EP1409807A1 - Canopy-like decorative structure - Google Patents

Canopy-like decorative structure

Info

Publication number
EP1409807A1
EP1409807A1 EP02750189A EP02750189A EP1409807A1 EP 1409807 A1 EP1409807 A1 EP 1409807A1 EP 02750189 A EP02750189 A EP 02750189A EP 02750189 A EP02750189 A EP 02750189A EP 1409807 A1 EP1409807 A1 EP 1409807A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
biasing member
decorative structure
cable
flexible panel
decorative
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP02750189A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1409807B1 (en
Inventor
Richard D. Stackenwalt
Eric Krantz-Lilienthal
Michelle L. Hession
Guillaume Martin
William C. Dorsey
Wesley T.K. Bischel
Marty Graver
James F. Mathis
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Armstrong World Industries Inc
Original Assignee
Armstrong World Industries Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Armstrong World Industries Inc filed Critical Armstrong World Industries Inc
Publication of EP1409807A1 publication Critical patent/EP1409807A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1409807B1 publication Critical patent/EP1409807B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • E04B9/061—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 supporting construction for curved ceilings
    • 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
    • E04B9/04—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation comprising slabs, panels, sheets or the like
    • E04B9/0407—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation comprising slabs, panels, sheets or the like being stiff and curved
    • 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
    • E04B9/04—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation comprising slabs, panels, sheets or the like
    • E04B9/0414—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation comprising slabs, panels, sheets or the like being foldable, curvable or rollable
    • 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
    • E04B9/10—Connections between parallel members of the supporting construction
    • 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
    • E04B9/12—Connections between non-parallel members of the supporting construction
    • E04B9/127—Connections between non-parallel members of the supporting construction one member being discontinuous and abutting against the other member
    • 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
    • E04B9/22—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction
    • E04B9/24—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction with the slabs, panels, sheets or the like positioned on the upperside of, or held against the underside of the horizontal flanges of the supporting construction or accessory means connected thereto
    • E04B9/26—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction with the slabs, panels, sheets or the like positioned on the upperside of, or held against the underside of the horizontal flanges of the supporting construction or accessory means connected thereto by means of snap action of elastically deformable elements held against the underside of the supporting construction
    • 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
    • E04B9/34—Grid-like or open-work ceilings, e.g. lattice type box-like modules, acoustic baffles
    • 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
    • E04B9/34—Grid-like or open-work ceilings, e.g. lattice type box-like modules, acoustic baffles
    • E04B9/345—Grid-like or open-work ceilings, e.g. lattice type box-like modules, acoustic baffles consisting of non-parallel slats, e.g. grids
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F15/00—Boards, hoardings, pillars, or like structures for notices, placards, posters, or the like
    • G09F15/0006—Boards, hoardings, pillars, or like structures for notices, placards, posters, or the like planar structures comprising one or more panels
    • G09F15/0025—Boards, hoardings, pillars, or like structures for notices, placards, posters, or the like planar structures comprising one or more panels display surface tensioning means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to ceiling fixtures and, more particularly,
  • an open loft space be provided with customized decorative structures suspended from the ceiling to differentiate the space within the room.
  • Such suspended decorative structures not only can delineate the space but also may dampen extraneous noise and create an interesting visual.
  • Such decorative structures must be preformed into the desired shape, thus making them difficult to ship or mass produce. Consequently, such decorative structures tend to be made only as customized pieces. Such customization leads to considerable expense to fabricate such a suspended decorative structure and its framing.
  • the present invention provides a decorative structure including a flexible panel
  • the decorative structure comprises a flexible panel
  • the biasing member is supported by a cable that is connected to a biasing member.
  • the structure is suspended within an interior and/or exterior space by direct or indirect connection with a wall, ceiling, floor or other support structure.
  • cable may connect the biasing member to an opposed biasing member that also
  • the biasing member may be connected
  • the cable may be attached directly
  • the cable may pass through a portion of the biasing member.
  • the decorative structure comprises a biasing member having a
  • the flexible panel may be indirectly
  • the biasing member may
  • the biasing member comprises a jaw that receives a
  • the jaw may be pivotal about a pivot point or joint.
  • the decorative structure may comprise one or more flexible panels that are
  • the flexible panels may be comprised of a range of materials such as, for example, metal,
  • the present invention also encompasses a method of configuring a decorative item.
  • the method comprises providing a cable connecting a biasing member to an
  • the method may also comprise the step of securing the alignment of the
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a decorative structure embodying principles of the
  • Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the decorative
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a biasing member for use in a decorative structure
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of another biasing member for use in a decorative
  • Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a further biasing member for use in a decorative
  • Fig. 6 is a perspective view of yet another biasing member for use in a decorative
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of a portion of a decorative structure embodying principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. 8 is a side view of the portion of the decorative structure shown in Fig. 7 with
  • Fig. 9 is a side view of the portion of the decorative panel shown in Fig. 8 with
  • the decorative structure adjusted to a desired configuration.
  • Fig. 10 is a perspective view of another decorative structure embodying principles
  • Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a further decorative structure embodying
  • Fig. 12 is a perspective view of yet another decorative structure embodying
  • Fig. 13 is a perspective view of still a further decorative structure embodying
  • the present invention generally includes a decorative
  • the decorative structure provides a canopy-like
  • the decorative structure may be
  • the elements of the decorative structure may be interchanged in order to provide different visual and aesthetic impact.
  • the flexible panel may be provide in a variety of shapes, materials and finishes.
  • panel may be formed of wood, paper, metal, plastic, glass or any other suitable material.
  • the panel may be solid, mesh or include a variety of decorative designs or openings
  • a decorative structure 100a is shown in Fig. 1.
  • the decorative structure 100a is shown in Fig. 1.
  • the decorative panel 20 includes a flexible panel 20 having a first edge 24 and a second edge 22.
  • the decorative edge 24 includes a flexible panel 20 having a first edge 24 and a second edge 22.
  • structure 100a also includes cables 30 connected to biasing members 50a and 50b and
  • Cables 30 are connected to the ceiling, walls or some other
  • biasing member 50a is connected to an opposed biasing member 50b by tensioned cable
  • Tensioned cable 34 provides a counter force through biasing members 50a and
  • biasing members 50b an otherwise flat but flexible panel 20 may be bowed to a desired
  • tensioned cables 34 are positioned below
  • cables 30 are connected to biasing
  • the present invention encompasses flexible panels that can be
  • Fig. 3 shows a biasing member 50 that embodies principles of the present
  • Biasing member 50 includes a body 52 that has a groove 54 formed therein.
  • Groove 54 includes a major biasing surface 58.
  • groove 54 may include a notch (not shown) in an edge thereof that may receive cable 30,
  • Biasing member 50 is connected to cable 30, which supports both the biasing member
  • support cable 30 may extend through the body 52 of biasing member 50, which includes
  • apertures 56 that receive the cable 30.
  • Apertures 56 may be formed in the body 52 so that cable 30 extends through a portion of groove 54, as shown in Fig. 3, or, alternatively,
  • invention encompasses decorative structures that include separate support and tensioned
  • cable 30 is connected to biasing
  • Biasing member 50 may be adjustably positioned
  • biasing member 50 In order to reposition biasing member 50,
  • anchor 60 is adjusted so as to at least partially disengage from cable 30 so as to allow
  • anchor 60 may be adjusted to reengage cable
  • Biasing member 50 may be
  • Cable 30 made of any appropriate durable material such as metal or a polymeric resin.
  • tensioned cable 34 may also be made of any appropriate material, such as metal,
  • a biasing member 150 may be provided with a decorative
  • 150 includes a body 152 that has an angled aperture 156 formed therein. Cable 30 is
  • angled channel 156 may be formed at any appropriate angle.
  • present invention encompasses
  • Fig. 5 shows yet another embodiment of a biasing member of the present
  • Biasing member 250 includes a body 252 generally formed as a cam. Cable
  • Body 252 includes a
  • the present invention also encompasses a decorative structure that includes a
  • FIG. 6 shows a biasing member 350 that includes a jaw
  • Jaw 355 extending from a body 352 thereof. Jaw 355 is connected by a neck 351 to a pivot
  • jaw 355 includes a major jaw biasing surface 358 that cooperates with a
  • Biasing member 350 is connected to an anchor 60 so that biasing member 350 may be
  • a cable may extend through a portion of the body of the biasing member
  • one or more cables may be connected to the
  • biasing member by other means.
  • an eyelet (not shown) may be fastened to
  • the cable may be connected to the eyelet.
  • the present invention also encompasses a method for configuring a decorative item.
  • the method comprises the steps of providing a biasing
  • the method further comprises engaging a portion of a flexible panel 20 with the
  • biasing member 50a and engaging another portion of the flexible panel with the opposed
  • biasing member 50b For example, a first edge 22a of a flexible panel 20 may be inserted
  • biasing member 50b If the biasing member
  • the opposed biasing member includes a jaw or a cam, then an edge or other portion
  • biasing member As indicated in Fig. 9, biasing member
  • biasing member 50a and/or biasing member 50b may be moved along cable 30 thereby altering the extent
  • biasing member may then include securing the biasing member and the opposed biasing member relative
  • anchors 60a and 60b connected to biasing members 50a are connected to the cable.
  • the method may also include tensioning the cable in order to provide proper alignment of
  • the decorative structures of the present invention may
  • cables 30 may be aligned in parallel and a plurality of flexible panels 20 and biasing
  • cables 30 serve both to
  • a decorative structure may include a plurality of
  • the decorative structure of the present invention also may provide hinged access
  • panel may be hingedly or pivotaly rotated by loosening the anchors connected to one or
  • the biasing members may be moved along the cables 30.
  • the panel may then be rotated upward about an axis extending through
  • biasing members 50a so that the space above the decorative structure may be accessed
  • the ends of the flexible panel may be positioned at
  • the present invention also encompasses
  • a biasing member may be supported by a rod, beam,
  • the light may be integrally formed with the decorative structure, such as

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Finishing Walls (AREA)
  • Connection Of Plates (AREA)
  • Vehicle Interior And Exterior Ornaments, Soundproofing, And Insulation (AREA)
  • Curtains And Furnishings For Windows Or Doors (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
  • Adhesives Or Adhesive Processes (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)
  • Walking Sticks, Umbrellas, And Fans (AREA)
  • Holders For Apparel And Elements Relating To Apparel (AREA)

Abstract

A decorative structure is provided that is suspended within a space and includes a panel fastened to a support structure by a clip. A portion of the clip extetrls along a face of the panel opposite that aligned adjacent the support structure. A decorative structure is also providing that includes a panel connected to a support structuring having a fIrst member including a keyed aperture in which are disposed a first cross member and a second cross member interconnected to the first cross member. The decorative structure of the present invention may be curved.

Description

CANOPY-LIKE DECORATIVE STRUCTURE
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to ceiling fixtures and, more particularly,
to ceiling fixtures for suspension from a hard ceiling in an open plenum space.
BACKGROUND
Traditional suspended ceiling structures formed from suspended grids of acoustically absorbent tiles are commonly found in commercial work spaces such as professional offices. While such structures provide a pleasant and acoustically absorbent space, designers and architects who desire to create the feel of an open loft space often object to the uniformity and lowered ceiling height created by conventional drop ceilings. Thus, more and more businesses are opting for so-called open plenum ceiling designs. In the open plenum, no suspended ceiling is provided that screens the entire hard deck or hard ceiling along with the HVAC duct work, wiring and the like. Rather, these structural elements are exposed. Open plenum ceilings are more commonly found in retail stores and similar commercial settings, but also can be found in office spaces.
In office spaces where open plenum ceilings are found, individual offices within the office space often are created using reconfigurable partitions that may be considerably lower than the hard ceiling. Whether in an office space or some other in-door space, the combination of an open plenum design with partitions that do not rise to the ceiling hard deck tends to leave the space unstructured and, consequently, less useful and aesthetically pleasing than it might otherwise be with some decorative structure that helps to define and differentiate the space.
To differentiate a space and to create a more interesting visual in a loft style space or open plenum design, architects sometimes will specify that an open loft space be provided with customized decorative structures suspended from the ceiling to differentiate the space within the room. Such suspended decorative structures not only can delineate the space but also may dampen extraneous noise and create an interesting visual. Unfortunately, such decorative structures must be preformed into the desired shape, thus making them difficult to ship or mass produce. Consequently, such decorative structures tend to be made only as customized pieces. Such customization leads to considerable expense to fabricate such a suspended decorative structure and its framing.
Therefore, there is a need for a decorative structure that can be suspended within a space and that is structured such that its elements can be easily interchanged to provide a variety of configurations with basic elements some of which, at least, may be mass produced.
SUMMARY
The present invention provides a decorative structure including a flexible panel
maintained in a flexed configuration. The decorative structure comprises a flexible panel
supported by a cable that is connected to a biasing member. The biasing member
cooperates with a portion of the flexible panel so as to maintain the panel in a flexed
configuration. The structure is suspended within an interior and/or exterior space by direct or indirect connection with a wall, ceiling, floor or other support structure. The
cable may connect the biasing member to an opposed biasing member that also
cooperates with the flexible panel. Alternatively, the biasing member may be connected
to an opposed biasing member by a tensioned cable. The cable may be attached directly
to the biasing member or indirectly to the biasing member with a fastener. In one
embodiment, the cable may pass through a portion of the biasing member.
In one embodiment, the decorative structure comprises a biasing member having a
cam that cooperates with the flexible panel. The flexible panel may be indirectly
supported by a cable that is connected to the biasing member. The biasing member may
cooperate with an edge of the flexible panel so as to maintain the panel in a flexed
configuration.
In another embodiment, the biasing member comprises a jaw that receives a
portion of the flexible panel. The jaw may be pivotal about a pivot point or joint.
The decorative structure may comprise one or more flexible panels that are
supported by the same cable or a plurality of panels supported by a plurality of cables.
The flexible panels may be comprised of a range of materials such as, for example, metal,
wood, paper, plastic and/or glass.
The present invention also encompasses a method of configuring a decorative
structure. The method comprises providing a cable connecting a biasing member to an
opposed biasing member; engaging the biasing member with a first portion of a flexible
panel; engaging the opposed biasing member with a second portion of the flexible panel; and, adjusting the relative alignment of the biasing member and the opposed biasing
member. The method may also comprise the step of securing the alignment of the
biasing member along the cable relative to the opposed biasing member, such as with an
anchor connected to the biasing member and cooperating with the cable, and/or
tensioning a cable connecting a biasing member to an opposed biasing member.
These and other features of the present invention will become apparent upon
reading the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings that are briefly described as follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a decorative structure embodying principles of the
present invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the decorative
structure of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a biasing member for use in a decorative structure
embodying principles of the present invention.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of another biasing member for use in a decorative
structure of embodying principles of the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a further biasing member for use in a decorative
structure embodying principles of the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of yet another biasing member for use in a decorative
structure embodying principles of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a side view of a portion of a decorative structure embodying principles of
the present invention.
Fig. 8 is a side view of the portion of the decorative structure shown in Fig. 7 with
the addition of a flexible panel.
Fig. 9 is a side view of the portion of the decorative panel shown in Fig. 8 with
the decorative structure adjusted to a desired configuration.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of another decorative structure embodying principles
of the present invention.
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a further decorative structure embodying
principles of the present invention.
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of yet another decorative structure embodying
principles of the present invention.
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of still a further decorative structure embodying
principles of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now in greater detail to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like
parts throughout the drawings, the present invention generally includes a decorative
structure comprising a flexible panel supported by a cable and maintained in a flexed
configuration by a biasing member. The decorative structure provides a canopy-like
visual element to a space in which it is suspended. The decorative structure may be
easily installed and reconfigured to suit the user. The elements of the decorative structure may be interchanged in order to provide different visual and aesthetic impact. The
flexible panel may be provide in a variety of shapes, materials and finishes. The flexible
panel may be formed of wood, paper, metal, plastic, glass or any other suitable material.
The panel may be solid, mesh or include a variety of decorative designs or openings
therein to provide the desired visual impact.
A decorative structure 100a is shown in Fig. 1. The decorative structure 100a
includes a flexible panel 20 having a first edge 24 and a second edge 22. The decorative
structure 100a also includes cables 30 connected to biasing members 50a and 50b and
supporting flexible panel 20. Cables 30 are connected to the ceiling, walls or some other
suitable structure from which the decorative structure 100a may be suspended. Biasing
members 50a cooperate with a portion of flexible panel 20, such as, for example, first
edge 24. Likewise, opposed biasing members 50b cooperate with second edge 22 of
flexible panel 20. The cooperation of biasing members 50a with first edge 24 of flexible
panel 20 and opposed biasing members 50b with second edge 22 provides support for the
flexible panel and maintenance of the flexible panel 20 in a flexed configuration. Each
biasing member 50a is connected to an opposed biasing member 50b by tensioned cable
34. Tensioned cable 34 provides a counter force through biasing members 50a and
opposed biasing members 50b to the flexible panel 20 when it is in a flexed
configuration. By employing tensioned cables 34 and biasing members 50a and opposed
biasing members 50b, an otherwise flat but flexible panel 20 may be bowed to a desired
configuration when decorative structure 100a is installed. Therefore, production, shipping and handling of the elements of the decorative structure may prove easier than
with a customized structure having a preformed curved configuration.
As shown in Fig. 2, alternative configurations for flexible panel 20 can be had. In
this embodiment of the present invention, tensioned cables 34 are positioned below
flexed panel 20. As in decorative structure 100a, cables 30 are connected to biasing
members 50a and opposed biasing members 50b, thereby at least indirectly supporting
flexible panel 20, which cooperates with both biasing member 50a and opposed biasing
members 50b. Thus, the present invention encompasses flexible panels that can be
configured concave and/or convex.
Fig. 3 shows a biasing member 50 that embodies principles of the present
invention. Biasing member 50 includes a body 52 that has a groove 54 formed therein.
Groove 54 includes a major biasing surface 58. When an edge of a flexible panel is
received by groove 54 major biasing surface 58 cooperates with a face of the flexible
panel while the end surface 53 of groove 54 cooperates with an edge of the flexible panel
so that the panel is biased in a predetermined direction. The flexible panel received by
groove 54 may include a notch (not shown) in an edge thereof that may receive cable 30,
when a portion of the cable extends through the groove 54 as shown in Figs. 3 and 4.
Biasing member 50 is connected to cable 30, which supports both the biasing member
and any panel that may be cooperating with the biasing member. As shown in Fig. 3,
support cable 30 may extend through the body 52 of biasing member 50, which includes
apertures 56 that receive the cable 30. Apertures 56 may be formed in the body 52 so that cable 30 extends through a portion of groove 54, as shown in Fig. 3, or, alternatively,
they may be formed such that cable 30 does not extend through groove 54. The present
invention encompasses decorative structures that include separate support and tensioned
cables, as well as decorative structures that include cables that perform the function of
both support and tensioning. As shown in Fig. 3, cable 30 is connected to biasing
member 50 in such a manner as to both support the biasing member and tension a flexed
panel that is received in groove 54. Biasing member 50 may be adjustably positioned
along the length of cable 30 by disengaging anchor 60 through which cable 30 extends
and to which biasing member 50 is connected. In order to reposition biasing member 50,
anchor 60 is adjusted so as to at least partially disengage from cable 30 so as to allow
movement of both anchor 60 and biasing member 50 along the cable. Once biasing
member 50 is placed in the desired position, anchor 60 may be adjusted to reengage cable
30 so as to hold biasing member 50 in place on cable 30. Biasing member 50 may be
made of any appropriate durable material such as metal or a polymeric resin. Cable 30
and/or tensioned cable 34 may also be made of any appropriate material, such as metal,
synthetic or natural polymers.
As shown in Fig. 4, a biasing member 150 may be provided with a decorative
structure of the present invention so as to form an angle within cable 30. Biasing member
150 includes a body 152 that has an angled aperture 156 formed therein. Cable 30 is
inserted through aperture 156 so that cable 30 is angled. Depending upon the desired
configuration of the decorative structure of the present invention, angled channel 156 may be formed at any appropriate angle. Furthermore, the present invention encompasses
other interconnections of the biasing member and cable so as to provide an angle along
the cable.
Fig. 5 shows yet another embodiment of a biasing member of the present
invention. Biasing member 250 includes a body 252 generally formed as a cam. Cable
30 extends through a channel formed in body 252 and anchor 60. Body 252 includes a
major cam or biasing surface 258 that cooperates with a portion of a flexible panel in
order to bias the panel and maintain the panel in a flexed configuration.
The present invention also encompasses a decorative structure that includes a
biasing member having a jaw. Fig. 6 shows a biasing member 350 that includes a jaw
355 extending from a body 352 thereof. Jaw 355 is connected by a neck 351 to a pivot
joint 353 that allows for pivoting of the jaw 355. As with the other biasing members
described above, jaw 355 includes a major jaw biasing surface 358 that cooperates with a
portion of a flexible panel to both bias the panel and maintain it in a flexed configuration.
Biasing member 350 is connected to an anchor 60 so that biasing member 350 may be
adjustably positioned along the length of cable 30.
In each of the embodiments of the biasing member of the present invention
described above, a cable may extend through a portion of the body of the biasing member
as shown in Figs. 3-6 or, alternatively, one or more cables may be connected to the
biasing member by other means. For example, an eyelet (not shown) may be fastened to
or formed in the biasing member. The cable may be connected to the eyelet. These and other fasteners connecting the biasing member to the cable are contemplated by the
present invention.
The present invention also encompasses a method for configuring a decorative
structure. As shown in Figs. 7-9, the method comprises the steps of providing a biasing
member 50a connected to an opposed biasing member 50b by a cable 30, as shown in
Fig. 7. The method further comprises engaging a portion of a flexible panel 20 with the
biasing member 50a and engaging another portion of the flexible panel with the opposed
biasing member 50b. For example, a first edge 22a of a flexible panel 20 may be inserted
into groove 54a of biasing member 50a and a second edge 22b of flexible panel 20 may
be inserted into a groove 54b of opposed biasing member 50b. If the biasing member
and/or the opposed biasing member includes a jaw or a cam, then an edge or other portion
of the flexible panel of the decorative structure may be inserted in the jaw or aligned
adjacent the cam in order to accomplish these step. The alignment of the biasing member
relative to the opposed biasing member then may be adjusted to bend the flexible panel
into the desired flexed configuration. For instance, as indicated in Fig. 9, biasing member
50a and/or biasing member 50b may be moved along cable 30 thereby altering the extent
of flexure of flexible panel 20. When the desired configuration is achieved, the method
may then include securing the biasing member and the opposed biasing member relative
to the cable. For example, the anchors 60a and 60b connected to biasing members 50a
and 50b respectively may be disengaged from cable 30 as the biasing members are
repositioned and then reengaged with the cable when the desired alignment is achieved. The method may also include tensioning the cable in order to provide proper alignment of
the biasing member relative to the opposed biasing member.
As shown in Figs. 10-13, the decorative structures of the present invention may
include a variety of configurations and materials. For example, as shown in Fig. 11, two
cables 30 may be aligned in parallel and a plurality of flexible panels 20 and biasing
members 50 may be arranged thereon. In such a configuration, cables 30 serve both to
support flexible panels 20 and provide the necessary tensioned counter force through the
biasing members to maintain the flexible panels 20 in their respective flexed
configurations. It is contemplated that a plurality of decorative structures may be
provided in a given space and/or a decorative structure may include a plurality of
configured flexible panels.
The decorative structure of the present invention also may provide hinged access
to the space above the structure without completely disassemblying the structure. The
panel may be hingedly or pivotaly rotated by loosening the anchors connected to one or
more of the biasing members that engage a given panel. For example, in the case of
decorative structure shown in Fig. 13, the anchors connected to biasing members 50b
may be loosened so that the biasing members may be moved along the cables 30.
Movement of the biasing members 50b will allow the panel 20a to be disengaged
therefrom. The panel may then be rotated upward about an axis extending through
biasing members 50a so that the space above the decorative structure may be accessed
without removing portions of the structure. As is shown in the figures, the ends of the flexible panel may be positioned at
different heights and orientations relative to each other in order to provide a wide variety
of visual and acoustical results. While the biasing members shown in the figures are
completely supported by one or more cables, the present invention also encompasses
decorative structures wherein one or more biasing members are supported by a structure
other than a cable. For example, a biasing member may be supported by a rod, beam,
pipe, wall, ledge or other suitable structure, while still functioning as intended according
to the present invention.
Furthermore, the decorative structures of the present invention may be used in
conjunction with a light source in order to illuminate the space in which the structure is
suspended. The light may be integrally formed with the decorative structure, such as
being supported by one or more of the structures cables, or be positioned adjacent the
structure in order for the flexible panel to act as a reflector, diffuser or shade for a light
source. These and many other modifications to the embodiments illustrated herein may
well be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:
1. A decorative structure comprising:
a flexible panel;
a biasing member cooperating with a portion of said flexible panel, wherein said flexible
panel is maintained in a flexed configuration; and,
a cable connected to said biasing member and supporting said flexible panel.
2. The decorative structure of claim 1, wherein said biasing member comprises a body
having a groove receiving said portion of said flexible panel.
3. The decorative structure of claim 1, wherein said cable extends through a portion of said
biasing member.
4. The decorative structure of claim 1, wherein said biasing member comprises a cam
cooperating with said flexible panel.
5. The decorative structure of claim 1, wherein said biasing member comprises a jaw
cooperating with said flexible panel.
6. The decorative structure of claim 5, wherein said jaw is pivotable about a pivot joint.
7. The decorative structure of claim 1, wherein said flexible panel is formed of a material
selected from metal, wood, fabric, and plastic.
8. The decorative structure of claim 1, further comprising an opposed biasing member
cooperating with said flexible panel.
9. The decorative structure of claim 1, further comprising a tensioned cable cooperating
with said biasing member to maintain said flexible in said flexed configuration.
10. The decorative structure of claim 9, wherein said tensioned cable connects said biasing
member to an opposed biasing member.
11. The decorative structure of claim 1, wherein said biasing member forms an angle in said
cable.
12. The decorative structure of claim 1, further comprising an anchor connected to said
biasing member and cooperating with said cable.
13. A method of configuring a decorative structure comprising:
providing a cable connecting a biasing member to an opposed biasing member;
engaging the biasing member with a first portion of a flexible panel;
engaging the opposed biasing member with a second portion of the flexible panel; and,
adjusting the relative alignment of the biasing member and the opposed biasing member.
14. The method of claim 13 , further comprising:
securing the alignment of the biasing member along the cable relative to the opposed
biasing member.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein an anchor connected to the biasing member engages the
cable.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of tensioning the cable.
EP02750189A 2001-07-19 2002-07-19 Canopy-like decorative structure Expired - Lifetime EP1409807B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US30651601P 2001-07-19 2001-07-19
US306516P 2001-07-19
PCT/US2002/023040 WO2003008729A1 (en) 2001-07-19 2002-07-19 Canopy-like decorative structure

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1409807A1 true EP1409807A1 (en) 2004-04-21
EP1409807B1 EP1409807B1 (en) 2009-04-29

Family

ID=23185651

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02750169A Withdrawn EP1425482A1 (en) 2001-07-19 2002-07-19 Decorative structure and ceiling system
EP02765856A Expired - Lifetime EP1421285B1 (en) 2001-07-19 2002-07-19 Clipped decorative structure
EP02750189A Expired - Lifetime EP1409807B1 (en) 2001-07-19 2002-07-19 Canopy-like decorative structure

Family Applications Before (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02750169A Withdrawn EP1425482A1 (en) 2001-07-19 2002-07-19 Decorative structure and ceiling system
EP02765856A Expired - Lifetime EP1421285B1 (en) 2001-07-19 2002-07-19 Clipped decorative structure

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (3) EP1425482A1 (en)
AT (2) ATE347041T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2002329616A1 (en)
DE (2) DE60216479T2 (en)
WO (3) WO2003008812A2 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2002329616A1 (en) 2003-03-03
DE60216479D1 (en) 2007-01-11
WO2003008812A3 (en) 2003-04-03
WO2003008812A2 (en) 2003-01-30
ATE430229T1 (en) 2009-05-15
ATE347041T1 (en) 2006-12-15
EP1409807B1 (en) 2009-04-29
WO2003008728A9 (en) 2003-04-10
DE60216479T2 (en) 2007-09-20
EP1421285B1 (en) 2006-11-29
DE60232150D1 (en) 2009-06-10
WO2003008812A9 (en) 2004-04-15
WO2003008728A1 (en) 2003-01-30
EP1421285A2 (en) 2004-05-26
WO2003008729A1 (en) 2003-01-30
EP1425482A1 (en) 2004-06-09

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