U.S. patent number 3,848,385 [Application Number 05/045,638] was granted by the patent office on 1974-11-19 for modular ceiling construction.
This patent grant is currently assigned to National Ceiling Corporation. Invention is credited to Neil J. Thompson.
United States Patent |
3,848,385 |
Thompson |
November 19, 1974 |
MODULAR CEILING CONSTRUCTION
Abstract
A modular grid system provides a skeletal framework for a
ceiling composed of acoustical tile or the like. The main runners
of the grid are identical, elongated channels each having a slotted
base and a guide track formed therein. The main runners are
interconnected to form a rectangular grid by connectors having a
central portion formed with a hanger element serving as a point of
attachment for suspending the grid and stub channel portions
adapted to interfit with the elongated channel members in an
interlocking relation. Portable partition walls may conveniently be
bolted to the grid through the slotted base channels and utility
conduits may likewise be passed through these slots without
defacing the ceiling. An elongated filler or trim strip of flexible
material is provided for selective insertion into the guide track
of the elongated channel members for concealing the slots therein,
when desired. Other features are disclosed.
Inventors: |
Thompson; Neil J. (Palatine,
IL) |
Assignee: |
National Ceiling Corporation
(Chicago, IL)
|
Family
ID: |
21939069 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/045,638 |
Filed: |
June 12, 1970 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/506.06; 52/28;
52/714; 403/173; 454/293 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B
9/14 (20130101); F24F 13/072 (20130101); E04B
9/02 (20130101); E04B 9/008 (20130101); E04B
9/065 (20130101); Y10T 403/344 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
E04B
9/06 (20060101); F24F 13/06 (20060101); F24F
13/072 (20060101); E04B 9/14 (20060101); E04B
9/00 (20060101); E04B 9/02 (20060101); E04b
005/52 (); F24f 013/06 () |
Field of
Search: |
;52/475,455-458,494,656,28,83,484,714,715,144,145,239,312
;287/189.36A ;98/4DL |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,484,056 |
|
Dec 1968 |
|
DT |
|
471,947 |
|
Jun 1969 |
|
CH |
|
1,234,252 |
|
Oct 1960 |
|
FR |
|
1,472,180 |
|
Mar 1967 |
|
FR |
|
821,513 |
|
Jun 1959 |
|
GB |
|
Primary Examiner: Abbott; Frank L.
Assistant Examiner: Braun; Leslie A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Hume, Clement, Brinks, William,
Olds & Cook, Ltd.
Claims
I claim:
1. In a modular grid system for providing a support structure for a
ceiling of the type including a plurality of individual ceiling
tile each of predetermined lateral dimensions, the improvement
comprising:
an elongated runner member of a length related to the lateral
dimensions of said ceiling tile and adapted for interconnection
with other runner members to form a rectangular grid structure of
repetitive unit dimension, said elongated runner member being of a
generally U-shaped cross-section with similar opposed end portions
and further having an elongated slot structure in the base of said
U-shaped member for defining an access opening of a dimension for
passing utility conduits and the like, and with a guide track
formed in said channel base for slideably receiving an elongated,
flat strip;
and an elongated, flat filler strip composed of a non-apertured
flexible material for selective insertion into said guide track of
said U-shaped member from one end thereof and from the room side of
the ceiling for location in a predetermined interlocking and fixed
relationship with said runner member for totally concealing said
slot structure in said elongated runner member.
2. The improvement of claim 1 in which said U-shaped member is
formed of an integral sheet of metal and in which said guide track
is comprised of a pair of opposed, generally Z-shaped folds in said
channel base spaced from one another by a distance corresponding to
the width of said filler strip and of a thickness between the top
and bottom of said Z corresponding to the thickness of said filler
strip.
3. A modular grid system providing a support structure for a
ceiling of the type including a plurality of individual ceiling
tile each of predetermined lateral dimensions and for accomodating
installation, removal and rearrangement of utility conduits,
partition walls and room outlets for air ventilation passages at
any desired location in said grid system without defacing said grid
system and without the drilling of special holes therein, said grid
system comprising:
main runner means comprising a plurality of elongated members of
similar construction and each member being of a length related to
the lateral dimensions of said ceiling tile and each having
elongated slot structure formed therein for defining access
openings through the ceiling of a dimension for passing utility
conduits and the like, for providing bolt receiving apertures and
bolt seats for connection of partition walls to said members and
for serving as room outlets for air ventilation passages and each
of said members further having similar opposed end portions;
connector means for interconnecting said main runner members in
interlocking relationship to form a rectangular grid structure of a
predetermined, repetitive unit dimension;
and filler strip means comprising a plurality of elongated, flat
generally rectangular strips of a non-apertured flexible material
for selective affixation to said elongated members from the room
side of said ceiling and in an interlocking and fixed relation
therewith for totally concealing unused ones of said slot
structures in said elongated members, each of said filler strips
being selectively and individually insertable and removable from
each of said interconnected main runner members independently of
removal of any of said main runner members and connector means for
permitting installation, rearrangement and removal of said utility
conduits, air ventilation passages and partition walls within said
grid system without defacement of said grid system and without the
drilling of special holes therein.
4. A modular grid system providing a support structure for a
ceiling of the type including a plurality of individual ceiling
tile each of predetermined lateral dimensions and for accomodating
installation, removal and rearrangement of utility conduits,
partition walls and room outlets for air ventilation passages at
any desired location in said grid system without defacing said grid
system and without the drilling of special holes therein,
comprising:
main runner means comprising a plurality of elongated members of
similar construction, each member being of a length related to the
lateral dimensions of said ceiling tile and each being an elongated
channel of U-shaped cross-section with similar opposed end portions
and further having elongated slot structure formed in the base of
said channel or defining access openings in said ceiling of a
dimension for passing utility conduits and the like, for providing
bolt receiving apertures and bolt seats for connection of partition
walls to said members and for serving as room outlets for air
ventilation passages and with a guide track formed in said channel
base for receiving an elongated flat strip;
connector means comprising a central portion and a plurality of
stub channel portions integral therewith and each of said stub
portions being of a U-shaped cross-section similar to that of said
elongated channel members, said identical end portions of said
elongated channel members and said stub channel portions of said
connector means being constructed and arranged for fitting together
in interlocking relationship to form a repetitive rectangular grid
structure;
and filler strip means comprising a plurality of elongated, flat
generally rectangular strips of a non-apertured, flexible material
for selective insertion into said guide tracks of said elongated
channel members from the room side of said ceiling for location in
a predetermined fixed relationship therewith for totally concealing
the unused ones of said slot structures in said elongated channel
members, each of said filler strips being selectively and
individually insertable and removable from each of said
interconnected main runner members independently of removal of any
of said main runner members, connector means and ceiling tiles for
permitting installation, rearrangement and removal of said utility
conduits, air ventilation passages and partition walls within said
grid system without defacement of said grid system and without the
drilling of special holes therein.
5. The modular grid system of claim 4 in which said central
portions of each of said connector means include hanger members for
providng regularly spaced points of attachment from which to
suspend said rectangular grid structure.
6. The modular grid system of claim 5 in which said central
portions of each of said connector means are in the form of flat
plates and in which said hanger members are formed by striking tabs
from said central portions of said connector means.
7. The modular grid system of claim 6 in which said tabs are of
predetermined dimensions such that the apertures formed in said
central portions upon striking said tabs are of dimensions to
suitably accommodate water sprinkler heads.
8. The modular grid system of claim 7 and further including cover
plates adapted for selective securance over said central portions
of said connector means to conceal the apertures therein.
9. The modular grid system of claim 8 in which the elongated slot
in the base of each of said plurality of channel members is of a
dimension to suitably pass utility conduits and further in which
each slot is sufficiently narrow relative to the transverse
dimension of said channel base portion to provide a peripheral
support flange about said slot whereby portable partition walls may
be secured to said channel base portion by means of bolts seated in
guide track along said channel base portion.
10. The modular grid system of claim 9 in which said grid system is
adapted to support air circulation means of a type including a
plurality of air diffuser structures each having an elongated,
rectangular air exit duct formed by a pair of elongated side walls
and in which the width of each of said elongated channel members is
substantially equal to that of said diffuser exit duct for
receiving said exit duct portion of said air diffuser structure
within said elongated channel member in a securely interfitting
relationship.
11. The modular grid system of claim 4 in which each of said
plurality of elongated channel members of said main runner means
further includes exterior flanges lying in a common plane with that
of said channel base portion for providing a support surface for
said individual ceiling tiles.
12. The modular grid system of claim 11 and further comprising
secondary runner means including a plurality of elongated T-shaped
members of identical construction and of lengths approximately
equal to that of said U-shaped channel members of said main runner
means for connection across a pair of space opposed channel members
at predetermined spaced intervals therealong for subdividing the
unit grid dimension defined by said elongated channel member of
said main runner means into a plurality of equal sub-areas each of
lateral dimensions equal to that of an individual one of said
ceiling tile.
13. The modular grid system of claim 12 in which each of said
plurality of elongated channel members of said main runner means is
provided with an indexing structure at predetermined spaced
intervals along its length for locating the end portions of each of
said T-shaped members of said secondary runner means.
14. The modular grid system of claim 13 in which said main runner
means, secondary runner means, connector means, and filler strip
means are retained in assembled relationship exclusively through
mutual interfitting with one another.
15. The modular grid system of claim 14 and further including a
light fixture centrally supported within a rectangular grid unit
defined by said main runner means, said light fixture further
including a peripheral flange for providing a first support surface
for said ceiling tiles and said exterior flanges of said channel
members providing second support surfaces for said ceiling
tiles.
16. The modular grid system of claim 4 and further including a
light fixture of predetermined dimensions and a fixture supporting
means comprising a frusto-pyramidal member having exterior
dimensions corresponding to those of one unit of said repetitive
rectangular grid structure and an interior aperture of dimensions
for receiving said light fixture.
17. A modular grid system providing a support structure for a
ceiling of the type including a plurality of individual ceiling
tile each of predetermined lateral dimensions, comprising:
main runner means comprising a plurality of elongated members of
identical construction and each member being of a length related to
the lateral dimensions of said ceiling tile and each having
identical opposed end portions;
connector means comprising stub portions of a geometry
complementary to that of said end portions of said elongated
members of said main runner means for mating therewith in
interlocking relationship to form a rectangular grid structure of a
predetermined, repetitive unit dimension and further comprising a
central portion having a hanger element struck-out of the surface
of said central portion for providing a point of suspension for
said grid structure and for providing an aperture of corresponding
size for passing utility conduits;
secondary runner means comprising a plurality of elongated members
of identical construction and having identical opposed end portions
and further having a geometry for mating with said elongated
members of said main runner means in interlocking relationship to
divide said unit dimension grid structure into a plurality of
sub-areas equal to the lateral dimensions of said ceiling tile;
and cover plate means for selective securance over said centtral
portion of each of said connector means to totally conceal the
unused ones of said apertures.
18. The modular grid system of claim 17 in which said members of
said main and secondary runner means and said connector means are
maintained in assembled relationship exclusively through
interfitting with one another.
19. The modular grid system of claim 18 in which each of said main
and secondary runner means include support flanges for providing
peripheral support for each of said ceiling tile.
20. The modular grid system of claim 19 in which said elongated
members of said main runner means are each formed as channel
members of a generally U-shaped cross-section and each have
exterior support flanges extending along opposite sides of said
channel member and in which said elongated members of said
secondary runner means are each of a generally T-shaped
cross-section.
21. The modular grid system of claim 20 in which said elongated
channel members of said main runner means are provided with
indexing structure at predetermined space intervals along their
length for locating said elongated members of said secondary runner
means.
Description
INTRODUCTION
The present invention relates generally to ceiling constructions of
the type composed of a mosaic of individual acoustical tile or the
like, and, more particularly, is directed to a new and improved
modular grid system providing a support structure for a ceiling of
the foregoing type.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The ceiling support structure of the present invention is of a
modular design, employing a minimum number of components of simple
and economical construction. The components preferably interfit in
interlocking relationship without the use of bolts or the like
thereby to expedite assembly. Further to this end, each of the
components is preferably symmetrical so that the worker need not
concern himself with part orientation. The main runners of the grid
system are slotted both to facilitate securance of portable
partition walls to the ceiling grid and to provide passages for
utility conduits, etc., without the need of drilling special holes
and without in any way defacing the surface of the ceiling. A
filler or trim strip is adapted for slidable insertion into a guide
track in the base of each main runner channel to conceal the slot
therein, when desired. Various other features contributing to a
simple, economical, and easy to assemble system, yet one which is
structurally rugged, are disclosed in full detail layer herein.
Briefly, the invention is certain broader aspects is directed to a
modular grid system providing a support structure for a ceiling of
the type including a plurality of individual ceiling tile each of
predetermined lateral dimensions. The grid system includes main
runner means comprising a plurality of elongated members of
identical construction, each member being of a length related to
the lateral dimensions of the ceiling tile and each being an
elongated channel of U-shaped cross-section with identical opposed
end portions. An elongated slot is provided in the base of each
channel member and a guide track is formed in the channel base for
receiving an longated, flat strip. Connector means for joining the
main runner channels into a repetitive grid of redetermined unit
dimension comprises a central portion and a plurality of stub
channel portions integral therewith and each stub being of a
generally U-shaped cross-section similar to that of the channel
members. The identical end portions of the elongated channel
members and the stub channel portions of the connector means are
constructed and arranged for fitting together in an interlocking
relationship to form the rectangular grid structure without the use
of bolts or the like. A filler or trim strip means comprises a
plurality of elongated, flat strips of flexible material for
selective insertion into the guide tracks of the elongated channel
members for concealing the slots therein.
Other broad and efined aspects of the invention are considered and
disclosed and claimed herein.
The novel features of the present invention are set forth with
particularity in the appended claims. The invention together with
further objects and advantages thereof may best be understood,
however, by reference to the following description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the several figures
of which like reference numerals identify like elements and in
which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view, taken from above, of a ceiling
construction embodying the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a view taken along lines 2--2 of FIG. 1 and illustrating
one of the repetitive grids of the ceiling wherein there is mounted
a light fixture;
FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view illustrating several of the
components of the modular grid system of the invention and their
manner of assembly;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4--4, FIG.
3;
FIG. 5 is an elevational view, partly broken away, of a preferred
embodiment of the grid connector means of the modular grid system
of the invention;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6--6 of FIG. 5
and wherein a sprinkler head has been installed in a central
aperture of the connector means of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is an elevational view, partly broken away, of a preferred
embodiment of a main runner member of the grid system of the
invention;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 8--8 of FIG.
7;
FIG. 9 is an elevational view illustrating the manner of assembly
of a portable partition wall to the ceiling grid system;
FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the completed ceiling structure
showing the partition wall securely bolted thereto;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the manner in which an
air diffuser assembly is associated with the modular grid system of
the present invention to provide air circulation to the room
below;
FIG. 12 is an exploded detail view of a portion of FIG. 11 and
illustrating in further detail the manner of assembly of the air
diffuser with the grid system;
FIG. 13 is a view of the underside of the ceiling in the final
stages of assembly;
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 14--14 of FIG.
1;
FIG. 15 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of light
fixture and associated fixture support assembly; and
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 16--16 of FIG.
15 subsequent to assembly of the various components.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is generally illustrated a modular
ceiling construction 10 according to the present invention. Ceiling
10 is of a type that is suspended a predetermined distance below an
upper plane (not shown), as by wires or cables 12. The wires or
cables 12 are connected at regularly spaced intervals to a modular
grid system which, as will be explained, defines the skeleton
framework of the ceiling. The body of the ceiling is, of course,
composed of conventional acoustical ceiling tiles 14 of
predetermined lateral dimensions that are supported by the grid
system.
The plenum region between the ceiling 10 and the upper support
plane (not shown) accommodates various utility lines such as the
electrical and water conduits 16 and 18, respectively, as well as
air circulation means including air diffusers 20 and their
associated air inlet ducts 22. In order to provide electrical
service to the rooms below, it is necessary that apertures be made
in the ceiling 10 to pass the conduits 16. Similarly, apertures in
the ceiling 10 are required to accommodate sprinkler heads which
are connected to the main water conduit 18 by stub conduit sections
18a. Further, in order to provide fresh air circulation, additional
apertures must be provided in the ceiling 10 adjacent the exit
ducts (not visible in FIG. 1) of the air diffusers 20.
According to one feature of the invention and as will presently be
explained in detail, the grid system of the ceiling 10 is of a
repetitive or modular design and the individual elements are
constructed in such a way as to accommodate the location and
relocation of the various utility conduits and the air diffuser
apparatus with relative ease and without defacing the visible
surface of the ceiling or in any way impairing its structural
integrity.
The plenum space above the ceiling 10 also accommodates a spaced
array of recessed lighting fixtures 24. The fixtures 24 in the
present embodiment are supported from the grid system of the
ceiling 10 by conventional brackets 26. The fixtures 24 are
likewise simply and easily installed without drilling special holes
or the like and the fixtures may conveniently be relocated to any
selected one of the repetitive units of the grid without in any way
damaging the grid structure or the ceiling tile. Additionally,
portable partition walls 27 may simply and easily be secured to the
grid at predetermined spaced intervals and the location of these
walls may be promptly changed without damaging the ceiling 10.
An exemplary unit of the grid as viewed from the underside of the
ceiling 10 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The grid unit of FIG. 2
encloses a centrally disposed, recessed lighting fixture 24. In
this regard, it will be observed that the four ceiling tile 28
occupying the space between the fixture 24 and the surrounding grid
members are of a different configuration than that of the standard,
rectangular ceiling tile 14. Specifically, the tiles 28 are of a
generally trapezoidal configuration configured to form mitered
joints along the lines of intersection of the adjacent tile.
The basic elements of the modular ceiling 10 and their manner of
assembly may be appreciated in greater detail by reference to FIGS.
3-8. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the grid system is composed
of main runner means comprising a plurality of elongated members
30, connector means 32 for interconnecting the main runners 30 into
a rectangular grid pattern and secondary runner means comprising a
plurality of elongated T-shaped members 34. The secondary runners
34 are of identical construction with identical opposed end
portions adapted for connection to respective ones of a pair of
space opposed main runners at periodic intervals along the lengths
thereof so as to divide the unit area grid formed by the main
runners into a plurality of sub-areas. Each of the sub-areas
corresponds in lateral dimensions to that of an individual ceiling
tile 14. The foregoing three elements form the basic skeletal
framework of the ceiling 10; two additional elements, namely, a
cover plate 36 and a plurality of filler or trim strips 38 are
provided to permit a selective concealing of the repunched
apertures in the connector means 32 and the main runners 30,
respectively.
Before considering FIG. 3 in further detail, it is appropriate to
first refer to FIGS. 5-8 for a complete understanding of the
construction of the connector means 32 and the main runner members
30. As shown in FIG. 5, the connector means 32 comprises a central
portion 32a, and a plurality of stub channel portions 32b integral
therewith. Each of the stub channel portions 32b is of a generally
U-shaped cross-section similar to that of the main runner 30. The
stub channel portions 32b are of geometry complementary to that of
the main runners 32 so as to permit a predetermined interfitting of
these parts.
A hanger element 32c is formed in the central portion of the
connector means 32 so as to provide a point of attachment for the
suspension wire or cable 12. Preferably, the hanger element 32c is
formed as a struck-out tab from the central portion 32a and it is
further preferred that such struck-out tab be dimensioned so as to
provide an opening in the central portion of a size to comfortably
recieve the threaded terminus of the water conduit stem 18a as
shown in FIG. 6. A conventional water sprinkler head 40 is
threadably secured to the terminus of the conduit section 18a and
completely conceals the central aperture. Thus, water sprinkler
heads 40 may be installed at periodic spaced intervals in the
modular grid system without drilling of any special holes or the
like.
The connector means 32 is itself of a relatively economical and
rugged construction. The connector may be formed as a stamping from
a single piece of metal, as is clearly seen in FIG. 5.
Each of the main runners 30 is of identical construction and is of
a length related to that of the lateral dimensions of the ceiling
tile 14. Preferably, each runner 30 is formed as an elongated
channel of U-shaped cross-section with identical opposed end
portions and having one or more elongated slots 30a, 30b formed in
the base thereof. It is also preferred that the base of the channel
members 30 be provided with a guide track 30c or receiving an
elongated, flat strip. In order to provide a secure inter-fitting
of the channel 30 and the connector means 32, the upper ends of the
opposed leg portions of the channel 30 are return bent at 30d for
locating and securing the complementary stub channel portions 32b
of the connector means therewithin without the use of bolts or the
like.
In the ceiling construction of the present invention, it is
contemplated that the individual tile 14 be installed merely be
laying them in place on the grid structure and that no fasteners of
any sort be employed. To this end and in order to support the
individual tile 14, the main runners 30 further include exterior
flanges 30e on opposite exterior sides of the channel legs. The
exterior flanges 30e are of a width to accommodate dimensional
tolerances in the tile and/or grid structure while providing in all
instances adequate support for the tile. The channel members 30 are
manufactured from rugged gauge metal and may economically be formed
as unitary metal stampings.
As previously indicated, the secondary runners 34 are adapted to be
connected across a pair of space opposed main runners 30 at
predetermined intervals along the lengths of such main runners. In
order to facilitate location and assembly of such secondary runners
to the main runners, the main runners 30 are provided with spaced
indexing means, herein a series of spaced slots 30f in the vertical
legs of the channel members 30. The purpose and function of these
indexing slots 30f may be fully understood by returning to FIG. 3
and particularly considering the construction of the secondary
runner means 34. Specifically secondary runners 34 are each of
identical, elongate construction with identical opposed end
portions. In this regard, the end portions of the runners 34 are
notched members dimensioned to securely locate and seat in the
complementary slots of the main runners 30. The body of the
secondary runners 34 are of a T-shaped cross-section, providing
lateral flanges for supporting the ceiling tile 14. The secondary
runners 34 likewise may economically be manufactured by
conventional metal stamping techniques.
With the foregoing explanation, the manner of assembly of the three
primary components of the modular grid should now be apparent.
Briefly, however, and with reference to FIG. 3, the end portions of
the several main channel members 30 are slidably interfitted with
corresonding stub portions of the connector means 32 so as to
provide a secure interlocking of these members without the use of
fasteners of any kind. Assembly is expedited and simplified by
having the end portions of the main runners identical so that the
assembler need not concern himself with part orientation. A like
condition prevails with respect to the secondary runners 34. The
notched ends of the secondary runners are merely inserted in the
easily visible slots of the main runners, again without the use of
any tools or particular skill on behalf of the assembler. The
secondary runners 34 are, of course, omitted from those grid units
wherein there is to be installed a light fixture.
The grid structure, as now assembled, is ready to receive the
ceiling tile 14. The tiles 14 are installed by inclining each tile
so as to permit its unimpeded passage upwardly through the aperture
in which it is to be located and then by reorientating the tile
coincident with the plane of the grid and lowering it into position
of rest on the peripheral support flanges of the grid runners. In
those instances where the apertures in the runners 30 and the
connectors 32 are not functionally employed, they are concealed by
trim strips 38 and cover plates 36. The manner of installation of
these latter two items is fully explained later herein.
Referring now to FIG. 9, the procedure for securing a partition
wall 27 to the ceiling grid system may be understood. As is shown,
the hollow partition wall 24 is aligned beneath a preselected main
runner 30 of the grid and the necessary utility lines such as the
electrical conduit 16 are threaded through the slotted apertures in
the base of the runner 30 and into the hollow interior of the wall
27. A series of bolt assemblies disposed at appropriately spaced
intervals along the main runner 30, and identical to the exemplary
bolt assembly 42 are provided for securing the partition wall 27 to
the ceiling grid structure. The head of the bolt 42 is of a
configuration for securely and nonrotationally seating in the guide
track 30c of the channel member 30 with the shank of the bolt
extending through the slot of the channel and a bolt receiving
aperture in the top surface of the partition wall 27. A lock washer
and nut are then secured to the threaded shank of the bolt
assembly. No special holes are drilled in the channel member nor is
the ceiling structure in any way defaced by installation of the
partition wall 27. Likewise, relocation of the partition wall 27
may conveniently and easily be accomplished without damage to the
ceiling structure.
The modular ceiling grid system of the invention also provides for
convenient and simplified installation of the room air circulation
apparatus, as now may be appreciated by reference to FIGS. 11 and
12. As shown in these figures, the lower end or exit duct of each
air diffuser 20 is in the shape of an elongated rectangular channel
of a nominal width slightly greater than that of the main runner
channel 30. The interference fit that results on seating of the
lower end of the diffusers 20 within the channel members 30 is
ample to secure the diffusers in position and no further fasteners
of any kind are required. The air entering the plenum of the air
diffusers 20 through the entry conduits 22 exits along the
elongated slot in the base of the air diffuser 20, which slot is
aligned with that in the base of the channel 30, as is clearly
illustrated in the drawings.
FIG. 13 depicts installation of a typical cover plate 36 and a trim
strip 38. The trim strips 38 preferably are composed of a flexible
metal and are dimensioned for slidable insertion into the guide
tracks in the bases of the guide channel 30 to provide an
aesthetically pleasing cover to conceal the slots in the channel.
Similarly, the cover plate 36 functions to conceal the central
aperture of the connector means 36 and complete the ceiling grid
pattern. The cover plate 36 is provided with four flexible corner
tabs which are foldable over the exterior flanges of the main
runners 30 to secure the cover plate 36 in position. The cover
plate 36 has embossments in the shape of a "plus sign" to coincide
with the regress of the filler 38 thereby to accurately align and
center the cover plate and give the appearance of a continuous
filler. As with all other components of the modular grid assembly
of the present invention, no special fasteners are required and the
cover plate may conveniently and promptly be removed if, for
example, it is later desired to install a sprinkler head at this
grid intersection.
FIG. 14 illustrates the recessed light fixture 24 and particularly
the manner in which the ceiling tile 23 are supported. In this
regard and according to one facet of the invention, the light
fixture 24 is provided with a peripheral flange 24a serving as a
support ledge for one edge of the tiles 28. The opposed edge of the
tiles 28 are supported on the exterior flanges of the runners 30.
Thus, the tiles 28 are laid in place in a fashion similar to that
of the tiles 14 and may be removed for access to the light fixture,
etc., without tools and without in any way damaging the tile.
An alternate form of light fixture and associated support assembly
is illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16. As seen in the drawings, a
fixture support means or coffer 44 is of a frusto-pyramidal
configuration having exterior dimensions corresponding to the unit
dimension of the rectangular grid. Thus, the coffer 44 securely
seats on the support flanges of the surrounding grid runners 30.
The coffer 44 is preferably formed of perforated or solid steel and
is of a single piece unitary construction. The interior aperture
dimensions of the coffer 44 are such as to snugly receive a
conventional heat extracting light fixture 46 and to this end there
is provided a peripheral ledge 44a about the interior of the
central aperture of coffer 44 so that the light fixture as well as
the coffer may quickly and easily be installed without the use of
fasteners.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been
shown and described, it is apparent that various changes and
modifications may be made, and it is therefore intended in the
following claims to cover all such modifications and changes as may
fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.
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