# US 11,306,479 B2 · Multi-directional beam for a drywall ceiling soffit related application > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,306,479 B2 - Document ID: US11306479B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/998,442 - Filed: 2020-08-20 - Published: 2020-12-03 - Granted: 2022-04-19 - Earliest claimed: 2018-08-10 - Assignees: Worthington Armstrong Venture - Applicants: Worthington Armstrong Venture - Inventors: Brett W. Sareyka; Yu Lin; Jeff Markley; Jason Robbins; Sebastien Place; Joshua L. Neal - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11306479B2 ## CPC - E04B 9/06: characterised by constructional features of the supporting construction {, e.g. cross section or material of framework members} - E04B 9/04: comprising slabs, {panels,} sheets or the like - E04B 9/061: {supporting construction for curved ceilings} - E04B 9/068: {with double web} - E04B: GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS (border constructions of opening in walls, floors or ceilings E06B1/00; {electromagnetic shielding H05K9/0001}) ## Abstract A straight beam made for use in a suspended horizontal drywall ceiling. The beam is modified so that it can be bent in multiple directions to multiple predetermined angles. The beam has a web connecting two top flanges to two bottom flanges. A notch in the web extends through either the top or bottom flanges dividing the beam into a first side and a second side. The first side and the second side may each contain a pocket angled away from an outward face of the web forming a cutout having a locking edge and optionally a protuberance projecting out in the same direction as the pocket. Furthermore, the first side and the second side may optionally each contain an indentation projecting outward from the web in a direction opposite the spring pocket. As a result, when the beam is bent to the desired predetermined angle the locking edge or indentation may engage with the protuberance locking the angle in place. A soffit may then be constructed with drywall hung therefrom. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A beam for a suspended ceiling comprising: a web having a first edge opposite a second edge; a first flange at the first edge or the second edge extending substantially perpendicularly out from the web; a web notch beginning in the web and extending through either the first edge or the second edge defining a first side opposite a second side, wherein the first side or the second side contains a spring pocket defining a cutout having a locking edge, and the other of the first side or the second contains a protuberance projecting out from the web in the direction away from the spring pocket; wherein the protuberance is adapted to engage with the locking edge on the opposite side when the beam is bent to a predetermined angle. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The beam of claim 1, wherein the web notch passes through the first edge. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The beam of claim 1, wherein the web notch passes through the second edge. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The beam of claim 1, wherein two or more web notches alternate between passing through the first edge and the second edge. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The beam of claim 4, wherein the web notches are equally spaced. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The beam of claim 1, wherein the second side is offset from the first side. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The beam of claim 1, wherein the first side or the second side has apertures adapted to accept fasteners. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The beam of claim 1, wherein the predetermined angle is about 15°, about 30°, about 45°, about 60°, about 75°, about 90°, about 105°, about 120°, about 135°, about 150°, or about 165°. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The beam of claim 1, wherein the first flange has a flange notch. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The beam of claim 9, wherein the flange notch is substantially perpendicular to the web notch. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The beam of claim 1, wherein the first flange is textured or includes apertures adapted to accept fasteners. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The beam of claim 1, wherein the locking edge is substantially straight. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The beam of claim 12, wherein the cutout has a side that is substantially straight. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The beam of claim 1, wherein the locking edge is curved. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The beam of claim 14, wherein the cutout has a side that is curved. ### Claim 16 A beam for a suspended ceiling comprising: a web having a first edge opposite a second edge; a first flange at the first edge or the second edge extending substantially perpendicularly out from the web; a web notch beginning in the web and extending through either the first edge or the second edge defining a first side opposite a second side, wherein the first side or the second side contains an indentation having a locking edge, the other of the first side or the second side contains a protuberance projecting outward from the web; wherein the indentation is adapted to engage with the protuberance when the beam is bent to a predetermined angle. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The beam of claim 1, wherein the first side or the second side includes a tongue extended outward in a direction away from the spring pocket.