Improvements in and relating to the Construction of Cornice Brackets for Metallic Ceilings.
Year: 1888

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to the Construction of Cornice
Brackets for Metallic Ceilings.
I, WILLIAM RAYMOND KINNEAR, residing at Columbus, in the County of Franklin
and State of Ohio, one of the United States of America, Gentleman, do hereby declaro
the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
My invention has for its objects to provide forms to receive and maintain in shape
the ends of the separate pieces composing the cornice; to provide means for suspend-
ing the said forms to the wall which are at once simple and efficient in their operation
and render the work of suspending the forms more rapid and with greater certainty of
adjustment; to provide a shield to cover the joint formed by the meeting ends of the pieces
composing the cornice, and to provide a shield to conceal and support the meeting
edges of the separate pieces composing the styling common to this class of ceilings.
To these ends the invention consists in providing a light skeleton bracket the face
of which is shaped to the form of the cornice, and a "lookout" or shield, which may
be affixed to the said skeleton, so as to conceal the junction of the pieces composing
the cornice after they have been adjusted, and in providing cross-bars to support the
meeting edges of the separate pieces composing the styling which extend across the
width of the styling and are supported by the said brackets and the adjoining panels,
and the edges of which are rolled so as to form grooves to retain the said edges of the
styling-pieces.
Referring to the accompanying Drawings-
Figure 1, is a front elevation of a section of the cornice where two of the separate
nieces moat with the invention applied

page_text: Figure 2, is a side elevation of the invention;
Figure 3, is a perspective view of the parts of the invention separated;
Figure 4, is a detail view in perspective, looking at the rear of the lookout.
The letter, A', designates the grooved plate, which is secured to the wall before the
bracket is suspended. It is provided with the perforations, A3, for the introduction
of screws or other fastenings, and has upon its face the raised groove, A². This
groove is open at either end for the introduction of the small flange on the lower end
of the bracket as it is pressed up against the ceiling. In some forms of the invention
I have two of these plates, and secure either the one to hold the top of the bracket to
the wall first, or the other, as the case may be.
The skeleton bracket, B, which is held in position by the plate, A', is provided
with the rib, C. and in the form shown in the accompanying drawings with the
stationary plate. D¹, which is provided with perforations for the introduction, as in the
plate, A³, of screws or other fastenings, or it may be secured by means of hooked
fastenings driven by the side of and the hooks extending over the said plate. When
these plates are both secured in position, the said skeleton bracket is suspended firmly
without danger of displacement, as the grooved plate, A', secures it against any lateral
movement and the plate, D. against falling.
The rib, C, acts as a brace for the bracket, B', to secure it against bending or
breaking, according to the material used in the construction of the same. The edge
of the rib, where it rests.against the wall at the lower end, is provided with the flange,
C, which is constructed to fit in the raised groove. A. closely. The rib is an integrant
part with the bracket, B, and may extend entirely across the stretch of the bracket or
only a part of the way from both ends when it is desired to render the construction
lighter.
The bracket, B, consists of a broad strip shaped to correspond to the form of the
molding of the cornice, to receive the ends of the same and maintain their form at that
point. I find that this style of bracket is further of advantage, because of the liability
to damage to the ends of these cornice-pieces in shipping them, in which event they
may be remedied of their defect by forcing the ends to the form of the brackets. The
bracket is constructed broad enough to receive the meeting ends of the cornice-pieces,
and allow for a little play between them for the expansion and contraction which are
caused by the changes of temperature in the room. I do not, however, limit myself
to this construction, as the same effect may be produced by leaving the edge of the
rib, C, exposed and lapping the ends of the cornice-pieces. Under the plate, 1', at
the upper end of the bracket, it is cut away upon either side of the rib for the passage of a
screw-driver or other tool for driving the fastenings by which the said plate is secured.
This cutaway portion, by preference, occurs where a straight surface in the molding is
presented, for the reason that the form of the metal when pressed to the said flange assumes
a straight line between the ends of the broken flange and does not thereby contract the
lines of the molding. The bracket is again broken near the lower end and at the last
bead of the cornice. At this point the rib, C, extends through the opening thus
formed to provide the extension, C3, which is provided with the shape of the bead at
that point. The bracket is thus cut away to provide a stop in connection with the
lookout and to aid in the adjustment of the same. The ends of the cornice-pieces are
cut away at this point to allow the said extension to pass through and engage a lug on
the lookout, as hereinafter described. In the form of cornice illustrated in the accom
panying drawings there is a narrow fillet or drip at the lower edge. It is to preserve the
form of this fillet that the foot, C. which is a continuation of the flange, C, is provided, and
which extends to either side of the rib and is terminated in a square shoulder. When the
skeleton bracket is suspended, as described, the cornice-pieces, X, are placed in position
upon them, and the nails or other fastenings which secure the said pieces to the wall are
driven through the depending edge X', as shown in Figure 1. cf the drawings, and the
upper edge is secured in any manner desired. In this position the ends of the cornice-
pieces lap the brackets, as stated, and as shown by dotted lines in Figure 1, of the draw-
ings. If we now secured the said ends directly to the bracket, B', so as not to
spring away from it by warping, which would be a very uncertain and difficult

page_text: operation, the edges would show and present an unpleasing and, if not executed
with extreme nicety, slovenly appearence. It is to avoid these objections that I have
provided the lookout or joint covering piece El, which, while obviating the objections
noted, affords additional and varied opportunity for ornamentation. The under
surface, or surface next to the cornice of the lookout, E¹, corresponds to the shape
The outer surface is shaped
of the cornice, so as to set closely to the same.
independently and may be of any form and have as much ornamentation as desired.
It is broad enough to cover the bracket, B₁, and the ends of the cornice-pieces resting
upon it. When the structure has reached the stage of completeness last described,
where the ends of the cornice-pieces rest loosely upon the bracket, B1, the lookout, E,
is applied by pressing it against the cornice to one side of the bracket and sliding it
toward and over it until the lugs E2, and, E³, are brought in contact with the extension,
C3, and the rib, C, where it extends above the bracket, B1, as shown in the drawings.
In this position the two pieces are held together by the under-cut portion of the
bracket holding the corresponding part on the lookout, as shown in the drawings,
Figure 2. In this position, if the lookout is not held rigidly in position by the
jamming of the cornice-pieces between it and the bracket it may be rendered so by
driving small wedges between. In this position the parts may be decorated as desired,
and where they are separated to expose a crack it may be concealed by the introduc-
tion of putty, as in wood-work and painting over the same.
Between the cornice and side panels in this kind of ceiling is generally inserted a
styling, Y, which like the cornice is composed of separate strips, the edges of which
meet, as shown in Figure 1, of the drawings. These edges become separated and
expose ugly gaps in the work. It is to conceal and at the same time support these
edges that I have provided the cross-bars, F¹.
The cross-bars, F, are provided with the rolled edges, F2, under which the edges
of the styling-pieces, Y, are adapted to extend. The ends of the cross bar are provided
with extensions, F3, over which the edges of the adjoining panels and the plates, D', of
the bracket fit and secure it to the upper wall. In this arrangement of the parts the
edges of the pieces composing the styling are concealed and supported by the cross bars.
These cross-bars may be of any shape desired to harmonize with the general design
of the ceiling, and are not confined to that shown in the accompanying drawings. It
may be further modified, and in some constructions I so use it by making it integral
with the bracket.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what, I claim is-
1. In a cornice such as described, the combination of the separate pieces composing
the cornice, a skeleton for maintaining the shape of the meeting ends of the said
picces, a shield for concealing the junction and suitable fastenings for connecting the
skeleton and shield, substantially as described..
2. In a cornice such as described, the combination of the separate pieces composing
the cornice, a skeleton for maintaining the shape of the meeting ends of the said pieces,
being rigidly attached to the walls of the structure to which the cornice is applied and
having an undercut portion, and a shield for concealing the junction of the said pieces,
shaped to fit the under cut portion of the skeleton, for being retained in position
thereby, substantially as described.
3. In a cornice such as described, the combination of the separate pieces composing
the cornice, a skeleton for maintaining the shape of the meeting ends and being partly
cut away to form stops, and a shield shaped to correspond to the form of the skeleton,
for concealing the junction of the said pieces, and provided with lugs to engage the
said stops on the skeleton, for adjustment of the parts, substantially as described.
1. In a ceiling such as described, provided with a styling, a cross-bar, the sides of
which are adapted to receive the ends of the separate pieces of which the styling is
composed, provided with end extensions for suspending the same, and thereby
supporting the ends of the said styling-pieces, substantially as described.
5. In a ceiling such as described, provided with a cornice and styling, a bracket

page_text: for concealing the junction of the pieces composing the cornice and the styling,
corresponding to the shape of the former and provided with an extension passing over
the latter and under the edge of the adjoining panels, for concealing and supporting
the ends of the separate pieces composing the said styling, substantially as described.
6. In a ceiling such as described, provided with a cornice and styling, the com-
bination of brackets for concealing the meeting ends of the pieces composing the
cornice, and cross-bars extending across the styling for supporting the ends of the
pieces composing the same, and provided with end extensions adapted to extend under
the top of the said bracket and the edge of the adjoining panels, substantially as
described.
Dated this 20th
1000
WILLIAM RAYMOND KINNEAR.
By Jensen & Son,
77, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Patent Agents.

page_text: Date of Application (in United Kingdom), 2nd Nov., 1888
Complete Specification Left, 2nd Nov., 1888
Complete Specification Accepted, 18th May, 1889
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to the Construction of Metallic
Ceilings.
1, WILLIAM RAYMOND KINNEAR, residing at Columbus, in the County of Franklin
and State of Ohio, one of the United States of America, Gentleman, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
29
This invention relates to improvements in metallic ceilings, and has for its objects
to provide a paneled ceiling in which the beading between the panels may be
ornamented in relief, and in such manner as to conceal or render harmonious the
fastenings by means of which the ceiling is suspended, to provide ornamental "drops
at the intersections of the beading, and to provide panels for composing the ceiling, so
constructed as to obviate the liability to breakage in the corners incident to the panels
of the ordinary construction.
To these ends the invention consists in constructing the panels for ceilings so that
the sharp angles at the corners, which weaken the metal and render it liable to
breakage at those points both in the manufacture and by the change of temperature,
are avoided.
Referring to the accompanying Drawings―
Figure 1, is a plan view of a section of a ceiling in which is shown an intersection
of the beading.
Figure 2, is a sectional view on the line, X, X, in Figure 1.
Figure 3, is a section through the drops on the line Y, Y, in Figure 1.
Figure 4, is a detail view showing the corners of the panels as they are stamped in
the first operation.
The dotted lines show the lines of the cutting.

page_text: The letters, A, designate the separate panels of which this ceiling is composed.
They are provided on the sides with the margins, B. The margins, B, are raised
above the body of the panels with the interposed connecting-molding, ('. In panels
of this nature having the edges raised above the body, as constructed heretofore, the
connecting-moldings, C, of the adjoining sides meet at a sudden angle. Under this
plan when the sheets are stamped the metal is liable to be torn at the outer edges,
where the strain is greatest, by offering to the strain the metal partly broken by
forming the angle. This, by dragging the edge open, presents an unsightly
appearance, which has to be relieved by soldering in the corner an additional piece
of metal in which the angle is already formed. It is to obviate this diffeulty that
I now stamp my sheets with the rounded corner shown in the drawings. The curves
of all the lines of the molding, C, are struck.from the same center, which is set back
from the inner-most curve to prevent the metal being cut by a point formed on
the die.
The margins, B. are so formed that when the panels are suspended they lap and
form the dividing-heading. They are of the same shape. preferably flat, as that form
offers a greater opportunity for ornamentation and is easier of construction. The
outer edge, B, of the margins is turned down to correspond with the rise in the
molding, C, adjoining it. When the extensions are lapped over, the corresponding
rise on the molding of the adjoining panel, and being turned from the observer in the
room to which the ceiling is applied is practically a secret joint. The extensions aro
provided at intervals with perforations for the reception of a fastening, H, which may
consist of a round-headed screw or nail, the head or exposed part of which is in
harmony with the embossed design.
When the panels are stamped out, as above described, with the rounded corners in
the molding, C, it is found that the corners, D, of the margins pucker or buckle, as
shown in Figure 4, of the drawings. To obviate this objection, the corners are cut
away square, so as to cut the puckered portion out. (The dotted lines show where
the corners are cut.) This-leaves at the intersections of the beading between the
panels square openings, in which are placed the drops, E.
The drops, E, are constructed of sheet-metal and bent around a block, F, of wood
or any suitable material. At the base are provided the extensions, E4, by means of
which they are maintained in position.
To suspend this ceiling, the top of the room to which it is to be applied is first
prepared by nailing to the sheathing the strips, G, which are in thickness equal to the
rise of the margins, B, thereby forming receptacles into which the panels, A, are
placed.
The panels are placed in position separately with their margins, B, resting on the
strips, G, surrounding them. The adjoining panels are then placed in position with
the meeting margins lapping as described. The fastenings, I, are then driven into
the strips, G, through the perforations in the lapped margins, B. The succeeding
adjoining panels are then adjusted and secured in position by driving the fastenings, H,
through the perforations in the margins, B, where they lap. This is continued until
all the panels are secured in position, the fastenings being secured in the perforations
in the extensions; B, around the sides of the room. As the panels are secured, the
drops, E, are placed in position with the extensions, E, at the base extending under
the margins, B. In this way without any additional fastening the drops are secured
as the work progresses. When the last fastening is driven around the side of the
room the ceiling is firmly secured in position and presents a solid and integral
appearance, the joints being concealed as described. It is now painted and finished
as desired.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is-
1. In a ceiling such as described, the panels thereof constructed from continuous

page_text: body of the panel and the margins, which extend across the corners formed by the
prolongation of the inner edge of the margins, substantially as described, whereby
tearing of the material in the said corners where the panels are stamped is prevented.
2. In a ceiling such as described, the panels thereof constructed from continuous
sheets and having margins raised above the body and a connecting portion between
the body of the panel and the margins having rounded corners, substantially as
described.
3. In a ceiling such as described, the combination of the panels thereof, con-
structed from continuous sheets and having margins raised above the body, and
provided at the corners with angular recesses cut therein, and a connecting portion
between the body of the panels and the margins, which extend across the corners
formed by the prolongation of the inner edges of the said margins, and ornamental
drops fitted to the angular recesses in the corners of the panels, provided with
extensions at the base for extending under the margins of the panels, substantially as
described.
1000