Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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IMPROVED CONNECTIONS FOR SUSPENDED CEILING SYSTEM
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to suspended ceiling systems
and in particular improved connections for end to end
connection of the main grid members of such systems and for
connection of cross members to the main grid members.
Background of the Invention
Suspended ceiling systems are well known and are commonly
used to conceal piping, wiring or ductwork beneath the
overhead structure. The suspended ceiling grid system
comprises wall angle mouldings, main grid members (main tees)
running in one direction of the ceiling with cross members
(cross tees) connected to adjacent grid members to form the
grid pattern. The most common grid patterns are rectilinear
or square grids although non-rectilinear patterns can be
used. Each grid defined by the main grid members and cross
members is typically filled with a lightweight acoustic
ceiling tile or panel which is suspended within the grid.
The main grid members or tees are suspended from the floor
above by wire or plastic fasteners and span the length of the
room. If a single strip of the main grid member is not long
enough to span the entire room two or more main tees are
connected end to end.
Different methods of connection of the main grid members are
known. For example U.S. Patent No. 6,523,313 shows a an end-
to-end connection of main grid members in a ceiling grid. A
pocket is formed about an opening in the web of a first
main grid member. A clip is secured to one side of the end
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of the first main grid member. A forward end of the clip
is clamped within a pocket formed on the second main grid
member. A corresponding clip on the opposite side of the
end of the second grid member is clamped within the pocket
formed on the first grid member. While the connection is
intended to be disengaged when required the pockets must be
opened first which is not easy to do.
Another example of a method of connection is illustrated in
U.S. Patent No. 6,729,100. In this patent purports to
provide a connector for a main tee of a suspended ceiling
grid that has improved self-aligning and connection force
properties. The connector has an end tab with a forward
portion bent at a lead angle and a receiving pocket with an
outwardly flared entrance that, with an opposed identical
connector, cooperate to provide smooth horizontal
alignment. The end portion, additionally, includes an edge
profile that vertically aligns itself with the receiving
pocket of the opposed connector. The receiving pocket
includes a spring-like resilient wall that limits the
assembly force to overcome interference with projecting
lock lances even when the connectors are nearly out of
dimensional tolerance. The spring-like pocket wall, shape
of the lock lance, and reinforcing beads contribute to an
improved audible click signalling that a connection has
been completed. The lock lance works with a relief groove
to augment self-alignment of the connectors.
There remains a need for a simple, fast and secure method
of making longitudinal connections between the abutting ends
of the main grid members.
One method of connection between the cross members and main
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grid members is to attach a clip by riveting or other
suitable means to the end of the cross member so that it
extends beyond the end of the cross member. The clip includes
a tab which is adapted to pass through a slot provided in the
web or vertical portion of the main grid member to secure the
cross member in place as shown for example in U.S. Patent No.
4,161,856; 4,389,828; 4,499,697 and 5,154,031. There is an
ongoing need to provide a simple, fast and secure method of
making linear connections between the cross members and main
grid members without tilting or twisting the cross members.
Summary of the Invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide a
suspended ceiling grid system that can be easily assembled or
disassembled without damaging the main grid members and cross
members permitting them to be reused.
Accordingly in one embodiment the present invention
provides a longitudinal connection for abutting ends of
main grid members of a suspended ceiling system. Each of
the main grid members have a vertical web portion and a
horizontal flange extending across a bottom of the web
portion. The longitudinal connection comprises retaining
means on the web portion of each of the main grid members
adjacent the abutting ends providing an upper and a lower
channel. A connecting plate member having opposite first and
second sides is slidable within the upper and lower channels
on the retaining means on the ends of each of said main grid
members. Moveable pin members are provided on the plate
member where the pin members are biased to the web portion
of the main grid members. Holes on the retaining means on
the web portion of each of the main grid members are
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positioned to receive the pin members when the abutting
ends of the main grid members are aligned. This results in
the connecting plate member pulling the main grid members
together at the abutting ends.
In another embodiment the invention provides a method of
forming a longitudinal connection for abutting ends of main
grid members of a suspended ceiling system, wherein the
main grid members have a vertical web portion and a
horizontal flange extending across a bottom of said web
portion. The method comprises (a) providing retaining means
on the web portion of each of the main grid members adjacent
the abutting ends to form an upper and a lower channel (b)
providing a connecting plate member having opposite first
and second sides slidable within the upper and lower
channels on the retaining means on the ends of each of said
main grid members (c) aligning the abutting ends of main
grid members (d) sliding the plate member in the upper and
lower channels of the retaining means on each grid member
until moveable pin members on said connecting plate member
are aligned with and are received in holes on the retaining
means on the web portion of each of the main grid members
whereby said connecting plate member pulls the main grid
members together at said abutting ends.
In another aspect the present invention provides a linear
connection for connecting cross members to the main grid
members of a suspended ceiling system, each of said main
grid members and the cross members having a web portion, the
linear connection comprising: (a) means on the web portion
of each of the cross members adjacent their ends providing
an upper and a lower channel (b) a clip having opposite
first and second sides slidable within the upper and lower
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channels on the ends of each of said cross members to permit
a linear connection of the cross members to the main grid
members.
Further features of the invention will be described or will
5 become apparent in the course of the following detailed
description.
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Brief Description of the Invention
In drawings which illustrate by way of example only one
embodiment of the invention,
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the longitudinal
connection of two main grid members utilizing connecting
blocks attached to the ends of the main grid members and
a connecting plate in accordance with the present
invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the linear connection of two
cross members with a main grid member utilizing a block on
the ends of each cross member and a slidable clip in
accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a section of the connecting
block attached to the abutting ends of the main grid members
of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the connecting plate of FIG 1 with
spring arms.
FIG. 5 is a side view of the slideable clip of FIG. 2.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the block of FIG 2.
FIG. 7 is a partially exploded view of the cross member of
FIG 2.
FIG. 8 is cross section view of another embodiment of the
main grid member and connecting block according to the
present invention.
FIG 9 is a plan view of another embodiment of the spring
member attached to the connecting plate shown in FIG 1.
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FIG 10 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the clip
shown in FIG 2.
FIG 11 is a cross section of the clip of FIG 10 through B-B.
FIG 12 is a side view in cross section of the clip of FIG 10
and 11.
Similar references are used in different figures to denote
similar components.
Detailed Description of the Invention
Referring now to the figures in detail, FIG. 1 illustrates a
longitudinal connection according to the present invention
between the abutting ends of one main grid member, generally
indicated at 11 and a second main grid member, generally
indicated at 12. In the embodiment illustrated both main
grid members 11, 12 each have an inverted T cross section
having a web portion 13, 14 with a horizontal flange 15, 16
extending perpendicular from the base of the web portion 13,
14. While the embodiment illustrated in the Figures shows
the present invention used in association with main grid
members having an inverted T cross-section, it should be
appreciated that the present invention is applicable to
other shapes of main grid members. The grid members 11, 12
may be made of conventional materials and formed by
conventional techniques or may be made by extrusion molding
aluminum or zinc or other suitable material.
In order to form a longitudinal connection according to the
present invention between the abutting ends of the main grid
members 11, 12 retaining means comprising in this embodiment
a connecting block 21, 22 is attached to a face 15, 16 of
the web portion 13, 14 adjacent the abutting ends 17, 18 of
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each of the main grid members 11, 12. The connecting blocks
21, 22 can be attached by a riveting or welding means not
shown in FIG. 1. As best shown in FIG 3, each connecting
block 21,22 has a generally flat rectangular base portion 23
with opposite sides 24,25. The opposite side 24 of the base
portion 23 has a series of right angle flanges 26,27,28,29
that together form a channel 211. A similar series of
flanges 26',27',28',29'on the opposite side 25 form another
channel 212. On the base portion 23 of connecting blocks 21,
22 are holes 210 and 220. The abutting ends 17A,18B of
connecting blocks 21, 22 are preferably beveled at 200, 201
as shown in FIG.l. It is possibly to indent the face of the
web portion to which the connecting blocks 21,22 are
connected so that when connected as described below the
longitudinal axis of the connection is aligned as close as
possible with the longitudinal axis of main grid members 11,
12. (see FIG 8)
As seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, a connecting plate member 31
shaped and sized to fit in the channels 211,212 on each of
connecting blocks 21,22 when the abutting ends 17,18 of main
grid members 11,12 are aligned longitudinally. Connecting
plate 31 in the embodiment illustrated is generally
rectangular with opposite ends 33,34 and opposite sides
35,36 and having slight octagonal characteristics at its
opposite ends 33,34 to be aligned with channels 211,212 on
connecting blocks 23,24. The opposite sides 35,36 of
connecting plate 31 slide in channels 211, 212. An outwardly
extending flange 300 at each opposite end 33,34 of the
connecting plate 31 act as handles to enable the user to
slide the connecting plate 31 through the channels 211,212
in both connecting blocks 21,22. Connecting plate 31 is
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provide with pin members that cooperate with features
provided on connecting blocks 23,24 to retain the main grid
members in abutting connection. In the embodiment
illustrated the pin members on connecting plate 31 comprises
a pair of pins 321,322 that project from the back side 37 of
connecting plate 31. The pins 321,322 are positioned to fit
within holes 210,221 on connecting blocks 21,22 when the
main grid members 11,12 are abutting. In order to permit
connecting plate 31 to slide within channels 211,212, pins
321,322 project through holes 38,39 in the connecting plate
31. The ends of pins 321,322 that extend to the front side
40 of connecting plate 31 are connected to the ends of
spring member 32. In the embodiment illustrated pins 321,
322 and spring member 32 are a single integral pieceof
resilient material. The mid point of spring member 32 is
affixed to the front side 40 of connecting plate 31. This
results in spring member 32 and pins 321,322 having an "M-
shaped" form (see Fig 4 and 9), wherein the two ends 321,
322 of the spring are biased to extend through the holes
38,39 in the connecting plate 31 and into locking engagement
with holes 210,220 on connecting blocks 21,22. In the
embodiment shown the mid point 41 of the spring member 32 is
fixed within a middle hole 42 located in connecting plate
31. Spring member 32, is preferably made out of a resilient
metallic material.
In the embodiment shown in the Figs. the spring member 32 has
two spring arms 32A,32B. As noted above the spring arms
bias pins 321,322 within holes 210,220 in connecting blocks
21, 22. With pins 321,322 engaged within holes 210,220 on
connecting blocks 21,22 the main grid members are retained
in longitudinal abutment.
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The present invention provides a simple, fast and secure
connection between the abutting ends of the main grid
members. One end 34 of connecting plate 31 is slid into
position within channels 211,212 on connecting block 21 on
5 main grid member 11. The bevel 200 at the end 17 of
connecting block 21 pushes pin 321 away from the back side
of connecting plate 31 so that connecting plate 31 can be
slid within channels 211,212. Connecting plate 31 can be
slid until pin 321 aligns with and is pushed into hole 210.
10 The other main grid member 12 can then be aligned so the
other end 33 of connecting plate 31 slides into position
within channels 211,212 on connecting block 22 on main grid
member 12. The bevel 201 at the end 18 of connecting block
22 pushes pin 322 away from the back side of connecting
plate 31 so that connecting plate 31 can slide within
channels 211,212. Connecting plate 31 can be slid until pin
322 aligns with and is pushed into hole 220. Alternatively
the ends 17,18 of main grid members 11,12 can be aligned,
then connecting plate 31 slid into the channels 211,212 on
either connecting block 21 or 22 then slid along until it
slides into the channels on the other connecting block.
Although the Figures show the longitudinal connection of two
main grid members, a section of desired length can be formed
by connecting the abutting ends of numerous grid members
using a multiplicity of connecting plates 31. To provide
greater rigidity where there are two or more connections, the
connecting blocks are attached to opposite faces of the main
grid member at opposite ends of the main grid member.
To disassemble the longitudinal connection, simply pull
spring arms 32A, 32B so pins 321,322 move toward the face
side of connecting plate 31 to disengage pins 321,322 from
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holes 211, 220 respectively. Once disengaged, connecting
plate 31 can be slid out of engagement with channels 211,212
on either one of connecting block 21, 22 so that main grid
members can be separated.
In another embodiment the present invention provides for a
method of connection of the cross members to the main grid
members. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5-7 cross members 41,42
are shown connected to a main grid member 1 in accordance
with the present invention. The cross members 41,42 each
have an inverted T cross section having a web portion 43,44
with a horizontal flange 45,46 extending perpendicular from
the base of the web portion 43,44. The connection is formed
by inserting a clip 51 with a tab 510 through a slot 70
provided in the web portion 2 of main grid member 1 not
unlike conventional methods. However the design of the clip
51 of the present invention permits an improved linear
connection that is simple, fast and secure.
In order to form a connection according to the present
invention between the ends of the cross members 41, 42 to
main grid member 1 a block 52 is attached to a face of the
web portion 43, 44 adjacent the ends 47, 48 of each of the
cross member 41, 42. The blocks 52 can be attached by a
riveting or welding means not shown. As best shown in FIG 6,
each connecting block 52 has a generally flat rectangular
base portion 53 with opposing sides 54,55 having a C-shaped
cross section to form grooves 56,57. While the embodiment
illustrated in the Figures shows the present invention used
in association with main grid members and cross members
having an inverted T cross-section, it should be appreciated
that the present invention is applicable to other shapes of
main grid members and cross members. The end 47 of left
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cross member 41 and the end 48 of right cross member 42
are connected through a slidable locking interaction
between clip 51 on the proximal side of block 52 mounted
on right cross member 42 and a corresponding block 52
mounted on the distal side of left cross member 41.
As shown in FIG. 7, clip 51 is formed from a sheet material
with upturned edges 65,66 and end 67. The head 68 of clip
51 is tapered with a tab or barb 510. Tab 510 has spring-
like properties, being able to be pushed from a clearance
position to a locking position. Clip 51 is sized and shaped
to slide within grooves 56,57 on block 52.
To connect the cross member 41,42, the clip 51 is inserted
into the grooves 56,57 of block 52 with the tab or barb 510
projecting away from block 52. When the tab or barb 510 is
pushed through the aperture in main grid member 1, the tab
510 is depressed and once tab 510 passes through the aperture
it returns to the extended or locking position with the edge
of the aperture. The upturned end 67 of clip 51 acts as a
limit block and, together with the tab 510 in locking
position, prevents clip 51 from moving past block 52. As a
result, left cross bar 41 and right cross bar 42 become
perpendicularly contiguous with section bar 1. To
disassemble the perpendicular connection, the user should
manually push down on barb 510 thereby allowing clip 51 to
slide back out of the aperture in section bar 1.
On the opposite end 63 of cross member 42 another block 62
and clip 61 are mounted to the opposite face of the web of
the cross member from block 52. Similarly as noted above
block 52 on cross member 41 adjacent the end connecting to
main grid member 1 is on the opposite face of the web portion
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of cross member 41 than the block 52 on the face of the web
portion of cross member 42.
Referring to FIG S. projections 511 on the back side of
block 52 may be provided to match with the positioning
holes 521 on block 52 in FIG 6, so as to facilitate the
operation as the clip 51 is inserted into position.
Fig 8 shows another embodiment of the main grid member 80
with retaining means, in the form of a connecting block 81
riveted to the web portion 82 of grid member. The
connecting block 81 provides channels 83,84 for the
connecting plate (not shown).
Fig 9 shows the spring member 32 with ends that form pins
321,322.
Fig 10, 11 and 12 show another embodiment of a clip 100
for making a linear connection between the cross members
and main grid members of a suspended ceiling system. The
clip slides within the block 52 on the cross members.
Numerous modifications, variations, and adaptations may be
made to the particular embodiments of the invention
described above without departing from the scope of the
invention, which is defined in the claims.
