Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 1st May, 1888
Specification Accepted, 8th June, 1888
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 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:—
This Invention relates to improvements in Metallic Ceilings and consists in
stamping sheets of metal in imitation of ceiling panel, decorative or otherwise.;
(further, in joining the said sheets so that they support each other; further, in
forming secret joints without the use of solder or like materials ;) further, in providing
a cornice, adapted to look into the said sheets and further, in providing decorative
drops" at the corners of and suspended by the said sheets; and in providing a means
for hanging the said cornice, whereby the joints of the same are concealed and the
said cornice prevented from warping out of shape.
In the Drawings:
Figure 1, is a plan view of the top of a room, provided with this improved metallic
ceiling.
Figure 2, is a section of the same, showing the manner of suspending the panels.
Figure 3, is a section of a modification of the means for suspending the metallic
sheets and showing means of attaching the cornice thereto.
Figure 4, is a plan view of a section of the top of a room, provided with a modified
form of tbis Invention.
Figure 5, is a sectional view, showing the manner of suspending the same and of
constructing the cornice and frieze.
Figure 6, is a perspective of a corner of the cornice and frieze.
Figure 7, is a section, showing a modification of the form of moulding.
Figure 8, is a detailed view of one style of ornamental "drop."
Figure 9, is a detailed view of the form of ornamental "drop," used in the
Invention, as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 10, is a plan view of a ceiling provided with a further modified form of the
Invention.
Figure 11, is a section of the same.
Figure 12, is a detailed view of the bracket for hanging the cornice.

page_text: The letters, A, designate the centers of the improved panels which form the ceiling.
The four edges are provided with mouldings, B, which are upset from the same and
load to the outer side of the said panel. Upon the two adjoining edges of the said
panel, the metal is turned back upon itself and pressed close to form the fold, C. It
is then returned upon the fold, C, leaving a space between the returned metal and the
said fold and extending out, beyond the said fold, to form the edges, D, far enough
to allow for driving a line of nails. At the meeting corner, the metal is cut away
square, to allow for the setting of the "drop," G. Upon the opposite sides of the
said panel, are the beads, E. At the outer edge of the said beads and level with the
top surface of the said panel, the metal is bent back, the length of the fold, C, where
it is bent short and carried forward to the outer edge of the said bead, leaving a
space equal to the thickness of the said fold, C, and thereby, forming a hook, F.
The corners of the said panels are cut away, to allow for setting the ornamental
"drops," G.
The ornamental "drops," G, are constructed, substantially as described, with a
square body, adapted to fit in the corners of the said panels that are cut away to
receive them, and are provided on the upper face, with an ornament in relief. At
the base and extending from each of the sides, at a right angle therefrom, are the
wedge-shaped flanges, H.
In the present Invention, two styles of cornices are used, the one provided, upon
its edge abutting the panels, with a folded edge corresponding to the edge, C, of the
panels and at its lower edge, which rests against the walls with a straight flange, O.
And the outer cornices are provided upon their edge abutting the panels, with a
bead, corresponding to the books, F, of the said panels and with the straight
flange, O.
".
To suspend the ceiling, I prepare the room by nailing to the sheathing, on the tops
of the same, long narrow strips, I, the width of the panels apart. Between these
strips, at intervals equal to the length of the said panels, are nailed the cross strips, K.
The said strips, are in thickness, equal to the depth of the said panels, minus the
bead, whereby, when the panels are placed in the said strips, the beads rest upon
them.
When this is done, I place the cornice, having the edge corresponding to the
edge, C, of the panels around the two adjoining sides of the room, nailing the said
edge to the outside wooden strips and the lower flange, O, of the said cornico, to the
sides of the room. The panels are now placed upon the wooden strips in the following
manner:
The corner panel is first put into position, the hooked edges, F, of the beaded
edges, E, extending under the folded edge of the said cornice and the edges, D,
resting upon the wooden strips, I, and, K. The said edges, D, are now nailed firmly
to the said strips and the said panel is securely fixed in position. The next panel,
upon either side is then placed in position with the hooked edges, F, of the beads, E,
of the said panels extending under the folded edge, C, of the panel just placed in
position, and under the correspondingly folded edge of the said cornice. The edges, D,
of this panel, as in that previously described, rest upon and are nailed to, the wooden
strips, I, and, K. This is repeated until the whole fine of panels is suspended beside
the said cornice, upon both sides of the room. I now return and repeat the operation
upon the second line, the hooked edges, F, of the beads, E, extending under the
folds, C, of the line previously suspended. As 1 suspend the second and subsequent
lines, I place in position, the ornamental "drops," G, which is done by slipping the
flanges, H, under the folds, C, of the first line of panels.
When this said second line is placed in position, the said "drops" are locked
firmly in position. The square ends of the beads, E, rest firmly against the said
drops," forming a close joint therewith. And so on, for each subsequent line.
"
When all the panels are suspended, as herein described, they will present, at the two
sides of the rooni, opposite the suspended cornices and nailed edges, D. I now place
upon these two sides, the second style of cornice, that is the corner having the
beaded edge corresponding to the beaded edge, E, of the panels. This is done by

page_text: placing the hook, F, under the fold, C, and forcing the said cornice into position,
until the lower flange rests firmly against the side of the room. A line of nails is
then driven through the said flange and the said cornice is suspended firmly in
position.
In Figure 3, of drawings, is shown a modification of the Invention, which consists
in adapting the panels to be suspended upon the sheathing at the top of the room,
without the interposition of the wooden strips, I, and, K. In this form, two of the
adjoining edges are so bent as to form the square shoulders, L. From the rear of
the said shoulders, the metal is extended down to the level of the bottom of the panel,
where the edge is turned foreward, to form the foot or flange, M. In suspending
this modified form of the Invention, a line of nails is driven through the said feet or
flanges, into the sheathing.
Upon the opposite edge of the said panels, are formed the beads, E, as in the form
shown in Figures, 1 and 2. At the lower edges of the said beads, the metal is bent
substantially, as shown, to form a square recess, N, to receive the square shoulder, L.
As in the form shown in Figures, 1 and 2, the corners of the panel are cut away, to
allow for the setting of the drops," G.
In this modified form, the style of cornices is provided with edges corresponding
to the different edges of the panels respectively, as heretofore described with reference
to the form shown in Figures, 1 and 2.
A third modification of the Invention is illustrated in the drawings, in Figures, 4
to 7, inclusive, which I will now describe.
The letter, A, designates the sheets of metal stamped into shape, to form ceiling
panels. The centers of these panels, as herein shown, are corrugated, but they may
be provided with stamped floral ornaments in relief. The said panels are oblong in
shape and upon the four edges, are the square shoulders, B, and flanges, C.
These
are formed by cutting square pieces out of the corners of the said panels, leaving a
straight piece of metal upon each edge. These pieces are bent down and in, to form
the square shoulders, B. They are then bent down to the level of the bottom of the
panels and out, to form the flanges, C. The said flanges extend out, beyond the edge
of the panels, far enough to allow for nails being driven into them.
The mouldings, D, are shaped, substantially, as shown in Figure 2, and are in
length, a little less than the side of the panel to which it is to be fitted to allow for
the setting of the ornamental drops, G. Upon the sides of the said mouldings, are
formed the channels, E, and shoulders, F, the former, of which fits over the shoulder, B,
of the panel and the latter rests under the same, between them and the flanges, C.
The latter are used to brace the work and make it more solid.
The ornamental "drops," G, are formed around a block of wood, or of any solid
material, to prevent their becoming dented or crushed. In the style shown in
drawings, the body is square, in this case the block is square. The metal is now cut
to the required dimensions and bent around the block to form the channels, H, the
shoulders, I, and the flanges, K. The metal, where it meets around the block
and below, forming the said channels and shoulders, is soldered, to form a solid
construction.
To suspend this ceiling, I first mark upon the sheathing, where the panels should
go. Then, beginning at one side of the room, the panels are placed as per markings
and secured in position, by driving nails through the flanges, C, into the sheathing.
The mouldings, D, are then inserted into position between the said panels, the
channels fitting over the shoulders, B, and the shoulders, F, under the same. Under
these mouldings, are now driven small pieces of wood, L. This stiffens the said
moulding and prevents its being either crushed or sprung from its lock on the sides
of the panels.
The next line, is suspended one panel at a time, stopping at each, to put the cross
strips of moulding in position and drive the wooden pieces, L, in the same; and to
place in position, the ornamental "drops," G. The said "drops" are so placed, that
one of the flanges, K, extends under the mouldings, between the panels of the first
line and the channel, H, passes over the shoulders, B, of the said panels. The said

page_text: $8
drops" are secured firmly, by the succeeding panels, the shoulders, B, of which
extend into the channels, H, and lock the same. When the second line of panels is
suspended, the moulding strips, parallel to those between the first line of panels, are
inserted into position and the small wood pieces, L, driven under them. This is
continued until all the panels are suspended with the interposed mouldings and
"drops."
Around the edges of these panels are now suspended the moulding strips, M,
which differ from the strips, D, only in the foot or flange, N, which extends out
beyond the edge of the moulding to receive a line of nails. These strips are placed
against the edge of the said panels and nailed in position through the flange, N.
Placed between the said strips in their propositions, are the "drops," G, which are
secured in position by nailing through the exposed flange, K.
The cornice, O, which is rolled out of the same material and provided with the
upper flange, P, and the channels, R, and, S, is next suspended in position by
nailing it to the sheathing through the said flange, P. The lower edge of the said
cornice, rests loosely against the sides of the room, substantially as shown.
Upon the sides of the room, below the said cornice, is nailed the moulding, T,
which is provided with the upper and lower flanges, U, and, V, and the channel, W,
the nails passing through the said flanges, U, and, V.
As the said cornice is suspended in sections, the styling, X, and the frieze, Y, are
inserted into position, along the channels provided for them; the said styling, in the
channels, S, and, W.
When all the parts are suspended, as
style desired, producing a pleasant effect.
is used, as in ordinary painting.
herein described, they are painted in any
When the joints are slightly open, putty
A further modification is shown in Figures 10 to 12 in which:
The letters, A, designate the panels which form the ceiling. The said panels are
oblong, or any polygonal shape and are provided upon the sides, with the moulding, B,
which terminates in the round bead, C. The whole panel including the mouldings
and bead, is stamped out at one operation. Upon the centre of the said panel, may
be stamped, instead of the corrugation herein shown, any design. The corners of
the panels are cut off at an angle of forty five degrees from the sides of the panel,
the line of the cut passing through the intersections of the centres of the beads,
whereby, when the said corners of any two of the said panels abut, the line of the
beading is not broken.
The panels, being stamped out of thin metal, a rounded under surface, corre-
sponding very nearly to the upper surface is formed under the beads, C. By means
of this formation, the panels are placed in position and held by one row of nails or
screws, D, the beads on the one panel lapping upon the beads of an adjoining panel
and the said nail or screw being driven through perforations, provided at regular
intervals in them both. By thus lapping the beads, the joints, between the beads are
concealed, being turned up and out of sight from the floor of the room.
The cornice consists of the moulding, E, with its depending flanges, F, the plain
edging, G, and the bead, H. The said depending flange, F, extends down below the
cornice far enough to allow a line of nails to be driven into the same. The said
bead, H, corresponds exactly to the beads, C, upon the panels and is provided with
perforations for screws, corresponding to those in the said panels.
The bracket, I, as shown in Figures 11 and 12 is constructed of light cast iron,
having the centre, K, open. It is provided, upon the leg next the perpendicular wall,
with the fianges, L, extending to either side of the same.
The said flanges are pro-
vided with perforations, to allow nails or screws to be driven through them, into the
said wall. The outer leg is provided with the flange, M, which conforms in shape,
to the moulding of the cornice. The said flange extends upon either side of the said
leg far enough for the said cornice to rest upon it. Back from the said flange, the
thickness of the material of which the cornice is constructed, are the lugs, N. The
said lugs are set close in the sharp angles formed by the moulding, to keep the same
from warping or being knocked out of shape. In the corner bracket, the flanges, L

page_text: and, M, take the shape of the corner in which they are mounted. While I prefer to
make this bracket, as herein described, out of cast iron, it can, when so desired be
formed of sheet or wrought metal.
To suspend this ceiling, I prepare the room by nailing to the sheathing, on the
top of the same, the long, narrow strips, O, the width of the panels apart. Between
these strips, at intervals, equal to the length of the said panels, are nailed the cross
strips, P. The said strips are in thickness, equal to the depth of the said panels,
minus the bead, C, whereby, when the said panel is placed between the said strips,
the said beads rest upon the same.
In suspending this ceiling in position, 1 place the cornice around the sides of the
room, so that the beads, H, rest on the outside strips, O, and, P. In the corners of
the room and between each section of the said cornice, as it is thus suspended, are
placed the brackets, I. A line of nails is then driven through the depending flange, F,
and the cornice held in position, the edge next the panels, being loose. When this is
accomplished I commence at the corner, formed by two of the sides of the cornice
and place a panel between the wooden strips. In doing this, the beads, C, next the
said cornice, lap over the bead, H, of the same, while the opposite beads of the said
panel rest upon the wooden strips as aforesaid. Round headed screws are now
placed in the perforations of the beads, C, and, H, next the cornice and driven into
the wooden strips underneath. The next panel is then placed in position, along the
cornice, with its one bead lapping over the loose bead of the panel, just placed in
position and its bead next the cornice lapping the bead, H. As in the former panel,
round headed screws are placed through the lapping beads and driven into the wood,
securing the first panel and the cornice, more firmly. This is continued around the
sides next the cornice securing it firmly in position, while leaving the inner edge of
each line of panels unsecured. I then return and repeat the same operation, lino
after line, gradually working into the centre. When this is reached, the beads of the
last panel lap all of the surrounding panels and the screws are driven through all
round, making the completed ceiling firm and solid.
No solder is used in making any of the joints in this ceiling, they being concealed
as herein described. This is of great advantage, as it allows the use of ordinary
sheet iron or steel, which in former constructions has been impossible, as solder can
be used only in finished or galvanized work, at an advanced price over that herein
described.
When the ceiling is in position, as herein described, it is painted as desired and
when finished, presents an agreeable effect.
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 1
claim is :-
1. In a metallic ceiling, such as described, the combination of separate panels
provided upon two adjoining sides, with folded edges, C, and flanges, D, and upon
the opposite sides with the hooked edges, F; the said panels locked together, substan-
tially as described.
2. In a metallic ceiling, such as described, the combination of separate panels,
provided upon two adjoining sides with the folded edges, C, and flanges, D, and upon
the opposite sides with the hooked edges, F, the corners of the said panels cut away,
to receive the "drops," G, and the said "drops" provided with flanges, F, adapted to
rest upon the folded edges, C, of the said panels, substantially as described.
3. In à metallic ceiling, such as described, the combination of separate panels,
provided upon two adjoining sides with the folded edges, C, and flanges, D, and upon
the opposite sides with the hooked edges, F, and a cornice provided upon opposite
sides of the said paneling with edges corresponding to the edges, C, and, F, respec-
tively, substantially as described.
4. In a metallic ceiling, such as described, the combination of separate panels,
provided upon the sides with the shoulders, B, and flanges, C, the said flanges adapted
to receive a line of nails and strips of moulding, suspended between the said panels

page_text: and provided with the channels, E, adapted to fit over the shoulders, B, of the said
panels, substantially as described.
5. In a metallic ceiling, such as described, the combination of separate panels
provided upon the sides with the shoulders, B, and flanges, C, the said flanges adapted
to receive a line of nails, strips of moulding suspended between the said panels and
provided with channels, E, adapted to fit over the shoulders, B, of the said panels, and
the ornamental "drops," G, provided with the channels, H, adapted to fit over the
shoulders, B, of the said panels, substantially as described.
6. In a metallic coiling, such as described, the combination of the cornice, O,
provided with the flange, P, and channels, S, the frieze, Y, and the beading, T,
said bead provided with the channel, W, and flanges, U, and, V, substantially as
described.
7. In a metallic ceiling, such as described, the combination of separate panels
provided with corresponding beads or mouldings upon the edges, said mouldings
adapted to fit, one over the other, substantially as set forth.
8. In a metallic ceiling such as described, the combination of separate panels
provided with corresponding beads or mouldings, upon the edges adapted to fit, one
over the other, the corners of the said panels, cut at a constant angle, substantially as
set forth, whereby, when the said panels are placed together, the line of beading or
moulding is not broken.
9. In a metallic ceiling, such as described, the combination of panels, provided
with corresponding beads or mouldings, upon the edges, adapted to fit one over the
other; and a cornice, having a bead or moulding, corresponding to those upon the
said panels and adapted to pass under the same, and further provided with a depending
flange and adapted to rest against the side of the room and to receive a line of nails,
substantially as described.
10. In a metallic ceiling, such as described, the panels provided with beads or
mouldings upon the edges, adapted to fit, one over the other, each panel consisting
of one piece of metal and stamped to the form, substantially as herein set forth.
11. In a ceiling, such as described, and in the cornice thereof, brackets provided
with flanges for concealing the meeting edges of the pieces, composing the cornice,
substantially as described.