Other

Usg Corporation

Integrated Ceilings, Inc.

Richard M O'Toole

Jacob H Blitzer

Bruce P Carey

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.

Fluted metal lay-in subceiling panel

Ceiling panels, formed from metal rods welded together in a grid pattern, are easily installed in suspended subceilings of the type in which panels are supported on bottom flanges of a framework of inverted T-bar rails. In a lower layer of the panel, an array of spaced parallel rods is tied together across each end by an end rod to form a perimeter which fits within a cell opening of the inverted T-barsupport framework, while rods in an adjoining upper layer of the panel, oriented perpendicular to the rod array in the lower layer, are made to extend beyond the lower layer perimeter so as to support the panel, along two opposite panel edges, upon the upper side of bottom flanges of the support frame rails. The perimeter rods in the lower layer in combination with with the exposed portion of the support rail flanges produce the finished effect of a uniform border around each panel. The wire grid panels may be utilized exclusively in a subceiling for an 'open plenum' effect or intermixed with conventional solid panels such as acoustical board to provide desired architectural patterns. For noise reduction or avoiding an open plenum view, some or all of the wire grid panels in a subceiling may be overlaid with standard acoustical board. Also, the wire grid panels may be utilized in combination with special rail flange coverings such as the MINIATURE CEILING T-BAR COVER CAP, U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,054 to Blitzer and O'Toole.

Wire grid subceiling panel

For easy installation onto conventional inverted T-bar subceiling support framework, hollow miniature beams of this invention are readily attached onto the bottom flanges of the T-bar rails without requiring fastening hardware or tools. The beams are supported by return flanges at the top of their sidewalls, resting on the top sides of the flanges of the T-bar rail. The beams may be extruded from plastic for light weight, reinforced by a transverse web bridging the top region of the sidewalls. Other U-shaped configurations, without the web, are suited to roll- or brake-forming from sheet metal, or extruding from aluminum. A longitudinal groove is provided along the upper portion of each sidewall; the inward intrusions of the grooves, in co-operation with the bridge web when used, function as a strike plate against the bottom side of the rail flanges to constrain the beam from skewing or working upwards. The groove contributes to the strength and light weight of the beam, and provides a distinctive styling feature in the overall appearance of the subceiling. Notches, for intersection clearance in standard support framework grid patterns, may be provided in the beams as supplied from the factory, and/or custom notching may be implemented in the field.

Miniature ceiling beam T-bar cover cap

An intersection spacer is disclosed for use in a subceiling structure of a grid of open-ended runner beams and intersecting open-ended cross beams, the intersection spacer being generally square in horizontal cross section with inverted vertical corner edges forming four outwardly directed protrusions adapted to engage within the beam ends. A top plate on the spacer bears the weight of the ceiling. A bottom cap on the spacer carries a decorative panel. The spacer may be made of two identical mating halves. A method of assembling a subceiling with such intersection spacers is also disclosed.

Subceiling beam intersection

In a sub-ceiling system having removable modular panels of intersecting thick louvers defining a grid pattern with open cells, supported in a framework of suspended rails of inverted T cross-section, the panels are surrounded by perimeter strips attached to the ends of the louvers. The perimeter strips integrate visually with the exposed lower flange portion of the support rails to simulate louvers so as to conceal the panel boundaries and present the overall appearance of a monolithic grid pattern over the entire finished ceiling area while providing the utility and convenience of damage-resistant modular panels which are extremely easy to install and remove.

Growing community of inventors

Culver City, CA, United States of America

Richard M O'Toole