US3798446A

US3798446A - Illuminator grid

Info

Publication number: US3798446A
Application number: US00308994A
Authority: US
Inventors: C Deaton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1972-11-24
Filing date: 1972-11-24
Publication date: 1974-03-19
Anticipated expiration: 1991-03-19

Abstract

An egg crate type of illuminator grid panel has longitudinal and transverse baffles intersecting at slots in the top of one and the bottom of the other, with a series of four-legged, starshaped parts, normally molded of plastic, attached to the underside of the baffles at alternate intersections. These stars mask the intersections and also the abutting or overlapping ends of baffles of adjacent panels, which may be rectangular in shape. The end of each leg of a star has a hook to engage a socket formed in the edge of a notch at the bottom of each baffle, beneath alternate intersections. Also, each star has upstanding fingers near the center to engage the opposite side of each baffle. Numerous other features relating to the hangers and panels, as well as to a housing for the panels, are disclosed.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 111 3,798,446 Deaton g [451 Mar. 19,1974

[ ILLUMINATOR GRID Primary Exa miner-Joseph F. Peters, Jr. 76 I t Ch I U. D t G 1 nven or t ii 31 2: 21 5 5 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Horace B. Van Valkenburgh; Frank C. Lowe [22] Filed: Nov. 24, 1972 211 Appl. No.: 308,994 57 ABSTRACT An egg crate type of illuminator grid panel has longil 2/ 2 tudinal and transverse baffles intersecting at slots in 248/343 the top of one and the bottom of the other, with a se- [51 Int. Cl. FZlV 17/00, E04f 19/00 ries f four-legged tar-shaped part5, normally molded Field of Search 240/146, 51-11 of plastic, attached to the underside of the baffles at 240/78 78 248/343; 42/27, 28 alternate intersections. These stars mask the intersections. and also the abutting or overlapping ends of baf- Reiel'ellces Cited fles of adjacent panels, which may be rectangular in UNITED STATES PATENTS shape. The end of each leg of a star has a hook to en- 2677046 4/1954 Dunne et aL 240/78 LK X gage a socket formed in the edge of a notch at the bot- 3544 787 12 1970 Audena] I I h h 240/78 LK tom of each baffle, beneath alternate intersections. 3,050.162 8/1962 Zingone.... 240/7-8 LK x Also, each star has upstanding fingers near the center 3,303,338 2/1967 Lyon 240/247 X to engage the opposite side of each baffle. 2.939543 6/1960 Zingone 3 378 980 4/968 Butler Jr 246/9 R x Numerous other features relating to the hangers and 31033979 5/1962 Cahillj. 240/9 R 3?? as to a housing the Panels,

15C 056 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS I 802.205 10/1958 Great Britain 240/78 LK r 17 Clalms, 18 Dlawmg Flgul'es I l I K S S I I U c: s

\ I I. L] g [I \K C l F r I I r u I Tl l K/" F 1 if i n n 5 k F K 26 c" 1:

I I 1 S 27 :5; I r r 7 A l l 1 U *2? 1: a e a a r v l U E: '3

S 26 l J! 26 8 {in 25 I K (T t f Pmmmmw 1914 3798.446

SHEEY 2 BF 5 PATENTED MR 1 9 I974 SHEET 5 [IF 5 Fig l6 Fig. /7

ILLUMINATOR can) The present invention relates to overhead illumination grids for masking the glare of an illuminator from direct view, and more particularly to overhead illumination grids which are formed as an array of longitudinal and transverse interlocking strips or baffles which, in the parlance of the trade, is sometimes referred to as an egg crate type of illuminator grid. The invention, as hereinafter set forth in detail, will be simply referred to as an illuminator grid, it being understood that it is normally an egg crate type of illuminator grid.

One objection to the use of an egg crate type of illuminator grid resides in the fact that the grid may be required to cover a substantial area and thus, the grid must be in sections, or panels, to permit access to the lighting system above any portion of the grid since it would be impractical to remove or hinge downwardly the entire grid every time a light tube must be replaced. However, the baffles at the edges where two adjacent panels abut each other can never match perfectly, and this is very obvious to anyone glancing at the grid. Such disconnected, mismatching baffles spoil the general overall appearance of an illuminator grid.

Another disadvantageof an egg crate type of illuminator grid resides in the tendency for a panel of these grids to rack diagonally, especially when the panels are not held in frames.

The present invention was conceived and developed with the 'above and other considerations in view and comprises, in essence, an improved illuminator grid which is preferably formed by an array of interconnected panels of selected modular proportions which are secured together by overhead supports and are hinged to the supports to permit any panel to be dropped from the array for access to the light system thereabove. Also, the grid panels are formed with notches at alternate junctures of the longitudinal and transverse baffles to generally improve the appearance of the grid and to conceal the locations where two adjacent panels abut each other, when an array of simple, four-pointed stars is affixed to the lower edges of the longituinal and transverse baffles. These stars, on the underside of the grid, not only provide an ornamental design pleasing to view, but also rigidify each modular panel of the grid to prevent racking movements thereof.

It follows that an object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved illuminator grid, as of a simple, egg crate construction, made up as an array of panels of selected modular proportions that are connected and hinged to support members in a manner which will permit easy access to any section of the lighting system above the grid.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved illuminator grid which is made up as an array of interconnecting neat appearing modular panels arranged to produce a unified appearance and completely avoid any unsightly edges where one panel abuts against an adjacent panel. 1

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved illuminator grid panel made up of interlocking longitudinal and transverse baffles which carries an ornamental star pattern at its underside to enhance both the appearance of the grid and the structural rigidity of the panel.

Other objects of the invention are to'provide, in a novel and improved illuminator grid, a simple, economical, neat appearing, easily installed, rugged and durable unit.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, all of which more fully hereinafter appear, the invention comprises certain constructions, combinations and arrangements of parts and elements hereinafter described and illustrated in a preferred embodiment in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic, perspective 7 view, looking upwardly and showing an illuminator grid constructed according to the invention, which is suspended from a hanger system, the view indicating the panels making up the grid and illustrating a row of panels which have been dropped to provide access to the light system above the grid.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a portion of the grid, showing one panel in full lines and a portion of an adjacent panel in broken lines, the view showing only some of the stars or star-shaped decorative bottom pieces which are fixed to the undersides of the longitudinal and transverse baffles forming the grid.

FIG. 3 is a condensed top planview of a panel of FIG. 2, but on an enlarged scale and showing hanger mem-' bers in section and portions of adjacent panels in broken lines.

FIG. 3A is a top plan view, corresponding to a portion of FIG. 3 but on an enlarged scale, showing portions of two adjacentpanels in the same row but with overlapping baffles.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 but on an enlarged scale, of hangers connecting with adjacent panels.

FIG. 5 is a condensed section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3, but on an enlarged scale and showing particularly a longitudinal baffle of the panel, with the panel hangers omitted.

FIG. 6 is a condensed side elevation, on the same scale as FIG. 5 and showing a longitudinal intermediate baffle.

Flg. 7 is a condensed side elevation, on the same scale as FIG. 5 and showing a transverse baffle of the panel.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary transverse section taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 3, but on an enlarged scale and showing one end of a first support baffle which-is removably connected to a suspension bracket and the op-' posite end of an adjacent second support baffle, which is also pivotally connected to the suspension bracket.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary section similar to FIG. 8, but showing the second pivotally connected support baffle rotated and dropped to a hanging position.

FIG. 10 is an end view of a suspension bracket, as viewed from the position of arrow 10 of FIG. 8, but on an enlarged scale and with the position of the longitudinal baffles being shown in broken lines. 7

FIG. 11 is a condensed side elevation of the suspension bracket and hanger shown in FIG. 10, with a greater proportion of a hanger hook being shown.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a decorative four-point star piece which is affixed to the underside of the baffles forming the grid.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal section taken along line 13 -13 of FIg. l2.

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary isometric view of a portion of the grid structure, showing particularly the manner in which the decorative star piece is affixed to the bottom edges of the longitudinal and transverse baffles.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged detail of a portion of one corner of a bottom notch of the panels of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, with the outline of the corresponding star piece shown in dash lines.

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of an illuminator grid having a single panel constructed in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary section, taken along line 17-l7 of FIG. 16 but on an enlarged scale.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, an illuminator grid G, as in FIG. 1, is formed as a flat, reticulated structure which is suspended from a ceiling by hangers H to define an apparent illuminated ceiling of a room. An array of conventional lights, not shown, will be disposed above this grid to provide illumination which filters through the grid and to the room below. In the present invention, this illuminator grid G will include an array of square or rectangular panels P of any suitable unit or modular size which permits the panels to be neatly fitter together to form the illuminator grid. The panels P will form the central and major part of the grid G and may be dropped for access to the lights thereabove, as illustrated and as hereinafter described. In addition, the grid G may include extended edge sections to fill in portions of a ceiling where the panels will not fit or where hinged panels are unnecessary. Such edge sections, which are not shown, will be constructed with the same reticulated pattern as the panels but of different size and without the dropping feature. This grid G, and the panels P, are formed as interlocking arrays of regularly spaced longitudinal and transverse baffles, and a distincitive feature of the invention resides in the use of a series of regular, four-pointed stars 8, or star pieces, at the underside of the baffles, which are only diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 1 but shown in FIG. 2.

Each panel P is formed of a selected number of longitudinal baffles and an appropriate number of transverse baffles which may be interlocked into a typical egg crate arrangement, with the openings therethrough being uniform and square in section. The panel itself may be square or rectangular in form and be made up of longitudinal support baffles 25, longitudinal intermediate baffles 26 and transverse baffles 27 which are illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, respectively. Each baffle is formed as a rigid strip of metal or the like, having a selected width, or depth, and a length corresponding with the panel size, as hereinafter described.

Each

longitudinal baffle

25 and 26 is formed with an array of evenly spaced,

vertical slots

28, 28a or 28b at its upper edge, as in FIGS. and 6, to receive the transverse baffles, and each transverse baffle 27 is formed with an array of like, evenly spaced,

vertical slots

29, 29, 29a or 29b at its lower edge to receive the longitudinal baffles, with

slots

28a and 28b at opposite ends of

baffles

25 and 26 and slots 29a and 29b at opposite ends of baffles 27. Thus, the longitudinal and transverse baffles are fitted together at junctures formed by the slots to place their lower edges and upper edges in common planes with the longitudinal baffles in spaced parallelism and the transverse baffles in spaced parallelism and perpendicular to the longitudinal baffles. Preferably, the width of each

notch

28, 28a, 28b and each

notch

29, 29a, 29b is proportioned to the thickness of the intersecting panel that a press fit is necessary for the intersecting panel to enter the slot fully, so that each longitudinal intermediate baffle 26, which is supported from a series of transverse baffles 27, will be held securely against loosening or dependingfrom the remainder of the panel. A press fit requiring several hundred pounds to assemble a panel, in suitable jig, is not objectionable, since the force required to separate the baffles at the slots will normally correspond to the force required to push the baffles together. Rectangular notches 30 are formed in the lower edge of each longitudinal and transverse baffle at locations in alignment with alternating slots and in a manner which provides for the notches 30 in the longitudinal baffles to meet the notches 30 in the transverse baffles at common junctures and thereby form pocket-link disruptions at the lower edges of the panel grid, the pattern of the intermediate pockets K being in an alternating sequence from row to row to hold an interlaced pattern of four-pointed stars S at the underside of the grid panel in a manner which places the end points of four adjacent stars at each pocket, and are snapped into place, as hereinafter further described.

The formation-of a grid panel P involves placing the longitudinal baffles in an alternating reversing arrangement, with the ends of the baffles at each edge of the panel being staggered, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Likewise, the transverse baffles are placed in a similar alternating reversing and staggered arrangement. This is necessary because the interlaced pattern of stars S, fitted to the underside of the grid panel, must also interlace with a like pattern of stars on each adjacent panel P and with the end points of the stars at the edges of the panels being at edge pockets K formed where two adjacent panels abut and corner pockets K" where four panels meet.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a grid panel P may be described commencing with a first longitudinal baffle as a support baffle 25. Referring to FIG. 5, one end of this baffle has a notch 31 to form a portion of a corner pocket K" below an end slot 28a near that end of the baffle. Notch 31 is disposed below a convex angular edge 32, which provides a tab for a purpose described later. Notches 30 below every other slot 28 are spaced across this baffle and the opposite end of the baffle terminates at vertical edge 33 below a concave angular edge 34, beyond a final slot 28b to define the edge of an opposite corner pocket K.

The seond longitudinal baffle of the'panel is an intermediate baffle 26. This baffle is very similar to the support baffle, as is apparent from a comparison of FIGS. 5 and 6. Thus, a notch 31 at one end of the bafi'le 26 forms a portion of an edge pocket K below an end slot 28a. Notches 30 below every other slot 28 extend across this baffle and the opposite end terminates at vertical edge 35 beyond a final slot 28b to define the edge of an opposite edge pocket K. However, this second longitudinal baffle 26 is reversed from the corresponding position of the first baffle 25 so that the slot- 28b of this second baffle 26 is aligned with slot 28a of the first baffle 25 to connect with a common transverse baffle 27. Thus, the portion of the baffle 26 beyond slot 28b, terminating at edge 26, supports the end point of a star S.

The third lngitudinal baffle of the panel P is another intermediate baffle 26 which is oriented in the same manner as the first support baffle 25, so that its slot 28a is aligned with the slot 230 of baffle 25, but with slot 28b of the reversed intermediate baffle 26. This pattern is repeated, the fourth intermediate baffle 26 being reversed the same as the second, and so on, with the next to the last baffle being another support baffle 25, oriented in the same manner as the first baffle 25, and the final baffle 26 being reversed with resepct thereto, as illustrated. It will be understood that the intermediate pockets K, edge pockets K and corner pockets K, indicated in FIG. 3, are actually on the underside of the grid.

The same pattern is used with the transverse baffles 27, by alternately reversing these baffles as they extend across the panel. The baffle 27 shown in FIG. 7 is provided with an end notch 37 which is below a vertical end edge 38 and forms a portion of an edge pocket K below an end slot 29a. Notches 30 below each slot 29' are spaced across the baffle and the opposite end of the baffle terminates a vertical edge 39 beyond a final slot 29b, the edge 39 also defining te edge of an edge pocket K. Referring to FIG. 3, the slot 29a of the first transverse baffle 27 of the panel P fits with slot 28a of the first mentioned longitudinal baffle 25 at a comer pocket K, while the opposite end of the transverse baffle carries the point of a projecting star. The second transverse baffle is reversed, the third oriented the same as the first, and so on, to complete the panel as illustrated.

The value of edge pockets K and corner pocketsK will be evident, since a support baffle 25 of one panel must be spaced from or overlap the corresponding support baffle of each panel on opposite sides thereof, while the ends of intermediate baffles must similarly be spaced from or overlap the ends of the intermediate baffles of each panel at the sides thereof, to permit the panels to be swung downwardly'without interference. Similarly, the ends of each transverse baffle 27 must be spaced from or overlap the ends of the transverse baffles of the panels at each end thereof, to prevent interference during assembly of the grid or swing the panel downwardly or upwardly. As will be evident, the stars S mask the spaces between baffles of abutting panels or overlapping the same, the visibility of which might otherwise be accentuated.

While

baffles

25, 26 and 27 of adjacent panels P of FIG. 3 are abutting, the longitudinal baffles 27 of FIG. 3A are shown in overlapping relationship, it being understood that baffles 25 and 26 may overlap corresponding baffles of adjacent panels on each side. Each baffle 27 of a panel P should overlap th baffles 27 of each adjacent panel in the same row on the same side, as shown, but opposite the hinge axis, so that the upper panel P of FIG. 3A may be pivoted as indicated by arrow a, being hinged at the right side of FIG. 3A, so that the extended end of each baffle 27 will move away from the overlapped end of baffle 27 of the adjacent panel, with notch 37 of the baffle 27, as in FIG. 3, clearing the end of the star S beneath. Similarly, the lower panel P of FIG. 3A should be pivoted as indicated by arrow a, being hinged at the left side of FIG. 3A. The panels P in each row are thus hinged to pivot downwardly in alternating directions, as shown in FIG. 1.

Each panel P should include at least two support baffies 25, one at or adjacent each end of the panel and each support baffle will be supported by two hangers H, one connecting with each end of the baffle. The connection of both baffles of a panel P to the hangers H is the same, and only one connection need be described; however, it is to be noted that each hanger H will connect with a support baffle 25 of an adjacent panel P.

Each hanger H, as in FIGS. 1, 10 and 11, may include a hooked suspension wire 40 which extends upwardly to a suitable connection at a ceiling or to any other overhead support 41. The length of the suspension wires 40 may be selected to locate the panels at any desired elevation. An elongated, flat bracket 42 is, suspended from a hook at the bottom of each wire 40, a hole 43 being provided at the top of the bracket for the connection.

The lower portion of each flat bracket 42 is adapted to lie flatly against and connect with the tap formed by the angular edge 32 of a support baffle 25, which is provided with a trapezoidal hole 44, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Flat bracket 42 also lies against and pivotally connects with the opposite end of a corresponding support baffle 25 of an adjacent panel. A second hanger H is at the other end of the first mentioned support baffle 25, and it includes a bracket 42 which lies against and pivotally connects with this opposite end of the support baffle 25. This second hanger also lies against and connects with the tab and of another corresponding support baffle of another adjacent panel. This arrangement of connecting support baffles with brackets 42 is repeated on the other support baffles of the several panels.

For such connection, bracket 42 is provided with an upper hook 45 and a lower hook-shaped pintle 46, each of which may be punchedfrom the bracket, but with hook 45 essentially parallel and pintle 46 perpendicular to the plane of the bracket. Hole 44 fits over hook 45, so that the baffle may be lifted to disconnect it from the hook. However, a finger 47 is provided at the edge'of the bracket, above the baffle, to contact the'top edge of the baffle when it is raised and prevent the baffle from accidentally falling off the hook. Thus, a positive effort is required to disconnect each baffle from the hook 45 if it is desired to drop the panel.

At the opposite end of the baffle, concave edge 34 provides clearance for the tab 32 of the connecting support baffle of the adjacent panel. Also, a pivot hole 48 is provided near edge '33, a short distance above the bottom of the baffle, for hingedly fitting onto pintle 46, so that both support baffles may be pivoted about the corresponding pintles and the panel swung downwardly for access to the ceiling area above the illuminator grid, whenever the opposite ends of the baffles 25' are disconnected from the hooks 45. As in FIG. 5, pivot hole 48 preferably has a special configuration, as of higher and lower parts, as shown, so that the hanger and panel may be pulled closer together for passage of the end of pintle 46 into the higher part of the hole, then further apart, so that the pintle will enter the lower part of the hole, to retain the supporting baffle and panel on the pintle when the panel is swung downwardly or upwardly. As in FIG. 9, pivot hole 48 is so located as to permit the pocket edge 33 of the baffle to swing into the pocket with sufficient clearance to prevent jamming against parts of an adjacent panel.

With the above arrangement, an illuminator grid G will consist of longitudinal and transverse rows of panels P. The longitudinal rows of panels are interlocked with a hanger H at or adjacent each corner of each panel, each hanger supporting two adjacent panels. Any one panel may be dropped for access to the space above the illuminator grid. Each longitudinal row of panels may be formed the same as an adjacent row of panels, in which case, the hinging about hinge pintles 46 will be at the same side of all of the panels. Also, the panels may be oppositely arranged, with the components forming left hand and right hand arrays of longitudinal and transverse baffles. In this arrangement, when the panels are properly fitted together, the hinging will be at alternate sides of the panels to drop the panels on opposite sides of an opening, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In either event, at each corner of a group of panels, it will be necessary to provide for two hangers, a hanger H for the arrangement above described and illustrated in FIG. 3 and a hanger H for an opposite hand panel, as shown in FIG. 3 in dashed lines. An arrangement for using two adjacent hangers is also indicated somewhat diagrammatically in FIG. 1.

The four-pointed stars S or star pieces, which are affixed to the underside of a panel, may be of any suitable synthetic resin, as by injection molding, and these stars may be decorated or formed from colored resin in any manner desired. Each star S, as in FIGS. 12-14, has a flat base 50, shaped as four comparatively narrow star points or legs with a simple central nave. A short wall 51 circumscribes the base to give the edge of the star an appearance of greater thickness, while the wall of adjacent legs merges into a curved fillet at the nave. The distance between the ends of opposing legs of each star is proportioned to span the distance between two slots 30 of the panel baffles, so that the upper surface of the base will rest against the undersurface of the longitudinal and transverse baffles, with the wall at the points of the star extending into pockets K formed by intersecting baffles. A non-pocket intersection of longitudinal and transverse baffles will then at at the center of the star. The wall at each point of the star is formed with an inwardly extending hook 52 which is adapted to engage a notch-like socket 53 in the pocket walls of the

baffles

25, 26 and 27, as in FIGS. -7 and on an enlarged scale in FIG. 15. As in FIG. 15, in addition to socket 53, the edge of each notch 30 is provided with an arcuate lower corner 54 to guide hook 52 for snapping the stars into place. Each

notch

31 and 37, as well as edges 33, 36 and 39, are provided with a notch 53 and an arcuate lower corner 54, for the same purpose. The walls at each point of the star are reinforced by abutments 55 which provide a narrow slot between them, wherein the lower edge of a baffle may snugly fit. An array of spaced fingers 56 upstand from the nave of the star with the arrangement being such as to engage each side of the crossed baffles at each side of their intersection point, as in the manner illustrated in FIG. 14. It is contemplated that the inherent flexibility of the plastic material forming a star will permit each star to be placed at the underside of intersecting panel baffles and snapped into position with a light pressure, by forcing the hooks 52 to snap into the sockets 53, as shown in FIG. 14.

The resulting panel structure can be thus formed into an illuminator grid of a pleasing appearance, with the star patterns at the underside effectively concealing, or subduing the fact that this grid is a simple, egg crate type of illuminator grid. The stars S further produce a relative minimum of obstruction to light passing from above and downwardly through the spaces between the intersecting baffles.

The alternate hinged relationship of panels in the same row and with overlapping baffles,.as described previously, may be utilized with a conventional egg crate type of construction, as will be evident from FIG. 3A, with the stars S omitted and with baffles 27 of FIG. 7, if desired, constructed without notch 37 or notches 30 or sockets 53. Thus, the upper panel P of FIG. 3A, when so constructed, can be moved downwardly in the manner indicated by arrow a and the lower panel, when so constructed, moved downwardly in the manner indicated by arrow'a', it being noted that these arrows, while drawn in the plane of the figure, actually indicate a movement perpendicular thereto but in the direction of the arrow heads. As will be evident, the ends of each baffle 27 of a first panel can be moved downwardly but will move away from the overlapped end of the baffle 27 of each adjacent panel in the same row, when the overlapping is on the side of the baffle of the adjacent panel opposite the hinge axis of the first panel. Thus, the panels, in alternating relation in the same row, when utilized with the otherwise conventional egg crate construction, can be moved downward to depend from the grid in the same manner as shown for panels P in FIG. 1. The panels of as many rows as desired may be similarly hinged for downward pivoting movement in alternating relation, so that any one or more panels, in the same or different rows, may be hinged downwardly for access to the illuminator above, as for replacement of a light tube, as of the fluorescent type, which has reached the end of its useful life. As will be evident, overlapping baffles 25 and 26 do not produce the same problem, since the hinge axis is perpendicular thereto. As will be evident, the alternate hinging of the panels permits an overlap at the ends of corresponding baffles and thus eliminates the light slit between abutting or nearly abutting baffles of adjacent panels.

It will further be eveident that a panel may be removed by releasing the holes 48 from the pintles 46 and also releasing the holes 44 from the hooks 45, there being sufficient flexibility in the construction to pull the baffle a short distance toward the hanger involved for releasing the lower hole from the pintle and raising the opposite end of the baffle, then shifting the end outwardly from thehanger so that hole 44 will clear hook 45. The panels may be replaced by the reverse of the operations described above, which are applicable to the panels having the stars S or panels with the more conventional egg crate baffle construction.

It will also be evident that the bafi'les of each panel may be molded integrally and the stars S may also be molded integrally with the baffles, using a suitable material, such as plastic. However, the stars S still cover or mask the area below the abutment or overlapping of the baffles of adjacent panels and the panels may be suspended from hangers in the manner described above.

A single panel constructed in accordance with this invention may be utilized as a grid for an illuminator, as in FIGS. 16 and 17, in which a panel P is supported in a more conventional manner by bottom flanges 60 which extend inwardly from the lower ends of side walls 61 and end walls 62 of a housing 0. As in FIG. 17, a series of conventional fluorescent tubes 63 may be mounted in conventional end fixtures 64 for the tubes, with fixtures 64 mounted on the inside of each end wall 62 of the housing, below a top 65. A series of longitudinal baffles 66 and transverse baffles 67 of panel P may FIGS. 5-7, slots similar to slots 28 in the longitudinal baffles and slots similar to slots 29 in the transverse baffles. However, the ends of the baffles do not require a particular configuration, since the ends of the transverse baffles 67 rest on the flange 60 at each side of the housing and the ends of longitudinal baffles 66 merely extend to the flange 60 at each end of the housing. The notches similar to notches 30 are provided with notchlike sockets similar to socket 53 of FIG. 14, as before.

The stars S attached to the underside of the baffles may be constructed as described previously, although a series of special stars S are utilized around the edge of the panel, each having a shortened leg 70, which extends generally to the inner edge of the adjacent flange 60. The end of each leg 70 may be provided with a hook similar to hook 52 of FIG. 14 to snap into the socket at one edge of a narrower notch 30 adjacent the end of the corresponding baffle. The length of shorter legs 70 may be increased from that shown in FIG. 17, to accommodate different widths or lengths of illuminators.

The panel P of FIG. 16 may be removed from the housing by tipping one side upwardly and simultaneously moving it toward the adjacent side wall of the housing, so that-the oppositeside of the panel will clear flange 60 and the panel then moved downwardly and laterally until the side tipped up clears flange 60 on that side. The panel may be replaced by an operation which is essentially the reverse of that involved in removing the panel. PReferably, the width of the panel P', including the extension of transverse baffles 67 beyond the stars S, is sufficiently greater than the distance between the inner edges of side flanges 60 so that, in horizontal position and resting on the ledges formed by side flanges 60, the panel P cannot fall out of the housing, even though accidentally pushedagainst one of the side walls 61. Thus, the overlap of the panel on each flange 60, when resting on the flanges and positioned centrally, should be slightly greater than one-half of the width of each flange 60.

I have now described certain preferred embodiments of my invention and certain variations in considerable detail. However, it is evident that others skilled in the art can build and devise alternate and equivalent constructions, as well as devise numerous changes and variations, which are nevertheless within the spirit and scope of my invention. i

What is claimed is:

1. An illuminator grid adapted to be suspended besaid masking means also covers the underside of a 6 substantial portion of said baffles adjacent said intersections. 3. An illuminator grid as defined in claim 1, wherein:

said masking means comprises a series of generally star-shaped elements having four equally spaced legs. 4. An illuminator grid as defined in claim 3, wherein: said baffles are provided with spaced notches in the bottom thereof corresponding to the position of alternate intersecting baffles and a notch at a lower corner of said baffles, said corner notches alternating at the ends of said baffles extending in one direction and said baffles extending transversely thereto. I

5. An illuminator grid as defined in claim 4, wherein:

each of said notches is provided with a socket adjacent its lower edge; and

said legs of said star-shaped elements have means at the ends thereof for engaging said sockets.

6. An illuninator grid as defined in claim 1, wherein:

the baffles of a panel extending in one direction are provided with slots extending downwardly from the top in spaced positions corresponding to and for receiving the intersecting baffles;

said intersecting baffles have slots extending upwardly from thebottom at positions corresponding to and for receiving said first narned baffles; and

said slots have widths in relation to the thickness of the baffles received in said slots that pressure is necessary to insert said baffles fully into the receiving slots. I

7. An illuminator grid adapted to be suspended beneath one or more sources of light and comprising:

a series of contiguous panels disposed in at least one row with each panel having a series of intersecting, generally upright baffles extending longitudinally of said row and another, series extending transversely to said row, with the ends of at least longitudinal baffles of adjacent panels being in lateral overlapping relationship;

means for suspending said panels beneath said light sources and operatively associated withhinge longitudinal axis at one side of each said panel and releasable means for holding the opposite side of said panel in generally horizontal position; and

the hinge axis of alternating panels being on one side of said row and the hinge axis of the remaining panels on the opposite side of said row, while an extending end of a longitudinal baffle of a first panel overlaps the end of a longitudinal baffle of an adjacent panel on the side of the latter opposite said hinge axis of said first panel.

8. An illunirnator grid as defined in claim 7, wherein said means for suspending said panels includes:

a series of hanger brackets having a lower pintle' for Y pivotally engaging a transverse baffle adjacent the I pivot end thereof and an upper hook for releasably engaging a transverse baffle of a laterally 'adjacent panel.

. 9. An illuminator grid as defined in claim 8, wherein:

said hanger brackets are provided with stop means above said upper hook for engaging said transverse baffle upon upward movement from said hook to minimize accidental removal of said baffle from said hook. I

10. An illuminator grid as defined in claim 8,

wherein:

said hanger bracket is relatively flat to abut the sides of transverse baffles attached thereto; and

means for downward pivotal movement about a said pintle and hook extend laterally from the same side of said bracket.

11. An illuminator grid as defined in claim 10,

wherein:

said transverse baffles have a lower hole adjacent one end for pivotally engaging said pintle, and an upper hole adjacent the opposite end for releasably engaging said hook.

12. An illuminator grid as defined in claim 11,

wherein:

said lower pintle is upright and transverse to the plane of siad hanger bracket,

said upper hook has a lower horizontal portion transverse to said bracket and an outer portion upstanding from the outer end of said lower portion;

said lower hole of a transverse baffle has portions of greater and lesser height;

said upper hole of a transverse baffle has a generally inverted trapezoidal shape; and

said hanger brackets are provided with a stop finger above said upper hook which extends from one side of said bracket and is provided with an outer depending portion.

13. An illuminator grid adapted to be positioned beneath one or more sources of light and comprising:

a series of generally upright baffles extending longitudinally of said grid and another series of generally upright baffles extending transversely of said grid and intersecting said longitudinal baffles; and

a series of generally star-shaped elements having four spaced legs attached to the underside of said baffles at the intersections thereof, with said legs extending on the underside of said baffles away from i said intersection. 14. An illuminator grid as defined in claim 13, wherein:

said star-shaped elements are provided with means for engaging said baffles adjacent said intersection and for engaging said baffles adjacent the ends of said legs. 15. An illuminator grid as defined in claim 14, wherein:

said baffles are provided with spaced notches in the bottom thereof corresponding to the position of altemate intersecting baffles. 16. An illuminator grid as defined in claim 15, wherein:

each of said notches is provided with a socket adjacent its lower edge; and said legs of said star-shaped elements have means at the ends thereof for engaging said sockets. 17. An illuminator grid as defined, in claim 14,

wherein:

said means for engaging said baffles adjacent said intersection comprise members upstanding from said star-shaped elements on opposite sides of each baffle and adapted to restrain said baffles at said intersection.

Claims

1. An illuminator grid adapted to be suspended beneath one or more sources of light and comprising: a series of substantially contiguous panels, each having a series of intersecting, generally upright baffles; and means attached to the underside of said panels for masking the parts at the division between adjacent panels visible from beneath said panels and for masking the underside of a plurality of intersections of said baffles.

2. An illuminator gtid as defined in claim 1, wherein: said masking means also covers the underside of a substantial portion of said baffles adjacent said intersections.

3. An illuminator grid as defined in claim 1, wherein: said masking means comprises a series of generally star-shaped elements having four equally spaced legs.

4. An illuminator grid as defined in claim 3, wherein: said baffles are provided with spaced notches in the bottom thereof corresponding to the position of alternate intersecting baffles and a notch at a lower corner of said baffles, said corner notches alternating at the ends of said baffles extending in one direction and said baffles extending transversely thereto.

5. An illuminator grid as defined in claim 4, wherein: each of said notches is provided with a socket adjacent its lower edge; and said legs of said star-shaped elements have means at the ends thereof for engaging said sockets.

6. An illuninator grid as defined in claim 1, wherein: the baffles of a panel extending in one direction are provided with slots extending downwardly from the top in spaced positions corresponding to and for receiving the intersecting baffles; said intersecting baffles have slots extending upwardly from the bottom at positions corresponding to and for receiving said first named baffles; and said slots have widths in relation to the thickness of the baffles received in said slots that pressure is necessary to insert said baffles fully into the receiving slots.

7. An illuminator grid adapted to be suspended beneath one or more sources of light and comprising: a series of contiguous panels disposed in at least one row with each panel having a series of intersecting, generally upright baffles extending longitudinally of said row and another series extending transversely to said row, with the ends of at least longitudinal baffles of adjacent panels being in lateral overlapping relationship; means for suspending said panels beneath said light sources and operatively associated with hinge means for downward pivotal movement about a longitudinal axis at one side of each said panel and releasable means for holding the opposite side of said panel in generally horizontal position; and the hinge axis of alternating panels being on one side of said row and the hinge axis of the remaining panels on the opposite side of said row, while an extending end of a longitudinal baffle of a first panel overlaps the end of a longitudinal baffle of an adjacent panel on the side of the latter opposite said hinge axis of said first panel.

8. An illunimator grid as defined in claim 7, wherein said means for suspending said panels includes: a series of hanger brackets having a lower pintle for pivotally engaging a transverse baffle adjacent the pivot end thereof and an upper hook for releasably engaging a transverse baffle of a laterally adjacent panel.

9. An illuminator grid as defined in claim 8, wherein: said hanger brackets are provided with stop means above said upper hook for engaging said transverse baffle upon upward movement from said hook to minimize accidental removal of said baffle from said hook.

10. An illuminator grid as defined in claim 8, wherein: said hanger bracket is relatively flat to abut the sides of transverse baffles attached thereto; and said pintle and hook extend laterally from the same side of said bracket.

11. An illuminator grid as defined in claim 10, wherein: said transverse baffles have a lower hole adjacent one end for pivotally engaging said pintle, and an upper hole adjacent the opposite end for releasably engaging said hook.

12. An illuminator grid as defined in claim 11, wherein: said lower pintle is upright and transverse to the plane of siad hanger bracket, said upper hook has a lower horizontal portion transverse to said bracket and an outer portion upstanding from the outer end of said lower portion; said lower hole of a transverse baffle has portions of greater and lesser height; said upper hole of a transverse baffle has a generally inverted trapezoidal shape; and said hanger brackets are provided with a stop finger above said upper hook which extends from one side of said bracket and is provided with an outer depending portion.

13. An illuminator grid adapted to be positioned beneath one or more sources of light and comprising: a series of generally upright baffles extending longitudinally of said grid and another series of generally upright baffles extending transversely of said grid and intersecting said longitudinal baffles; and a series of generally star-shaped elements having four spaced legs attached to the underside of said baffles at the intersections thereof, with said legs extending on the underside of said baffles away from said intersection.

14. An illuminator grid as defined in claim 13, wherein: said star-shaped elements are provided with means for engaging said baffles adjacent said intersection and for engaging said baffles adjacent the ends of said legs.

15. An illuminator grid as defined in claim 14, wherein: said baffles are provided with spaced notches in the bottom thereof corresponding to the position of alternate intersecting baffles.

16. An illuminator grid as defined in claim 15, wherein: each of said notches is provided with a socket adjacent its lower edge; and said legs of said star-shaped elements have means at the ends thereof for engaging said sockets.

17. An illuminator grid as defined in claim 14, wherein: said means for engaging said baffles adjacent said intersection comprise members upstanding from said star-shaped elements on opposite sides of each baffle and adapted to restrain said baffles at said intersection.