Panel and Mounting Mechanism

Abstract

A ceiling system which includes a plurality of grid elements which form a grid framework and a plurality of downwardly accessible ceiling panels. The ceiling panels include a substrate and at least two mounting members. Each mounting member cooperates with the substrate to provide strength and rigidity characteristics to the substrate and to form a grid receiving cavity. Each mounting member further cooperates with a grid element to accurately position the panel relative to the grid framework. When installed, the system provides no visual indications on how the ceiling panel can be removed.

1 . A ceiling panel structure for use in a ceiling system having a plurality of support members positioned in parallel horizontal relation, the ceiling panel structure comprising:
 a substrate having a first major surface, a second major surface and at least two edges extending therebetween; and   first and second mounting members, each mounting member having an attachment section which fixedly attaches the mounting member to the first major surface of the substrate, and each mounting member having a hook section which cooperates with a support member to attach the ceiling panel structure to a support member.   
   
   
       2 . The ceiling panel structure of  claim 1 , wherein the hook section rests on and is supported by one of the plurality of support members. 
   
   
       3 . The ceiling panel structure of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment section imparts strength and rigidity characteristics to the panel substrate which minimizes the propensity of the panel substrate to sag. 
   
   
       4 . The ceiling panel structure of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment section abuts the first major surface of the substrate. 
   
   
       5 . The ceiling panel structure of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment section is in parallel relation with the first major surface of the panel substrate. 
   
   
       6 . The ceiling panel structure of  claim 1 , wherein attachment section is positioned below the hook section and wherein the hook section is vertically and horizontally offset from the attachment section. 
   
   
       7 . The ceiling panel structure of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting member and substrate are made of different materials. 
   
   
       8 . The ceiling panel structure of  claim 7 , wherein the substrate is made of a material selected from the group consisting of mineral fiber board, fiberglass, wood, plastic or combinations thereof. 
   
   
       9 . The ceiling panel structure of  claim 8 , wherein the mounting member is made of extruded aluminum. 
   
   
       10 . The ceiling panel structure of  claim 1 , wherein the hook section is vertically and horizontally offset from at least one of the two edges of the substrate, whereby the substrate at least partially covers a portion of one of the support members when the ceiling panel structure is mounted to one of the support members of the ceiling system. 
   
   
       11 . The ceiling panel structure of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment section has an opening extending therethough into which a mechanical fastener is seated. 
   
   
       12 . The ceiling panel structure of  claim 11 , wherein mechanical fastener extends through the first major surface of the substrate. 
   
   
       13 . The ceiling panel structure of  claim 12 , wherein the mounting member and the mechanical fastener in combination support the weight of the substrate when the ceiling panel structure is mounted to the support members of a ceiling system. 
   
   
       14 . The ceiling panel structure of  claim 12 , wherein the mounting member and the mechanical fastener in combination impart strength and rigidity to the substrate. 
   
   
       15 . The ceiling panel structure of  claim 11 , wherein the mechanical fastener is a screw-type fastener. 
   
   
       16 . The ceiling panel structure of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting member is attached to the substrate by a chemical adhesive. 
   
   
       17 . The ceiling panel structure of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting member permits the substrate to expand or contract during fluctuations in humidity.