Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02837410 2013-12-17
TITLE
CLIP ASSEMBLY FOR A SUSPENDED CEILING
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to ceilings, More
particularly
but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to suspended ceilings.
Still
more particularly but still not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to
a kit of
parts adapted to be assembled to form a ceiling.
pACKGROUND
[0002] Suspended ceilings are usually made of a metal grid consisting
of
tracks in the form of longitudinal parallel runners spaced apart from one
another at
a desired distance and separated by cross members in a perpendicular fashion
thereby creating a plurality of rectangular openings. In general, those
rectangular
openings are of standard sizes allowing the ventilation outlets and the
lighting
fixtures to be easily inserted among the ceiling panels,
[0003] Suspended ceilings have been mostly utilized in office
buildings and
in housing basements because of the handiness that such systems allow to
repair
and/or to modify the partition of the space. However, most development in
suspended ceilings has been towards improving the convenience for offices,
without any improvement to the visual aspect of the ceiling.
[0004] The art teaches a clip assembly for use with a suspended
ceiling,
having a first member adapted to be secured to an overhead structural member
and a second member adapted to be connected to a runner adapted to support a
ceiling tile or the like. The first and second members are connected together
such
that the runner can be suspended from the structural member via the clip
assembly. The first member has a downwardly facing channel and the second
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member has a protrusion adapted to connectingly engage the channel.
OBJECTS
(00051 An object of the present disclosure is to provide a clip
assembly for
an a suspended ceiling.
[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a suspended
ceiling.
[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a kit for
constucting
, a suspended ceiling.
[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method far
assembling a suspended ceiling.
SUMMARY
[0001] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, there is
provided a
clip assembly for a suspended ceiling, the suspended ceiling comprising at
least
one ceiling panel and at least one runner, the clip assembly comprising: a top
member having an upper wall for being secured to an overhead structure and
comprising a pair of lower spaced apart lateral walls downwardly extending
from
the upper wall, the lateral walls defining front and rear open faces and a
bottom
opening and comprising respective outer surfaces and inner surfaces defining a
channel therebetween, at least one inward fin extending from each of the inner
surfaces into the channel in an upwardly sloped direction; and a bottom member
comprising a top end, a bottom end for being secured to the runner and
opposite
lateral surfaces therebetween, at least one outward fin extending from each of
the
lateral surfaces in a downwardly sloped direction that is complementary to the
upward sloped direction of the at least one inward fin, wherein the bottom
member
is configured to be inserted into the channel via the front or rear open faces
providing for each one of the outward fins to slide on 8 respective one of the
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inward fins and be supported thereon and for the bottom end to extend below
the
bottom opening thereby mounting the bottom member to the top member so as to
connect the runner when the bottom end is secured thereto to the overhead
structure when the upper wall is secured thereto,
[0002] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a
suspended ceiling comprising: a plurality of runners for being mounted to an
overhead structure; a plurality of panels for being mounted to the plurality
of
runners; and at least one clip assembly for mounting at least one of the
runners to
the overhead structure, the at least one clip assembly comprising: a top
member
having an upper wall for being secured to the overhead structure and
comprising a
pair of lower spaced apart lateral walls downwardly extending from the upper
wall,
the lateral walls defining front and rear open faces arid a bottom opening and
comprising respective outer surfaces and inner surfaces defining a channel
therebetween, at least one inward fin extending from each of the inner
surfaces
into the channel in an upwardly sloped direction; and a bottom member
comprising a top end, a bottom end for being secured to the at least one
runner
and opposite lateral surfaces therebetween, at least one outward fin extending
from each of the lateral surfaces in a downwardly sloped direction that is
complementary to the upward sloped direction of the at least one inward fin,
wherein the bottom member is configured to be inserted into the channel via
the
front or rear open faces providing for each one of the outward fins to slide
on a
respective one of the inward fins and be supported thereon and for the bottom
end to extend below the bottom opening thereby mounting the bottom member to
the top member so as to connect the at least one runner when the bottom end is
secured thereto to the overhead structure when the upper wall is secured
thereto,
[0003] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, there is
provided a
kit for a suspended ceiling comprising, the kit comprising : at least a pair
of
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runners for being mounted to an overhead structure; at least one panel for
being
mounted to the pair of runners; and at least one clip assembly for mounting at
least one of the runners of the pair to the overhead structure, the at least
one clip
assembly comprising: a top member having an upper wall for being secured to
the
overhead structure and comprising a pair of lower spaced apart lateral walls
downwardly extending from the upper wall, the lateral walls defining front and
rear
open faces and a bottom opening and comprising respective outer surfaces and
inner surfaces defining a channel therebetween, at least one inward fin
extending
from each of the inner surfaces into the channel in an upwardly sloped
direction;
and a bottom member comprising a top end, a bottom end for being secured to
the at least one of the runners of the pair and opposite lateral surfaces
therebetween, at least one outward fin extending from each of the lateral
surfaces
in a downwardly sloped direction that Is complementary to the upward sloped
direction of the at least one inward fin, wherein the bottom member is
configured
to be inserted into the channel via the front or rear open faces providing for
each
one of the outward fins to slide on a respective one of the inward fins and be
supported thereon and for the bottom end to extend below the bottom opening
thereby mounting the bottom member to the top member so as to connect the at
least one of the runners of the pair when the bottom end is secured thereto to
the
overhead structure when the upper wall Is secured thereto.
=
[0004] In an embodiment, the bottom end comprises an insertion for
being
secured within a groove formed on a surface of the runner.
[0005] In an embodiment, each of the lateral surfaces of the bottom
ember
comprises at least one flexible and resilient curved flap member downwardly
extending therefrom each and defining a respective free end thereof for
engaging
runner when the bottom end is secured thereto thereby stabilizing the clip
assembly between the overhead structure and the runner.
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[0006] In an embodiment, the upper wall comprises a top surface for
interfacing with the overhead structure, the top surface defining a peripheral
edge
and comprising a flexible and resilient flap inwardly extending from the
peripheral
edge for engaging the overhead structure to bias the upper wall away from the
overhead structure when secured thereto.
[0007] In an embodiment, the upper wall is fastened to the overhead
structure.
[0008] In an embodiment, the top end comprises an outer top flexible
and
resilient curved wall, the upper wall comprising an undersurface defined
between
the spaced apart lower lateral walls, the outer top curved wall providing for
engaging the undersurface.
[0009] In an embodiment, the inner surfaces of the lower lateral walls
comprise a plurality of inward fins and outward fins, each of the plurality of
inward
fins positioned at a respective height along the vertical length of the
channel, each
of the outward fins positioned at a respective height along the vertical
length of the
bottom member, thereby providing for mounting the bottom member at different
heights along the vertical length of the top member.
[0010] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, there is
provided a
method of constructing a suspended ceiling, the method comprising: providing a
plurality of runners for being mounted to an overhead structure; providing a
plurality of panels for being mounted to the plurality of runners; providing
at least
one clip assembly for mounting at least one of the runners of the pair to the
overhead structure, the at least one clip assembly comprising: a top member
having an upper wall for being secured to the overhead structure and
comprising a
pair of lower spaced apart lateral walls downwardly extending from the upper
wall,
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the lateral walls defining front and rear open faces and a bottom opening and
comprising respective outer surfaces and inner surfaces defining a channel
therebetween, at least one inward fin extending from each of the inner
surfaces
into the channel in an upwardly sloped direction; and a bottom member
comprising a top end, a bottom end for being secured to the at least one of
the
runners of the pair and opposite lateral surfaces therebetween, at least one
outward fin extending from each of the lateral surfaces in a downwardly sloped
direction that is complementary to the upward sloped direction of the at least
one
inward fin; securing the upper wall to the overhead structure; inserting the
bottom 1
member into the channel via the front or rear open faces by sliding each one
of
the outward fins on a respective one of the inward fins and positioning the
outward
fins on the inward fins to be supported thereon and for the bottom end to
extend
1
below the bottom opening thereby mounting the bottom member to the top
member; and securing the bottom end to the at least one runner thereby
,
connecting the at least one runner to the overhead structure.
[0009] Other
objects, advantages and features of the present disclosure
will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive
,
description of illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way of example only
with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
,
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0010] Figure 11$
a bottom perspective view of an assembled suspended
ceiling in accordance with a non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the
present
disclosure;
[0011] Figure 2
is a perspective view of the clip assembly for the
suspended ceiling of Figure 1 in a disassembled position in accordance with a
non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
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[0012] Figure 3 is a perspective view of two top members of the clip
assembly for the suspended ceiling of Figure 1 in accordance with a non-
limiting
illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] Figure 41s a perspective view of two bottom members of the clip
assembly for the suspended ceiling of Figure 1 in accordance with a non-
limiting
illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] Figure 5 is a front elevational view of the clip assembly in an
assembled position connecting a runner to an overhead structure of the
suspended ceiling of Figure 1, the runner being connected to a lateral wall
1
surface, in accordance with a non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the
present
disclosure;
[0015] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the clip assembly in a
disassembled
position, with the bottom member of the clip assembly connected to a runner of
the suspended ceiling of Figure 1 in accordance with a non-limiting
illustrative
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] Figure 7 is a front elevational view of the clip assembly in a
disassembled, with the bottom member of the clip assembly connected to a
runner and the top member of the clip assembly connected to an overhead
structure of the suspended ceiling of Figure 1 in accordance with a non-
limiting
illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0017] Figure 8 is a front elevational view of the clip assembly in an
assembled position connecting a runner to an overhead structure of the
suspended ceiling of Figure 1 in accordance with a non-limiting illustrative
embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
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[0018] Generally stated, the disclosure provides a clip assembly for a
suspended ceiling comprising a top member and a bottom member. The
suspended ceiling comprises at least one ceiling panel and at least one
runner.
The top member has an upper wall for being secured to an overhead structure
and comprises a pair of lower spaced apart lateral walls downwardly extending
from the upper wall. The lateral walls define front and rear open faces and a
bottom opening and comprise respective outer surfaces and inner surfaces
defining a channel therebetween. At least one inward fin extends from each of
the inner surfaces into the channel in an upwardly sloped direction. The
bottom
member comprises a top end, a bottom end for being secured to the runner and
opposite lateral surfaces therebetween. At least one outward fin extends from
each of the lateral surfaces in a downwardly sloped direction that is
complementary to the upward sloped direction of the at least one inward fin,
The
bottom member is configured to be inserted into the channel via the front or
rear
open faces providing for each one of the outward fins to slide on a respective
one
of the inward fins and be supported thereon and for the bottom end to extend
below the bottom opening thereby mounting the bottom member to the top
member so as to connect the runner when the bottom end is secured thereto to
the overhead structure when the upper wall is secured thereto.
[0019] With reference to the Figures, non-limiting illustrative embodiments
will now be described.
[0020] Figure 1 shows a modular suspended ceiling structure 10
comprising
a plurality ceiling panels 12 mounted to runners 14. As shown in Figures 5, 7
and
8, the runners 14 are connected to overhead structures such as beams 16 via
clip
assemblies 18.
[0021] With respect to Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, the clip assembly
comprises a
top member 20 and a bottom member 22.
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[0022] The top member 20 includes a top portion 24 and a bottom
portion
26. The top portion 24 is defined by an upper wall 28 having a top surface 30
for
interfacing with the overhead structure 16. The bottom portion 24 includes a
pair
of spaced apart lower lateral walls 32 downwardly extending from the underside
34 of the upper wall 28 which is opposite the top surface 30.
[0023] The spaced apart lateral walls 32 define respective outer wall
surfaces 36 and respective inner wall surfaces 38. The spaced apart Inner wall
surfaces 38 define a channel 40 therebetween. Moreover, the spaced apart lower
lateral walls 32 define front and rear open faces 42 (it should be noted that
the
terms "front" and "rear" are used herein for convenience and are thus
interchangeable) and a bottom opening 44 (see also Figures 6 and 7).
10024] The top surface 30 of the upper wall 26 defines a peripheral
edge 46
comprising flexible and resilient flaps 48 inwardly extending from the
peripheral
edge 46 above the top surface 30. When the upper wall 20 is secured to the
overhead structure 16 via fasteners 50 for example, the flaps 38 engage the
overhead structure 16 and bias the upper wall 28 away from the overhead
structure 16 thereby stabilizing the top member 20. As such, when the surface
of
the overhead structure is uneven the biasing force of the flaps 48 provide for
evening out the engagement between the top member 20 and the overhead
structure 16 such that the lateral wails 32 are substantially vertical.
[0025] The inner walls 38 of the spaced apart lower walls 32 comprise
at
least one respective inward fin 52 extending therefrom into the channel 40 in
an
upwardly sloped direction providing for forming a receiving cavity 54 (see
Figure 7)
between the inward fin 52 and the Inner surface wall 38 it extends from.
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[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the top member 20 of the clip assembly 18
can be provided in various lengths. Still referring to Figure 3, the clip
assembly 18
can comprise two or more top members 20.
[0027] The bottom member 22 of the clip assembly 18 comprises a main
5 longitudinal and generally vertical body 56 defining top and bottom end,
58 and 60
respectively and opposite lateral surfaces 62 (see Figure 7).
[0028] Each lateral surface 62 comprises at least one outward fin 64
that
extends therefrom in a downwardly sloped direction.
[0029] The vertical body 56 and the outward fins 64 extending
therefrom
10 are configured to be inserted into the channel 40 via the front or rear
face 42 of
the top member. In this way, a given lateral surface 62 of the vertical body
56 of
the bottom member 22 interfaces with a given inner surface 38 of a given
lateral
wall 32 of the top member 20 providing a given outward fin 64 of that given
lateral
surface 62 to interface and slide on a given inward fin 52 of that given inner
surface 38. In one non-limiting embodiment, this given inward fin 52 and this
given outward fin 64 have complementary sloped structures. In this way, the
outward fins 64 are rested or mounted on the inward fins 52 they interface
with
thereby mounting the bottom member 22 to the top member 20.
[0030] Each inner surface 38 of the top member 20 can include more
than
one Inward fin 52 as shown in the Figures; correspondingly, each lateral
surface of
the bottom member can include more than one outward fin 64. Therefore, the
bottom member 22 can be mounted along different positions along the vertical
height defines by the channel 40. As such, the height of the clip assembly 18
is
adjustable and thus the space between a runner 12 and the overhead structure
16.
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[0031] When the clip assembly 18 is assembled, the bottom end 60 of
the
vertical member 56 extends beyond the bottom opening of is secured to the
runner 14. The bottom end 60 comprises an insert 66; in the illustrated
example
the Insert 56 comprises a dovetail tubular structure that is fitted into a
complementarily configured groove 68 in a surface 70 of the runner 14. In an
embodiment, the groove 68 runs all the way to an edge 69 (see Figure 6) of the
runner 14 forming an opening 71 (see Figure 6) and the Insert 66 is slid into
the
groove 68 for a secure fit thereby mounting the bottom member 22 of the clip
assembly 18 to the runner 14.
[0032] Each of the lateral surfaces 62 of the bottom member 22 comprise
at least one flexible and resilient curved flap member 72 downwardly extending
therefrom, Each flap member 72 defines a respective free end 74 thereof for
engaging the runner surface 70 when the bottom end 60 is secured thereto
thereby stabilizing the clip assembly 18 between the overhead structure 16 the
runner 14. The flaps 72 bias the bottom member 22 away from the runner 14
adding to the tension of the insert 66 within the groove 68 which cannot
escape
from the opening 76 formed in the runner surface 70 thereby further securing
the
bottom end 60 to runner 14.
[0033] With particular reference to Figures 7 and a, the top end 58 of
the
vertical body 56 comprises an outer top flexible and resilient curved wall 78
with
the underside thereof 80 acting as a fin. The upper wall 28 comprises an
undersurface 82 (see Figures 7 and 8) defined between the spaced apart lower
lateral walls 32. In an embodiment, the outer top curved wall 80 provides for
engaging the undersurface 82 thereby adding tension to the clip assembly 18
between the overhead structure 16 and the runner 14 further solidifying the
connection therebetween,
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[0034] As shown in Figure 4, the bottom member 22 of the clip assembly
18
can be provided in various lengths. Still referring to Figure 4, the clip
assembly 18
can comprise two or more bottom members 22,
[0036] As ascertained from the above, there is provided a method for
assembling a suspended ceiling, which comprises providing the elements
described herein. The method comprises securing the top member 20 of the clip
assembly 18 to the overhead structure 16, sliding the bottom member 22 of the
clip assembly 18 along the top member 20 and positioning it thereon thereby
assembling the clip assembly 18. The bottom member 22 is positioned at a given
horizontal position along the horizontal length of the top member 20 as well
as a
given position along the vertical length of the lateral walls 32.
[0036] In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8, the top
end
58 of the bottom member 22 is used to penetrate the bottom opening 44 of the
top
member 20 to be inserted within the channel 40. As such, the Curved wall 78 Is
configured to push the inward fins 52 inwardly towards the Inner surfaces 38
of
the lateral walls 32, the outwards fins 64 consequently push the inward fins
52
towards the inner surfaces 38 they protrude from in order to create a space
for
entry of the vertical member 56 and the outward fins 64. The deformability and
resiliency of the inward fins 52 provides for them to spring back to their
original
form thereby allowing the outward fins 64 to be mounted on the inward fins 52.
[0037] There is also provided a kit for constructing a suspended
ceiling
comprising elements discussed herein.
[0038] The various features described herein can be combined in a
variety
of ways within the context of the present description so as to provide still
other
embodiments. It is to be understood that the present description is not
limited in
its application to the details of construction and parts illustrated in the
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accompanying drawings and described hereinabove. The description is capable
of other embodiments and of being practiced In various ways. It is also to be
understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose
of
description and not limitation. Hence, although the present description has
been
provided hereinabove by way of non-restrictive illustrative embodiments
thereof, it
can be modified, without departing from the scope, spirit and nature of the
disclosure and appended claims
1
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