US 2022/0064950 A1Published application

Modular ceiling system

AssigneePorta-Fab Corporation

InventorsWayne McGee, Steve Skikas, Trace Woodrum, Thomas Tall

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Abstract

A structural grid support system adapted for transferring seismic loads to the vertical structural supports of a modular structure. The system includes larger and longer high load capacity main runners with mechanically fastened cross tees, which transfer seismic forces without failing. The structural grid can provide a diaphragm using mechanically fastened connections in a single horizontal plane without requiring additional overhead support from the roof deck, or requiring fewer such supports. The main runners may include additional connecting elements disposed within the usable space beneath the runner (e.g., ventral threaded receivers) for attaching deployment-specific equipment or hardware, such as network cable trays.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A main runner for use in a ceiling grid for a fabricated structure comprising:

a first end and an opposing second end, with an elongated body extending therebetween, said body having a cross-section comprising:
a hanger element generally in the configuration of a U-shape and having an open top end adapted to accept hardware for suspending said main runner from an overhead structure;
a main body element extending generally perpendicularly downward from a base of said U-shaped hanger;
a generally orthogonal I-shaped connecting element comprising:
a top element comprising a top side and an opposing bottom side, said top side of said top element connected generally perpendicularly to said main body element;
a middle element extending generally perpendicularly downward from said bottom side of said top element;
a bottom element comprising a top side and an opposing bottom side and a first distal end and an opposing second distal end, said top side of said bottom element connected generally perpendicularly to said middle element;
a first side element extending generally perpendicularly downward from said first distal end of said bottom element;
a second side element extending generally perpendicularly downward from said second distal end of said bottom element, said second side element being generally parallel with said first side element;
and
a base element connected generally perpendicularly to said first side element and said second side element;
wherein said bottom element, said first side element, said second side element, and said base element define a hollow interior cavity, and
wherein top element, said bottom element, and base element are each generally perpendicular to each of said main body element, said middle element, first side element, and said second side element.

10 more elements

A modular ceiling grid system comprising:

a plurality of main runners, each main runner in said plurality having a first end and an opposing second end, with an elongated body extending therebetween, said body having a cross-section comprising:
a hanger element generally in the configuration of a U-shape and having an open top end adapted to accept hardware for suspending said beam from an overhead structure;
a main body element extending generally perpendicularly downward from a base of said U-shaped hanger;
a generally orthogonal I-shaped connecting element comprising:
a top element comprising a top side and an opposing bottom side, said top side of said top element connected generally perpendicularly to said main body element;
a middle element extending generally perpendicularly downward from said bottom side of said top element;
a bottom element comprising a top side and an opposing bottom side and a first distal end and an opposing second distal end, said top side of said bottom element connected generally perpendicularly to said middle element;
a first side element extending generally perpendicularly downward from said first distal end of said bottom element;
a second side element extending generally perpendicularly downward from said second distal end of said bottom element, said second side element being generally parallel with said first side element;
and
a base element connected generally perpendicularly to said first side element and said second side element;
wherein said bottom element, said first side element, said second side element, and said base element define a hollow interior cavity, and
wherein top element, said bottom element, and base element are each generally perpendicular to each of said main body element, said middle element, first side element, and said second side element;
a plurality of cross-Ts, each cross-T in said plurality of cross-T's affixed to at least one main runner in said plurality of main runners to form a generally orthogonal ceiling grid system.

11 more elements

A method for installing a ceiling over a prefabricated or in-plant structure comprising:

providing a plurality of main runners, each main runner in said plurality having a first end and an opposing second end, with an elongated body extending therebetween, said body having a cross-section comprising:
a hanger element generally in the configuration of a U-shape and having an open top end adapted to accept hardware for suspending said beam from an overhead structure;
a main body element extending generally perpendicularly downward from a base of said U-shaped hanger;
a generally orthogonal I-shaped connecting element comprising:
a top element comprising a top side and an opposing bottom side, said top side of said top element connected generally perpendicularly to said main body element;
a middle element extending generally perpendicularly downward from said bottom side of said top element;
a bottom element comprising a top side and an opposing bottom side and a first distal end and an opposing second distal end, said top side of said bottom element connected generally perpendicularly to said middle element;
a first side element extending generally perpendicularly downward from said first distal end of said bottom element;
a second side element extending generally perpendicularly downward from said second distal end of said bottom element, said second side element being generally parallel with said first side element;
and
a base element connected generally perpendicularly to said first side element and said second side element;
wherein said bottom element, said first side element, said second side element, and said base element define a hollow interior cavity;
and
wherein top element, said bottom element, and base element are each generally perpendicular to each of said main body element, said middle element, first side element, and said second side element;
providing a plurality of cross-Ts;
and
affixing each cross-T in said plurality of cross-Ts to at least one main runner in said plurality of main runners to form a generally orthogonal ceiling grid system over a prefabricated structure.

14 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 17/462,934Filed 31 Aug 2021
Priority: 31 Aug 2020
Published: 3 Mar 2022
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification7 codes

E04B 9/067
Comprising supporting beams having a folded cross-section: with inverted T-shaped cross-section
E04B 9/02
Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation: having means for ventilation or vapour…
E04B 9/064
Characterised by constructional features of the supporting construction , e.g. cross section or material of framework members: comprising extruded…
E04B 9/127
Connections between non-parallel members of the supporting construction: one member being discontinuous and abutting against the other member

Family

Application17/008,036Continuation in part · filed 31 Aug 2020
Application17/462,934Continuation in part
US 11,459,753 B2Related patent
US 11,821,205 B2Related patent
US 2022/0064949 A1Published application
US 2022/0064950 A1This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.