Ceiling System

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/212,353, filed Jun. 21, 2023, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/353,928, filed Jun. 21, 2022, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to suspended ceiling systems, and more specifically to ceiling systems including panels that are mounted vertically or horizontally and are coupled to a support grid which is hung from a support structure of a building.

Numerous types of suspended ceiling systems and methods for mounting ceiling panels thereof have been used. One type of ceiling panel is made from metal planks that are mounted either horizontally or vertically. Such ceiling panels are mounted to a support grid to form the ceiling system that is viewed by the observer in the room below. Ceiling systems of this type may include narrow gaps between each plank, which requires progressive installation and custom access panels to be made on-site for periodic access to the plenum space between the ceiling panels and the structural support of the building. These tasks increase the time to complete installation and affect the aesthetic of the ceiling system. Thus, a need exists for a ceiling system that addresses the aforementioned deficiencies.

The invention may be directed to a ceiling system that includes a support grid and a panel assembly. The panel assembly includes backslats that are arranged parallel to one another, panels that are coupled to the backslats, and mounting assemblies for mounting the panel assembly to the support grid. The mounting assemblies include a mounting bracket and a torsion spring. A first pair of the mounting assemblies is coupled to a first one of the backslats and a second pair of the mounting assemblies is coupled to a second one of the backslats. The panel assembly may be mounted to the support grid via the torsion springs of the first pair of the mounting assemblies engaging a first one of the first grid beams of the support grid and the torsion springs of the second pair of the mounting assemblies engaging a second one of the first grid beams of the support grid

In one aspect, the invention may be a ceiling system comprising: a support grid comprising a plurality of first grid beams arranged substantially parallel to one another; a panel assembly comprising: first and second backslats arranged substantially parallel to one another, each of the first and second backslats extending along a backslat axis; a plurality of panels arranged substantially parallel to one another, each of the panels extending along a panel axis from a first end to a second end, and each of the panels coupled to each of the first and second backslats; a plurality of mounting assemblies, each of the mounting assemblies comprising a mounting bracket and a torsion spring operably coupled to the mounting bracket; a first pair of the mounting assemblies coupled to the first backslat; and a second pair of the mounting assemblies coupled to the second backslat; the panel assembly mounted to the support grid via the torsion springs of the first pair of the mounting assemblies engaging a first one of the first grid beams of the support grid and the torsion springs of the second pair of the mounting assemblies engaging a second one of the first grid beams of the support grid.

In another aspect, the invention may be a ceiling system comprising: a support grid comprising a plurality of first grid beams arranged substantially parallel to one another; a panel assembly comprising: first and second backslats arranged substantially parallel to one another, each of the first and second backslats extending along a backslat axis and comprising a floor plate comprising a series of pre-formed apertures, the pre-formed apertures evenly spaced from one another along the length of the first and second backslats; and a plurality of panels arranged substantially parallel to one another, each of the panels extending along a panel axis from a first end to a second end, and each of the panels coupled to each of the first and second backslats by fasteners extending through selected ones of the pre-formed apertures; the panel assembly mounted to the support grid by coupling the first backslat to a first one of the first grid beams of the support grid and coupling the second backslat to a second one of the first grid beams of the support grid.

In yet another aspect, the invention may be a ceiling system comprising: a support grid comprising a plurality of first grid beams arranged substantially parallel to one another; a panel assembly comprising: first and second backslats arranged substantially parallel to one another, each of the first and second backslats extending along a backslat axis; a plurality of panels arranged substantially parallel to one another, each of the panels extending along a panel axis from a first end to a second end, and each of the panels coupled to each of the first and second backslats; a plurality of mounting brackets configured to engage the first grid beams; a first pair of the mounting brackets coupled to the first backslat; and a second pair of the mounting rackets coupled to the second backslat; the panel assembly mounted to the support grid via the first pair of the mounting brackets engaging a first one of the first grid beams of the support grid and the second pair of the mounting brackets engaging a second one of the first grid beams of the support grid.

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.

All drawings are schematic and not necessarily to scale. Parts given a reference numerical designation in one figure may be considered to be the same parts where they appear in other figures without a numerical designation for brevity unless specifically labeled with a different part number and described herein.

The features and benefits of the invention are illustrated and described herein by reference to exemplary (“example”) embodiments. This description of exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. Accordingly, the disclosure 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.

In the description of embodiments 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 derivative 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. 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.

Any ranges disclosed herein are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range.

Referring first to, an exemplary buildinghaving a ceiling systemtherein is illustrated. The ceiling systemmay be supported by a building support structure. The ceiling systemmay be what is known as a suspended ceiling, in that it is suspended below the overhead support structure of the building. The building support structuremay be a part of a ceiling or roof structure and may be coupled to the load bearing walls of the building, either directly or indirectly. The ceiling systemmay comprise a support gridthat may be coupled to the building support structure. The support gridmay be suspended via a plurality of hangers. The plurality of hangersmay be cables, chains, wires, ropes. Alternatively, the support gridmay be mounted directly to the building support structure. A plurality of panelsmay be coupled to the support grideither individually or as part of a panel assembly which includes several of the panels. The panelsmay form the portion of the ceiling systemwhich is visible to a user. The panelsmay be oriented horizontally as shown in, or vertically such as is shown in.

Referring to, the ceiling systemwill be further described. The support gridmay comprise a plurality of first grid beamsthat are arranged substantially parallel to one another. The support gridmay also comprise a plurality of second grid beamsthat are arranged substantially parallel to one another. The plurality of second grid beamsmay be oriented perpendicular to the plurality of first grid beams. In other embodiments, the plurality of second grid beamsmay be oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the first grid beams. In still other embodiments, the second grid beamsmay be omitted. The plurality of first and/or second grid beams,may be hung or suspended from the building support structureas shown in. The plurality of first and second grid beams,may collectively define square or rectangular shaped openings within which the panelsare located, although the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and other shaped openings may be formed in other embodiments depending on the orientation of the second grid beamsrelative to the first grid beams. The panelsmay extend over or across the support gridso that the support gridis not visible to a person standing below the ceiling systemwithin a building or room. That is, the panelsmay hide the support gridfrom view to a person standing below the ceiling system.

The ceiling systemmay comprise at least one panel assemblythat comprises a plurality of the panels. The ceiling systemmay more specifically comprise a plurality of the panel assemblies, each of which is configured to be mounted to the support grid. In the exemplified embodiment, there are three of the panelsin each panel assembly, and the ceiling systemcomprises twelve of the panel assemblies(for a total of thirty-six panels). However the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and each panel assemblymay comprise less than three of the panelsor more than three of the panelsas may be desired for purposes of ease of manufacturability and installation. Furthermore, the exact number of panel assembliesincluded in a particular ceiling systemmay be dictated, at least in part, by the size of the space within which the ceiling systemis mounted and the desired aesthetic.

Referring toconcurrently, one of the panel assembliesis illustrated assembled () and exploded or disassembled (). As noted above, the panel assemblycomprises three of the panelsthat are coupled together as described further below to form the panel assembly, although more or fewer than three of the panelsmay form each of the panel assembliesin other embodiments. The panel assemblygenerally comprises a plurality of the panels(which could be three as shown or more/less than three), a plurality of backslatsthat are coupled to each of the panelsof the panel assembly, and a plurality of mounting assemblies. In the exemplified embodiment, there are three of the backslats, and each backslatis coupled to each of the panelsin the panel assembly. However, in some embodiments there may be only two of the backslatsor there may be more than three of the backslatsin the panel assembly. The number of panelsin the panel assemblyas well as the width and/or length of the panelsin the panel assemblymay dictate the number of backslatsneeded in the panel assembly. The backslatsare coupled to each of the panelsin the panel assemblyto lock all of the panelsof the panel assemblytogether to form a single unit that is collectively coupled to and detached from the support grid. Thus, each panelneed not be separately coupled to the support grid, but instead the panel assemblywhich comprises a plurality of the panelsis coupled to the support gridas a single unitary structure.

Each of the panelscomprises a first end, a second end, and a panel axis A-A extending from the first endto the second end. Each of the panelsof the panel assemblyis arranged parallel to each of the other panelsof the panel assemblysuch that the panel axes A-A of each panelare parallel to one another. The panelsmay comprise end capscoupled to each of the first and second ends,, although the end capsmay be omitted. The panelsmay have a U-shaped profile (and they may have U-shaped transverse cross-sectional areas). The panelsmay be formed from metal, such as aluminum. More specifically, the panelsmay be formed of a bent sheet metal having a particular thickness. That is, a sheet metal may be bent into a particular shape, for example the U-shape as shown, to form each of the panels. The particular length, width, and various length/width ratios of the panelsmay be modified from that which is shown in various different embodiments.

The panelsmay have a floor, first and second sidewallsextending from opposing sides of the floor, and flangeslocated at the distal ends of the sidewalls. The floor, the first and second sidewalls, and the flangesmay extend continuously along the full length of the panels. Alternatively, at least the flangesmay be discontinuous in their extension along the length of the panels. The flangesmay extend inwardly from the distal end of each of the sidewallstowards one another or away from one another. The flangesmay comprise a plurality of aperturesarranged in a spaced apart manner along a length of the panel. The aperturesmay be configured to receive a fastener for purposes of coupling the backslatsto the panels, as described in greater detail herein below. The exact shape and structure of the panelsare not to be limiting of the invention as set forth herein unless specified as such in the claims.

In the exemplified embodiment, the panel assemblycomprises three of the backslats, each of which is configured to be coupled to each of the three panelsof the panel assembly. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the panel assemblymay comprise two of the backslatsor more than three of the backslatsin other embodiments. For example, the middle backslatcould be omitted and the two backslats that are coupled to the panelsadjacent to the first and second ends,of the panelsmay be maintained, or additional backslatsmay be added between the two backslats located adjacent to the first and second ends,of the panels.

The backslatsare coupled to the panelsand may be arranged substantially parallel to one another. That is, each of the backslatsextends along a backslat axis B-B, and the backslat axis B-B of each of the backslatsis parallel to the backslat axis B-B of each of the other backslats. Because the backslatsspan across each of the three panelsof the panel assembly(in a widthwise direction), the backslatswhen coupled to each of the panelsensures that the panelsremain as part of the single unitary panel assemblystructure. The backslatswill be described in more detail below with reference to.

The panel assemblyfurther comprises the plurality of mounting assemblies. In the exemplified embodiment, there are six of the mounting assemblies, although greater or fewer numbers of mounting assembliesmay be used in other embodiments. Each of the mounting assembliesmay comprise a mounting bracketand a torsion springthat is operably coupled to the mounting bracket. When assembled, the mounting bracketsare coupled to the backslatsand the torsion springsare coupled to the mounting brackets. The torsion springsmay then engage the support gridto couple the panel assembliesto the support gridand thereby form the ceiling system. In the exemplified embodiment, there are two (or a pair of) mounting assembliescoupled to each of the backslats, although there could be fewer or greater than two mounting assembliesfor each backslatin other embodiments depending on the amount of weight being supported, the length of the backslats, and other considerations. The mounting bracketswill be described in more detail below with reference toand the torsion springs will be described in more detail below with reference to.

Referring to, the backslatswill be described. As discussed herein, the backslatsare configured to couple several of the panelstogether, and to also support the mounting assembliesfor purposes of mounting the panel assembliesto the support grid. The backslatscomprise a floor plate, a first wall plateextending upwardly from the floor plateto an upper edge, and a second wall plateextending upwardly from the floor plateto an upper edge. The first and second wall plates,may be oriented parallel to one another and perpendicular to the floor plate, although this may not be required in all embodiments and the first and/or second wall plates,may be oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the floor platein an alternative embodiment. In the exemplified embodiment, the first wall platehas a greater height measured from the floor plateto the upper edgethan the second wall plate. Thus, the backslatshave a generally J-shape. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the backslatsmay take on other shapes including being U-shaped, L-shaped (such as by omitting the second wall plate), or the like. The backslatsare elongated along the backslat axis B-B from a first endof the backslatto a second endof the backslat.

The backslatsmay comprise a series of pre-formed aperturesthat are formed into and through the floor plates. Specifically, the floor platesmay comprise an upper surfaceand a lower surfaceopposite the upper surface. The first and second wall plates,may extend upwardly from the upper surface. The series of pre-formed aperturesmay be formed into the floor platesso as to extend from the upper surfaceto the lower surface. The pre-formed aperturesmay be evenly spaced from one another along the full length of the backslatsfrom the first endto the second end. That is, there may be equal spacing between all adjacent pre-formed aperturesof the series of per-formed apertures. Each of the aperturesmay be equally spaced to the two aperturesthat are adjacent to it (with the exception of the aperturesclosest to the first and second ends,because those aperturesare only adjacent to one other aperture). The backslatsmay be coupled to the panelsby fasteners extending through selected ones of the pre-formed aperturesand into the aperturesin the flangesof the panels. The fasteners may be rivets, which are best depicted in, although the invention is not to be so limited and the fasteners could alternatively be screws, studs, bolts, or the like. By having the pre-formed aperturesextend the full length of the backslatsin an evenly spaced manner, the backslatsmay be used to coupled together various panelsof different width and even of different type (such as horizontal panels as shown or vertical panels, like shown in). The series of aperturesallows for an easy and simple adjustment of the location along the backslatto which the panelsare attached.

The backslatsfurther comprise a pair of notchesformed into the first wall plate. Although the exemplified embodiment depicts a pair (i.e., two) of the notches, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and there could be a single notchor more than two notchesin other embodiments. Each of the mounting bracketsis coupled to the backslatat a location that is aligned with one of the notches, and thus the number of notchesmay match the number of mounting bracketsused, although this is also not required in all embodiments and there may be a greater number of notchesthan mounting brackets.

The pair of notchesare formed into the first wall plateand extend from the upper edgeof the first wall platedownwardly towards, but not all the way to, the upper surfaceof the floor plate. That is, the pair of notchesterminate in a lower notch edgethat is recessed relative to the upper edgeof the first wall plateand also spaced above the upper surfaceof the floor plate. The notchesmay have first and second side edges,that extend from the lower notch edgeto the upper edgeof the first wall plate. The first and second side edges,may be oriented perpendicular to the lower notch edge, although this is not required in all embodiments. The pair of notchesare positioned along the length of the first wall plateof the backslatsin a spaced apart manner. In the exemplified embodiment, one of the notches of the pair of notchesis closer to the first endof the backslatsand the other one of the notches of the pair of notchesis closer to the second andof the backslats. Furthermore, the notchesare closer to the first and second ends,of the backslats, respectively, than they are to one another. However, the spacing between the notchesis not to be limiting of the invention in all embodiments and the notchesmay be closer to one another than to the respective one of the first and second ends,to which they are closest in other embodiments. Moreover, there could be just one notchthat is centrally located along the length of the backslatin other embodiments.

The first wall plateof the backslatsmay also comprise a first aperturepositioned adjacent to the first side edgeof each of the notchesand a second aperturepositioned adjacent to the second side edgeof each of the notches. The first and second apertures,are configured to receive a fastener, such as a rivet, a bolt, a screw, or the like, to facilitate the coupling of the mounting bracketsof the mounting assembliesto the backslats. Thus, each of the mounting bracketsof the mounting assembliesis coupled to the first wall plateof one of the backslatsat a position that is aligned with one of the notches.

Referring to, the mounting bracketsof the mounting assemblieswill be described. The mounting bracketscomprise a bracket wall platehaving a front surface, a rear surface, an upper edge, and a lower edge. When the mounting bracketsare coupled to the backslats, the bracket wall plateis oriented vertically. The bracket wall platecomprises a bracket notchthat is formed into the upper edgeand extends downwardly towards, but not to, the lower edge. The bracket notchcomprises a notch floorthat is recessed relative to the upper edgeand spaced upwardly relative to the lower edge.

The bracket notchis located between a first sectionof the bracket wall plateand a second sectionof the bracket wall plate. Stated another way, the first sectionof the bracket wall plateextends from the bracket notchto a first side edgeof the bracket wall plateand the second sectionof the bracket wall plateextends from the bracket notchto a second side edgeof the bracket wall plate. The mounting bracketcomprises a first apertureextending from the front surfaceto the rear surfacealong the first sectionof the bracket wall plateand a second apertureextending from the front surfaceto the rear surfacealong the second sectionof the bracket wall plate. The mounting bracketsare mounted to the backslatsby aligning the first and second apertures,of the mounting bracketswith the first and second apertures,in the first wall plateof one of the backslats. This also places the bracket notchof the mounting bracketinto alignment with the one of the notchesof one of the backslats. Then, a fastener such as a screw, rivet, bolt, or the like may be inserted through the first apertures,and the second apertures,to couple the mounting bracketsto the backslats. There may be one mounting bracketcoupled to each of the backslatsalong each of the notchesof the backslats. Thus, if the backslatseach comprise two of the notchesas depicted, then there may be two of the mounting bracketscoupled to each of the backslats.

The mounting bracketmay further comprise a hookthat is aligned with the bracket notch. More specifically, the hookmay be located centrally along the width of the bracket notch, although this is not required in all embodiments. The hookcomprises a first vertical wallextending vertically from the notch floorof the bracket notch, a horizontal wallextending perpendicularly from a distal end of the first vertical wallin a direction away from the front surfaceof the bracket wall plate, and a second vertical wallextending downwardly from a distal end of the horizontal wall. A gapexists between an inner surface of the second vertical walland a front surface of the first vertical wall. The hookis configured to engage with one of the torsion springsof the mounting assemblyas will be described in greater detail below.

The mounting bracketmay further comprise a pair of bracket tabsextending from the bracket wall plateat the upper edgeof the bracket wall plate. The bracket tabsmay extend in the same direction as the hook. The bracket tabsmay extend perpendicularly from the bracket wall plate. There may be a first bracket tabextending from the first sectionof the bracket wall plateand a second bracket tabextending from the second sectionof the bracket wall plate, such that the first and second bracket tabsare spaced apart by the bracket notch.

The bracket tabshave inner edgesthat face one another. That is, the inner edgeof the first bracket tabextending from the first sectionof the bracket wall platefaces the inner edgeof the second bracket tabextending from the second sectionof the bracket wall plate. The bracket tabscomprise a notchlocated along the inner edge. The notchmay be arcuate or hemispherical in shape. The notchesmay be configured to engage with arms of the torsion springsuch that the notchesprovide a sort of pocket for a portion of the arms of the torsion springto nest within.

The mounting bracketmay further comprise a bracket floor plateextending from the front surfaceof the bracket wall plateat the lower edgeof the bracket wall plate. The bracket floor platemay extend from the bracket wall platein the same direction as the hookand the bracket tabs. The bracket floor platemay extend along the entire width of the bracket wall platefrom the first side edgeto the second side edge. This is possible because the lower edgeof the bracket wall plateis not interrupted by the bracket notchlike the upper edgeof the bracket wall plate.

Referring to, the torsion springof the mounting assemblyis illustrated. There may be one torsion springfor each one of the mounting brackets. Thus, in the exemplified embodiment each of the panel assembliesmay comprise six of the mounting bracketsand six of the torsion springs. Of course, more or fewer mounting bracketsand torsion springsmay be used in alternative embodiments, which may be dictated at least on part on the number of panelsand backslatsincluded in each of the panel assemblies.

The torsion springcomprises a coil portion, a first armextending from the coil portionto a distal end, and a second armextending from the coil portionto a distal end. The coil portioncomprises an openingthat facilitates the attachment of the torsion springto the mounting bracket, as described in more detail below. Each of the first and second arms,may terminate in a curled hook portion, although this is not required in all embodiments. The torsion springmay be biased with the first and second arms,being spread apart from one another. A user may squeeze the first and second arms,to move the first and second arms,closer together. Upon the user releasing any force applied onto the first and second arms,, the coil portionwill force the first and second arms,to spread back apart from one another. Thus, a user may squeeze the first and second arms,together during the mounting of the panel assemblyto the support gridand may release the first and second arms,to allow the first and second arms,to lock (or couple/attach/mount) the panel assemblyto the support grid.

The backslatsmay be formed from a first metal. Each of the mounting bracketsmay be formed from a second metal. The second metal may be different than the first metal. For example, the first metal may be aluminum and the second metal may be steel. In one embodiment, the first metal may be 0.064 inch thick aluminum. The aluminum may be Series 3003-H14 aluminum sheet material. In one embodiment the second metal which is used to form the mounting bracketsmay be 0.05 inch galvanized steel. The backslatsand the mounting bracketsmay be formed from sheet metal which is bent to form the desired shape as depicted in the drawings and described herein.

The panelsmay be formed from a bent third sheet metal having a third thickness. That is, the panelsmay also be formed by bending a sheet metal without any welding or the like. In one embodiment, the panelsmay be formed from 0.032 inch thick aluminum, such as 3003-H14 series aluminum sheets.

The first metal which is used to form the backslatsmay have a first strength characteristic and the second metal which is used to form the mounting bracketsmay have a second strength characteristic which is greater than the first strength characteristic. This may be useful to ensure that the mounting brackets, which directly support the weight of the panel assemblyvia the torsion springs, is sufficiently strong to achieve this purpose. The first and second strength characteristics may be selected from the group consisting of yield strength, tensile strength, ultimate strength, compressive strength, impact strength, and shear strength. Thus, the material used to form the mounting bracketsmay have a greater yield strength and/or tensile strength and/or ultimate strength and/or compressive strength and/or impact strength and/or shear strength as compared to the material used to form the backslats.

In another embodiment, the backslatsand the mounting bracketsmay be formed from the same metal. In such an embodiment, the backslatsmay be formed by a bent first sheet metal. Specifically, the backslatsmay be formed by bending a first sheet metal material into the shape of the backslat, such as the J-shape depicted in. Thus, there may be no welding or the like in the formation of the backslats, but instead simply bending of a sheet metal. The mounting bracketsmay be formed by a bent second sheet metal having a second thickness. Specifically, the mounting bracketsmay be formed by bending a second sheet metal material into the shape of the mounting bracketas depicted in.

In such an embodiment, the first sheet material used to form the backslatsmay have a first thickness while the second sheet material used to form the mounting bracketsmay have a second thickness. The second thickness may be greater than the first thickness. In such an embodiment, the backslatsand the mounting bracketsmay both be formed of the same material (both formed from aluminum or both formed from steel). Alternatively, in such an embodiment the backslatsand the mounting bracketsmay be formed from different materials (the backslatsformed from aluminum and the mounting bracketsformed from steel). This may ensure that the mounting brackets, which directly support the weight of the panel assemblies, is sufficiently strong to achieve this function while keeping costs to a minimum by forming the backslatsout of a thinner material.

Thus, the mounting bracketsmay either be formed from a different gauge/thickness of the same material as the backslats, or the mounting bracketsmay be formed from a different, and stronger, material than the backslats. That is, both the mounting bracketsand the backslatsmay be formed from sheet metal, either of the same material but of a different gauge, or of a different material. When the mounting bracketsand the backslatsare formed from a different material, they may still be formed from sheet metals having a different thickness or gauge

Referring to, a close-up of the area denoted as XIII inis provided to depict the engagement between the backslatand the panels, between the mounting bracketand the backslats, and between the torsion springand the mounting bracket. The panelsare aligned with the backslatso that one of the aperturesin the first flangeof the paneland one of the aperturesin the second flangeof the panelare aligned with selected ones of the pre-formed aperturesin the backslat. As noted, the pre-formed aperturesin the backslatare equi-spaced along the entire length of the backslat. As such, the panelsmay have widths that are different from that which is depicted in, while still enabling the aperturesof the panelto be aligned with selected ones of the pre-formed aperturesin the backslat.

Once the aperturesof the panelare aligned with aperturesin the backslat, a fastenermay be inserted through the aperturesand the aperturesto effectively couple the backslatto the panel. The apertures,through which the fastenerextends are not visible indue to the fastenerextending through those apertures,, but others of the aperturesand the aperturesare labeled infor clarity of understanding. In the exemplified embodiment, the fasteneris a rivet. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the fastenermay take on other forms, including being a bolt, a screw, a stud, or the like. Additional backslatsmay be aligned with additional sets of the aperturesin the panelsto provide additional support.

As seen inconcurrently, the backslatis coupled to multiple of the panelsat the same time. In particular, in the exemplified embodiment the backslatis coupled to three of the panels. Furthermore, there are three of the backslats, and each of the backslatsis coupled to each of the three panels. The three backslatsinclude a backslatadjacent to the first endof the panels, a backslatadjacent to the second endof the panels, and a backslatplaced in between the first and second ends,of the panels. The three panelsof the panel assemblyare positioned into alignment such that the first endsof each of the three panelsare aligned and the second endsof each of the three panelsare aligned. Two of the three backslatsmay face in one direction and the other of the three backslatsmay face in the opposite direction, as shown in. By attaching the backslatsto three of the panels, the panel assemblyis formed which then moves together as a unit. That is, the panel assemblycan be attached to and detached from the support gridas a unit.

Referring again solely to, the mounting bracketis mounted to the first wall plateof the backslat. More particularly, the bracket notchof the mounting bracketis aligned with one of the backslat notchesof the backslat. In so aligning the bracket notchwith one of the backslat notches, the first and second apertures,of the mounting bracketare aligned with the first and second apertures,in the first wall plateof the backslat. A first fastenermay then be inserted through the first apertures,and a second fastenermay then be inserted through the second apertures,to couple the mounting bracketto the backslat. The first and second fasteners,may be screws, bolts, studs, rivets, or the like. The apertures,,,are not visible indue to the fasteners,being positioned over and through them, but their existence should be well understood from the previous description. The mounting bracketmay be coupled to the backslatbefore the backslatis coupled to the panelsor after the backslatis coupled to the panels.

When the mounting bracketof the mounting assemblyis coupled to the backslatas shown in, upper surfacesof the tabsof the mounting bracketmay be substantially flush with the upper edgeof the first wall plateof the backslat. The term “substantially flush” as used herein may allow for a small tolerance of up to 1 mm in some embodiments. Furthermore, the bracket floor platemay be elevated above the floor plateof the backslat(see), or the bracket floor platemay be in contact with the floor plateof the backslat. However, it may be preferable for the bracket floor plateto be elevated above the floor plateof the backslatas depicted so that there is space for the fastenersin the situation where the bracket floor plateis aligned with one of the fasteners.

further illustrates the engagement/coupling of the torsion springto the mounting bracket. In particular, the hookof the mounting bracketis inserted through the openingin the coil portionof the torsion spring. Thus, a portion of the coil portionof the torsion springnests within the gapof the hook. If a structure were to engage with the arms,of the torsion spring, such engagement may enable the torsion springto support the remainder of the panel assemblyin a suspended manner. Portions of the arms,of the torsion springmay nest within the notchesin the tabsof the mounting bracket.

Because the mounting bracketis either formed of a stronger material than the backslator formed of a material having a greater thickness than that of the backslat, the mounting bracketis configured to support the weight of the panel assemblywhen the panel assemblyis mounted to the support grid. That is, the hookof the mounting bracketis sufficiently strong such that it will not bend or deflect when the torsion springis engaged with the support grid. Rather, the hookshould be capable of maintaining its configuration despite supporting the full weight of the panel assemblydue to the material and thickness parameters described herein.

Referring to, the ceiling systemis illustrated from a cross-sectional view taken through the three panelsof the panel assembly(illustrates the location of the cross-section). The panelseach comprise a downwardly facing major surfacewhich is exposed to a person in a room in which the ceiling systemis located. The downwardly facing major surfaceof the panelsdefines a panel width W. Furthermore, a gap Gexists between laterally adjacent ones of the panels. The gap Gmay have a width that is much smaller than the panel width W. The gap Gmay have a width that is less than one-half of the panel width W, or less than one-fourth of the panel width W, or less than one-tenth of the panel width Win some embodiments. The spacing distance between the adjacently positioned series of pre-formed aperturesof the backslatsin combination with the width of the flangeof the panels(or the distance that the flangesextend from the sidewalls) may define the width of the gap G. In some embodiments, there may be no gap Gand in other embodiments the gap Gmay be larger than shown in, which may be dictated by user preference, aesthetics, or the like.

Referring to, the mounting of the panel assembly (or panel assemblies)to the support gridwill be described. As noted previously, the grid supportcomprises the plurality of first grid beamsthat are arranged substantially parallel to one another and the plurality of second grid beamsthat are arranged substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the first grid beams. Each of the first grid beamsmay be an inverted T grid style beam that comprises a bulb portion, a web portionextending downwardly from the bulb portion, and a flange portionextending perpendicularly from the lower end of the web portion. The flange portionmay be oriented horizontally. Thus, the first grid beamsmay form the shape of an upside-down “T.”

The flange portionmay comprise a plurality of slotsarranged along the flange portionin a spaced apart manner. Each of the slotsmay form an aperture that extends through the flange portionfrom an upper surfaceof the flange portionto a lower surfaceof the flange portion. The slotsmay be elongated.