CA1317432C - Removable clip - Google Patents

Removable clip

Info

Publication number
CA1317432C
CA1317432C CA000579929A CA579929A CA1317432C CA 1317432 C CA1317432 C CA 1317432C CA 000579929 A CA000579929 A CA 000579929A CA 579929 A CA579929 A CA 579929A CA 1317432 C CA1317432 C CA 1317432C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
clip
cross member
members
slot
detent
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 - Lifetime
Application number
CA000579929A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Michael Slapsys
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Donn Canada Ltd
Original Assignee
Donn Canada Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Donn Canada Ltd filed Critical Donn Canada Ltd
Priority to CA000579929A priority Critical patent/CA1317432C/en
Priority to CA000616384A priority patent/CA1322647C/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA1317432C publication Critical patent/CA1317432C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04BGENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B9/00Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
    • E04B9/06Ceilings; 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
    • E04B9/12Connections between non-parallel members of the supporting construction
    • E04B9/127Connections between non-parallel members of the supporting construction one member being discontinuous and abutting against the other member
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04BGENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B9/00Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
    • E04B9/06Ceilings; 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
    • E04B9/12Connections between non-parallel members of the supporting construction
    • E04B9/122Connections between non-parallel members of the supporting construction one member passing through the other member, both members laying at least partly in the same plane

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Clamps And Clips (AREA)
  • Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

A clip, according to the present invention, is selectively removable from cross members used to make a connection with main grid members in a suspension ceiling grid system. The clip includes the conventional projection for lockingly engaging a slot in one of the main grid members, but has a root or base portion having detent means which serve to engage and lock the clip to the cross member. The clip is selectively removable from the cross member without the requirement for specialized tools, yet, when in connection with a cross member, the clip is locked in an operative position satisfactory for withstanding all the mechanical loads required of the connection of the cross member to the main grid member. The cross member comprises a 'T' bar section having appropriate ports in each end thereof by means of which clips can be attached to the cross member.

Description

Donn Canada Ltd. . 1 . 1317 ~ 3 .~ 1398H/0062F

TITLE: REMOVABLE CLIP

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to suspension ceiling grid systems and ? in particular, to the mechanical connection of cross members to main grid members. A
removable clip is used to allow connection of the cross member to the main grid member and is selectively removable from the cross member when desired.
'T' bar suspension ceiling systems are well known and are perhaps the most common ceiling system used in office complexes. The suspension ceiling grid system comprises main grid members running in one direction of the ceiling with cross members connected to the main grid by means of a projection which extends through an appropriately shaped slot in the main grid member. The most common grid system is the rectilinear grid system, however, it is apparent that a non-rectilinear grid system could be used if desired.
The mechanical interconnection by means of a tongue passing through a slot with appropriate engagement of the tongue on the main grid member and, in some cases, on cross members extending from the opposite side of the main grid member, a satisfactory mechanical connection is achieved.
The projection of the cross members are typically separate pieces which are permanently riveted to the ends of the cross member. Thus, the cross members not only have to be cut according to length, but have to be adapted to receive the projection as well as an additional operation step for securing of the projection to the cross members. As can be appreciated, the cross members require these projections at either end thereof and considerable time is taken to complete this operation, which is also sensitive to accuracy.
According to the present invention, the cross members are now merely punched to provide appropriate apertures at the free ends thereof and a removable clip Donn Canada Ltd. 2 1317 ~ 3 ~ 13ggH/0062F

member can be inserted by the installer or possibly during the manufacture of the cross member, with this clip member including detent means which, in effect, secures the clip to the cross member. In this way, the clip need not be riveted to the cross member and the clip is releasable from the cross member without requiring specialized tools. For example, a screwdriver can be used to overcome the bias used to maintain the clip in the operative position and once the bias has been overcome, the clip may be removed by appropriate sliding movement along the length of the cross member.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a suspension ceiling grid system having a plurality of cross members connected to main grid members by means of a projection of each cross member lockingly engaging a slot in one of the main grid members, the improvement according to the present invention comprises a removable clip associated with each cross member with this clip forming the projection for securing of the cross member to the main grid member. Each clip includes detent means by means of which the clip engages and locks with the cross member.
According to an aspect of the invention, the clip includes a locking tongue which is received within an appropriately shaped slot in said cross member to locate and maintain said clip in an operative position. The locking tongue is biased into the appropriately shaped slot of the cross member and is removable therefrom by overcoming the bias and appropriately shifting the clip along the length of the cross member.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the detent means comprises oppositely opening 'U' shaped slots sized for snuggly receiving a portion of a web of the cross member. These 'U' shaped slots are orientated to allow limited axial movement of the clip in the length of the Donn Canada Ltd. 3 1317~ 3g8H/~o62F

cross member and assists in locking of the clip with the cross member at an operative position. This locking is achieved due to an interfit engagement between a portion of the clip and a portion of the cross member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
_ Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a portion of a suspended ceiling system;
Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of a main grid member, cross member and removable clip;
Figures 3, 4 and 5 are sectional views through the web of the cross member showing reception of the clip in the cross member; and Figures 6 and 7 show connection of a cross member with a main grid member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The suspension ceiling grid system 2 shown in Figure 1 supports ceiling panels 3 by means of main grid members 4 in cooperation with cross members 6. The main grid members 4 include slotted areas 5 for receiving and locking with a projection 12 of a cross member 6. Various different arrangements have been proposed for locking of the projection 12 in the slot openings 5 and various configurations are already known. The embodiment shown has a securing portion 11 on the projection 12 which acts as a spring detent which passes through the slot 5 and, once therethrough, engages the rear surface of the web of the main grid member 4. This type of securement is shown in Figures 6 and 7.
The removable clip 10 shown in Figure 2 has various shoulders and detent arrangements for engaging either the main grid member 4 or for effecting securement of the clip 10 with a cross member 6. Each cross member adjacent each Donn Canada Ltd. 1317 ~ 3 2 13g8H/0062F

end thereof includes a receiving port 26 and a locking port 28. The receiving port 26 allows each detent member 14 and 16 of the clip to pass therethrough, however, it is smaller than the required area to allow both detents 14 and 16 to pass through the web at the same time. Locking port 28 cooperates with the locking tongue 18 provided at one end of the removable clip 10.
The removable clip 10 has a rearward detent member 14 which defines, in combination with the removable clip, a rearwardly opening 'U' shaped slot 20 adjacent the one end of the clip and in an intermediate area includes the forward detent member 16 which, in combination with a clip, defines a forwardly opening 'U' shaped slot 22. Each detent member 14 and 16 at the free end thereof includes a camming surface 15 and 17 respectively to assist in allowing the detent members to pass through the receiving port 26 and move along the sunken recess 30 of the web 24 of the cross member 6.
This sunken region 30 has opposed shoulders 32 for abutment with longitudinally extending shoulders 19 of the removable clip 10. The abutment of these shoulders results in an overlap arrangement limiting vertical movement of the clip on the web 24.
Attachment of the removable clip 10 to one end of a cross member 4 can be understood from consideration of Figures 3 through 5. The rearward detent member 14 first passes through receiving port 26 and the clip is forced in the direction of arrow 36 such that the detent member overrides the back surface of the web 24. Locking tongue 18 is forced over the locking port 28 to a position where the forward detent member can now enter the receiving port 26.
The configuration is shown in Figure 4. Movement of the removable clip in the direction of arrow 38 in Figure 5 causes the camming surface 17 to contact the rear surface of the web member and come into engagement with the portion of the web immediately forward of the receiving port 26.
Movement of the clip is continued until the locking Donn Canada Ltd. 5 1~ ~ 7 ~ 398H/oo62F

tongue 18 enters the locking port 28, which effectively limits the position or determines the position of the removable clip on the cross member. As can be seen, the rearward detent member 14 is of a greater length than the forward detent member 16 such that the rearward detent member 14 is still in engagement with the web at an area rearward of the receiving port 26. In this embodiment, both the forward detent member 16 and the rearward detent member 14 create a bias urging the locking tongue 18 into the locking port 28. Removal of the clip is also possible without specialized tools as the locking tongue 18 may be forced from the locking port 28, whereafter the clip can be forced rearwardly sliding over the web member until the forward detent member 16 can pass through the receiving port 26, whereafter forward movement of the clip allows the rearward detent to also pass through the receiving port.
It can be appreciated from the above description that the cross members, which previously required permanent affixing of a projection to the web of the cross member, now only require various ports to be positioned at the end of the cross member, whereafter securement of the removable clip to the cross member can be accomplished. This securement of the removable clip to the cross member can be carried out in the field by the installer and need not be attached to the cross member at the time of manufacture.
This greatly simplifies the manufacturing costs while still providing the installer with a convenient and simple system.
It can further be appreciated that various arrangements are possible for effecting securement of a cross member 6 with a main grid member 4. Thus, the removable clip can be made with various shoulders and spring detents for effecting the appropriate securement of the cross member to the main 'T'. In fact, many arrangements are now known and used in the field, all of which are compatible with the removable clip disclosed.

Donn Canada Ltd. 6 1317 ~ 3 ~ 1398H/0062F

Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made thereto without departing ~rom the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (12)

1. In a suspension ceiling grid system having a plurality of cross members connected to main grid members by means of a projection of each cross member lockingly engaging a slot in one of said main grid members, the improvement comprising a removable clip associated with each cross member, said clip forming said projection and including detent means by means of which said clip engages and locks with said cross member.
2. In a suspension ceiling grid system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said clip includes a locking tongue which is received within an appropriate shaped slot in said cross member to locate and maintain said clip in an operative position, said locking tongue being biased into said appropriate shaped slot and removable therefrom by overcoming said bias.
3. In a suspension ceiling grid system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said detent means comprise oppositely opening 'U' shaped slots sized for snuggly receiving a portion of a web of said cross member, said 'U' shaped slots being orientated to allow limited axial movement of said clip in the length of said cross member and lockable therewith at an operative position by means of an interfit engagement between a portion of said clip and a portion of said cross member.
4. In a suspension ceiling grid system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said interfit engagement includes a locking tongue of said clip being biased into engagement with a locking slot provided in said cross member.

Donn Canada Ltd. . 8 . 1398H/0062F
5. In a suspension ceiling grid system as claimed in claim 4 wherein said 'U' shaped slots include cam portions at a free end thereof to ease engagement of said slots with said web of said cross member.
6. A removable clip for connecting a cross member and a main grid member of a suspension ceiling grid system, said clip comprising:
a body portion and an engaging end portion by means of which connection with a slot of a main grid member is achieved, said body portion having offset detent members, each of which forms an open slot between said body portion and said particular detent member, with said slots opening in opposite directions aligned with the longitudinal axis of the clip.
7. A removable clip as claimed in claim 6 wherein at least one of said detent members cooperate with a locking member extending from said body portion towards said at least one detent member.
8. A removable clip as claimed in claim 7 wherein said locking member is displaced outwardly from and integral with said body portion.
9. A removable clip as claimed in claim 7 wherein each detent member includes a cam surface at a free end thereof.
10. In a suspension ceiling grid system having main grid members and a plurality of cross members extending between and supported by said main members, said main members providing a slot opening aligned with a corresponding cross member into which a clip of the corresponding member extends and engages, the improvement comprising detent means integral with said clip cooperating Donn Canada Ltd. . 9 . 1398H/0062F

with a slot opening adjacent the end of said corresponding cross member such that said clip engages said corresponding cross member either side thereof and releasably locks therewith in an operative position and is selectively removable from said corresponding cross member by slide removal of said clip.
11. In a suspension ceiling grid system as claimed in claim 10 wherein said clip includes a locking member extending towards said detent means and said cross member includes a locking slot appropriately located such that said locking member is located in said locking slot when said clip is in engagement with said cross member in the operative position.
12. In a suspension ceiling grid system having main grid members and cross members mechanically secured to said main grid members by means of a projecting portion extending from one end of a cross member and received and retained within a slot of one of said main grid members, wherein said projecting portion is integral with a clip having integral engaging members which cooperate with slots in the corresponding cross member to retain said clip in an operative position for connecting a cross member to a main grid member and selectively releasable from said operative position by slide removal of said engaging members from said cross member.
CA000579929A 1988-10-12 1988-10-12 Removable clip Expired - Lifetime CA1317432C (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA000579929A CA1317432C (en) 1988-10-12 1988-10-12 Removable clip
CA000616384A CA1322647C (en) 1988-10-12 1992-05-22 Cross member of a ceiling grid system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA000579929A CA1317432C (en) 1988-10-12 1988-10-12 Removable clip

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA000616384A Division CA1322647C (en) 1988-10-12 1992-05-22 Cross member of a ceiling grid system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA1317432C true CA1317432C (en) 1993-05-11

Family

ID=4138899

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA000579929A Expired - Lifetime CA1317432C (en) 1988-10-12 1988-10-12 Removable clip
CA000616384A Expired - Lifetime CA1322647C (en) 1988-10-12 1992-05-22 Cross member of a ceiling grid system

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA000616384A Expired - Lifetime CA1322647C (en) 1988-10-12 1992-05-22 Cross member of a ceiling grid system

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (2) CA1317432C (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2285402T3 (en) * 2004-02-06 2007-11-16 Chicago Metallic Continental BANDRASTER PROFILE SYSTEM.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA1322647C (en) 1993-10-05

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