CA1188471A - Screw slot runner system - Google Patents
Screw slot runner systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1188471A CA1188471A CA000402777A CA402777A CA1188471A CA 1188471 A CA1188471 A CA 1188471A CA 000402777 A CA000402777 A CA 000402777A CA 402777 A CA402777 A CA 402777A CA 1188471 A CA1188471 A CA 1188471A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- runners
- web
- runner
- grid system
- suspension ceiling
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
- E04B9/06—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation characterised by constructional features of the supporting construction, e.g. cross section or material of framework members
- E04B9/12—Connections between non-parallel members of the supporting construction
- E04B9/14—Connections between non-parallel members of the supporting construction all the members being discontinuous and laying at least partly in the same plane
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
- E04B9/06—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation characterised by constructional features of the supporting construction, e.g. cross section or material of framework members
- E04B9/10—Connections between parallel members of the supporting construction
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
- Residential Or Office Buildings (AREA)
- Buildings Adapted To Withstand Abnormal External Influences (AREA)
- Treating Waste Gases (AREA)
- Cultivation Of Seaweed (AREA)
- Building Environments (AREA)
- Curtains And Furnishings For Windows Or Doors (AREA)
Abstract
SCREW SLOT RUNNER SYSTEM
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A screw slot runner system for suspension ceiling grids is disclosed. The system provides runners having a central web, an enclosed bulb at the upper edge of the web, and a downwardly opened channel at the lower edge of the web. Opposing, inturned lips define the channel opening and permit insertion of T-bolts or the like to support acces-sories from the grid system. The runner connections are structured to provide a mitered type joint appearance even though a full miter joint is not provided. In one embodi-ment, separate end connector clips are provided to join main run runner modules, and the connector clips are provided with openings through which cross run end connectors project to interconnect the cross runs and main runs.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A screw slot runner system for suspension ceiling grids is disclosed. The system provides runners having a central web, an enclosed bulb at the upper edge of the web, and a downwardly opened channel at the lower edge of the web. Opposing, inturned lips define the channel opening and permit insertion of T-bolts or the like to support acces-sories from the grid system. The runner connections are structured to provide a mitered type joint appearance even though a full miter joint is not provided. In one embodi-ment, separate end connector clips are provided to join main run runner modules, and the connector clips are provided with openings through which cross run end connectors project to interconnect the cross runs and main runs.
Description
SCREW SLOT RUNNEP~ SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF T~E INVENTION
This invention relates generally to grid systems for suspension ceilings or the like, and more particularly to a novel and improved screw slot grid system for suspension ceilings .
Prior Art Screw slot grid systems for suspension ceilings are known. Such systems are often used where it is necessary to mount an accessory for support by the ceiling grid system.
For example, in hospitals it is often necessary to ~ount a curtain track on the ceiling so that a privacy çurtain can be drawn around a patient's bed. When the ceiling is formed with a screw slot ~rid, it is a simple matter to mount the track along substantially any portion of the ce;ling by inserting a T-bolt fastener in the screw slot at intersec-tions between the track and the grid and then mount -the track on the T-b~lt.
Because the T-bolt can be positioned substantially anywhere on the grid, it is possible to mount the track in substantially any desired location. An example of one type of prior art screw slot grid or runner system is described in U~S. Patent No. 4,021,986.
8~
7~
In accorclance wi-th one important aspec-t of the inver!-tion, a novel and improved joint s-truc-ture is provided for scre~ slot runner systems. Such joint s-truc-ture is arranged to provide an improved ceiling ~ppearance in which the exposed portions of the grid appear to provide a mitered joint to eliminate -the but-t joint appearance of the prior ar-t.
~ ccording to the presen-t invention -there is provided a suspension ceiling grid system including elon~ated runners formed with a bulb at their upper edge, a planar central we~, and an open channel at their lower edge. The open channel is defined by lateral flanges extending in opposite directions from the lower edge of the weh, a pair of laterally spaced, substantially parallel channel sidewalls, and inturned lips extending laterally toward each other from the sidewalls and terminating a-t spaced and opposed inner edges, the lips cooperating to define a lon~itudinal opening along the lower side of the channel.
The ~rid system includes first runners havin~ end connec-tors adapted to connect with second runners at predetermined locations. The second runners provide notches in their channels at the ]ocations, the notches extending through the sidewalls and a portion of the associa-ted flange leaving intact a portion of the flanges~ex-tending past the notch.
the lips at the ends of the first runners and adjacent to the notches of the second runners are shaped to fit together to form a miter joint when the runners are interconnected.
The sidewalls and flanges of the ends of the first runners fit into the notches and cooperate to provide a stable joint and -to provide an appearance of a full miter join-t.
In a specific embodiment, a system is provided in which the grid includes typical "main runs" and cross runs, where cross runs are connected between parallel main runs.
In such embodiment, the main runs are provided by a plurality of main run modules connected by separate connector clips.
In such embodiment, the main runs are assembled from whatev~r number of modules are required to produce the required main run length~ The ends of each main run module are shaped to provide one-half of a mitered joint and, when assembled with
BACKGROUND OF T~E INVENTION
This invention relates generally to grid systems for suspension ceilings or the like, and more particularly to a novel and improved screw slot grid system for suspension ceilings .
Prior Art Screw slot grid systems for suspension ceilings are known. Such systems are often used where it is necessary to mount an accessory for support by the ceiling grid system.
For example, in hospitals it is often necessary to ~ount a curtain track on the ceiling so that a privacy çurtain can be drawn around a patient's bed. When the ceiling is formed with a screw slot ~rid, it is a simple matter to mount the track along substantially any portion of the ce;ling by inserting a T-bolt fastener in the screw slot at intersec-tions between the track and the grid and then mount -the track on the T-b~lt.
Because the T-bolt can be positioned substantially anywhere on the grid, it is possible to mount the track in substantially any desired location. An example of one type of prior art screw slot grid or runner system is described in U~S. Patent No. 4,021,986.
8~
7~
In accorclance wi-th one important aspec-t of the inver!-tion, a novel and improved joint s-truc-ture is provided for scre~ slot runner systems. Such joint s-truc-ture is arranged to provide an improved ceiling ~ppearance in which the exposed portions of the grid appear to provide a mitered joint to eliminate -the but-t joint appearance of the prior ar-t.
~ ccording to the presen-t invention -there is provided a suspension ceiling grid system including elon~ated runners formed with a bulb at their upper edge, a planar central we~, and an open channel at their lower edge. The open channel is defined by lateral flanges extending in opposite directions from the lower edge of the weh, a pair of laterally spaced, substantially parallel channel sidewalls, and inturned lips extending laterally toward each other from the sidewalls and terminating a-t spaced and opposed inner edges, the lips cooperating to define a lon~itudinal opening along the lower side of the channel.
The ~rid system includes first runners havin~ end connec-tors adapted to connect with second runners at predetermined locations. The second runners provide notches in their channels at the ]ocations, the notches extending through the sidewalls and a portion of the associa-ted flange leaving intact a portion of the flanges~ex-tending past the notch.
the lips at the ends of the first runners and adjacent to the notches of the second runners are shaped to fit together to form a miter joint when the runners are interconnected.
The sidewalls and flanges of the ends of the first runners fit into the notches and cooperate to provide a stable joint and -to provide an appearance of a full miter join-t.
In a specific embodiment, a system is provided in which the grid includes typical "main runs" and cross runs, where cross runs are connected between parallel main runs.
In such embodiment, the main runs are provided by a plurality of main run modules connected by separate connector clips.
In such embodiment, the main runs are assembled from whatev~r number of modules are required to produce the required main run length~ The ends of each main run module are shaped to provide one-half of a mitered joint and, when assembled with
- 2 -sb~
a connector clip, provide a full joint adapted to receive a cross run end. The opening through which the cross run end connector extends is provided in the connector clip itself so the associated cross run connector actually connects to the main run connector clip. The main run connec~or clip is structured to provide a strong end connection between aligned end-ccnnected main run modules.
The cross section of the grid runners provides a closed bulb at the upper extremity, a central web, and an open channel at the lower extremity adapted to receive the head of a T-bolt. In the illustrated embodiment, a separate U-shaped reinforcing element is enclosed within the bu].b ~o provide additional strength in the bulb.
These and other aspects of this invention are illus-trated in the drawings, and are more fully described in the following specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled connec-tion in a T~slo~ runner system in accordance with this inven-tion;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view similar to FIG. 1, illus-trating the end connectors aligned with but spaced from the through member;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross section of the runners;
FIG~ 4 is a side elevation of the end o a runner used in either the basketweave system or as a cross runner in æa main run cross run-type system;
FIG. 5 is a bottom view, taken along line 5-5 of FIG~ 4, FIG. 6 is a side elevation o a through runner illustrating the structure adapted to receive the end connec-tion of FIGS. 4 and 5;
FIG. 7 is a bottom view taken along line 7-7 of FIG~
6:
FIG. 8 is a side elevation of the end connection of a main run system in which a connector clip is used to con-nect a paîr of aligned main run modules;
FIG. 9 is a cro.ss section taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8; and FIG. 10 is a cross section taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8, illustrating the connection between the main run modules and the main run connector clip.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF T~E D~WINGS
A suspension ceiling grid system in accordance with the present invention consists of an assembly of a plurality of runners interconnected to form rectangular or square open-ings proportioned to receive ceiling panels or, in some in-stances, lighting fixtures or the like~ Such panels are sup-ported at their edges within the openings by the grid systemO
As best illustrated in ~IGS. 1 through 3~ the illus-trated grid system is formed of runners 10 having a closed bulb 11 which is generally rectangular in shape, a central web 12, and an open channel 13 at ~heir lower ex~remity. The runners are symmetrical about a central plane along which the central web 12 extends.
Referring to FIG. 3, the runner is for~ned of a shaped piece of sheet material, preferably sheet metal, pro-viding a central portion 14 extending to spaced and parallel, depending walls 16 and 17 which form the sides of the bulb llo At the lower extremities of the depending walls 16, the metal is bent inwardly to provide converging~ inclined wall portions 18 and 19, which cooperate to form the lower portion of the bulbo Extending downwardly in face~to-face adjacency are a pair of web portions 21 and 22 which cooperate to form a double thickness web 12 extending from the bulb 11 to the channel 13. At the lower extremity of the web portions 21 and 22, the material is bent in opposite directions to form flange portions 23 and 24 whi~h cooperate to form the upper side of the channel 13. Depending channel wall portions 26 and 27 respectively extend from the extremities of the flange portions 23 and 24 in spaced and parallel relationship, and cooperate to define the sidewalls of the channel 13. At the lower extremity of each of the channel wall portions 26 and 27, the material is inturned to provide converging l;ps 28 and 29. At the inner ends of each lip the material is bent back upon itsel at 31 and 32 to provide additional stiffness and a finished edge 40. The edges 40 of the lips are spaced apart a small distance so that a T-bolt or the like can be inserted into the channel and after being rotated 90 degrees, is supported on the lips within the channel so that the shank of the bolt extends down from the runner. Such T~bolts (not illustrated) can be positioned at any desired location along the channel 13 and provide a simple qtructure for supporting substantially any desired items, such as a curtain track or 7~
the like~ from the gr;d system. Similarly, lighting ixtures or other types of accessories can be supported from the grid system in this convenient manner~ -In order to provide additional strength and rigidityin the bulb 11 of the runners, it is preferable to enclose within the bulb a U-shaped reinforcing element 32 which extends along the central portion 14 and down along each of the depending walls 16 and 17. Such reinforcing member ls preferably lance-stitched at 33 to the depending wal~s. Such reinforcing member is not illustrated in FI&S. 1 and 2 foY
purpo.ses o~ simplification. Reference should be ~lade to U.S~
Patent No. 4,206,578, assigned to the assignee OL the present inventionr for a more detailed description of the manner in which such reinforcing elements are incorporated into the bulbs of suspension ceiling runners.
Mounted on the ends of the CrO5S runners usea in main xun~cross run grid systems and on the ends of the run-ners used in a basketweave grid system are end connectors 34, which project through an open;~g 36 formed in the web 12 of the through runner~ as best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.
The struct~re of such end connectors and the manner of inter-connecting when inserted from opposite sides through the opening 36 are fully described in U.S. Patent No~ 4,108,563.
At each location where a perpendicular runner ;s ~o be connected, the throuyh runners are provided with a notch (best illuxtrated in FIG. 2) which receives the mating end of the connecting runner. A similar notch is ~ormed in each side of the runner which respectively cut through the channel wall portions 26 and 27 to provide side edges 3a which are space~ apart a.distance necessary to receive the channel sidewalls 26 and 27 of the connect;ng runner with a small clearance. In aadition, the flange portions 23 and 24 are cut back at the notch through a distance of approximately one-half their lateral width to a longitudinal edge 39. By forming the notch 37 so that it extends only a portion of the way along the flange portions 23 and 24, a structure is pro-vided in which a substantial part of the flange portions remains intact to provide runner strength past the connecting notch.
At the notch, the ends of the converging lips 28 and 29 are cut at a 45-degree angle to provide mitered ends 41 which mate with mitered ends 42 of the connecting runner ~o as to provide an attractive miter-type joint between the intersecting lips of connecting runners, as best illustra~ed in FIG. 1. This structure, therefore, eliminates the butt-type connector appearance of the prior art as exemplified by U.S. patent No. 4,021,986, supra.
In addition, the illustrated embodiment locates the edge 33 in vertical alignment with the inner edges 40 of the converging lips 28 and 29 of the through runner so that the joint provided by the abutting ends 43 and the edges 39 is in vertical alignment with the inner edges 40 of the converging lips in an assembled grid and tends to be obscured from view when the grid system is viewed from the room in which it is i.nstalled. Consequently, the visual impression provided in an installed grid system is that a full miter joint is pro-vided at each intersecting connection even though part of the flange portion remains to extend past the connection and pro vide additional strength. Further, the channel wall portions 26 and 27 of the connecting members extend past the edges 38 of the through member with a close fit to provide a strong~
fully stabil;zed interconnection between the runners which resists any tendency for the connecting runners to twist with respect to the through runner~, As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the ends of the chan-nel wall portions 26 and 27 are inclined forwardly from the end of the m.iter joint 42 and the end 43. This ensures that the channel sidewall portion of a connecting runner extends into the notch formed between the edges 38 oE the through runner~
A second embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 10 in which a connector clip is provided to assemble runner modules in an end-to-end relationship to provide main runs of substantially any length~
The main run modules 51 are provided with the same cross section as in the irst embodiment, and therefore pro-vide a bulb 11~ a web 12, and an open channel 13. The ends of the modules 51, however, are provided with a shape allow-ing the modules to be connected together by a connector clip 52 having a first or web mating portion 53 which, in an assembly, exten~s along one side of the web 12 from the chan-nel at its lower edge to the bulb 11 at its upper edge. The clip also provides a lateral portion 54 extending to a bulb engaging portion 56, which engages one side of the bulb 11 and extends to a lateral portion 57 which engages the upper wall of the bulb 11.
A snap-in locking system, best illustrated in FIG.
10, is provided to interconnect the runner modules 51 and the clip 52. Such locking system includes two tabs 58 and 59 which cooperate to lock with each of the runner moZules 51 by extending through an opening 61 in the web 12 in the case of the tabs 58 and extending over the end edge o~ the web 12 in the case of the tabs 59. The clip is assembled with the respective runners by merely aligning the two and then moving the clip and runner axially with respect to each other until the assembled position of FIG. 10 is reached. In such posi-tion, a projection 62 on the clip associated with each of the runner modules 51 snaps into the opening 61 in the web 12 to engage the edge thereof opposite the tab 58. This provides a locking connection which prevents the clip from being removed 7~
from the end of the associated runner and, in effect, is a permanent connection which is easily created by slipping the parts together.
The ends of the runner modules are formed with one-half of a notch structure 37 so that when the adjacent ends of the two runner modules are ~onnec~ed by the connector 52, they cooperate ~o provide a connector notch 37 having the same structure described above in connection with the flrst embodiment. Therefore, the structural detail is not again set forth, and the previous description applies to this embod iment.
In addition, the ends of the webs of the runner modules are cut back, as indicated by the dotted line 66, so that the connector clip 52 is exposed on both s-des of the assembly. Located in the connector clip is an opening 36' having the same shape as the opening 36 of the first embodi-ment, and which is adapted to receive end connectors 34 dis-cussed above. The material of the clip around the opening 36 is deformed laterally, as indicated by the dotted line 50 in FIG. 8, so that the opening is displaced from the plane of the clip back to the plane of the web 12, as indicated in FIG. 10. Therefore, the end connectors of the cross runners are properly centered and the joint fits properly Once the assembly is formed by connecting adjacent runner modules with a connector 52, cross runners having the same end configuratlon discussed above are attached at the intersections by inserting the connectors 34 from opposite sides through the opening 36~. Preferably~ the ends oE the runners are shaped so that they do not overlap the openin~s 67 formed in the mounting clip through which support wires may be inserted to suspend the runner assembly.
The connector clip 52 is preferably formed of a material somewhat thicker than the material used to form the runners, so that a strong bridging connection is provided between the adjacent runner modules. Further, because the connector clip extends along the web and up around one side of the bulb, a strong connection is provided in which the connection is substantially as strong as the runner modules along their lengths. With this embodiment, main runs of substantially any length can be assembled from an appropriate number of runner modules. Further~ since the suppor~ wires can be put in place on the connector before the connector is assembled with a given runner module, a given runner can be assembled in its installed position.
Although the preferred embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, it should be understood that various modifications and rearrangements of parts may be resorted to without departing from the scope of ~he invention as disclosed and claimed herein.
a connector clip, provide a full joint adapted to receive a cross run end. The opening through which the cross run end connector extends is provided in the connector clip itself so the associated cross run connector actually connects to the main run connector clip. The main run connec~or clip is structured to provide a strong end connection between aligned end-ccnnected main run modules.
The cross section of the grid runners provides a closed bulb at the upper extremity, a central web, and an open channel at the lower extremity adapted to receive the head of a T-bolt. In the illustrated embodiment, a separate U-shaped reinforcing element is enclosed within the bu].b ~o provide additional strength in the bulb.
These and other aspects of this invention are illus-trated in the drawings, and are more fully described in the following specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled connec-tion in a T~slo~ runner system in accordance with this inven-tion;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view similar to FIG. 1, illus-trating the end connectors aligned with but spaced from the through member;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross section of the runners;
FIG~ 4 is a side elevation of the end o a runner used in either the basketweave system or as a cross runner in æa main run cross run-type system;
FIG. 5 is a bottom view, taken along line 5-5 of FIG~ 4, FIG. 6 is a side elevation o a through runner illustrating the structure adapted to receive the end connec-tion of FIGS. 4 and 5;
FIG. 7 is a bottom view taken along line 7-7 of FIG~
6:
FIG. 8 is a side elevation of the end connection of a main run system in which a connector clip is used to con-nect a paîr of aligned main run modules;
FIG. 9 is a cro.ss section taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8; and FIG. 10 is a cross section taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8, illustrating the connection between the main run modules and the main run connector clip.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF T~E D~WINGS
A suspension ceiling grid system in accordance with the present invention consists of an assembly of a plurality of runners interconnected to form rectangular or square open-ings proportioned to receive ceiling panels or, in some in-stances, lighting fixtures or the like~ Such panels are sup-ported at their edges within the openings by the grid systemO
As best illustrated in ~IGS. 1 through 3~ the illus-trated grid system is formed of runners 10 having a closed bulb 11 which is generally rectangular in shape, a central web 12, and an open channel 13 at ~heir lower ex~remity. The runners are symmetrical about a central plane along which the central web 12 extends.
Referring to FIG. 3, the runner is for~ned of a shaped piece of sheet material, preferably sheet metal, pro-viding a central portion 14 extending to spaced and parallel, depending walls 16 and 17 which form the sides of the bulb llo At the lower extremities of the depending walls 16, the metal is bent inwardly to provide converging~ inclined wall portions 18 and 19, which cooperate to form the lower portion of the bulbo Extending downwardly in face~to-face adjacency are a pair of web portions 21 and 22 which cooperate to form a double thickness web 12 extending from the bulb 11 to the channel 13. At the lower extremity of the web portions 21 and 22, the material is bent in opposite directions to form flange portions 23 and 24 whi~h cooperate to form the upper side of the channel 13. Depending channel wall portions 26 and 27 respectively extend from the extremities of the flange portions 23 and 24 in spaced and parallel relationship, and cooperate to define the sidewalls of the channel 13. At the lower extremity of each of the channel wall portions 26 and 27, the material is inturned to provide converging l;ps 28 and 29. At the inner ends of each lip the material is bent back upon itsel at 31 and 32 to provide additional stiffness and a finished edge 40. The edges 40 of the lips are spaced apart a small distance so that a T-bolt or the like can be inserted into the channel and after being rotated 90 degrees, is supported on the lips within the channel so that the shank of the bolt extends down from the runner. Such T~bolts (not illustrated) can be positioned at any desired location along the channel 13 and provide a simple qtructure for supporting substantially any desired items, such as a curtain track or 7~
the like~ from the gr;d system. Similarly, lighting ixtures or other types of accessories can be supported from the grid system in this convenient manner~ -In order to provide additional strength and rigidityin the bulb 11 of the runners, it is preferable to enclose within the bulb a U-shaped reinforcing element 32 which extends along the central portion 14 and down along each of the depending walls 16 and 17. Such reinforcing member ls preferably lance-stitched at 33 to the depending wal~s. Such reinforcing member is not illustrated in FI&S. 1 and 2 foY
purpo.ses o~ simplification. Reference should be ~lade to U.S~
Patent No. 4,206,578, assigned to the assignee OL the present inventionr for a more detailed description of the manner in which such reinforcing elements are incorporated into the bulbs of suspension ceiling runners.
Mounted on the ends of the CrO5S runners usea in main xun~cross run grid systems and on the ends of the run-ners used in a basketweave grid system are end connectors 34, which project through an open;~g 36 formed in the web 12 of the through runner~ as best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.
The struct~re of such end connectors and the manner of inter-connecting when inserted from opposite sides through the opening 36 are fully described in U.S. Patent No~ 4,108,563.
At each location where a perpendicular runner ;s ~o be connected, the throuyh runners are provided with a notch (best illuxtrated in FIG. 2) which receives the mating end of the connecting runner. A similar notch is ~ormed in each side of the runner which respectively cut through the channel wall portions 26 and 27 to provide side edges 3a which are space~ apart a.distance necessary to receive the channel sidewalls 26 and 27 of the connect;ng runner with a small clearance. In aadition, the flange portions 23 and 24 are cut back at the notch through a distance of approximately one-half their lateral width to a longitudinal edge 39. By forming the notch 37 so that it extends only a portion of the way along the flange portions 23 and 24, a structure is pro-vided in which a substantial part of the flange portions remains intact to provide runner strength past the connecting notch.
At the notch, the ends of the converging lips 28 and 29 are cut at a 45-degree angle to provide mitered ends 41 which mate with mitered ends 42 of the connecting runner ~o as to provide an attractive miter-type joint between the intersecting lips of connecting runners, as best illustra~ed in FIG. 1. This structure, therefore, eliminates the butt-type connector appearance of the prior art as exemplified by U.S. patent No. 4,021,986, supra.
In addition, the illustrated embodiment locates the edge 33 in vertical alignment with the inner edges 40 of the converging lips 28 and 29 of the through runner so that the joint provided by the abutting ends 43 and the edges 39 is in vertical alignment with the inner edges 40 of the converging lips in an assembled grid and tends to be obscured from view when the grid system is viewed from the room in which it is i.nstalled. Consequently, the visual impression provided in an installed grid system is that a full miter joint is pro-vided at each intersecting connection even though part of the flange portion remains to extend past the connection and pro vide additional strength. Further, the channel wall portions 26 and 27 of the connecting members extend past the edges 38 of the through member with a close fit to provide a strong~
fully stabil;zed interconnection between the runners which resists any tendency for the connecting runners to twist with respect to the through runner~, As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the ends of the chan-nel wall portions 26 and 27 are inclined forwardly from the end of the m.iter joint 42 and the end 43. This ensures that the channel sidewall portion of a connecting runner extends into the notch formed between the edges 38 oE the through runner~
A second embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 10 in which a connector clip is provided to assemble runner modules in an end-to-end relationship to provide main runs of substantially any length~
The main run modules 51 are provided with the same cross section as in the irst embodiment, and therefore pro-vide a bulb 11~ a web 12, and an open channel 13. The ends of the modules 51, however, are provided with a shape allow-ing the modules to be connected together by a connector clip 52 having a first or web mating portion 53 which, in an assembly, exten~s along one side of the web 12 from the chan-nel at its lower edge to the bulb 11 at its upper edge. The clip also provides a lateral portion 54 extending to a bulb engaging portion 56, which engages one side of the bulb 11 and extends to a lateral portion 57 which engages the upper wall of the bulb 11.
A snap-in locking system, best illustrated in FIG.
10, is provided to interconnect the runner modules 51 and the clip 52. Such locking system includes two tabs 58 and 59 which cooperate to lock with each of the runner moZules 51 by extending through an opening 61 in the web 12 in the case of the tabs 58 and extending over the end edge o~ the web 12 in the case of the tabs 59. The clip is assembled with the respective runners by merely aligning the two and then moving the clip and runner axially with respect to each other until the assembled position of FIG. 10 is reached. In such posi-tion, a projection 62 on the clip associated with each of the runner modules 51 snaps into the opening 61 in the web 12 to engage the edge thereof opposite the tab 58. This provides a locking connection which prevents the clip from being removed 7~
from the end of the associated runner and, in effect, is a permanent connection which is easily created by slipping the parts together.
The ends of the runner modules are formed with one-half of a notch structure 37 so that when the adjacent ends of the two runner modules are ~onnec~ed by the connector 52, they cooperate ~o provide a connector notch 37 having the same structure described above in connection with the flrst embodiment. Therefore, the structural detail is not again set forth, and the previous description applies to this embod iment.
In addition, the ends of the webs of the runner modules are cut back, as indicated by the dotted line 66, so that the connector clip 52 is exposed on both s-des of the assembly. Located in the connector clip is an opening 36' having the same shape as the opening 36 of the first embodi-ment, and which is adapted to receive end connectors 34 dis-cussed above. The material of the clip around the opening 36 is deformed laterally, as indicated by the dotted line 50 in FIG. 8, so that the opening is displaced from the plane of the clip back to the plane of the web 12, as indicated in FIG. 10. Therefore, the end connectors of the cross runners are properly centered and the joint fits properly Once the assembly is formed by connecting adjacent runner modules with a connector 52, cross runners having the same end configuratlon discussed above are attached at the intersections by inserting the connectors 34 from opposite sides through the opening 36~. Preferably~ the ends oE the runners are shaped so that they do not overlap the openin~s 67 formed in the mounting clip through which support wires may be inserted to suspend the runner assembly.
The connector clip 52 is preferably formed of a material somewhat thicker than the material used to form the runners, so that a strong bridging connection is provided between the adjacent runner modules. Further, because the connector clip extends along the web and up around one side of the bulb, a strong connection is provided in which the connection is substantially as strong as the runner modules along their lengths. With this embodiment, main runs of substantially any length can be assembled from an appropriate number of runner modules. Further~ since the suppor~ wires can be put in place on the connector before the connector is assembled with a given runner module, a given runner can be assembled in its installed position.
Although the preferred embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, it should be understood that various modifications and rearrangements of parts may be resorted to without departing from the scope of ~he invention as disclosed and claimed herein.
Claims (6)
1. A suspension ceiling grid system comprising elongated runners formed with a bulb at their upper edge, a planar central web, and an open channel at their lower edge, said open channel being defined by lateral flanges extending in opposite directions from the lower edge of said web, a pair of laterally spaced, substantially parallel channel sidewalls, and inturned lips extending laterally toward each other from said sidewalls and terminating at spaced and opposed inner edges, said lips cooperating to define a longi-tudinal opening along the lower side of said channel, said grid system including first runners having end connectors adapted to connect with second runners at predetermined loca-tions, said second runners providing notches in their chan-nels at said locations, said notches extending through said sidewalls and a portion of the associated flange leaving intact a portion of said flanges extending past said notch, said lips at the ends of said first runners and adjacent to the notches of said second runners being shaped to fit together to form a miter joint when said runners are inter-connected, said sidewalls and flanges of the ends of said first runners fitting into said notches and cooperating to provide a stable joint and to provide an appearance of a full miter joint.
2. A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said portion of said flange extending past said notch terminates at a side edge spaced from the plane of said web by a distance substantially equal to the spacing between said plane and the inner edge of the associated lip, said flange of said first runners being adapted to abut with an associated side edge of said second runners to form a joint which tends to be concealed in an assembled grid.
3. A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in claim 2, wherein said second runners are formed by separate runner modules adapted to be connected by a bridging con-nector clip, the ends of said runner modules being formed with opposing notch halves which cooperate when two runner modules are connected together to define a full notch.
4. A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in claim 3, wherein said connector clips are formed with an opening, and said connectors of said first runners are adapted to project through said openings from opposite sides to provide an interconnection between said runners.
5. A suspension ceiling as set forth in claim 4, wherein said connector clip fits along one side of said web and is deformed adjacent to said opening to position said opening in the plane of said web.
6. A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in claim 1, wherein a separate U-shaped reinforcing element is enclosed within said bulbs.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US26773781A | 1981-05-28 | 1981-05-28 | |
| US267,737 | 1981-05-28 | ||
| US28182981A | 1981-07-09 | 1981-07-09 | |
| US281,829 | 1981-07-09 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1188471A true CA1188471A (en) | 1985-06-11 |
Family
ID=26952599
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000402777A Expired CA1188471A (en) | 1981-05-28 | 1982-05-12 | Screw slot runner system |
Country Status (11)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU8417782A (en) |
| BR (1) | BR8202974A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1188471A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3219847A1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES274494U (en) |
| FI (1) | FI821810A0 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2506810A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2099476B (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1156030B (en) |
| NO (1) | NO821759L (en) |
| SE (1) | SE8203285L (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4535580A (en) * | 1981-07-09 | 1985-08-20 | Donn Incorporated | Screw slot runner system |
| US4520609A (en) * | 1982-09-27 | 1985-06-04 | Donn Incorporated | Grid tee for suspension ceilings or the like |
| GB2145752B (en) * | 1983-08-27 | 1986-10-29 | Phoenix Rollformed Sections Li | Suspension ceiling grids |
| US4679375A (en) * | 1983-09-23 | 1987-07-14 | Donn Incorporated | Suspension ceiling grid system with narrow-faced grid |
| GB2152091B (en) * | 1983-12-22 | 1987-05-20 | Special Acoustic Services Limi | Suspended ceiling |
| GB8508116D0 (en) * | 1985-03-28 | 1985-05-01 | Foy P S | Overhead support systems |
| BE1007537A3 (en) * | 1993-09-28 | 1995-07-25 | Chicago Metallic Continent Nv | Suspension fitting for false ceiling. |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3221466A (en) * | 1964-02-13 | 1965-12-07 | Donn Prod Inc | Dual purpose interlocking beam connectors |
| US3284977A (en) * | 1965-04-08 | 1966-11-15 | Lickliter | Expansion splice |
| GB1369234A (en) * | 1972-04-28 | 1974-10-02 | Whitehouse George Eng | Suspended ceilings |
| US4206578A (en) * | 1978-07-31 | 1980-06-10 | Donn Incorporated | Grid tee for suspension ceilings or the like |
-
1982
- 1982-05-12 CA CA000402777A patent/CA1188471A/en not_active Expired
- 1982-05-19 GB GB8214580A patent/GB2099476B/en not_active Expired
- 1982-05-21 BR BR8202974A patent/BR8202974A/en unknown
- 1982-05-21 FI FI821810A patent/FI821810A0/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1982-05-24 FR FR8208940A patent/FR2506810A1/en active Granted
- 1982-05-25 AU AU84177/82A patent/AU8417782A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1982-05-27 SE SE8203285A patent/SE8203285L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1982-05-27 NO NO821759A patent/NO821759L/en unknown
- 1982-05-27 ES ES1982274494U patent/ES274494U/en active Pending
- 1982-05-27 IT IT67686/82A patent/IT1156030B/en active
- 1982-05-27 DE DE19823219847 patent/DE3219847A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| BR8202974A (en) | 1983-05-03 |
| GB2099476A (en) | 1982-12-08 |
| FR2506810A1 (en) | 1982-12-03 |
| IT1156030B (en) | 1987-01-28 |
| GB2099476B (en) | 1985-10-23 |
| FR2506810B1 (en) | 1985-04-12 |
| IT8267686A0 (en) | 1982-05-27 |
| FI821810A0 (en) | 1982-05-21 |
| DE3219847A1 (en) | 1982-12-16 |
| ES274494U (en) | 1984-05-01 |
| NO821759L (en) | 1982-11-29 |
| SE8203285L (en) | 1982-11-29 |
| AU8417782A (en) | 1982-12-02 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |