Patent Publication Number: US-2023151606-A1

Title: Architectural fixture connection system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/278,583, filed Nov. 12, 2021, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of ceiling and wall fixtures. More particularly, the present invention relates to an architectural fixture connection system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     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. 
     SUMMARY 
     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 easier manufacture, assembly, adjustment, and maintenance. 
     In one implementation, the invention is an architectural fixture assembly having a beam extending along a longitudinal axis. The beam has a bottom side, a first sidewall extending from the bottom side to a distal end, and a second sidewall that extends from the bottom side to a distal end. A cavity is formed by inner surfaces of the bottom side, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall. A first elongated channel is formed into the inner surface of the first sidewall. A second elongated channel is formed into the inner surface of the second sidewall. A third fastener extends through the first elongated channel. A second fastener extends through the second elongated channel. A first securing element extends from the first elongated channel to the second elongated channel. The first securing element engages the first fastener and the second fastener. 
     In another implementation, the invention is an architectural fixture assembly having a first beam extending along a longitudinal axis and a second beam extending along the longitudinal axis. The first beam has a bottom side, a first sidewall extending from the bottom side to a distal end, and a second sidewall that extends from the bottom side to a distal end. A cavity is formed by inner surfaces of the bottom side, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall. A first notch is formed into the inner surface of the first sidewall at a first end of the first sidewall. The second beam has a bottom side, a first sidewall extending from the bottom side to a distal end, and a second sidewall that extends from the bottom side to a distal end. A cavity is formed by inner surfaces of the bottom side, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall. A second notch is formed into the inner surface of the first sidewall at a second end of the first sidewall. A first joiner bracket engages the first notch of the first beam and the second notch of the second beam, the joiner bracket securing the first end of the first sidewall of the first beam to the second end of the first sidewall of the second beam. 
     In yet another implementation, the invention is an architectural fixture assembly having a first beam extending along a first longitudinal axis and a second beam extending along a second longitudinal axis. The first beam has a bottom side, a first sidewall extending from the bottom side to a distal end, and a second sidewall that extends from the bottom side to a distal end. A cavity is formed by inner surfaces of the bottom side, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall. The second beam has a bottom side, a first sidewall extending from the bottom side to a distal end, and a second sidewall that extends from the bottom side to a distal end. A cavity is formed by inner surfaces of the bottom side, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall. The bottom side, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall of both of the first and second beams are formed from a monolithic, unitary, sheet. 
     In still another implementation, the invention is an architectural fixture assembly having a first beam extending along a first longitudinal axis and a second beam extending along a second longitudinal axis, the second longitudinal axis oriented at an angle to the first longitudinal axis. The first beam has a bottom side, a first sidewall extending from the bottom side to a distal end, and a second sidewall that extends from the bottom side to a distal end. A cavity is formed by inner surfaces of the bottom side, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall. First and second elongated slots are formed into the first sidewall, the first and second elongated slots extend from the distal end toward the bottom side. The second beam has a bottom side, a first sidewall extending from the bottom side to a distal end, and a second sidewall that extends from the bottom side to a distal end. A cavity is formed by inner surfaces of the bottom side, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall. A first elongated slot is formed into the first sidewall and extends upward from the bottom side. A second elongated slot is formed into the second sidewall and extends upward from the bottom side. The second beam is assembled to the first beam such that the first and second elongated slots of the first beam engage the first and second sidewalls of the second beam. 
     In another implementation, the invention is an architectural fixture assembly having a first beam extending along a first longitudinal axis, a second beam extending along a second longitudinal axis, the second longitudinal axis oriented at a first angle to the first longitudinal axis, and a third beam extending at a third longitudinal axis, the third longitudinal axis at a second angle to the first longitudinal axis. The first beam has a bottom side, a first sidewall extending from the bottom side to a distal end, and a second sidewall that extends from the bottom side to a distal end. A cavity is formed by inner surfaces of the bottom side, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall. First, second, and third elongated slots are formed into the first sidewall, the first, second, and third elongated slots extending from the distal end toward the bottom side. The second beam has a bottom side, a first sidewall extending from the bottom side to a distal end, and a second sidewall that extends from the bottom side to a distal end. A cavity is formed by inner surfaces of the bottom side, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall. A first elongated slot is formed into the first sidewall and extends upward from the bottom side. A second elongated slot is formed into the second sidewall and extends upward from the bottom side. The third beam has a bottom side, a first sidewall extending from the bottom side to a distal end, and a second sidewall that extends from the bottom side to a distal end. A cavity is formed by inner surfaces of the bottom side, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall. A first elongated slot is formed into the first sidewall and extends upward from the bottom side. A second elongated slot is formed into the first sidewall and extends downward from the distal end. A third elongated slot is formed into the second sidewall and extends downward from the distal end. The second beam is assembled to the first beam such that 1) the first elongated slot of the first beam engages the first sidewall of the second beam, 2) the second elongated slot of the first beam engages the second sidewall of the second beam and the first sidewall of the third beam, and 3) the third elongated slot of the first beam engages the second sidewall of the third beam. 
     In yet another implementation, the invention is an architectural fixture assembly having a first beam extending along a first longitudinal axis and a second beam extending along a second longitudinal axis. The first beam has a bottom side extending along a first plane, a first sidewall extending from the bottom side to a distal end, and a second sidewall that extends from the bottom side to a distal end. A cavity is formed by inner surfaces of the bottom side, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall. The second beam has a bottom side extending along a second plane, a first sidewall extending from the bottom side to a distal end, and a second sidewall that extends from the bottom side to a distal end. A cavity is formed by inner surfaces of the bottom side, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall. The second plane is oriented at an acute angle with respect to the first plane. 
     In a further implementation, the invention is an architectural fixture assembly having a first beam extending along a first longitudinal axis, a second beam extending along a second longitudinal axis, and a third beam extending at a third longitudinal axis. The first beam has a bottom side, a first sidewall extending from the bottom side to a distal end, and a second sidewall that extends from the bottom side to a distal end. A cavity is formed by inner surfaces of the bottom side, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall. The second beam has a bottom side, a first sidewall extending from the bottom side to a distal end, and a second sidewall that extends from the bottom side to a distal end. A cavity is formed by inner surfaces of the bottom side, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall. The third beam has a bottom side, a first sidewall extending from the bottom side to a distal end, and a second sidewall that extends from the bottom side to a distal end. A cavity is formed by inner surfaces of the bottom side, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall. A first joiner bracket engages the first sidewall of the first beam and the second sidewall of the second beam. A second joiner bracket engages the first sidewall of the second beam and the second sidewall of the third 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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The various present embodiments now will be discussed in detail with an emphasis on highlighting the advantageous features with reference to the drawings of various embodiments. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit the invention. The drawings are not to be construed as drawn to scale. 
         FIG.  1    is a top, front, right perspective view of an architectural fixture embodying the invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a front side elevation view of the beam of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a top plan view of the beam of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of an attachment bracket as may be utilized in the beam of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  5    is a top, front, right perspective view of an additional architectural fixture embodying the invention. 
         FIG.  6    is a front side elevation view of the beam of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional view of the beam of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  8    is a top plan view of the beam of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  8 A  illustrates an manner of attaching the architectural fixture of  FIG.  5    to a support structure. 
         FIG.  8 B  illustrates a top view of a securing element as may be used in the beam of  FIGS.  1  and  5   . 
         FIG.  9    is a top, front, left perspective view of a connection key with and end cover embodying the invention. 
         FIG.  10    is a front side elevation view of the connection key with and end cover of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  11    is a left side elevation view of the connection key with and end cover of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  12    is a top plan view of the connection key with and end cover of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  13    is a top, front, right perspective view of an additional architectural fixture shown in engagement with a second beam embodying the invention. 
         FIG.  13 A  illustrates the architectural fixture of  FIG.  13    whereby the two beams are coupled together by joiner brackets. 
         FIG.  14    is a front side elevation view of an architectural fixture shown in engagement with a second beam of  FIG.  13   . 
         FIG.  15    is a top plan view of an architectural fixture shown in engagement with a second beam of  FIG.  13   . 
         FIG.  16 A  is a perspective view of two joiner brackets as may be used in the architectural fixture of  FIG.  13   . 
         FIG.  16 B  is a right side view of the two joiner brackets of  FIG.  16 A . 
         FIG.  16 C  is a front side view of the two joiner brackets of  FIG.  16 A . 
         FIG.  16 D  is a top plan view of the two joiner brackets of  FIG.  16 A . 
         FIG.  17    is a top, front, right perspective view of an additional architectural fixture embodying the invention wherein two beams meet at an angle. 
         FIG.  17 A  is a top plan view of the beams of  FIG.  17    in an unfolded state. 
         FIG.  17 B  is perspective view of the beams of  FIG.  17    in a partially folded state. 
         FIG.  18    is a front side elevation view of the beams of  FIG.  17   . 
         FIG.  19    is a top plan view of the beams of  FIG.  17   . 
         FIG.  20    is a perspective view of the beams of  FIG.  17    showing the meeting of the two beams. 
         FIG.  21    is a detail view showing a securing element for assembling the two beams. 
         FIG.  21 B  is a top perspective view of the beams of  FIG.  17   . 
         FIG.  21 C  is an illustration showing different angled configurations for the architectural fixture of  FIG.  17   . 
         FIG.  21 D  is a side view showing the securing element of the architectural fixture of  FIG.  17   . 
         FIG.  22    is a top, front, right perspective view of an additional architectural fixture embodying the invention wherein the beams are configured to form a triangle-like shape. 
         FIG.  23    is a front side elevation view of the beams of  FIG.  22   . 
         FIG.  24    is a top plan view of the beams of  FIG.  22   . 
         FIG.  25    is a top, front, right perspective view of an additional architectural fixture embodying the invention wherein the beams are configured to form a hexagon-like shape. 
         FIG.  26    is a front side elevation view of the beams of  FIG.  25   . 
         FIG.  27    is a top plan view of the beams of  FIG.  25   . 
         FIG.  28    is an exploded top, front, right perspective view of an additional architectural fixture embodying the invention wherein two beams are shown in engagement. 
         FIG.  29    is a front side elevation view of the beams of  FIG.  28   . 
         FIG.  30    is a top plan view of the beams of  FIG.  28   . 
         FIG.  31    is a top, front, right perspective view of an additional architectural fixture embodying the invention wherein three beams are shown in engagement. 
         FIG.  31 A  is an exploded view of the architectural fixture of  FIG.  31   . 
         FIG.  31 B  is a second exploded view of the architectural fixture of  FIG.  31   . 
         FIG.  32    is a front side elevation view of the beams of  FIG.  31   . 
         FIG.  33    is a top plan view of the beams of  FIG.  31   . 
         FIG.  33 A  is a bottom plan view of the architectural fixture of  FIG.  31   . 
         FIG.  34    is a top, front, right perspective view of an additional architectural fixture embodying the invention wherein six beams are shown in engagement. 
         FIG.  35    is a front side elevation view of the beams of  FIG.  34   . 
         FIG.  36    is a top plan view of the beams of  FIG.  34   . 
         FIG.  37    is a top, front, right perspective view of an additional architectural fixture embodying the invention. 
         FIG.  38    is a front side elevation view of the beams of  FIG.  37   . 
         FIG.  39    is a top plan view of the beams of  FIG.  37   . 
         FIG.  40    is a top, front, right perspective view of an additional architectural fixture embodying the invention. 
         FIG.  41    is an enlarged section of  FIG.  40    taken along line  41  of  FIG.  40   . 
         FIG.  42    is a top, front, right perspective view of an additional architectural fixture embodying the invention wherein the beams are configured to form a lattice. 
         FIG.  43    is a front side elevation view of the beams of  FIG.  42   . 
         FIG.  44    is a top plan view of the beams of  FIG.  42   . 
         FIG.  45    is a top, front, right perspective view of the beams of  FIG.  42    shown with dashed lines indicating movement for the beams to engage/disengage. 
         FIG.  46    is a top, front, right perspective view of an additional architectural fixture embodying the invention where in the beams are configured to form a star-like shape. 
         FIGS.  46 A and  46 B  are partial views of the architectural fixture of  FIG.  46   . 
         FIG.  47    is a front side elevation view of the beams of  FIG.  46   . 
         FIG.  48    is a top plan view of the beams of  FIG.  46   . 
         FIG.  49    is a top, front, right perspective view of an additional architectural fixture embodying the invention wherein the beams are disposed to form a continuous up and down three-dimensional movement configuration . 
         FIG.  50    is a front side elevation view of the beams of  FIG.  49   . 
         FIG.  51    is a top plan view of the beams of  FIG.  49   . 
         FIG.  51 A  is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the architectural fixture of  FIG.  49   . 
         FIG.  51 B  is a view of one of the beams of the architectural fixture of  FIG.  49    in an unfolded configuration. 
         FIG.  51 C  is a three-dimensional architectural fixture system formed by connecting a plurality of the architectural fixtures of  FIG.  49   . 
         FIGS.  52 A and  52 B  illustrate a top, front, left perspective view of a beam of an architectural fixture embodying the invention, with a beam, and an outwardly facing side of a connection key with an end cover flush with an end of the beam. 
         FIG.  53    is a front side elevation view of the beam of  FIG.  52 B . 
         FIG.  54    is a top plan view of the beam of  FIG.  52 B . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     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. 
     Co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/863,949, filed Apr. 30, 2020, and published as US2021/0340761 on Nov. 4, 2021, discloses an architectural fixture connection system. The present application is directed, at least in part, to updates, additions, and/or modifications to the architectural fixture connection system described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/863,949. US2021/0340761 is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Referring first to  FIGS.  1 - 12   , an architectural fixture assembly  100  is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The architectural fixture assembly  100  is a generally U-shaped beam  102  that is formed by folding a flat elongated sheet of material. Optionally, a plurality of V-cuts, grooves, or other features may be formed to facilitate bending of the sheet. Once folded, the U-shaped beam  102  comprises a bottom side  104 , a first sidewall  106  that extends from the bottom side  104  to a distal end  117 , and a second sidewall  108  that extends from the bottom side  104  to a distal end  118 . The bottom side  104  and the first and second sidewalls  106 ,  108  collectively define a cavity  105 . A longitudinal axis A-A extends along the beam  102 , extending parallel to the bottom side  104  and the first and second sidewalls  106 ,  108 . The beam  102  extends from a first end  103   a  to a second end  103   b  along the longitudinal axis A-A. 
     The cavity  105  may be open or closed at opposing ends. That is, the first sidewall  106  extends from a first end  107   a  to a second end  107   b  and the second sidewall  108  extends from a first end  109   a  to a second end  109   b.  The cavity  105  is bounded by connection keys  144  at each of the first and second ends  107   a,    107   b,    109   a,    109   b  of the first and second sidewalls  106 ,  108 . Optionally, the cavity  105  may be open at one or both of the first and second ends  107   a,    107   b ,  109   a,    109   b  of the first and second sidewalls  106 ,  108 . The use of connection keys  144  is optional as will be described in greater detail below. 
     The first sidewall  106  has an inner surface  110  that faces the cavity  105  and the second sidewall  108  has an inner surface  112  that faces the cavity  105 . The first sidewall  106  has a first notch  113  formed into its inner surface  110  located adjacent to the first end  107   a  and a second notch  114  formed into its inner surface  110  located adjacent to the second end  107   b . The second sidewall  108  has a first notch  115  formed into its inner surface  112  located adjacent to the first end  109   a  and a second notch  116  formed into its inner surface  112  located adjacent to the second end  109   b.    
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  9 - 12   , the architectural fixture  100  comprises a pair of connection keys  144  that are coupled to the U-shaped beam  102  to close the openings at the first and second opposing ends of the first and second sidewalls  106 ,  108 . Each of the connection keys  144  comprises a pair of protuberances  146  that nest within the notches  113 - 116  in the inner surfaces  110 ,  112  of the first and second sidewalls  106 ,  108 . Thus, the connection keys  144  can be positioned with the protuberances  146  aligned with the notches  113 - 116  and then the connection keys  114  can be slid relative to the beam  102  to couple the connection keys  144  to the beam  102 . The connection key  144  may comprise a plate portion  147  and a connection portion  148 , or may be formed as a single, integrally formed, monolithic, unitary, component. Optionally, the connection keys  144  may bound the cavity  105   
     The architectural fixture  100  is elongated along the longitudinal axis A-A. Furthermore, there is an elongated channel  170  formed into each of the inner surfaces  110 ,  112  of the first and second sidewalls  106 ,  108 . The elongated channel  170  is only visible in the inner surface  112  of the second sidewall  108  in the figures provided, but it should be appreciated that an identical elongated channel exists in the inner surface  110  of the first sidewall  106 . The elongated channels  170  are elongated in the direction of the longitudinal axis A-A. In other implementations, the elongated channels  170  may be formed as two separate elongated channels  170  formed in the inner surface  110  of the first sidewall  106  and two separate elongated channels  170  formed in the inner surface  112  of the second sidewall  108 . Each of these individual elongated channels  170  may be formed immediately adjacent the connection keys  144  at the first and second ends  107   a,    107   b,    109   a,    109   b  of the first and second sidewalls  106 ,  108 . In yet other implementations, there may be more than two elongated channels  170  on each of the first and second sidewall. 
     In the exemplified embodiment, the elongated channels  170  are spaced inwardly of the first and second ends  107   a,    107   b,    109   a,    109   b  of the first and second sidewalls  106 ,  108 , but the elongated channels  170  could extend to the various ends of the first and second sidewalls  106 ,  108  in other embodiments. More specifically, in the exemplified embodiment when the connection keys  144  are coupled to the beam  102 , the ends of the elongated channels  170  are spaced from the connection keys  144 . The elongated channels  170  do not extend through the full thickness of the first and second sidewalls  106 ,  108  in the exemplified embodiment, although they may in other embodiments. 
     The architectural fixture  100  further comprises a pair of attachment brackets  180 A,  180 B.  FIGS.  1 - 3    illustrate the architectural fixture  100  with the attachment brackets  180 A and  FIGS.  5 - 8 A  illustrate the architectural fixture  100  with the attachment brackets  180 B. The architectural fixture  100  is configured to receive either of the different types of attachment brackets  180 A,  180 B. Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the attachment brackets  180 A are a ceiling hanging bracket that comprises arm portions  181 A that nest within the elongated channels  170  in the first and second sidewalls  106 ,  108  and a central portion  182 A that extends between the arm portions  181 A. The body portion  182 A comprises an aperture or through-hole within which a connection feature of a rod or cable  101  may be attached to the attachment bracket  180 A. The rod or cable  101  is affixed to the ceiling (either directly or indirectly) and then is attached to the attachment bracket  180 A, which is in turn attached to the architectural fixture  100  by nesting the arm portions  181 A of the attachment bracket  180 A within the elongated channels  170  of the beam  102 . The attachment brackets  180 A may be configured to slide in the direction of the longitudinal axis A-A while remaining coupled to the beam  102 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates one of the attachment brackets  180 A. As can be seen, the attachment bracket  180 A has a central portion  182 A and arm portions  181 A extending upwardly from the central portion  182 A. The central portion  182 A incorporates an aperture or hole which receives a cable, rod, or other attachment device. The cable, rod, or other attachment device allows suspending the beam  102  from a roof or ceiling, the beam  102  being spaced from the roof or ceiling. When the beam  102  is mounted, the central portion  182  is approximately horizontal, while the arm portions  181 A engage the elongated channels  170 . The upward extension of the arm portions  181 A allow the attachment brackets  180 A to be snapped into position and engage the elongated channels  170  without the need for disassembly of the beam  102 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , there is also a pair of securing elements  190  (i.e., a hook bracket) mounted to the U-shaped beam  102  within the elongated channels  170 .  FIG.  8 B  also illustrates one of the securing element  190  in greater detail. The securing elements  190  are coupled to the U-shaped beam  102  along opposing ends of the elongated channels  170  in the exemplified embodiment. The securing elements  190  have a main body  192  and a pair of hooks  191 , each hook  191  extending from opposite ends of the main body  192 . The hooks  191  nest within the elongated channels  170  and hold the U-shaped beam  102  in its folded U-shaped configuration. Thus, the U-shaped beam  102  may be capable of maintaining its U-shape without the use of glue or other fasteners, simply with the use of the securing elements  190 . 
     The hooks  191  engage fasteners  171  which are fitted into holes  172  formed in the first and second sidewalls  106 ,  108 . Optionally, the fasteners  171  may be pins, screws, bolts, or any other device configured to receive the hooks  191  of the securing element. The holes  172  intersect the elongated channels  170  and the fasteners extend through the elongated channels  170 . The securing elements  190  extend transverse to the longitudinal axis A-A. Optionally, the attachment brackets  180 A may engage different elongated channels  170  from the elongated channels  170  engaged by the securing elements  190 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5 - 8 A , the architectural fixture  100  is illustrated with the second type of attachment bracket  180 B.  FIGS.  5 - 8 A  are identical to  FIGS.  1 - 3    except that the attachment brackets  180 B are used instead of the attachment brackets  180 A. The attachment brackets  180 B are configured for direct mounting. Thus, the attachment brackets  180 B comprise arm portions  181 B that nest within the elongated channels  170  and a central portion  182 B that extends between the arm portions  181 B. The arm portions  181 B comprise hooks which aid in engagement with the elongated channels  170 . There are apertures in the central portion  182 B through which fasteners such as screws, bolts, or the like may extend for purposes of directly coupling the attachment bracket  180 B to a support structure (a ceiling, wall, T-grid, Unistrut, threaded-rod cable, or the like). Optionally, the attachment brackets  180 B may engage different elongated channels  170  from the elongated channels  170  engaged by the securing elements  190 . 
       FIG.  8 A  illustrates the architectural fixture  100  of  FIGS.  5 - 8 A  being attached to a support structure in greater detail. Specifically, first the attachment brackets  180 B are attached to the support structure. The support structure may be a horizontal surface such as a ceiling or a vertical surface such as a wall. Next, the U-shaped beam  102  is slidably attached to the attachment brackets  180 B while the arm portions  181 B of the attachment brackets  180 B nest within the elongated channels  170 . Finally, the connection keys  144  are attached to the ends of the U-shaped beam  102 . In other implementations, the connection keys  144  are attached prior to coupling of the beam  102  to the attachment brackets  180 B. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  13 - 15   , another embodiment of an architectural fixture  200  is illustrated. The architectural fixture  200  comprises two U-shaped beams  102   a,    102   b  coupled together in a side-by-side manner. The two U-shaped beams  102   a,    102   b  are identical to the U-shaped beams of  FIGS.  1 - 12   , utilizing the attachment bracket  180 A of  FIGS.  1 - 3   . In this embodiment, the two U-shaped beams  102   a,    102   b  are attached together with a pair of joiner brackets  130 . In particular, the first U-shaped beam  102   a  comprises a first end  103   a  and the second U-shaped beam  102   b  comprises a second end  103   b.  In this variation, the connection keys  144  are not positioned at the first end  103   a  of the first U-shaped beam  102   a  or at the second end  103   b  of the second U-shaped beam  102   b.  Thus, the cavities  105  of each of the beams  102   a,    102   b  are only bounded on one end of each of the beams  102   a,    102   b.    
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  16 A-D , the joiner brackets  130  each comprise a body portion  131 , a first flange  132  located along a first edge of the body portion  131 , and a second flange  133  located along a second edge of the body portion  131 . The first and second flanges  132 ,  133  are elongated in a vertical direction. The joiner brackets  130  are coupled to the two U-shaped beams  102   a,    102   b  within the notches  114   a,    116   a,    113   b,    115   b  that were previously described as being used for coupling the connection keys  144 . That is, a first one of the joiner brackets  130  is positioned so that the first flange  132  nests within the notch  114   a  of the first U-shaped beam  102   a  and the second flange  133  nests within the notch  113   b  of the second U-shaped beam  102   b.  Similarly, a second one of the joiner brackets  130  is positioned so that the first flange  132  nests within the notch  116   a  of the first U-shaped beam  102   a  and the second flange  133  nests within the notch  115   b  of the second U-shaped beam  102   b.  In this way, the joiner brackets  130  hold the first and second U-shaped beams  102   a,    102   b  into the adjacent side-to-side position due to their engagement with the various notches as described herein. The joiner brackets  130  apply pressure onto the notches  113 - 116  to hold the two U-shaped beams  102  together. As shown in  FIG.  13 A , there may be four of the joiner brackets  130  used to attach to the two U-shaped beams  102   a,    102   b  in some embodiments. Alternatively, the joiner brackets  130  may be made longer to achieve a more secure attachment between the two U-shaped beams. Greater or fewer joiner brackets  130  may be used to couple beams  102  as desired. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  17 - 21 D , an architectural fixture  300  is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment. The architectural fixture  300  comprises a first beam  301   a  and a second beam  301   b.  The fixture  300  is alterable from an unfolded configuration as shown in  FIG.  17 A  to a folded configuration as shown in  FIG.  17   . Thus, the beams  301   a,    301   b  of the architectural fixture  300  are not formed by coupling multiple components together, but are instead a monolithic structure formed by folding a flat panel. The beams  301   a,    301   b  are formed as a single, integrally formed, unitary, monolithic sheet. Thus, the beams  301   a,    301   b  are formed of a single piece of material. The architectural fixture  300  is formed as two beams  301   a,    301   b  that intersect at an angle. A first longitudinal axis A-A extends along the beam  301   a,  while a second longitudinal axis B-B extends along the beam  301   b.  The angle between the two beams  301   a,    301   b  is an angle defined by the internal corner formed by the intersection of the two beams  301   a,    301   b . The angle may be acute or obtuse, and may be substantially any angle. For instance, the angle may be 60 degrees or less. Alternately, the angle may be 90 degrees or may be 137 degrees or greater. Various exemplary angles are illustrated in  FIG.  21 C . 
     Referring to  FIG.  17 A , when unfolded the architectural fixture  300  comprises a bottom wall portion  302  which comprises a first bottom wall  302   a  and a second bottom wall  302   b  that are separated by a V-shaped recess  350 . A first sidewall  306  extends from a first end of the bottom wall portion  302  and a second sidewall  308  extending from a second end of the bottom wall portion  302 . The first sidewall  306  is divided into two portions  306   a,    306   b  by a folding line  360 . The first portion  306   a  of the first sidewall  306  is connected to the first bottom wall  302   a  and the second portion  306   b  of the first sidewall  306   b  is connected to the second bottom wall  302   b.  The second sidewall  308  comprises a first portion  308   a  and a second portion  308   b  that are separated from one another. 
     The first and second portions  308   a,    308   b  of the second sidewall  308  comprise tabs  340  on their ends which face each other.  FIG.  17 B  illustrates the fixture  300  in a partially folded state between the unfolded state of  FIG.  17 A  to the folded state of  FIG.  17   . The first and second portions  306   a,    306   b  of the first sidewall  306  are folded about the fold line that exists between the first sidewall  306  and the bottom wall portion  302 . The first and second portions  308   a,    308   b  of the second sidewall  308  are folded relative to the bottom wall portion  302 . Next, the first sidewall  306  is folded about the folding line  360  which closes the V-shaped recess and brings the tabs  340  along the ends of the first and second portions  308   a ,  308   b  of the second sidewall  308  near to each other so that they can be coupled together. Securing elements  390  that are the same as the securing elements  190  can then be used to maintain the architectural fixture  300  in the folded configuration. The architectural fixture includes notches that allow for coupling of connection keys  344  (which are identical to the connection keys  144  described above) 
       FIGS.  20 ,  21 , and  21 D  illustrate an additional securing element  330  which may be used with the architectural fixture  300 . The securing element  330  is a plate that slides into a notch  331  between the tabs/flaps  340  to hold or maintain the angle of the architectural fixture  300 .  FIG.  21 B  is a view of the architectural fixture  300  with the securing element  330  and the securing elements  190  helping to hold the architectural fixture  300  in the folded configuration.  FIG.  21 C  illustrates different configurations to which the architectural fixture  300  may be folded in different embodiments.  FIG.  21 D  illustrates the securing element  330 . The securing element  330  has a base portion  333  and two fingers  332 . The base portion  333  is configured for grasping by a user and fits within the notch  331 , while the fingers  332  extend beyond the notch  331  and engage the tabs  340  to prevent separation of the tabs  340 . As can be seen, each of the tabs  340  has two notches  331  but greater or fewer notches  331  may be formed and all notches  331  need not receive a securing element  330 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  22 - 24   , an architectural fixture  400  is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The architectural fixture  400  comprises three separate architectural fixtures  300 , with architectural fixtures  300   a - c  attached together to form the architectural fixture  400 . The architectural fixtures  300   a - c  are identical to the architectural fixture  300  described above with reference to  FIGS.  17 - 21 D . For the architectural fixture  400 , beams  301   a - f  are attached together at their ends with joiner brackets  430 . The joiner brackets  430  are identical to the joiner brackets  130  described above. That is, the beams  301   a - f  comprise notches that interact with flanges of the joiner brackets  430  to facilitate the coupling of the beams  301   a - f  together. Remaining features of the architectural fixture  400  are the same as features previously described and therefore they are not described herein in the interest of brevity. However, the similar features can be readily identified by viewing and comparing the figures. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  25 - 27   , an architectural fixture  500  is illustrated in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. The architectural fixture  500  comprises six of the architectural fixtures  300  described above with reference to  FIGS.  17 - 21 D . However, the beams  301  have a different beam angle than the beams  301   a,    301   b  described above with reference to  FIGS.  17 - 21 D . As noted and shown in  FIG.  21 C , the beams  301   a,    301   b  may be bent at various different angles. Depending on the angle of the beams  301 , a specific number of them may be arranged in a loop and coupled together to form an architectural fixture, such as the architectural fixture  500 . Again, joiner brackets  530  (identical to the joiner brackets  130  previously described) and securing elements  590  (identical to the securing elements  190  previously described) may be used in the manner described above to maintain each of the beams  301  in their folded configuration and to facilitate the coupling of the adjacent beams  301  to one another. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  28 - 30   , an architectural fixture  600  is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The architectural fixture  600  comprises a first beam  610  and a second beam  620  that are configured to be coupled together in a T-shape. The first and second beams  610 ,  620  are both linearly elongated beams in the exemplified embodiment. The first beam  610  extends along a first longitudinal axis A-A while the second beam  620  extends along a second longitudinal axis B-B. The first beam  610  is much like the beam  102  shown in  FIG.  1   , and both of its ends are closed by a connection key  611 . The first beam  610  comprises a first sidewall  612  and a second sidewall  613  that extend upwardly from a bottom wall portion  616 . The first sidewall  612  terminates in a distal end  614 . Furthermore, the first sidewall  612  comprises two elongated slots  615  that extend downwardly from the distal end  614  of the first sidewall  612  in a direction towards the floor portion. The two elongated slots  615  are spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance. 
     The second beam  620  comprises a bottom wall portion  621 , a first sidewall  622 , and a second sidewall  623 . The second beam  620  is closed at one end by an end wall  630 , but remains open at the opposite end. The first sidewall  622  comprises an extension portion  624  that protrudes beyond the bottom wall portion  621  and the second sidewall  623  comprises an extension portion  625  that protrudes beyond the bottom wall portion  621 . The extension portions  624 ,  625  are cantilevered from the bottom wall portion  621 . A first elongated slot  626  is formed into the first extension portion  624  adjacent to where the first extension portion  624  meets the bottom wall portion  621 . A second elongated slot  627  is formed into the second extension portion  625  adjacent to where the second extension portion  625  meets the bottom wall portion  621 . Each of the first and second elongated slots  626 ,  627  extends upwardly from a lower edge of the first and second extension portions  625 ,  626 , respectively. The first and second beams  610 ,  620  may be coupled together by mating the elongated slots  614 ,  615  of the first beam  610  with the elongated slots  626 ,  627  of the second beam  620 , as indicated by the dashed line in  FIG.  26   . Thus, the first and second beams  610 ,  620  may be held together using friction only, or additional fasteners or brackets could be included to create a more secure attachment between the first and second beams  610 ,  620 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  31 - 33 A , an architectural fixture  700  is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The architectural fixture  700  comprises three beams  710 ,  720 ,  730 . The beam  710  comprises three elongated slots  711 ,  712 ,  713  along one of its sidewalls, each of the elongated slots  711 ,  712 ,  713  extending downwardly from a distal end of the sidewall. The elongated slots  711 ,  713  extend through the sidewall of the beam  710  at an oblique angle relative to a longitudinal axis A-A of the beam  710 . The slot  712  is larger in width than the slots  711 ,  713  to receive parts of both of the beams  720  and  730 . 
     The beam  730  extends along a longitudinal axis C-C and has three elongated slots  731 ,  732 ,  733 . The elongated slot  731  extends from a lower edge of the beam  730  upwardly for less than half of the length of the beam  730 . The slot  732  is aligned with the slot  731 , but extends downwardly from an upper edge of the beam  730  for less than half of the length of the beam  730 . Thus, the slots  731 ,  732  are aligned, but spaced apart. The slot  733  extends upwardly from the lower edge of the beam  730  along the other sidewall of the beam  730 . The beam  730  is connected to the beam  710  by slidable mating between the slot  731  of the beam  730  and the slot  712  of the beam  710  and slidable mating between the slot  733  of the beam  730  and the slot  713  of the beam  710 . 
     The beam  720  extends along a longitudinal axis B-B and comprises two elongated slots  721 ,  722 . After the beams  710 ,  730  are coupled together, the beam  720  is connected to the beams  710 ,  730  by slidable mating between the slot  721  of the beam  720  and the slot  711  of the beam  710  and slidable mating between the slot  722  of the beam  720  and the slot  732  of the beam  730 . The slot  722  of the beam  720  also nests within the slot  712  of the beam  710 . 
     The various elongated slots may be shaped, sized, and otherwise configured and angled to enable parts of the other beams to be received therein. Thus, for example, the slot  712  of the beam  710  is somewhat larger than the other slots because parts of each of the beams  720 ,  730  are received in the slot  712 . Moreover, the edges of the slots may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the beam in which the slot is formed to allow the nesting arrangement as shown in  FIGS.  31 - 33 A .  FIG.  33 A  illustrates the end result from a bottom plan view, which is the view that would be available to a person inside of a room in which the architectural fixture  700  is hanging. 
       FIGS.  34 - 36    illustrate an architectural fixture  800  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The architectural fixture  800  uses much of the same technology as described above for the architectural fixture  700 , except that more beams and slots are used. In particular, in the architectural fixture  800 , there are five beams  810 ,  820 ,  830 ,  840 ,  850  each with a variety of slots to enable them to be coupled together similar to the manner described above with reference to the architectural fixture  700 . 
     One difference in the architectural fixture  800  as compared to the architectural fixture  700  is that the slots in the main beam  810  are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A of the main beam  810 . In the architectural fixture  700 , the slots  711 ,  713  in the main beam  710  are oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis A-A of the beam  710 . Thus, in this embodiment each of the beams  820 ,  830 ,  840 ,  850  comprises (numbering provided for the beam  820  only, but it is the same for the other beams) first and second sidewalls  821 ,  822 . The first sidewall  821  comprises a main portion  823  and a connection portion  824  that is coupled to the main portion  823  with a living hinge. The second sidewall  822  also comprises a main portion  825  and a connection portion  826  that is coupled to the main portion  825  with a living hinge. Thus, the connection portions  824 ,  826  can bend or flex or pivot relative to the main portions  823 ,  825 . Furthermore, the connection portions  824 ,  826  are the portions that are engaged with the main beam  810  for purposes of coupling the beams  810 ,  820  together. This allows the slots in the main beam  810  to be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main beam  810  while still forming the double “K” shape structure as the architectural fixture  800  because the connection portions  824 ,  826  can pivot to facilitate slidable mating with the slots of the main beam  810 . Although the invention is described with the main and connection portions attached with a living hinge, in other embodiments there may not be a living hinge, but the connection portions may be bent/angled relative to the main portions to facilitate their insertion into the slots that are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main beam. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  37 - 39   , an architectural fixture  900  is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, there are two beams  910 ,  920  that intersect and are attached together via slots (not visible) on each of the beams  910 ,  920 . The first beam  910  extends along a longitudinal axis A-A while the second beam  920  extends along a longitudinal axis B-B. In particular, for the beam  910  the slots extend from the bottom side upwards and for the beam  920  the slots extend from the top side downwards. In this embodiment, there are channels  970  on the inner surfaces of the sidewalls of the beams  910 ,  920  to receive attachment brackets  980  (like the attachment brackets  180 A,  180 B described above with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 11   ). The channels  970  allows for adjustability, and quick, fastenerless connections of the attachment locations for the attachment brackets  980  and the securing elements  990 . Connection keys  944  may be included as well as discussed previously in this disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  40  and  41   , an architectural fixture  1000  is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The architectural fixture  1000  includes channels on the inner surfaces of the beams for receiving attachment brackets and securing elements, as has been described above. Thus,  FIGS.  40  and  41    illustrate a new arrangement for the beams relative to those described above, but the beams include the same features for attachment, hanging, maintaining in folded configuration, and the like which have been discussed herein. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  44  and  45   , an architectural fixture  1100  is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The architectural fixture  1100  formed by attaching several of the architectural fixtures  1000  of  FIGS.  40  and  41    together. That is, the architectural fixtures  1000  are coupled together with joiner brackets  1130 , which have the same structure and function in the same way as the joiner brackets  130  described above. That is, the joiner brackets  1130  slidably engage the notches in adjacently positioned beams to connect the beams together. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  46 - 48   , an architectural fixture  1200  is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The architectural fixture  1200  comprises a plurality of beams  1210 ,  1220 ,  1230 ,  1240 ,  1250 ,  1260  that are attached together to form a star or asterisk-like shape. While there are six of the beams  1210 ,  1220 ,  1230 ,  1240 ,  1250 ,  1260  illustrated in the exemplified embodiment, the invention is not to be so limited and more or less than six beams could be used in this arrangement in other embodiments utilizing the attachment features described below. Moreover, it should be appreciated that several of the architectural fixtures  1200  may be coupled together using methods and techniques described herein to form a large fixture with triangular shaped cells defined between the beams. 
     The details of the architectural fixture  1200  will be described with reference to the beam  1210 , but it should be understood that the other beams  1220 ,  1230 ,  1240 ,  1250 ,  1260  have an identical structure to the beam  1210 . The beam  1210  extends along a longitudinal axis A-A. The beam  1210  a first sidewall  1211  that extends along the longitudinal axis A-A from a first end  1212  to a second end  1213  and a second sidewall  1214  that extends along the longitudinal axis A-A from a first end  1215  to a second end  1216 . Furthermore, the beam  1210  comprises a first upper flange  1217  that extends from the second end  1213  of the first sidewall  1211  to a distal end and a second upper flange  1218  that extends from the second end  1215  of the second sidewall  1214  to a distal end. The first and second upper flanges  1217 ,  1218  may be connected to the first and second sidewalls  1211 ,  1214 , respectively, by a living hinge in some embodiments, although this is not required in all embodiments. The first and second upper flanges  1217 ,  1218  extend from the first and second sidewalls  1211 ,  1214  towards one another in the exemplified embodiment. 
     The architectural fixture  1200  comprises brackets  1270  that hold one of the upper flanges of one of the beams and one of the upper flanges of an adjacently positioned beam. For example,  FIG.  46    illustrates the bracket  1270   a  holding the second upper flange  1218  of the beam  1210  and one of the upper flanges of the beam  1220 . 
     The beam  1210  (and the other beams as well) also comprises a first lower flange  1219  and a second lower flange  1280 . In the exemplified embodiment, a retention device  1290  is pulled through the lower flanges of all of the beams  1210 - 1260  and pulled tight to lock all of the beams together in the desired arrangement. The retention device  1290  may be a zip tie or other device capable of coupling the lower flanges  1219  of the respective beams  1210 ,  1220 ,  1230 ,  1240 ,  1250 ,  1260 . 
     In the exemplified embodiment, the architectural fixture  1200  comprises a central hub  1295  with a plurality of notches  1296  (the number of notches should equal the number of beams, and thus in the exemplified embodiment there are six of the notches  1296 ). One of the brackets  1270  is disposed within each of the notches  1296 . The central hub  1295  may be omitted in some embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  49 - 51 C , an architectural fixture  1300  will be described in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. The architectural fixture  1300  uses similar techniques to that described above with reference to  FIGS.  46 - 48    for achieving the coupling of the various beams together, although the beams are in a different configuration. In particular, in this embodiment the architectural fixture  1300  comprises six beams  1310 ,  1320 ,  1330 ,  1340 ,  1350 ,  1360 . The first three beams  1310 ,  1320 ,  1330  are coupled together using brackets  1370  much like the brackets  1270  described above. Similarly, the second three beams  1340 ,  1350 ,  1360  are coupled together using brackets  1370  much like the brackets  1270  described above. Furthermore, the beam  1330  is coupled to the beam  1340  using joiner brackets  1390  which are identical to the joiner brackets  130  described above. That is, the joiner brackets  130  nest within notches in the inner surfaces of the beams  1330 ,  1340  adjacent to their ends to couple the beams  1330 ,  1340  together. 
     Each of the beams  1310 ,  1320 ,  1330 ,  1340 ,  1350 ,  1360  extends along a longitudinal axis. By way of example, a longitudinal axis A-A is illustrated as extending along the beam  1310  and a longitudinal axis B-B is illustrated as extending along the beam  1330 . A first plane P 1  lies along a bottom side of the beam  1310 . A second plane P 2  lies along a bottom side of the beam  1330 . The beams  1310 ,  1320 ,  1330 ,  1350 ,  1360  are all angled with respect to each other. The beams  1330 ,  1340  are aligned with each other. The planes formed by the bottom sides of the beams  1310 ,  1320 ,  1330 ,  1350 ,  1360  are non-parallel to one another. 
     In this embodiment, the beams  1310 - 1360  have bottom flanges that are articulatable to allow the faces of different angles to come together in a clean way. The bottom flanges may be attached together with a retention device as described above.  FIG.  51 A  is a bottom view which illustrates the bottom flanges of the three beams  1340 ,  1350 ,  1360  interfacing in a clean manner. Furthermore,  FIG.  51 B  illustrates one of the beams  1310 - 1360  in an unfolded configuration. There are holes  1391  in the bottom flanges  1392  which allow for the retention device to pass through. Moreover, the remaining lines indicated on the unfolded beam are fold lines (which would be crease lines, pre-weakened lines formed by cutting or thinning of the material, or the like), which should indicate the manner in which the beam is manipulated to alter it from its unfolded configuration to its folded configuration. 
     The architectural fixture  1300  and related embodiments allow a way to create a system of connected 3-way beams that can create an undulating three-dimensional surface out of a multitude of the 3-way beams.  FIG.  51 C  is one such example of an undulating three-dimensional architectural fixture formed using the techniques described with regard to this particular embodiment. 
       FIGS.  52 A  illustrates the architectural fixture  100  of  FIG.  1    with an indication that the architectural fixture  100  may have any length.  FIG.  52 B,  53 , and  54    illustrates the architectural fixture  100  of  FIG.  5    with an indication that the architectural fixture  100  may have any length. 
     The features described herein may be combined and mixed among the various embodiments. For example, although attachment brackets (such as  180 A and  180 B in  FIGS.  1  and  5   ) are not shown in all embodiments, they could be incorporated into any and all of the embodiments disclosed herein for purposes of hanging the architectural fixtures from a support surface. Thus, any of the features described with reference to one of the embodiments may be incorporated into any of the other embodiments to optimize use, function, aesthetic, or the like.