US20050210799A1 - Seiling system - Google Patents

Seiling system Download PDF

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Publication number
US20050210799A1
US20050210799A1 US10/510,166 US51016605A US2005210799A1 US 20050210799 A1 US20050210799 A1 US 20050210799A1 US 51016605 A US51016605 A US 51016605A US 2005210799 A1 US2005210799 A1 US 2005210799A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
ceiling system
ceiling
support members
power
cabling
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.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/510,166
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Robert Insalaco
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.)
MillerKnoll Inc
Original Assignee
Herman Miller 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 Herman Miller Inc filed Critical Herman Miller Inc
Priority to US10/510,166 priority Critical patent/US20050210799A1/en
Publication of US20050210799A1 publication Critical patent/US20050210799A1/en
Assigned to HERMAN MILLER, INC. reassignment HERMAN MILLER, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: INSALACO, ROBERT W.
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V33/00—Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
    • F21V33/006—General building constructions or finishing work for buildings, e.g. roofs, gutters, stairs or floors; Garden equipment; Sunshades or parasols
    • 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
    • E04B9/003—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation with movable parts, e.g. pivoting panels, access doors
    • 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
    • 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
    • E04B9/18—Means for suspending 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
    • E04B9/18—Means for suspending the supporting construction
    • E04B9/20—Means for suspending the supporting construction adjustable
    • 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
    • E04B9/32—Translucent ceilings, i.e. permitting both the transmission and diffusion of light
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F7/00—Signs, name or number plates, letters, numerals, or symbols; Panels or boards
    • G09F7/18—Means for attaching signs, plates, panels, or boards to a supporting structure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S8/00—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation
    • F21S8/04—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation intended only for mounting on a ceiling or the like overhead structures
    • F21S8/06—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation intended only for mounting on a ceiling or the like overhead structures by suspension
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F7/00—Signs, name or number plates, letters, numerals, or symbols; Panels or boards
    • G09F7/18—Means for attaching signs, plates, panels, or boards to a supporting structure
    • G09F2007/1856—Means for attaching signs, plates, panels, or boards to a supporting structure characterised by the supporting structure
    • G09F2007/186—Means for attaching signs, plates, panels, or boards to a supporting structure characterised by the supporting structure suspended, e.g. secured to the ceiling

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a ceiling system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a readily reconfigurable ceiling system that supports various functional elements e.g., power and data delivery elements in a highly organized manner.
  • ceiling panels In the space above the head of a worker, conventional drop-down ceiling panels have been used to conceal various functional structures. These ceiling panels have also been implemented for various aesthetic purposes. Generally, these ceilings include runners and interconnecting cross-members which support a plurality of ceiling tiles. The ceiling tiles define a space between the architectural ceiling which can accommodate various functional elements such as power and data elements. These functional elements can be independently routed and structurally attached to the ceiling of a building. This independent routing of these elements can lead to a disorganized arrangement of these functional elements. Moreover, these arrangements of elements may vary from building to building. As a result, easy access to a particular functional element can be cumbersome. Moreover, these disorganized arrangements are not readily reconfigurable to respond to the changing needs of the building occupants.
  • the present invention is directed to an improved ceiling system that supports various functional elements in a highly organized and aesthetic manner.
  • a ceiling system for the delivery of utilities to a workspace.
  • a plurality of anchors is connected to a ceiling of a workspace.
  • the anchors are arranged to form a grid.
  • a plurality of substantially vertically extending support members is attached to the anchors.
  • the support members are adapted to support a plurality of utilities and a ceiling member.
  • a method for the delivery of utilities in an open plan work environment includes securing a plurality of anchors to a ceiling of a work environment.
  • the anchors are arranged to form a grid.
  • a plurality of support members is connected to at least some of the anchors.
  • Data cabling is connected to at least some of the support members at a substantially uniform data point along the support members.
  • Power cabling is connected to at least some of the support members at a substantially uniform power point along the support members.
  • a ceiling panel is connected to at least some of the support members.
  • connection to is intended to be interpreted broadly and to include direct and indirect connections.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ceiling system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention illustrating a power system in a two ceiling panel environment;
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a ceiling system illustration a power system in a single ceiling panel environment
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of various support members interconnected by the power system
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of various support members interconnected by the power system and a support rod for use with lighting elements;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the ceiling system in a building environment with a sloped roof
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a support rod with two different lighting elements shown attached
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of a support member with a data element shown in cross-section
  • FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of a first connector
  • FIG. 9 is a top view of the connector shown in FIG. 8 ;
  • FIG. 10 is a side view of an embodiment of a second connector
  • FIG. 11 is a top view of the connector shown in FIG. 10 .
  • the ceiling system 10 provides a highly organized system for the delivery of utilities, e.g., power and data elements, to a workspace.
  • the ceiling system 10 is readily changeable to suit the needs of occupants of a workspace and is adaptable for use with new and emerging technologies.
  • the ceiling system 10 includes a lightweight panel member 12 that extends generally horizontally over the head of a standing worker or occupant.
  • the panel member 12 is connected to the frame 14 .
  • Brackets 16 extend outward from the corners of the frame 14 and connect to the support members 30 .
  • U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. ______ filed on Apr. 4, 2002 in the name of Robert Insalaco, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • the support members 30 are illustrated.
  • the support members 30 are suspended from a top surface, e.g., the architectural ceiling of a building.
  • the support members 30 included anchors 34 , suspension cables 36 and support tube 38 .
  • the anchors 34 are connected to the top surface of a building using conventional fastening techniques.
  • the anchors 34 include a flat base portion 44 and a curved portion 46 .
  • the anchors 34 are formed from a steel material.
  • the anchors 34 are arranged in a matrix or grid with the other functional elements built off selected anchors in order to provide the ceiling system 10 in the desired location.
  • a suspension cable 36 is connected to the curved portion 46 of the anchor 34 and extends downward therefrom.
  • the suspension cable 36 is a twisted steel cable adapted to support a load of at least 500 lbs.
  • the suspension cable 36 passes through a centering cap 50 connected to the support tube 38 .
  • the support tube 38 is formed from a steel material.
  • the support tube 38 includes a plurality of apertures 52 aligned along the length of the support tube 38 .
  • the apertures 52 are preferably cross-drilled to provide apertures around the support tube 38 at ninety degree angles to one another.
  • the apertures 52 extend along the length of the support tube and around the support tube 36 in order to provide a range of positions for connection to utility or support elements.
  • a set screw 56 secures the support tube 38 in a desired location along the suspension cable 36 .
  • the support tube 38 may need to be positioned at different locations along the suspension cable 36 .
  • an embodiment of the ceiling system 70 is illustrated in a building having a sloped ceiling 72 .
  • a data delivery system 74 is located on top of the power delivery system 76 .
  • a utility support rod 78 is positioned beneath the power delivery system 76 .
  • the panel member 12 and frame 14 are connected beneath the support rod 78 .
  • the ceiling system 70 illustrates the layered approach to arrangement of utility members of the present invention. The layered approach allows workers installing the different utility elements to be able to independently install each utility member. Moreover, the layered approach to the arrangement of utilities provides a highly organized system that is easily reconfigured or updated as needed by the occupants of a building.
  • a slip 84 is shown attached to the suspension cable 36 .
  • the clip 84 includes fingers 86 that are adapted to grip the suspension cable 36 .
  • a cover portion 88 is flexible so as to provide easy access to the interior of the clip 84 where the data cables 89 are located.
  • the clip 84 is formed from a plastic material.
  • the power delivery system 76 is illustrated.
  • the power delivery system 76 is a generally conventional modular four circuit power system.
  • the power delivery system 76 can be constructed using portions 90 having a length of approximately ten feet. However, as those skilled in the art will recognize, various lengths may be provided.
  • the power delivery system 76 includes conventional connectors 92 for connection to functional elements such as lighting elements 100 or 102 (as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4 , 5 and 6 ) or for the delivery of power of the base surface through the pole 104 (as illustrated in FIG. 5 ). As best seen in FIGS.
  • the connectors 92 include a plurality of plugs 94 for connection to a mating plug 95 extending from the functional element such as lighting element 100 .
  • a conventional flex connector 110 (preferably formed from a flexible steel conduit) provides for the connection of the portions 90 at the support members 30 . This flex connector 110 is particularly useful when the portions 90 extend at ninety degree angles to one another.
  • FIGS. 8-9 illustrated one embodiment of a connector 140 useful with the power system 76 .
  • the connector 140 is also useful with other elements such as support rob 78 .
  • Portions 90 of the power system 76 are connected at bracket 142 to the support member 30 .
  • the bracket 142 includes a tube portion 144 adapted to slide over the support tube 38 .
  • a latch 146 is spring loaded 148 so as to cause the pin 150 to engage a selected aperture 52 along the length of the support tube 38 .
  • the support rod 78 is useful to support utilities such as the lighting elements 100 , 102 or other utilities such as displays or other elements being attached above the head of a user.
  • the support rod 78 provides a support surface for the support of the elements required by various building/electrical codes.
  • the lighting element 100 is a low voltage halogen lighting element in the illustrated embodiment.
  • the lighting element 102 is a fluorescent lighting element in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5-6 .
  • FIGS. 10-11 illustrate another embodiment of a connector 200 useful at intermediate locations along the ceiling system 10 .
  • the connector 200 includes a bracket portion 202 adapted to partially surround the support tube 38 .
  • a pin 206 is sized to engage one of the apertures 52 in order to secure the assembly in the desired location.
  • a worker During installation of the ceiling system 10 , a worker would lay a matrix of grid anchors 34 on the top surface or ceiling above the workspace. Depending upon the desired location and arrangement of the ceiling system 10 , an installer would connect support members 30 as necessary to provide the ceiling system 10 in the desired location. By laying a matrix, additional support members 30 may be easily provided as needed. In addition, in the event the occupants of a building desire a different use for the workspace, the matrix allows installers to readily reconfigure the ceiling system 10 as necessary.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Installation Of Indoor Wiring (AREA)
US10/510,166 2002-04-04 2003-04-04 Seiling system Abandoned US20050210799A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/510,166 US20050210799A1 (en) 2002-04-04 2003-04-04 Seiling system

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US37036202P 2002-04-04 2002-04-04
US60370362 2002-04-04
PCT/US2003/010650 WO2003102326A1 (en) 2002-04-04 2003-04-04 Seiling system
US10/510,166 US20050210799A1 (en) 2002-04-04 2003-04-04 Seiling system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050210799A1 true US20050210799A1 (en) 2005-09-29

Family

ID=29711908

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/510,166 Abandoned US20050210799A1 (en) 2002-04-04 2003-04-04 Seiling system

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20050210799A1 (es)
EP (1) EP1490562A4 (es)
AU (1) AU2003234692A1 (es)
CA (1) CA2481097A1 (es)
MX (1) MXPA04009666A (es)
WO (1) WO2003102326A1 (es)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060104696A1 (en) * 2003-09-03 2006-05-18 Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha Wire dot printer head and wire dot printer

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3683101A (en) * 1970-09-09 1972-08-08 Milton Liberman Ceiling and wall structures and electrical energy distributing device for use in connection therewith
US3725568A (en) * 1971-12-06 1973-04-03 Duo Flex Corp Electrical ceiling raceway
US4377059A (en) * 1978-09-18 1983-03-22 United States Gypsum Company Concealed ceiling system with accessible ceiling panels
US6318042B1 (en) * 2000-05-09 2001-11-20 Ecophon Ab Grid system for a suspended ceiling

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH349057A (de) * 1955-08-13 1960-09-30 Metallgesellschaft Ag Vorrichtung zum Aufhängen von Unterdecken, wie Schallschluck-, Heizungs-, Beleuchtungs- und Belüftungsdecken
US3919457A (en) * 1974-04-22 1975-11-11 Sheldon Steiner Electrified suspension ceiling system
US6298623B1 (en) * 2000-06-09 2001-10-09 Usg Interiors, Inc. Adjustable trim strip system

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3683101A (en) * 1970-09-09 1972-08-08 Milton Liberman Ceiling and wall structures and electrical energy distributing device for use in connection therewith
US3725568A (en) * 1971-12-06 1973-04-03 Duo Flex Corp Electrical ceiling raceway
US4377059A (en) * 1978-09-18 1983-03-22 United States Gypsum Company Concealed ceiling system with accessible ceiling panels
US6318042B1 (en) * 2000-05-09 2001-11-20 Ecophon Ab Grid system for a suspended ceiling

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060104696A1 (en) * 2003-09-03 2006-05-18 Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha Wire dot printer head and wire dot printer

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2003234692A1 (en) 2003-12-19
EP1490562A4 (en) 2006-12-06
MXPA04009666A (es) 2005-01-11
EP1490562A1 (en) 2004-12-29
WO2003102326A1 (en) 2003-12-11
CA2481097A1 (en) 2003-12-11

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: HERMAN MILLER, INC., MICHIGAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:INSALACO, ROBERT W.;REEL/FRAME:017102/0215

Effective date: 20041206

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION