Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Including component designed to receive a disparate article... – Supported from ceiling
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-01
2001-09-25
Stephan, Beth A. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Including component designed to receive a disparate article...
Supported from ceiling
C052S027000, C052S712000, C248S049000, C248S068100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06293056
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to utility distribution systems such as electrical power distribution, air-conditioning duct work, plumbing pipe systems, fire sprinkler systems, and the like and particularly to systems for supporting such utility distribution apparatus above a suspended ceiling.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many buildings such as entertainment facilities, airports and commercial buildings utilize a method of construction which employs structures known as “suspended ceilings”. Such suspended ceilings are so named due to the structure utilized in which a grid of rigid supports often made of steel of aluminum or the like is hung or suspended from the underside of the floor above the room by a plurality of cables or metal wires. In such suspended ceilings, the spaces within the metal support grid are filled with acoustic and insulative material tiles often formed in uniform square or rectangular shapes. In addition to ceiling tiles, the grid typically supports one or more light fixtures as well as a number of air circulation vents such as those used for heating and air-conditioning.
Because the typical suspended ceiling is positioned several feet beneath the underside of the floor above the room area, a substantial space exists between the suspended ceiling and the underside of the next floor surface or roof of the room. This space is utilized in routing a number of utility distribution devices such as electrical power wiring, air-conditioning or heating duct work, telephone wiring or cable. In many systems, heavier circulation elements such as plumbing system pipes or sprinkler system pipes are also supported within the space above the suspended ceiling.
The use of such suspended ceilings and the space above the suspended ceiling grid provides several advantages with particular advantage in commercial establishments such as office buildings or the like. In addition to providing attractive ceilings for the rooms or offices within such facilities, suspended ceilings are advantageous in that they readily accommodate the desired positioning of interior walls, light fixtures and vents of even more advantage is the flexibility which such suspended ceiling structures provide in that the movement or repositioning or other changes to such lighting fixtures, vents and the like is easily accomplished within the grids. The space above the suspended ceiling grid is also advantageous in that it is easily accessible by simply removing one or more ceiling tiles to facilitate repair or change such as occurs during remodeling.
Unfortunately, the many advantages of such suspended ceilings are partially offset by attendant problems and limitations. One of the most vexing problems arises out of the difficulty of supporting the various utility systems and distribution elements within the space. Despite orderly initial installation, even the best of systems tend to become a tangled relatively disorganized mess after several remodelings and changes have been undertaken. In addition, the ceiling grid itself is limited as to the weight which can be reliably and safely carried. Also, in areas in which earthquake damage and hazard is a concern, various building codes impose strict limitations on the support which must be provided for overhead utility distribution systems.
There arises, therefore, a need in the art for evermore improved utility support systems which accommodate the characteristics and structure of suspended ceilings and which provide and maintain flexibility of use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved above-ceiling support system for particular use in facilities having suspended ceilings. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved above-ceiling utility support system which provides flexibility and reliable support for a wide variety of utility distribution systems. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved above-ceiling utility support system which maintains safe utility system support in the event of building damage such as may occur during earthquakes or the like.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a utility support system for use in combination with a structure having an upper-adjacent floor and a suspended ceiling spaced beneath the upper adjacent floor to define an above-ceiling space, the utility support system comprising: at least one support bracket having means for attachment to the undersurface of an upper-adjacent floor and a downwardly extending vertical element, the vertical element defining a first plurality of slots; and a plurality of elongated straps each having end tabs receivable within selected ones of the first plurality of slots, the end tabs each being inserted into a selected slot and bent over to secure its respective end to the vertical element forming a closed loop against the vertical element suitable for passing a utility distribution element therethrough.
The invention further provides a utility support system for use in combination with a structure having an interior area having an upper surface and a lower suspended ceiling forming an above-ceiling space therebetween, the utility support system comprising: a first support bracket having first means for attachment to the upper surface and a first downwardly extending vertical element defining a first plurality of slots; a second support bracket having second means for attachment to the upper surface and a second downwardly extending vertical element defining a second plurality of slots, the second support bracket being positioned proximate the first support bracket such that the first and second vertical elements are closely spaced; and at least one brace having a generally rigid body and first and second end tabs, the at least one brace secured between the first and second vertical elements and the first and second end tabs each being inserted through a respective one of the slots in the respective first and second pluralities of slots and the end tabs being bent to secure the brace, whereby utility distribution elements such as pipes or wires or cables may be supported by the at least one brace.
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Ekstrand Roy A.
Glessner Brian E.
Stephan Beth A.
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