PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9217247-B2
Application Number: US-201414175756-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Ceiling system

Abstract:
A ceiling system includes a support structure configured to be installed in a ceiling area of a variety of room types. A ceiling supported by the support structure may cover the majority of the ceiling area and may include light sources to light the room. The ceiling may be defined entirely by panels extending continuously from one end of the ceiling to an opposite end of the ceiling, arranged side-by-side with troughs in between. The panels may themselves be the light sources. Alternatively or additionally light sourced may be disposed within the troughs.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A ceiling system for a room, the system comprising:
 a plurality of panels each having a length extending from one side of the room to an opposite side of the room, wherein the panels extend parallel to each other and are spaced apart from each other to define a trough between adjacent panels; and 
 an elongated light fixture disposed within the trough and extending from one end of the trough to an opposite end of the trough, wherein the elongated light fixture defines a plurality of opening therethrough; and 
 a plurality of penetrations extending through the openings, 
 wherein the panels and at least one of the elongated light fixture together define a ceiling of the room. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein a first distance between a panel and a first wall at the one side of the room is less than the length of the panel, and wherein a second distance between the panel and a second wall at the opposite side of the room is less than the length of the panel. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , wherein a first distance between a panel and a first wall at the one side of the room is less than a width of the panel, and wherein a second distance between the panel and a second wall at the opposite side of the room is less than a width of the panel. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 1 , wherein a perimeter of the ceiling is disposed adjacent walls of the room, and wherein a distance between the perimeter and the walls is no greater than 5% of the length of the panel. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1 , wherein a perimeter of the ceiling is disposed adjacent walls of the room, and wherein a distance between the perimeter and the walls is no greater than 10% of the width of the panel. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 1 , wherein a perimeter of the ceiling is disposed adjacent walls of the room, and wherein a distance between the perimeter and the walls is between 3 inches and 36 inches. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of panels and the elongated light fixture extend to an end of the room at the one side of the room and to an end of the room at the opposite side of the room. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the length of each of the plurality of panels is no less than 32 feet. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the length of each of the plurality of panels is at least 500% of its width. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the panels comprise a light source. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the panels do not comprise a light source. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 1 , wherein a lower-most lens surface of the elongated light fixture is in vertical alignment with a lower-most surface of adjacent panels. 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated light fixture extends throughout at least 90% of the length of the trough. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated light fixture extends throughout at least 90% of the width of the trough. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of penetrations comprises at least one of a downlight, a camera, and a sprinkler. 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 1 , wherein each panel comprises:
 a panel frame; and 
 a continuous cover tensioned over the frame and extending continuously along the length of the panel. 
 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the cover is a flexible sheet material. 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the cover is a glass fiber fabric. 
     
     
       19. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the length of each of the plurality of panels is no less than 32 feet, and
 wherein the cover is a glass fiber fabric. 
 
     
     
       20. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated light fixture comprises:
 a series of light-emitting diodes (LEDs); 
 a diffusing layer that diffuses light from the LEDs; 
 a lens layer disposed below the diffusing layer, wherein light from the LEDs is emitted from the elongated light fixture through the lens layer. 
 
     
     
       21. The system of  claim 1 , wherein sides of the trough are defined by side covers, and
 wherein the side covers are parallel with sides of the elongated light fixture. 
 
     
     
       22. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated light fixture comprises a plurality of elongated light sub-elements abutted end-to-end within the trough. 
     
     
       23. A ceiling system for a room, the system comprising:
 a plurality of panels each having a length extending from one side of the room to an opposite side of the room, wherein the panels extend parallel to each other and are spaced apart from each other to define a trough between adjacent panels; and 
 an elongated light fixture disposed within the trough and extending from one end of the trough to an opposite end of the trough, 
 wherein the panels and at least one of the elongated light fixture together define a ceiling of the room, 
 wherein the elongated light fixture comprises a plurality of elongated light sub-elements abutted end-to-end within the trough, 
 wherein the elongated light sub-elements define openings therethrough, and 
 wherein the elongated light sub-elements abut between the openings. 
 
     
     
       24. An elongated light fixture comprising:
 a frame having opposing vertically-arranged walls; 
 at least one series of LEDs disposed on an interior side of at least one of the opposing vertically-arranged walls; 
 a diffusing layer disposed between the frame walls, wherein the diffusing layer is configured to diffuse light from the LEDs; 
 a backing layer disposed above the diffusing layer, wherein the backing layer is configured to reflect light from the LEDs; and 
 a lens layer disposed below the diffusing layer, wherein the lens layer is configured to transmit light from the LEDs. 
 
     
     
       25. The fixture of  claim 24 , comprising a plurality of diffusing layers, wherein at least two of the plurality of diffusing layers are spaced vertically apart with the lens layer disposed therebetween. 
     
     
       26. The fixture of  claim 25 , comprising a plurality of lens layers, wherein at least two of the plurality of lens layers are spaced vertically apart with at least one of the plurality of diffusing layers disposed therebetween. 
     
     
       27. The fixture of  claim 24 , wherein the lens layer is formed of solid clear acrylic. 
     
     
       28. The fixture of  claim 24 , wherein the lens layer defines grooves extending along opposing sides thereof;
 wherein each wall has an inwardly-extending flange at the end thereof that extends into one of the grooves of the lens layer to couple the lens layer to the frame. 
 
     
     
       29. The fixture of  claim 24 , wherein the diffusing layer comprises a diffusing pattern integrally formed therein, wherein density of the diffusing pattern increases in the diffusing layer as distance from the LEDs increases. 
     
     
       30. The fixture of  claim 24 , comprising at least two series of LEDs, each disposed on an opposing interior side of the opposing vertically-arranged walls. 
     
     
       31. A ceiling system for a room, the system comprising:
 a plurality of longitudinal supports extending parallel to each other, wherein the longitudinal supports are disposed in a ceiling area of the room; 
 a plurality of lighted panels extending parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other to define a trough between adjacent lighted panels, wherein each lighted panel is disposed between at least two of the longitudinal supports; 
 an elongated light fixture disposed within the trough; and 
 a plurality of penetrations disposed within the trough and extending through openings in a lens of the elongated light fixture. 
 
     
     
       32. The system of  claim 31 , wherein the plurality of penetrations comprises at least one of a downlight, a camera, a sprinkler, and a smoke detector. 
     
     
       33. The system of  claim 31 , wherein each lighted panel comprises:
 a panel frame coupled to the at least two longitudinal supports; 
 a continuous fabric cover tensioned over the frame; and 
 a lighting element disposed above the fabric cover. 
 
     
     
       34. A ceiling system for a room, the system comprising:
 a plurality of panels extending parallel to each other, wherein the panels are spaced apart from each other to define a trough between adjacent panels; and 
 an elongated light fixture disposed within the trough, wherein the elongated light fixture comprises a plurality of elongated light sub-elements abutted end-to-end within the trough, 
 wherein the elongated light sub-elements define openings therethrough. 
 
     
     
       35. The system of  claim 34 , wherein the elongated light sub-elements abut between the openings.

Description:
FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to a ceiling system. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to a lighted ceiling system that provides a consistent appearance and lights a room, for example, a retail store. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Ceilings in rooms are often areas in which light sources are located. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments of the present invention provide lighted ceiling panels and linear trough lights that emit an even light throughout their surface area, to evenly light the area above which they are installed. One or both of the lighted ceiling panels and linear trough lights can span an entire ceiling length to provide even light throughout an entire room. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention provide a number of panels disposed side-by-side in a ceiling area, spaced apart to form troughs therebetween. Together the panels and the troughs form a ceiling for a room. To maintain a consistent and aesthetically-pleasing look to the ceiling the panels may cover the majority of the ceiling, may each have the same width, and may be evenly spaced apart. The panels may present a clean visual appearance, and the troughs may provide a clear visual interruption between the panels. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention provide a ceiling system for a room, including a plurality of panels each having a length extending from one side of the room to an opposite side of the room. The panels may extend parallel to each other and may be spaced apart from each other to define a trough between adjacent panels. Each panel may include a panel frame and a continuous fabric cover tensioned over the frame and extending continuously along the length of the panel. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention provide an elongated light fixture including a frame having opposing vertically-arranged walls, a series of LEDs disposed on an interior side of each frame wall, a diffusing layer disposed between the frame walls, wherein the diffusing layer diffuses light from the LEDs, a backing layer disposed above the diffusing layer, wherein the backing layer reflects light from the LEDs, and a lens layer disposed below the diffusing layer, wherein light from the LEDs is emitted from the elongated light fixture through the lens layer. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention provide a ceiling system for a room including a plurality of longitudinal supports extending parallel to each other, wherein the longitudinal supports are disposed in a ceiling area of the room, a plurality of lighted panels extending parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other to define a trough between adjacent lighted panels, wherein each lighted panel is disposed between at least two of the longitudinal supports. Each lighted panel may include a panel frame coupled to the at least two longitudinal supports, a continuous fabric cover tensioned over the frame, and a lighting element disposed above the fabric cover. The ceiling system may also include a trough cover disposed within the trough, and a plurality of penetrations disposed within the trough and extending through openings in the trough cover. 
     Additional features of embodiments of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front perspective view of rooms including a ceiling system according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a ceiling system according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a ceiling system according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a ceiling system according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a portion of a panel according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-sectional longitudinal view of a portion of a panel according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-sectional longitudinal view of a portion of a panel according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a section of a trough including a camera according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-sectional longitudinal view of a trough according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a cross-sectional longitudinal view of a trough according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a cross-sectional longitudinal view of a trough according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional longitudinal view of a trough according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a cross-sectional longitudinal view of a trough and downlight according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective view of a section of a trough including a downlight according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a downlight within a trough according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a cross-sectional longitudinal view of a trough including a sprinkler according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a cross-sectional longitudinal view of a trough including a camera according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a cross-sectional longitudinal view of a trough including a speaker according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a cross-sectional transverse view of a section of a trough including a speaker according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a bottom view of a section of a trough including a speaker according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a cross-sectional longitudinal view of a trough including a subwoofer according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a cross-sectional transverse view of a section of a trough including a subwoofer according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a perspective view of a section of a trough including a linear trough light according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a cross-sectional end view of a section of a trough including a linear trough light according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a perspective view of a section of a trough including a linear trough light according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a cross-sectional transverse view of a section of a trough including a linear trough light according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 27  illustrates a cross-sectional transverse view of a section of a trough including a linear trough light and a downlight according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a perspective view of a frame of a linear trough light according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 29  illustrates a bottom view of a section of a trough including a linear trough light according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 30  illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line  30 - 30 ′ of  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 31  illustrates a cross-sectional transverse view of a trough according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 32  illustrates a bottom view of a section of a trough including a linear trough light and a downlight according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 33  illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line  33 - 33 ′ of  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIG. 34  illustrates a bottom view of a section of a trough including a linear trough light and a sprinkler according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 35  illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line  35 - 35 ′ of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36  illustrates a bottom view of a section of a trough including a linear trough light and a smoke detector according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 37  illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line  37 - 37 ′ of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 38  illustrates a bottom view of a section of a trough including a linear trough light and a camera according to an embodiment presented herein; 
         FIG. 39  illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line  39 - 39 ′ of  FIG. 38 ; and 
         FIG. 40  illustrates a cross-sectional longitudinal view of a trough including a recessed light according to an embodiment presented herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     References to embodiments, such as “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
     The following examples are illustrative, but not limiting, of the present invention. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally encountered in the field, and which would be apparent to those skilled in the art, are within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     To illuminate a room, a light source may be attached to or integrated within a ceiling. In some cases, the light source may be a fixture hanging down from an area of the ceiling. In some cases, the light source may be positioned in a cut-out of a ceiling, or may take the place of a ceiling tile in a tiled ceiling. Such light sources may provide uneven lighting due to their discrete spaced-apart positioning with respect to the ceiling. For example, an area directly below a light source may be better-illuminated than one a distance away. Embodiments of the present invention provide lighted ceiling panels and linear trough lights that emit even light throughout their surface area, to evenly light the area above which they are installed. One or both of the lighted ceiling panels and linear trough lights can span an entire ceiling length to provide even light throughout an entire room. Such uniform lighting throughout a room provides consistent illumination of items within the room, regardless of their arrangement within the room. This can be ideal in a retail setting, where items and displays on the retail floor are subject to periodic change and reconfiguration. With uniform lighting throughout the room or an area thereof as provided by embodiments of the present invention, item and display configurations can be changed without regard to uneven lighting from discrete overhead light sources, since lighting throughout the area will uniformly illuminate throughout the area. In a retail environment this minimizes potential trade-offs between floor position and illumination level, and minimizes the potential need to reconfigure a room&#39;s lighting in order to optimize illumination of a new item or display configuration on the retail floor. 
     Lighting design for a room can be subject to a variety of requirements. For example, lighting must fit into the room structure (whether existing or newly fabricated), and may be designed so that its illumination conveys a desired character, meets regulatory requirements, and illuminates features of a room. Since rooms can be different, lighting systems may have to be custom-designed for a room to achieve consistent illumination across different rooms. Embodiments of the present invention provide a lighting system that is built upon a support structure that is adaptable to a wide variety of room shapes and configurations, while still providing consistent illumination. 
     Installations of the ceiling system of embodiments of the present invention may use one or more sub-systems as deemed necessary or expedient for the installation. The sub-systems may include, for example, (1) a panel sub-system that may include relatively wide lighted or non-lighted panels, (2) a trough sub-system that may include discrete lights within relatively narrow inverted troughs, and (3) a linear trough light sub-system that may include continuous light elements within relatively narrow inverted troughs. These sub-systems may be used separately or together in combination on the same support structure to suit the parameters of any installation. For example, the trough sub-system and/or linear trough light sub-system may be disposed between adjacent panels of the panel sub-system. In some embodiments the trough sub-system and linear trough light sub-system may include discrete utilities penetrating through the trough area to provide additional functionality to the ceiling system, such as, for example, cameras, additional lights, sprinklers, smoke detectors, and audio speakers. The wide configurability and functionality of the sub-systems of the ceiling system of embodiments of the present invention can be adapted to a wide variety of rooms and uses, while still providing a consistent look, illumination, and utilities between installations. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, a room  20  may be illuminated by light sources of a ceiling system  10 , which may be positioned in a ceiling area  26  of room  20 . Ceiling system  10  may include panels  200  positioned parallel (or perpendicular) to each other and extending across a length of ceiling area  26 . Ceiling system  10  may also define troughs  300  between adjacent panels. Exemplary configurations are shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In some embodiments, panels  200  may be lighted panels  202 , in which case they may act as light sources to illuminate room  20  (see  FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments panels  200  may be non-lighted panels  204  (see  FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments an elongated light fixture such as linear trough light  500  is disposed within trough  300  (see  FIG. 2 ). Linear trough light  500  may act as a light source to illuminate room  20 . In some embodiments troughs  300  may include penetrations  400  therein. Penetrations  400  may be devices providing various functionality. For example, a penetration  400  may be a light fixture such as a downlight  410  (e.g., an LED (light emitting diode) light within a reflective cavity configured to direct light out from the cavity), which may act as a light source to illuminate room  20 . Other penetrations  400  may include a camera  420 , a sprinkler  430 , a smoke detector  440 , and a speaker  450  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 2-4 ). In some embodiments, drivers and other controls for penetrations  400  may be located remotely therefrom (e.g., in an access panel), to facilitate remote operation and maintenance. 
     In some embodiments, penetrations  400  may generate heat due to their operation. Penetrations  400  may be affixed to transverse struts  120  using a connector that acts as a heat sink, directing heat away from penetration  400  and dissipating it throughout support structure  100 . 
     Different rooms  20  may have different characteristics. For example, structural support elements (e.g., ceiling subsurface or other structural supporting elements such as beams, joists, or purlins) of one room may be in different locations or may be more or less abundant than structural support elements in another room. Such structural support elements of a ceiling area  26  may be used to support ceiling system  10 , so their positions, structure, and abundance may influence how ceiling system  10  can be supported. 
     In order to provide a consistent structural basis for panels  200  and troughs  300 , a support structure  100  of ceiling system  10  may include transversely-spaced longitudinal supports  110  extending in a longitudinal direction L (see  FIGS. 2-4 ). Longitudinal supports  110  may be continuous support beams hung from structural support elements of room  20  and extending longitudinally across room  20 . To achieve a desired spacing, longitudinal supports  110  may be hung from structural support elements via intermediate transverse supports  170  extending in a transverse direction T. Transverse supports  170  may be support beams hung from or otherwise affixed to structural support elements of ceiling area  26  of room  20  and may extend transversely across room  20 . Longitudinal supports  110  may attach to transverse supports  170  (e.g., via a cable and attachment mechanism) at any positions along the lengths of transverse supports  170 , and so longitudinal supports  110  can be positioned as desired within room  20 , including any desired transverse spacing. In this way, panels  200  and troughs  300  can be arranged in any desired manner to suit any room  20 , without requiring extensive re-designing of a ceiling system to suit different characteristics of different rooms. 
     Longitudinal supports  110  may be spaced to define a panel area  112  and a trough area  114 , as shown, for example, in  FIG. 3 . Panel areas  112  and trough areas  114  may alternate across ceiling system  10 . Panel areas  112  may be of similar width in order to present a consistent appearance. In some embodiments, panel areas  112  may all be similar width except for panel areas  112  at ends of ceiling system  10 , which may be narrower or wider than the rest of panel areas  112  of ceiling system  10 . This can allow for flexibility in aligning panel areas  112  within ceiling area  26 , while maintaining a consistent appearance. Trough areas  114  may also be of similar width in order to present a consistent appearance. The width of trough areas  114  may be less than the width of panel areas  112 . Exemplary appearances that can be achieved with ceiling systems according to the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29/481,231, filed Feb. 3, 2014, titled “Building,” and in U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29/481,634, filed Feb. 7, 2014, titled “Light System.” Each of these applications is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
     To effect their relative widths, the distance between longitudinal supports  110  separated by a panel area  112  may be larger than the distance between longitudinal supports  110  separated by a trough area. For example, the distance between longitudinal supports  110  separated by a panel area may be 8 to 12 feet (e.g., 10 feet), and the distance between longitudinal supports  110  separated by a trough area may be 8 to 12 inches (e.g., 10 inches). 
     Panels  200  may occupy panel area  114 , and troughs  300  may occupy trough area  114 . Since panels  200  extend between longitudinal supports  110 , the ability to freely position longitudinal supports  110  (as described above) helps to effect desired positioning of panels  200  and troughs  300 , to achieve a desired appearance of ceiling system  10  and desired light characteristics from ceiling system  10 . 
     Support structure  100  may include transverse struts  120  fixed to and extending between adjacent longitudinal supports  110 . Transverse struts  120  may help maintain the relative positions of adjacent longitudinal supports  110  with respect to each other. Panel area transverse struts  122  may extend within panel areas  112 , and trough area transverse struts  124  may extend within trough areas  114 . 
     A number of panels  200  may be disposed side-by-side in ceiling area  26 , spaced apart to form troughs  300  therebetween (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Together panels  200  and troughs  300  form a ceiling  28  for room  20 , thereby defining an upper boundary of room  20 . To maintain a consistent and aesthetically-pleasing look to ceiling  28 , panels  200  may cover the majority of ceiling area  26  (e.g., may extend wall-to-wall across ceiling area  26  in one or both of a transverse and longitudinal direction), may each have the same width (with the possible exception of panels on the ends of ceiling  28  adjacent a wall, which may be wider or narrower to fit the available space), and may be evenly spaced apart. Panels  200  may be a light color, for example, white, to present a clean visual appearance and for consistency with light produced by light sources of ceiling system  10 . Troughs  300  may provide a clear visual interruption between panels  200 . To contrast with panels  200 , troughs  300  may be a dark color, for example black. 
     Since panels  200  and elements of trough  300  are retained within ceiling area  26  by attachment to longitudinal supports  110 , the ability to position longitudinal supports  110  as desired (described above) helps to effect the desired appearance of ceiling  28  by allowing panels  200  and troughs  300  to be arranged as desired. In some embodiments, to conform to a ceiling area  26  or to provide an angled look, ceiling  28  may be angled. In other words, one end of each panel  200  may be higher than its opposite end. Ceiling  28  can be angled longitudinally, transversely, or both. Angling ceiling  28  longitudinally may make room  20  appear larger or smaller, by influencing a viewer&#39;s perspective of the room in that direction. Angling ceiling  28  longitudinally may also help ceiling  28  to conform to an angled ceiling area  26 , where, for example, a floor above ceiling area  26  is cantilevered over room  20 . 
     In some embodiments, ceiling  28  may extend to walls  24  of room  20 , to cover an entire ceiling area  26  of room  20  (see  FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, ceiling  28  may cover the majority of ceiling area  26 . In such embodiments, a perimeter of ceiling  26  may be spaced apart from walls by a distance that is less than the length of a panel  200 , no greater than 5% of the length of a panel, less than a width of a panel, no greater than 10% of the width of a panel, equal to the width of the space between adjacent panels, less than the width of the space between adjacent panels, no greater than 16 inches, or within the range of 3 inches to 16 inches. 
     The bottom surface of panels  200  may be defined by a cover material  250 , which may be a flexible sheet material  252  such as plastic or fabric. Sheet material  252  may extend continuously (i.e., as a single continuous piece of fabric, without seams or other interruptions) over the entirety of a frame  210  of panel  200 , to create a uniform, continuous look to ceiling  28 . Since fabric (or other materials used for flexible sheet material  252 ) is flexible, its use to form the bottom surface of panel  200  contributes to the high configurability of panels  200 . Frame  210  can be constructed to a desired size, and fabric  252  can be cut to size and applied to frame  210 . This helps minimize the need to design and build specialized parts to install a consistent-looking ceiling system across a variety of different rooms. 
     In some embodiments, panel  200  (and thus continuous fabric  252 ) can be formed on a large scale. For example, having a width of at least 5 feet and a length of at least 32 feet. In some embodiments, a length of panel  200  is at least 500% of its width. For example, in some embodiments ceiling panels  200  are spaced apart 10 feet on center, with a 4 to 6 inch gap for trough  300 , thereby resulting in a panel width of 9 feet, 8 inches. In other embodiments ceiling panel  200  may have a width of 7 feet. Generally, a wider ceiling panel  200  (e.g., greater than 8 feet) may be used for a lighted panel  202 , while a narrower ceiling panel  200  (e.g., less than 8 feet) may be used for a non-lighted panel  204 . 
     Also for example, in some embodiments, ceiling panel  200  and continuous fabric  252  have lengths of 40 feet, 50 feet, 60 feet, 70 feet, 80 feet, 90 feet, or 120 feet. Each trough  300  may have a length corresponding at least to the shortest panel  200  it is adjacent to. Troughs  300  may have a width substantially smaller than the width of panels  200 . For example, each trough  300  may have a width less than 5% of the width of an adjacent panel  200 . In some embodiments, each trough has a width less than 10% of the width of an adjacent panel  200 . 
     In some embodiments, panels  200  may be mounted to longitudinal supports  110 . Each panel  200  may include a frame  210  that provides structure to its perimeter, as shown, for example, in  FIG. 5 , which shows an exploded view of an exemplary panel  200  Each panel  200  may also include cover material  250  spanning the area bounded by frame  210  and extending over and wrapping around the bottom edges of frame  210 . In this way, cover material  250  defines a bottom of panel  200 . In some embodiments, where panel  200  is a lighted panel  202 , lighted panel  202  may include a light source  240  disposed above cover material  250 . In embodiments where panel  200  is a non-lighted panel  204 , non-lighted panel  202  includes no internal light source. 
     Frame  210  may be rectangular, and may include short frame elements  214  extending transversely at ends of panel  200 , and long frame elements  212  extending longitudinally along sides of panel  200 . In some embodiments, frame  210  (and thus panel  200 ) may be non-rectangular in shape. For example, frame  210  may be trapezoidal or may be wedge-shaped (optionally with a curve at the front and rear ends). Also for example, frame  210  (and thus panel  200 ) may define a notch therein, to accommodate, for example, structural elements of room  20  such as the upper portion of a support column. Frames  210  (and thus panels  200 ) may be configured to fit around and into all portions of a ceiling area  26  to provide full coverage of ceiling area  26  so that ceiling  28  is defined consistently throughout by panels  200  and troughs  300 . 
     In some embodiments, cover material  250  may be a fabric  252  that is tensioned across frame  210 . Fabric  252  may wrap around bottom edges  218  of frame  210  and may engage with a tensioning mechanism of frame  210  that may accept and retain portions of fabric  252  so that fabric  252  covers the bottom area defined by frame  210 . In this way, fabric  252  hides internal elements of panel  200  to present a consistent visual appearance. 
     Tensioning fabric  252  over frame  210  minimizes the possibility of wrinkles, bulges, or other non-visually-uniform configurations of fabric  252 . In some embodiments, fabric  252  is placed into tension before being affixed to frame  210 . In this case, a tensioning mechanism of frame  210  may help maintain the tensioned character of fabric  252 . For example, the tensioning mechanism may include a mechanical fastener or adhesive that locks fabric  252  in position relative to frame  210 . 
     In some embodiments, side covers  260  may be disposed over outer side  216  of frame  210 , to hide frame  210  and to help present a consistent and continuous look for trough  300  (the sides of which may be defined by side covers  260  of adjacent spaced-apart panels  200 ). Side covers  260  may be affixed to frame  210  in any suitable manner, for example, by an attachment mechanism  224  such as a snap-fit, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Side cover  260  may be unornamented on its outer side, and may extend across the height of panels  200 , to present a consistent look to the sides of panels  200 . 
     In embodiments where panel  200  is a lighted panel  202 , a light source  240  may be disposed above cover material  250 . To produce a uniform light character throughout lighted panel  202 , light source  240  may include LEDs longitudinally and transversely spaced apart throughout lighted panel  202 . In some embodiments, light source  240  may emit light upward toward a backing disposed above light source  240 . The backing may reflect and diffuse the light downward through cover material  250 , to illuminate room  20  below. Reflecting and diffusing the light may promote a consistent light character through cover material  250 , and may help minimize the appearance of bright spots due to the individual light elements (e.g., LEDs) of light source  240 . 
     In some embodiments, fabric  252  may meet desired functional, aesthetic, and safety goals. For example, to achieve a consistent light quality through fabric  252 , fabric  252  may have consistent characteristics throughout, including thickness, weave density, and color. Also for example, to fit securely to frame  210  in tension, fabric  252  may be elastic such that when it is stretched in tension, it tends toward its original shape. Such elasticity will help fabric  252  maintain an even and unwrinkled surface of panel  200 . In the case of a woven fabric  252 , fabric  252  may include elastic fibers to impart elasticity to fabric  252 . In the case of a knitted fabric  252 , elasticity may be imparted to fabric  252  by the form of knit used, by the incorporation of elastic fibers into fabric  252 , or both. 
     Also for example, to achieve a consistent aesthetic look, fabric  252  may be free of visual defects and may have consistent coloring throughout. For example, fabric  252  may be white. White panels  200  may contrast with black troughs  300  to provide a clean, ordered aesthetic appearance to ceiling  28 . White fabric  252  may also help to achieve the desired light characteristics through fabric  252  (e.g., soft, natural light). To achieve desired safety characteristics, fabric  252  may be fireproof, in that it will not burn if subjected to flame (e.g., class A international fire-rated). 
     To achieve these and other goals, fabric  252  may be an industrial glass fiber fabric such as glass cloth. Glass fiber is not combustible. 
     As noted above, fabric  252  may be formed in large sizes (e.g., 32 feet, 40 feet, 50 feet, 60 feet, 70 feet, 80 feet, or 90 feet). To achieve such large sizes while maintaining the desired functional, aesthetic, and safety qualities of fabric  252 , fabric  252  may be formed continuously over the desired length and width, without seams or interruptions. 
     Troughs  300  separate adjacent panels  200 , and thus extend the same lengths as the panels  200  they are adjacent to (or at least the length of the shorter of two adjacent panels  200 , in the event that adjacent panels  200  have different lengths). Elements of troughs  300  are supported by longitudinal supports  110  and trough area transverse struts  124  that extend therebetween (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8 , which shows a cross-sectional perspective view of trough  300 ). 
     Trough area transverse struts  124  may support trough elements such as, for example, penetrations  400 . Positioning penetrations  400  within trough area  114  helps minimize their visual impact within ceiling system  10 , while maintaining their functionality.  FIG. 4  shows an exploded perspective view of penetrations  400  within trough area  114 .  FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of camera  420 . Penetrations  400  other than camera  420  may be configured similarly. In  FIGS. 4 and 8  (and in other figures as will be apparent throughout) only the portions of panels  200  immediately adjacent trough  300  are shown, for clarity. 
     In some embodiments, T-bars  310  are disposed within trough area  114 . Each T-bar  310  may be coupled to a trough area transverse strut  124 , as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 8 . Multiple T-bars  310  may be positioned in the same trough  300 , longitudinally spaced apart from each other. For example, a T-bar  310  may be positioned every 5 feet within trough  300 . Each T-bar  310  may have a top flange  314  and a bottom bracket  316 . Top flange  314  may be secured to a transverse strut  124  by any suitable attachment mechanism such as, for example, screws. Top flange  314  may have a pair of opposing wings  315  protruding beyond sides of bottom bracket  316  for attaching upper covers  330  to T-bar  310 . Bottom bracket  316  may have a hollow rectangular cross-section (see, e.g.,  FIG. 9 ), and may include a cover attachment mechanism  312  for attaching a central cover  320  to T-bar  310 . 
     Central cover  320 , upper covers  330 , and side covers  260  (of panels  200 , discussed above) define trough  300  and help maintain a consistent look of trough  300  by hiding internal structure of ceiling system  10 . For consistency in appearance, all covers  320 ,  330 , and  260  may be the same color (e.g., black), and may have a flat, unornamented surface facing the inner area of trough  300 . To achieve the same color covers  320 ,  330 , and  260  may be painted or anodized. 
     Central cover  320  is attached to and extends between T-bars  310  via attachment mechanisms  312 .  FIG. 9  shows a cross-sectional view of trough  300  taken through a T-bar  310 .  FIG. 10  shows a cross-sectional view of trough  300  taken between T-bars  310 . In some embodiments, attachment mechanisms  312  include spring-loaded ball bearings  318  that protrude out from lower sides of bottom bracket  316  and snap into channels  324  of central cover  320  when central cover  320  is forced upward against T-bars  310 . The spring forces on ball bearings  318  of attachment mechanisms  312  holds ball bearings  318  within channels  324 , thereby retaining central cover  320  in place against T-bars  310 . In this way, central cover  320  can be securely retained to central cover  320  in normal use, but can also be easily removed to provide access through trough  300 . To minimize the visual impact of central cover  320 , central cover  320  may be recessed from a bottom surface of panels  200 , as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
     The arrangement of T-bars  310 , central cover  320 , and upper covers  330  allow for airflow through trough  300  without providing a visually-apparent airway or duct. As shown in  FIG. 10 , air  50  can easily pass through trough  300  by travelling between upper covers  330  and around central cover  320 . 
     Upper covers  330  are attached to and extend between T-bars  310  via attachment mechanisms  332 . In some embodiments, attachment mechanisms  332  include a hinged detent fit between top flange  314  of T-bar  310  and upper cover  330 . The hinged detent fit, when engaged, may maintain upper cover  330  in a horizontal position to hide elements above it from view. When the hinged detent fit is disengaged, upper cover  330  may rotate about a longitudinal axis while still being retained within trough  300  (see  FIG. 9 , where the rotated position of upper cover  330  is shown in phantom lines). In this way, upper covers  330  can be securely retained within trough  300 , but can also be easily moved to the sides of trough  300  to provide wider access through trough  300 . 
     Troughs  300  at peripheral sides of ceiling  28  may be adjacent only one panel  200 . In this case, on the side opposite panel  200  there may simply be an empty space, or a wall  24  of room  20 , as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 .  FIG. 11  shows a cross-sectional view of such an end trough  300  taken through a T-bar  310 .  FIG. 12  shows a cross-sectional view of such an end trough  300  taken between T-bars  310 . 
     To effectively provide their respective functionalities, penetrations  400  may extend through openings  322  in central cover  310 .  FIGS. 13-15  show downlight  410  extending through an opening  322  of central cover  310 . Other penetrations  400  may be configured similarly. In some embodiments, multiple types of penetrations  400  may have the same diameter or width, to be able to penetrate through the same size openings  322 . In some embodiments multiple openings  322  may have the same diameter, and multiple types of penetrations  400  may have a diameter or width less than the diameter of openings  322 . Allowing multiple types of penetrations  400  to fit within similarly-sized openings  322  can increase the configurability of trough  300 . 
     Penetrations  400  may extend beyond central cover  320  by any desired distance. For example, downlight  410  may extend to a bottom surface of panels  200 , in order to present a consistent visual impression and, in the case of lighted panels  202 , a consistent plane of light sources. Some penetrations  400  may not extend as far as the bottom surface of panels  200 , and some may extend beyond the bottom surface of panels  200 . For example, to minimize its visual impact, smoke detector  440  may not extend to the bottom surface of panels  200 , since it can effectively perform its function while remaining recessed therefrom. Also for example, camera  420  and sprinkler  430  may extend below the bottom surface of panels  200 , so that panels  200  do not interfere with their functions (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 16 and 17 ). In the case of penetrations  400  that extend below the bottom surface of panels  200 , they may extend below the bottom surface of panels  200  only to the extent needed to effectively perform their functions, in order to minimize their visual impact. For example, as shown in  FIG. 16  only the sprinkler head  432  of sprinkler  430  may protrude below the bottom surface of panel  200 , and as shown in  FIG. 17  only the camera lens  422  of camera  420  protrudes below the bottom surface of panel  200 . 
     To maintain visual consistency with other elements within trough  300 , penetrations  400  may be disposed within a penetration sleeve  402 . Penetration sleeve  402  may protect and hide the internal structure of its penetration  400 . Penetration sleeve  402  may extend through central cover  320  at an opening  322  thereof. Opening  322  may be fitted with a fixing ring  404  and escutcheon  406  to provide a clean passageway for penetration sleeve  402  and to hide edges of central cover  320  around opening  322 . 
     A bottom edge or surface of penetration sleeve  402  may extend to and align with the bottom surface of panels  200 , in order to present a consistent visual impression. In some embodiments, penetration sleeve  402  may be colored the same color as central cover  310  (e.g., black), so that visually the sides of penetrations  400  blend in with central cover  310  to minimize their visual impression within trough  300 . In some embodiments, central cover  310 , upper covers  320 , side covers  260 , and penetration sleeves  402  are the same color (e.g., black), so that trough  300  presents a consistent visual impression throughout its length, with minimal obvious visual interruption or distraction. 
     In some embodiments, audio equipment may be incorporated into ceiling system  10 , to provide audio signals (e.g., alarms, music, or voice) while hiding the audio equipment from view and while maintaining high sound quality. To avoid interference with sound by panels  200  (e.g., muffling of sound waves as they pass through panels  200 ), and to avoid interfering with light produced by panels  200 , speakers  710  of a trough audio system  700  may be positioned within trough area  114  (e.g., directly in trough  300 , see  FIGS. 18-20 ). To provide even sound within the narrow confines of trough  300 , a series of speakers  710  (e.g., 3 speakers  710 ) may be disposed in a row along trough  300  and may have a sound chamber  716  behind them to direct sound downward. In some embodiments, speakers  710  are no more than 4 inches wide, to effectively fit within trough  300 . In some embodiments, speakers  710  are coupled to a speaker cover  714  that is configured to interrupt and take the place of central cover  320 . In such embodiments, speakers  710  can be attached to T-bar  310  in the same manner as central cover  320 . 
     In some embodiments, speakers  710  are retained above openings  322  in central cover  320  by a speaker bracket  712 . In some embodiments speakers  710  are securely anchored to trough area transverse struts  124 . In some embodiments, speakers  710  avoid direct contact with other elements (such as central cover  320 ) in to avoid sound degradation (e.g., buzz due to vibrations from contacting other elements) and provide optimum sound output from trough  300  to room  20 . 
     To further achieve high sound quality, in some embodiments sound system  700  may include a subwoofer  720 , which may also be disposed within trough area  114  (see  FIGS. 21  and  23 ). Subwoofer  720  may be mounted to support structure  100  above trough  300 , and may output sound downward between upper covers  330  and around central cover  320  as shown by arrows  750  in  FIG. 21 . Subwoofer  720  may also be no more than 6 inches wide, to effectively fit within trough area  114 . 
     In some embodiments, rather than having a cover plate in trough  300 , trough  300  includes a linear trough light  500 , as shown, for example, in FIGS.  2  and  23 - 39 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , linear trough light  500  can occupy the majority, or substantially all, of the lower portion of trough  300 . Linear trough light  500  provides light to room  20  in which it is installed as part of ceiling system  10 . Linear trough light  500  can be used with lighted panels  202  or non-lighted panels  204 . Linear trough light  500  provides particularly beneficial illumination when used with non-lighted panels  204 , since non-lighted panels  204  do not produce light and therefore do not substantially contribute to illuminating room  20 . 
       FIG. 23  shows a perspective cross-sectional view of trough  300  containing an embodiment of linear trough light  500 .  FIGS. 24 and 25  show exploded views of trough  300  containing another embodiment of linear trough light  500 . Linear trough light  500  may include a frame  510 , a light source  520 , a backing layer  530 , a diffusing layer  540 , and a lens  550 . 
     In some embodiments, frame  510  forms an inverted “U” shape having a horizontal upper section  512  and two vertical sides  514 . Vertical sides  514  may include inwardly-extending flanges  512  along their edges. 
     A light source  520  may be disposed on the inner sides of one or both of sides  514 . In some embodiments, light source  520  includes a plurality of LEDs, which may take the form of a strip of side-firing LEDs  522  as shown in  FIG. 28 , which shows frame  510  alone. LEDs  522  may be oriented to emit light horizontally toward a longitudinal center of frame  510 . 
     Frame  510  may be coupled to trough area transverse struts  124  to thereby retain frame  510  within trough  300 . Frame  510  may interconnect with other elements of linear trough light  500  to retain them within trough  300  as well (see  FIGS. 23-27 ). In some embodiments frame  510  is configured to snap onto T-bar  310  similarly as described above for central cover  320 . In some embodiments frame  510  attaches to T-bar  310  differently from central cover  320 , but using features of cover attachment mechanism  312 . For example, frame  510  may be bolted to T-bar  310  using bolts that are received by the cavities that would otherwise contain spring-loaded ball bearings  318 . In some embodiments frame  510  attaches to transverse struts  124  without using T-bar  310 , but with an alternate bracket arrangement (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 23-27  and  30 ). As shown in  FIGS. 26 and 27  for example, frame  510  may include upper flanges  515  that are supported by protrusions  317  extending outward from sides of T-bar  310 . Upper flanges  515  may be fastened to protrusions  317  by any suitable fastener such as, for example, bolts  517  as shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 . 
       FIG. 29  shows a bottom view of a portion of linear trough light  500  having no penetration therethrough.  FIG. 30  shows a cross-sectional view of trough  300  taken across line  27 - 27 ′ of  FIG. 29 . In some embodiments, the lowest lens  550  (e.g., lens  550   a , see  FIGS. 24 and 25 ) includes grooves  552  along sides thereof. Grooves  552  may receive lower flanges  516  of frame  510  to thereby couple lens  550  to frame  510 . Other elements of linear trough light  500  can be disposed above and retained by the lowest lens  550  coupled to frame  510 . In some embodiments linear trough light  500  may include a single diffusing layer  540 , as shown in  FIG. 23 , and in some embodiments linear trough light  500  may include may include multiple diffusing layers  540 , such as, for example, first diffusing layer  540   a  and second diffusing layer  540   b , as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . In some embodiments linear trough light  500  may include a single lens  550 , as shown in  FIG. 23 , and in some embodiments linear trough light  500  may include multiple lenses  550 , such as, for example, first lens layer  550   a , second lens layer  550   b , and third lens layer  550   c , as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . Diffusing layers  540  may be retained by being positioned above lenses  550  and resting thereon. Backing layers  530  may also be retained by being positioned above lenses  550  and resting thereon, or may be applied directly to the bottom surface of upper section  512  of frame  510 . 
     One or more diffusing layers  540  may be positioned in alignment with LEDs  522 , such that light emitted by LEDs  522  is received by diffusing layer  540 . Diffusing layer  540  may be formed of one or more layers of a clear acrylic having a pattern  542  applied thereon or formed therein that diffuses the light received and directs it downward toward lens  550 . Some light may also be directed upward toward backing layer  530 , which may have a reflective surface to as to reflect incident light downward toward lens  550 , where it is output to room  20 . To help reflect light, and to help provide a consistent look throughout linear trough light  500 , backing layer  530  may be white. In some embodiments backing layer  530  may be a single layer, as shown in  FIG. 23 , and in some embodiments backing layer  530  may be composed of multiple layers, such as, for example, first backing layer  530   a  and second backing layer  530   b , as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . First backing layer  530   a  may have a reflective lower surface to reflect light as described above. Second backing layer  530   b  may be a cushioning layer to brace and provide positive contact between backing layer  530  and frame  510 . Second backing layer  530   b  may be formed of, for example, foam. 
     To evenly draw in and diffuse light from LEDs  522 , diffusing layers  540  (e.g., first diffusing layer  540   a  and second diffusing layer  540   b ) may be spaced apart from each other, as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . Lens layers  550  (e.g., second lens layer  550   b  and third lens layer  550   c ) may be disposed between diffusing layers  540  to maintain spacing of diffusing layers  540  and to facilitate the passage of light. 
     To avoid interfering with light passing therethrough, lens  550  may be formed of a clear material, for example, acrylic, for example, heat polished acrylic, for example, Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). 
     A pattern  542  may be formed on or in one or more layers of diffusing layer  540  by etching (e.g., laser etching), or may be stamped upon one or more layers of diffusing layer  540  by a mold (e.g., a metal mold with pressure and heat applied). To promote uniform light diffusion throughout diffusing layer  540 , pattern  542  may become more dense (i.e., spacing between pattern features may decrease) as its distance from LEDs  522  increases. For example, in an embodiment with LEDs  522  along both sides of frame  510 , pattern  542  may be formed of spaced-apart longitudinal lines etched or otherwise applied to diffusing layer  540 . The space between adjacent lines may decrease (i.e., the pattern may become more dense) as they approach the center of diffusing layer  540 . 
     Penetrations  400  may extend through linear light trough  500  in a similar manner as they may extend through central cover  320 , described above.  FIG. 31  shows a cross-sectional view taken across a longitudinal line extending through an exemplary linear light trough  500 . As shown, penetrations  400  may include, for example, downlight  410 , camera  420 , sprinkler  430 , and smoke detector  440 . 
       FIG. 32  shows a bottom view of a portion of linear trough light  500  having downlight  410  penetrating therethrough.  FIG. 33  shows a cross-sectional view of trough  300  taken across line  30 - 30 ′ of  FIG. 32 .  FIGS. 34 and 35  similarly show a portion of linear trough light  500  having sprinkler  430  penetrating therethrough,  FIGS. 36 and 37  similarly show a portion of linear trough light  500  having smoke detector opening  442  penetrating therethrough, FIGS.  38  and  39  similarly show a portion of linear trough light  500  having camera  420  penetrating therethrough. 
     As shown, penetration sleeve  402  may surround penetration  400  (e.g., downlight  410 , camera  420 , and sprinkler  430 ) to protect and hide its internal structure, as described above. Some penetrations  400  (e.g., downlight  410  and camera  420 ) may be coupled to and supported by their penetration sleeves  402 . Others (e.g., sprinkler  430 ) may extend through their penetration sleeves  402  without contacting their penetration sleeves  402 . For some penetrations  400  (e.g., smoke detector  440 ), no penetration sleeve is used. In the case of smoke detector  440 , no penetration sleeve is needed since smoke detector  440  can detect smoke from above linear trough light  500  through a smoke detector opening  442  through linear trough light  500 . 
     Penetration sleeve  402 , and penetration  400  contained therein, may extend through an opening  518  in upper section  512  of frame  510 , and may further extend through corresponding openings in backing layer  520 , diffusing layer  540 , and lens  550  of linear trough light  500 . A bottom edge or surface of penetration sleeve  402  may extend to and align with the bottom surface of lens  550 , in order to present a consistent visual impression. 
     Providing penetrations  400  within trough  300  allows them to perform their functions without interfering with the visual impression of panels  200 . Their alignment and consistent structure and appearance (e.g., from penetration sleeves  402 ) within trough  300  provides an ordered and consistent appearance between panels  200 . 
     A plurality of linear trough light segments  500  may be arranged end-to-end within trough  300 . Breaks  570  between adjacent linear trough light segments  500  may create a visual interruption (see  FIG. 34 ). Breaks  570  can be arranged at penetrations  400 , or can be arranged between penetrations. Positioning breaks  570  between penetrations avoids increasing the visual effect of the interruption, since the appearance and color of penetrations  400  may be drawn into the abutting ends of lenses  550 , thereby making breaks  570  more visible. 
     In some embodiments, to minimize the visual impact of trough  300 , bottom edges  218  of frame  210  may be angled outward, into trough area  300 , as shown in  FIG. 40 . In this way panels  200  appear closer from below and troughs  300  appear narrower from below. Such embodiments may still include central cover  320  attached to T-Bar  310  as described above. To minimize the visual impact of light sources within trough  300 , such light sources may be recessed from bottom edges  218 , and may be aligned with or recessed from central cover  320 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 40 , a recessed light  610  has a light source  612  disposed centrally therein. Light source  612  may emit light through an opening  322  in central cover  320 . Light source  612  may be recessed from opening  322  as shown in  FIG. 40 . In this configuration, light emitted by light source  612  will form a cone shape  620 . To avoid loss of or interference with light emitted from light source  612  through opening  322 , ceiling system  10  may be configured such that panels  200  are spaced apart enough so that they do not extend within light cone  620 . In other words, light source  612 , opening  322 , and panel frame  210  may be arranged such that no imaginary line extending through light source  612  and an edge of opening  322  intersects an adjacent panel  200  (or any element of ceiling system  10  below central cover  320 . 
     Avoiding interference with light cone  620  and other elements of ceiling system  10  can help to avoid creating distracting shadows and hard edges to the light provided by recessed light  610 . A light fixture such as recessed light  610  may be preferable to downlight  410  in some ceiling system  10  installations. For example, recessed light  610  may better illuminate a room  20  having a lower ceiling, while downlight  410  may better illuminate a room  20  having a higher ceiling. 
     As described above, panels  200  may be large, having continuous elements such as fabric  252  extending their length and width. To install such a large panel  200  in a ceiling area  26  of a room  20 , support structure  100  may include hoisting mechanisms that may be used to hoist panels  200 . The hoisting mechanisms may be mounted to longitudinal supports  110  so as not to be visible from below. Hoisting cables may extend from hoisting mechanisms to connect to a panel  200  to be hoisted. 
     Panel  200  may be constructed before installation within ceiling  28 . For example, fabric  252  may be laid out on a floor and frame  210  of panel  200  may be constructed on the floor (e.g., on fabric  252 ) below its intended location in ceiling  28 . After frame  252  is constructed, fabric  252  may be tensioned over frame  210  and attached thereto. A light source  240  may also be incorporated into panels  200  during construction. Hoisting cables may be fixed to frame  210  of panel  200 . Once panel  200  is constructed and hoisting cables are secured to frame  210 , panel  200  is ready to be hoisted into place. 
     For large-scale panels  200 , construction outside the ceiling area  26  (e.g., on the floor below) simplifies construction as opposed to in-ceiling construction, since workers do not have to worry about suspending the elements of panel  200  while constructing it. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not exhaustive and do not limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. 
     For example, although the ceiling system of the present invention has been described with reference to a ceiling, its principles apply to other building features structures such as walls, floors, and roofs. 
     The elements of the embodiments presented above are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but may be interchanged to meet various needs as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art. The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20140207
Publication Date: 20151222
Grant Date: 20151222
Priority Date: 20140207
Inventors: BEHLING STEFAN
NELSON DAVID
MCGRATH JAMES
MULLER WOLFGANG
POLI LORENZO
RICHTER BERND
BRIDGER ROBERT
SIEGEL JONATHAN P.
AGNOLI VASCO
FEENEY CASEY
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "E04B9/225", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V13/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E04B2009/0492", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V5/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V13/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E04B9/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V5/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E04B9/32", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E04B9/006", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E04B9/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E04B9/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E04B9/32", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E04B2009/0492", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V13/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21V5/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E04B9/32", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "E04B2009/0492", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 52574428