U.S. patent application number 10/084795 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-31 for support grid system.
Invention is credited to Alexander, Glenn W., Ziegler, Daniel C..
Application Number | 20020157332 10/084795 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23036516 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020157332 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ziegler, Daniel C. ; et
al. |
October 31, 2002 |
Support grid system
Abstract
Disclosed is a ceiling system comprising a grid formed from a
plurality of parallel-extending main runners having a plurality of
cross runners extending between the main runners. A plurality of
compression struts are attached to the grid with a clip is secured
to the main runner and the compression strut to provide up-lift
capacity.
Inventors: |
Ziegler, Daniel C.;
(Millersville, PA) ; Alexander, Glenn W.;
(Landisville, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC
P.O. Box 7037
Atlanta
GA
30357-0037
US
|
Family ID: |
23036516 |
Appl. No.: |
10/084795 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60271660 |
Feb 26, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/220.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 9/064 20130101;
E04B 9/26 20130101; E04B 9/18 20130101; E04B 9/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/220.3 |
International
Class: |
E04C 002/52 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A ceiling system comprising: a grid formed from a plurality of
parallel-extending main runners having a plurality of cross runners
extending between the main runners; a plurality of compression
struts attached to the grid; a plurality of panels resting within
the grid; and a plurality of clips having a first leg and second
leg, the first leg secured to the main runner and the second leg
secured to the compression strut.
2. The ceiling system of claim 1, wherein the clips further
comprise a mid-portion disposed between the first and second
leg.
3. The ceiling system of claim 2, wherein the main runners further
comprise a bulb portion.
4. The ceiling system of claim 3, wherein the mid-portion of the
clips conform to the bulb portion of the runners.
5. The ceiling system of claim 1, wherein the system is capable of
meeting an up-lift classification 90.
6. The ceiling system of claim 1, wherein the compression struts
are attached to the main runners by the plurality of clips at an
interval of about 2 feet.
7. The ceiling system of claim 1, wherein the compression struts
are attached to the main runner by the clip at an interval of up to
about 12 feet.
8. The ceiling system of claim 1, wherein the panels are downwardly
accessible.
9. A support member for a ceiling panel comprising a main runner
having a bulb portion; and a clip comprising a first leg, a second
leg and a mid-portion disposed between the first leg and second
leg, wherein the first leg is secured to the main runner and the
mid-portion is substantially shaped to conform to the bulb of the
main runner.
10. The support member for a ceiling panel of claim 9, further
comprising a plurality of clips, and wherein the clips are attached
to the main runner at intervals of about 12 feet.
11. The support member for a ceiling panel of claim 9, further
comprising a plurality of clips, and wherein the clips are attached
to the main runner at intervals of at least 2 feet.
12. The support member for a ceiling panel of claim 9, further
comprising a compression strut attached to the second leg of the
clip.
13. The support member for a ceiling panel of claim 12, wherein a
grid is formed from a plurality of the main runners and a plurality
of cross runners extending between the main runners.
14. A ceiling system comprising the support member of claim 13 and
further including a plurality of panels resting within the
grid.
15. The ceiling system of claim 14, wherein the panels are
downwardly accessible.
16. The support member of claim 9, wherein the support member
supports a ceiling system capable of meeting an up-lift
classification of at least 90.
17. A clip for attaching a main runner having a bulb portion to a
compression strut of a ceiling support grid, wherein the clip
comprises: a first leg and a second leg; and a mid-portion disposed
between the first leg and second leg, wherein the mid-portion is
substantially shaped to conform to the bulb of the main runner.
18. The clip of claim 17, wherein the first leg has at least one
fastening hole for fastening the clip to the main runner.
19. The clip of claim 17, wherein the second leg has at least one
fastening hole for fastening the clip to the compression strut.
20. The clip of claim 17, wherein the second leg is parallel to and
off-set from the plane containing the first leg.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 60/271,660, filed Feb. 26, 2001, which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a support grid
system and more specifically to a system comprising a bracing
attachment clip to aid in providing resistance to a wind up-lift
force.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Ceilings typically can be comprised of a system of panels or
formed from drywall sheeting. Preferably, ceilings exposed to the
elements are designed to withstand various environmental
conditions. The two most common environmental conditions are rain
and wind. Ceilings comprised of drywall or formed from panels
having a moisture sensitive binder such as starch are the most
sensitive to rain while ceilings formed from corrosive resistant
metal panels are the least sensitive to moisture.
[0004] However, the opposite is true for wind resistance. Ceilings
formed from sheets of drywall have considerable bridging and
resistance strength as compared to ceilings formed from metal
panels. Once a drywall sheet has been screwed into a support grid,
the drywall sheet stabilizes the whole system and helps distribute
the load. In a ceiling comprised of metal panels there is no such
bridging and resistance strength.
[0005] Thus, metal panels are especially vulnerable to uplifting
forces caused by strong winds such as in the case of hurricanes.
Panels can break free of the support grid system and become flying
projectiles capable of causing injury to persons or property. In
response to such dangers many communities require that exterior
ceiling applications meet an up-lift capability of Class 90.
[0006] The support grid of a paneled ceiling can be strengthened to
help meet up-lift restrictions and to prevent panels from becoming
projectiles in a wind storm. One method used to strengthen the
support grid includes the use of compression posts attached to both
the building structure and the support grid. The compression posts
are notched to come down around the bulb of the grid and are
typically nailed to the truss system of the roof. Unfortunately,
the precision cut required to form a notch that can fit around the
bulb part of the grid is very difficult to make and requires
extreme care since there is very little tolerance in the cut.
[0007] While the use of compression posts is an effective mechanism
for preventing up-lift, the current method of installation is both
expensive and time consuming. Thus, what is needed is a compression
post method of attachment that is both quick and inexpensive.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present invention includes a ceiling system capable of
meeting a wind up-lift capability of at least Class 90 or greater.
Additionally, further embodiments are provided meeting wind up-lift
requirements of at least Class 60 or greater and at least Class 30
or greater. The ceiling system includes a grid formed from a
plurality of parallel-extending main runners having a plurality of
cross runners extending between the main runners. The grid can be
suspended from and attached to a ceiling using a plurality of
compression struts perpendicular to the ceiling. A bracing
attachment clip is attached to a runner and a compression strut.
The clip essentially comprises a first and second leg and a
mid-portion. The first leg secures the clip to a runner and the
second leg secures the clip to an adjoining compression strut. The
mid-portion of the clip conforms to the bulb portion of the runner.
The attached clip is designed to prevent the grid main runners from
rotating away from the compression posts. The clip provides
positive engagement of the main runner bulb and the compression
post.
[0009] The system aids in the prevention of grid main runner
rotation and vertical lift which takes place when the system is
subjected to strong wind forces. The clip can be positioned about
every 2 feet on the main beam to meet a 90 classification. The
spacing may be an even fraction of about 12 feet since most runners
are 12 feet in length. The clip may be positioned across the runner
splice to strengthen the splice against twisting.
[0010] A further embodiment includes a support member for a support
grid having a main runner having a bulb portion. Typically, the
main runner has the form of an inverted "T". A clip having a
mid-portion disposed between two legs is attached to the main
runner by one of the legs. Additionally, the mid-portion is
substantially shaped to conform to the bulb of the main runner.
[0011] An additional embodiment includes a clip for attaching a
main runner to a compression strut. The clip includes at least two
ends which connect a compression strut and a main runner. The clip
also has a mid-section that fits partially around the bulb portion
of the main runner.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] In the drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1a is a schematic view of the clip attached to the main
beam;
[0014] FIG. 1b is a schematic view of the back of the clip attached
to the main beam and compression strut;
[0015] FIG. 1c is a schematic view of the clip attached to the main
beam and the compression strut attached to a truss;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates various views of the clip; and
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates the grid structure, clip and strut.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The present invention provides for a ceiling system
comprising a grid formed from a plurality of parallel-extending
main runners having a plurality of cross runners extending between
the main runners. A plurality of compression struts are attached to
the grid and a clip is secured to the main runner and the
compression strut.
[0019] The clip aids in providing a wind up-lift capability up to
Class 90 for the ceiling system. The clip may be made of most any
material that is resilient enough to provide the stability required
for the desired up-lift capability. The clip may be comprised of a
metallic composition and typically steel. The clip may also be
formed from a polymeric material or engineered composite. The clip
is fastened to the compression post and main runner typically by
screws. Of course other fastening means may also be used such as
rivets.
[0020] The clip 2 can be placed across a runner splice. When the
clip 2 is placed across the splice the clip 2 provides added
strength. One configuration of the clip 2 includes half of the clip
leg attached to one runner and the other half attached to a second
runner. The clips may also be placed at various desired intervals
depending upon the up-lift strength desired and the strength or
gauge of runners. For example, the clip 2 can be positioned about
every 2 feet on the main beam to meet a 90 classification. The
spacing may be an even fraction of about 12 feet, since most
runners are 12 feet in length. Of course, lower classifications,
such as 60, can be met with wider spacings.
[0021] In greater detail, the clip 2 may be made of 18 gauge hot
dipped galvanized steel with a zinc coating level of G60. The clip
2 can be formed from stamped steel blank and drilled to add pilot
holes. The pilot holes maintain the screw placement accuracy and
the integrity of attachment to the grid. The clip 2 physically
wraps around the bulb 14 of the grid and after securing the clip to
the main runner with screws, becomes an integral part of the grid
system.
[0022] The panels are typically installed as downward access
panels. The panels may also be installed as upward access, but for
ease of use and clearance, the downward access panels are typically
employed. The panels may be comprised of most any material suitable
for the environment in which the ceiling is to be installed. An
example panel is typically comprised of metal or alloy. Such panels
provide both strength and durability. The panels may also have an
edge configuration to prevent the panel from being dislodged by an
up-lift draft. In greater detail, the panels are attached to the
grid such that they are held in place and are not easily dislodged
from the facing side of the ceiling or upward side. The panels are
downwardly accessible, wherein the panels may be removed from the
grid on the plenum side or the backing side of the panel. Examples
of locking mechanisms that may be used to secure the panels in
place are further illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,417,025 and
5,355,646, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety
by reference.
[0023] Turning to the figures, in FIGS. 1a-c the clip 2 is
illustrated attached to the main beam 10 by two sets of self drill
screws. It is to be understood that the clip may be attached to the
main beam 10 and compression strut 12 by any means, such as rivets,
adhesives, bolts, or other mechanical or chemical fastening
devices. The mid-section 8 of the clip 2 fits over the bulb 14
portion of the main beam 10 to hold the main beam 10 securely in
place against the compression strut 12.
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the clip 2. The clip 2
has a first end 6 and a second end 4. The ends may have at least
one hole for fastening the clip 2 to both the main beam and the
compression strut via the respective ends. The mid-section 8 has a
ridge or indentation that approximates the bulb portion 14 of the
main beam 10. Thus, the bulb portion 14 of the main beam 10 may fit
within the mid-section 8 of the clip.
[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the ceiling system
comprising the clip 2, main beam 10, compression strut 12 and the
cross beams forming a grid wherein a panel, not illustrated, may
rest within the grid opening.
[0026] The following example is intended to illustrate the
invention and it is thought variations will occur to those skilled
in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the
invention should be limited only by the appended claims.
EXAMPLE
[0027] Described below are the test procedures and the results for
an up-lift resistant ceiling assembly according to the present
invention.
[0028] A test specimen was prepared measuring 10-foot square, and
was tested in accordance with Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. UL
580 Standard for Safety, Tests for Uplift Resistance of Roof
Assemblies. This test simulates the effects of wind gusts by use of
oscillating exterior pressure and constant interior pressures. The
UL 580 standard provides a rating system to evaluate the
comparative wind resistance of roof assemblies. Chart 1 illustrates
the UL 580 load table test pressures.
[0029] The ceiling system was installed into the 10-foot square
opening created by the test frame and nominal 4" by 4" diameter
lumber. Ceiling tile system fasteners included wafer-head streaker
screws secured to the perimeter angle and studs, Hex-head
self-drilling #8.times.3/4" long secure the stud hanger to main
runners and cross t's.
[0030] The peripheral support test apparatus frame was fabricated
from C15 by 33.9 steel channels having a dimension of 10'0" wide by
10'0" long by 1'3" deep. Two chambers were welded together forming
a 30" deep chamber to provide simulated roof trusses. Nominal
4".times.4" wood members were installed to the base of the steel
channel frame. The test results essentially indicated no visible
damage for all the classes tested.
1CHART #1 UL 580 Load Table Test Pressures Negative Pressure
Positive Pressure Time Pounds Per Pounds Per Inches Test Duration,
Square Foot Inches (mm) Square Foot (mm) Phase Minutes psf (kPA) of
Water psf (kPa) of Water Class 30 1 5 16.2 (0.79) 3.1 (79) 0.0
(0.00) 0.0 (0) 2 5 16.2 (0.79) 3.1 (79) 13.8 (0.66) 2.7 (69) 3 60
8.1-27.7 1.5-5.3 13.8 (0.66) 2.7 (69) (0.39-1.33) (38-135) 4 5 24.2
(1.16) 4.7 (119) 0.0 (0.00) 0.0 (0) 5 5 24.2 (1.16) 4.7 (119) 20.8
(1.00) 4.0 (102) Class 60 1 5 32.3 (1.55) 6.2 (157) 0.0 (0.00) 0.0
(0) 2 5 32.3 (1.55) 6.2 (157) 27.7 (1.33) 5.3 (135) 3 60 16.2-55.4
3.1-10.7 27.7 (1.33) 5.3 (135) (0.79-2.66) (79-272) 4 5 40.4 (1.94)
7.8 (198) 0.0 (0.00) 0.0 (0) 5 5 40.4 (1.94) 7.8 (198) 34.6 (1.66)
6.7 (170) Class 90 (maximum combined up-lift pressure of 105 psf) 1
5 48.5 (2.33) 9.3 (236) 0.0 (0.00) 0.0 (0) 2 5 48.5 (2.33) 9.3
(236) 41.5 (1.99) 8.0 (203) 3 60 24.2-48.5 4.7-9.3 41.5 (1.99) 8.0
(203) (1.16-2.33) (119-236) 4 5 56.5 (2.71) 10.9 (277) 0.0 (0.00)
0.0 (0) 5 5 56.5 (2.71) 10.9 (277) 48.5 (2.33) 9.3 (236)
[0031] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that while
the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to
preferred embodiments, various modifications, changes and additions
can be made to the foregoing invention, without departing from the
spirit and scope thereof.
* * * * *