EP0530976A1 - Light and filter support structure - Google Patents
Light and filter support structure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0530976A1 EP0530976A1 EP92307081A EP92307081A EP0530976A1 EP 0530976 A1 EP0530976 A1 EP 0530976A1 EP 92307081 A EP92307081 A EP 92307081A EP 92307081 A EP92307081 A EP 92307081A EP 0530976 A1 EP0530976 A1 EP 0530976A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- rail member
- light fixture
- rail
- wall
- walls
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
- E04B9/06—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation characterised by constructional features of the supporting construction, e.g. cross section or material of framework members
- E04B9/064—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation characterised by constructional features of the supporting construction, e.g. cross section or material of framework members comprising extruded supporting beams
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
- E04B9/006—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation with means for hanging lighting fixtures or other appliances to the framework of the ceiling
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
- E04B9/008—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation with means for connecting partition walls or panels to the ceilings
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
- E04B9/02—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation having means for ventilation or vapour discharge
Definitions
- This invention relates to ceiling panel support structures and more particularly to structures for supporting clean room air filter panels for providing an air-tight seal at the edge of such filter panels.
- Filter panel support grids are well known. Existing grids use formed steel sheets as segments that are welded together to form a unitary grid structure. This requires large assemblies to be constructed and finished on the site at which they are to be installed. Consequently, manufacturing costs are high and the lack of control over the manufacturing environment may result in quality problems. Also, welded structures lack an aesthetic appearance which is desired in many applications.
- some existing ceiling grids employ extruded aluminum segments which are mechanically attached to provide a unitary structure. These attachment methods are generally cumbersome, requiring further modification of the grid segments by precise machining. Such methods employ attachment methods which result in a grid structure lacking in rigidity.
- suspended light fixtures limits the capacity and flexibility to hang further items from the ceiling structure.
- a suspended item is fixed once installed, and the installation labor must be repeated if the fixture is to be moved, even if only by a small amount.
- the installation of hanging walls and dividers is limited to orthogonal orientations directly aligned with grid structure elements.
- a suspended light fixture may not be installed in the same location as a suspended wall, nor may a wall intersect a suspended light structure without being spaced below the light, leaving a substantial gap between the wall and ceiling.
- structures suspended below lights impair access to the light, making the removal of light tubes difficult or impossible.
- Light fixtures that are suitable for use on existing filter panel support grids are generally too bulky for a low profile, retro-fit installation.
- these fixtures are generally designed as needlessly rigid units which are costlier than required and more cumbersome to install.
- Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the present invention.
- Fig. 2 is a sectional end view of an interior rail of the apparatus of Fig. 1.
- Fig. 3a and 3b are sectional end views of an alternate embodiment interior rail of the apparatus of Fig. 1.
- Fig. 4 is a sectional end view of a closure strip which engages the apparatus of Fig. 3.
- Fig. 5 is a sectional end view of an interior rail of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in an alternative embodiment to accommodate light fixtures and hanging fixtures.
- Fig. 6 is an isometric sectional view of an interior rail of the apparatus of Fig. 1 having a conduit passing therethrough.
- Fig. 7 is a sectional end view of a perimeter rail of the apparatus of Fig. 1.
- Fig. 8 is a sectional end view of an alternative embodiment perimeter rail of the apparatus of Fig. 1 having a suspension wall.
- Fig. 9 is a sectional end view of a perimeter rail in an alternative embodiment having a suspension wall and a side wall having a hook shaped lower portion.
- Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the bracket employed in the apparatus of Fig. 1.
- Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a junction assembly of the apparatus of Fig. 1.
- Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an assembled junction between grid rails of the apparatus of Fig. 1.
- Fig. 13 is a sectional end view of an interior rail of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in an alternative embodiment with an enclosed light fixture.
- Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the light fixture assembly of Fig. 13.
- Fig. 15 is a sectional end view of the interior rail of Fig. 13 with an attached hanger bracket and wall panel suspended therefrom.
- Fig. 16 is an enlarged, sectional end view of the interior rail of Fig. 13 with a hanger bracket and clamping mechanism attached thereto.
- Fig. 17 is a sectional end view of the interior rail of Fig. 13 with a wall panel pivotally attached thereto.
- Fig. 18 is a sectional end view of the rail of Fig. 16 with a wall panel directly received therein.
- a filter support structure 10 holds an array of similarly sized rectangular air filter panels 12.
- the support structure forms an orthogonal grid of rectangular sections sized to fit the filter panels.
- the perimeter of the grid is a rectangle formed of a plurality of perimeter rails 14.
- a plurality of interior rails 16a are provided to interconnect at right angles to each other and to the perimeter rails.
- the interconnected rails cooperatively form moat-like vessels surrounding each rectangular panel section.
- Each vessel is filled with a gel-like sealant which receives downwardly depending flanges from the periphery of each panel, thereby preventing air from passing around the edges of the panels.
- each interior rail 16a has a hollow body 18 having an upper wall 20, a lower wall 22, and opposed first and second side walls 24, and 26, with the body defining an elongated tunnel 28.
- the interior rail 16a has a pair of opposed first and second trough walls 30, 32 which project perpendicularly upward from the upper wall 20 of the body 18.
- the trough walls are preferably coplanar with the respective first and second side walls 24, 26.
- the first and second trough walls 30, 32 each have a respective narrowed portion 34, 36 adjacent to the upper wall 20 of the body 18.
- the narrowed portions are acute angular notches each defined on a respective trough wall inner side 38, 40, the inner sides facing each other.
- the angle of the notch is preferably 60 degrees and the notch is preferably cut to a depth equal to at least one third of the thickness of the trough wall.
- the trough wall thereby may be broken off at the notch without damage to the rail by manually bending the trough wall outward until it breaks off at the notch.
- a segment of the trough wall may be broken off between two vertical cuts made through the trough wall.
- a hanger wall 42 projects perpendicularly upward from a medial position 44 on the upper wall 20 of the body 18.
- the hanger wall is upwardly terminated by a widened portion 46 having a pair of downwardly depending parallel first and second hook walls 48, 50.
- the hook walls preferably are parallel to the hanger wall 42 and positioned on opposite sides thereof.
- the hanger wall and each respective hook wall define first and second downwardly open rectangular clip gaps 52, 54.
- the hook walls are preferably downwardly terminated by first and second semicircular edges 56, 58.
- the hook walls 48, 50 may be engaged by hooks suspended from above, or the widened portion 46 may be engaged by a slotted support block 59 having a narrow slot aperture and a widened interior cavity for receiving the widened portion 46.
- Such a support block may include a threaded bore to engage a threaded rod hanging down from above, as shown in Fig. 3a below.
- a pair of first and second upwardly projecting ridges 60, 62 are formed on the upper wall 20 of the body 18 adjacent to and on opposite sides of the hanger wall 42.
- the ridges are generally parallel to the hanger wall with respective first and second base gaps 64, 66 defined between each respective ridge and the hanger wall.
- Each base gap has a width equal to the width of the clip gaps 52, 54.
- the ridges have respective outer wall surfaces 68, 70, which face the respective trough walls 30, 32. The distance between the outer wall surfaces is preferably equal to the width of the widened portion of the hanger wall.
- the rail defines a pair of opposed first and second sealant receiving troughs 72, 74.
- the troughs have respective inner sides 76, 78 defined by a portion of the hanger wall 42 and have outer sides defined by the inner sides 38, 40 of the trough walls 30, 32.
- the respective troughs have lower sides 80, 82 defined by the upper wall 20 of the body 18.
- the inner sides 38, 40 of the trough walls and the inner sides 76, 78 of the trough are provided with a rough textured surface.
- the textured surface preferably being a plurality of V-shaped longitudinal ridges 84, whereby a material cast in the troughs will resist removal.
- the upper wall 20 and all features projecting upwardly therefrom comprise an upper portion 91 of the rail.
- the lower wall 22 of the body 18 has a generally flat and downwardly facing lower surface 86.
- the lower surface defines a recessed screw receiving slot 88 covering a sufficient width so that a hole may be drilled and a screw inserted and later removed from the center of the slot without impairing the appearance of the lower wall surface 86.
- the slot 88 includes a central groove to aid the centering of screw holes.
- FIG. 3a A first alternative embodiment of an interior grid rail is shown in Fig. 3a.
- the alternate interior rail 16b is identical to the interior rail 16a in its upper portion 91 which includes all elements projecting upwardly from the upper wall 20 of the hollow body 18.
- the lower wall 22 of the Fig. 3a embodiment is downwardly open to form a narrow aperture 90 centered in the lower side of the body and communicating with a widened chamber 92 having a width greater than that of the narrow aperture.
- a T-shaped bolt 210 having a large flat rectangular head 212 and a perpendicularly disposed shank 214 as shown in Fig. 3b may thereby be inserted into the chamber with the head aligned with the narrow aperture to pass therethrough.
- the head has two diagonally opposed beveled corners 216 so that the screw may freely rotate 90 degrees from an aligned position to a securely retained position.
- the rectangular head has two diagonally opposed non-beveled corners which encounter the widened chamber 92 to prevent the screw from substantially rotating beyond the retained position.
- an elongated slot cap or closure strip 94 is provided to be installed within the narrow aperture of the interior rail 16b of Fig. 3.
- the closure strip is a resilient plastic extrusion comprising a planar body 96 having a width that exceeds that of the narrow aperture 90 as shown in Fig. 3.
- the body has a flat bottom surface 98 that is exposed when the strip is installed and a strip upper surface 100 which faces the rail 16b and has first and second upwardly extending legs 102, 104 which are spaced apart to be received in the narrow aperture 90 of Fig. 3.
- the legs are respectively terminated with outwardly extending first and second latches 106, 108 which engage the widened chamber 92 to resist removal therefrom.
- a second alternate interior rail embodiment 16c is shown having an upper portion 91 similar to that of the embodiments of Figs. 2 and 3.
- the side walls 24, 26 are substantially extended downward to a length approximately equal to the width of the upper wall 20.
- Each side wall is terminated at its lower edge by a lower wall segment 110, 112, which extends horizontally inward toward the other.
- the lower wall segments are terminated by upwardly projecting vertical segments 114, 116.
- First and second hook receiving gaps 118, 120 are upwardly open V-shaped spaces.
- the first hook receiving gap 118 is defined by the side wall 24 and the vertical segment 114.
- the second hook receiving gap 120 is defined by the side wall 26 and the vertical segment 116.
- the lower wall segments define a lower gap 122 therebetween, which is preferably at least 2 inches wide to receive a fluorescent tube light fixture (not shown) between the side walls.
- the side walls 24, 26 extend sufficiently downward from the upper wall 20 so that a fluorescent tube light fixture (not shown) may be entirely received within a light fixture tunnel 124 defined therebetween.
- Fig. 6 shows an interior rail 16a in which the upper wall 20 and lower wall 22 as well as the hanger wall 42 have been drilled to provide a conduit hole 126 which is configured to closely receive a sprinkler pipe 128 or a grommeted electrical conduit (not shown).
- the conduit or pipe 128 is sealed to the conduit hole 126 at the upper wall 20, such that fluid may not penetrate between the sleeve and the hole.
- the hardware of any conduit connectors should be low-profile so that any seams between the hardware and the conduit reside below the level of the gel sealant. As a result, any air leaks in the connection will be properly sealed.
- Fig. 7 shows a perimeter rail 130, having a hollow rectangular body 132, having an upper wall 134, a lower wall 136, a distal side wall 138 facing away from the grid structure and a proximate side wall 140 opposite the distal side wall.
- a single perimeter trough wall 142 projects perpendicularly upward from the upper wall 134, of the perimeter rail in the plane of the proximate side wall 140.
- the trough wall includes the narrowed portion 144 as provided in the rail of Fig. 2.
- the trough wall also has a similar plurality of V-shaped ridges 146 on the side of the trough wall facing the distal side wall 138.
- a vertical plenum wall 146 has a horizontal plenum flange 148 attached to a lower edge 149 of the plenum wall.
- the flange is attached to the upper wall 134, by suitable attachment means such as a screw 150.
- Sealant 154 is provided between the flange and the upper wall so that a gel may be contained in a trough 152 defined between the trough wall and the plenum wall.
- a perimeter rail 130b is provided with a vertical suspension member 156 integrally formed therewith.
- the suspension member is a planar wall projecting vertically upward from the upper wall 134 of the perimeter rail in the plane of the distal side wall 138.
- the suspension member is upwardly terminated by an enlarged portion 158, having a bolt head receiving slot 160 defined therein.
- the slot has an interior width 162, sized to retain a bolt head (not shown) and has a narrower aperture width 164, sized to permit passage of a bolt shank.
- a plenum (not shown) is attached to an upper surface 166 of the enlarged portion 158 and fixed thereto by means of bolts retained in the bolt head receiving slot 160.
- an alternate perimeter rail 130c shares the vertical suspension member 156 of the Fig. 8 embodiment, but does not have a lower wall 136 or a distal side wall 138.
- the proximate side wall 140c is extended downward and terminated by a hook-shaped portion 168 similar to that which defines the hook receiving gaps of Fig. 5.
- an attachment bracket 170 is stamped and formed from a sheet of steel. The bracket comprises a rectangular planar sheet 172, having a top edge 174, a bottom edge 176, a first side edge 178 and a second side edge 180.
- a blade portion 182 having a pair of beveled corners 184, 186, is configured to be received by a vertical rectangular space defined between the rectangular clip gap 52 (or alternatively 54) and the base gap 64 (alternatively 66) in the end of one of the interior rails 16a, 16b or 16c.
- the bracket 170 includes an attachment tab 188 attached to a bent portion 190 of the bottom edge 176 of the rectangular sheet 172.
- the attachment tab is formed by bending it 90 degrees from the plane of the sheet so that it extends perpendicularly from the sheet.
- the attachment tab has a tab width 192, sized to be attached to the upper wall 20, of an interior rail body 18, and to be closely received between the inner side 38 of the first trough wall 30 and the first ridge 60 or, alternatively, between the inner side 40 of the second trough wall 32 and the second ridge 62 of the rail shown in Fig. 2.
- the second side edge 180 of the bracket sheet 172 is vertical and has an upper contact point 194 and a lower contact point 196.
- the upper contact point is adjacent to the top edge 174 of the sheet and the lower contact point is adjacent to the bottom edge 176 of the sheet at the bent portion 190.
- a generally semicircular cutout 198 is defined by the bottom edge 176 of the sheet 172 adjacent to the attachment tab 188 to provide access to seams 202 (shown in Fig. 12) in the completed assembly for sealing with caulk to prevent leakage, as will be discussed below.
- bracket may be formed in a mirror image configuration with the tab 188 bent in the opposite direction.
- brackets 170′ there will be right handed brackets, as shown in Fig. 10, and left handed brackets 170′ as shown in Fig. 11.
- Fig. 11 shows a junction assembly 204.
- the junction assembly is formed by right handed bracket 170 and left handed bracket 170′, with the rectangular sheets 172 thereof in parallel spaced-apart relation.
- An L-shaped bracket 206 includes a planar spacer portion 208 with a planar mounting portion 210 perpendicularly attached thereto.
- the L-shaped bracket 206 is preferably formed of bent sheet metal.
- the spacer portion 208 is received between the brackets 170, 170′ and is fixed therebetween by junction screws or rivets 212 so that the mounting portion 210 is perpendicular to the bracket sheet 172 and to the attachment tab 188.
- the mounting portion 210 defines a pair of mounting holes 214 sized to receive suitable fasteners.
- each junction between the end of the interior rail 16a and the side of another interior rail requires a junction assembly 204.
- a portion of the trough wall of the rail whose side forms the junction is vertically cut and broken off as discussed above with reference to Fig. 2.
- the blade portions 182 of the brackets 170 are inserted into the end of the interior rail on opposite sides of the hanger wall 42.
- the bracket tabs 188 are attached to the upper wall 20 of the adjacent interior rail by suitable means such as a screw 200.
- the mounting portions 210 of the L-shaped brackets 206 are positioned against the hanger wall 42 and fixed thereto by suitable fasteners.
- the upper contact point 194 of the bracket thereby contacts the widened portion 46 of the hanger wall 42 to prevent undesired angular wobble of the rails at the junction, and to prevent the joint from flexing under compressive forces between the rail members.
- the junction seam 202 is sealed with suitable means such as caulk, so that the troughs may be filled with a gel-like sealant which will sealably receive filter panels 12 having downwardly depending edge flanges (not shown).
- Fig. 13 shows the rail member of Fig. 5 with a light fixture assembly 220 installed and completely received within the rail channel 124.
- the filter panel 12 is shown having a downwardly depending peripheral blade edge 222 received in the first sealant receiving trough 72 and sealed by a gel sealant 224.
- the light fixture assembly 220 generally comprises an elongated light chassis panel 230 attached to the interior of the rail channel 124, with a standard bulb retainer or tombstone 232 attached at each end of the chassis panel 230.
- a fluorescent tube 234 is electrically connected to and received between the bulb retainers 232 so that the entire light fixture assembly 220 is contained within the channel 124.
- the light chassis panel 230 is preferably formed of extruded aluminum and has a length somewhat longer than the standard fluorescent light tube 234. In cross-section, the chassis panel 230 appears as a broad, flat-bottomed trough.
- a chassis base 236 forms the bottom of the trough and is generally flat, with a width somewhat less than the interior width of the rail channel 124.
- a chassis wall 238 projects generally upwardly and slightly inwardly from the base.
- Each chassis wall is terminated at an upper free end 240 by a chassis lip or chassis hook 242 that projects horizontally outward.
- the walls and base of the chassis panel 230 are sufficiently thin so that the walls may be slightly inwardly biased as necessary for installation and removal.
- the chassis panel 230 defines at each end a rectangular gap 246 that is preferably formed by removing a central rectangular portion of the chassis base 236 at each end to form opposed, parallel, inwardly facing gap edges 248.
- the gap has a depth generally equal to the thickness of the tombstone 232.
- the bulb retainer or tombstone plug 232 is slidably received in the rectangular gap 246 of the light chassis panel 230 so that the tombstone is flush with the end of the chassis panel.
- the tombstone 232 is a standard off-the-shelf component such as the Slide-On Slimline Tombstone manufactured by Kulka Wiring Devices, Part No. 1630-1,2.
- the tombstone 232 defines a pair of opposed slots 250 sized and spaced apart to slidably receive the gap edges 248 of the chassis panel 230. A tombstone is thus inserted at each end of the chassis panel so that the tombstones are suitably spaced apart to removably retain and to electrically contact the fluorescent lamp tube 234.
- a retaining section 254 having the same cross-section as the light chassis panel 230 is placed against the chassis base 236 externally of each tombstone 232 so as to cover the remaining open portion of each rectangular gap 246.
- the retaining section 254 attaches to the rail channel 124 so that the section is retained in the channel in the same manner as the chassis panel 230.
- the section 254 has a length generally equal to the distance between the outer face of the tombstone 232 and the end of the chassis panel 230.
- the upper wall 20 of the rail member 16c includes a pair of opposed channel ledges 260 widely spaced apart on the lower surface thereof by a sufficient distance to permit a mating snap fit with the chassis hooks 242 of the chassis panel 230.
- the ledges shown differently in Fig. 13 than in the original embodiment of Fig. 5, each have an inwardly facing nose 262 spaced below the surface of the upper wall to define a gap for receiving the chassis hook 242.
- the upper wall 20 of the rail member and the chassis panel 230 cooperatively define an elongated wireway 264 to permit passage of a wire 266 extending from the tombstone 232 to a conduit or aperture 126 as shown in Fig. 6.
- a lens or closure strip 270 encloses the channel 124 between the projections 114, 116.
- the lens is preferably an extruded plastic strip of transparent or translucent material, such as a resilient plastic.
- the lens is a flat, elongated body that rests against the lower surfaces of the rail member lower wall segments 110, 112 and has a pair of upwardly and outwardly projecting lens legs 272 to engage the rail member projections 114, 116.
- a pair of lens gaskets 274 each runs the length of the lens between one of the rail member projections 114, 116 and one of the lens legs 272.
- the lens and gaskets prevent dust and debris from escaping the channel into the environment below.
- the lens may be textured with ridges 275 shown or otherwise optically formed to provide a controlled illumination pattern. Because divider walls and other objects need to be suspended from the grid, the lens is nearly flush with the rail to prevent interference with such hanging objects.
- Fig. 15 shows the rail member 16c with the light fixture 220 installed, and with a hanger 276 hanging below the rail member.
- the hanger is a generally U-shaped metal bracket preferably formed by extrusion, with each hanger being about a two inch length from source extrusion.
- Each hanger 276 has a flat lower portion 278 with a lower attachment hole 280 defined therein.
- the hanger has opposed parallel first and second sides 282, 284 projecting upward from the lower portion 278 and positioned in vertical planes perpendicular to the lower portion 278 and defining, respectively, first and second side attachment holes 286, 288.
- the first and second sides form the widest portion of the hanger, providing attachment points for suspending items below without interfering with other portions of the hanger.
- Attached respectively above the first and second hanger sides 282, 284 are first and second upper sidewalls 292, 294.
- the upper sidewalls are spaced apart sufficiently to permit the fluorescent tube 234 to be passed between them to permit its removal.
- Each upper sidewall is terminated at its free end by a hanger hook 298, 300 that curves outwardly and downwardly to engage the projections 114, 116 of the rail member 16c.
- the hanger hooks 298, 300 are spaced more widely apart than the lower aperture of the rail member 16c so that the projections seat in the hook receiving gaps 118, 120 when the hanger is subject to a downward force.
- the hanger sides may be biased together to inwardly compress the hooks, permitting one hanger hook to pass in or out of the rail channel 124.
- a hanging panel 304 or similar fixture may be suspended from the hanger at one of the attachment holes 286, 288.
- Items suitable for suspending from the hanger include: monorail material transport systems, smif-type equipment enclosures, and other process tools and equipment.
- a standard bolt or other suitable means may be used to secure the panel 304 to the hanger.
- FIGS. 16a and 16b show a grid hanger clamping mechanism 310 for securing the grid hanger 276 to the rail member 16c to prevent sliding or removal of the hanger.
- a pair of clamping plates 312 are positioned on opposite sides of the hanger 276, adjacent to the first and second sides 282, 284 respectively.
- Each plate 312 is a rigid metal plate that is articulated to conform to the general contours of the sides of the grid hanger 276.
- Each plate defines a plate aperture 314 sized to correspond with the first and second attachment holes 286, 288 and positioned to register with one of such holes when the plate is positioned in conformity with the contours of the grid hanger 276.
- Each plate is terminated by an upper plate edge 316 that is positioned to compressively contact the corresponding lower wall segment 110, 112 of the rail member 16c when the plate 312 is compressed against the hanger 276.
- the upper plate edge preferably includes a resilient plate gasket 318 to prevent slippage and to avoid cosmetic damage to the rail member.
- a clamp bolt 324 and a clamp knob 326 are provided to adjustably secure each clamp plate 312 to the hanger 276.
- Each bolt 324 is sized to penetrate the first or second attachment hole 286, 288 and the plate aperture 314, and to extend outwardly from the hanger 276.
- Each clamp knob threadably engages the respective bolt to compress each plate 312 against the corresponding hanger side 282, 284.
- the panel 304 as shown in Fig. 15, may be attached to the hanger 276 along with the plate 312.
- FIG. 17a shows a wall header for pivotally attaching a wall panel 330 to the rail member 16c.
- An upwardly open U-shaped header clip 332 has a flat base portion 334 with two upwardly extending legs 336, each leg being terminated at its free end by an outwardly and downwardly extending clip hook 338.
- the clip hooks are sufficiently spaced apart and properly configured to securely engage the projections 114, 116 of the rail member 16c when the header clip 332 is subject to a downward force.
- a U-shaped downwardly open wall header channel 340 is pivotally attached to the header clip 332 at a header connection 342.
- the header connection preferably comprises a nut and bolt passing through similarly sized apertures in the base of the header clip 332 and the corresponding portion of the header 340.
- the header includes a header base 342 and header side walls 344 depending downwardly therefrom. The side walls are spaced apart by a distance greater than the width of the wall panel 330, the upper edge of which is received therein.
- a header gasket 346 formed of rubber or other resilient material is attached to the lower portion of the interior side of each header side wall 344 along the entire length of the side wall. Each gasket 346 faces the opposite side wall so that the wall panel 330 forms a seal with the gaskets when installed in the header channel 340.
- a pair of side plates 350 is attached to the header 340, one each to the outer side of each header side wall 344.
- a lower side wall portion 352 of each side plate 350 is generally coextensive with the header side wall 344, and an upper side wall portion 354 extends upwardly, terminating in proximity with the lower wall segments 110, 112 of the rail member 16c.
- this permits the header 340 to be rotated about the header connection 342 without the side plates 350 interfering with the rail member 16c, yet does not permit substantial air flow between the rail member 16c and the side plates 350.
- the wall may be effectively used to isolate air flow zones.
- Fig. 18 shows a wall panel 330 inserted directly in the rail channel 124 of the rail member 16c with the space normally occupied by a light fixture used as a wall header.
- the lower gap 122 defined by the lower wall segments 110, 112 is sized to closely receive the wall panel to prevent substantial leakage of air flow from one side of the panel to the other.
- a thinner wall panel may be used with spacers or gaskets to provide an effective seal.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Ventilation (AREA)
- Specific Sealing Or Ventilating Devices For Doors And Windows (AREA)
- Filtering Of Dispersed Particles In Gases (AREA)
- Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to ceiling panel support structures and more particularly to structures for supporting clean room air filter panels for providing an air-tight seal at the edge of such filter panels.
- Filter panel support grids are well known. Existing grids use formed steel sheets as segments that are welded together to form a unitary grid structure. This requires large assemblies to be constructed and finished on the site at which they are to be installed. Consequently, manufacturing costs are high and the lack of control over the manufacturing environment may result in quality problems. Also, welded structures lack an aesthetic appearance which is desired in many applications.
- As an alternative to welded structures, some existing ceiling grids employ extruded aluminum segments which are mechanically attached to provide a unitary structure. These attachment methods are generally cumbersome, requiring further modification of the grid segments by precise machining. Such methods employ attachment methods which result in a grid structure lacking in rigidity.
- In an industrial manufacturing environment in which ceiling filters are typically employed, there is a need for overhead lighting and for suspension of equipment and materials. Known ceiling grid structures suspend lights from the ceiling and hang lightweight objects from screws which engage the lower surfaces of grid rails. Such threaded connections have limited capacity to carry heavy weights. Therefore, numerous screw holes are required for carrying heavy loads. In addition, when equipment and lights are removed, screws are removed from the grid; the resulting empty screw holes present an unattractive appearance.
- The use of overhead lighting in conjunction with existing filter panel support grids has several disadvantages because the necessary light fixtures extend below the ceiling lower surfaces. First, such light fixtures prevent any dividers or walls from reaching the ceiling surface when suspended below a light fixture. This impairs the air flow isolation that may be desired between zones. Second, clean room ceiling height is generally limited and at a premium due to the equipment and duct work required above the ceiling and below the floor. The suspension of light fixtures below the ceiling serves further to reduce this already limited ceiling height. Third, the suspension of lights below the ceiling surface creates a safety and contamination risk, as the fixtures are susceptible to accidental impact which may cause damage or dislodge contaminants.
- The use of suspended light fixtures limits the capacity and flexibility to hang further items from the ceiling structure. A suspended item is fixed once installed, and the installation labor must be repeated if the fixture is to be moved, even if only by a small amount. The installation of hanging walls and dividers is limited to orthogonal orientations directly aligned with grid structure elements. A suspended light fixture may not be installed in the same location as a suspended wall, nor may a wall intersect a suspended light structure without being spaced below the light, leaving a substantial gap between the wall and ceiling. In addition, structures suspended below lights impair access to the light, making the removal of light tubes difficult or impossible.
- Light fixtures that are suitable for use on existing filter panel support grids are generally too bulky for a low profile, retro-fit installation. In addition, these fixtures are generally designed as needlessly rigid units which are costlier than required and more cumbersome to install.
- From the foregoing it will be recognized that there is a need for a filter support structure that overcomes these drawbacks of the prior art by providing illumination without creating safety and contamination problems, and without restricting the flexibility of wall arrangements. The present invention satisfies this need. The foregoing and additional features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the present invention.
- Fig. 2 is a sectional end view of an interior rail of the apparatus of Fig. 1.
- Fig. 3a and 3b are sectional end views of an alternate embodiment interior rail of the apparatus of Fig. 1.
- Fig. 4 is a sectional end view of a closure strip which engages the apparatus of Fig. 3.
- Fig. 5 is a sectional end view of an interior rail of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in an alternative embodiment to accommodate light fixtures and hanging fixtures.
- Fig. 6 is an isometric sectional view of an interior rail of the apparatus of Fig. 1 having a conduit passing therethrough.
- Fig. 7 is a sectional end view of a perimeter rail of the apparatus of Fig. 1.
- Fig. 8 is a sectional end view of an alternative embodiment perimeter rail of the apparatus of Fig. 1 having a suspension wall.
- Fig. 9 is a sectional end view of a perimeter rail in an alternative embodiment having a suspension wall and a side wall having a hook shaped lower portion.
- Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the bracket employed in the apparatus of Fig. 1.
- Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a junction assembly of the apparatus of Fig. 1.
- Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an assembled junction between grid rails of the apparatus of Fig. 1.
- Fig. 13 is a sectional end view of an interior rail of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in an alternative embodiment with an enclosed light fixture.
- Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the light fixture assembly of Fig. 13.
- Fig. 15 is a sectional end view of the interior rail of Fig. 13 with an attached hanger bracket and wall panel suspended therefrom.
- Fig. 16 is an enlarged, sectional end view of the interior rail of Fig. 13 with a hanger bracket and clamping mechanism attached thereto.
- Fig. 17 is a sectional end view of the interior rail of Fig. 13 with a wall panel pivotally attached thereto.
- Fig. 18 is a sectional end view of the rail of Fig. 16 with a wall panel directly received therein.
- As shown in Fig. 1, a filter support structure 10 holds an array of similarly sized rectangular
air filter panels 12. The support structure forms an orthogonal grid of rectangular sections sized to fit the filter panels. The perimeter of the grid is a rectangle formed of a plurality ofperimeter rails 14. A plurality ofinterior rails 16a are provided to interconnect at right angles to each other and to the perimeter rails. The interconnected rails cooperatively form moat-like vessels surrounding each rectangular panel section. Each vessel is filled with a gel-like sealant which receives downwardly depending flanges from the periphery of each panel, thereby preventing air from passing around the edges of the panels. - As shown in Fig. 2, each
interior rail 16a has ahollow body 18 having anupper wall 20, alower wall 22, and opposed first andsecond side walls elongated tunnel 28. - The
interior rail 16a has a pair of opposed first andsecond trough walls upper wall 20 of thebody 18. The trough walls are preferably coplanar with the respective first andsecond side walls - The first and
second trough walls portion upper wall 20 of thebody 18. The narrowed portions are acute angular notches each defined on a respective trough wallinner side - A
hanger wall 42 projects perpendicularly upward from a medial position 44 on theupper wall 20 of thebody 18. The hanger wall is upwardly terminated by a widenedportion 46 having a pair of downwardly depending parallel first andsecond hook walls hanger wall 42 and positioned on opposite sides thereof. The hanger wall and each respective hook wall define first and second downwardly openrectangular clip gaps semicircular edges hook walls portion 46 may be engaged by a slottedsupport block 59 having a narrow slot aperture and a widened interior cavity for receiving the widenedportion 46. Such a support block may include a threaded bore to engage a threaded rod hanging down from above, as shown in Fig. 3a below. - A pair of first and second upwardly projecting
ridges upper wall 20 of thebody 18 adjacent to and on opposite sides of thehanger wall 42. The ridges are generally parallel to the hanger wall with respective first andsecond base gaps clip gaps respective trough walls - The rail defines a pair of opposed first and second
sealant receiving troughs 72, 74. The troughs have respectiveinner sides hanger wall 42 and have outer sides defined by theinner sides trough walls lower sides 80, 82 defined by theupper wall 20 of thebody 18. - The
inner sides inner sides longitudinal ridges 84, whereby a material cast in the troughs will resist removal. Theupper wall 20 and all features projecting upwardly therefrom comprise anupper portion 91 of the rail. - The
lower wall 22 of thebody 18 has a generally flat and downwardly facinglower surface 86. In a preferred embodiment, the lower surface defines a recessedscrew receiving slot 88 covering a sufficient width so that a hole may be drilled and a screw inserted and later removed from the center of the slot without impairing the appearance of thelower wall surface 86. Theslot 88 includes a central groove to aid the centering of screw holes. - A first alternative embodiment of an interior grid rail is shown in Fig. 3a. The alternate
interior rail 16b is identical to theinterior rail 16a in itsupper portion 91 which includes all elements projecting upwardly from theupper wall 20 of thehollow body 18. Thelower wall 22 of the Fig. 3a embodiment is downwardly open to form anarrow aperture 90 centered in the lower side of the body and communicating with awidened chamber 92 having a width greater than that of the narrow aperture. - A T-shaped
bolt 210 having a large flatrectangular head 212 and a perpendicularly disposedshank 214 as shown in Fig. 3b may thereby be inserted into the chamber with the head aligned with the narrow aperture to pass therethrough. The head has two diagonally opposedbeveled corners 216 so that the screw may freely rotate 90 degrees from an aligned position to a securely retained position. The rectangular head has two diagonally opposed non-beveled corners which encounter the widenedchamber 92 to prevent the screw from substantially rotating beyond the retained position. - As shown in Fig. 4, an elongated slot cap or closure strip 94 is provided to be installed within the narrow aperture of the
interior rail 16b of Fig. 3. The closure strip is a resilient plastic extrusion comprising aplanar body 96 having a width that exceeds that of thenarrow aperture 90 as shown in Fig. 3. The body has aflat bottom surface 98 that is exposed when the strip is installed and a stripupper surface 100 which faces therail 16b and has first and second upwardly extendinglegs narrow aperture 90 of Fig. 3. The legs are respectively terminated with outwardly extending first andsecond latches chamber 92 to resist removal therefrom. - As shown in Fig. 5, a second alternate
interior rail embodiment 16c is shown having anupper portion 91 similar to that of the embodiments of Figs. 2 and 3. In this embodiment, theside walls upper wall 20. Each side wall is terminated at its lower edge by alower wall segment vertical segments - First and second
hook receiving gaps hook receiving gap 118 is defined by theside wall 24 and thevertical segment 114. The secondhook receiving gap 120 is defined by theside wall 26 and thevertical segment 116. The lower wall segments define alower gap 122 therebetween, which is preferably at least 2 inches wide to receive a fluorescent tube light fixture (not shown) between the side walls. Theside walls upper wall 20 so that a fluorescent tube light fixture (not shown) may be entirely received within alight fixture tunnel 124 defined therebetween. - Fig. 6 shows an
interior rail 16a in which theupper wall 20 andlower wall 22 as well as thehanger wall 42 have been drilled to provide aconduit hole 126 which is configured to closely receive asprinkler pipe 128 or a grommeted electrical conduit (not shown). The conduit orpipe 128 is sealed to theconduit hole 126 at theupper wall 20, such that fluid may not penetrate between the sleeve and the hole. The hardware of any conduit connectors should be low-profile so that any seams between the hardware and the conduit reside below the level of the gel sealant. As a result, any air leaks in the connection will be properly sealed. - Fig. 7 shows a
perimeter rail 130, having a hollowrectangular body 132, having anupper wall 134, alower wall 136, adistal side wall 138 facing away from the grid structure and aproximate side wall 140 opposite the distal side wall. A singleperimeter trough wall 142, projects perpendicularly upward from theupper wall 134, of the perimeter rail in the plane of theproximate side wall 140. The trough wall includes the narrowedportion 144 as provided in the rail of Fig. 2. The trough wall also has a similar plurality of V-shapedridges 146 on the side of the trough wall facing thedistal side wall 138. - A
vertical plenum wall 146, has ahorizontal plenum flange 148 attached to alower edge 149 of the plenum wall. The flange is attached to theupper wall 134, by suitable attachment means such as ascrew 150.Sealant 154 is provided between the flange and the upper wall so that a gel may be contained in atrough 152 defined between the trough wall and the plenum wall. - As shown in Fig. 8, a
perimeter rail 130b is provided with avertical suspension member 156 integrally formed therewith. The suspension member is a planar wall projecting vertically upward from theupper wall 134 of the perimeter rail in the plane of thedistal side wall 138. The suspension member is upwardly terminated by anenlarged portion 158, having a bolthead receiving slot 160 defined therein. The slot has aninterior width 162, sized to retain a bolt head (not shown) and has a narrower aperture width 164, sized to permit passage of a bolt shank. A plenum (not shown) is attached to anupper surface 166 of theenlarged portion 158 and fixed thereto by means of bolts retained in the bolthead receiving slot 160. - As shown in Fig. 9, an
alternate perimeter rail 130c shares thevertical suspension member 156 of the Fig. 8 embodiment, but does not have alower wall 136 or adistal side wall 138. In the Fig. 9 embodiment, theproximate side wall 140c is extended downward and terminated by a hook-shapedportion 168 similar to that which defines the hook receiving gaps of Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 10, anattachment bracket 170 is stamped and formed from a sheet of steel. The bracket comprises a rectangularplanar sheet 172, having atop edge 174, abottom edge 176, afirst side edge 178 and asecond side edge 180. Ablade portion 182 having a pair ofbeveled corners interior rails - The
bracket 170 includes anattachment tab 188 attached to abent portion 190 of thebottom edge 176 of therectangular sheet 172. The attachment tab is formed by bending it 90 degrees from the plane of the sheet so that it extends perpendicularly from the sheet. The attachment tab has atab width 192, sized to be attached to theupper wall 20, of aninterior rail body 18, and to be closely received between theinner side 38 of thefirst trough wall 30 and thefirst ridge 60 or, alternatively, between theinner side 40 of thesecond trough wall 32 and thesecond ridge 62 of the rail shown in Fig. 2. - The
second side edge 180 of thebracket sheet 172 is vertical and has anupper contact point 194 and alower contact point 196. The upper contact point is adjacent to thetop edge 174 of the sheet and the lower contact point is adjacent to thebottom edge 176 of the sheet at thebent portion 190. - A generally
semicircular cutout 198 is defined by thebottom edge 176 of thesheet 172 adjacent to theattachment tab 188 to provide access to seams 202 (shown in Fig. 12) in the completed assembly for sealing with caulk to prevent leakage, as will be discussed below. - It should be noted that the bracket may be formed in a mirror image configuration with the
tab 188 bent in the opposite direction. Thus, there will be right handed brackets, as shown in Fig. 10, and lefthanded brackets 170′ as shown in Fig. 11. - Fig. 11 shows a
junction assembly 204. The junction assembly is formed by righthanded bracket 170 and lefthanded bracket 170′, with therectangular sheets 172 thereof in parallel spaced-apart relation. An L-shapedbracket 206 includes aplanar spacer portion 208 with a planar mountingportion 210 perpendicularly attached thereto. The L-shapedbracket 206 is preferably formed of bent sheet metal. Thespacer portion 208 is received between thebrackets rivets 212 so that the mountingportion 210 is perpendicular to thebracket sheet 172 and to theattachment tab 188. The mountingportion 210 defines a pair of mountingholes 214 sized to receive suitable fasteners. - As shown in Fig. 12, each junction between the end of the
interior rail 16a and the side of another interior rail requires ajunction assembly 204. A portion of the trough wall of the rail whose side forms the junction is vertically cut and broken off as discussed above with reference to Fig. 2. As discussed above, theblade portions 182 of thebrackets 170 are inserted into the end of the interior rail on opposite sides of thehanger wall 42. Thebracket tabs 188 are attached to theupper wall 20 of the adjacent interior rail by suitable means such as ascrew 200. The mountingportions 210 of the L-shapedbrackets 206 are positioned against thehanger wall 42 and fixed thereto by suitable fasteners. Theupper contact point 194 of the bracket thereby contacts the widenedportion 46 of thehanger wall 42 to prevent undesired angular wobble of the rails at the junction, and to prevent the joint from flexing under compressive forces between the rail members. Thejunction seam 202 is sealed with suitable means such as caulk, so that the troughs may be filled with a gel-like sealant which will sealably receivefilter panels 12 having downwardly depending edge flanges (not shown). - Fig. 13 shows the rail member of Fig. 5 with a
light fixture assembly 220 installed and completely received within therail channel 124. Thefilter panel 12 is shown having a downwardly dependingperipheral blade edge 222 received in the firstsealant receiving trough 72 and sealed by agel sealant 224. - The
light fixture assembly 220 generally comprises an elongatedlight chassis panel 230 attached to the interior of therail channel 124, with a standard bulb retainer ortombstone 232 attached at each end of thechassis panel 230. Afluorescent tube 234 is electrically connected to and received between thebulb retainers 232 so that the entirelight fixture assembly 220 is contained within thechannel 124. - The
light chassis panel 230 is preferably formed of extruded aluminum and has a length somewhat longer than the standardfluorescent light tube 234. In cross-section, thechassis panel 230 appears as a broad, flat-bottomed trough. Achassis base 236 forms the bottom of the trough and is generally flat, with a width somewhat less than the interior width of therail channel 124. Along each edge of thechassis base 236, achassis wall 238 projects generally upwardly and slightly inwardly from the base. Each chassis wall is terminated at an upperfree end 240 by a chassis lip orchassis hook 242 that projects horizontally outward. The walls and base of thechassis panel 230 are sufficiently thin so that the walls may be slightly inwardly biased as necessary for installation and removal. - As shown in Fig. 14, the
chassis panel 230 defines at each end arectangular gap 246 that is preferably formed by removing a central rectangular portion of thechassis base 236 at each end to form opposed, parallel, inwardly facing gap edges 248. The gap has a depth generally equal to the thickness of thetombstone 232. - As shown in Figs. 13 and 14, the bulb retainer or
tombstone plug 232 is slidably received in therectangular gap 246 of thelight chassis panel 230 so that the tombstone is flush with the end of the chassis panel. Thetombstone 232 is a standard off-the-shelf component such as the Slide-On Slimline Tombstone manufactured by Kulka Wiring Devices, Part No. 1630-1,2. Thetombstone 232 defines a pair ofopposed slots 250 sized and spaced apart to slidably receive the gap edges 248 of thechassis panel 230. A tombstone is thus inserted at each end of the chassis panel so that the tombstones are suitably spaced apart to removably retain and to electrically contact thefluorescent lamp tube 234. To prevent the tombstones from shifting outwardly from their fully installed positions, aretaining section 254 having the same cross-section as thelight chassis panel 230 is placed against thechassis base 236 externally of eachtombstone 232 so as to cover the remaining open portion of eachrectangular gap 246. - The retaining
section 254 attaches to therail channel 124 so that the section is retained in the channel in the same manner as thechassis panel 230. Thesection 254 has a length generally equal to the distance between the outer face of thetombstone 232 and the end of thechassis panel 230. When therail member 16c is installed as shown byrail members 16a in Fig. 1, the rail end will abut the side of the adjacent rail member, thereby preventing theretaining section 254 andtombstone 232 from sliding outwardly beyond the end of therail member 16c. - As shown in Fig. 13, the
upper wall 20 of therail member 16c includes a pair ofopposed channel ledges 260 widely spaced apart on the lower surface thereof by a sufficient distance to permit a mating snap fit with the chassis hooks 242 of thechassis panel 230. The ledges, shown differently in Fig. 13 than in the original embodiment of Fig. 5, each have an inwardly facingnose 262 spaced below the surface of the upper wall to define a gap for receiving thechassis hook 242. - The
upper wall 20 of the rail member and thechassis panel 230 cooperatively define anelongated wireway 264 to permit passage of awire 266 extending from thetombstone 232 to a conduit oraperture 126 as shown in Fig. 6. - As further shown in Fig. 13, a lens or
closure strip 270 encloses thechannel 124 between theprojections lower wall segments lens legs 272 to engage therail member projections lens gaskets 274 each runs the length of the lens between one of therail member projections lens legs 272. In addition to protecting the light bulb from damage, the lens and gaskets prevent dust and debris from escaping the channel into the environment below. The lens may be textured withridges 275 shown or otherwise optically formed to provide a controlled illumination pattern. Because divider walls and other objects need to be suspended from the grid, the lens is nearly flush with the rail to prevent interference with such hanging objects. - Fig. 15 shows the
rail member 16c with thelight fixture 220 installed, and with ahanger 276 hanging below the rail member. The hanger is a generally U-shaped metal bracket preferably formed by extrusion, with each hanger being about a two inch length from source extrusion. Eachhanger 276 has a flatlower portion 278 with alower attachment hole 280 defined therein. The hanger has opposed parallel first andsecond sides lower portion 278 and positioned in vertical planes perpendicular to thelower portion 278 and defining, respectively, first and second side attachment holes 286, 288. The first and second sides form the widest portion of the hanger, providing attachment points for suspending items below without interfering with other portions of the hanger. Attached respectively above the first and second hanger sides 282, 284 are first and secondupper sidewalls - The upper sidewalls are spaced apart sufficiently to permit the
fluorescent tube 234 to be passed between them to permit its removal. Each upper sidewall is terminated at its free end by ahanger hook projections rail member 16c. Normally, the hanger hooks 298, 300 are spaced more widely apart than the lower aperture of therail member 16c so that the projections seat in thehook receiving gaps rail channel 124. - A hanging
panel 304 or similar fixture may be suspended from the hanger at one of the attachment holes 286, 288. Items suitable for suspending from the hanger include: monorail material transport systems, smif-type equipment enclosures, and other process tools and equipment. A standard bolt or other suitable means may be used to secure thepanel 304 to the hanger. - FIGS. 16a and 16b show a grid
hanger clamping mechanism 310 for securing thegrid hanger 276 to therail member 16c to prevent sliding or removal of the hanger. A pair of clampingplates 312 are positioned on opposite sides of thehanger 276, adjacent to the first andsecond sides plate 312 is a rigid metal plate that is articulated to conform to the general contours of the sides of thegrid hanger 276. Each plate defines aplate aperture 314 sized to correspond with the first and second attachment holes 286, 288 and positioned to register with one of such holes when the plate is positioned in conformity with the contours of thegrid hanger 276. Each plate is terminated by anupper plate edge 316 that is positioned to compressively contact the correspondinglower wall segment rail member 16c when theplate 312 is compressed against thehanger 276. The upper plate edge preferably includes aresilient plate gasket 318 to prevent slippage and to avoid cosmetic damage to the rail member. - A
clamp bolt 324 and aclamp knob 326 are provided to adjustably secure eachclamp plate 312 to thehanger 276. Eachbolt 324 is sized to penetrate the first orsecond attachment hole plate aperture 314, and to extend outwardly from thehanger 276. Each clamp knob threadably engages the respective bolt to compress eachplate 312 against the correspondinghanger side panel 304, as shown in Fig. 15, may be attached to thehanger 276 along with theplate 312. - Floor to ceiling walls are often required to subdivide clean room areas, and must be secured to the ceiling. Fig. 17a shows a wall header for pivotally attaching a
wall panel 330 to therail member 16c. An upwardly openU-shaped header clip 332 has aflat base portion 334 with two upwardly extendinglegs 336, each leg being terminated at its free end by an outwardly and downwardly extendingclip hook 338. The clip hooks are sufficiently spaced apart and properly configured to securely engage theprojections rail member 16c when theheader clip 332 is subject to a downward force. - A U-shaped downwardly open
wall header channel 340 is pivotally attached to theheader clip 332 at aheader connection 342. The header connection preferably comprises a nut and bolt passing through similarly sized apertures in the base of theheader clip 332 and the corresponding portion of theheader 340. The header includes aheader base 342 andheader side walls 344 depending downwardly therefrom. The side walls are spaced apart by a distance greater than the width of thewall panel 330, the upper edge of which is received therein. Aheader gasket 346 formed of rubber or other resilient material is attached to the lower portion of the interior side of eachheader side wall 344 along the entire length of the side wall. Eachgasket 346 faces the opposite side wall so that thewall panel 330 forms a seal with the gaskets when installed in theheader channel 340. - A pair of
side plates 350 is attached to theheader 340, one each to the outer side of eachheader side wall 344. A lowerside wall portion 352 of eachside plate 350 is generally coextensive with theheader side wall 344, and an upperside wall portion 354 extends upwardly, terminating in proximity with thelower wall segments rail member 16c. - As shown in Fig. 17b, this permits the
header 340 to be rotated about theheader connection 342 without theside plates 350 interfering with therail member 16c, yet does not permit substantial air flow between therail member 16c and theside plates 350. Thus, the wall may be effectively used to isolate air flow zones. - Fig. 18 shows a
wall panel 330 inserted directly in therail channel 124 of therail member 16c with the space normally occupied by a light fixture used as a wall header. Thelower gap 122 defined by thelower wall segments - Having illustrated and described the principles of my invention by what is presently a preferred embodiment thereof, it should be apparent to those persons skilled in the art that the illustrated embodiment may be modified without departing from such principles. I claim as my invention not only the illustrated embodiment, but all such modifications, variations and equivalents thereof as fall within the true spirit and scope of the following claims.
- The features disclosed in the foregoing description, in the following claims and/or in the accompanying drawings may, both separately and in any combination thereof, be material for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.
Claims (19)
- A ceiling structure for retaining air filter panels, the ceiling structure comprising:
a plurality of interconnected rail members, each rail member defining a downwardly open channel; and
a light fixture received within the channel for providing power to and retaining a light bulb attached to the fixture such that the light fixture is contained within the channel and the light bulb does not extend below the rail member. - In a ceiling structure for retaining filter panels, the improvement comprising:
a structural rail member defining a downwardly open elongated channel, the rail member having sufficient structural strength to support a light fixture and divider walls suspended therefrom; and
a light fixture for protectively retaining a light tube and wherein the light fixture is located entirely within the channel. - The structure of claim 2 wherein the light fixture comprises a horizontally oriented elongated panel having upwardly projecting walls for removably engaging the rail member.
- The structure of claim 3 wherein the light fixture panel defines a hole configured to retain a tombstone plug for retaining the end of an elongated light tube.
- A clean room ceiling structure for holding air filter panels having lower surfaces generally residing in a common lower plane, the structure comprising:
a plurality of interconnected rail members, at least one of the rail members defining a protected space below at least a portion thereof for receiving a light fixture therein, with the protected space being defined by an upper wall portion of the rail member and not extending below the lower plane,
such that a clean room ceiling may be provided with elongated fluorescent light fixtures recessed in the rail members and out of the airflow thereby to provide a flush undersurface permitting close unobstructed attachment of divider walls below the ceiling, and minimizing the airflow obstruction by light fixtures. - The structure of claim 5 wherein the rail member includes an integral coupling for attachment with a light fixture such that the light fixture may be attached to the rail member without an additional fastener.
- The structure of claim 6 wherein the coupling comprises a protruding portion of the rail.
- The structure of claim 5 further comprising a closure strip attachable to the rail member to define therewith a generally enclosed channel wherein air flow may not generally penetrate into the channel to deposit dust on the light fixture, or to dislodge dust from the light fixture.
- The structure of claim 8 wherein the closure strip includes a generally flat lower surface that is flush with the lower plane such that there are no substantial protrusions below the lower surface.
- A rail member for a clean room ceiling structure for retaining air filter panels, the rail member comprising:
an elongated body;
a first pair of vertical walls projecting upwardly from the body to define at least one upwardly-open channel therebetween for receiving a gel-like sealant and for receiving a downwardly-depending peripheral knife edge of a filter panel to provide an air-tight seal therewith; and
a second pair of vertical walls depending downwardly from the body, at least one of the second walls terminating in a hook portion offset at an angle from the vertical wall such that an object may be suspended therefrom, wherein the second pair of walls along with an upper wall portion defines at least in part a protected space therebetween for receiving a light fixture therein, whereby the protected space is enclosed on an upper side by the rail member. - The rail member of claim 10 wherein the second pair of walls along with an upper wall portion defines at least in part a protected space therebetween for receiving a light fixture entirely therein, wherein the protected space is enclosed on an upper side by the rail member.
- A grid element for a clean room ceiling structure for retaining filter panels having lower surface generally residing in a common lower plane, the rail member comprising:
a body defining at least in part a protected space that is enclosed on an upper side by the body and does not extend below the lower plane; and
a light fixture residing within the protected space such that it does not protrude below the lower plane, thereby providing a protrusion-free ceiling surface that allows minimally-obstructed airflow, and permits close attachment of divider walls to the surface. - The rail member of claim 12 wherein the body includes opposed downwardly-depending walls defining at least a portion of the protected space therebetween.
- The rail member of claim 12 further comprising a closure strip attached to the body to define therewith a generally enclosed channel encompassing the light fixture.
- The rail member of claim 14 wherein the closure strip is a light-transmissive lens.
- The rail member of claim 14 wherein the closure strip resides generally within the protected space.
- The rail member of claim 12 wherein the body further defines an upwardly-open channel suitable for containing a gel-like sealant and for receiving a downwardly-depending peripheral knife edge portion of a filter panel.
- An extruded elongated rail for providing a linear junction between two adjacent ceiling filter panels, the rail comprising:
a hollow body having an upper wall, a lower wall, and opposed first and second side walls, the body defining an elongated tunnel;
a pair of opposed first and second trough walls, each projecting upwardly from a respective distal edge of the upper wall of the body;
a hanger wall projecting upwardly from a generally medial position on the upper wall of the body. - In a suspended ceiling that comprises a grid of interconnected extrusions, a bracket for securing an end of a first extrusion to an intermediate position of a perpendicularly oriented second extrusion, the bracket comprising:
a generally rectangular planar sheet having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, a portion of the sheet adjacent to the first side edge forming a blade sized and shaped to be received by a space defined in the end of the first extrusion;
a tab attached to a bent portion of the lower edge of the sheet adjacent to the second edge, the tab defining a plane which is perpendicular to the plane of the sheet and which contains the bent portion of the lower edge.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP96115244A EP0751265B1 (en) | 1991-08-02 | 1992-08-03 | Clean room ceiling structure |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US73969391A | 1991-08-02 | 1991-08-02 | |
US739693 | 1991-08-02 |
Related Child Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP96115244A Division EP0751265B1 (en) | 1991-08-02 | 1992-08-03 | Clean room ceiling structure |
EP96115244.4 Division-Into | 1996-09-23 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0530976A1 true EP0530976A1 (en) | 1993-03-10 |
EP0530976B1 EP0530976B1 (en) | 1997-04-09 |
Family
ID=24973399
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP96115244A Expired - Lifetime EP0751265B1 (en) | 1991-08-02 | 1992-08-03 | Clean room ceiling structure |
EP19920307081 Expired - Lifetime EP0530976B1 (en) | 1991-08-02 | 1992-08-03 | Light and filter support structure |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP96115244A Expired - Lifetime EP0751265B1 (en) | 1991-08-02 | 1992-08-03 | Clean room ceiling structure |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP0751265B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH05195595A (en) |
DE (2) | DE69231211T2 (en) |
DK (1) | DK0751265T3 (en) |
Cited By (7)
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FR2745316A1 (en) * | 1996-02-22 | 1997-08-29 | Clestra Cleanroom Sa | Suspended ceiling for clean room |
FR2752858A1 (en) * | 1996-08-27 | 1998-03-06 | Eclip S | FRAME, ESPECIALLY FOR FALSE CEILING SUPPORT |
FR2779464A1 (en) | 1998-06-09 | 1999-12-10 | Clestra Cleanroom | Improvement to suspended ceilings |
GB2404973A (en) * | 2003-04-23 | 2005-02-16 | H E Williams Inc | Suspended ceiling lighting system |
US7513086B2 (en) * | 2006-03-17 | 2009-04-07 | Mod-Tec, Llc | Fan filter mounting frame |
EP3162974A1 (en) * | 2015-10-27 | 2017-05-03 | Schilling Engineering GmbH | Ceiling system |
CN107337004A (en) * | 2017-06-26 | 2017-11-10 | 中交航局安装工程有限公司 | A kind of tippler end ring track changes reforming technology |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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FR2758840B1 (en) * | 1997-01-27 | 2002-01-18 | Jean Louis Racca | HIGH SUSPENDED AND SMOOTH CEILING SYSTEM FOR THE ARRANGEMENT OF WHITE AND LABORATORY ROOMS |
US6871983B2 (en) * | 2001-10-25 | 2005-03-29 | Tir Systems Ltd. | Solid state continuous sealed clean room light fixture |
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FR1364379A (en) * | 1962-07-24 | 1964-06-19 | Grecon Systems Ltd | Attachment or fixing device for a frame member forming a mold or the like of facing, studs, framing, partition or the like, to profiled bars with edges, flanges, wings or the like, and its various applications to the construction |
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1992
- 1992-07-30 JP JP4203743A patent/JPH05195595A/en active Pending
- 1992-08-03 EP EP96115244A patent/EP0751265B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-08-03 DE DE1992631211 patent/DE69231211T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-08-03 DK DK96115244T patent/DK0751265T3/en active
- 1992-08-03 DE DE69218860T patent/DE69218860D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-08-03 EP EP19920307081 patent/EP0530976B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (7)
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FR1364379A (en) * | 1962-07-24 | 1964-06-19 | Grecon Systems Ltd | Attachment or fixing device for a frame member forming a mold or the like of facing, studs, framing, partition or the like, to profiled bars with edges, flanges, wings or the like, and its various applications to the construction |
US3898782A (en) * | 1974-01-04 | 1975-08-12 | Lightolier Inc | Integrated ceiling system |
DE2641667A1 (en) * | 1976-09-16 | 1978-03-23 | Beck Stahlbau Fertigbau H | Interlocking profiled false lengthwise or transverse ceiling beam - has fish-plates and notches in double bent sidewall flanges |
US4555255A (en) * | 1984-05-23 | 1985-11-26 | Allis-Chalmers Corporation | Corner connector clip in an air filter grid |
DE8709026U1 (en) * | 1987-06-30 | 1987-09-03 | Pag Presswerk Ag, 4300 Essen | Timber framing for ceilings and walls |
FR2625524A1 (en) * | 1988-01-06 | 1989-07-07 | Benoit Antoine | False ceiling system with multiple functions |
DE9010100U1 (en) * | 1990-07-02 | 1990-09-06 | Zander Klimatechnik GmbH, 8500 Nürnberg | Set of components for creating a supporting structure for cleanroom ceilings |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2745316A1 (en) * | 1996-02-22 | 1997-08-29 | Clestra Cleanroom Sa | Suspended ceiling for clean room |
FR2752858A1 (en) * | 1996-08-27 | 1998-03-06 | Eclip S | FRAME, ESPECIALLY FOR FALSE CEILING SUPPORT |
EP0829590A1 (en) * | 1996-08-27 | 1998-03-18 | Eclip's Sàrl | Framework, specially supporting false ceilings |
FR2779464A1 (en) | 1998-06-09 | 1999-12-10 | Clestra Cleanroom | Improvement to suspended ceilings |
GB2404973A (en) * | 2003-04-23 | 2005-02-16 | H E Williams Inc | Suspended ceiling lighting system |
GB2404973B (en) * | 2003-04-23 | 2006-09-20 | H E Williams Inc | Suspended ceiling lighting system incorporating t-bar component |
US7513086B2 (en) * | 2006-03-17 | 2009-04-07 | Mod-Tec, Llc | Fan filter mounting frame |
EP3162974A1 (en) * | 2015-10-27 | 2017-05-03 | Schilling Engineering GmbH | Ceiling system |
CN107337004A (en) * | 2017-06-26 | 2017-11-10 | 中交航局安装工程有限公司 | A kind of tippler end ring track changes reforming technology |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0751265A3 (en) | 1997-01-22 |
EP0751265B1 (en) | 2000-06-28 |
DK0751265T3 (en) | 2000-08-28 |
EP0751265A2 (en) | 1997-01-02 |
JPH05195595A (en) | 1993-08-03 |
DE69231211D1 (en) | 2000-08-03 |
DE69231211T2 (en) | 2001-03-15 |
EP0530976B1 (en) | 1997-04-09 |
DE69218860D1 (en) | 1997-05-15 |
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