Inverted T-bar Type Patents (Class 52/506.07)
  • Patent number: 8820026
    Abstract: A single piece sheet metal clip including a trim engaging part and a mounting part extending or extendable from the trim engaging part at a right angle, the trim engaging part having a limited height when the clip is tilted from a vertical portion and a height greater than the limited height when upright whereby the trim engaging part may be inserted between opposed channels on a rear side of a trim strip and upper and lower edges are trapped in a respective channel when rotated from the tilted position to an upright position, the trim engaging part having an integral element resiliently deflected in a channel when the clip is turned upright, said resilient element releasably locking the clip against a reversal of said movement and thereby maintaining the trim engaging part trapped in said channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Abraham M. Underkofler, Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Mark R. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 8820019
    Abstract: A runner, a suspended ceiling system, and a method of installing a suspended ceiling, the runner having a base with two laterally opposite flanges for supporting ceiling tiles, a hinged web connected to the base between the flanges so as to be foldable between a flat configuration with the web folded against one of the flanges and an inverted-T configuration with the web normal to the base for suspension and use, the hinged web allowing for economies is shipping when compared to conventional rigid inversed-T shaped runners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Corruven Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Alain Belanger
  • Patent number: 8813457
    Abstract: A clip for mounting an elongated trim strip on ends of ceiling grid runners, having a right angle configuration with two intersecting legs, one leg adapted to laterally abut an end of a grid runner and the other being adapted to engage the trim strip, said other leg having oppositely extending upper and lower grips for reception into upper and lower opposing channels of the trim strip, the grips being relatively moveable, and a toggle arrangement for moving said grips away from one another, when retracted, the grips being capable of passing between the opposed channels, the toggle arrangement selectively maintaining said grips in an extended position to frictionally lock onto the opposed channels of the trim strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Abraham M. Underkofler, Mark R. Paulsen, Peder J. Gulbrandsen
  • Patent number: 8782987
    Abstract: A supported architectural structure is presented. A plurality of primary supports configured to couple with one or more architectural structures. A plurality of flexible fins, where at least one of the plurality of flexible fins includes an inner edge and an outer edge, where the inner edge includes a plurality of attachment points. A plurality of secondary supports configured to couple with the plurality of primary supports, where at least one of the secondary supports includes a plurality of fin slots configured to couple with the plurality of attachment points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Arktura LLC
    Inventors: Chris Kabatsi, Robert Kilian
  • Patent number: 8782985
    Abstract: A splice plate for joining and aligning extruded trim strips used in suspended ceiling islands and fascias of the type having a pair of opposed flanged channels on its rear face, the splice plate having upper and lower flanges proportioned to slide into the pair of channels and a pair of clamping elements, each of the clamping elements being disposed in a rearwardly horizontally spaced relation to a respective one of said splice plate flanges, a machine screw associated with each clamping element and arranged when turned to draw the respective clamping element forcibly towards an associated plate flange to thereby clamp an intervening portion of a trim channel flange, said plate being sufficiently long to span between a pair of end abutted trim strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Peder Gulbrandsen, Mark Miklosz, Stephen Oshgan, Joe Wascow, Nicholas Jackson
  • Patent number: 8763336
    Abstract: A clip having a first leg for attaching to a trim strip and a second leg for attaching to a grid runner, the first leg having a backer plate attached with a screw through a slot, a head of the screw on a side of the first leg facing the second leg, the backer plate on the other side of the first leg, an upper edge of the first leg in a downwardly facing groove on a backside of the trim strip, the backer plate fitting between a depending free edge of the upper groove and an upstanding edge of a lower upwardly facing groove when the screw is up in the slot, and being received in the lower groove when the screw is down in the slot and clamping between the upstanding edge and a rear face of the trim strip when the screw is tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Peder Gulbrandsen, Mark Miklosz, Nicholas Jackson, Stephen Oshgan, Joe Wascow, Jeremy Bruce
  • Patent number: 8745947
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling system is provided comprising at least first and second parallel inverted tee-runners. Each tee-runner comprises a horizontal flange and a vertical web, with the vertical web having at least two spaced openings therein. At least one ceiling panel is associated with the parallel tee-runners. The ceiling panel has opposed side walls and opposed end walls, with a pair of first tabs formed at one end of the ceiling panel and a pair of second tabs formed at the opposite end of the panel. At least one of the first tabs is relatively longer than at least one of the second tabs, and has a length sufficient so that it extends through one of the spaced openings in the web of the first inverted tee-runner and rests on the flange of the first tee-runner, with the second tabs being supported by the flange of the second tee-runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Chicago Metallic Company LLC
    Inventors: Peter G. Jahn, Mark A. Fladeland
  • Patent number: 8739487
    Abstract: A ceiling panel uses a perimeter frame with a wide outwardly extending bottom flange defining a thin panel edge. Preferably the bottom flange includes a lower surface for securing of a finished substrate about the panel perimeter. The upper surface of the bottom flange receives a gusset clip that includes two arms for securement of the bottom flange and an upwardly extending lift and shift securing tab. The upwardly extending lift and shift securing tab is preferably located within a depth of the ceiling panel generally defined by an acoustical dampening material located within the perimeter frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: CertainTeed Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Daniel Gerkes, Heikki Kolga, Ronald White
  • Patent number: 8739488
    Abstract: A ceiling panel assembly for being secured to, and for concealing, a suspended inverted T-shaped, longitudinally extending main runner having a vertically disposed web, a horizontally disposed flange divided by the web to equal flange portions, and a protuberance at a terminal end of each of the flange portions, which comprises: a main section with a first and second lateral edge and visible panel sections and two support sections laterally extending in opposite directions, which are disposed above the main section. The two support sections releasably contact two adjacent and laterally spaced main runners, respectively, and one of the sections is adapted to multi-directionally stiffen a corresponding main runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Yaakov Vakhnin
  • Patent number: 8733053
    Abstract: A system and method for a supported architectural design. A plurality of primary supports configured to couple with one or more architectural structures. A plurality of flexible fins, where at least one of the plurality of flexible fins includes an inner edge and an outer edge, where the inner edge includes a plurality of attachment points. A plurality of secondary supports configured to couple with the plurality of primary supports, where at least one of the secondary supports includes a plurality of fin slots configured to couple with the plurality of attachment points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Arktura LLC
    Inventors: Chris Kabatsi, Robert Kilian
  • Publication number: 20140130436
    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: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: USG INTERIORS, LLC
    Inventors: Peder Gulbrandsen, Abraham M. Underkofler, Mark R. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 8720147
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for attaching installations above a ceiling for ceiling panels between substantially inverted T-shaped ceiling beams, the ceiling beams (20) being arranged in a substantially rectangular/square pattern to form T-beam crossings and defining ceiling panel (22) supporting areas. The apparatus includes a fixation base having connection points for the installation with at least three legs (2) extending from the fixation base (1) for connecting the fixation base (1) to the ceiling beams (20) in a beam crossing and for attaching the fixation base (1) at a distance from said beam crossing, as well as an attachment portion (3) for fastening the legs (2) to the beams (20). Also described is a method for attaching installations above a ceiling for ceiling panels (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Roman Empire AS
    Inventor: Oystein Roman
  • Patent number: 8713869
    Abstract: A suspended containment wall system including a support rail with a hook track positioned thereon and a hanging panel. The hanging panel further includes: (i) an attachment rail with a hook track oriented to engage the hook track of the support rail; and (ii) a panel body connected to the attachment rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Gordon Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Eychaner, Rob Rombough, Steven Shugarts, Daniel Smiley, Joey Nuckols, Mike Davis, Bill Nichols
  • Patent number: 8715383
    Abstract: A filter clip for holding a filter media over a supply/return/exhaust of an HVAC system includes a hook portion that secures to a grid of a suspended ceiling system and a filter holding portion that is connected to the hook portion such that the filter holding portion is biased towards the grid and/or a grille. An air filter placed between the filter holding portion and the grid and/or grille is held against the grid and/or grill until, for example, until construction is complete or the filter needs to be changed or removed, thereby covering the supply/return and reducing contamination of the HVAC system from construction dirt/debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Ray Cordell
  • Patent number: 8689505
    Abstract: A panel frame for suspended ceiling, at least one side of this frame having, when seen in section, a top wall and a side wall. The top wall is provided with a fitted flat section, this flat section having at least two through-holes for the passage of an assembly mechanism such as screws, one of the through-holes being ovalized or oblong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Newmat
    Inventor: Etienne Cousin
  • Patent number: 8684067
    Abstract: A suspended panel system for vertically hanging a panel is provided. The suspended panel system can include a first connector having a panel mounting portion configured to be coupled to a first edge portion of a panel. The first connector can include a first hook having a first channel open toward the panel. The suspended panel system can also include a second connector configured to be coupled to a mounting surface above the panel. The second connector can include a second hook having a second channel open away from the panel such that the first hook and the second hook removably engage one another by having the first hook engage the second channel and the second hook engage the first channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Polargy, Inc.
    Inventor: Cary Frame
  • Publication number: 20140069042
    Abstract: Each one of the runners of the suspended ceiling system has a base with two laterally opposite flanges for supporting ceiling tiles. A web can be hingedly connected to the base between the flanges. The runners can be suspended from above using cable fasteners which lockingly engage with apertures provided in the runners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Corruven Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Alain Belanger
  • Patent number: 8667756
    Abstract: Noise dampers of sound absorbent material are inserted on the metal grid beams in a suspended ceiling. Hangers, embedded in a structural ceiling, that support the beams, are insulated from the beams by the noise dampers. Sound vibrations generated in the structural ceiling, which is often a floor, are not transmitted through the hangers, to the suspended ceiling, or to the room, below, but are absorbed in the dampers before reaching the grid beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventors: Brett W. Sareyka, Joshua L. Neal
  • Patent number: 8661757
    Abstract: A fire protective barrier for a residential floor and a method of its construction, the construction involving a floor supported on lightweight joists of a type susceptible to early failure once exposed to a fire existing in the space below the floor, an array of elongated steel main tees suspended below the joists, the tees being parallel and spaced apart by a nominal distance of 2?, the tees having an upper hollow reinforcing bulb, a central vertical web extending downwardly from the bulb and a horizontal flange extending laterally from both sides of the web, drywall panels carried on upper faces of the flanges of adjacent pairs of tees, the drywall panels having a width of slightly less than the center-to-center distance of the tees, a majority of the panels having lengths of 8? or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: United State Gypsum Company
    Inventor: Gary F. Miller
  • Patent number: 8615948
    Abstract: A seismic bracket for supporting ends of suspended ceiling grid runners from a wall comprising a stamped sheet metal body, the body having a horizontally extending portion and a vertically extending portion, the vertically extending portion, in its installed position, rising above the top of a standard grid runner a distance at least 1½ times the height of such standard grid runner, the vertically extending portion having two sections generally coextensive in the vertical direction, a first section being integral with the horizontally extending portion and a second section arranged to be in a vertical plane that intersects a vertical plane occupied by the horizontally extending portion, the horizontally extending portion being arranged to support a grid runner to move longitudinally a limited distance, the second section of the vertically extending portion having an aperture for securing the bracket to the wall at a location substantially above the grid tee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Abraham M. Underkofler, Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Mark R. Paulsen, James J. Lehane, Lee M Tedesco
  • Patent number: 8615947
    Abstract: A sheet metal yoke for supporting a pair of main runners of a suspended ceiling grid in parallel alignment with a relatively narrow spacing, the yoke having an inverted U-shape with a horizontal span and a depending leg adjacent each end of the span, a lower end of each leg having a tab extending towards the other leg, the tab being proportioned to fit in a cross runner slot of a main runner and being capable of vertically supporting the main runner at a desired elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Abraham M. Underkofler, Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Mark R. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 8596009
    Abstract: Disclosed is a suspended ceiling system, a securing member, and process of installing a patterned suspended ceiling system. The suspended ceiling system includes a grid system having first members and second members, and at least one substrate which extends below the grid system. The at least one substrate has an exposed surface and a concealed surface, and the at least one substrate has first sides and second sides which extend between the exposed surface and the concealed surface. Securing members attach to the concealed surface proximate the first sides, and the securing members have grid engagement members which secure the at least one substrate to the grid system. The securing members cooperate with the first members and the second members of the grid system to properly position the substrate and the spacing between adjacent at least one substrates is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: Nathan Baxter, James R. Waters
  • Patent number: 8590244
    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: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventor: Brian P. O'Riordan
  • Patent number: 8590248
    Abstract: A roll formed sheet metal grid runner, and method of its manufacture, for a suspended ceiling grid having indexing tabs stamped from a central web of the runner profile, the tabs being effective to reliably locate ceiling panels and, when the grid runner is nested with other identical runners in a package, avoid marring of visible surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Lehane, Jr., Donald J. Leahy, Steven E. Farley, Thomas G. Rowland, Peder J. Gulbrandsen
  • Patent number: 8578673
    Abstract: The space above a suspended ceiling grid that extends along a corridor is kept open and free of hang wires by creating a truss at each end of a beam in the grid. The truss includes the beam itself, an opposing wall along one side of the space, and a gusset stay that extends from the wall to the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventors: Joseph J. Kelly, William J. Platt
  • Patent number: 8572920
    Abstract: A panel for a drop ceiling is made of a semi-rigid but resilient material such as spring steel and includes corner clips adapted to cooperate with the inverted T-shaped stringers of a drop ceiling support system so that the panel is self-centering between opposing stringers and is spring biased into a clamped relationship with horizontal flanges of the inverted T-shape stringers to prevent the panel from moving up and down. The corner clips are also designed to transfer any horizontal compressive shear force in the mounting system to vertical edges of the panel so as not to undesirably bow the flat base of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: David Bailey, Ko Kuperus, Richard Mayer
  • Patent number: 8549810
    Abstract: A clip for attachment to a suspended ceiling grid support member, the clip including a generally planar body portion having a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. A first wing is positioned at the first edge and at the first end and a second wing is positioned at the second edge and at the second end. The first wing has spaced aligned apertures located outside of the first edge and the second wing has spaced aligned apertures located outside of the second edge for receipt of fasteners therethrough. The fasteners extend into ceiling panels or planks without contacting the suspended support member to which the clips are secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Norton Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Norton, Alberto Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 8534014
    Abstract: An elongated metal grid runner for a suspended ceiling, the grid runner having a cross-section with an upper hollow reinforcing bulb, a vertical web extending below the bulb, and lower flange elements extending laterally from opposite sides of the web, the length of the grid runner being less than about 9?, a permanent magnet disposed on each end of the grid runner at its flange elements, the magnet being adapted to overlie and be attracted to a horizontal leg of a steel wall angle to thereby releasably retain the grid runner in position on the wall angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory M. Ahren
  • Patent number: 8522494
    Abstract: Support wires can be used to hold up light tiles to provide a lightweight display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Barco, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Ward
  • Patent number: 8511028
    Abstract: Producing grid tees with a range of service duty, reflected in the use of various gauge sheet stock, that exhibit an effective uniform thickness at their cross tee slots by locally altering a grid tee in the area of its cross tee receiving slot or slots so that the grid tee has a uniform effective thickness at these area(s) that can be standardized across a manufacturer's range of tee load ratings. Preferably, a grid tee is permanently stamped with an indentation or dimple adjacent the cross tee slot and a cross tee connector has a lead edge area arranged to seat against the bottom of the indentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventor: James J. Lehane, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8484923
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling comprising a grid formed of intersecting grid runners and snap-up panels supported on the grid runners, the grid runners dividing a ceiling area into standard modules, the pans being formed of sheet material and each having its sides sized to cover the module size while leaving a space at visible faces thereof between adjacent panels when in an installed position on the grid, at least one adjacent pair of panels being displaceable from their installed positions, the gap between a pair of displaceable panels being closed by a removable runner or the displaceable panels so that when the displaceable panels are displaced from their installed position and any removable runner is removed, an access opening of twice the standard module is made available for accessing the area above the ceiling while adjacent panels at longitudinal ends of the gap between the displaceable panels can remain in respective installed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventor: Alan C. Wendt
  • Publication number: 20130167465
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a splice plate suitable for use in joining beams for use in a grid that supports panels and ceiling fixtures in a suspended ceiling. In particular, the present invention provides a splice plate suitable for use in joining main beams together for use in a grid that supports panels and ceiling fixtures in a suspended ceiling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: John Santeramo
  • Patent number: 8474199
    Abstract: A sprinkler mounting device, in which an open-type mounting bracket for mounting a reducer having a head is temporarily joined to a support bar, thereby preventing a separation of the mounting bracket from the support bar during work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Kofulso Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-il Oh
  • Patent number: 8458977
    Abstract: A wall brace support for an acoustical ceiling tee having a bulb includes an elongated main portion having two ends; a wall attachment tab at one of the ends, the tab being operable to abut the wall and receive at least one fastener therethrough to fasten the tab to the wall; and an acoustical ceiling tee attachment structure at the other end, the structure being operable to receive at least one fastener therethrough to fasten the structure to the bulb at a location spaced away from the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Peder Gulbrandsen, Abraham M. Underkofler, Mark R. Paulsen, James J. Lehane, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8453407
    Abstract: A seismic clip for suspended ceiling grid tees that offers high strength, rigidity, versatility and ease of assembly while improving the ability of a clip to self-align with a grid tee. The clip includes a lanced tab that serves to establish and maintain alignment of the clip body and the tee to which it is assembled whereby a tendency of a clip to be tilted upwardly relative to the tee is eliminated or greatly reduced. The alignment tab serves to initially align the clip and tee either when it is assembled by snapping it over the tee or by sliding the tee endwise into the clip. The tab is configured so that it does not unduly add to the assembly force level when the clip is snapped over the tee or when the tee and clip are slipped endwise together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Lee M. Tedesco, James J. Lehane, Jr., Peder J. Gulbrandsen
  • Patent number: 8443564
    Abstract: A clip for a suspended ceiling grid to join a pair of grid runners intersecting a third grid runner from opposite sides of the third grid runner, the clip being bendable sheet metal symmetrical about a vertical plane, having a saddle portion with a seat and generally planar flaps depending from opposite sides of the seat, including a pair of generally planar wings each cantilevered from a respective one of the flaps; the seat width corresponding to a hollow reinforcing bulb of a grid runner, the flaps extend over the sides of the reinforcing bulb and web of the third grid runner, a flap and wing joined at a vertical bend line, weaker than each adjacent area of the flap and wing whereby the wing can be manually bent to a desired angle relative to the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventor: John D. Bankston, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8424268
    Abstract: Grid members, namely a runner (10) and wall angle (400) for suspended ceiling grids, are disclosed. Certain embodiments of the runner and the wall angle have two web portions (28, 30) and at least one distinct indent portion (62) to define a space between the web portions. An adhesive (56) may be disposed within one or more of the indent portions (62) to adhere the two web portions (28, 30) to each other. Certain embodiments of the runner or wall angle have flange portions (32, 34) that may have indent portions as well. One or more of these indent portions may contain adhesive. Some embodiments of the runner or wall angle have overturned cap portions on the flange portions, and an adhesive may be placed between the overturned cap portions and upwardly facing surfaces of the flange portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Graham Keith Field, Thomas Andreas Voigt
  • Patent number: 8413402
    Abstract: A saddle connector, having an inverted channel, engages a bulb of a beam in the grid of a suspended ceiling. The channel has hardened teeth staggered along the opposing walls of the channel. The teeth are forced into the bulb of the beam, one at a time, by the full force exerted by hand operated pliers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
    Inventor: Brett W. Sareyka
  • Patent number: 8413734
    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: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Flexhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul S. F. Silcox, Peter M. MacDonald, Norman J. MacDonald, III
  • Patent number: 8397462
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling grid runner comprising separate parallel upper and lower chords, a plurality of identical web plates fixed between the chords and the plates having a height less than the height of the grid runner and a width, the chords being made of roll-formed sheet metal strips and symmetrical about a vertical plane, the chordal strips each having marginal sections folded parallel to one another and on opposite sides of the vertical plane, the web plates including vertical slots for receiving connectors of cross runners, the web plates being spaced at regular centers along the grid runner with a distance that is a small fraction of the nominal length of the grid runner, the gaps between adjacent web plates being longer than the height of the grid runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Peder J. Gulbrandsen, James J. Lehane, Jr., Abraham M. Underkofler
  • Patent number: 8381486
    Abstract: Suspended ceiling grid runners include a flange extending laterally to both sides, the flange forming a three dimensional face including sides visible from below a plane of the grid, opposed cross runners intersecting through runners with their ends joined by mutually interlocking end connectors extending through a slot in the through runner, the cross runner ends including end edges configured to abut a respective side of the flange of the through runner, a connector when connected to an opposite connector causes the associated end edges to resiliently locally deflect the abutted flange side to substantially eliminate any gap therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Lehane, Jr., Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Mark R. Paulsen, Abraham M. Underkofler
  • Publication number: 20130031863
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling system is provided comprising at least first and second parallel inverted tee-runners. Each tee-runner comprises a horizontal flange and a vertical web, with the vertical web having at least two spaced openings therein. At least one ceiling panel is associated with the parallel tee-runners. The ceiling panel has opposed side walls and opposed end walls, with a pair of first tabs formed at one end of the ceiling panel and a pair of second tabs formed at the opposite end of the panel. At least one of the first tabs is relatively longer than at least one of the second tabs, and has a length sufficient so that it extends through one of the spaced openings in the web of the first inverted tee-runner and rests on the flange of the first tee-runner, with the second tabs being supported by the flange of the second tee-runner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: CHICAGO METALLIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chicago Metallic Corporation
  • Patent number: 8359801
    Abstract: A roll-formed grid runner comprising a sheet metal strip folded into an upper hollow single wall reinforcing bulb, a double wall web below the bulb, a channel extending laterally from both sides of a lower end of the web to a bend and upwardly from the bend to a panel supporting elevation, the bend on each side of the web existing at a longitudinally extending score line where a thickness of the strip is locally reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Lehane, Jr., Peder J. Gulbrandsen, John L. Hammond, Abraham M. Underkofler, Mark R. Paulsen
  • Publication number: 20130014461
    Abstract: A runner, a suspended ceiling system, and a method of installing a suspended ceiling, the runner having a base with two laterally opposite flanges for supporting ceiling tiles, a hinged web connected to the base between the flanges so as to be foldable between a flat configuration with the web folded against one of the flanges and an inverted-T configuration with the web normal to the base for suspension and use, the hinged web allowing for economies is shipping when compared to conventional rigid inversed-T shaped runners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: CORRUVEN CANADA INC.
    Inventor: Alain Belanger
  • Patent number: 8341913
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for suspending ceiling tiles, comprising a plurality of substantially parallel upper supports, a plurality of substantially parallel lower supports which are substantially perpendicular to the upper supports and which cross the upper supports at crossing points, the upper supports having apertures and being suspended via suspending means, a mounting clip which affixes each lower support to an upper support at a crossing point, the lower supports each having a substantially vertical web, wherein the mounting clip has the form of two plates each having an upper section and a lower section and the upper section of each plate has a protruding section at one edge, and the two protruding sections each pass through an aperture in the upper support, whereby the lower sections of the two plates pass on opposite sides of the vertical web of the lower support and press against and grip the lower support as a result of the protruding sections being held within the aperture or apertures i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwool International A/S
    Inventors: Oskar Meres, Michael Bjorn Hansen
  • Patent number: 8336271
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Mod-Tec, LLC
    Inventor: Martin Helmus
  • Patent number: 8327591
    Abstract: An overhead panel assembly for coupling to a drop ceiling includes a support channel and a clip coupling the support channel to a grid member of the drop ceiling. The overhead panel assembly further includes a vertical panel received over and coupled to the support member with a plurality of binding members. A plurality of clips, support channels, and vertical panels may be positioned in series along a drop ceiling to form a decorative soffit, valance, display, or other structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventors: Edgar L. Wilkinson, Jr., Arthur L. Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20120304574
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling grid runner comprising separate parallel upper and lower chords, a plurality of identical web plates fixed between the chords and the plates having a height less than the height of the grid runner and a width, the chords being made of roll-formed sheet metal strips and symmetrical about a vertical plane, the chordal strips each having marginal sections folded parallel to one another and on opposite sides of the vertical plane, the web plates including vertical slots for receiving connectors of cross runners, the web plates being spaced at regular centers along the grid runner with a distance that is a small fraction of the nominal length of the grid runner, the gaps between adjacent web plates being longer than the height of the grid runner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: USG INTERIORS, INC.
    Inventors: Peder J. Gulbrandsen, James J. Lehane, JR., Abraham M. Underkofler
  • Publication number: 20120304575
    Abstract: A ceiling panel assembly for being secured to, and for concealing, a suspended inverted T-shaped, longitudinally extending main runner having a vertically disposed web, a horizontally disposed flange divided by the web to equal flange portions, and a protuberance at a terminal end of each of the flange portions, which comprises: a main section with a first and second lateral edge and visible panel sections and two support sections laterally extending in opposite directions, which are disposed above the main section. The two support sections releasably contact two adjacent and laterally spaced main runners, respectively, and one of the sections is adapted to multi-directionally stiffen a corresponding main runner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Yaakov Vakhnin
  • Patent number: 8316607
    Abstract: A suspended metal ceiling system having a grid of support members suspended from a structural ceiling and a plurality of ceiling panels positioned on the grid of the support members having a locking mechanism for connecting the ceiling panels to the grid actuatable from a side wall of the ceiling panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ceilings Plus
    Inventors: Lester Eisner, Tom Peterson, Albert Kiechle, James Langan