Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Openwork; e.g. – truss – trellis – grille – screen – frame – or... – Fabric or lattice; e.g. – indeterminate grating
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-19
2001-03-13
Stephan, Beth A. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Openwork; e.g., truss, trellis, grille, screen, frame, or...
Fabric or lattice; e.g., indeterminate grating
C052S506070, C052S667000, C403S347000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06199343
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a grid structure for a suspended ceiling, and more particularly to the assembly that interlocks a pair of intersecting cross-beams and a main beam in such grid structure.
2. Background Information
Suspended ceilings having a metal grid structure framework, which supports acoustical panels within rectangular enclosures formed by the grid, are used extensively in commercial and industrial buildings. The grid is suspended from a structure above the ceiling.
Such grid, as is well known, consists generally of parallel extending main beams and intersecting cross-beams. At an intersection, the main beam has a slot in its web which receives a pair of connector clips, with each connector clip, which is on the end of a cross-beam, inserted from opposing sides of the web to form a connector assembly. Such assemblies sometimes interlock the opposing cross-beams to the main beam in a first lock only, but more generally also have a second lock that interlocks the two cross-beams to each other.
Where it is particularly necessary that the assembly resist tension forces that tend to pull the assembly apart, as for instance from seismic events, as well as compressive forces, which tend to push the assembly apart, a first and second lock as referred to above is used. Where the compressive forces arise from fire, it may be desirable to provide expansion means in the assembly to keep the beams directionally in place to retain the panels in the ceiling.
One type of prior art assembly is the stab type, wherein the cross-beam connector clips are inserted into the main beam slot by a longitudinal thrust stab action. Another type of assembly is the hook type, wherein the cross-beam is hooked into the assembly.
Prior art assemblies of the stab type, generally depend on a spring action to engage components to interlock the clips to the main beam in the first lock, and to each other in a second lock. Such spring action is often complicated and does not provide a particularly high degree of resistance to separation from either tension or compressive forces, since the spring components must be made relatively light.
Prior art assemblies of the hook type, without spring action, generally only connect the cross-beams to the main beam in a first lock, without connecting the cross-beams to each other in a second lock. Such hook types are of rigid construction and are relatively simple to make and install, but lack substantial resistance to tension that pulls the assembly apart because of the lack of the second lock.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention is for a hook lock assembly that interlocks a main beam and two intersecting cross-beams in a first lock, and the cross-beams to each other in a second lock, in a simple and positive way. The second lock is formed by a connector clip on the end of a cross-beam that interlocks with an identical connector clip on another cross-beam within a slot on the main beam by means of a rigid gapped ridge that extends longitudinally on each clip.
The second lock is engaged as the hook on the second clip is moved vertically downward to engage the hook with the web of the main beam. This vertically downward movement causes the gapped ridge of one clip to intermesh and interlock with the gapped ridge of the other clip. The gaps in one clip are aligned with the ridge portions between the gaps in the other clip when vertical downward movement occurs, as guided by a generally vertical shoulder. Both first and second locks are of the positive type, without spring action.
The assembly, by means of the combination of both locks, strongly resists tension forces, such as imparted to a ceiling from a seismic event, in a simple effective way.
The assemblies can be made to permit expansion from fire, or alternatively, to resist expansion. A stop in the assembly made in the form of a shearable tab permits beam expansion from fire, or in the alternative, the stop can be relatively solid to resist expansion.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4106878 (1978-08-01), Jones
patent: 4108563 (1978-08-01), Brown et al.
patent: 4317641 (1982-03-01), Sauer
patent: 4611453 (1986-09-01), Worley
patent: 4779394 (1988-10-01), Shirey et al.
patent: 5687525 (1997-11-01), Koski et al.
patent: 5761868 (1998-06-01), LaLonde et al.
patent: 5839246 (1998-11-01), Ziegler et al.
Lin Yu
Sauer Gale E.
Wertz, Jr. Larry S.
Chovanes Eugene
Glessner Brian E.
Stephan Beth A.
Worthington Armstrong Venture
LandOfFree
Connector assembly for ceiling grid does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Connector assembly for ceiling grid, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Connector assembly for ceiling grid will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2440753