U.S. patent application number 10/774234 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-29 for canopy-like decorative structure.
Invention is credited to Wesley T. K. Bischel, Martin L. Graver, Eric Krantz-Lilienthal, James F. Mathis, Richard D. Stackenwalt.
Application Number | 20060137267 10/774234 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36609759 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060137267 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stackenwalt; Richard D. ; et
al. |
June 29, 2006 |
Canopy-like decorative structure
Abstract
A decorative structure is provided that is suspended within a
space and includes a flexible panel maintained in a flexed
configuration. The decorative structure includes a cable that
supports the flexible panel and that is connected to a biasing
member. The biasing member cooperates with a portion of the
flexible panel to maintain the panel in a flexed configuration. A
method of configuring a decorative structure with a flexed panel is
also provided.
Inventors: |
Stackenwalt; Richard D.;
(Marietta, GA) ; Krantz-Lilienthal; Eric;
(Lancaster, PA) ; Bischel; Wesley T. K.;
(Lancaster, PA) ; Graver; Martin L.; (Lancaster,
PA) ; Mathis; James F.; (Lancaster, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.
2500 Columbia Avenue
P.O. Box 3001
Lancaster
PA
17604-3001
US
|
Family ID: |
36609759 |
Appl. No.: |
10/774234 |
Filed: |
February 5, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/222 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 9/0428 20130101;
E04B 9/0414 20130101; E04B 9/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/222 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/00 20060101
E04B001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 19, 2002 |
WO |
PCT/US02/23040 |
Claims
1. A decorative structure comprising: a flexible panel; a biasing
member cooperating with a portion of said flexible panel, wherein
said flexible panel is maintained in a flexed configuration; and, a
cable connected to said biasing member and supporting said flexible
panel.
2. The decorative structure of claim 1, wherein said biasing member
comprises a body having a groove receiving said portion of said
flexible panel.
3. The decorative structure of claim 1, wherein said cable extends
through a portion of said biasing member.
4. The decorative structure of claim 1, wherein said biasing member
comprises a cam cooperating with said flexible panel.
5. The decorative structure of claim 1, wherein said biasing member
comprises a jaw cooperating with said flexible panel.
6. The decorative structure of claim 5, wherein said jaw is
pivotable about a pivot joint.
7. The decorative structure of claim 1, wherein said flexible panel
is formed of a material selected from metal, wood, fabric, and
plastic.
8. The decorative structure of claim 1, further comprising an
opposed biasing member cooperating with said flexible panel.
9. The decorative structure of claim 1, further comprising a
tensioned cable cooperating with said biasing member to maintain
said flexible in said flexed configuration.
10. The decorative structure of claim 9, wherein said tensioned
cable connects said biasing member to an opposed biasing
member.
11. The decorative structure of claim 1, wherein said biasing
member forms an angle in said cable.
12. The decorative structure of claim 1, further comprising an
anchor connected to said biasing member and cooperating with said
cable.
13. A method of configuring a decorative structure comprising:
providing a cable connecting a biasing member to an opposed biasing
member; engaging the biasing member with a first portion of a
flexible panel; engaging the opposed biasing member with a second
portion of the flexible panel; and adjusting the relative alignment
of the biasing member and the opposed biasing member.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: securing the
alignment of the biasing member along the cable relative to the
opposed biasing member.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein an anchor connected to the
biasing member engages the cable.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of
tensioning the cable.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of international
application serial no. PCT/US02/23040, filed on Jul. 19, 2002,
designating the United States and published in English, which
claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 19(e) of U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 60/306,516, filed on Jul. 19, 2001.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates generally to ceiling fixtures
and, more particularly, to ceiling fixtures for suspension from a
hard ceiling in an open plenum space.
[0003] Traditional suspended ceiling structures formed from
suspended grids of acoustically absorbent tiles are commonly found
in commercial work spaces such as professional offices. While such
structures provide a pleasant and acoustically absorbent space,
designers and architects who desire to create the feel of an open
loft space often object to the uniformity and lowered ceiling
height created by conventional drop ceilings. Thus, more and more
businesses are opting for so-called open plenum ceiling designs. In
the open plenum, no suspended ceiling is provided that screens the
entire hard deck or hard ceiling along with the HVAC duct work,
wiring and the like. Rather, these structural elements are exposed.
Open plenum ceilings are more commonly found in retail stores and
similar commercial settings, but also can be found in office
spaces.
[0004] In office spaces where open plenum ceilings are found,
individual offices within the office space often are created using
reconfigurable partitions that may be considerably lower than the
hard ceiling. Whether in an office space or some other in-door
space, the combination of an open plenum design with partitions
that do not rise to the ceiling hard deck tends to leave the space
unstructured and, consequently, less useful and aesthetically
pleasing than it might otherwise be with some decorative structure
that helps to define and differentiate the space.
[0005] To differentiate a space and to create a more interesting
visual in a loft style space or open plenum design, architects
sometimes will specify that an open loft space be provided with
customized decorative structures suspended from the ceiling to
differentiate the space within the room. Such suspended decorative
structures not only can delineate the space but also may dampen
extraneous noise and create an interesting visual. Unfortunately,
such decorative structures must be preformed into the desired
shape, thus making them difficult to ship or mass produce.
Consequently, such decorative structures tend to be made only as
customized pieces. Such customization leads to considerable expense
to fabricate such a suspended decorative structure and its
framing.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a decorative structure that
can be suspended within a space and that is structured such that
its elements can be easily interchanged to provide a variety of
configurations with basic elements some of which, at least, may be
mass produced.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention provides a decorative structure
including a flexible panel maintained in a flexed configuration.
The decorative structure comprises a flexible panel supported by a
cable that is connected to a biasing member. The biasing member
cooperates with a portion of the flexible panel so as to maintain
the panel in a flexed configuration. The structure is suspended
within an interior and/or exterior space by direct or indirect
connection with a wall, ceiling, floor or other support structure.
The cable may connect the biasing member to an opposed biasing
member that also cooperates with the flexible panel. Alternatively,
the biasing member may be connected to an opposed biasing member by
a tensioned cable. The cable may be attached directly to the
biasing member or indirectly to the biasing member with a fastener.
In one embodiment, the cable may pass through a portion of the
biasing member.
[0008] In one embodiment, the decorative structure comprises a
biasing member having a cam that cooperates with the flexible
panel. The flexible panel may be indirectly supported by a cable
that is connected to the biasing member. The biasing member may
cooperate with an edge of the flexible panel so as to maintain the
panel in a flexed configuration.
[0009] In another embodiment, the biasing member comprises a jaw
that receives a portion of the flexible panel. The jaw may be
pivotal about a pivot point or joint.
[0010] The decorative structure may comprise one or more flexible
panels that are supported by the same cable or a plurality of
panels supported by a plurality of cables. The flexible panels may
be comprised of a range of materials such as, for example, metal,
wood, paper, plastic and/or glass.
[0011] The present invention also encompasses a method of
configuring a decorative structure. The method comprises providing
a cable connecting a biasing member to an opposed biasing member;
engaging the biasing member with a first portion of a flexible
panel; engaging the opposed biasing member with a second portion of
the flexible panel; and, adjusting the relative alignment of the
biasing member and the opposed biasing member. The method may also
comprise the step of securing the alignment of the biasing member
along the cable relative to the opposed biasing member, such as
with an anchor connected to the biasing member and cooperating with
the cable, and/or tensioning a cable connecting a biasing member to
an opposed biasing member.
[0012] These and other features of the present invention will
become apparent upon reading the following detailed description,
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that are
briefly described as follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a decorative structure
embodying principles of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration
of the decorative structure of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a biasing member for use in
a decorative structure embodying principles of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another biasing member for
use in a decorative structure of embodying principles of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a further biasing member for
use in a decorative structure embodying principles of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another biasing member
for use in a decorative structure embodying principles of the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a side view of a portion of a decorative structure
embodying principles of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a side view of the portion of the decorative
structure shown in FIG. 7 with the addition of a flexible
panel.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a side view of the portion of the decorative panel
shown in FIG. 8 with the decorative structure adjusted to a desired
configuration.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another decorative
structure embodying principles of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a further decorative
structure embodying principles of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of yet another decorative
structure embodying principles of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of still a further decorative
structure embodying principles of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Referring now in greater detail to the figures, wherein like
numerals refer to like parts throughout the drawings, the present
invention generally includes a decorative structure comprising a
flexible panel supported by a cable and maintained in a flexed
configuration by a biasing member. The decorative structure
provides a canopy-like visual element to a space in which it is
suspended. The decorative structure may be easily installed and
reconfigured to suit the user. The elements of the decorative
structure may be interchanged in order to provide different visual
and aesthetic impact. The flexible panel may be provide in a
variety of shapes, materials and finishes. The flexible panel may
be formed of wood, paper, metal, plastic, glass or any other
suitable material. The panel may be solid, mesh or include a
variety of decorative designs or openings therein to provide the
desired visual impact.
[0027] A decorative structure 100a is shown in FIG. 1. The
decorative structure 100a includes a flexible panel 20 having a
first edge 24 and a second edge 22. The decorative structure 100a
also includes cables 30 connected to biasing members 50a and 50b
and supporting flexible panel 20. Cables 30 are connected to the
ceiling, walls or some other suitable structure from which the
decorative structure 100a may be suspended. Biasing members 50a
cooperate with a portion of flexible panel 20, such as, for
example, first edge 24. Likewise, opposed biasing members 50b
cooperate with second edge 22 of flexible panel 20. The cooperation
of biasing members 50a with first edge 24 of flexible panel 20 and
opposed biasing members 50b with second edge 22 provides support
for the flexible panel and maintenance of the flexible panel 20 in
a flexed configuration. Each biasing member 50a is connected to an
opposed biasing member 50b by tensioned cable 34. Tensioned cable
34 provides a counter force through biasing members 50a and opposed
biasing members 50b to the flexible panel 20 when it is in a flexed
configuration. By employing tensioned cables 34 and biasing members
50a and opposed biasing members 50b, an otherwise flat but flexible
panel 20 may be bowed to a desired configuration when decorative
structure 100a is installed. Therefore, production, shipping and
handling of the elements of the decorative structure may prove
easier than with a customized structure having a preformed curved
configuration.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, alternative configurations for flexible
panel 20 can be had. In this embodiment of the present invention,
tensioned cables 34 are positioned below flexed panel 20. As in
decorative structure 100a, cables 30 are connected to biasing
members 50a and opposed biasing members 50b, thereby at least
indirectly supporting flexible panel 20, which cooperates with both
biasing member 50a and opposed biasing members 50b. Thus, the
present invention encompasses flexible panels that can be
configured concave and/or convex.
[0029] FIG. 3 shows a biasing member 50 that embodies principles of
the present invention. Biasing member 50 includes a body 52 that
has a groove 54 formed therein. Groove 54 includes a major biasing
surface 58. When an edge of a flexible panel is received by groove
54 major biasing surface 58 cooperates with a face of the flexible
panel while the end surface 53 of groove 54 cooperates with an edge
of the flexible panel so that the panel is biased in a
predetermined direction. The flexible panel received by groove 54
may include a notch (not shown) in an edge thereof that may receive
cable 30, when a portion of the cable extends through the groove 54
as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Biasing member 50 is connected to cable
30, which supports both the biasing member and any panel that may
be cooperating with the biasing member. As shown in FIG. 3, support
cable 30 may extend through the body 52 of biasing member 50, which
includes apertures 56 that receive the cable 30. Apertures 56 may
be formed in the body 52 so that cable 30 extends through a portion
of groove 54, as shown in FIG. 3, or, alternatively, they may be
formed such that cable 30 does not extend through groove 54.
[0030] The present invention encompasses decorative structures that
include separate support and tensioned cables, as well as
decorative structures that include cables that perform the function
of both support and tensioning. As shown in FIG. 3, cable 30 is
connected to biasing member 50 in such a manner as to both support
the biasing member and tension a flexed panel that is received in
groove 54. Biasing member 50 may be adjustably positioned along the
length of cable 30 by disengaging anchor 60 through which cable 30
extends and to which biasing member 50 is connected. In order to
reposition biasing member 50, anchor 60 is adjusted so as to at
least partially disengage from cable 30 so as to allow movement of
both anchor 60 and biasing member 50 along the cable. Once biasing
member 50 is placed in the desired position, anchor 60 may be
adjusted to reengage cable 30 so as to hold biasing member 50 in
place on cable 30. Biasing member 50 may be made of any appropriate
durable material such as metal or a polymeric resin. Cable 30
and/or tensioned cable 34 may also be made of any appropriate
material, such as metal, synthetic or natural polymers.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, a biasing member 150 may be provided
with a decorative structure of the present invention so as to form
an angle within cable 30. Biasing member 150 includes a body 152
that has an angled aperture 156 formed therein. Cable 30 is
inserted through aperture 156 so that cable 30 is angled. Depending
upon the desired configuration of the decorative structure of the
present invention, angled channel 156 may be formed at any
appropriate angle. Furthermore, the present invention encompasses
other interconnections of the biasing member and cable so as to
provide an angle along the cable.
[0032] FIG. 5 shows yet another embodiment of a biasing member of
the present invention. Biasing member 250 includes a body 252
generally formed as a cam. Cable 30 extends through a channel
formed in body 252 and anchor 60. Body 252 includes a major cam or
biasing surface 258 that cooperates with a portion of a flexible
panel in order to bias the panel and maintain the panel in a flexed
configuration.
[0033] The present invention also encompasses a decorative
structure that includes a biasing member having a jaw. FIG. 6 shows
a biasing member 350 that includes a jaw 355 extending from a body
352 thereof. Jaw 355 is connected by a neck 351 to a pivot joint
353 that allows for pivoting of the jaw 355. As with the other
biasing members described above, jaw 355 includes a major jaw
biasing surface 358 that cooperates with a portion of a flexible
panel to both bias the panel and maintain it in a flexed
configuration. Biasing member 350 is connected to an anchor 60 so
that biasing member 350 may be adjustably positioned along the
length of cable 30.
[0034] In each of the embodiments of the biasing member of the
present invention described above, a cable may extend through a
portion of the body of the biasing member as shown in FIGS. 3-6 or,
alternatively, one or more cables may be connected to the biasing
member by other means. For example, an eyelet (not shown) may be
fastened to or formed in the biasing member. The cable may be
connected to the eyelet. These and other fasteners connecting the
biasing member to the cable are contemplated by the present
invention.
[0035] The present invention also encompasses a method for
configuring a decorative structure. As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the
method comprises the steps of providing a biasing member 50a
connected to an opposed biasing member 50b by a cable 30, as shown
in FIG. 7. The method further comprises engaging a portion of a
flexible panel 20 with the biasing member 50a and engaging another
portion of the flexible panel with the opposed biasing member 50b.
For example, a first edge 22a of a flexible panel 20 may be
inserted into groove 54a of biasing member 50a and a second edge
22b of flexible panel 20 may be inserted into a groove 54b of
opposed biasing member 50b. If the biasing member and/or the
opposed biasing member includes a jaw or a cam, then an edge or
other portion of the flexible panel of the decorative structure may
be inserted in the jaw or aligned adjacent the cam in order to
accomplish these step. The alignment of the biasing member relative
to the opposed biasing member then may be adjusted to bend the
flexible panel into the desired flexed configuration. For instance,
as indicated in FIG. 9, biasing member 50a and/or biasing member
50b may be moved along cable 30 thereby altering the extent of
flexure of flexible panel 20.
[0036] When the desired configuration is achieved, the method may
then include securing the biasing member and the opposed biasing
member relative to the cable. For example, the anchors 60a and 60b
connected to biasing members 50a and 50b respectively may be
disengaged from cable 30 as the biasing members are repositioned
and then reengaged with the cable when the desired alignment is
achieved. The method may also include tensioning the cable in order
to provide proper alignment of the biasing member relative to the
opposed biasing member.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 10-13, the decorative structures of the
present invention may include a variety of configurations and
materials. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, two cables 30 may be
aligned in parallel and a plurality of flexible panels 20 and
biasing members 50 may be arranged thereon. In such a
configuration, cables 30 serve both to support flexible panels 20
and provide the necessary tensioned counter force through the
biasing members to maintain the flexible panels 20 in their
respective flexed configurations. It is contemplated that a
plurality of decorative structures may be provided in a given space
and/or a decorative structure may include a plurality of configured
flexible panels.
[0038] The decorative structure of the present invention also may
provide hinged access to the space above the structure without
completely disassemblying the structure. The panel may be hingedly
or pivotaly rotated by loosening the anchors connected to one or
more of the biasing members that engage a given panel. For example,
in the case of decorative structure shown in FIG. 13, the anchors
connected to biasing members 50b may be loosened so that the
biasing members may be moved along the cables 30. Movement of the
biasing members 50b will allow the panel 20a to be disengaged
therefrom. The panel may then be rotated upward about an axis
extending through biasing members Sa so that the space above the
decorative structure may be accessed without removing portions of
the structure.
[0039] As is shown in the figures, the ends of the flexible panel
may be positioned at different heights and orientations relative to
each other in order to provide a wide variety of visual and
acoustical results. While the biasing members shown in the figures
are completely supported by one or more cables, the present
invention also encompasses decorative structures wherein one or
more biasing members are supported by a structure other than a
cable. For example, a biasing member may be supported by a rod,
beam, pipe, wall, ledge or other suitable structure, while still
functioning as intended according to the present invention.
[0040] Furthermore, the decorative structures of the present
invention may be used in conjunction with a light source in order
to illuminate the space in which the structure is suspended. The
light may be integrally formed with the decorative structure, such
as being supported by one or more of the structures cables, or be
positioned adjacent the structure in order for the flexible panel
to act as a reflector, diffuser or shade for a light source. These
and many other modifications to the embodiments illustrated herein
may well be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
* * * * *