Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Sheetlike element assembled parallel to existing wall,... – Element spaced from wall – ceiling – or floor and held by...
Reexamination Certificate
1997-08-07
2001-01-30
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Sheetlike element assembled parallel to existing wall,...
Element spaced from wall, ceiling, or floor and held by...
C052S667000, C052S506060, C052S769000, C052S745050
Reexamination Certificate
active
06178712
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to suspended grid ceiling systems which are used in supporting ceiling panels. More specifically, this invention covers an improved connection for assembling such grid systems.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Ceiling grid systems customarily comprise a plurality of parallel main runners and a plurality of parallel cross runners perpendicularly intersecting the main runners. The cross runners normally have locking connectors on each end insertable through openings in the main runners. Many of the early systems used locking connectors on the ends of the cross runners that were relatively easy to disassemble. However, these systems no longer meet many of the building codes. Building codes, to improve safety in seismic areas, have been revised to require ever higher locking tension requirements.
A new family of cross runner lock connections were designed to meet these high strength requirements as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,922,829; 4,108,563; 4,601,153 and 4,317,641. Their general construction entailed cross runners with like connector ends, each having a single detent and aperture. Although these connectors met the increased code requirements, these locks could not be disengaged without major distortion or destruction. This problem of trying to achieve high locking strength together with removability was addressed earlier, i.e., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,621,474 and 4,648,230. Both of these lock designs have a removable sequence which is initiated by a lateral force. When lateral forces are applied to such cross tees, they can be withdrawn. This is a major flaw since a disengaging lateral force could be applied unintentionally when placing panels or light fixtures or by a seismic disturbance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of this invention is to provide a locking connection for a grid ceiling system which has an improved tensile load capability and a practical means for disengagement.
This grid ceiling system is composed of main runners and cross runners. Each runner includes a central web with oppositely extending flanges extending from one edge. Main runners are supported from a structural ceiling and connected end to end in parallel rows across the ceiling. Main runners have periodic openings in the web designed to engage cross runner connections. Cross runners are installed in rows perpendicular to the main runners. Cross runners have connectors on each end which, during assembly, are insertable through the opening in the main runner web. Each connector has a raised resilient finger which, when inserted through a main runner opening, will prevent withdrawal of the connector. Further, each connector has two apertures. Adjacent each aperture is a raised detent positioned with the raised detent shoulders facing away from the end of the runner. When two opposing cross runner connectors have been inserted through a main runner opening, the detents of one runner pass into the apertures of the other runner. The detents of the opposing connectors, when fully engaged, form two locking elements capable of withstanding high tensile loading. A means is provided to insure full locking engagement and prevent lateral separation.
When this lock is engaged, it cannot be released unintentionally. It cannot be withdrawn with the opposing detents engaged. The opposing detents can only be disengaged vertically, and this vertical separation is not possible within the main runner opening.
A locked intersection can be released by a sequence of three steps. First depressing the resilient finger which will permit the main runner to be rotated. Then rotating the main beam over the resilient finger as far as it will go. Finally, lifting one cross tee end connector vertically so it will disengage from the other cross tee end connector.
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Friedman Carl D.
Kang Timothy B.
Worthington Armstrong Venture
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