Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Sheetlike element assembled parallel to existing wall,... – Element spaced from wall – ceiling – or floor and held by...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-17
2001-07-17
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Sheetlike element assembled parallel to existing wall,...
Element spaced from wall, ceiling, or floor and held by...
C052S489200, C052S506090, C052S715000, C052S656900, C052S762000, C052S778000, C052S781000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06260325
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to suspended ceiling constructions and, in particular, to a type of suspended ceiling having a panel supporting grid and associated panels arranged such that the grid is largely concealed by the panels.
PRIOR ART
Various systems have been proposed to provide a concealed grid suspends an array of rectangular removable ceiling panels. In general, such prior art systems have had one or more disadvantages and there remains the need for a versatile system that can be readily manufactured and installed and which provides a high quality appearance. Commonly, in these systems, the panels are formed with intricate edge details which can be difficult to manufacture, are relatively fragile, and are prone to become damaged with even moderate mishandling. Moreover, these prior art panels are often of limited stability and can be dislodged and even dropped when subjected to an accidental blow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a suspended ceiling construction with an improved appearance that is derived from a suspension grid that is largely concealed by the ceiling panels. More specifically, the visual effect of the ceiling is dramatically improved by the diminished exposure and recessing of the grid between the panels. The construction utilizes a combination of a metal clip attached to a panel and a grid member with an upstanding flange portion that is engaged by the clip. The clip accurately and positively locates its associated panel relative to the grid and prevents it from accidentally shifting horizontally out of its proper location. The precise locating action obtained by the clip and flange combination permits the panels to be constructed in such a way that only a relatively small aesthetically pleasing gap exists between adjacent panels. Since the panels are accurately located, there is no noticeable variation in the gaps between panels.
The invention can be practiced in a variety of grid and panel designs providing for either upward or downward access. In the preferred embodiment, all of the grid members have the same “W” flange configuration so that square panels can be assembled in any of four positions, i.e. turned 360° about a vertical axis making them readily adaptable to all edge conditions. The uniform grid geometry, in addition, simplifies the mounting of accessories such as lights and air diffusers.
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OWA Odenwald Faserplattenwerk GmbH, OWAtecta—Metalldecken Systeme fur Neuverlegung Renovierung und Sanierung (System 2000), Nov., 1995, 4 pages.
Koski Gerald L.
Stover David R.
Wendt Alan C.
Friedman Carl D.
Horton Yvonne M.
Pearne & Gordon LLP
USG Interiors, Inc.
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