Patent ID: 6138416
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: E04B,E04C

Abstract:
In a suspended ceiling having, in combination,a) a grid formed of spaced beams andb) a fluorescent light fixture supported by some of the beams;whereina) the beams in cross-section are identical and of an inverted T-shape having a vertical web, horizontal flanges at the bottom of the web, and a bulb at the top of the web,b) the light fixture has a box frame having a lower portion and a transitional portion above the lower portion to permit the frame to fit between the spaced beams and to be supported on the flanges of the beams, andc) the beams have a beam height effective in resisting bending loads on the beams, wherein said beam height does not interfere with the fit of the frame between the beams and support of the frame on the flanges;the improvement comprising a group of beams identical in cross-section, each capable of being assembled with the others in the group to form the grid, wherein each of the beams in the group has a shape at the top that conforms in shape in cross-section of the transitional portion in cross-section on the light fixture frame, said shape at the top of the beam extending above the frame lower portion into a space adjacent the transitional portion of the light frame when the beams support the frame on the beam flanges, without interfering with the fit of the frame between the beams, or support of the frame on the beam flanges.