Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Sheetlike element assembled parallel to existing wall,... – Element spaced from wall – ceiling – or floor and held by...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-19
2001-03-27
Canfield, Robert (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Sheetlike element assembled parallel to existing wall,...
Element spaced from wall, ceiling, or floor and held by...
C052S463000, C052S506060, C052S664000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06205732
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a surface mounted grid system for a ceiling and the like. In its more specific aspect, this invention relates to a surface mounted grid system adaptable for use in association with a substructure such as a ceiling, roof, or wall, to support an array of panels such as acoustical tile panels.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
Ceiling grid systems comprised of horizontal runners, for supporting tile panels such as acoustical ceiling tile are used extensively in both new and remodeled building and room structures. The grid typically consists of main runners and cross-tees, having lateral supporting shoulders or flanges, and are arranged perpendicular to each other to form a rectangular pattern. The runners most typically are suspended by a wire connected to an existing ceiling or exposed framing member, and the cross-tees are attached or mounted to the runners in a perpendicular direction to form a rectangular pattern. Less frequently, the grid is installed without suspension by nailing the runners directly to the ceiling or framing members, and then connecting the cross-tees normal to the runners. After the grid is installed, the tile panels are eased into place onto the supporting flanges of the runners and cross-tees. A grid system offers many advantages such as increasing a room's energy efficiency, improving a room's acoustics, and enhancing the aesthetic value of a room, and a suspended system is further advantageous in that it provides means for lowering a ceiling, and/or allowing for the installation of electrical fixtures, pipes and duct work.
Ceiling grid systems are relatively inexpensive and easy to install as compared to a plaster ceiling. As a consequence, there is a continuing need to improve on the design and integrity of the grid system, particularly in light of the fact that many systems are installed in commercial buildings requiring years of service, or installed by the do-it-yourself home owner. What is available or disclosed in the prior art exhibit certain deficiencies or disadvantages, however, particularly with respect to a surface mounted system. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,263,388 to Bogert discloses a ceiling tile installation which includes an anchor
14
having a base flange
14
a
for nailing to a wood joist, and a bifurcated web
14
b
with internal teeth
18
extending transversely from the flange. The shaped runner
15
has a transverse web
15
b
with teeth
18
on the outer surface which interlock with the teeth of the bifurcated web when the runner is engaged with the anchor, and the base flange
15
a
supports the tile panel along its marginal edge.
There is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,857,216 to Sherman a panel suspension system comprising a top element
14
a
of a T configuration having a web
20
with outwardly disposed teeth
30
, and a bottom element
14
b
of a T configuration but with a bifurcated web
32
having internal teeth
33
and adapted to receive, and frictionally retain, the web of top element
14
a
. In practice, the top element is fastened to a joist
25
, a ceiling panel
15
is then placed against the top element, and the bottom element is pushed upwardly so that the teeth of the top and bottom webs matingly engage and hold the ceiling panel in place.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,067,155 to Ruff provides a sealed joint between panels. The system disclosed is for joining and adhering a pair of abutting panels to a rigid substrate to provide a seal against thermal and moisture transfer. The system includes mating T members comprising receptacle
16
having a base
20
for nailing to a substrate, and insert
18
having a resilient, deformable cap
60
. When the members are engaged and frictionally retained by reason of the mating teeth
32
and
64
, a force on the resilient, deformable cap provides an upward force against the interlocking teeth thereby providing a secure engagement not susceptible to removal or loosening.
A weather tight seal for a roof or wall is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,339,329. According to the teachings of this patent, the panel cover includes an inverted channel member
12
, which is nailed to the roof, and has a centrally located cleft
30
with a constriction
34
. A locking bar
42
having a T-like configuration and terminating with a wedge
46
is inserted through a sealing compound
36
and into the cleft where it is engaged by the constriction.
The prior art, however, exhibits certain deficiencies or disadvantages. For example, a suspended grid system is not always necessary, and is generally more time consuming and has added expense as compared to a surface mounted system. Also, known systems typically require mounting a section only of the runners, then inserting the panel, and then mounting the remainder of the runners, whereas it generally would be simpler to first install completely the grid and then insert the panels.
The prior art discloses positioning a new ceiling over an existing ceiling in U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,965 and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,185. In the '965 patent, a Z-shaped runner
2
is fastened to the existing ceiling and ceiling boards rest on the horizontal flanges
8
. A cross-runner
18
rests on the horizontal flanges, and an indentation and groove lock the cross-runner in position. Patent No. '185, which is assigned to the same assignees of the subject application and is incorporated herein by reference, provides a surface mounted grid system comprising a plurality of spaced main runners
14
and crossed runners
16
arranged normal to each other. The main runners comprise a top member
24
having a fascia
28
with a plurality of spaced notches
38
and a downwardly depending bottom member
26
having a horizontal flange
40
. The cross-runners have horizontal flanges
40
arranged in a common plane with the flanges of the main runners, which support the tile panels. The cross-runners include connecting means for insertion in the notches upon assembly of the runners.
This invention has, therefore, as its purpose to provide an improved grid system which can be surface mounted in association with a substructure or framing member, such as a joist, and is relatively easy to install.
It is another object of the invention to provide a grid system which results in little or no loss of ceiling height, and can be installed to an existing ceiling without any need for demolition of the existing ceiling.
It is another object of the invention to provide a grid system of the above character made from a plurality of interlocking and connecting elements which can be readily assembled to yield a grid of any desired dimension.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a grid system of the above character which provides for immediate and easy adjustment in order to accommodate tile panels of different thicknesses.
This invention has as still another object to provide a grid system of generally modular construction which lends itself to complete fabrication from regularly employed materials, particularly plastics.
In yet another object of the invention to provide a grid system which, after installation, provides easy access for opening a grid at any desired location such as the need to replace a soiled or damaged tile panel.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a ceiling grid system installed by a process which is relatively simple and less time consuming than usually required for a typical suspended grid system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with my invention, there is provided a surface mounted grid system for supporting an array of tile panels and adaptable for use in association with a substructure, such as a wood joist or other suitable framing member, or an existing ceiling. Although the grid system is described herein with particular emphasis on a system to support ceiling tile, it should be understood that the grid system can support any panel other than ceiling panels, or can be used on any substructure such as a wall. Broadly, the grid system of my invention comprises a plurality of spaced, horizont
Acoustic Ceiling Products, L.L.C.
Canfield Robert
Michael & Best & Friedrich LLP
LandOfFree
Surface mounted grid system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Surface mounted grid system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Surface mounted grid system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2466114