Patent Grant
10526784
The present invention relates in general to ceilings and, in particular, to a system and apparatus for a yoke structure in a ceiling suspension.
As shown in
The support members for the ceiling system interconnect to form a ceiling suspension. The ceiling suspension may be suspended with wires or hangers 27 from a roof or floor support structure (not shown) in a building. The main runners 23, cross tees 25 and wall angle 26 may be substantially perpendicular, such that the ceiling suspension forms an orthogonal grid for supporting drywall panels (e.g., gypsum panels; not shown) below flanges 35 or ceiling tiles 29 above flanges 35, as is known by those of ordinary skill in the art. The panels or tiles are supported by the ceiling suspension to form a more aesthetically appealing ceiling beneath the usually less appealing exposed structure of a building.
Conventional ceiling suspensions also support various other auxiliary components, such as light fixtures and ventilation conduits. These components must be circumvented by the grid, while maintaining the structural integrity of the ceiling suspension. Typically, a two-piece yoke structure spans the component being circumvented. For example, one type of yoke is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,615,947. Although that yoke and other yoke designs exist in the market and are feasible, improvements in yoke structures for ceiling suspension systems continue to be of interest.
Embodiments of a system, method and apparatus for a yoke structure for a ceiling suspension are disclosed. For example, the yoke may include a yoke body having an upper end configured to be mounted only to another yoke, or to an extension mounted to said another yoke. The yoke body may have a lower end having a first mount configured to be mounted to a first ceiling support member (CSM), and a second mount configured to be mounted to a second CSM that differs from the first CSM. In one version, no portion of the yoke body extends through any portion of the first CSM and the second CSM.
In another embodiment, a yoke may include at least one of a first mount and a second mount to be configured to mount to both sides of a respective CSM, including both sides of a bulb and both sides of a web of the respective CSM.
Some versions of a yoke for a ceiling suspension may include an upper end of a yoke body that may be directly connected to only a first mount of the yoke body. In addition, second mount of the yoke body may be directly connected to the first mount, but not to the upper end of the yoke body.
Still another embodiment of a yoke may include first and second mounts that are configured to face each other on facing sides of a first CSM and a second CSM, respectively.
Yet another version of a yoke for a ceiling suspension may include first and second mounts. In this embodiment, at least one of upper edges and lower edges of the first and second mounts may be substantially co-planar with each other.
Embodiments of a yoke system for a ceiling suspension may include a grid having a plurality of ceiling support members (CSM), and a ceiling component located in a discontinuity of the grid between at least two of the CSM. Examples of the yoke system may include a pair of yokes configured to be mounted directly to each other and to the grid for reinforcing the grid across the discontinuity. The pair of yokes may be configured to circumvent the ceiling component by going directly over a top of the ceiling component. Embodiments of each yoke may include at least one of the following: no portion of the yoke is configured to extend through any portion of a CSM; first and second mounts, at least one of which is configured to mount to both sides of a respective CSM, including both sides of a bulb and both sides of a web of the respective CSM; an upper end and two mounts, wherein the upper end is directly connected to only one of the mounts, and the other of the mounts is directly connected to said only one of the mounts but not to the upper end; first and second mounts are configured to face each other on facing sides of respective CSM; and first and second mounts, each with upper and lower edges, and wherein at least one of the upper edges of the first and second mounts and the lower edges of the first and second mounts are substantially co-planar with each other.
Embodiments of a yoke assembly for a ceiling suspension may include a pair of yokes mounted directly to each other and to the grid for reinforcing the grid across the discontinuity. The pair of yokes circumvent the ceiling component by going directly over a top of the ceiling component. Examples of each yoke may include at least one of the following: no portion of the yoke extends through any portion of a CSM; first and second mounts, at least one of which is mounted to both sides of a respective CSM, including both sides of a bulb and both sides of a web of the respective CSM; an upper end and two mounts, wherein the upper end is directly connected to only one of the mounts, and the other of the mounts is directly connected to said only one of the mounts but not to the upper end; first and second mounts that face each other on facing sides of respective CSM; and first and second mounts, each with upper and lower edges, and wherein at least one of the upper edges of the first and second mounts and the lower edges of the first and second mounts are substantially co-planar with each other.
The foregoing and other objects and advantages of these embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.
So that the manner in which the features and advantages of the embodiments are attained and can be understood in more detail, a more particular description may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. However, the drawings illustrate only some embodiments and therefore are not to be considered limiting in scope as there may be other equally effective embodiments.
The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.
Embodiments of a system, method and apparatus for a yoke structure for a ceiling suspension are disclosed. For example, as depicted in
Embodiments of the lower end 45 of the yoke body may include a first mount 47 and a second mount 49. Versions of the first mount 47 may be configured to be mounted to a first CSM 51. Versions of the second mount 49 may be configured to be mounted to a second CSM 53 that differs from the first CSM 51. In addition, embodiments of the yoke 41 may include no portion of the yoke body that extends through any portion of the first CSM 51 and the second CSM 53.
Versions of the yoke 41 may be configured to be attached adjacent to an intersection of the first CSM 51 and the second CSM 53. In addition, an example of the yoke 41 may not be configured to extend over an intersection between other CSM 52, 54 (
Embodiments of the yoke 41 may be configured to not attach to and not structurally support a ceiling component 61 (
As illustrated in the drawings, the upper end 43 of the yoke body may be generally L-shaped and integrally formed with the first and second mounts 47, 49 from sheet metal. Examples of the first and second mounts 47, 49 can be oriented in different directions, such as the substantially perpendicular directions shown. Versions of the first and second mounts 47, 49 can be substantially identical to each other. One of the first and second mounts 47, 49 can be offset from the upper end 43 of the yoke 41. For example, the version illustrated second mount 49 is offset from upper end 43 with a flange 55 that protrudes from upper end 43. 19. Thus, the yoke 41 may be configured to be directly connected to both of the first and second mounts 47, 49.
In some examples of the yoke 41, at least one of the first and second mounts 47, 49 may be configured to mount to only one side of a respective CSM 51, 53. As shown in
Embodiments of the yoke 41 may include both of the first and second mounts 47, 49 being configured to be mounted to a top 63 of a respective CSM 51, 53. Some versions of the first and second mounts 47, 49 may be configured to face each other on facing sides of the first and second CSM 51, 53, respectively, as shown. In other versions, upper edges 67 of the first and second mounts 47, 49 can be substantially co-planar with each other. Embodiments of lower edges 69 of the first and second mounts 47, 49 can be substantially co-planar with each other.
In some embodiments, the upper end 143 of the yoke 141 may be directly connected to only one of the mounts 147, 149. For example, the upper end 143 can be directly connected to only the first mount 147, but not to the second mount 149. Versions of yoke 141 may include directly connecting the first and second mounts 147, 149 with a rigid flange 155 (
An alternate embodiment of yoke 41 or yoke 141 may further comprise a third mount (not shown). For example, the third mount may be located opposite the second mount 47, 147, respectively. The second mount 49, 149 and the third mount can be substantially perpendicular to the first mount 47, 149, respectively. In such embodiments, the lower end 45, 145 of the yoke 41, 141, respectively can be generally T-shaped.
Embodiments of a yoke system and a yoke assembly for a ceiling suspension also are disclosed. For example, the ceiling suspension may include a grid comprising a plurality of CSM 151-154 (
Still other versions may include one or more of the following embodiments:
A yoke for a ceiling suspension system, the yoke comprising: a yoke body having an upper end configured to be mounted only to another yoke, or to an extension mounted to said another yoke, a lower end of the yoke body comprising a first mount configured to be mounted to a first ceiling support member (CSM) and a second mount configured to be mounted to a second CSM that differs from the first CSM, and wherein no portion of the yoke body extends through any portion of the first CSM and the second CSM.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein the upper end of the yoke body is generally L-shaped and integrally formed with the first and second mounts from sheet metal.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein the first and second mounts are substantially identical to each other.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein the first and second mounts differ from each other.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein the first and second mounts are oriented in different directions.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein the first and second mounts are substantially perpendicular to each other.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein one of the first and second mounts is offset from the upper end of the yoke.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein at least one of the first and second mounts is configured to mount to both sides of a respective CSM, including both sides of a bulb and both sides of a web of the respective CSM.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein at least one of the first and second mounts is configured to mount to only one side of a respective CSM, including only one side of a bulb and only one side of a web of the respective CSM.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein both of the first and second mounts are configured to mount to only one side of a respective CSM, such that each of the first and second mounts substantially follows a contour of a bulb and a web of the respective CSM.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein both of the first and second mounts are configured to mount to a top of a respective CSM.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein the first mount is one-sided and configured to engage a top, only one side of a bulb and only one side of a web of the first CSM, and the second mount is two-sided and configured to engage a top, both sides of a bulb and both sides of a web of the second CSM.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein the yoke is configured to not attach to and not structurally support a ceiling component.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein the ceiling component comprises a light fixture or a ventilation conduit.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein the yoke is not a seismic separation joint clip.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein the yoke is configured to be attached adjacent to an intersection of the first CSM and the second CSM, and the yoke is not configured to extend over an intersection between other CSM.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein the first and second mounts are configured to only rest against respective CSM.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein at least one of the first and second mounts is configured to be fastened to a respective CSM with at least one fastener.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein the yoke is directly connected to both of the mounts.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein the yoke is directly connected to only one of the mounts, and the other of the mounts is directly connected to said only one of the mounts but not to the upper end.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein each CSM comprises a main beam, a runner, a cross-tee or a wall support member.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, further comprising a third mount located opposite the second mount, the second and third mounts are substantially perpendicular to the first mount, such that the lower end of the yoke is generally T-shaped.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein the first and second mounts are configured to face each other on facing sides of the first and second CSM, respectively.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein upper edges of the first and second mounts are substantially co-planar with each other.
The yoke of any of these embodiments, wherein lower edges of the first and second mounts are substantially co-planar with each other.
A yoke for a ceiling suspension system, the yoke comprising:
a yoke body having an upper end configured to be mounted only to another yoke, or to an extension mounted to said another yoke, a lower end comprising a first mount configured to be mounted to a first ceiling support member (CSM) and a second mount configured to be mounted to a second CSM that differs from the first CSM; and
at least one of the first and second mounts is configured to mount to both sides of a respective CSM, including both sides of a bulb and both sides of a web of the respective CSM.
A yoke for a ceiling suspension system, the yoke comprising:
a yoke body having an upper end configured to be mounted only to another yoke, or to an extension mounted to said another yoke, a lower end comprising a first mount configured to be mounted to a first ceiling support member (CSM) and a second mount configured to be mounted to a second CSM that differs from the first CSM; and
the upper end of the yoke is directly connected to only one of the mounts, and the other of the mounts is directly connected to said only one of the mounts but not to the upper end.
A yoke for a ceiling suspension system, the yoke comprising: a yoke body having an upper end configured to be mounted only to another yoke, or to an extension mounted to said another yoke, a lower end comprising a first mount configured to be mounted to a first ceiling support member (CSM) and a second mount configured to be mounted to a second CSM that differs from the first CSM; and the first and second mounts are configured to face each other on facing sides of the first and second CSM, respectively.
A yoke for a ceiling suspension system, the yoke comprising: a yoke body having an upper end configured to be mounted only to another yoke, or to an extension mounted to said another yoke, a lower end comprising a first mount configured to be mounted to a first ceiling support member (CSM) and a second mount configured to be mounted to a second CSM that differs from the first CSM; and at least one of upper edges and lower edges of the first and second mounts are substantially co-planar with each other.
A yoke system for a ceiling suspension having a grid comprising a plurality of ceiling support members (CSM), a ceiling component located in a discontinuity of the grid between at least two of the CSM, the yoke system comprising: a pair of yokes configured to be mounted directly to each other and to the grid for reinforcing the grid across the discontinuity, wherein the pair of yokes are configured to circumvent the ceiling component by going directly over a top of the ceiling component; and each yoke comprises at least one of the following:
A yoke assembly for a ceiling suspension having a grid comprising a plurality of ceiling support members (CSM), a ceiling component located in a discontinuity of the grid between at least two of the CSM, the yoke assembly comprising: a pair of yokes mounted directly to each other and to the grid for reinforcing the grid across the discontinuity, wherein the pair of yokes circumvent the ceiling component by going directly over a top of the ceiling component; and each yoke comprises at least one of the following:
This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments, including the best mode, and also to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity may not be required, and that one or more further activities may be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order in which they are performed.
In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of invention.
As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).
Also, the use of “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.
Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.
After reading the specification, skilled artisans will appreciate that certain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, references to values stated in ranges include each and every value within that range.
This Application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/352,370, entitled “SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR A YOKE STRUCTURE IN A CEILING SUSPENSION,” by Robin CZYZEWICZ et al., filed Jun. 20, 2016, which is assigned to the current assignee hereof and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
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