Inverted T-bar Type Patents (Class 52/506.07)
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Patent number: 7874116Abstract: A clip for attaching the end of a grid tee to a wall angle. The clip, in various forms, is arranged to frictionally lock between the hem of the horizontal leg of the wall angle and the vertical leg. The clip, typically, has a pair of opposed open hems forming channels in which the flange of the tee end is received to join the tee to the clip. The clip can be elongated horizontally to accommodate movement of the grid during seismic activity. The clip can be used to trim the edges of a ceiling island and can be made to accommodate angular intersections of the grid with a wall or island edge.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2010Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventor: Paul D. LaLonde
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Publication number: 20110011023Abstract: An attachment device useful with suspended ceiling systems is provided. In disclosed embodiments, the device comprises a clip that matingly engages a bulb of a ceiling grid tee. The device may include a reinforcing sleeve and can be used to increase the load carrying capacity of suspended ceiling systems while providing a simple, quick method of attaching the suspended ceiling grid to the true ceiling.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: USG INTERIORS, INC.Inventors: Peder Gulbrandsen, Abraham M. Underkofler, Mark R. Paulsen
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Patent number: 7849652Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: United States Gypsum CompanyInventors: James J. Lehane, Donald James Leahy
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Patent number: 7832168Abstract: In one embodiment, a roll-formed sheet metal tee for grid type suspended ceilings with the face of its flange integral with the stem and the layers of the stem fixed together for improved torsional strength. An upper region of the stem can have one or more of its layers folded to increase suspension wire breakout strength. A stiffening bulb is below suspension wire receiving holes so that a loop of the suspension wire through the tee has a narrow profile and thereby avoids interference with ceiling panels during their installation or removal. Other embodiments of a tee share the feature of a narrow, suspension wire receiving upper stem portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventors: James J. Lehane, Jr., Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Martin E. Likozar
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Publication number: 20100257807Abstract: A short span flat drywall ceiling construction comprising a pair of spaced parallel wall angles facing one another, the wall angles each having a vertical leg secured to vertical support surfaces and a horizontal leg cantilevered from its respective vertical leg towards the other wall angle, a plurality of substantially identical roll-formed sheet metal tees extending between the wall angles and vertically supported thereby, each tee having a main body formed of a single strip of sheet steel, the tee having a horizontal single layer lower flange, a vertical double layer central web disposed above the flange, and a bulb at the top of the web centered on a plane of symmetry, a sheet metal U-shaped reinforcement channel fitted on a central part of the length of the tee such that it is in contact with at least the sidewalls of the bulb.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2009Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: USG INTERIORS, INC.Inventors: Muhammad Raheel, Peder Gulbrandsen, James J. Lehane
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Patent number: 7805904Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 17, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy A. Clark, Michael A. Whittier, David H. Cheney
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Patent number: 7797903Abstract: A roll formed sheet metal grid tee, having a multilayer web, is rigidified by a series of longitudinally spaced tabs lanced through the web. The tabs are cut with a dovetail shape and are foreshortened relative to the holes, made when they are formed, by bending them along a line parallel to a side of the tab that remains uncut. After being foreshortened, the tab is pressed back into its associated hole and tight locking interference is developed between the divergent dovetail sides of the tab and the hole. The tab is incompletely pushed back into the hole so that the layers of the tab are misaligned with corresponding respective layers of the web to assure that the tabs prevent relative shear-like movement and/or spreading of the web layers.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventor: James J. Lehane, Jr.
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Publication number: 20100229475Abstract: The present invention is directed to accessories which are attached to the support grid members of a grid framework system. The accessories are a means to insulate electrified conductors attached to the support grid members from other conductive items located proximate thereto, a management device for cables and wires, and a retention device for fixedly attaching a component to the grid framework system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventors: Jere W. Myers, Todd M. Bergman, Brian T. Patterson, Jae A. Eisenhower, Brett Sareyka
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Patent number: 7788872Abstract: In a suspended ceiling for earthquake prone locations, a line of seismic main beam connections of the invention between main beams separates the ceiling into segments that move independently of each other during a quake, to limit a build-up in ceiling momentum. A slotted fishplate in the connection is set to keep the beam ends stable about a gap before a quake, and slidably connected about the gap during a quake.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Worthington Armstrong VentureInventor: William J. Platt
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Patent number: 7788875Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventor: Alan C. Wendt
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Patent number: 7779593Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 13, 2008Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Chicago Metallic CorporationInventors: Peter G. Jahn, Scott G. Jankovec
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Patent number: 7770349Abstract: 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 telescopeType: GrantFiled: July 14, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventors: Lee M. Tedesco, Paul D. LaLonde, Ilya Lerner
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Patent number: 7765762Abstract: A ceiling panel is provided for use in a grid-type suspended ceiling, wherein the grid includes a plurality of spaced grid runners. The ceiling panel comprises a tile base with perimeter segments and perimeter profiles along at least a portion of at least two of the perimeter segments. Each profile is supportable by the grid runners during suspension. A facing material is secured across the perimeter segments, and extends beyond the perimeter profiles in order to at least partially conceal two of the grid runners when the tile is suspended from the two grid runners and viewed from below.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventors: Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Alan C. Wendt
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Patent number: 7762034Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 24, 2009Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Chicago Metallic CorporationInventors: Scott G. Jankovec, Peter G. Jahn, Loring M. Johnson, Matthew D. Jacobs
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Patent number: 7752821Abstract: A grid system is provided that is particularly suited for the suspended ceiling system that varies in the vertical plane. An elongated carrier tube is provided the spans substantially the width of the grid system that has a slot therein adapted to receive the strengthening bulb of a main runner. A clip is provided that seats on the carrier tube that has opposed faces for capturing the bulb of the runner, so as to secure the runner to the tube carrier.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2005Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Chicago Metallic CorporationInventors: Scott G. Jankovec, Peter G. Jahn, Thomas E. Smith
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Publication number: 20100154341Abstract: A clip for attaching the end of a grid tee to a wall angle. The clip, in various forms, is arranged to frictionally lock between the hem of the horizontal leg of the wall angle and the vertical leg. The clip, typically, has a pair of opposed open hems forming channels in which the flange of the tee end is received to join the tee to the clip. The clip can be elongated horizontally to accommodate movement of the grid during seismic activity. The clip can be used to trim the edges of a ceiling island and can be made to accommodate angular intersections of the grid with a wall or island edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2010Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: USG INTERIORS, INC.Inventor: Paul D. LaLonde
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Patent number: 7735276Abstract: An assembly of glass blocks held in a structural frame comprises a plurality of glass blocks, a rectangular structural perimeter frame, a plurality of primary muntins, each said primary muntin comprising an elongate web, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, a plurality of extruded secondary muntins, and a plurality of structural rods inserted through the secondary muntins and extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, such that the primary and secondary muntins form a matrix within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William P. Voegele, Jr., Alan D. Lohr, Raymond A. McNally
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Patent number: 7735285Abstract: A bracket for use in acoustically isolating a ceiling support grid from a frame member includes a planar body having a grid receiving formation and at least one mounting aperture, and a resilient grommet secured relative to each aperture for acoustically isolating a fastener passing through the aperture into the frame member.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventor: Stephen W. Payne, Jr.
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Publication number: 20100139190Abstract: An electrified grid for a suspended ceiling comprising first and second grid sections lying in a common ceiling plane, each grid section having metal main tees and metal cross tees intersecting with the main tees, the first and second sections being adjacent one another and having respective main tees in parallel alignment and with a fixed spacing not substantially greater than the length of the cross tees, the grid sections being electrically insulated from one another whereby at least said main tees of fixed spacing can be held at opposite voltage polarities and an electrical or electrical device carried on or above the ceiling can be powered by electrical connection of separate ones of its leads to the metal tees of a respective one of said first and second grid sections.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: USG INTERIORS, INC.Inventors: James J. Lehane, Peder Gulbrandsen
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Patent number: 7730690Abstract: A compression post assembly for a soffit, canopy or like structure utilizing a suspended grid of inverted tees to support the soffit surface forming panels comprising a main strut and a saddle coupling, the main strut having a hollow cross-section along substantially its full length between its upper and lower ends, the saddle coupling being adapted to connect the lower end of the strut to a grid tee by receiving separate self-tapping screws, one in each of the main strut and grid tee, the saddle coupling having a pair of spaced depending legs, the legs being spread apart by a distance sufficient to straddle the bulb of a conventional grid tee and having a length sufficient to engage the upper surfaces of the lower flange of the grid tee and thereby stabilize the grid tee against pivotal motion about a horizontal axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventors: Gary F. Miller, Gregory L. Sallay
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Publication number: 20100126090Abstract: A rectangular ceiling tile proportioned for use in a standard rectangular ceiling grid module formed by grid tees, the tile having a pair of conductors arranged to feed low voltage electrical power from the grid elements to an electric or electronic device carried on the tile, the conductors each extending to an edge or edges of the tile and adapted to make physical contact with a conductor carried on a grid element when supported on such grid element.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: USG INTERIORS, INC.Inventors: Ying (Lora) Liang, Daniel Boss, Graeme Gee
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Patent number: 7716891Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 8, 2005Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Altech Panel Systems, LLCInventor: Jerry L. Radford
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Patent number: 7712274Abstract: A suspended ceiling system comprising grid runners and downwardly accessible generally planar tiles mounted on the grid runners, peripheral tile edges having portions extending horizontally underneath an adjacent grid runner, opposed tile edges having a downwardly facing support surface, said opposed edges having a generally vertical abutment surface above its support surface and resting on an adjacent horizontal flange portion of a grid runner, the runners having locating surfaces of limited height above said flange portions and engageable with the abutment surfaces, the runners and tiles being arranged to permit one of the opposed tile edges to be lifted so that its abutment surface can be raised and thereafter be shifted towards the runner adjacent the lifted edge a distance sufficient to allow the opposite edge to drop below the flange portion of its associated runner.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventors: Alan C. Wendt, Gerald L. Koski
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Patent number: 7703258Abstract: A main tee with separate clips affixed on its ends for splicing the tee with identical tees in end-to-end butt joints. The tee and clip form a pocket for receiving the projecting end of an opposing clip with a uniform low insertion force. The clip is self-aligning with the pocket and when interconnected the clips precisely align the coupled tees both vertically and horizontally. The clips, formed of relatively strong material, have mutually engageable locking surfaces that ensure a strong joint.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2005Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventors: Paul D. LaLonde, James J. Lehane, Daniel J. Coyne
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Patent number: 7703254Abstract: Heat insulation tiles (20) are supported in a grid (14) of support bars (15 and 16) of a ceiling assembly (10) with the ceiling tiles being in the form of insulation boxes (21) that form a dead air spaces (24) therein. Reflective material (22) is applied to at least one of the interior surfaces of the box that faces the dead air space (24) and a layer of phase change material (40) is applied to the insulation boxes.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2008Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Inventor: Robert J. Alderman
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Publication number: 20100095627Abstract: 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 aperturesType: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2007Publication date: April 22, 2010Inventors: Oskar Meres, Michael Bjorn Hansen
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Patent number: 7690168Abstract: A clip for attaching the end of a grid tee to a wall angle. The clip, in various forms, is arranged to frictionally lock between the hem of the horizontal leg of the wall angle and the vertical leg. The clip, typically, has a pair of opposed open hems forming channels in which the flange of the tee end is received to join the tee to the clip. The clip can be elongated horizontally to accommodate movement of the grid during seismic activity. The clip can be used to trim the edges of a ceiling island and can be made to accommodate angular intersections of the grid with a wall or island edge.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventor: Paul D LaLonde
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Publication number: 20100077687Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Inventors: Scott G. Jankovec, Peter G. Jahn, Loring M. Johnson, Matthew D. Jacobs
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Patent number: 7685786Abstract: A false ceiling panel frame, at least one side of this frame including, when viewed in cross section, a top wall and a side wall. The side wall includes an approximately vertical top section and a bottom section, the top section and the bottom section forming an angle in the external face of the panel frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Inventor: Etienne Cousin
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Patent number: 7681370Abstract: An easily installed, aesthetically pleasing island ceiling system is provided. The system includes a soft fiber panel having a top surface, a bottom surface and an edge extending therebetween. The top surface includes a routed channel which does not extend to the edge of the panel. The system also includes suspension hardware which supports the panel in both the longitudinal and cross axes when suspended from an overhead ceiling or wall.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: AWI Licensing CompanyInventors: James R. Waters, Eric Krantz-Lilienthal, Joseph R. Woelfling
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Publication number: 20100064618Abstract: A rectangular ceiling tile is provided including a core containing fiber material with two opposite first and second edges, the tile forming a projecting, circumferential rim on the lower face thereof. The ceiling tile also includes two oppositely disposed, generally C-shaped edge support clips, each having one or more limbs and inserted into the core in a transverse edge surface thereof, and each having a web forming a protruding edge having a stepped groove. The stepped groove has a deeper section and a shallower section. The protruding edge of each of the clips extends transversely of a transverse edge of the tile. Clips and methods of installing such ceiling tiles are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2008Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventor: Alan L. BOYD
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Patent number: 7677004Abstract: A wide wall angle useful in locations of seismic activity to support ceiling tile and grid tees of a suspended ceiling comprising an assembly of an elongated base angle and an elongated extension strip, the base angle having generally perpendicular legs integral with one another and intersecting at a longitudinally extending corner, one leg being adapted to be fixed against a wall with the corner down, and the other adapted to project horizontally from the wall, the extension strip having a face with greater than the width of the horizontal leg, the extension strip having a multiple layer construction, two layers of the extension strip being held together in close parallel relation by an intermediate web integral with the layers, at least portions of the two layers being arranged to frictionally engage at least a part of the horizontal leg of the base angle spaced from the corner such that the strip can be assembled on and frictionally retained on the horizontal leg of the base angle, the horizontal leg of thType: GrantFiled: November 29, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventor: Paul D. LaLonde
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Patent number: 7673429Abstract: A ceiling system having a primary grid network which includes a plurality of grid members that are in generally perpendicular relation and form points of intersection. The ceiling system includes one or more joint clips, each of which is attached to the grid network at a point of intersection. Each joint clip partitions the primary grid network into smaller networks, which move independently of one another. At the same time, the appearance of an overall primary grid network is preserved.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Worthington Armstrong VentureInventor: Sandor Frecska
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Patent number: 7669374Abstract: A straight rollformed beam made for use in a suspended horizontal drywall ceiling is modified so that it can be used in a drywall ceiling underhang known as a drywall ceiling soffit. The beam is made with repetitive configurations along the length of the beam that are selectively cut, in the field, so that the beam can be bent to, and then fixed at, a desired angle. Drywall panels are secured to a plurality of such beams that form a framework for the soffit.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Worthington Armstrong VentureInventors: Donald C. Miller, William J. Platt
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Patent number: 7661236Abstract: A V-shaped indent is formed in a stab-in connector for a suspended ceiling grid. The indent forms a vertical bend line. In a fire, the connector bends along the vertical bend line to permit a cross beam in the grid to expand while keeping the grid intact, and thus capable of continuing to support the panels.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2004Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Worthington Armstrong VentureInventors: William J. Platt, Daniel C. Ziegler, Yu Lin
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Patent number: 7658047Abstract: A suspended ceiling comprising a pair of parallel main grid tees, the tees being of the type having its panel supporting flange forming a hollow with a downwardly open slot, a plurality of identical stabilizer bars spacing said main grid tees a predetermined distance, trim strips assembled on said main grid tees, the trim strips each having a first portion hooked into the hollow flange of a respective tee and a second portion abutting a web of the respective tee, the stabilizer bars being arranged to engage opposite sides of reinforcing bulbs of the main grid tees to hold the same against relative lateral horizontal movement from their desired positions, the stabilizer bars engaging the trim strips in a manner that holds their second portions in abutment with the webs of their respective tees. The stabilizer bars are formed of sheet metal and have bendable tabs that can be bent to hold said trim strip second portions in contact with the webs of their respective tees.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2008Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventors: John D. Bankston, Gregory M. Ahren, John Harcula
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Patent number: 7658046Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceiling panel for suspended ceiling systems that is designed to create a moiré effect when viewed from below. The moiré ceiling panels are designed to fit into a standard suspended ceiling grid and include a semi-transparent upper layer, a semi-transparent lower layer, and a light diffusing layer. The lower layer includes a surface with a plurality of light passable apertures or surface areas to allow light from above the suspended ceiling to pass through. The upper layer also includes a surface with a plurality of light passable apertures or surface areas and is connected to the lower layer to form the moiré panel. The light diffusing layer is connected to the upper panel and is design to intensify the moiré pattern while simultaneously concealing the area above the panel.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2001Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventors: Diane Irene Lynch, Alan C. Wendt
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Patent number: 7647739Abstract: A suspended ceiling construction includes fill-in panels, diffusers and/or light fixtures which are retained in their openings by spring clips that have been pre-attached to the ceiling grid frame members. The clips bear against edges of the panels to keep them in place normally, but they can be deflected out of the way by pushing up on the panels when necessary. As the tips of the clips contact the frame members during deflection, they provide increasing resistance to further deflection.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2008Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Inventor: Augustus Ray Boyd
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Patent number: 7631469Abstract: Spacing device has a body (2) and at least two guiding flanges (3, 4) which extend from the upper surface (5) of the body. The flanges are spaced approximately the width of the support means and are configures to locate the support means and the spacing body with respect to the mounting means. The spacing device can be used in ceiling.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Inventors: Dennis Raymond Prout, Mark Neville Biddle
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Patent number: 7621090Abstract: A ceiling system which includes a plurality of grid elements which form a grid framework and a plurality of downwardly accessible ceiling panels. The ceiling panels include a substrate and at least two mounting members. Each mounting member cooperates with the substrate to provide strength and rigidity characteristics to the substrate and to form a grid receiving cavity. Each mounting member further cooperates with a grid element to accurately position the panel relative to the grid framework. When installed, the system provides no visual indications on how the ceiling panel can be removed.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2005Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: AWI Licensing CompanyInventors: James K. Kelley, Peter P. Arena, Jr., Eric Krantz-Lilienthal
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Patent number: 7617649Abstract: An article hanging system capable of easily changing an exhibit position and an exhibit height of an article such as a goods exhibited in a shop, a hanger and a display shelf comprises a ceiling rail assembly, a wire holder slidably retained to the ceiling rail assembly, a wire hanging down from the wire holder, a gripper fixably attachable at a desired position along the wire, a wire holder attached to a lower end of the wire and a floor rail assembly to which the wire holder is slidably retained. Each of the rail assemblies comprises longitudinal rails extending in a longitudinal direction (the Y-direction) and lateral rails slidable with respect to the longitudinal rail as being spanned between the longitudinal rails. Each of the wire holders are slidable along the lateral rail.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: A.G.K. Ltd.Inventor: Hideo Arakawa
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Publication number: 20090277117Abstract: In a suspended ceiling segment known as a cloud, lengths of flat, flexible sheets form panels that are held in the grid of the segment by tracks on the panels that engage tracks on the main beams of the grid. The flexible sheets can bend to conform to the vertical contour of the segment as the tracks are engaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2008Publication date: November 12, 2009Inventor: William J. Platt
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Patent number: 7578106Abstract: A seismic wall molding for suspended ceiling systems that, although sufficiently wide across its horizontal ceiling supporting leg, is visually unobtrusive by virtue of a stepped, shadow style configuration. The stepped horizontal leg configuration allows the wall molding to resist buckling or bending deformation in the horizontal leg when a vertical leg of the molding is tightly secured against a non-flat wall surface. Factory ends on the wall molding are at parallel 45 degree planes to facilitate making inside and outside corners at the job site. A factory supplied template simplifies corner construction. A splice piece fits tightly on the upper sides of the horizontal legs at a straight-line joint between abutting lengths of the wall molding to maintain these elements in alignment.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2004Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.Inventors: Garry W. Burns, Alan C. Wendt, Martin E. Likozar
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Patent number: 7574838Abstract: A profiled rail for supporting plate-shaped elements, particularly for inlay mounting of ceiling plates for louvered ceilings includes a base body, having a T-profile in select areas, a longitudinally extended web and a lower flange. The lower flange runs along a longitudinal edge of the web and comprises two lower flange sections each extending from the web essentially in opposite directions. The lower flange is formed by bending the web. The side of the lower flange, which is oriented away from the web, is provided with a facing board. A multitude of openings are provided in the web, whereby at least one of the lower flange sections is formed by material sections of the web that are folded out from the openings. The web is provided as a single layer essentially over its entire surface. A method for producing a profiled rail of this type is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Protekorwerk Florenz Maisch GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Christof Maisch, Theo Hertweck, Heiner Willerscheid
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Publication number: 20090165417Abstract: A seismic separation joint is provided for connecting end-to-end a first grid tee to a second grid tee. Each grid tee includes a central web, with a tongue or tab extending from the web. Preferably, an elongated slot extends from the web into the tongue/tab associated therewith, with the slots being aligned when the first grid tee is connected to the second grid tee. A fastener is received in a portion of the tongue/tab of at least one, and preferably both, of the grid tees distally of the slot in one grid tee and in the slot of the other grid tee.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Scott G. Jankovec, Peter G. Jahn
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Patent number: 7552567Abstract: A perimeter clip is made of a single piece of sheet metal and includes first and second legs that are bent at approximately 90 degrees with respect to each other. The first leg is for engaging the vertical leg of a wall angle. The second leg is adapted to receive the head or bulb of the runner. The first leg includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the first leg forms a back plate that is displaced from the plane of the lower portion, with a generally horizontal ledge connecting the upper portion to the lower portion. The first leg has a tongue or tab that is displaced from the plane of the remainder of the lower portion so that, when in place, the vertical leg of the wall angle is held between the tongue and the remainder of the lower portion. The upper portion of the second leg comprises an inverted, generally U-shaped member, the open end of which forms a trough that supports the lower surface of the bulb of the runner.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2005Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Chicago Metallic CorporationInventors: Anthony D. Ingratta, Peter G. Jahn, Scott Jankovec, Richard W. Harney
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Publication number: 20090158684Abstract: In one embodiment, a roll-formed sheet metal tee for grid type suspended ceilings with the face of its flange integral with the stem and the layers of the stem fixed together for improved torsional strength. An upper region of the stem can have one or more of its layers folded to increase suspension wire breakout strength. A stiffening bulb is below suspension wire receiving holes so that a loop of the suspension wire through the tee has a narrow profile and thereby avoids interference with ceiling panels during their installation or removal. Other embodiments of a tee share the feature of a narrow, suspension wire receiving upper stem portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2009Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: USG INTERIORS, INC.Inventors: James J. Lehane, JR., Peder J. Gulbrandsen, Martin E. Likozar
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Patent number: 7546715Abstract: A floor system for a building that includes primary and secondary structural supports, a grid attached to the supports, and a plurality of panels removably mounted in the grid to provide access to the space below the panels and the grid. The floor system replaces conventional permanent structural floors, and provides ready access to the underlying space, which would otherwise be inaccessible in a conventional floor.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2003Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Inventor: Roger C. Roen
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Publication number: 20090139158Abstract: A wide wall angle useful in locations of seismic activity to support ceiling tile and grid tees of a suspended ceiling comprising an assembly of an elongated base angle and an elongated extension strip, the base angle having generally perpendicular legs integral with one another and intersecting at a longitudinally extending corner, one leg being adapted to be fixed against a wall with the corner down, and the other adapted to project horizontally from the wall, the extension strip having a face with greater than the width of the horizontal leg, the extension strip having a multiple layer construction, two layers of the extension strip being held together in close parallel relation by an intermediate web integral with the layers, at least portions of the two layers being arranged to frictionally engage at least a part of the horizontal leg of the base angle spaced from the corner such that the strip can be assembled on and frictionally retained on the horizontal leg of the base angle, the horizontal leg of thType: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2007Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: USG INTERIORS, INC.Inventor: Paul D. LaLonde
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Patent number: 7526901Abstract: An assembly of glass blocks held in a structural frame comprises a plurality of glass blocks, a rectangular structural perimeter frame, a plurality of primary muntins, each said primary muntin comprising an elongate web, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, a plurality of extruded secondary muntins, and a plurality of structural rods inserted through the secondary muntins and extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, such that the primary and secondary muntins form a matrix within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Extech/Exterior Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William P. Voegele, Jr., Alan D. Lohr, Raymond A. McNally