FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to interior building systems, and, more particularly,
to a cantilevered ceiling system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Conventional grid suspension ceiling systems found in offices, retail stores and
similar commercial settings typically include suspended grid frameworks which support
ceiling tiles. A conventional ceiling grid framework includes main grid elements running
the length of the ceiling with cross grid elements therebetween. The main and cross
elements form the ceiling into a grid of polygonal openings into which functional
devices, such as ceiling tiles, can be inserted and supported.
[0003] Though the grid framework and ceiling tile system provides a visual barrier between
the living or working space and the infrastructure systems mounted overhead, designers,
architects and building owners often object to the use of these systems for several
reasons, including the lack of aesthetic versatility afforded by the grid framework
and the number of suspension points required to support the grid framework. For example,
from an aesthetic standpoint, designers, architects and building owners desire unique
ceiling systems which to have little or no visible suspension hardware. Many known
techniques for minimizing the visibility of the suspension hardware, including the
technique of moving the grid and grid suspension hardware from the sides of the ceiling
panel to the back, i.e. the interior, of the panel, typically require additional parts,
additional manufacturing processes or complex field installation.
[0004] As a result, there is an increasing demand for versatile, suspension point-minimizing
ceiling systems which provide architects and designers with the ability to create
unique structures with dramatic visual effects, as well as the conventional functions
of known grid framework and ceiling tile systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is a cantilevered ceiling system comprising a support member
and at least two panels. The panels are securely maintained to the support member
by a gravity-operated lock. The support member has two opposing edges which are substantially
parallel to one another. Each edge includes a panel receiving channel.
[0006] The panel receiving channel has an upright surface which integrally connects the
second and third surfaces to one another. The second and third surfaces extend in
a direction generally transverse to the upright surface and provide the supporting
surfaces for the gravity-operated lock.
[0007] The improved suspended cantilevered ceiling system has several advantages including:
the ability to support a panel substantially horizontally via single-side contact
of the panel and support beam; the ability to positively lock the panels to the support
structure without the use of any tools or extraneous fastening elements; the ability
to positively lock the panels to the support structure without providing routing or
kerfing in the panel; the reduction of the negative visual impact of the supporting
hardware; and the reduction and relocation of suspension points which provides designers,
architects and building owners with greater versatility in the ceiling environment,
including the ability to provide unique visuals in the ceiling environment which are
not available in the current marketplace.
[0008] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the
following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles
of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cantilevered ceiling system as viewed from below.
[0010] Figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of an example embodiment of a cantilevered
ceiling system as viewed from above the system.
[0011] Figure 3 is a partially exploded elevated view of the first example embodiment illustrating
the attachment of the panels to the support beam.
[0012] Figure 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of a second example embodiment
of the cantilevered ceiling system as viewed from above the system.
[0013] Figure 5 is a partially exploded elevated view of the second example embodiment illustrating
the attachment of the panels to the support beam.
[0014] Figure 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of a portion of the second example
embodiment illustrating an example mechanism for registering adjacent panels.
[0015] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the second example embodiment
illustrating an example mechanism for the end-to-end linking of the support beams.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] Reference is now made to the drawings wherein similar components bear the same reference
numerals throughout the several views. Herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "vertical,"
"upright" and "horizontal" are used to refer to the normal position of the components
in use, forming part of the suspended ceiling system.
[0017] Referring to the drawings, Figures 1-3 illustrate the structural arrangement of an
example embodiment of the cantilevered ceiling system in accordance with this invention.
Figure 1 shows the component elements forming the put-together ceiling system. The
ceiling system 10 includes a support beam 12 and at least two panels 14, 14' which
are secured to, and are supported by, the support beam 12.
[0018] The support beam 12 is suspended from any overhead ceiling structure (not shown)
such as the primary deck of the building interior or a secondary support structure
which is supported by the primary deck. The support beam 12 is attached to the overhead
ceiling structure by suspension hardware 24 and the support beam 12 is suspended in
a substantially horizontal plane. The support beam 12 can be constructed of various
materials including, but not limited to metal, wood, plastic or combinations thereof.
[0019] As best shown in Figure 3, the support beam 12 has two opposing edges, 22 and 22'
respectively. The edges 22 and 22' of the support beam 12 each include an empty volumetric
space into which a panel can be inserted, herein referred to as a panel receiving
channel, 26 and 26' respectively. Hereafter, the description of the panel receiving
channel will be made with reference to edge 22. However, the following description
applies equally to channel 22' as the edges are mirror images of one another.
[0020] The panel receiving channel 26 of edge 22 has a first surface 28 extending generally
upright. Integrally extending from the top and bottom edges of the first surface 28
are second and third surfaces 30, 32, which extend in a direction generally transverse
to the first upright surface 28. The second surface 30 is positioned above the third
surface 32 in substantial parallel relation. It should be noted that the return 32'
extending into channel 26 is considered to form a portion of the third surface 32,
and, in the embodiment shown herein, forms the portion that is in substantial parallel
relation with the second surface 30.
[0021] The types of panels 14 which are usable in this system can be constructed of various
materials, including, but not limited to, mineral fiber, fiberglass, metal, wood,
plastic or combinations thereof. The panel 14 is readily assembled and interlocked
to the support beam 12 without the use of any tools or extraneous fastening elements,
such as bolts and screws.
As shown in Figure 3, a panel 14 is inserted into the channel 26 at an angle. The
panel 14 is then rotated downward until the top surface of the panel is resting firmly
on the second surface 30 of the channel and the bottom surface of the panel is resting
firmly on either the third surface 32 or the return portion 32' of the third surface
as shown in Figure 3. The locking action is automatic due to gravity and the locked
condition will be securely maintained until the panel is swung upward from the locked
position to the unlocked position.
[0022] Unlike conventional grid suspension ceiling systems which require the panel to be
supported by a support member on at least two opposing sides of a panel, only one
side of the panel is required to be directly supported by the support beam. In other
words, the side of the panel opposite the support-beam-engaging side of the panel
is free, in that it is not in direct physical contact with a supporting member. This
single-sided panel support capability is at least in part due to the fact that each
panel counter-balances the weight of an opposing panel. The counter-balancing of weight
further allows the suspension points to be moved to the interior of the system, and
specifically along the longitudinal centerline of the system. In turn, this reduces
the number of accompanying suspension points to the overhead ceiling structure and
consolidates the support beam visual to one centrally located area.
[0023] The description of the example embodiments of the present invention is given above
for the understanding of the present invention. It will be understood that the invention
is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is capable of various
modifications, rearrangements and substitutions which will now become apparent to
those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0024] For example, Figures 4-7 illustrate a second example embodiment of the system 100
which provides some enhancements to the cantilevered system of the invention. As best
shown in Figures 4 and 5, support beam 112 includes a longitudinally extending protrusion
101 which extends into the panel receiving channel 126. The panel 114 has a corresponding
routing detail 120, such as a kerf, extending from a surface, e.g. the top surface,
of the panel for receiving and mating with the protrusion 101.
[0025] As shown, the panel 114 is inserted into panel receiving channel 126 at an angle.
Panel 114 is then rotated downwardly until the top and bottom surfaces of the panel
rest on the second and third channel surfaces of the channel in order to achieve the
gravity lock. When the panel is locked in position, the protrusion 101 will be in
mating relation with the routing detail 120 of the panel. Thus, in addition to the
vertical locking provided by the gravity lock, the engagement of the protrusion with
the panel routing detail will effectively provide horizontal locking of the panel
to the beam. The combination of vertical and horizontal locking is often desired in
geographic areas of seismic activity.
[0026] Also, as best illustrated in Figure 5, the bottom surface of the support beam can
be contoured to provide a channel having a larger volumetric space, which, in turn,
will allow the panel to be inserted all the way into channel 126 and clear protrusion
101.
[0027] Other modifications include the formation of a box 40 in the lower surface of the
beam (Figure 5). This box can be utilized to incorporate, and provide support for,
ceiling peripherals such as the luminaire 42 shown in Figure 1.
[0028] Also, as shown in Figure 6, where the panels 114 include an upturned edge, adjacent
panels on the same side of the support beam can be connected and aligned using a clip
50. As shown, the configuration of the clip is such that it can straddle the upturned
edges of two adjacent panels.
[0029] Additionally, as shown in Figure 7, the support beam 126 can include built-in splice
channels 150 for linking two support beams 126 in end-to-end relation. The channels
can accommodate rods 152 which effectively connect and align the support beams to
one another. It is worth noting that the return 32', described above, is formed as
a portion of the third surface to provide a clearance for the inclusion of these splice
channels 150. If no splice channel is required to extend from the third surface of
the channel as shown in Figure 7, then the return 32' is not required.
1. A cantilevered ceiling system comprising: a support beam and at least two panels,
the panels being securely maintained to the beam by a gravity operated lock.
2. The cantilevered ceiling system of claim 1, wherein the support beam and the at least
two panels are positioned substantially horizontally.
3. The cantilevered ceiling system of claim 1, wherein the support beam has two opposing
edges, the edges each having a panel receiving channel.
4. The cantilevered ceiling system of claim 3, wherein the panel receiving channel has
an upright surface which integrally connects a second surface to a third surface,
the second and third surfaces extending in a direction transverse to the upright surface.
5. The cantilevered ceiling system of claim 4, wherein the second and third surfaces
engage the panel and provide, in combination, the gravity operated lock.
6. The cantilevered ceiling system of claim 1, wherein all suspension points to an overhead
support structure are positioned along the longitudinal centerline of the system.
7. The cantilevered ceiling system of claim 1, wherein the support beam visual is consolidated
to one centrally located area.
8. A cantilevered ceiling system comprising: a support beam and at least two panels of
rectilinear configuration, wherein each of the at least two panels has only one side
of the panel in contact with the support beam, and wherein the panel is positioned
substantially horizontally.