Architectural Fixture Connection System

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/135,983, filed Apr. 18, 2023, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/863,949, filed Apr. 30, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,634,906, granted Apr. 25, 2023, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Fixtures have conventionally provided only horizontally oriented surfaces or vertically oriented planar segments.

Co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,053 discloses systems and methods for supported architectural designs. Co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 8,782,987 discloses supported architectural structures.

There is a need for new types of acoustical ceiling and wall architectural fixtures. There is a further need for an improved architectural fixture providing sound-absorption. There is an additional need for an improved architectural fixture that provides a modular construction. There is also a need for an improved architectural fixture that provides improved connection between components of the fixture. There is a need for an improved architectural fixture that provides for various configurations of the fixture. There is a further need for an improved architectural fixture that provides routing and/or support for various objects. There is an additional need for a holder that is easier to manufacture, assemble, adjust, and maintain. The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other related advantages.

An architectural fixture described herein provides sound-absorption. An architectural fixture described herein provides a modular construction. An architectural fixture described herein provides improved connection between components of the fixture. An architectural fixture described herein provides for various configurations of the fixture. An architectural fixture described herein provides routing and/or support for various objects. An architectural fixture described herein provides easier manufacture, assembly, adjustment, and maintenance.

In one aspect, the invention may be an architectural fixture assembly comprising: a plurality of first beams and a plurality of second beams configured to be coupled together to form a first lattice assembly, each of the plurality of first beams being elongated between a first end and a second end along a first beam axis and comprising an interior portion that is open at the first end; a plurality of first connectors, each of the plurality of first connectors comprising a first portion configured to be located within the interior portion of one of the plurality of first beams and a second portion that is configured to protrude from the first end of the one of the plurality of first beams; and a plurality of third beams, each of the plurality of third beams comprising a first end and an interior portion that is open at the first end, wherein the second portion of each of the plurality of first connectors is configured to be located within the interior portion of one of the plurality of third beams to couple the plurality of third beams to the first lattice assembly.

In another aspect, the invention may be an architectural fixture assembly comprising: a plurality of first beams and a plurality of second beams that are configured to be coupled together to form a first lattice assembly, each of the plurality of first beams and each of the plurality of second beams comprising an interior portion; a plurality of third beams and a plurality of fourth beams that are configured to be coupled together to form a second lattice assembly, each of the plurality of third beams and each of the plurality of fourth beams comprising an interior portion; a plurality of first connectors, each of the plurality of first connectors comprising a first portion configured to be located within the interior portion of one of the plurality of first beams and a second portion configured to protrude an end of the one of the plurality of first beams; and wherein the second portion of each of the plurality of first connectors is configured to be located within the interior portion of one of the plurality of third beams to couple the second lattice assembly to the first lattice assembly.

In yet another aspect, the invention may be an architectural fixture assembly comprising: a first beam comprising a first end, a second end, and an interior portion, the first end of the first beam defining a first opening into the interior portion of the first beam; a second beam comprising a first end, a second end, and an interior portion, the first end of the second beam defining a first opening into the interior portion of the second beam; a connector comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the connector configured to be located within the interior portion of the first beam while the second portion of the connector protrudes from the first end of the first beam via the first opening in the first end of the first beam, wherein the second portion of the connector is configured to be located within the interior portion of the second beam to couple the first and second beams together with the first end of the first beam in abutment with the first end of the second beam.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, 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 constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

As shown infor purposes of illustration, an embodiment of the present invention resides in an architectural fixture assembly. The architectural fixture assemblyincludes a generally U-shaped beamhaving a bottom portion or side, a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end. Interior surfaces of the first, second, and bottom sides,,of the beamdefine an interior portion. A beamcan be any length desired by a user, with various dimensions and proportions of the beamalso being as desired by a user.

The beammay be made from a generally flat, elongated sheetwith a top side, a bottom side, a first end, and a second end. The sheethas a thickness and a longitudinal axis running along a center of the sheetbetween the first endand the second end. A pair of fold linesextend between the first endand the second end. The fold linesare disposed on the top sideof the sheet, on opposite sides of, and parallel with, the longitudinal axis. Each fold lineincludes a generally V-shaped cuton the top sideof the sheetso that the sheetmay cleanly fold without substantially compressing or deforming the material of the sheetthat is otherwise present along the fold lines. The fold linesdefine the bottom portion or side, first side, and second sideof the beam. The generally V-shaped cutsmay be configured to permit the exposed edges to abut in a flush manner when the first and second sides,are folded at a desired angle. The general U-shape of the beamis formed by the first sidebeing folded upwards about the fold lineuntil the sides of the generally V-shaped cutengage, and the second sidebeing folded upwards about the fold lineuntil the sides of the generally V-shaped cutengage. The first endof the beamand the first endof the sheetare the same end. The sheetis folded from a flat configuration to the generally U-shaped configuration of the beam.

The sheetincludes first and second alignment notches,disposed side-by-side, generally adjacent to the first endof the sheet(the first alignment notchbeing closer to the first endof the sheetthan the second alignment notch), on the top sideof the sheet, on the portions of the sheetdefining the first and second sides,. Each alignment notch,is in the shape of a generally V-shaped cut. Alternatively, the alignment notches,may have various other shapes including, without limitation, a dovetail, and other types of joints found in woodworking including, without limitation, a tongue and groove joint, a dado joint, a finger joint, a mitre joint, a puzzle piece joint, and a half blind lap joint. When the sheetis folded into the generally U-shaped beam, the interior surfaces of the first and second sides,each include a generally V-shaped first alignment notchdisposed generally adjacent to the first endof the beam, with a generally V-shaped second alignment notchdisposed generally adjacent to the first alignment notch. Another pair of alignment notches,, each alignment notch also in the form of a generally V-shaped cut, are disposed side-by-side, adjacent to the second endof the sheet, on the top sideof the sheet, on the portions of the sheetdefining the first and second sides,. In this manner, the second endof the sheetmay have the same/similar features as the first end(e.g., first and second alignment notches,, etc.).

The assemblyfurther includes a generally rectangular spacer. The spacermay be made from the same material as the sheet/beam. The spacerhas a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a back side, a first side, and a second sideon an opposite side of the spacerfrom the first side. The first and second sides,are each generally V-shaped. Alternatively, the first and second sides,of the spacermay have various other shapes including, without limitation, a dovetail, and other types of joints found in woodworking including, without limitation, a tongue and groove joint, a dado joint, a finger joint, a mitre joint, a puzzle piece joint, and a half blind lap joint. The first and second sides,of the spacerare sized, shaped, and configured to engage the generally V-shaped alignment notchesof the first and second sides,of the beam. The first and second sides,of the spacermay be slid into engagement with the generally V-shaped alignment notchesof the first and second sides,. An adhesive (placed on the first and second sides,and/or the generally V-shaped alignment notches) may be used to hold the spacerin engagement with the beam. Alternatively, a plate installed above the spacermay be used to hold the spacerin engagement with the beam. The spacermay be used to hold the beamin the general U-shape. Alternatively, or in combination with the spacer, the abutting edges/sides of the generally V-shaped cutmay, for example, be locked into place using various means including, without limitation, brackets, fasteners and/or adhesives (e.g., an epoxy or the like); cither alone or in various combinations with one or more of the others. A generally U-shaped recessmay be formed in the spacerfrom the top sidetowards the bottom side. The generally U-shaped recessprovides enough space for the user to maneuver their fingers in to install or remove the connector. The recessalso allows various things (e.g., wiring, piping, ducts/ducting, etc.) to be routed towards the first endof the beam. A flange(e.g., a generally L-shaped flange) having a generally vertical portionand a generally horizontal portion. The generally vertical portionmay be attached to the back sideof the spacerby various fasteners including, without limitation, mechanical fasteners, chemical fasteners (e.g., adhesives), or the like. An upper portion of the generally vertical portion may also include a generally U-shaped recess generally aligned with the generally U-shaped recessof the spacerin order to allow various things (e.g., wiring, piping, ducts/ducting, etc.) to be routed towards the first endof the beam. One or more aperturesor other structure in the generally horizontal portionmay be used to secure a cable (e.g., aircraft cable or wire ropes, etc.) to the assemblyin order to hang the assembly(e.g., from a ceiling or other higher location).

The beam/sheetmay be made using a sheet of one or more sound-absorbing/barrier (acoustical) materials including, but not limited to, fabric-covered synthetic polymer foam, fabric-covered glass wool composite material, or the like. Alternatively, the beam/sheetmay be made from other sound-absorbing materials including, but not limited to, synthetic foam or nonwoven polymer (without fabric), or synthetic foam or nonwoven polymer covered by a perforated metallic sheet, wood, wool or the like. In the alternative, the beam/sheetmay also be formed from a metallic sheet, a polymeric sheet, or the like. Metallic sheets, for example, may be pressed or bent into the required folded generally U-shape by various methods known in the art. Polymeric sheet stock, for example, may be pressed/bent under heating to obtain the required shape. Polymeric sheets having the required folded general U-shape, for example, may also be molded such as by injection molding directly into the required general U-shape.

A connectorincludes a plate, and a connection keyextending away from the plate. The plateis generally in the form of a thin, rectangular sheet of material. The platemay be made from the same material as the beam. Alternatively, the platemay be made from various other materials including, without limitation, powder-coated steel or aluminum, synthetic nonwoven or foam polymer, wood veneer applied to steel or aluminum, stainless steel, and translucent plastic. The connection keyis generally in the form of a rectangular sheet of material. The connection keymay be made from various materials including, without limitation, the same material as the beamand/or the spacer. The connection keyhas a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a back side, a first side, and a second sideon an opposite side of the connection keyfrom the first side. The platehas a top side, a bottom side, a front side, and a back side. The connection keyhas a smaller width and a smaller height than the plate. The front sideof the connection keyis fixedly attached to the back sideof the plate. The connection keymay be fixedly attached to the back sideof the plateby adhesive or metal fasteners. The connection keyis engaged to the platewith the top sideof the plategenerally aligned with the top sideof the connection key, and with a mid-point of the width of the plategenerally aligned with a mid-point of the width of the connection key.

The connectorslidably engages the beam. The first and second sides,of the connection keyare each generally V-shaped. Alternatively, the first and second sides,of the connection keymay have various other shapes including, without limitation, a dovetail, and other types of joints found in woodworking including, without limitation, a tongue and groove joint, a dado joint, a finger joint, a mitre joint, a puzzle piece joint, and a half blind lap joint. The first and second sides,of the connection keyare sized, shaped, and configured to engage the generally V-shaped alignment notchesof the first and second sides,of the beam. The first and second sides,of the connection keymay be slid into engagement with the generally V-shaped alignment notchesof the first and second sides,. The first and second sides,of the connection keymay be held in engagement with the generally V-shaped alignment notchesof the first and second sides,by friction fit or, alternatively, an adhesive (placed on the first and second sides,and/or the generally V-shaped alignment notches) may be used to hold the connection keyin engagement with the beam, and to hold the beamin the general U-shape. Alternatively, a plate installed above the connectormay be used to hold the connectorin engagement with the beam. As seen in, the distance DI between the bottom sideof the connection keyand the bottom sideof the plateis roughly approximate to a thickness of the bottom sideof the beamsuch that when the connectorfully engages the beam, the bottom sideof the beamis generally aligned with the bottom sideof the plate.

When the connectorfully engages the beam, the front sideof the platecan serve as a “end cap” of the beam. The front sideof the platecan be colored to suit the needs of the user. For example, the front sidemay be colored to match the paint color of at least one wall and/or ceiling of a room in which the beamis located. In another example, if a wall and/or ceiling color is changed, the front sideof the platemay also be changed by painting or otherwise changing the color of the front side. In the alternative, the connectorwith the platehaving the old wall and/or ceiling color may be replaced by a new connector with a platehaving a front sidewith the new wall and/or ceiling color.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, as seen in, the connectormay further include a flangeconfigured to be secured to a generally flat surface (e.g., a wall, a ceiling, or the like). The flange(e.g., a generally L-shaped flange) includes a generally vertical portionand a generally horizontal portion. The generally horizontal portionmay be attached to the back sideof the connection keyby various fasteners including, without limitation, mechanical fasteners, chemical fasteners (e.g., adhesives), or the like extending through one or more apertures (not shown) in the generally horizontal portion. One or more aperturesor other structure in the generally vertical portionmay be used to secure the assemblyto a generally flat surface (e.g., a wall, a ceiling, or the like)using a fastener(e.g., mechanical fastener, etc.). Alternatively, a chemical fastener may be used to secure the generally vertical portionto the generally flat surface.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, an architectural fixture assemblyis illustrated in. The assemblyhas many similar, if not identical, features as described above in reference to the assembly, except that the assemblydescribes an embodiment where two beams,are connected at a right angle to each other. In addition to the first beam, the assemblyincludes a generally U-shaped second beamincluding a bottom side, a first side, a second side, and a first end, wherein interior surfaces of the first, second, and bottom sides,,of the second beamdefine an interior portion. The second beamis generally identical to the first beamin design and construction. Except for purposes of clarity, reference numbers used to describe features in the assemblywill be used to describe identical/similar features in the assembly.

The interior surfaces of the first and second sides,of the second beameach include a generally V-shaped alignment notchdisposed generally adjacent to the first endof the second beam. The second beamalso includes a spacerengaging a generally V-shaped alignment notchgenerally adjacent to the generally V-shaped alignment notch.

A connectorincludes four (4) plates, and two (2) connection keys. The four (4) platesare configured in the form of a quadrangle (e.g., a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, etc.; a square configuration is shown for purposes of illustration in the figures but the connectoris not limited to a square configuration) when viewed from above, with each plateforming a side of the quadrangle. Each plateand connection keyis as described above. Only two (2) of the four (4) platesof the connectorhave a connection keyattached thereto in the manner described above in connection with the assembly. The connectoris configured to engage the first and second beams,to form a generally L-shaped beam configuration. The connectorslidably engages the first and second beams,when each generally V-shaped side of the connection keysslidably engages a particular one of the generally V-shaped alignment notchesof the beams,. The other two (2) platesof the connector(i.e., the platesthat do not have a connection keyattached thereto) may act as “end caps.” That is, when the connectorfully engages the beams,, the front sidesof the two (2) platesthat do not have a connection keyattached thereto can serve as “end caps” of the beams,, such as described above. Likewise, the front sideof the platesthat do not have a connection keyattached thereto may also be adapted to act as an attachment point for a variety of devices or objects, such as described above. Alternatively, the connectorcan be made with only two (2) platesconnected side-by-side at an angle (e.g., a right angle (i.e., 90 degrees)), with each of the two (2) plateshaving a connection key, and the front sidesof the two (2) platesserving as “end caps” of the beams,, such as described above, and/or one or both of the front sidesof the platesbeing adapted to act as an attachment point for a variety of devices or objects, such as described above. In a further alternative, the connectorcan be made with only three (3) platesconnected side-by-side in the form of a triangle when viewed from above, with at least two (2) of the plateseach having a connection key, and meeting at a right angle (i.e., 90 degrees), and the front side of the third plate (the width of the third plate possibly being greater than the width of the other two (2) plates) completing the triangle as well as acting as an “end cap,” such as described above, and/or the front side of the third plate being adapted to act as an attachment point for a variety of devices or objects, such as described above. In an additional alternative, a plate may be attached to a bottom side of the connectorfor aesthetic purposes and/or to provide additional structural support to the connector.

In accordance with an additional embodiment of the invention, an architectural fixture assemblyis illustrated in. The assemblyhas many similar, if not identical, features as described above in reference to the assemblies,, except that the assemblydescribes an embodiment where three (3) beams,,are connected, and each beam,,is connected at a right angle (i.e., 90 degrees) to one of the other two (2) beams. In addition to the first and second beams,, the assemblyincludes a generally U-shaped third beamincluding a bottom side, a first side, a second side, and a first end, wherein interior surfaces of the first, second, and bottom sides,,of the third beamdefine an interior portion. The third beamis identical to the first and second beams,in design and construction. Except for purposes of clarity, reference numbers used to describe features in the assemblies,will be used to describe identical/similar features in the assembly.

The interior surfaces of the first and second sides,of the third beameach include a generally V-shaped alignment notchdisposed generally adjacent to the first endof the third beam. The third beamalso includes a spacerengaging a generally V-shaped alignment notchgenerally adjacent to the generally V-shaped alignment notch.

A connectorincludes four (4) plates, and three (3) connection keys. The four (4) platesare configured in the form of a quadrangle (e.g., a rectangle, a square, a rhombus, etc.; a square configuration is shown for purposes of illustration in the FIGS. but the connectoris not limited to a square configuration) when viewed from above, with each plateforming a side of the quadrangle. Each plateand connection keyis as described above. Only three (3) of the four (4) platesof the connectorhave a connection keyattached thereto in the manner described above in connection with the assemblies,. The connectoris configured to engage the first, second and third beams,,to form a generally T-shaped beam configuration. The connectorslidably engages the first, second, and third beams,,when each generally V-shaped side of the connection keysslidably engages a particular one of the generally V-shaped alignment notchesof the beams,,.

The remaining plateof the connector(i.e., the platethat does not have a connection keyattached thereto) acts as an “end cap.” That is, when the connectorfully engages the beams,,, the front sideof the platethat does not have a connection keyattached thereto can serve as an “end cap” of the beams,,, such as described above. Likewise, the front sideof the platethat does not have a connection keyattached thereto may also be adapted to act as an attachment point for a variety of devices or objects, such as described above. Alternatively, the connectorcan be made with only three (3) platesconnected side-by-side, with each plateconnected at an angle (e.g., a right angle (i.e., 90 degrees)) to at least one of the other platesto configure the platesgenerally in the form of a U-shape when viewed from above, with each of the three (3) plateshaving a connection key, and the front sidesof the three (3) platesserving as “end caps” of the beams,,, such as described above, and/or at least one of the front sidesof the platesbeing adapted to act as an attachment point for a variety of devices or objects, such as described above. In an additional alternative, a plate may be attached to a bottom side of the connectorfor aesthetic purposes and/or to provide additional structural support to the connector.

In accordance with an additional embodiment of the invention, an architectural fixture assemblyis illustrated in. The assemblyhas many similar, if not identical, features as described above in reference to the assemblies,,, except that the assemblyillustrates an embodiment where four (4) beams,,,are connected, and each beam,,is connected at a right angle (i.e., 90 degrees) to two of the other beams. In addition to the first, second, and third beams,,, the assemblyincludes a generally U-shaped fourth beamincluding a bottom side, a first side, a second side, and a first end, wherein interior surfaces of the first, second, and bottom sides,,of the fourth beamdefine an interior portion. The fourth beamis identical to the first, second and third beams,,in design and construction. Except for purposes of clarity, reference numbers used to describe features in the assemblies,,will be used to describe identical/similar features in the assembly.

The interior surfaces of the first and second sides,of the fourth beameach include a generally V-shaped alignment notchdisposed generally adjacent to the first endof the fourth beam. The fourth beamalso includes a spacerengaging a generally V-shaped alignment notchgenerally adjacent to the generally V-shaped alignment notch.

A connectorincludes four (4) plates, and four (4) connection keys. The four (4) platesare configured in the form of a quadrangle (e.g., a rectangle, a square, a rhombus, etc.; a square configuration is shown for purposes of illustration in the FIGS. but the connectoris not limited to a square configuration) when viewed from above, with each plateforming a side of the quadrangle. Each plateand connection keyis as described above. Each of the four (4) platesof the connectorhas a connection keyattached thereto in the manner described above in connection with the assemblies,,. The connectoris configured to engage the first, second, third, and fourth beams,,,to form a generally X-shaped or cross-shaped beam configuration. The connectorslidably engages the first, second, third, and fourth beams,,,when each generally V-shaped side of the connection keysslidably engages a particular one of the generally V-shaped alignment notchesof the beams,,,.

In an additional alternative, a plate may be attached to a bottom side of the connectorfor aesthetic purposes and/or to provide additional structural support to the connector. A bottom side of this bottom plate can act as an “end cap,” such as described above. Likewise, a bottom side of this bottom plate may also be adapted to act as an attachment point for a variety of devices or objects, such as described above.

In an alternative embodiment, a more angled X-shape may be configured, as seen in. In this alternative embodiment, instead of the beams,,,meeting at right angles (i.e., ninety (90) degrees) to neighboring beams,,,due to the platesof the connectormeeting adjacent platesat right angles (i.e., ninety (90) degrees; as seen in, for example,), the relative angles between the platesof the connectormay be adjusted such that the beams,,,may meet at acute and obtuse angles relative to neighboring beams,,,. The platesof other connectors (e.g., connector,, etc.) may be similarly modified as desired by a user.

In accordance with an additional embodiment of the invention, an architectural fixture assemblyis illustrated in. The assemblyhas many similar, if not identical, features as described above in reference to the assemblies,,,except that the assemblyillustrates an embodiment where three (3) beams,,are connected, and each beam,,is connected at an angle (not necessarily the same angle) to two of the other beams. Except for purposes of clarity, reference numbers used to describe features in the assemblies,,,will be used to describe identical/similar features in the assembly.

A connectorincludes three (3) plates, and three (3) connection keys. The three (3) platesare configured in the form of a triangle (e.g., an equilateral triangle configuration is shown for purposes of illustration in the FIGS. but the connectoris not limited to an equilateral triangle configuration) when viewed from above, with each plateforming a side of the triangle. Each plateand connection keyis as described above. Each of the three (3) platesof the connectorhas a connection keyattached thereto in the manner described above in connection with the assemblies,,,. The connectoris configured to engage the first, second, and third beams,,to form a generally Y-shaped beam configuration. The connectorslidably engages the first, second, and third beams,,when each generally V-shaped side of the connection keysslidably engages a particular one of the generally V-shaped alignment notchesof the beams,,.

In an alternative, a plate may be attached to a bottom side of the connectorfor aesthetic purposes and/or to provide additional structural support to the connector. A bottom side of this bottom plate can act as an “end cap,” such as described above. Likewise, a bottom side of this bottom plate may also be adapted to act as an attachment point for a variety of devices or objects, such as described above.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, an architectural fixture assemblyis illustrated in. The assemblyhas many similar, if not identical, features as described above in reference to the assemblies,,,,except that the assemblydescribes an embodiment where two beams,are connected end-to-end. Except for purposes of clarity, reference numbers used to describe features in the assemblies,,,,will be used to describe identical/similar features in the assembly.

A connectorincludes two (2) connection keys. Each connection keyis as described above. The front sideof each connection keyis fixedly attached to the front sideof the other connection key. The front sidemay be fixedly attached by adhesive (e.g., glue, etc.), double-sided tape, screws, a fixing plate above, or woodworking joint (e.g., a dado joint, a dovetail joint, etc.). The connection keysare generally aligned with, and attached to, each other with sides,,,of each connection keygenerally aligned with respective sides,,,of the other connection key(e.g., mid-points of the height and width of each connection keyare generally aligned with mid-points of the height and width of the other connection key).

The connectoris configured to engage the first and second beams,in an end-to-end configuration. The connectorslidably engages the first and second beams,when each generally V-shaped side of the connection keysslidably engages a particular one of the generally V-shaped alignment notchesof the beams,. That is, the generally V-shaped sides of the one of the connection keysare configured to slidably engage the generally V-shaped alignment notchesof the first beam, and the generally V-shaped sides of the other connection keyare configured to slidably engage the generally V-shaped alignment notchesof the second beam.

In the alternative, the connectorincludes four (4) plates, and two (2) connection keys, with each connection keydisposed on an opposite side of the connectorfrom the other connection keyin order to provide an end-to-end configuration, such that the connectoris disposed between the beams,. The four (4) platesare configured in the form of a quadrangle (e.g., a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, etc.) when viewed from above, with each plateforming a side of the quadrangle. Each plateand connection keyis as described above. Only two (2) of the four (4) platesof the connectorhave a connection keyattached thereto in the manner described above in connection with the assembly. As mentioned above, the two (2) platesthat have a connection keywould be disposed on opposite sides of the connector. The other two (2) platesof the connector(i.e., the platesthat do not have a connection keyattached thereto) may act as “end caps” of the beams,, such as described above (though these platesmight more accurately be described as “side caps” since these plateswould be disposed between the sides,,,of the beams,). Likewise, the front sideof the platesthat do not have a connection keyattached thereto may also be adapted to act as an attachment point for a variety of devices or objects, such as described above. A plate may be attached to a bottom side of the connectorfor aesthetic purposes and/or to provide additional structural support to the connector.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, an architectural fixture assemblyis illustrated in. The assemblyhas many similar, if not identical, features as described above in reference to the assemblies,,,,,except that the assemblydescribes an embodiment with at least three beams,,where the beamis curved, and disposed between the other beams,. Except for purposes of clarity, reference numbers used to describe features in the assemblies,,,,,will be used to describe identical/similar features in the assembly.

The curved beamis generally U-shaped, and includes a bottom side, a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end, wherein interior surfaces of the first, second, and bottom sides,,of the second beamdefine an interior portion. Except for the beamincluding a single curve (as shown) or a plurality of curves along a length of the curved beam, the curved beamis otherwise identical to the other beams,in design and construction. The shape of the beamdepends on the number of curves along the length of the beam. As shown, the beamis curved such that the first and second ends of the beamare ninety (90) degrees to each other. In another example, the beammay be configured into a general U-shape by including just a single curve or a pair of curves to create the general U-shape of the beam. In yet another example, the beammay be configured into a general S-shape by using a plurality of curves along the length of the beamto create the general S-shape of the beam. The beammay be configured into any desired curved shape by adjusting the number of curves along the length of the beam. The curved beammay be connected to a generally linear beam or another curved beam, as desired. As seen, the beams,are each generally linear, with the curved beamdisposed therebetween in order to provide a ninety (90) degree transition from one beam,to the other beams,. Architectural fixture assemblies of various designs can be created using a combination of linear and curved beams. The interior surfaces of the first and second sides,of the second beameach include a generally V-shaped alignment notchdisposed generally adjacent to the first and second end,of the second beam. If desired, the curved beammay also include a spacerengaging a generally V-shaped alignment notchgenerally adjacent to the generally V-shaped alignment notch. Except for purposes of clarity, reference numbers used to describe features in the assemblies,,,,,will be used to describe identical/similar features in the assembly.

A connector, described above, may be used to join the first and curved beams,. Likewise, a connector, described above, may also be used to join the second and curved beams,. Architectural fixture assemblies of various designs can be created using a combination of linear and curved beams joined by any one or more of the connectors,,,,. The connectoris configured to engage the first and curved beams,(as well as the second and curved beams,) in an end-to-end configuration. As set forth above, the connectorslidably engages the first and curved beams,when each generally V-shaped side of the connection keysslidably engages a particular one of the generally V-shaped alignment notchesof the beams,. That is, the generally V-shaped sides of the one of the connection keysare configured to slidably engage the generally V-shaped alignment notchesof the first beam, and the generally V-shaped sides of the other connection keyare configured to slidably engage the generally V-shaped alignment notchesof the curved beam. The connectorconnects the second and curved beams,in a similar, if not identical, manner. In the alternative, various other connectors (e.g., connector,,,, etc.) may be used to provide an end-to-end configuration, such that the connector (e.g., connector,,,, etc.) is disposed between the beams,(with the second and curved beams,connected end-to-end in a similar manner). A particular connector (e.g., connector,,,,, etc.) may be used to connect the first and curved beams,, and the same or a different connector (e.g., connector,,,,, etc.) may be used to connect the second and curved beams,. The above-discussed embodiment of the curved beam is illustrative only. In the alternative, a curved beam can include a curve of any desired radius, or a plurality of curves of any desired radius (e.g., with all the curves having the same radii, some of the curves having a particular radius but other curves of the plurality having another radius or differing radii, all of the curves having different radii). The direction of the curve(s) of any particular beam may be as desired by a user. In another alternative, various curved beams (of any desired radius and/or radii) can be joined together to form an assembly.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, an architectural fixture assemblyis illustrated in. The assemblyhas many similar, if not identical, features as described above in reference to the assemblies,,,,,,except that the assemblydescribes an embodiment where two beams,engage each other in a generally T-shaped configuration. Except for purposes of clarity, reference numbers used to describe features in the assemblies,,,,,,will be used to describe identical/similar features in the assembly.

The second beamis generally U-shaped, and includes a bottom side, a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second endwherein interior surfaces of the first, second, and bottom sides,,of the second beamdefine an interior portion. Except for a break or gapin the first and/or second sides,of the second beam, the second beamis otherwise similar to, if not identical, to the first beamin design and construction. The break or gapextends from a top side of the first and/or second sides,to a top surface of the bottom sideof the second beam. In the illustrated embodiment, there is a breakin the second sidebut, in an alternative embodiment, the breakmay be on the first side. Likewise, in alternative embodiments, the first sideand/or the second sidemay include a plurality of breaksfor providing a point(s) of engagement for other beam(s), with breakson the first sidealigned and/or not aligned with breakson the second side. The location of the breakon the beamis for illustrative purposes only, and the break(s)may be located anywhere along the length of the beam. Lateral supportsmay be placed in the interior portionof the beam, and secured to the first and second sides,in order to provide additional structural support to the second beam. Each lateral supportincludes a generally V-shaped alignment notchsuch that there are a pair of alignment notches, with each alignment notchgenerally aligned with, and disposed on an opposite side of the breakfrom the other alignment notch. Except for purposes of clarity, reference numbers used to describe features in the assemblies,,,,,,will be used to describe identical/similar features in the assembly.

A connector, described above, may be used to join the first and second beams,. The connectoris configured to engage the first and second beams,in a generally T-shaped configuration. The connectorslidably engages the first and second beams,when each generally V-shaped side of the connection keysslidably engages a particular one of the generally V-shaped alignment notchesof the beams,. That is, the generally V-shaped sides of the one of the connection keysare configured to slidably engage the generally V-shaped alignment notchesat the first endof the first beam, and the generally V-shaped sides of the other connection keyare configured to slidably engage the generally V-shaped alignment notchof the lateral supportsof the second beam. In the alternative, various other connectors (e.g., connector,,,, etc.) may be used such that the connector (e.g., connector,,,, etc.) is disposed between the beams,(in this manner, additional beams may be joined to create a desired configuration with the beams,).

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, an architectural fixture assemblyis illustrated in. The assemblyhas many similar, if not identical, features as described above in reference to the assemblies,,,,,,,except that the assemblydescribes an embodiment where two beams,are connected end-to-end, with each beam,including an angled first end that is connected to the angled first end of the other beam. Except for purposes of clarity, reference numbers used to describe features in the assemblies,,,,,,,will be used to describe identical/similar features in the assembly.

The architectural fixture assemblyincludes a generally U-shaped first beamhaving a bottom portion or side, a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end. Interior surfaces of the first, second, and bottom sides,,of the beamdefine an interior portion. The beammay be made from a generally flat, elongated sheet similar in construction to the sheet, described above, and the beamincludes similar/identical structures (e.g., fold lines, V-shaped cuts, second alignment notches, etc.) as found in the beam, described above. Due to the inclusion of various features similar/identical to those of the sheet, the elongated sheet is folded from a flat configuration to the generally U-shaped configuration of the beam. The sheetis also cut such that the first endof the beamis angled inwardly from the first sideto the second side.

The beamalso includes a first alignment notch(formed in the sheet) on an interior surface of the first sideof the beam, and disposed generally adjacent to the first endof the beam. However, unlike the first alignment notchesof the beam, the interior surface of the second sideof the beamdoes not include a first alignment notch. With regard to the first endof the beam, the first and second sides,each have a second alignment notchso that a spacermay engage the beam. However, due to the first endbeing at an angle, the second alignment notchlocated on the second sideis closer to the first endof the beamthan the second alignment notchlocated on the first sideof the beam. The first alignment notchof the first sideis closer to the first endof the beamthan the second alignment notchof the first side. The alignment notchis in the shape of a generally V-shaped mitre cut. Alternatively, the alignment notchmay have various other shapes including, without limitation, a dovetail, and other types of joints found in woodworking including, without limitation, a tongue and groove joint, a dado joint, a finger joint, a mitre joint, a puzzle piece joint, and a half blind lap joint. Likewise, the second endof the beammay also include a spacerengaging a pair of second alignment notches.

The architectural fixture assemblyincludes a generally U-shaped second beamhaving a bottom portion or side, a first side, a second side, a first end, and a second end. Interior surfaces of the first, second, and bottom sides,,of the beamdefine an interior portion. The second beammay be a mirror image of the first beam(e.g., the first endof the beamis angled outwardly from the first sideto the second side; a first alignment notchis located on an interior surface of the second sideof the beambut an interior surface of the first sideof the beamdoes not include a first alignment notch; etc.). The second endof the first beammay be angled or straight, depending on the design needs of the user. Likewise, the second endof the second beammay be angled or straight, depending on the design needs of the user. In this manner, the second ends,of the beams,may have the same/similar features as the first end(e.g., first and second alignment notches,, etc.) of the beam, the same/similar features as the first ends,of the beams,, a mirror image of the first ends,of the beams,, or a variation of any of the foregoing.

When the first ends,of the beams,are in direct engagement, the first sideof the first beamand the second sideof the second beamare configured to form a generally V-shaped first alignment feature. The generally V-shaped featureincludes the first alignment notchof the first sideof the first beam, and the first alignment notchof the second sideof the second beam. When the first ends,of the beams,are in direct engagement, the second sideof the first beamand the first sideof the second beamare configured to form a generally V-shaped second alignment feature.