INTEGRATED PERIMETER GAP

Abstract

A system comprising a wall-mount hook and a perimeter recess. The wall-mount hook attaches to a wall and includes a wall-contact portion having an upper and a lower portion, and an upward hook between the upper and lower portions of the wall-contact portion. The recess includes an upper portion attached to a first leg and a second leg at opposite ends of the downward-extending upper portion. The recess further includes a wall-bonding region comprising a downward hook and a flange on an outer surface of the recess. The first leg makes contact with the wall, the lower portion of the wall-contact portion engages with the flange of the wall-bonding region, and the downward hook of the wall-bonding region rests on the upward hook of the wall-mount hook.The connection between the wall mounting hook and the recess restricts the lateral and vertical movement of the recess.

Description

INTEGRATED PERIMETER GAP FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to roof systems and more particularly to a recess integrated into the perimeter of the roof system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Some ceiling systems include a truss support system suspended from an overhead structure (i.e., a suspended ceiling system) and comprise an arrangement of orthogonally intersecting longitudinal truss support members and lateral truss support members arranged in a fairly uniform pattern at regular intervals. The longitudinal and lateral truss support members define a plurality of truss openings configured to support individual ceiling panels. Mechanical and electrical fixtures (such as wiring, plumbing, etc.) can be conveniently routed concealed within the cavity or space formed above the truss support members and ceiling panels, making suspended ceiling systems a practical and popular ceiling option for residential, commercial, and industrial building spaces.

[0004] It is often desirable to create a recess along the perimeter of a suspended ceiling within which various components, including window blinds and cable management devices, can be installed. Traditionally, this detail is completed using struts and drywall materials, and the architect details this part of the building with little planning or determines it as construction progresses. As a result, ceiling light recesses are often unnecessarily complex and difficult to construct, and therefore very costly due to the added labor. Such perimeter recesses are also often unsuitable for use in areas where there is a risk of seismic activity.

[0005] Consequently, there is a need for perimeter gaps that offer predictable seismic performance as well as simple and economical installation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to one embodiment of the invention, a perimeter recess is provided, comprising an upper portion attached to a first leg and a second leg at opposite ends of the upper portion, and a wall-jointing region at the intersection of the first leg and the upper portion. The first leg and the second leg extend downward from the upper portion. The wall-jointing region includes a downward-facing hook and a flange on an outer surface of the perimeter recess. The perimeter recess may further include a plurality of protrusions on a surface QBQAnn / zznz / E / YiAi interior of the perimeter recess. The plurality of protrusions may include a screw hole and an upward-facing hook on the second leg for attaching a latch to the perimeter recess. The plurality of protrusions may include an upward-facing hook and a screw hole on the first leg for attaching a window blind to the perimeter recess. The plurality of protrusions may include a flange on the second arm and a screw hole in the upper portion for attaching a cable management device to the perimeter recess. The plurality of protrusions may include a plurality of screw holes on one or more of the upper portion, the first leg, and the second leg for attaching an end cap to the perimeter recess. The perimeter recess may further include a plurality of protrusions on the outside of the second leg for attaching a roof beam to the perimeter recess.The perimeter gap may also include a horizontal rim attached to the second leg.

[0007] According to another embodiment of the invention, a perimeter recess system is provided that includes a wall-mount hook and a perimeter recess. The wall-mount hook attaches to a wall and includes a wall-contact portion having an upper and a lower portion, and an upward-facing hook between the upper and lower portions of the wall-contact portion. The perimeter recess includes an upper portion attached to a first leg and a second leg at opposite ends of the upper portion, and a wall-attachment region. The first and second legs extend downward from the upper portion. The wall-attachment region includes a downward-facing hook and a flange on an outer surface of the perimeter recess.The first leg of the perimeter recess makes contact with the wall; the lower portion of the wall contact portion engages with the flange of the wall joint region, and the downward hook of the wall joint region rests on the upward hook of the wall mount. The connection between the wall mount and the perimeter recess restricts the lateral and vertical movement of the perimeter recess.

[0008] The perimeter recess system may further include a window blind having a downward hook and a lower arm, and the perimeter recess may further include an upward hook and a screw hole in the first leg. The downward hook of the window blind rests on the upward hook of the perimeter recess, and the lower arm is secured to the perimeter recess by means of a screw inserted into the screw hole in the first leg.

[0009] The perimeter recess system may further include a cable management device comprising a horizontal upper arm and a vertical lower arm, and the perimeter recess may further include a flange on the lower arm and a screw hole in the upper portion. The vertical lower arm rests on the flange, and the horizontal upper arm is secured to the perimeter recess by means of a screw inserted into the screw hole in the upper portion.

[0010] The perimeter hole system may further include a closure clasp that includes a horizontal portion and a downward-facing hook, and the perimeter hole may further include a downward-facing hook CAQAnn / zznz / E / YiAi above on the second leg. The downward hook of the latch rests on the upward hook on the second leg. The latch can be secured in the perimeter recess by means of a link that includes a first screw and a second screw at each end of the link. The first screw engages a screw hole in the latch and the second screw engages a screw hole on the inside of the second leg of the perimeter recess. Alternatively, the latch can be secured to the perimeter recess by means of a screw inserted through the second leg of the perimeter recess or above the upward hook. The screw prevents vertical movement of the latch. The latch can extend fully between the first and second legs, or only partially between the first and second legs.

[0011] The perimeter recess system may further include an end cap comprising an end plate secured to the perimeter recess by means of a plurality of screws inserted into a plurality of screw holes in one or more of the upper portion, the first leg, and the second leg. The end cap also includes a leg perpendicular to the end plate and a notch at the intersection of the end plate and the leg.

[0012] The perimeter opening system may also include a roof beam attached to the outside of the second leg of the perimeter opening by means of a connecting clip inserted between a plurality of protrusions on the outside of the second leg. The perimeter opening may also include a horizontal flange attached to the second leg. The roof beam rests on the horizontal flange. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, in accordance with common practice, the various features in the drawings are not to scale. Instead, the various features are arbitrarily enlarged or reduced for clarity. The drawings include the following figures:

[0014] Figure 1A is a side view of a perimeter hole according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure IB is a perspective view of the perimeter opening of Figure 1A, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2A is a side view of a wall-mount hook attached to a wall, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2B is a perspective view of the wall mount hook of Figure 2A, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 is a side view of the perimeter recess attached to the mounting hook of CAQAnn / zznz / E / YiAi wall, according to a modality of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 is a side view of the connection of a window blind and a cable management device within the perimeter recess, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5A is a side view of the joining of a closure clasp to the perimeter gap with a link, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5B is a perspective view of the clasp of Figure 5A, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5C is a side view of the joining of the closure clasp to the perimeter gap including an impression; according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5D is a side view of the securing of the locking clasp of Figure 5C with a screw screwed through the print, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6A is a side view of the joining of an end cap to the perimeter hole, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6B is a perspective view of the end cap of Figure 6A, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6C is a perspective view of another end cap, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6D is a perspective view of another end cap, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 7A is a side view of another perimeter opening attached to a roof beam, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 7B is a perspective view of the perimeter hole of Figure 7A, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7C is a perspective view of the perimeter hole of Figure 7A, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 8 is a perspective view of another perimeter hole, according to a modality of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Referring to Figures 1A-1B, a perimeter opening 100 is provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A shows a side view of the perimeter opening 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1B shows a three-dimensional view of the perimeter opening 100. As discussed in more detail below, the opening CAQAnn / zznz / E / YiAi Perimeter 100 can be attached to a wall around the perimeter of an integrated ceiling to provide an opening in which one or more additional components can be installed. These additional components may include, but are not limited to, lighting components such as lamps, recessed lighting, and emergency signage; window covering components such as blinds or curtains; and other accessories such as cable management guides. In a preferred embodiment, the Perimeter 100 opening, as well as the other components discussed below, may be made of extruded aluminum. However, it is understood that the components may also include other materials in addition to, or instead of, extruded aluminum, including other metals or plastics. For example, the Perimeter 100 opening may be made of extruded aluminum coated with a hot-dried polyester paint finish.

[0033] The perimeter opening 100 includes an upper portion 102 attached to a first leg 104 and a second leg 106 at opposite ends of the upper portion 102. The first leg 104 and the second leg 106 extend downward from the upper portion 102 and are preferably, but not necessarily, substantially parallel to the upper portion 102. The lower portion 108 of the perimeter opening 100 is open. As used in this document, the “inside” of the perimeter gap 100 is defined as the region between the first leg 104 and the second leg 106, and the “outside” of the perimeter gap 100 is any space that is not between the first leg 104 and the second leg 106, for example the space above the top portion 102, the space to the left of the first leg 104, and the space to the right of the second leg 106.Consequently, the inner surface of the perimeter hole 100 is the surface adjacent to the inside of the perimeter hole 100 and the outer surface of the perimeter hole 100 is the surface adjacent to the outside of the perimeter hole 100.

[0034] The first leg 104 joins to the upper portion 102 at a wall joining region 110. The wall joining region 110 includes a downward hook 112 and a flange 114 on the outer surface of the perimeter gap 100. As will be explained in further detail later, the joining region 110 allows the perimeter gap 100 to be easily attached to a wall while limiting horizontal and vertical movement after installation.

[0035] The interior of the perimeter recess 100 also includes an upward-facing hook 122 and a screw hole 124 for attaching a latch to cover the open bottom 108 of the perimeter recess 100. The operation of the upward-facing hook 122 and screw hole 124 for securing the latch is described in further detail later. The perimeter recess 100 also includes a plurality of screw holes 130 for attaching an end cap or cover to the perimeter recess 100. It is understood that the perimeter recess 100 may include any number of additional protrusions on the inside or outside of the perimeter recess 100, which are not shown, for attaching additional components to the perimeter recess 100. For example, a roof beam may be attached to the second leg 106, and a cable CAQAnn / zznz / E / YiAi pendant can be attached to the top portion 102 or the second leg 106.

[0036] The interior of the perimeter recess 100 may also include one or more additional pluralities of protrusions, also commonly referred to as bosses, for attaching components to the interior of the perimeter recess 100. For example, as described in further detail below, the plurality of protrusions 140 may be used to attach a window shutter element to the perimeter recess 100, and the plurality of protrusions 150 may be used to attach the cable management element to the perimeter recess 100.

[0037] Figures 2A-6D depict the installation of the perimeter hole 100 in a wall 200 and the installation of different components in the perimeter hole 100.

[0038] Referring to Figure 2A, a wall-mount hook 210 is attached to a wall 200 by means of a fastener 220, such as a nail or screw. The wall-mount hook 210 includes a wall-contact portion 212 that substantially fits the surface 202 of the wall 200 and an upward-facing hook 214. Figure 2B represents a perspective view of the wall-mount hook 210.

[0039] Referring to Figure 3, the perimeter gap 100 is joined to the wall-mount hook 210 by placing the downward hook 112 of the wall-mount hook 210 over the upward hook 214 of the wall-mount hook 210. The perimeter gap 100 is then rotated downward to bring the first leg 104 of the perimeter gap 100 into contact with the wall 200. Once the perimeter gap 100 is rotated into position, the lower portion 216 of the wall-contacting portion 212 is inserted into the flange 114. Once in position, the perimeter gap 100 is prevented from moving downward or away from the wall 200 by means of the upward hook 214 and the downward hook 212, and is prevented from moving upward by means of the flange 114. The restricted movement of the perimeter gap 100 allows a more stable connection between the wall 200 and the perimeter gap 100, particularly in the case of a seismic event (e.g., an earthquake) where horizontal or vertical disturbance of the perimeter opening 100 is more likely. Although not required, one or more additional fastening devices 300, such as screws or nails, may be used to attach the perimeter opening 100 to the wall 200.

[0040] Referring to Figure 4, once the perimeter opening 100 is attached to the wall 200, additional components can be attached to the inside of the perimeter opening 100, for example, a window blind 410 and a cable management device 420. It is understood that other components can be attached to the inside of the perimeter opening instead of, or in addition to, the window blind 410 and the cable management device 420. The window blind 410 and the cable management device 420 are attached to the plurality of protrusions 140 and 150, respectively. In the embodiment shown, the plurality of protrusions 140 includes an upward-facing hook 140a and a hole of CAQAnn / zznz / E / YiAi screw 140b. The window blind 410 includes a downward hook 412 that sits on the upward hook 140a. Once the window blind 410 is resting on the upward hook 140a, a lower arm 414 of the window blind 410 is attached to the screw hole 140b by means of a screw 416. The plurality of protrusions 150 includes a flange 150a and a screw hole 150b. A lower arm 424 of the cable management device 420 rests on the flange 150a, and the cable management device 420 is rotated into position, after which an upper arm 424 is attached to the screw hole 150b by means of a screw 426.

[0041] Referring to Figure 5A, once the components are installed within the perimeter recess 100, the lower portion 108 of the recess is at least partially closed by a locking latch 500. Figure 5B shows a perspective view of the locking latch 500. The locking latch 500 includes a horizontal portion 502, a downward hook 504, and a screw hole 506. Depending on the components installed in the perimeter recess 100, the horizontal portion 502 may extend fully or only partially between the first leg 104 and the second leg 106. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 5A, the window blind 410 includes a blind element 416 that extends beyond the inside of the perimeter recess 100. Consequently, the horizontal portion 502 extends only partially between the first leg 104 and the second leg 106 so as not to interfere with the shutter element 416.The latch is installed by hooking the downward hook 504 onto the upward hook 122 of the perimeter recess 100. The latch 500 can be further secured by means of a link 510 that is attached to the perimeter recess 100 by means of a first screw 512 that is screwed into screw hole 124 and a second screw 514 that is screwed into screw hole 506. In the event that an upward force dislodges the latch 500 from the upward hook 122, the link 510 will prevent the latch 500 from falling.

[0042] Referring to Figures 5C-5D, in an alternate embodiment, the locking mechanism may be secured by a screw instead of the link 510. In this embodiment, the perimeter gap 100 preferably includes an impression 126 above the upward hook 122, as shown in Figure 5C. A screw 516 is screwed through the second leg 106 into the impression 126 such that the shank of the screw 516 is above the downward hook 504 and the upward hook 122, thus preventing the locking clasp 500 and the perimeter gap 100 from separating. The impression 126 helps align the screw 516 for easier installation and ensures proper positioning of the screw 516 above the downward hook 504 and the upward hook 122.

[0043] Referring to Figure 6A, once the locking clasp 500 is attached to the perimeter gap 100, the perimeter gap 100 can be covered by means of an end cap 600 to CAQAnn / zznz / E / YiAi protect the components installed inside the perimeter recess 100. The end cap 600 is secured to the perimeter recess 100 by means of screws 616 which are screwed into the plurality of screw holes 130 (Figures 1A-1B). The end cap prevents interference with, and damage to, the components installed inside the perimeter recess 100, and also improves the visual appearance of the installed ceiling. Figure 6B shows a perspective view of the end cap 600. As can be seen in Figure 6B, the end cap 600 includes an end plate 602 which has a plurality of holes 606 that align with the screw holes 130 (Figures 1A-1B).

[0044] Referring to Figures 6C and 6D, in an alternative embodiment, the end cap 600 may be provided in both right-hand (Figure 6C) and left-hand (Figure 6D) configurations to cover each side of the perimeter opening 100. As can be seen in Figures 6D and 6C, the end cap 600 may further include a leg 604 that is perpendicular to the end plate 602. The end cap 600 may further include a notch 680 at the intersection of the end plate 602 and the leg 604 that allows the end cap 600 to sit flush with the perimeter opening 100.

[0045] Referring to Figures 7A-7C, another perimeter opening 700 may be provided, which includes additional external protrusions 702 for attaching a roof beam 710 to the perimeter opening 700. A connecting clip 720 may be inserted into the protrusions 702, and the roof beam 710 may be screwed into the connecting clip 720. For additional support and stability, the perimeter opening 700 may further include a flange 704 on which the roof beam 710 rests. Figure 7B shows a three-dimensional view of the perimeter opening 700. Figure 7C shows a perspective view of the perimeter opening 700 attached to the roof beam 710 by means of the connecting clip 720. Figure 8 shows an additional suitable perimeter opening 700 with another embodiment.

[0046] The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the invention is to be taken as illustrative, rather than limiting the present invention. As will be readily apparent, numerous variations and combinations of the features set forth above may be used without departing from the present invention. Such variations are not deemed to be outside the spirit and scope of the invention, and it is intended that all such variations are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A perimeter recess comprising: an upper portion attached to a first leg and a second leg at opposite ends of the upper portion; a lower portion opposite the upper portion; the first leg and the second leg extending downwards from the upper portion; both the first leg and the second leg having an inner surface and an opposite outer surface; the inner surface of the second leg having an upward-facing hook below a first screw hole that is closer to the lower portion than the upper portion; the upward-facing hook also being above a second screw hole; the outer surface of the second leg having an impression located between the upward-facing hook and the screw hole;a wall-jointing region at the intersection of the first leg and the upper portion, the wall-jointing region including a downward-facing hook and a flange on an outer surface of the perimeter recess; and a latch including a horizontal portion and a downward-facing hook, wherein the downward-facing hook of the latch rests on the upward-facing hook on the second leg of the perimeter recess.

2. The perimeter recess of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of protrusions on at least one of the inner surfaces of the first leg or the second leg.

3. The perimeter opening of claim 2, wherein the plurality of protrusions includes an upward-facing hook and a screw hole in the first leg adapted for attaching a window curtain to the perimeter opening.

4. The perimeter recess of claim 2, wherein the plurality of protrusions includes a flange on the second leg located above the first screw hole and the plurality of protrusions includes a third screw hole located at the intersection of the second leg and the upper portion and the third screw hole is adapted to attach a cable management device to the perimeter recess.

5. The perimeter recess of claim 2, wherein the plurality of protrusions includes a plurality of screw holes in one or more of the upper portion, the first leg, and the second leg adapted to attach a terminal cap to the perimeter recess.

6. The perimeter opening of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of protrusions on the outer surface of the second leg adapted to connect a roof beam to the perimeter opening.

7. The perimeter gap of claim 6, further comprising a horizontal flange attached to the second leg.

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