US3202077A

US3202077A - Expansion channel

Info

Publication number: US3202077A
Application number: US273760A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jon W Lee
Original assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Corp
Current assignee: Owens Corning
Priority date: 1963-04-17
Filing date: 1963-04-17
Publication date: 1965-08-24
Anticipated expiration: 1982-08-24

Description

Aug. 24, 1965 Filed April 17, 1965 J. w. LEE 3,202,077

EXPANS I ON CHANNEL 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 om Wu INVENTOR (/OA/ M4 LEE Arrow/5V5 Aug. 24, 1965 J, w, LEE 3,202,077

EXPANSION CHANNEL Filed April 17, 1963 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 -1 E 10* A 35 202 jg L3'5 mg;

INVENTOR da/v M [5 Arm/Mfrs Aug. 24, 1965 J. w. LEE

EXPANSION CHANNEL 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 1'7, 1963 45 Big-Q (/ON W Z ZE BY 3 ATTO/PA/E vs United States Patent 3,2tl2,077 EXPANSHON CHANNEL Jon W. Lee, Campbell, Calih, assignor to Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation, a corporation of Belaware Filed Apr. 17, E63, Sen No. 273,766

6 Claims. (Cl. 98-4ll) This invention relates to an expansion channel member designed to cooperate with air distribution duct assemblies as part of a grid work for the support of subceiling elements at a level beneath the main ceiling of an enclosed space. An expansion member embodying the invention presents to the eye a configuration quite similar to that of the air distribution member of the duct assembly, supports some parts of the sub-ceiling elements, or lighting fixtures and the like and accommodates for expansion and contraction of the entire sub-ceiling grid work including conventional T-bars.

In co-pending application of Lee and White, Serial No. 231,897 filed October 22, 1962, there is disclosed an air distribution duct assembly comprising an elongated diffuser bar and a continuous air supply duct, the two being in communication with each other throughout their lengths, and the diffuser bar functioning both to discharge air from the supply duct into the space being treated and to support the elements of a dropped or subceiling. In such a construction the air supply duct is located above the diffuser bar and hidden by the subceiling elements. Such air distribution duct assemblies may extend from end to end of an enclosed space and there may be more than one of such duct assemblies in the space. For example, in a large space such as an engineering or general oilice, measuring, say, 200 by 100 feet in size, the duct assemblies may extend the full length of the room, be spaced ten or twenty feet from each other so that the entire 200 by 100 foot ceiling would include seome fiveto ten of the duct assemblies extending parallel to each other. The ceiling grid work would also include cooperating, transversely extending T-bars for the support oflthe various elements from which the sub-ceiling is fabricated, such as acoustical tile, and other surface elements or functional devices such as lighting fixtures. When there is a substantial differential between the temperature of ambient air in the plenum space above the sub-ceiling and the temperature of the conditionedair delivered through the air distribution duct assemblies and, more particularly, in the areas of the plenum chamber where lihgting fixtures and the like are located, considerable expansion and contraction of the metallic T-bars or of the air distribution duct assemblies may take place under varying conditions.

The problem caused by expansion and contraction of these various metallic elements has been considered and attempts to solve it have been met by the use of slip joints between contiguous lengths of the air distribution ductassemblies or between lengths of the T-bars and also at the junctions etween the T-bars and the air distribution duct assemblies. Slip joints in these locations are less than satisfactory because the shapes of the two elements in telescoping relationship may not remain constant and the joints may not slip freely, leaving openings or causing crumpling in some severe circumstances.

It isthe principal object of the present invention to provide an expansion member for use in a grid work in the support of a sub-ceiling, the grid work comprising continuous lengths of T-bars and of air distribution duct assemblies by which conditioned air is delivered or returned from the spacebeneath the sub-ceiling.

This and more specific objects and advantages of the instant invention will be better understood from the EZhZfiT? Patented Aug. 24, 1955 "me a specification which follows and from the drawings in which:

PEG. 1 is a fragmentary view in perspective of an enclosed space provided with a sub-ceiling incorporating sub-ceiling elements supported by grid work comprising air distribution duct assemblies, T-bars and expansion members embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, vertical, cross section of an air distribution duct assembly of the type disclosed in the mentioned Lee and White application, and which is illustrated as being employed in the grid work shown in FIG. 1; this assembly not constituting part of the instant invention but being included for purposes of understanding; the cross section being shown on a substantially enlarged scale with respectto the scale of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view of an expansion member embodying the invention, the view being similar to FIG. 2 and illustrating how the expansion member functions for the support of sub-ceiling elements and for connection with transversely extending T-b ars of the sub-ceiling support grid;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary View in perspective illustrating how a right angle junction of two runs of an expansion member embodying the invention are connected to each other and further illustrating a manner of connection of T-bars to such expansion member;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view in perspective, and on a greatly reduced scale, illustrating the junction between an air distribution duct assembly as illustrated in FIG. 2 and an expansion member as illustrated in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, vertical'sectional view, taken along the line 6--6 of FIG. 5 and being shown on an enlarged scale.

An enclosed space such as that fragmentarily illustrated in FIG. 1 in "a modern building usually isdefined by a floor, generally indicated by the reference number It walls 11 and a false or sub-ceiling generally indicated in FIG. 1 by the reference number 12. The sub-ceiling i2 is usually dropped down from the main ceiling of the room which is also the underside of the floor of the next higher level or may be the main ceiling of the building, as for example, the roof structure of a one story building. The upper main ceiling is not shown in FIG. 1 except fragmentarily by the portion indicated by the reference number 13 and often is of reinforced concrete or the like thus constituting a main structural element ofsthe building.

The space between the underside of the structural ceiling 13 and the sub-ceiling 12 is referred to as a plenum space and is utilized in modern buildings for conduits for lighting equipment, power lines, telephone and other communication systems, heating ducts, air and the like.

In the illustration of FIG. 1, two air distribution duct assemblies, generally indicated by the reference numbers 14- are shown as beingsuspended by hangerwires, 15 from conditioning ducts fragmentary indications of the upper structural floor 13 l and as extending transversely acrosstthe space undercon:

(FIG. 2) consists of a diffuser bar, generally indicatedby the reference number 16, and comprising a pair of spaced side bars 17, an air duct '18 comprising a resilient sheet material jacket 19 and an insulating layer 2%} laminated therewith and located inten'orly of the jacket 19. The side bars 17 form an elongated conduit, open at the top and bottom for the passage of air vertically therethrought sideration. Each of the air distribution duct assemblies i 3 nal edges of the jacket 19 for retaining the duct 18 in place on the diffuser bar 16. At the lower ends of the side bars 17, there are outwardly turned flanges 24 which are utilized for the support of edges of sub-ceiling elements. such as insulating ceiling tiles, of which one is indicated by the reference number 25. The diffuser bar 16 is connected to transversely extending, inverted T-bars 26 (see also FIG. 1) by bent assembly clips 27. The open bottom of the air passageway between the bars 17 may be partially obstructed by a diverter 23.

The construction thus far described with respect to FIG. 2 is that disclosed and claimed in the above referenced Lee and White application and does not, in itself, constitute a part of the instant invention. The cooperation between the air distribution duct assemblies 14 and the T-bars 26 is also fully discussed in the Lee and White application.

As earlier mentioned, a sub-ceiling assembly such as that illustrated in FIG 1, may also comprise lighting fixtures such as the row of lighting fixtures indicated by the reference number 2 and these lighting fixtures 29, as well as the sub-ceiling elements 25, are supported by the flanges 24 on the air distribution duct assemblies 14 and similar flanges 30 on the T-bars 2d. As can be seen by reference to FIG. 2 the flanges 24 of the diffuser bar 16 of the air distribution duct assemblies 14 and the flanges 30 of the T-bars 26 are on the same horizontal level so that the ceiling elements and the lighting fixtures 29 may be supported by these

flanges

24 and 30 all in the same plane to present a flush, apparently continuous surface on the sub-ceiling 12.

As earlier mentioned, because of the differential between the temperature of the conditioned air which is supplied through the duct assemblies 14 and the usually much higher temperature within the plenum space itself above the sub-ceiling 12, especially in the vicinity of the lighting fixtures '29, the duct assemblies 14, the T-bars 26.0r other transversely extending T-bars such as those indicated by the reference number 31 in FIG 1, elongate and shorten during changing conditions and to diflerent degrees. In a large room such as that illustrated in FIG. 1, Where the ceiling grid work comprises all of the elements illustrated therein, it is particularly necessary that means be provided for accommodating for this expansion and contraction without distorting any of the ceiling support elements, the sub-ceiling elements or the lighting fixtures.

Two

expansion members

32 and 33 are shown in FIG. 1 and illustrated in greater detail and on an enlarged scale inFIGS. 36. Each of the

expansion members

32 or 33 consists of a pair of vertically extending side members 34 at the lower end of which there is located an outwardly directed horizontal flange 35. Each of the side members 34 also has on its outer side a pair of vertically spaced slots 36 which are separated a distance from each other such that they will snugly receive the upper and lower edges of a groove engaging end portion 37 of an assembly clip 27. The slots 36 are spaced from each other and spaced relative to the level of the flanges the same as similar slots 38 in the side bars 17 of the dififuser bar 16. This identity of vertical spacing between the side members 34 of the

expansion members

32 and 33 and the side bars 17 of the diffuser bars 16 results in all of their

flanges

24 and 35 and also the flanges 30 of the T-bars 26 lying in the same horizontal plane.

The two side members 34 of the expansion members 32 and 33'are connected to each other by an elongated vertically extending bifurcated member or wishbone 39. The lower edges of each arm of the wishbone 39 have integral ribs 40 which are slidingly inserted into slots 41 formed at the inner sides of the side members 34.

The arms of the bifurcated member 39 are preferably flexible; At-its upper ends,'the Wishbone 39 has a web 42 which extends throughout its length and through members 34, each pair being designated 34a, 34b, 34c.

and 34d in FIG. 4. intersecting ones of the pairs of short side members 3411, b, c, and d, for example those indicated by the reference numbers 34b and 34c in FIG. 4 are connected to each other by angle clips 45 at their mitered corners. Each arm of the angle clip is mounted in the vertically spaced outer slots 36 .of a respective one of the side members 34band 34c in lengths of wishbones indicated by the reference numbers 3%, b, c, and d in FIG. 4 are engaged in the inner slots 41 of the side members in the pairs 34a, b, c, and d. As shown in FIG. 4, wishbones or bifurcated

members

39a and 3% are longitudinally spaced from one another. Similarly, bifurcated members 3% and 39c are also longitudinally spaced from one another. The longitudinal spacing between longitudinally aligned bifurcated members of the cross member 44 provides room for expansion between the various elements. making up the cross member 44. The cross member 44 is connected to the long lengths or" the

expansions members

32 and 33 by fiat connecting plates 46 which are inserted in the vertically spaced pair of the slots 36.

FIGS. 5 and 6. Because the levels of the various slots and flanges such as the flanges 24 on the

diffusers bars

16 and 35 on the

expansion members

32 and 33 must be the same, it is necessary to accommodate. the duct 18 by cutting away a portion of the .wishbone 39 and web 42 of the expansion member, for example the expansion member 32, with which it intersects. As

illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6, an arcuate notch 47. is cutv in-the upper portion of the wishbone 39 and web 42 and the duct 18 has an exterior jacket. or tubular junction plate 43 snapped around its exterior at the intersection.

What I claim is:

1. In a sub-ceiling support grid work having inverted T bar elements, diffuser elements of air distribution duct assemblies and hangers for suspending said grid work at a certain level below the main ceiling of a room and.

in-which said T bar elements and air distribution diffuser elements have oppositely directed horizontal flanges all lying at the same level for supporting sub-ceiling elements, an expansion channel for cooperation with said grid work elements comprising, in combination a pair of laterally spaced, vertically extending elongated side 7 members an outwardly directed flange on the lower portion of each side member, an elongated bifurcated member having downwardly extending spaced arms and a top center web, means on said web for suspending said bifurcated member from the main ceiling and cooperating engageable means on said side members and the lower parts of said arms for supporting said side members.

2. A sub-ceiling support grid work, comprising (1) diffuser elements of air distribution duct assemblies, each i of said diffuser elements consisting of a pair of elo n gated, laterally spaced, side bars forming an elongated conduit, open at the bottom for the passage of air therethrough, an outwardly directed sub-ceiling support flange on each of said side bars at its lower end, aligned,

vertically spaced means forming an elongated assembly clip groove on the outer side of each of said sidebars for the reception and retention of assemblyclips, (2)

inverted T elements, sub-ceiling support flangeson said V series of holes'43 for en inverted T elements similar in size and apperance to said flanges on said diffuser elements (3) an expansion element comprising (a) a pair of elongated, laterally spaced side members forming an elongated conduit open at the bottom, (b) an outwardly directed sub-ceiling support flange on each of said side members similar in size and appearance to said flanges on said T elements and said diffuser elements, (c) aligned, vertically spaced means forming an elongated groove on the outer side of each of said side members of a size for the reception and retention of assembly clips, (d) an elongated bifurcated member consisting of two downwardly extending, spaced legs and a central web defining a closed top for the space between said legs, (e) cooperating means on said side members and on :said legs of said bifurcated member for supporting said side members in a lateral spacing corresponding to the lateral spacing of said side bars of said air distribution diffuser elements, (4) means for supporting said inverted T elements, said diffuser elements and said expansion element beneath the main ceiling of a room with their support flanges at the same level, (5) and assembly clips having at least one groove engaging portion and a T bar engaging portion extending outwardly from said groove engaging portion, said clips engageable in the grooves of said side bars and said side members for retaining said T elements, said dilfuser elements and said expansion element in a reticulated open grid work with different elements in perpendicular relationship.

3. An expansion channel according to claim 1 and means for supporting the T bar elements of the subceiling support grid work, said means comprising, a plurality of assembly clips having at least one groove engaging portion and a T bar engaging portion extending outwardly from said groove engaging portion, each of said laterally spaced elongated side members delining, on its outer side, a pair of vertically spaced opposed assembly clip slots for receiving said groove engaging portion of said assembly clips.

4. A sub-ceiling support grid work, according to claim 2, including intersection means for connecting two intersecting expansion elements, said intersection means comprising four pairs of short lengths of said side members, a first pair of said side members being longitudinally aligned with and spaced from a second pair of said side members, a third pair of said side members being longitudinally aligned with and spaced from a fourth pair of said side members, said third and fourth pair of said side members abutting and being perpendicularly positioned with respect to said first and said second pairs of said side members, an angle clip having perpendicularly extending arms mounted in such elongated grooves of abutting ones of said side members, a bifurcated member mounted in each of said pairs of side members, whereby longitudinal aligned ones of said bifurcated members defined therebetween an expansion space, and a connecting plate mounted in such elongated groove of each of said members extending beyond the free end of said side member, whereby said connector plate may be inserted in an outer elongated groove of an adjoining expansion element of such grid work.

5. An expansion channel cross member, comprising, in combination, four pairs of elongated, laterally spaced side members, each of said side members having an outwardly directed sub-ceiling support flange at its outer lower edge, each of said side members defining a pair of longitudinally extending, aligned and vertically spaced grooves on its outer side, a first pair of side members being longitudinally aligned with and spaced from a second pair of said side members, a third pair of said side members being longitudinally aligned with and spaced from a fourth pair of said side members, an angle clip having perpendicularly extending arms mounted in such vertically spaced grooves of abutting ones of said side members, an elongated bifurcated member, consisting of two downwardly depending spaced legs and a central wall extending between the top of said legs, mounted in each of said pairs of said side members, whereby longitudinally aligned ones of said bifurcated members defined therebetween an expansion space, cooperating means on said side members and on said legs of said bifurcated members for supporting said side members in a predetermined lateral spacing, and means on each of said pairs of said side members for connecting said pairs of side members to an adjoining element of a grid work.

6. In a sub-ceiling support grid work having inverted T bar elements, diffuser elements of air distribution duct assemblies and hangers for suspending said grid work at a certain level below the main ceiling of a room and in which said T bar elements and air distribution diffuser elements have oppositely directed horizontal flanges all lying at the same level for supporting sub-ceiling elements, an expansion channel for cooperation with said grid work elements comprising in combination a pair of laterally spaced, vertically extending elongated side members, an outwardly directed flange on the lower portion of each side member, an elongated fiexure member having downwardly extending spaced arms and a top center web, means on said web for suspending said flexure member from the main ceiling and cooperating engageable means on said side members and the lower parts of said arms for supporting said side members.

No references cited.

ROBERT A. OLEARY, Primary Examiner.

Claims

6. IN A SUB-CEILING SUPPORT GRID WORK HAVING INVERTED T BAR ELEMENT, DIFFUSER ELEMENTS OF AIR DISTRIBUTION DUCT ASSEMBLIES AND HANGERS FOR SUSPENDING SAID GRID WORK AT A CERTAIN LEVEL BEELOW THE MAIN CEILING OF A ROOM AND IN WHICH SAID T BAR ELEMENTS AND AIR DISTRIBUTION DIFFUSER ELEMENTS HAVE OPPOSITELY DIRECTEDD HORIZONTAL FLANGES AL LYING AT THE SAME LEVEL FOR SUPPORTING SUB-CEILING ELEMENTS, AN EXPANSION CHANNEL FOR COOPERATION WITH SAID GRID WORK ELEMENTS COMPRISING IN COMBINATON A PAIR OF LATERALLY SPACED, VERTICALLY EXTENDING ELONGATED SIDE MEMBERS, AN OUTWARDLY DIRECTED FLANGE ON THE LOWER PORTION OF EACH SIDE MEMBER, AN ELONGATE FLEXURE MEMBER HAVING DOWNWARDLY EXTENDING SPACED ARMS AND A TOP CENTER WEB, MEANS ON SAID WEB FOR SUSPENDING SAID FLEXURE MEMBER FROM THE MAIN CEILING AND COOPERATING ENGAGEABLE MEANS ON SAID SIDE MEMBERS AND THE LOWER PARTS OF SAID ARMS FOR SUPPORTING SAID SIDE MEMBERS.