US3021929A - Access panel for tile ceilings - Google Patents
Access panel for tile ceilings Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US3021929A US3021929A US735403A US73540358A US3021929A US 3021929 A US3021929 A US 3021929A US 735403 A US735403 A US 735403A US 73540358 A US73540358 A US 73540358A US 3021929 A US3021929 A US 3021929A
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tile
- tiles
- frame
- panel
- ceiling
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
- E04B9/04—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation comprising slabs, panels, sheets or the like
- E04B9/0428—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation comprising slabs, panels, sheets or the like having a closed frame around the periphery
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
- E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
- E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
- E04F13/0867—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements having acoustic absorption means on the visible surface
Definitions
- This invention relates to ceilings made of tile, such as acoustic tile, and more particularly to access panel assemblies for such ceilings.
- the general object of this invention is to provide an access panel which can be installed as the ceiling is laid, without special framing, which produces a ceiling of smooth, unbroken appearance, and which is considerably less expensive than the access panel assemblies previously used.
- the panel consists, in general, of a frame of the same size as one or more of the tiles, having flanges which fit into the edge grooves of the surrounding tiles.
- a tile similar to those used in the rest of the ceiling is laid loosely on, and supported by, the frame.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an access panel constructed according to the invention, the tile portion of the panel being shown partly broken away;
- FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view, partly in cross-section, showing the panel assembled in a ceiling.
- the frame of the panel is square or rectangular and consists of four side pieces 10, 11, 12 and 13, joined together at the corners. These pieces are preferably made of Z-shaped sheet metal sections having inwardly projecting flanges a, 11a, 12a, 13a, and outwardly projecting flanges 10b, 11b, 12b, and 1317, respectively.
- a tile 14 rests on flanges 10a, 11a, 12a and 13a.
- the tiles used to form the ceiling are of a conventional type having edge grooves along all four edges, and are mounted on T-bars which are suspended in the usual way between each row of tiles to form the frame-work for the ceiling.
- bars 15 and 16 are two of these T-bars and have cross-pieces 15a and 16a, respectively. These bars run across the entire ceiling and are supported, for example, by conventional hangers (not shown).
- Tile 17 is one of the row of tiles mounted on the left side of bar 15, and tile 18 is one of the row of tiles mounted on the right side of bar 16.
- Tile 17 has a groove 19 in which the left side of cross-piece 15a is received, and tile 13 has a groove 20 in which the right side of cross-piece 16a is received.
- the flanges 10b and 12b are also received in grooves 20 and 19, respectively, along with the cross-pieces of the T-bars.
- another tile 21 which is in line with similar tiles 23 and 24 immediately behind tiles 17 and 18 respectively.
- Tile 21, like the other tiles, has grooves on all four edges, cross-pieces 15a and 16:: being received in the side grooves.
- Flange 11b of the frame is received in the groove along the front edge of tile 21.
- another tile (not shown) is mounted on cross-pieces 15a and 16a in front of the frame, and flange 13b is received in the groove along the rear edge of this tile. The frame is thus supported on all four sides by the four adjacent tiles.
- Tile 14 which rests loosely on flanges 10a, 11a, 12a, and 13a is a standard tile, initially of the same size as the surrounding tiles, with two of its edges cut off to the depth of the side grooves so that it will fit between T-bars 15 and 16. To open the panel after the ceiling is installed, tile 14 is lifted and moved to one side.
- an access panel of this type can be inserted, wherever desired, in place of a regular tile.
- the panel is of the same size as the permanent tiles and can be fitted in exactly, without any cutting or fitting of the surrounding tiles.
- the exposed frame flanges 10a, 11a, 12a, and are relatively narrow, for example, about inches for a 12 inch x 12 inch panel, and the frame can be painted, either before or after installation, to match the tile.
- the tile 14 matches the surrounding tiles and the panel is practically indistinguishable from the permanent tiles.
- the frame can be made in various proportions to fit in with tiles of various sizes. If it is necessary to provide an access opening larger than that afforded by a single tile, the frame can be elongated to accommodate two tiles similar to tile 14.
- an access panel comprising a quadrilateral frame having outwardly projecting flanges received in the edge grooves of the adjacent tiles supported on the portions below the grooves, said outwardly projecting flanges supporting said frame, and said frame also having inwardly projecting flanges defining an opening, and a panel tile larger than said opening loosely supported on said inwardly projecting flanges.
- an access panel comprising a quadrilateral frame disposed between two of said bars and having oppositely disposed outwardly projecting flanges received in the edge grooves of two adjacent tiles along with the supporting members of said two bars, said outwardly extending flanges being supported by said portions of the two adjacent tiles and supporting said frame, said frame also having inwardly projecting flanges defining an opening, and a panel tile larger than said opening supported loosely on said inwardly projecting flanges.
- an access panel comprising a quadrilateral frame disposed in one of said rows, said frame being composed of four Z-shaped sections each having an outwardly extending flange and an inwardly extending flange,
- said outwardly extending flanges being supported by the portions below the grooves of the respective adjacent tiles and supporting said frame, said inwardly projecting flanges defining an opening, and a panel tile larger than said opening loosely supported on said inwardly projecting 1 flanges;
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Finishing Walls (AREA)
Description
Feb. 20, 1962 G. CARLIN ET AL 3,021,929
ACCESS PANEL FOR TILE CEILINGS Filed May 15, 1958 If? 3 X /9 lZb Z 53 //a //5 m /0 m5 510 E19. EL.
3,021,929 ACCEQS PANEL FOR THE. CEiLiNGS Kenneth G. Carlin, 16 E. Cottage St. (Dorchester District), Boston, Mass, and Herbert W. Griffin, 4037 Washington St. (Roslindale District), Boston, Mass.
Filed May 15, 1958, Ser. No. 735,403 4 Claims. (Cl. 189-85) This invention relates to ceilings made of tile, such as acoustic tile, and more particularly to access panel assemblies for such ceilings.
According to present practice, when it is necessary to provide for access to wiring or piping above a tile ceiling, a prefabricated panel assembly is installed. These assemblies are rather costly and require special framing. The panels differ in appearance from the tile and often do not correspond in size. Furthermore, the framing for the access panel must be installed before the ceiling is laid, and consequently, the tile must be cut and fitted around this framework.
The general object of this invention is to provide an access panel which can be installed as the ceiling is laid, without special framing, which produces a ceiling of smooth, unbroken appearance, and which is considerably less expensive than the access panel assemblies previously used. Other advantages and novel features of the invention will be apparent from the following description.
The panel consists, in general, of a frame of the same size as one or more of the tiles, having flanges which fit into the edge grooves of the surrounding tiles. A tile similar to those used in the rest of the ceiling is laid loosely on, and supported by, the frame.
In the drawings illustrating the invention:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an access panel constructed according to the invention, the tile portion of the panel being shown partly broken away; and
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view, partly in cross-section, showing the panel assembled in a ceiling.
The frame of the panel is square or rectangular and consists of four side pieces 10, 11, 12 and 13, joined together at the corners. These pieces are preferably made of Z-shaped sheet metal sections having inwardly projecting flanges a, 11a, 12a, 13a, and outwardly projecting flanges 10b, 11b, 12b, and 1317, respectively. A tile 14 rests on flanges 10a, 11a, 12a and 13a.
The tiles used to form the ceiling are of a conventional type having edge grooves along all four edges, and are mounted on T-bars which are suspended in the usual way between each row of tiles to form the frame-work for the ceiling. In FIG. 2, for example, bars 15 and 16 are two of these T-bars and have cross-pieces 15a and 16a, respectively. These bars run across the entire ceiling and are supported, for example, by conventional hangers (not shown). Tile 17 is one of the row of tiles mounted on the left side of bar 15, and tile 18 is one of the row of tiles mounted on the right side of bar 16. Tile 17 has a groove 19 in which the left side of cross-piece 15a is received, and tile 13 has a groove 20 in which the right side of cross-piece 16a is received.
The flanges 10b and 12b are also received in grooves 20 and 19, respectively, along with the cross-pieces of the T-bars. At the rear of the frame is another tile 21, which is in line with similar tiles 23 and 24 immediately behind tiles 17 and 18 respectively. Tile 21, like the other tiles, has grooves on all four edges, cross-pieces 15a and 16:: being received in the side grooves. Flange 11b of the frame is received in the groove along the front edge of tile 21. In a similar manner, another tile (not shown) is mounted on cross-pieces 15a and 16a in front of the frame, and flange 13b is received in the groove along the rear edge of this tile. The frame is thus supported on all four sides by the four adjacent tiles.
During the installation of the ceiling, an access panel of this type can be inserted, wherever desired, in place of a regular tile. The panel is of the same size as the permanent tiles and can be fitted in exactly, without any cutting or fitting of the surrounding tiles. The exposed frame flanges 10a, 11a, 12a, and are relatively narrow, for example, about inches for a 12 inch x 12 inch panel, and the frame can be painted, either before or after installation, to match the tile. The tile 14 matches the surrounding tiles and the panel is practically indistinguishable from the permanent tiles.
The frame can be made in various proportions to fit in with tiles of various sizes. If it is necessary to provide an access opening larger than that afforded by a single tile, the frame can be elongated to accommodate two tiles similar to tile 14.
The elimination of special framing around the construction opening not only eliminates discrepancies in alignment of the panel with the ceiling tiles, but also substantially reduces the cost of the installation. The only expense involved in installing the panel is the cost of the frame itself, which is a comparatively inexpensive item. The tile which is to go in the frame can be readily cut on the job from one of the ceiling tiles, and it is thus possible to provide a matching access panel for tiles of any pattern or color.
What is claimed is:
1. In a ceiling assembly composed of tiles having edge grooves and portions below said grooves; an access panel comprising a quadrilateral frame having outwardly projecting flanges received in the edge grooves of the adjacent tiles supported on the portions below the grooves, said outwardly projecting flanges supporting said frame, and said frame also having inwardly projecting flanges defining an opening, and a panel tile larger than said opening loosely supported on said inwardly projecting flanges.
2. An access panel as described in claim 1, said ceiling tiles and said frame being of a size based on a common module equal to one of the ceiling tiles.
3. In a ceiling assembly composed of quadrilateral tiles having edge grooves and portions below said grooves and arranged in rows, and supporting bars disposed one between adjacent rows, each bar having tile supporting members received in the edge grooves of the adjacent tiles: an access panel comprising a quadrilateral frame disposed between two of said bars and having oppositely disposed outwardly projecting flanges received in the edge grooves of two adjacent tiles along with the supporting members of said two bars, said outwardly extending flanges being supported by said portions of the two adjacent tiles and supporting said frame, said frame also having inwardly projecting flanges defining an opening, and a panel tile larger than said opening supported loosely on said inwardly projecting flanges.
4. In a ceiling assembly composed of quadrilateral tiles having edge grooves and portions below said grooves on all four sides and arranged in rows, and supporting bars disposed one between adjacent rows, each bar having tile supporting members received in the edge grooves of the adjacent tiles: an access panel comprising a quadrilateral frame disposed in one of said rows, said frame being composed of four Z-shaped sections each having an outwardly extending flange and an inwardly extending flange,
adjacent tiles in the same row as said frame, said outwardly extending flanges being supported by the portions below the grooves of the respective adjacent tiles and supporting said frame, said inwardly projecting flanges defining an opening, and a panel tile larger than said opening loosely supported on said inwardly projecting 1 flanges;
References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Venzie Apr. 4, 1939 Dunbar Nov. 16, 1943 Church July 30, 1957 Merlino Oct. 7, 1958 Jacobsen et al Apr. 21, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain Oct. 12, 1943 Canada Apr. 1, 1958
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US735403A US3021929A (en) | 1958-05-15 | 1958-05-15 | Access panel for tile ceilings |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US735403A US3021929A (en) | 1958-05-15 | 1958-05-15 | Access panel for tile ceilings |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US3021929A true US3021929A (en) | 1962-02-20 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US735403A Expired - Lifetime US3021929A (en) | 1958-05-15 | 1958-05-15 | Access panel for tile ceilings |
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Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3710520A (en) * | 1971-02-17 | 1973-01-16 | S Federowicz | Utility frame for suspended ceiling construction |
US4761920A (en) * | 1986-01-24 | 1988-08-09 | Profilex Limited | Loft hatch frames |
US5369931A (en) * | 1993-02-18 | 1994-12-06 | Inner Fit Enterprises, Inc. | Louver frame, and method of installation of a louver in the frame |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2153320A (en) * | 1935-11-05 | 1939-04-04 | Veco Corp | Building construction |
GB556595A (en) * | 1942-04-21 | 1943-10-12 | Frederick Braby & Company Ltd | Improvements in and relating to metal frames for windows and the like |
US2334484A (en) * | 1939-07-06 | 1943-11-16 | Johns Manville | Acoustical assembly |
US2800965A (en) * | 1953-07-09 | 1957-07-30 | Benjamin Electric Mfg Co | Light-transmitting plastic sheet panels |
CA555365A (en) * | 1958-04-01 | Insulation Fabricators Limited | Grid construction for suspended ceiling | |
US2854706A (en) * | 1956-01-10 | 1958-10-07 | Merlino Joseph | Ceiling construction |
US2882558A (en) * | 1954-05-18 | 1959-04-21 | Arthur L Jacobson | Suspension of ceiling tile |
-
1958
- 1958-05-15 US US735403A patent/US3021929A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CA555365A (en) * | 1958-04-01 | Insulation Fabricators Limited | Grid construction for suspended ceiling | |
US2153320A (en) * | 1935-11-05 | 1939-04-04 | Veco Corp | Building construction |
US2334484A (en) * | 1939-07-06 | 1943-11-16 | Johns Manville | Acoustical assembly |
GB556595A (en) * | 1942-04-21 | 1943-10-12 | Frederick Braby & Company Ltd | Improvements in and relating to metal frames for windows and the like |
US2800965A (en) * | 1953-07-09 | 1957-07-30 | Benjamin Electric Mfg Co | Light-transmitting plastic sheet panels |
US2882558A (en) * | 1954-05-18 | 1959-04-21 | Arthur L Jacobson | Suspension of ceiling tile |
US2854706A (en) * | 1956-01-10 | 1958-10-07 | Merlino Joseph | Ceiling construction |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3710520A (en) * | 1971-02-17 | 1973-01-16 | S Federowicz | Utility frame for suspended ceiling construction |
US4761920A (en) * | 1986-01-24 | 1988-08-09 | Profilex Limited | Loft hatch frames |
US5369931A (en) * | 1993-02-18 | 1994-12-06 | Inner Fit Enterprises, Inc. | Louver frame, and method of installation of a louver in the frame |
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