1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a ceiling system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a readily reconfigurable ceiling system that supports various functional elements e.g., power and data delivery elements in a highly organized manner.
2. Background Art
In the space above the head of a worker, conventional drop-down ceiling panels have been used to conceal various functional structures. These ceiling panels have also been implemented for various aesthetic purposes. Generally, these ceilings include runners and interconnecting cross-members which support a plurality of ceiling tiles. The ceiling tiles define a space between the architectural ceiling which can accommodate various functional elements such as power and data elements. These functional elements can be independently routed and structurally attached to the ceiling of a building. This independent routing of these elements can lead to a disorganized arrangement of these functional elements. Moreover, these arrangements of elements may vary from building to building. As a result, easy access to a particular functional element can be cumbersome. Moreover, these disorganized arrangements are not readily reconfigurable to respond to the changing needs of the building occupants.
There continues to be a need to provide a ceiling system that can readily respond to the changing needs of building occupants. In addition, a ceiling system is needed that can minimize infrastructure and create a more economical and “green” environment. Lastly, the use of new technologies now requires that new functional elements, e.g., wireless communications elements, be implemented in the ceiling environment or that previous elements be replaced. Yet, many previous ceiling systems failed to readily accommodate such new technologies or the replacement of outdated functional elements.
The present invention is directed to an improved ceiling system that supports various functional elements in a highly organized and aesthetic manner.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a ceiling system for the delivery of utilities to a workspace is provided. A plurality of anchors is connected to a ceiling of a workspace. The anchors are arranged to form a grid. A plurality of substantially vertically extending support members is attached to the anchors. The support members are adapted to support a plurality of utilities and a ceiling member.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method for the delivery of utilities in an open plan work environment is provided. The method includes securing a plurality of anchors to a ceiling of a work environment. The anchors are arranged to form a grid. A plurality of support members is connected to at least some of the anchors. Data cabling is connected to at least some of the support members at a substantially uniform data point along the support members. Power cabling is connected to at least some of the support members at a substantially uniform power point along the support members. A ceiling panel is connected to at least some of the support members.
As used herein the term “connected to” is intended to be interpreted broadly and to include direct and indirect connections.
The present invention, together with attendant objects and advantages, will be best understood with reference to the detailed description below in connection with the attached drawings.
The invention is described with reference to the drawings in which like elements are referred to by like numerals. The relationship and functioning of the various elements of this invention are better understood by the following detailed description. However, the embodiments of this invention as described below are by way of example only, and the invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. It should also be understood that the drawings are not to scale and in certain instances details have been omitted which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention, such as conventional details of fabrication and assembly. In addition, like elements have been numbered identically in the different embodiments.
Referring now to the drawings and initially to
With reference to
A suspension cable 36 is connected to the curved portion 46 of the anchor 34 and extends downward therefrom. In a preferred embodiment, the suspension cable 36 is a twisted steel cable adapted to support a load of at least 500 lbs. The suspension cable 36 passes through a centering cap 50 connected to the support tube 38. In a preferred embodiment, the support tube 38 is formed from a steel material. The support tube 38 includes a plurality of apertures 52 aligned along the length of the support tube 38. The apertures 52 are preferably cross-drilled to provide apertures around the support tube 38 at ninety degree angles to one another. The apertures 52 extend along the length of the support tube and around the support tube 36 in order to provide a range of positions for connection to utility or support elements. A set screw 56 secures the support tube 38 in a desired location along the suspension cable 36. In particular, depending on the top surface or architectural ceiling and the type of utility being supported, the support tube 38 may need to be positioned at different locations along the suspension cable 36.
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During installation of the ceiling system 10, a worker would lay a matrix of grid anchors 34 on the top surface or ceiling above the workspace. Depending upon the desired location and arrangement of the ceiling system 10, an installer would connect support members 30 as necessary to provide the ceiling system 10 in the desired location. By laying a matrix, additional support members 30 may be easily provided as needed. In addition, in the event the occupants of a building desire a different use for the workspace, the matrix allows installers to readily reconfigure the ceiling system 10 as necessary.
The embodiments described above and shown herein are illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description and attached drawings. The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, other adjustment mechanisms may be used with the partitions of the present invention. In addition, the particular shapes of the partition members could be varied while still achieving the required functionality. Accordingly, these and any other changes which come within the scope of the claims are intended to be embraced herein.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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60370362 | Apr 2002 | US | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/US03/10650 | 4/4/2003 | WO | 4/19/2005 |