Facer Between Exposed Frame Members Having Unitary Flanges Or Integral Retainer For Attachment To Frame Patents (Class 52/762)
  • Patent number: 5560155
    Abstract: A modular construction for solariums and like structures, provides prefabricated glazed panels and interlocking joint assemblies which are easily assembled in the field without need for tools or other equipment. The panels are used for the construction of walls and ceilings, and are formed of a transparent sheet (preferably double pane glass, for its superior thermal efficiency) with a peripheral frame. The frame and joint material is preferably ultra high density polyvinyl chloride plastic material, although other materials may be used. A steel plate may be installed within the joints for additional structural strength. The construction places the transparent panels substantially adjacent the outer edges of the frame members and joints to reduce the likelihood of protruding panel edges serving as traps for water and/or debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: Mark A. Back
  • Patent number: 5555684
    Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for extending the effective depth of a frame secured within an opening having a depth greater than that of the frame itself. A channel is associated with each segment of the frame and opens in the direction in which added frame depth is desired. Each channel has a similar, half-dovetail profile, and a frame extending member is associated with each channel. Each frame extending member has a profile that includes a first portion which is rotatable into engagement with a respective channel, and a second portion which extends in the desired direction when the first portion is retained within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis A. Galowitz, Todd W. Bruchu
  • Patent number: 5540019
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mulling strip that interconnects a first window frame and a second window frame. The mulling strip includes structure disposed between the frames to prevent the frames from moving or deflecting toward one another, and structure that interengages the frames to prevent the frames from moving or deflecting away from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Scott R. Beske, Todd W. Bruchu, Jeffrey M. Lynn
  • Patent number: 5507125
    Abstract: A plastic ceiling panel is mounted in a grid of T-rails. The ceiling panel is shaped complementarily to the space defined by facing edges of the T-rails, and includes a central web and sidewalls extending upwardly from the central web. The sidewalls include a lower part that projects halfway across a lower surface of the T-rail, to butt against the corresponding lower part of contiguous panels in spaces surrounding the first panel, so as to give the impression of a continuous, uninterrupted ceiling. The sidewalls are stiffly flexible and are provided with a channel into which the facing edge of each of the T-rails forming the grid space in which the ceiling panel is seated, is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventor: Roberta McClure
  • Patent number: 5475962
    Abstract: A panel system, particularly a false ceiling is constructed from a plurality of elongate panelling members arranged side by side. Each panelling member comprises three elongate slats arranged side by side and joined by flexible tape along adjacent edges. When laid out flat the panelling member may be coiled or easily stored but for installation in a ceiling the outside slats are folded perpendicular to the cental slat so as to provide the necessary rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas International N.V.
    Inventors: Antonius J. J. Horsten, Wilhelmus J. A. P. Oosterwijk
  • Patent number: 5425214
    Abstract: A modular floor is constructed from rectangular panels which interlock with one another along their long sides. Each panel is provided with an upwardly-facing surface along one of the longer sides and downwardly-facing surface along the other of its longer sides. The downwardly-facing surface of one panel rests on and is supported by the upwardly-facing surface of an adjacent panel. Each panel may be provided with supporting feet generally below its upwardly-facing surface. The supporting feet, which are preferably detachable from the panels, may be of fixed height or may be adjustable. Two types of adjustable foot are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Expo Floors Limited
    Inventors: Andrew R. Truelove, Stephen Crutchley, Michael J. Smith, Peter Owen
  • Patent number: 5394664
    Abstract: An interlocking skylight and roof panel assembly includes a skylight unit having a glazing unit with a plurality of sides and a frame assembly secured around the glazing unit. The frame assembly includes a channel shaped first frame member having a first leg, a spaced second leg and a third leg interconnecting the first and second legs. Each of the first and second legs includes an inwardly turned flange. A roof panel includes a first skin, a spaced second skin and a panel of material secured therebetween. Defined along one edge of the roof panel are a pair of spaced channels. The inwardly turned flanges of the skylight unit frame assembly can be interlocked into the edge channels of the roof panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Patio Encolsures, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Nowell
  • Patent number: 5329739
    Abstract: A ceiling of filter panels is supported by support rods that extend through corner intersection of adjacent panels, and by a supporting disk secured to the lower end of the rods to support the corners of the filter panels. The disk has a notch in it that mates with the filter corner so that with the disk rotated to a position wherein the notch is aligned with the panel corner, a panel may be installed or removed from the assembly. Once a panel is in position, the disk is rotated about 45.degree. to a position wherein it supports a portion of the corner of each filter panel at that intersection. Retracted pins in the support disk are then threaded further into the disk so that the pins extend into an aligned hole in the corner of each panel at that intersection to align the panels. Sealing strips carrying sealing gel are then positioned around the periphery of the panels to span the gap between adjacent panels, with the strips being supported by the edges of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Jos. Madl, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5311719
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling system utilizing main runners with cross runners, said main runners and cross runners having an inverted-T configuration with a web with flanges extending from opposite sides thereof and a plurality of metal panels. Each of the metal panels is provided with a suspension arrangement adjacent a pair of opposite edges to enable hanging the panel from flanges of adjacent main runners to conceal the runners. The suspension arrangement is such that space is provided to enable disassembling a panel from the system without disturbing adjacent panels. The panel may be provided with a stop arrangement which would prevent unintentional disengagement of the suspension arrangement from a flange of the main runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Chicago Metallic Corporation
    Inventor: Martin D. Jahn
  • Patent number: 5277002
    Abstract: Ridge cap means adapted to secure one or more roof panel members to a modular building structure. Such a ridge cap means has a horizontally disposed base portion that is adapted to engage a supporting member incorporated in, and presented from, the modular building. An inclined, plate portion is supported from the base portion. The plate portion is adapted to receive, and support, the roof panel. A locking member frictionally secures each roof panel to one or more inclined plate portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: E. Keith Haag
  • Patent number: 5265333
    Abstract: The specification discloses a method of forming a self sustained cladding panel 10 for use in a cladding panel system for a building using a resilient metal or metal alloy sheet material. The panels have a central visible portion 12 and longitudinally extending side edges 14, 16. The central visible portion has, in its relaxed state, a shape which is significantly different from the intended final shape and the panel is subsequently formed so that its central visible portion is resiliently formed into the final shape, with a resilient deformation taking place within the elastic range of the sheet material. The panel is then retained in this final shape by interconnecting the longitudinally extending side edges 14, 16 either continuously or by spaced elements such as clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas International N.V.
    Inventors: Guy H. Lim, Willem Rijnders, Cornelis Louwerens
  • Patent number: 5253462
    Abstract: For use in a suspended ceiling of the well known type utilizing inverted T-bar support framework, novel panels of this invention provide a pattern of parallel flutes extending the full length of the panel. Panels fit between adjacent cross runners of a T-bar type suspension system, supported removably along two opposite sides in a manner which integrates the fluted panels and the downwardly exposed T-bar flanges into a uniform pattern substantially disguising the presence of the T-bars. Associated trim members of a miniature beam style may be attached to T-bar main runners as a finish accent between ends of end-adjacent panels and, if desired, around the perimeter of the subceiling where they serve to conceal wall angles which provide support to panels at the perimeter. Panels may be readily produced from flat sheet metal stock in a forming process and are easily installable and removable in the suspended subceiling framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventors: Jacob H. Blitzer, Richard M. O'Toole
  • Patent number: 5228257
    Abstract: In a metal wall comprising prefabricated modules joined together by double lap joints, an insulating strip, provided on each prefabricated module, is clamped between opposed transverse flanges which connect a laterally extending internal web of the joint to one of the faces of the module. The insulated strip extends from between the flanges into a space between the laterally extending internal webs of the joint, and thereby provides insulation between the opposite faces of the module, as well as between the module and its adjoining module. A screw fastener is used to secure the internal webs together, and a space between adjacent edges of faces of the adjoining modules is situated opposite the internal webs so that the fastener can be introduced through the space and concealed by a tamper-resistant caulking material introduced into the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: AWH Corporation
    Inventors: R. James Bowersox, Frank H. Mapstone, W. Thomas Plymale, Rupert P. Chandler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5125204
    Abstract: A snap-in-place mounting arrangement for securely attaching generally flat panels to a support structure such as a wall or a roof includes an attachment strip having a pair of compressible, resilient gaskets for securely engaging adjacent edges of a pair of panels. The attachment strip is affixed to the support structure by screws, nails or an adhesive and includes first and second outer tabs and a center tab disposed therebetween. The center tab includes an arrowhead-shaped tip which is adapted to engage and retain the first and second gaskets respectively inserted between the center tab and the first and second outer tabs. Angled edge portions of a pair of panels are each adapted for insertion between and engagement by a respective gasket and the center tab for attaching the panels to the support structure via the attachment strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventor: William H. Porter
  • Patent number: 5115611
    Abstract: The specification discloses a method of forming a self sustained cladding panel 10 for use in a cladding panel system for a building using a resilient material or metal alloy sheet material. The panels have a central visible portion 12 and longitudinally extending side edges 14, 16. The central visible portion has, in its relaxed state, a shape which is significantly different from the intended final shape and the panel is subsequently formed so that its central visible portion is resiliently formed into the final shape, with a resilient deformation taking place within the elastic range of the sheet material. The panel is then retained in this final shape by interconnecting the longitudinally extending side edges 14, 16 either continuously or by spaced elements such as clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas International
    Inventors: Guy H. Lim, Willem Rijnders, Cornelis Louwerens
  • Patent number: 4987715
    Abstract: A system for forming either horizontal or vertical walls characterized by a plurality of beam elements, an arrangement for holding the beam elements to extend parallel to each other with a desired spacing between adjacent beam elements and a filler strip or element inserted between adjacent beam elements. The filler strips have a U-shaped configuration with a crease forming a catch surface for engaging an external shoulder on an edge of each of the beam elements to hold the filler strip with the edge of the leg of the filler strip engaged on a flange of the leg of the beam element. Thus, the mounting of the filler strip is the same regardless of the height of the element relative to the face portions of each of the beam elements. The beam elements can have a flat face portion or be provided with a longitudinally extending depression to subdivide the face portion into two parallel extending subportions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Chicago Metallic Corporation
    Inventor: James J. Dunn
  • Patent number: 4979345
    Abstract: An improved translucent self-supporting enclosure for building structures, consisting of a plurality of strip panels (2; 11) having a wall portion (3) and end flanges (4; 13) converging towards the inside of the panels (2, 11), as well as a split assembly profile (5; 14) engaging with elastic preloading the opposing and flanges (4; 13) of two adjacent strip panels (2; 11), in which, in the assembly profiles (5) for enclosures with a flat enclosure, there are provided grooved seats (8) for accommodating respectively an engaging tongue (10) provided in the ends of additional strip panels (2a) for forming a double-wall self-supporting enclosure, while for the construction of self-supporting enclosures with a curved surface the strip panels (11) are pre-constructed so as to be curved, and tubular profiles (14), also pre-curved, are provided as split assembly profiles (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Polyu Italiana S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giovanni Celsi
  • Patent number: 4953734
    Abstract: The wall elements (2, 2", etc.) of a cabin that is used to cover a machine include bends (2a, 2a'a) at their edges and the bends of adjacent wall elements are connected together by U-shaped connector bars (10, 10', 10") or bends (2a) and in some embodiments by sealing elements (9, 11a, 11b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: Albert Stohr
  • Patent number: 4909013
    Abstract: A modular wall system adapted for use as part of a clean room structure, comprising a plurality of unibody panel sections, each panel section having a uniform width and including an exterior face, an interior face, and laterally opposing assembly flanges extending along the length of each edge of the panel section. Each assembly flange includes (i) a flange side wall extending inward from the interior face, (ii) an interlocking member adapted to be engaged with another interlocking member of a separate panel to secure the two flanges together, and (iii) a sealing member for sealing openings between coupled assembly flanges. A support channel configured in size and shape for snug fit around the coupled assembly flanges includes a channel cap and side channel walls which extend for equal lengths sufficient to abut against the interior faces of the coupled panel sections. These side walls operate as spacer members for aligning panel sections as the assembly flanges are secured within the support channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Daw, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry L. Daw, William Lee
  • Patent number: 4893446
    Abstract: A wall system includes a plurality of wall sections secured to one another or to fixed building structure through a peripheral framework of profile elements each having a web bounded by pairs of large and small flanges respectively defining deep and shallow grooves. The shallow grooves serve to engage and retain the edges of panels which are held against the large flanges while rigid splines are insertable within opposed deep grooves of adjacent profile element-equipped panels to interlock the plurality of wall sections. By employing various width splines, alternate spacing between wall sections is achievable and various supplemental members such as shelf brackets or trim elements may be installed over the exposed portions of the splines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Inventors: Edgar Gudmundsson, Oli J. Asmundsson
  • Patent number: 4833858
    Abstract: An apparatus for joining panel members into walls or divider is provided which does not require the use of a wet sealant to close the gap between adjacent panels and which allows thermal expansion and/or contraction of the panel members to be absorbed by the joints. The apparatus includes a channel for receiving turned down edges of adjacent panel members. The channel has interlocking portions for engaging mating portions on the panel edges and locking them into position. An insert is positioned within the channel between the edges to hold the interlocking and mating portions in engagement. The insert has protruding surfaces for wedging the portions together and a neck shaped portion for joining the insert to a cap or gasket for sealing the gap between the panel members. The cap or gasket includes a hollow interior portion for receiving the shaped portion of the insert and a pair of shoulders for retaining the shaped portion within the hollow portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Dunmon Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas Hutchison
  • Patent number: 4833839
    Abstract: A panel assembly wherein plurality of upper panels are connected by a plurality of elongated couplers. Each upper panel is made of an elastic material and curved convexly outward at both the side edges thereof and extend in the transverse direction of the panel assembly. Each coupler extends in the transverse direction of the panel assembly and has inner curved surfaces which have curves coincident with those of the upper panels and extend in the face of each other on the upper portion thereof so that a gap, into which two of the upper panels can be inserted, is defined between the inner curved surfaces. A support member having nearly semicircular curve coincident with the curve of the panel and a plurality of couplers is inserted into the gap, so that the support member is fixed to the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Gomeigaisha Kurose & Co.
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Kurose
  • Patent number: 4829740
    Abstract: An apparatus for joining panel members into walls or dividers is provided which does not require the use of a wet sealant to close the gap between adjacent panels and which allows thermal expansion and/or contraction of the panel members to be absorbed by the joints. The apparatus includes a channel for receiving turned down edges of adjacent panel members. The channel has interlocking portions for engaging mating portions on the panel edges and locking them into position. A resilient spring member is used to hold the interlocking and mating portions in engagement. A profiled elastomeric sealing member is provided to seal the gap between the panel members. The sealing member is held in position by the resilient spring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Dunmon Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas Hutchison
  • Patent number: 4773194
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling suspended from the structural ceiling of a room, which comprises a plurality of parallel, elongated, snap-bars, each having a pair of longitudinally extending, opposed spring-like arms biased to be closely together, and a plurality of metal ceiling tiles held by snap bars in side-by-side relationship, each said ceiling tile having a planar metal body having opposed sides, opposed ends, top and bottom faces and 90.degree. corners, a pair of spaced tabs at each side projecting from said top face, and a layer of vitreous material on said bottom surface, the tabs of one side of one ceiling tile being held within the same snap-bar as the tabs of the immediately adjacent side of the next adjacent ceiling tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: Simplex Ceiling Corp.
    Inventor: Martin Nassof
  • Patent number: 4735030
    Abstract: A safety device is provided for combatting "wind load" on ceiling constructions in both upward and downward directions, particularly in ceilings of the type wherein flanged panels are supported from tee shaped panel carriers which are suspended from the ceiling. The safety device comprises an inverted U-shaped clip or wire which fits over the panel carrier so that the central portion of the clip bears against the horizontal upper surface of the associated panel carrier and the legs of the clip engage and support the corners of four panels which meet a point beneath the central portion of the clip. The free ends of the clip preferably include bent-up portions which engage in holes provided in the corresponding flanges of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: The Judkins Associations, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Judkins
  • Patent number: 4707204
    Abstract: Proposed is a furniture front element like a cabinet door, of which the frame leg members are joined in mitre cut and without any screwed connection. The lengths of the leg members are infinitely adjustable and the frame filling pieces are designed as a storage means in order to be able to change the front surface of the element to the desired extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignees: Portas Deutschland GmbH, Otto Heeg
    Inventor: Otto Heeg
  • Patent number: 4696142
    Abstract: A snap-up panel for suspension ceiling systems is disclosed. The panel is formed of sheet metal and provides a central planar section and four upwardly extending flanges along the edges of the planar section. Each flange is formed with an inwardly directed rib extending along the length of the flange at a point spaced from the upper and lower edges thereof. Detents are provided in the flanges adjacent to the corners and are positioned in alignment with the ribs and sized to project beyond the inner extremity of the ribs. These detents provide additional support for the panel when the ribs are snapped over supporting lips in a suspension ceiling grid system. Improved alignment and support of the panels are provided by the detents when the panels are installed in a suspension ceiling grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Assignee: Donn Incorporated
    Inventors: David F. Mieyal, Gerald L. Koski
  • Patent number: 4671041
    Abstract: A panelling system and carrier therefor for covering a wall or ceiling in which the panels have inturned side portions on each side, one of which is turned towards the other side and then back towards the main panel to provide a rim. The other side portion has at its free edge, an arm turned away from the one side. The panels are supported by inverted U- or V-shaped cross-section carriers formed with notches which define hook shaped lugs. These lugs are inserted into the rims of the panels and the arms of the adjacent panels overlie these rims. A space is provided above the thus mounted arms so that the arms can be lifted thereby to allow the underlying rim to be disengaged for the removal of a panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas International N.V.
    Inventor: Willem Rijnders
  • Patent number: 4660348
    Abstract: A linear panel wall and ceiling system is disclosed which provides a carrier strip which can be coiled in long lengths for storage and shipment. Such carrier strip provides longitudinally aligned and relatively closely spaced, narrow slots extending along the length of the carrier strip to provide a hinge line which divides the carrier strip into a mounting portion and a support portion. The support portion is provided with laterally extending projections at intervals along its length which are proportioned to connect with and support generally U-shaped linear pans which extend perpendicular to the carrier. At the time of installation, pieces of the carrier strip are cut from the coil and installed. In instances in which the mounting portion is mounted along a plane perpendicular to the support portion, the carrier strip may be bent along the hinge line either prior to the actual mounting or after mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: Donn Incorporated
    Inventor: Paul D. LaLonde
  • Patent number: 4628656
    Abstract: A demountable wall system is disclosed in which panels are removably connected to H-shaped metal studs. The principal structure of the panel is provided by a wallboard having a width less than the modular spacing between studs. Sheet metal mounting strips are adhesively secured along the opposite edges of the wallboard and are positioned with respect to each other so as to provide the assembled panel with an exact modular width. Each mounting clip includes a connector portion which releasably secures the panels to the studs and a finish portion which extends along but is spaced from the side edges of the wallboard. A facing sheet of flexible sheet material is laminated to the forward face of the wallboard and extends across the gap between the finish portion of the mounting clips and the wallboard to hide such gap. The facing sheet then extends back along the finish portion and is provided with an edge positioned where it is not likely to be loosened during the handling and assembly of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: Donn Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert J. Menchetti, Robert H. Safran, Gale E. Sauer
  • Patent number: 4597235
    Abstract: An exterior panel wall assembly comprises a multiplicity of pan-like rectangular panels arranged in closely spaced relation side by side and end to end and joined to a horizontal retainer that is, in turn, fastened to the building structure at the horizontal junctures between side by side pairs of vertically adjacent panels. Each horizontal retainer has a drainage trough for conducting water to the end of the retainer, and a drainage channel member is located at the vertical juncture between each pair of horizontally adjacent panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Assignee: Construction Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Olsen
  • Patent number: 4580385
    Abstract: An improved wall panel clip includes a retainer plate and a hook member extending from the retainer plate for insertion into a slot to retain a wall panel against an upright. The hook forms a notch having a narrow opening and a wider inner width. The surface of the hook adjacent the narrow opening engages a surface of the upright when the hook is positioned in the slots so that a portion of the upright penetrates into the slot. Engagement of the hook with the surface of the upright resists inadvertent movement of the clip relative to the upright to retain the panel in position on the upright. The clip preferably includes a plurality of such hooks projecting from a spacer plate that extends from the retainer plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Inventor: Frank P. Field
  • Patent number: 4549375
    Abstract: A unit for use with a snap-in metal ceiling panel, which comprises an elongated snap-bar comprising spring-like arms extending from a common, integrally formed base portion and terminating in opposed free ends biased towards one another, first and second elongated members held within said spring-like arms and depending from said snap-bar, said first member having a first portion held within said snap-bar and a second portion transverse to said first portion and terminating in a free end, and said second member having a body portion with one edge thereof held within said snap-bar and with a clip portion longitudinally extending along the opposite edge thereof, said clip portion having a spring-like arm integral with said body portion terminating in a free end biased toward said body portion, said clip portion facing away from said transverse portion and being operable to retain a side wall of a metal ceiling panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Assignee: Simplex Ceiling Corporation
    Inventor: Martin Nassof
  • Patent number: 4517783
    Abstract: In a roof or wall structure comprising ablong plates having lateral edge portions in the form of partially open cylindrical flanges and in which a flange of one plate is snap locked over a flange of an adjacent plate there is provided rigid beams having at each lateral edge a flange which flanges are snap locked to cylindrical flanges of adjacent oblong plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1985
    Assignee: Aktieselskabet Jens Villadsens Fabriker
    Inventor: Sven Harder
  • Patent number: 4510727
    Abstract: An expanded metal grid has beads which comprise grooves, the widest part of each said groove being wider than its mouth, and these narrow-mouth grooves are engaged by the heads of panel supports which support panels (for example, louvres).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1985
    Assignee: Ampliform Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Harold R. Jury
  • Patent number: 4506484
    Abstract: A panel wall assembly comprises rectangular pan-like panels mounted close together side by side and end to end. Retainers located at all junctures between the panels are fastened to the building structure, and the panels are fastened to the retainers by clips having arms that extend out through slots in the panel flanges. Troughs on each horizontal retainer drain condensate or water that leaks through seals between adjacent panels to drainage slots in the vertical retainers. Gaskets between the retainers and the panel flanges provide additional control of water flow behind the panel faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Assignee: Construction Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary F. Bartlett, Robert W. Olsen
  • Patent number: 4472916
    Abstract: A building construction system that permits the erection of a modular-skeleton structure type building in a very short time utilizing relatively unskilled labor. The construction of vertical metal profile posts which extend from the foundation to the horizontal roof girders in a single unit of uniform cross-section. The roof girders are attached by means of slotted tension bolts. The one-piece vertical profile posts have a cross-section which is essentially the combination of a T-section and an U-section. In the lower part of the building, basement wall elements extend into the vertical profile posts with their angled legs on the inside of the building. In this position, they are secured by a bracing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1984
    Inventor: Arthur Krebs
  • Patent number: 4463537
    Abstract: A device for use with a ceiling panel retaining grid to suspend a ceiling panel a desired distance below the grid, the device having a panel engaging clip or extension for allowing the attachment of the device to the panel, a hook element for removeably attaching the device to the grid, and an appropriate extension between the panel engaging portion and hook element sufficient to separate the two so as to allow suspension of the panel a specified distance below the grid. The hook element engages the grid in a manner to allow the panel, while suspended below the grid, to be lifted, thereby allowing access to the sides and associated devices of adjacent ceiling panels. The device may be disengaged from the grid by application of a force against it substantially parallel to the plane formed by the ceiling panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: Integrated Ceilings, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel V. Rodriquez, Roger S. Daniels
  • Patent number: 4448006
    Abstract: An elongated bracket used in converting a tee grid/lay-in panel ceiling structure to a linear beam array structure. The bracket has first gripping elements for attachment of the bracket to tees with lay-in panels in place on such tees and second gripping elements for subsequent attachment of linear beams to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignee: Donn Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert F. Worley
  • Patent number: 4396311
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a carrier unit, comprising at least one carrier frame (1) having mountably arranged devices (3 or 29) provided with hook portions (4) for cooperation with the carrier frame and mounting portions (6) for cooperation with at least one plate element (18).In order to increase the carrying capacity without increasing the number and/or size of the members forming part of the carrier unit, as has been previously necessary, the invention is characterized in that the plate element (18) protrudes in between the mounting portions (6) of at least a pair of connecting devices (3 or 29) mounted on the carrier frame (1) and is secured to said mounting portions by means of at least one joint (22) extending through the mounting portions and the intermediate plate element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1983
    Inventor: Sven K. Gerdman
  • Patent number: 4388789
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing a secure weathertight joint between a pair of coplanar building panels that includes a web passing upwardly through the seam of the joint. A pair of opposed downwardly turned runners depend obliquely from either side of the raised web and along the entire length of the joint. The adjacent ends of the two panels that form the seam are turned upwardly to pass under the runners. An elongated V-shaped spring closure is seated upon the runners with the inside surface of each closure leg being biased against the top surface of one of the runners. A locking pad is secured to the inside wall of each closure leg that snaps over the end of the adjacent runner to secure the parts in assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1983
    Inventor: Wesley T. Murphy
  • Patent number: 4361996
    Abstract: A renovation profile, for covering an exposed T-bar of a suspended ceiling. The profile has a substantially U-shaped cross-section, can be placed around the head of the T-bar, and has sets of spaced tabs for supporting ceiling panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1982
    Assignee: Levolor Lorentzen, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Smith
  • Patent number: 4347129
    Abstract: A screening panel for use in sieving applications, comprising an elongate strip moulded from resilient plastics material such as polyurethane and having side flanges incorporated channels engageable with parallel framing bars arranged across the screening area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1982
    Assignee: Hunter Wire Products Limited
    Inventor: William Rutherford
  • Patent number: 4344267
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for joining panel members into walls or dividers is provided which allow thermal expansion of the panel members to be absorbed by the joints. The panel construction includes turned down edges having grooves on the inside faces of the edges. Each edge is sized to fit side-by-side in a channel with the edge of an adjoining panel and with their grooves over ridges on the inner walls of the sides of the channel. An insert member having protrusions on its sides is wedged between the side-by-side edges for maintaining the grooves over the ridges while allowing pivotal movement of the edges around the ridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1982
    Assignee: Carl Dunmon & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Sukolics
  • Patent number: 4332119
    Abstract: Substantially rectangular panels are provided with claw engaging means along two opposing edges which are snap engageable within resilient claw ends formed on the opposite side edges of an elongated connector web thus holding the panels in spaced and parallel relationship. If the spacing is relatively wide, then a stiffening panel can be slidably engaged from the ends of the pairs of opposed panels. The web has jaws formed on each side thereof intermediate the ends of the web and the stiffener panel has T-shaped opposing edges slidably engageable with the jaws. The cavities defined by the webs and/or stiffening panels can be insulated by loose fill or by foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1982
    Inventor: Norman J. Toews
  • Patent number: 4328653
    Abstract: A clip for attaching a filler strip to a channel for suspending ceiling panels, including prongs for holding the filler strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1982
    Assignee: Levolor Lorentzen, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Anderle
  • Patent number: 4318261
    Abstract: A clip comprises a lower leg at right angles to a shank and two upper legs defined by a slot extending upwardly from said shank. The shank is disposed in a slot in a connecting beam disposed between the ends of adjacent panels, and the lower leg of the clip is secured to a joist member before the adjacent panel is secured to the panel already in place. Upper and lower facing sheets on each panel extend beyond the insulating panel core and envelop respective edge portions of the connecting beam for attachment thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1982
    Assignee: Larry Lieberman
    Inventor: Glenn W. Smith
  • Patent number: 4270327
    Abstract: A panel carrier and a panel construction incorporating such carrier suitable for forming or cladding walls, ceilings, and the like. According to one aspect there is provided a carrier for panels comprising: an elongated, deformable, strip-like base; a plurality of panel engaging elements connected to and extending outwardly from the base in spaced apart relation therealong; each said panel engaging element including a pair of panel engaging prongs, the element being constructed such that the distance between the prongs of each said pair remains substantially fixed regardless of deformation or flexure occurring in those portions of the strip-like base extending between the panel engaging elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1981
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas International N.V.
    Inventor: Paul Van Leeuwen
  • Patent number: 4231205
    Abstract: A steel edged gypsum wall panel engageable by flanged studs is disclosed. The panel having a body portion being from about 5/16 inches to about 3/4 inches thick with front and back faces and having opposite marginal edges. Said steel edging having a chan- nel shape and comprising a front flange, a back flange, and a web portion integrally connecting said flanges and adapted to contact the marginal edges wherein said back flange terminates in a return flange providing an engageable slot therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1980
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventor: Alan C. Wendt
  • Patent number: 4184303
    Abstract: A support member or tie bar for supporting and connecting T-shaped flooring members. The support member has an integral one-piece body with an elongated base and a number of support structures or bridges extending upwardly from the base. Each support structure has a relatively wide bottom and a narrow upper section. The upper section has a ledge formed on each transverse side thereof for supporting an edge of the horizontal portion of the T-shaped member. The base and the adjacent transverse sides of each pair of adjacent bottoms form a groove for receiving and supporting a bottom edge of the flooring member. Each support structure and the underlying base forms a trapezoid shape as seen in longitudinal cross-section and the center of the trapezoid is hollow. Each ledge is located a short distance below the top of the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1980
    Inventor: Kenneth Hassman