Patent Application
20250043570
The present invention relates generally to suspended ceiling systems and more particularly to a hold-down clip for the suspended ceiling system that when installed exerts a continuous downward force on panels of the suspended ceiling to maintain the environmental integrity of a cleanroom.
Cleanrooms are areas in which particle concentration and environmental conditions are controlled within specified limits. The limits of the particle concentrations are normally set by the requirements of the process occurring within the space so that contamination of people, processes and equipment can be mitigated. A suspended ceiling system is commonly used in cleanrooms to provide access to utility lines, ductwork, and other infrastructure components above the ceiling while maintaining the environmental integrity of the engineered space below.
However, traditional suspended ceiling systems in clean rooms often face problems with stability and security. The panels used in these systems are susceptible to displacement or detachment due to vibrations caused by the cooling systems, equipment installation, and maintenance activities. The movement of the panels results in infiltration of contaminates into the engineered space and exposes sensitive equipment and infrastructure within the engineered space to environmental contaminates and/or potential damage.
Existing solutions for holding down suspended ceiling panels above engineered spaces have limitations. Adhesive tapes or glues are commonly used, but they are often messy, time-consuming to apply, and lack flexibility for repositioning or replacing panels. Mechanical fasteners and gaskets may also be used but can be challenging to install and may damage the panels or surrounding structures during installation or removal.
Accordingly, there is a need for a solution that provides a secure and reliable means of sealing a suspended ceiling panel that is easy to install and remove without affecting the environmental integrity of the engineered space. The disclosed invention is specifically designed to address the unique requirements and challenges with maintaining the environmental integrity of engineered spaces.
According to an embodiment of the invention, a hold down clip for a suspended ceiling system for maintaining the panel position to maintain the stability of the environment of the enclosure is disclosed. The clip is made of an elastic material (e.g., stainless steel) and has an engagement section that includes: (1) a top edge, (2) a first engagement side edge projecting downward from the top edge and defining at least a portion of an outer edge of a first tine terminating at a first point, (3) a second engagement side edge also projecting downward from the top edge and defining at least a portion of an outer edge of a second tine terminating at a second point, and (4) a louver element connected to the engagement section at a first louver end. An extension section projects outward from the top edge at a substantially perpendicular angle. The extension section includes a first extension side edge and opposite second extension side edge with an extension aperture located between the first extension side edge and the second extension side edge. A tongue section projects downward from the extension section at a bend line. The tongue section includes a first tongue side edge and opposite second tongue side edge. The tongue section also includes a curled section wherein a portion of the curled section projects below the first louver end.
In certain embodiments, the first engagement side edge and the second engagement side edge of the clip are substantially parallel. In other embodiments, the first extension side edge and the second extension side edge of the clip are substantially parallel. In further embodiments, the first extension side edge and the second extension side edge of the clip are substantially parallel.
In certain embodiments, at least one of the first engagement side edge or the second engagement side edge define a point of either the first tine or the second tine.
In certain embodiments, the louver element further includes at least one barb located between the first louver end and terminal louver end, the barb projecting outward from the louver element in the direction of the engagement section. In other embodiments, the louver element further comprises a second bend wherein the terminal louver end projects away from the engagement section.
In certain embodiments, the extension aperture projects into the tongue section.
In certain embodiments at least one of the first point or the second point is located below the louver terminal end.
In certain embodiments, the clip is incorporated into a suspended ceiling system where the clip attaches to a perimeter angle molding of the ceiling system at the engagement section and imparts a downward force on a panel of the ceiling system against the flange of the perimeter angle molding.
The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawing are not to scale. On the contrary, the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawing are the following figures:
The features and benefits of the disclosed pocket and adjustable trim pieces standoff for a suspended ceiling system are illustrated and described by reference to exemplary embodiments. The disclosure also includes the drawing, in which like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various figures that comprise the drawing. This description of exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawing, which is to be considered part of the entire written description. Accordingly, the disclosure expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features.
In the description of embodiments, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top,” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be construed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar terms refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both moveable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.
Referring to
The perimeter engagement section 200 includes: (1) a top edge 210, (2) a first engagement side edge 220 projecting downward from the top edge 210 and defining an outer side edge of a first tine 222, (3) a second engagement side edge 230 projecting downward from the top edge 210 and defining an opposite outer side edge of a second tine 224, and (4) a louver element 240 projecting outward from the perimeter engagement section 200 and away from the top edge 210.
In certain embodiments, the first engagement side edge 220 and the second engagement side edge 230 may both project downward from the top edge 210 forming an angle that is substantially perpendicular (e.g., a right angle) from top edge 210. In other embodiments, the first engagement side edge 220 and the second engagement side edge 230 may both project downward from the top edge 210 forming either: (1) an acute angle with the top edge 210, or (2) an obtuse angle with top edge 210. In other words, the engagement section may taper away from or towards the top edge 210 in a continuous straight line manner. In further embodiments, the first engagement side edge 220 and the second engagement side edge 230 may project downward from the top edge 210 at different angles. For example, the first engagement side edge 220 may form a substantially perpendicular angle with the top edge 210 while the second engagement side edge 230 may form an acute angle with the top edge 210.
The louver element 240 includes a first end 242 connected to the perimeter engagement section 200 a first bend 243 and an opposite terminal end 244. The louver element is adapted to engage perimeter angle molding 500. The louver element 240 may be punched out from the perimeter engagement section 200 thereby defining a louver aperture 246. The louver element 240 may include a third engagement side edge 248 closest to the first tine 222 and a fourth engagement side edge 249 closest to the second tine 224. In certain embodiments, such as depicted in
In certain embodiments, at least one barb 250 may project outward from the engagement side 248 in the direction of the perimeter engagement section 200 and may be adapted to engage with perimeter angle molding 500. In other embodiments, such as depicted in
In certain embodiments, the louver element 240 is adapted to apply a spring force onto the perimeter angle molding 500 in the direction of the perimeter engagement section 200 to assist in connecting the clip 100 to the perimeter angle molding 500. In applying such a spring force, the louver element 240 may initially projects in a direction away from the perimeter engagement section 200 and then at a first bend 243 project back in a direction either parallel to or back towards the perimeter engagement section 200.
In other embodiments, the louver element 240 may include a second bend 245 resulting in a terminal end 244 of the louver element 240 projecting away from the perimeter engagement section 200. Such a second bend 245 may assist in guiding the perimeter angle molding 500 towards engagement with the louver element 240.
As outlined above, the first tine 222 and the second tine 224 project downward from the top edge 210 with the first engagement side edge 220 defining the outer side edge of the first tine 222 and the second engagement side edge 230 defining the outer side edge of the second tine 224. Each tine terminates at a point 226 which extends further from the top edge 210 than the terminal end 244 of the louver element 240. For example, the point 226 may extend up to an inch further from the top edge 210 than the terminal end 244 of the louver element 240. The purpose of the tines is to pierce a self-healing membrane (e.g., caulk) that has been applied between a structural wall and perimeter angle molding 500 thereby maintaining the environmental stability of the engineered space.
In certain embodiments, the first and second engagement side edges 220, 230 do not terminate at the points 226 of the tines 222, 224. For example, such as depicted in
In certain embodiments the louvre element 240 may extend below the tines 222, 224. For example, the terminal end 244 of the louver element 240 may be about 0.05 inches below the point 226 of the tines 222, 224,
The extension section 300 includes: (1) an engagement surface 310, (2) a first extension side edge 320 projecting outward from the top edge 210 and defining an outer side edge of the engagement section 300, (3) a second extension side edge 330 projecting outward from the top edge 210 and defining an opposite outer side edge of the engagement section 300, and (4) optionally an extension aperture 340 located within the extension surface 310 and between the first extension side edge 320 and the second extension side edge 330.
In certain embodiments, the first extension side edge 320 and the second extension side edge 330 may both project outward downward from the top edge 210 forming an angle that is substantially perpendicular (e.g., a right angle) from top edge 210. In other embodiments, the first extension side edge 320 and the second extension side edge 330 may both project outward from the top edge 210 forming either: (1) an acute angle with the top edge 210, or (2) an obtuse angle with top edge 210. In other words, the extension section may taper away from or towards the top edge 210 in a continuous straight line manner. In further embodiments, the first extension side edge 320 and the second extension side edge 330 may project outward from the top edge 210 at different angles. For example, the first extension side edge 320 may form a substantially perpendicular angle with the top edge 210 while the second extension side edge 330 may form an acute angle with the top edge 210.
In certain embodiments, such as those depicted in
The tongue section 400 includes: (1) a tongue bend 410 on one edge with an opposite curled section 412 having a terminal edge 414, (2) a first tongue side edge 420 projecting outward from the tongue bend 410 and defining an outer side edge of the tongue section 400, (3) a second tongue side edge 430 projecting outward from the tongue bend 410 and defining an opposite outer side edge of the tongue section 400.
In certain embodiments, the first tongue side edge 420 and the second tongue side edge 430 may both project outward and downward from the tongue bend 410 forming an angle that is substantially perpendicular (e.g., a right angle) from the tongue bend 410. In other embodiments, the first tongue side edge 420 and the second tongue side edge 430 may both project outward from the tongue bend 410 forming either: (1) an acute angle with the tongue bend 410, or (2) an obtuse angle with the tongue bend 410. In other words, the extension section may taper away from or towards the tongue bend 410 in a continuous straight line manner. In further embodiments, the first tongue side edge 420 and the second tongue side edge 430 may project outward and downward the tongue bend 410 at different angles. For example, the first tongue side edge 420 may form a substantially perpendicular angle with the tongue bend 410 while the second tongue side edge 430 may form an acute angle with the tongue bend 410.
As outlined above, the clip 100 includes a curled section 412 opposite the tongue bend 410. The curled section 412 curls upwards from the tongue section 400 defining a trough. The purpose of the curled section 412 is to increase the surface area available to contact the panel 600.
In certain embodiments, the trough bottom of the curled section 412 is lower than the barb 250 of the louver element 240. For example, the trough of the curled section 412 may be about 0.1 inches below the barb 250 of the louver element 240. Indeed, the trough of the curled section 412 may be about 0.8 inches vertically below the top edge 210.
In certain embodiments, the disclosed hold down clip is attached to perimeter angle molding of the suspended ceiling system. Perimeter angle molding may also be referred to as perimeter trim or a perimeter channel. It is installed along the perimeter of the ceiling, where the ceiling tiles or panels meet the walls or other vertical surfaces.
Perimeter angle molding serves both functional and aesthetic purposes in suspended ceilings. It adds structural support, provides a neat finish to the edges, conceals the grid system, and can minimize air leakage from the below engineered space. Indeed, the molding may act as a support structure for the ceiling tiles or panels, helping to hold them in place and prevent sagging or displacement. Indeed, in certain embodiments, the suspended ceiling system may need to transition or connect with other types of surfaces, such as bulkheads, beams, or walls. Perimeter angle molding can be used to create a smooth transition and cover any gaps or joints between the suspended ceiling and these adjacent surfaces.
In certain embodiments, the perimeter engagement section 200 may be about 1 inch as measured vertically from the top edge 210 to the terminal end 244 of the louver element 240. In such embodiments the distance from the top edge 210 to the points 226 of the tines 222, 224 may be 0.96 inches. In such embodiments, the width of the extension section and tongue sections may be about 1.375 inches as measured from either the first extension side edge 320 to the second extension side edge 330 or from the first tongue side edge 420 to the second tongue side edge 430. Finally, the horizontal distance between the top edge 210 and the terminal edge 414 may be about 1.865 inches.
It will be understood that the clip 100 may be constructed from any bendable elastic material such as metals, polymers, or carbon fiber. In an exemplary embodiment, both the clip 100 is manufactured from stainless steel.
The material gauge from which the clip 100 may be constructed may be between approximately 0.01 inches and 0.2 inches. For example, the material gauge may be approximately 0.015 inches.
The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the invention should be taken as illustrating, rather than as limiting the present invention. As will be readily appreciated, numerous variations and combinations of the features set forth above can be utilized without departing from the present invention. Such variations are not regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such variations are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/530,822, filed on Aug. 4, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated in this application by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63530822 | Aug 2023 | US |
