. The customizable cladding system includes one or more base plates designed to be attached to a support structure (e.g., a fence post, wall, etc.). The base plates include attachment mechanisms extending outward from their front surfaces. Cladding plates, including corresponding attachment mechanisms on their back sides, are then removable coupled to the base plates to form a customizable cladding. The structure of the customizable cladding may be modified at any time by removing the cladding plates and reconfiguring them with the base plates as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Inventor: David Atias
  • Patent number: 11608635
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to support members for ceiling systems, such as those that can be formed into an interconnected grid to be suspended from a ceiling and support ceiling tiles. One aspect of the disclosure is a linearly-extending support member for a ceiling tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: CertainTeed Ceilings Corporation
    Inventors: Robin C. Czyzewicz, Bryan Neubeker, Matthew Rapposelli
  • Patent number: 11598093
    Abstract: Described herein are acoustical panels, comprising: a substrate; a non-woven veil having an airflow resistance of greater than 45 mks rayls, comprising: from about 20 wt. % to about 60 wt. % glass fibers; from about 40 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of a filler; and from about 110 dry g/m2 to about 135 dry g/m2 of a coating. Methods of making and using the panels are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Eric D. Kragness, Chris Wells, Oliver Ebert, Alfred Winkler
  • Patent number: 11525261
    Abstract: A ceiling beam connector that permits the incorporation of ornamental panel designs such as triangles, parallelograms, and trapezoids into suspended ceilings. The connector has a faceplate attached to either two arms or a leg. The leg is attached to either the faceplate or an arm at an acute angle measured from an axis perpendicular to the faceplate. To maintain standard beam lengths and rout spacing at 2 foot, 3 foot, or 4 foot (61 cm, 91 cm, or 122 cm) beam spacing, the leg may project out at the following angles measured from the axis: about 14.0°, about 18.4°, about 26.6°, about 30.3°, about 45.0°, about 59.7°, about 63.4°, about 71.6°, or about 76.0°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventor: Joshua L. Neal
  • Patent number: 11479971
    Abstract: Disclosed is a suspended ceiling system, a securing member, and process of installing a patterned suspended ceiling system. The suspended ceiling system includes a grid system having first members and second members, and at least one substrate which extends below the grid system. The at least one substrate has an exposed surface and a concealed surface, and the at least one substrate has first sides and second sides which extend between the exposed surface and the concealed surface. Securing members attach to the concealed surface proximate the first sides, and the securing members have grid engagement members which secure the at least one substrate to the grid system. The securing members cooperate with the first members and the second members of the grid system to properly position the substrate and the spacing between adjacent at least one substrates is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Nathan J. Baxter, James R. Waters
  • Patent number: 11447945
    Abstract: An end panel bracket useful with a building panel system is provided. The end panel bracket comprises a base, a middle portion extending from the base, a shelf extending from the middle portion, a notch, and a ledge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Harnish, Todd M. Bergman, Ryan D. Hanuschak, Jonathan P. Van Dore
  • Patent number: 11384536
    Abstract: A main tee for a suspended ceiling formed of metal sheet and having an upper reinforcing bulb, a lower flange and a web between the bulb and flange, the web having evenly spaced, generally vertical cross tee receiving slots along a length of the tee and a series of suspension wire receiving holes along the length of the tee, the lowermost edges of the holes being above a highest extremity of the cross tee slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: USG INTERIORS, LLC
    Inventors: Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Nathan Mathiot, Michael P. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 11274442
    Abstract: An absorber tile element includes compressed mineral fiber material and has a first major surface, an opposing second major surface and at least one side edge surface, and an anchor element associated with one of the first and second major surface or one of the at least one side edge surfaces. The anchor element includes a head portion and a threaded portion, the head portion defining an open cavity facing a top surface. An engagement member is arranged in the cavity, and arranged to engage with a hook element. The threaded portion is threaded into the absorber tile element such that the head portion becomes substantially recessed in the absorber tile element. A corresponding tile system can includes the absorber tile element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN ECOPHON AB
    Inventor: Thomas Nilsson
  • Patent number: 11230840
    Abstract: A linear wall or ceiling panel comprising and formed from a woven or non-woven fibrous material. Preferably, the material is thermoformable and non-woven and comprises at least one of the group consisting of: bi-core polyester fibers: two different types of fibers having different melting points; a mixture of bi-core polyester fibers and non-bi-core (single core) polyester fibers. The panel is preferably shaped to provide means for mounting the panel to a carrier. Optionally, an end portion may be provided to cover the open longitudinal end of the linear panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INDUSTRIES B.V.
    Inventors: Michiel Jacobus Johannes Langeveld, Lars Vejen-Jensen
  • Patent number: 11053682
    Abstract: A connector for a main tee of a suspended ceiling grid that has improved tensile strength achieved by accurately proportioning an end tab and receiving depression so that full lateral abutment between these elements is obtained to assure full engagement between lock lance edges and mating stop edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: USG INTERIORS, LLC
    Inventor: Hui Zhang
  • Patent number: 10995490
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to support members for ceiling systems, such as those that can be formed into an interconnected grid to be suspended from a ceiling and support ceiling tiles. One aspect of the disclosure is a linearly-extending support member for a ceiling tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: CertainTeed Ceilings Corporation
    Inventors: Robin C. Czyzewicz, Bryan Neubeker, Matthew Rapposelli
  • Patent number: 10975569
    Abstract: An improved drop/suspended ceiling system which provides consistent spacing between continuous, parallel support rails is described. The rails attach directly to floor joists which permits locating ceiling panels as high as possible with respect to the bottom of the joists. In other embodiments, the rails may be supported by hangers, but held in parallel by spacers hidden by the ceiling panels to avoid the use of conventional suspended ceiling cross-sectional members. In some embodiments, the rails attach within or between joists and can also be used as a remodel or new option. Panels can be used with existing steel drop ceilings in conjunction with the spacer channel to achieve a continuous, parallel look with traditional steel drop ceiling rails using the spacer. Rails and tiles can serve as a direct replacement for traditional tiles or long panels can be used from wall to wall in isles or small rooms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventor: Gaylen A. Haas
  • Patent number: 10794057
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a false ceiling mounting system that is simple and effective, while also allowing quick disassembly for inspection or total removal. To this end, a section bar with resilient tabs is provided, the false ceiling panel being fit between two section bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: OC S.R.L.
    Inventor: Gerardo Ceccacci
  • Patent number: 10760268
    Abstract: A straight beam made for use in a suspended horizontal drywall ceiling. The beam is modified so that it can be bent in multiple directions to multiple predetermined angles. The beam has a web connecting two top flanges to two bottom flanges. A notch in the web extends through either the top or bottom flanges dividing the beam into a first side and a second side. The first side and the second side may each contain a pocket angled away from an outward face of the web forming a cutout having a locking edge and optionally a protuberance projecting out in the same direction as the pocket. Furthermore, the first side and the second side may optionally each contain an indentation projecting outward from the web in a direction opposite the spring pocket. As a result, when the beam is bent to the desired predetermined angle the locking edge or indentation may engage with the protuberance locking the angle in place. A soffit may then be constructed with drywall hung therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventors: Brett W. Sareyka, Yu Lin, Jeff Markley, Jason Robbins, Sebastien Place, Joshua Neal
  • Patent number: 10718113
    Abstract: Disclosed is a suspended ceiling system, a securing member, and process of installing a patterned suspended ceiling system. The suspended ceiling system includes a grid system having first members and second members, and at least one substrate which extends below the grid system. The at least one substrate has an exposed surface and a concealed surface, and the at least one substrate has first sides and second sides which extend between the exposed surface and the concealed surface. Securing members attach to the concealed surface proximate the first sides, and the securing members have grid engagement members which secure the at least one substrate to the grid system. The securing members cooperate with the first members and the second members of the grid system to properly position the substrate and the spacing between adjacent at least one substrates is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Nathan J. Baxter, James R. Waters
  • Patent number: 10598344
    Abstract: A solid-state light source with LEDs contained in a light recycling cavity emits both light and heat from heat extracting light emitting elements which form the light recycling cavity. Eliminating appended heat sinks makes these light sources ultra lightweight. The light sources can be attached and supported by suspended ceilings without affecting the seismic properties of the ceiling. The heat extracting light emitting elements are combined with a reflector to make directional light sources, which can be attached to ceilings with small magnets. Because the heat extracting light emitting elements transfer the heat from the light source to the illuminated area there is no requirement for disturbing or penetrating the ceiling barrier to a heat sink on the plenum side of the ceiling. This enables a contiguous acoustic ceiling. Further, the light sources are made from non flammable materials and therefore do not affect the fire rating of the ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventors: William R. Livesay, Scott M. Zimmerman, Richard L. Ross, Eduardo DeAnda
  • Patent number: 10526784
    Abstract: A yoke for a ceiling suspension system is disclosed. For example, the yoke may include a yoke body having an upper end configured to be mounted only to another yoke, or to an extension mounted to the other yoke. The yoke body may have a lower end having a first mount configured to be mounted to a first ceiling support member (CSM), and a second mount configured to be mounted to a second CSM that differs from the first CSM. In one version, no portion of the yoke body extends through any portion of the first CSM and the second CSM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: CERTAINTEED CEILINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robin Czyzewicz, Thomas G. Murray, Stephen Engel
  • Patent number: 10309638
    Abstract: The partially lit T-bar includes a spine with a rest shelf at a lower portion thereof. The rest shelf supports adjacent ceiling tiles. The under surface of the rest shelf includes a lighting module on a portion and a plain unlit undersurface on other portions. Additional T-bars which are shorter, and typically fully lit or fully unlit and half the length of the partially lit T-bar are also provided which can attach at ends or near a midpoint of the partially lit T-bar and typically perpendicularly thereto. A great variety of lighting patterns in a dropped ceiling is thus facilitated. Each of the T-bars preferably also includes a heat sink on an upper portion of the spine and also preferably a lower heat sink on an upper portion of the rest shelf. Heat associated with the light element of the T-bar can thus be drawn away from a space below the ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: JLC-TECH IP, LLC
    Inventor: Silvio Porciatti
  • Patent number: 10309104
    Abstract: Described herein is a ceiling system that includes a spring clip for mounting ceiling panels equipped with torsion springs to a ceiling support grid, the clip comprising: a body including a mounting portion defining a downwardly open receptacle configured for attachment to a ceiling grid support member; a pair of lateral flanges extending outwards from the mounting portion, at least one of the flanges including a slot configured to engage a torsion spring; a pair locking tabs disposed on the spring clip, the locking tabs configured to engage opposing sides of the grid support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventor: Daniel M. Holdridge
  • Patent number: 10070727
    Abstract: An adjustable support assembly for use in a chair has a mounting member 602, a support 605 for supporting part of the body of a chair occupant, and a carrier 611 slidably carrying the support 605. The support has a plurality of engagement features 621 and the carrier has an engagement member 615 that is selectively engageable with the engagement features to enable the support to be selectively positioned relative to the carrier at a plurality of positions. A biasing arrangement 607 operatively connects the carrier 611 to the mounting member 603 and forwardly biases the carrier 611 and support 605. The engagement between the engagement member 615 and an engaged engagement feature 621 increases upon application of rearward force to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Formway Furniture Limited
    Inventors: Damon Gregory Burwell, Paul Michael Wilkinson, Aaron Michael Young, Christopher Warren Bisman, Stuart Gregory Munro, James Clifford Prier
  • Patent number: 9896180
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a load bearing structure involves providing a panel; providing a first set of split stiffening elements on a surface of the panel, wherein the split stiffening elements of the first set have bottom surfaces and central portions with open top clearances, respectively, spaced apart from each other; providing a second set of stiffening elements having bottom surfaces and top surfaces and central portions, respectively; inserting the stiffening elements of the second set into respective open top clearances of the split stiffening elements of the first set and providing the second set of stiffening elements on the surface of the panel for forming a grate structure; and attaching top surfaces to the split stiffening elements of the first set for forming complete profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Raeckers, Sven Werner
  • Patent number: 9777478
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling comprising SUSPENDED metal runners in a horizontal plane, the runners each having a horizontal flange having an effective vertical thickness, a plurality of rectangular drywall sheets aligned crosswise to the runners and screwed to the flanges with ends of the drywall sheets forming butt joints midway between adjacent runners, boards overlying butt joints and adjacent flanges, the boards being substantially stiffer than the drywall sheets, whereby the drywall sheet ends are drawn up towards an upper level of the flanges when screwed against the overlying board so that a pseudo taper is formed on the drywall sheet ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: USG INTERIORS, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel D. Hulka, Peder J. Gulbrandsen
  • Patent number: 9745747
    Abstract: An adapter for securing a cross beam to a main beam in a suspended ceiling. The adapter includes a first leg having a ramp portion on a top edge of the first leg and a hook portion on a bottom edge of the first leg, a second leg attached to the first leg on a first side of the first leg. The second leg includes a larger portion which extends above the first leg to a second side of the first leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventors: Brett W. Sareyka, Joshua L. Neal
  • Patent number: 9593482
    Abstract: A bar of a support structure for a false ceiling is described. The bar has an elongated shape along a longitudinal direction and includes at least two sheet metal portions located side by side or overlapped, in contact or adherent, with each other along said longitudinal direction, or short side direction. In the bar a transverse direction, or short-side direction, extending transverse to, or intersecting, said longitudinal direction is defined. At least one of the sheet metal portions has cuts defining partially cut parts, wherein a partially cut part of said at least one of the sheet metal portions protrudes towards the other of said sheet metal portions in a thickness direction so as to determine an interference of parts in the thickness direction. The cuts are arranged, are directed, or extend along said transverse direction and the partially cut parts have, when viewed in perspective, an at least partially curvilinear or concave profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Giuseppe Cipriani
  • Patent number: 9489012
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fixing apparatus for a video wall to fix a plurality of display panels disposed in a lattice pattern, including a plurality of top case units each positioned between neighboring ones of the display panels, each of the top case units comprising a middle frame inserted between the neighboring ones of the display panels to extend to rear surfaces of the display panels, and a bezel frame extending from the middle frame to opposite sides in a perpendicular direction to the middle frame to cover ends of front surfaces of neighboring display panels, and a fastening member fastened to the middle frame extending to the rear surfaces of the display panels to fix the display panels. In the fixing apparatus, neighboring display panels share one top case, and thus the gap between the display panels for a video wall may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Ilsub Yoon, Kyoyoon Koo, Hyunmin Jang, Jaewon Jang
  • Patent number: 9435121
    Abstract: A grid assembly for hanging a ceiling panel, and a ceiling system including the same, and a saddle bracket for use with the same. The grid assembly may comprise a grid support comprising a strut comprising a flange portion, a web portion, a bulb portion. The bulb portion may comprise an undersurface. The saddle bracket may comprise a horizontal locking feature, a vertical locking feature, a panel mounting feature, and a web receiving cavity. The saddle bracket may be mounted to the strut so that the vertical locking feature engages the undersurface of the bulb portion to vertically lock the saddle bracket to the strut and the horizontal locking feature of the saddle bracket may be alterable between locked and unlocked states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: AWI Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Todd M. Bergman, Scott D. Harnish, Jonathan P. Van Dore
  • Patent number: 9021759
    Abstract: A grid runner and method of its manufacture that saves material content with use of a serpentine sheet metal web configured to be essentially scrapless and that results in a parallel chord truss-like construction with open spaces between an upper reinforcing bulb and a lower flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Lehane, Jr., Peder J. Gulbrandsen
  • Patent number: 8997426
    Abstract: A ceiling panel clip to engage the grid structure of a drop ceiling and thereby hold panels of a drop ceiling in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: E.H. Price, Ltd.
    Inventors: Leith McLeod, David Surminski, Andrew Bourgeois, Andrew Grierson
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20150033657
    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: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Abraham M. Underkofler, Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Mark R. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 8938926
    Abstract: Prior art rolled T-beams used in horizontal grids in suspended ceilings, serve as vertical studs in a grid that supports wallboard in a liner for a structural wall. A horizontal strut extends along, and is connected to, the studs, to unite the studs and the strut to form the vertical grid. The grid is braced from the structural wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventors: Brett W. Sareyka, William J. Platt
  • Patent number: 8898986
    Abstract: A runner hanger comprising a metal strip having a plurality of spaced upper holes, a lower portion including a lower edge interrupted by a series of regularly spaced notches, the notches being configured to receive a hollow reinforcing bulb of a grid runner extending transversely to the hanger, the notch having a pair of longitudinally spaced ledges configured to support the bottom sides of a reinforcing bulb, the notches having a bendable tab carrying one of the ledges, the tabs being precision machine bent at an angle relative to a plane of the lower portion that allows a grid runner reinforcing bulb to be inserted when tilted in the associated notch and prevents the bulb from falling out of the notch when the runner is upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Abraham M. Underkofler, Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Mark R. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 8898985
    Abstract: A ceiling panel system includes a plurality of grid members that are operable to form a grid suspendable from a ceiling, the grid having grid member intersections; and a plurality of ceiling panels, each ceiling panel including a planar surface and a plurality of upturned edges arranged about the periphery of the planar surface. The upturned edges include a catch operable to attach the panels to the face of the grid intermediately to the intersections to form a ceiling surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventor: James J. Lehane, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8893449
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling grid assembly including parallel spaced main runners and pairs of cross runners on opposite sides of a main runner, the main runners having vertical slots spaced along their lengths, the cross runners having end connectors mutually inter-engaged in a common main runner slot, a brace stabilizing the pair of cross runners against relative hinge action in a vertical plane, the brace being a thin metal body having a cross section complimentary to a cross section of the cross runners, the brace abutting sides of the cross runners and being rigidly attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Abraham M. Underkofler, Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Mark R. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 8887467
    Abstract: A sheet metal fastener and method of use with a low density porous ceiling panel, the fastener comprising a plurality of blades adapted to be manually driven into a backside of a low density fibrous ceiling panel core, each blade being arranged to be pivoted about a horizontal axis in a direction opposite another one of the blades while embedded in the core to fix the fastener to the panel and an upstanding structure attached to said blades adapted to project upwardly from a rear side of the panel and having an aperture for receiving a suspension wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Abraham M. Underkofler, Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Mark R. Paulsen
  • Publication number: 20140331587
    Abstract: For forming support structures for false ceilings, an inverted T main runner includes a central web extending from an upper tube and terminating in two horizontal flanges, wherein each end of the web has two parallel longitudinal cuts defining an elastically deformable band terminating in a depressed seat projecting from the web surface, such seat being provided with a tooth facing the web. A substantially rectangular tab for engagement in the depressed seat of the adjacent main runner is also provided, such tab (having a cut engagable by the tooth of the adjacent main runner when the tab is inserted into the depressed seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Dallan S.p.A.
    Inventor: Sergio Dallan
  • 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: 8869484
    Abstract: A curvable grid tee for suspending drywall capable of being configured vertically into convex or concave shapes comprising a series of identical web segments joined end-to-end, the segments being formed of sheet metal into a tee shaped cross section, the sheet metal of a segment being folded such that each segment has a vertical double layer stem with the stem layers joined at a common fold at upper edges thereof, the sheet metal at lower edges of each layer of the stem being bent outwardly to form a flange, a junction between adjacent segments permitting such adjacent segments to be angularly displaced relative to one another in a vertical plane such that the flanges are capable of supporting a drywall panel in a curved plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Peder Gulbrandsen, Abraham M. Underkofler, Mark R. Paulsen
  • Publication number: 20140311078
    Abstract: A sheet metal fastener and method of use with a low density porous ceiling panel, the fastener comprising a plurality of blades adapted to be manually driven into a backside of a low density fibrous ceiling panel core, each blade being arranged to be pivoted about a horizontal axis in a direction opposite another one of the blades while embedded in the core to fix the fastener to the panel and an upstanding structure attached to said blades adapted to project upwardly from a rear side of the panel and having an aperture for receiving a suspension wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Abraham M. Underkofler, Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Mark R. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 8851196
    Abstract: A fire sprinkler support assembly includes a leg configured to extend transverse to each of a pair of adjacent parallel spaced beams. The leg includes levered clamp assemblies that are configured for connecting and supporting each end of the leg to a corresponding one of the beams. The levered clamp assemblies include a first plate and a second plate, each plate configured to straddle the beam. The levered clamp assemblies also include a lever assembly. The lever assembly includes a rod passing through corresponding rod openings in the first and second plates, and a lever pivotally connected to one end of the rod. The lever includes a cam surface disposed adjacent to the first plate. The lever assembly is configured to reduce spacing between the plates upon actuation of the lever, whereby the leg is secured to the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Flexhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul S. F. Silcox, Peter M. MacDonald, Norman J. MacDonald, III
  • Patent number: 8851145
    Abstract: An insulation system includes a panel having a major surface, a layer of fibrous insulating material and at least one securing clip affixed to the panel and securing the insulation layer to the major surface. Each clip includes first and second connectors. Each connector includes a head, two diametrically-opposed resilient latching elements projecting from the head and a first locking shoulder extending at least partially between the latching elements. Each latching element includes a latching shoulder adjacent a distal end opposite the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellecutal Capital, LLC
    Inventor: Brian P. O'Riordan
  • Patent number: RE45851
    Abstract: A ceiling panel that conceals the grid in a suspended ceiling, having opposed active first and second edges with profiles different from one another, and opposed passive edges. An access kerf, and a registration kerf, at different levels in the active edges, along with a registration step in one active edge, permit the panel to be inserted, or removed, by successive hinge actions. When installed, the panel is locked to the ceiling with no visual indications on how the panel can be removed. During installation the panel is self-centering and self-aligning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventor: Darryl C. Bodine