CPC Definition - Subclass F24F

Last Updated Version: 2023.02
AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING (removing dirt or fumes from areas where they are produced B08B 15/00; vertical ducts for carrying away waste gases from buildings E04F 17/02; tops for chimneys or ventilating shafts, terminals for flues F23L 17/02)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Methods and apparatus for air-conditioning, i.e. the supply of air to or the treatment of air in rooms or spaces by means which provide for the treatment of the air in the following ways:

  • Cooling;
  • Cooling and Heating;
  • Cooling and any other kind of treatment, e.g. humidification.

Methods and apparatus for humidification of air for rooms or spaces.

Methods and apparatus for supplying air or extracting air from rooms or spaces, either by forced movement (for example by fans) or by natural effects (for example convection).

Methods and apparatus for circulating air within rooms or spaces, either by forced movement (for example by fans) or by natural effects (for example convection).

Methods and apparatus for use of air currents for screening, for example of entrances of buildings or of areas where particular operations are performed.

Use of energy recovery systems in air conditioning, ventilation or screening.

Details, for example control arrangements, safety arrangements, ducting arrangements or air flow control members, which are specially adapted for the methods or apparatus specified above.

Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces in air conditioning systems or in room units otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying.

Self-contained air purifiers.

Relationships with other classification places

As regards air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation and treatment of air this subclass is an application-oriented place that covers methods or apparatus for these processes when specially adapted for rooms or spaces that are primarily intended as dwelling or working-spaces for human beings.

Air-treatment or ventilation that is specially adapted for particular processes or for other particular environments, for example for industrial processes or for housing of animals, is covered in the places for those processes or environments. For examples of such places see the section "Examples of places where the subject matter of this subclass is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system" below.

With the exception of humidification, this subclass does not cover the mere treatment of air being supplied to, extracted from, or circulated within, rooms or spaces. Such treatment of air in general, for example heating, cooling, heat-exchange or filtering, is covered in several different places of the CPC, see for example the entries under "Informative References" below.

Related arrangements for merely heating are covered by subclasses F24D or F24H. This subclass does not cover elements or apparatus in general for transporting air or for regulating air flow, for example fans, ducts or valves. Such elements and apparatus are covered in several different places in the IPC, see for example the entries under "Informative References" below.

This subclass does not cover ventilation of garments or furniture or other devices, which is covered by the places for those devices, for example classes classes A41 - A47 for garments and furniture and class H01 for electrical devices.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Removing dirt or fumes from areas where they are produced

B08B 15/00

Vertical ducts for carrying away waste gases from buildings

E04F 17/02

Tops for ventilating shafts; Terminals for flues

F23L 17/02

Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Ventilating arrangements for forage silos

A01F 25/22

Devices for ventilating greenhouses

A01G 9/24

Ventilation in animal husbandry

A01K

Controlling humidity in incubators for poultry

A01K 41/04

Treatment rooms with artificial climate for medical purposes

A61G 10/02, A61G 13/00

Devices for reconditioning breathing air in sealed rooms

A62B 11/00

Devices for ventilating gas-proof shelters

A62B 13/00

Containers or portable cabins for affording breathing protection with devices for reconditioning the breathing air or for ventilating

A62B 31/00

Dust-free rooms or enclosures for laboratories

B01L 1/04

Ventilation, air-conditioning, or cooling, specially adapted for passenger or goods spaces of vehicles

B60H

Air curtains at doors or windows of vehicles

B60J 9/04

Ventilation of driving cabins or engine rooms of locomotives or motor railcars

B61C 17/04

Heating, cooling, ventilating, or air-conditioning, specially adapted for rail vehicles

B61D 27/00

Adaptations of ventilation, cooling, heating, or air-conditioning for submarines or other underwater vessels

B63G 8/36

Arrangements of ventilation, heating, cooling, or air-conditioning specially adapted for ships or other waterborne vessels

B63J 2/00

Arrangements or adaptations of air-treatment apparatus for crew, passenger or freight spaces in aircraft

B64D 13/00

Arrangements or adaptations of devices for treatment of the atmosphere in cosmonautic vehicles

B64G 1/46

Drying cabinets or drying chambers having heating or ventilating means

D06F 58/10

Special arrangement or operation of ventilating devices in lavatories

E03D 9/04

Drying building constructions in general or keeping them dry, e.g. by air vents

E04B 1/70

Special adaptations of floors for incorporating ventilation ducts

E04B 5/48

Ceilings having means for ventilation

E04B 9/02

Ventilation of roof coverings

E04D 13/17

Ventilation of tents

E04H 15/10

Ventilation in doors or windows

E06B 7/02

Ventilation of mines or tunnels

E21F 1/00

Cooling or drying of air in mines or tunnels

E21F 3/00

Removing cooking fumes

F24C 15/20

Arrangements for supplying or controlling air or gases for drying solid materials or objects

F26B 21/00

Cooling, ventilating or heating of electric apparatus

H05K 7/20

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Disinfecting or sterilising of air

A61L

Filtering, washing or drying of gases

B01D

Mixing gases with vapours or liquids in general

B01F 23/10

Transportable units for separating dispersed particles from air by electrostatic effect

B03C 3/32

Spraying

B05B, B05D

Production of ozone

C01B 13/10

Heat, sound or noise insulation, absorption, or reflection

E04B 1/74

Air-ducts or air channels in buildings

E04F 17/04

Chimney stacks or similar ducts

E04H 12/28

Fans in general, details of fans

F04D

Pumping installations for air

F04D 25/08, F04D 29/00

Valves in general

F16K

Devices for venting or aerating enclosures in general

F16K 24/00

Pipes in general, joints, fittings or supports therefor

F16L

Noise absorbers for ducting

F16L 55/02

Thermal insulation for ducting

F16L 59/00

Devices for conducting smoke or fumes, e.g. flues

F23J 11/00

Domestic stoves

F24B, F24C

Hot air central heating systems

F24D 5/00

Fluid heaters, water or air-heaters

F24H

Air heaters having heat generating means

F24H 3/00

Refrigeration in general, details of refrigeration systems

F25B

Combined heating and refrigeration systems

F25B 29/00

Production, working, storing or distribution of ice

F25C

Refrigerators, cold rooms, e.g. for food storage

F25D

Heat exchange apparatus in general, details of heat exchangers

F28C, F28D, F28F

Measuring temperature or quantity of heat in general

G01K

Testing apparatus not otherwise provided for

G01M

Control of flow in general

G05D 7/00

Control of humidity in general

G05D 22/00

Control of temperature in general

G05D 23/00

Ion sources

H01J 27/02, H01J 37/08

Arrangements for cooling, heating or ventilation of semiconductor or other solid state devices

H01L 23/34, H01L 31/024

Generating ions to be introduced into non-enclosed gases

H01T 23/00

Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems in general

H04Q 9/00

Special rules of classification

Air-humidification as auxiliary treatment in air-conditioning, i.e. in units wherein the air is also either cooled or heated, is covered by groups F24F 1/00 or F24F 3/14, while air-humidification per se, e.g. "room humidifiers", is covered by group F24F 6/00.

Looping references between B08B 15/00 and F24F have been identified. Until this inconsistency is resolved, the current classification practice in CPC is as follows: B08B 15/00 is a limiting reference for subclass F24F. F24F is an informative reference for main group B08B 15/00.

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Air-conditioning

Supply of air to or the treatment of air in rooms or spaces by means of cooling or a combination of cooling and a further kind of air treatment, e.g. humidification, heating or air purification.

Ventilation

Supply of air to rooms or spaces, extraction of air from rooms or spaces, or circulation of air within rooms or spaces.

Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Air-conditioning units placed within a room for cooling the room, i.e. fan coil unit of a split unit. These indoor units can thereby receive primary air from a central station and/or recirculate the air within the room and/or supply outside air.
  • Split unit comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.
  • Outdoor unit of split unit.
  • Self-contained units.

Usually, these room units comprise a refrigerant cycle.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Central station centrally producing cool air for distributing cool air in a plurality of rooms

F24F 3/00

Systems comprising multiple indoor units

F24F 3/065

Dehumidification

F24F 3/14

Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F 1/00 or F24F 3/00.

F24F 5/00

Humidification

F24F 6/00

Filter units per se

F24F 8/10

Control of room units

F24F 11/30

Vanes or dampers of room units

F24F 13/14, F24F 13/15

Casing of indoor units and self-contained units

F24F 13/20

Condensate evacuation

F24F 13/222

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Split unit

Air conditioning unit in split configuration, often with the compressor and condenser located in a separate external outdoor unit and the evaporator located in an indoor unit, the two units being connected via refrigerant pipes

Self-contained unit

Air conditioning unit with all apparatus for air treatment installed in a common casing, e.g. compressor, condenser and evaporator

in which secondary air is induced by injector action of the primary air
Definition statement

This place covers:

Room units in which secondary air is induced by injector action of the primary air.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Self-contained room units for air-conditioning

F24F 1/02

Control systems for controlling the temperature of the supplied air by controlling the air supply to heat-exchangers or bypass channels

F24F 11/81

Arrangements for air-circulation by means of induction

F24F 13/26

Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems (room units F24F 1/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Room units

F24F 1/00

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Room humidifier

F24F 6/00

Mounting arrangement of air filters

F24F 13/28

Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation or air

A61L 9/00

Filter unit per se

B01D

Drying of gases

B01D 53/26

Electric filter

B03C

Cogeneration of electricity and heat or cold

F25B

Clean room for semiconductor production

H01L 21/67017

Computer rooms

H05K 7/20

{in which the air treatment in the central station takes place by means of a heat-pump or by means of a reversible cycle (reversible cycle for humidifying and drying air F24F 3/147)}
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Reversible cycle for humidifying and drying air

F24F 3/147

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Heat pumps

F25B 30/00

{in which two airstreams are conducted from the central station via independent conduits to the space to be treated, of which one has a constant volume and a season-adapted temperature, while the other one is always cold and varies in volume}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Systems in which two airstreams are conducted from the central station via independent conduits to the space to be treated, of which one has a constant volume and a season adapted temperature to compensate for the fluctuating heat transfer losses of the building, while the other varies in volume and is always cold in order to compensate for the interior fluctuations and variable solar heating effects. These so-called "Dual Conduit Systems" are similar to high-pressure air-water systems.

{in which the air treated in the central station is reheated}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Reheating may take place near the central station upon arrival, in the space to be treated, in a branch pipe to zone in a multi-zone system or in the warm pipe in a system having separate supply conduits for warm and cold air.

characterised by the arrangements for the supply of heat-exchange fluid for the subsequent treatment of primary air in the room units
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Arrangement or assembly of components for the regulation of the supply of heating or cooling media for the secondary treatment of air

F24F 11/83

by purification, e.g. by filtering; by sterilisation; by ozonisation
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Treatment rooms or enclosures for medical purposes

A61G 10/00

Ion sources

H01J 27/02, H01J 37/08

Clean air work stations, i.e. selected areas within a space which filtered air is passed
References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Means providing sterile air at a surgical operation table or area

A61G 13/108

Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F 1/00 or F24F 3/00 {, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater}
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Exclusively-fluid system, e.g. using water as cooling fluid (F24F 5/0003),
  • Cooling apparatus specially adapted for use in air-conditioning, e.g. using absorption or desorption (F24F 5/0014), or using cold storage body (F24F 5/0017) (e.g. PCM material for storage), or using evaporation (F24F 5/0035).
  • Cooling apparatus using the Peltier effect (F24F 5/0042).
  • Cooling apparatus using natural energy (F24F 5/0046), e.g. solar energy or air from the ground.
  • Cooling apparatus using thermal walls (F24F 5/0075),
  • Cooling apparatus using radiation from walls or ceiling (F24F 5/0089).
  • Cooling apparatus combined with domestic apparatus, e.g. boiler, heating system (F24F 5/0096).
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Absorption or desorption for humidification or dehumidification purposes

F24F 3/1411

Air conditioning in containers

B65D 88/74

Apparatus using radiation from walls or ceiling for heating purposes only

F24D 3/14, F24D 3/16

Hot-water central heating system

F24D 3/18

Solar heat collector

F24S

Production of heat using geothermal energy

F24T

Cooling towers

F28C 1/00

Phase Change Material (PCM) in general

F28D 20/02

{characterised by the application of thermo-electric units or the Peltier effect}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Refrigerators and cooling systems using thermo-electric units or the Peltier effect

F25B 21/02

Cooling arrangements for semi-conductors using the Peltier effect

H01L 23/38

Thermobatteries or thermogenerators

H10N 10/00

{Systems using thermal walls, e.g. double window}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Double windows per se

E06B

{Systems using a compressed air circuit}
References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Arrangements or adaptations of heating, cooling, ventilating or other air-treating devices specially for passengers or goods in spaces of vehicles

B60H

Arrangements or adaptations of air-treatment apparatus for aircraft crew or passenger, or freight space

B64D 13/00

Air-humidification {, e.g. cooling by humidification}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Local unit for room humidification by evaporation of water in the air, or by water dispersion or by injection of steam in the air.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Humidification systems

F24F 3/14

Cooling using evaporation

F24F 5/0035

Device to humidify the respiration air of patients

A61M 16/16

Spraying apparatus with rotating elements discharging water by centrifugal forces

B05B 3/10

Ultrasonic oscillator

B05B 17/06

Steam generation in boilers

F22B 1/28

Humidifying within a fuel cell

H01M 8/04126

by evaporation of water in the air
References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Humidifiers specially adapted for radiators

F24D 19/008

{with self-sucking action, e.g. wicks}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Humidifiers for radiators

F24D 19/008

using nozzles
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Nozzles per se, spraying in general

B05B

Ventilation
Definition statement

This place covers:

Systems or apparatus for supplying air to rooms or exhausting air from rooms or circulating air within the rooms, e.g. by means of wall-ducts or systems using window or roof apertures.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Ventilation control

F24F 11/0001

Ventilation of animal housings

A01K 1/0047

Hoods preventing escape of fumes from the area where they are produced

B08B 15/02

Ventilation systems of lifts

B66B 11/024

Roof-covering elements

E04D 1/30

Ventilation of roof coverings

E04D 13/17

Ventilation through double windows

E06B 7/02

Ventilation of mines or tunnels

E21F 1/00

Ventilators or fans per se

F04D

Removing cooking fumes

F24C 15/20

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Natural circulation

Air circulation without active fan, e.g. chimney effect, using solar energy or using wind energy

using wall or window fans, displacing air through the wall or window
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

With heating elements

F24F 3/00 - F24F 3/14

Room ventilators, portable ventilators

F04D 25/08

with forced air circulation, e.g. by fan {positioning of a ventilator in or against a conduit}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Ventilators per se

F04D 25/08

{fan combined with single duct; mounting arrangements of a fan in a duct}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Construction of fans

F04D

Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Treatment, e.g. purification, of air supplied to human living or working spaces in air conditioning systems or in room units otherwise than by heating, cooling, humidifying or drying
  • Self-contained air purifiers
  • Details of air treatment apparatus

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

Air purifier

media1.png

Air purifier device with coupling mechanism

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References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air in general

A61L 9/00

Filter unit per se

B01D

Electric filter

B03C

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Self-contained air purifier

Apparatus with all its air purifying elements, e.g. filters or fans, arranged in a common casing.

by separation, e.g. by filtering
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Arrangements or mounting of filters

F24F 13/28

by direct contact with liquid, e.g. with sprayed liquid
Definition statement

This place covers:

Removal of particles from the treated air by direct contact with a liquid, e.g. by spraying liquid into a stream of air or bubbling gas through a liquid.

media3.png

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Removal of particles through use of a filter element or structure that is wetted

F24F 8/125

by electrical means, e.g. by applying electrostatic fields or high voltages
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Air-conditioning systems or apparatus characterised by using thermoelectric means

F24F 5/0042

by removing radon
Definition statement

This place covers:

Reducing of radon concentration in living or working space for humans or spaces associated therewith, e.g. sub-basements.

Use of air currents for screening, e.g. air curtains
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Air curtain delimiting two different spaces.
  • Air curtain in a wall opening delimiting a room from the outside
  • The air curtain can be obtained by using more than one jet or band.
References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Air curtain for vehicles

B60J 9/04

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Clean air workstation

F24F 3/163

Means providing sterile air to operating tables in surgery

A61G 13/108

Removing cooking fumes

F24C 15/20

Air curtain in cold rooms

F25D 23/023

Control or safety arrangements
Definition statement

This place covers:

Control of HVAC devices or systems (F24F 11/00).

Elements or components of control device, e.g. flap or damper control, (F24F 11/89).

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Air flow control members

F24F 13/08

Tilting members, e.g. louvre

F24F 13/14

Fire prevention or containment

A62C 2/00

Extinguishing or preventing fire

A62C 3/14

Controlling the speed of ventilators by varying driving speed

F04D 27/0261

Control valve per se

F16K

Compressor control

F25B 49/022

Refrigerant flow control

F25B 49/025

Humidity control

G05D 22/00

Humidity control using electrical means

G05D 22/02

Temperature control using electrical means (thermostat)

G05D 23/19

Special rules of classification

Damper control controlling the rate of air-flow:

  • If increasing air pressure opens the damper, then classify in F24F 11/745
  • If increasing air pressure closes the damper, then classify in F24F 11/75
Use of energy recovery systems in air conditioning, ventilation or screening (with both heat and humidity transfer between supplied and exhausted air F24F 3/147)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Apparatus and systems with heat-exchange between supplied and exhausted air, e.g. using an air-to-air heat exchanger or using an intermediate fluid, e.g. heat pump.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Both heat and humidity transfer between supplied and exhausted air

F24F 3/147

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Heat-exchange in general

F28

Heat-exchange apparatus, not provided for in another subclass, in which the heat-exchange media do not come into direct contact

F28D

Heat-exchange apparatus having plate-like conduit

F28D 9/00

Heat pipes

F28D 15/00

Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
Definition statement

This place covers:

Details concerning ducting arrangements (F24F 13/02); Air outlets (F24F 13/06); Air-flow control members (F24F 13/08); Casing or covers (F24F 13/20).

Means for preventing or evacuating condensate (F24F 13/22).

Means for preventing or suppressing noise (F24F 13/24).

Arrangement for air-circulation by means of air-induction (F24F 13/26).

Arrangement for mounting of filter (F24F 13/28), of heat exchanger (F24F 13/30).

Mounting means for HVAC devices (F24F 13/32).

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Room units in which secondary air is induced by injection action of the primary air

F24F 1/01

Mounting of filtering elements within a casing

B01D 46/0005

Ventilating nozzles for vehicles

B60H 1/34

Ventilation combined with door or window frames

E06B 7/02

Butterfly valves

F16K 1/22

Support for pipes

F16L 3/00

Flange joints of pipes

F16L 23/00

Noise absorbers in pipes

F16L 55/033

Lighting devices combined with ventilating systems

F21V 33/0088

Method or devices for protecting against noise

G10K 11/16

{using parts of the building, e.g. air ducts inside the floor, walls or ceiling of a building}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Air ducts or channels of buildings

E04F 17/04

Air-mixing units (F24F 13/06 takes precedence)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Outlets for directing or distributing air into rooms or spaces, e.g. ceiling air diffuser

F24F 13/06

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Indoor units for air-conditioning characterised by introduction of outside air to the room

F24F 1/0035

Mixing gases in general

B01F 23/10

combined with lighting fixtures
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Air-treatment systems with air-flow over lighting fixtures

F24F 3/056

Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates (F24F 7/013F24F 13/06 take precedence)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Ventilation with forced flowusing wall or window fans, displacing air through the wall or window

F24F 7/013

Outlets for directing or distributing air into rooms or spaces, e.g. ceiling air diffuser

F24F 13/06

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Roof ventilation

F24F 7/02

movable, e.g. dampers
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Valves in general

F16K

Means for preventing condensation or evacuating condensate
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

For refrigerators or cold rooms

F25D 21/14

Means for preventing or suppressing noise
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Air supply, or exhaust, through perforated wall, floor or ceiling

F24F 7/10