US20040211040A1

US20040211040A1 - Clip for suspended ceiling grids

Info

Publication number: US20040211040A1
Application number: US10/424,184
Authority: US
Inventors: John Edwards
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-04-28
Filing date: 2003-04-28
Publication date: 2004-10-28

Abstract

A clip for grids of suspended ceilings to be attached to and removed from the grids without the use of a ladder. By eliminating the need for a ladder, this new approach eradicates the cause of injuries being incurred by older methods involving falls from ladders when hanging signs, decorations, and other items from ceiling grids.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

“Not Applicable”

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

“Not Applicable”

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING DISC APPENDIX

“Not Applicable”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the current practice of hanging signs, decorations, and other items from the metal grids of suspended ceilings, various devices may be observed in use among many businesses and institutions engaged in displaying such items from ceiling grids. Devices frequently used include flimsy plastic and wire hooks requiring the dangerous practice of using ladders to reach the ceiling grids.

Unfortunately, untold falls from ladders have resulted in unnecessary injuries, not excluding the potential for death or paralysis. The employment of the “Clip for Suspended Ceiling Grids” addresses these many serious circumstances by not requiring the use of a ladder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The utilization of the “Clip for Suspended Ceiling Grids” confronts the problem of attaching devices to ceiling grids. Too many falls from ladders have resulted in a multitude of serious injuries to individuals attempting to secure these attachments to overhead grids of suspended ceilings while standing on a ladder. This invention eliminates the need for a ladder, since the procedures of attachment and removal of the clip are performed from the level of the floor. Thus, the invention provides for a safer, easier, and much more expeditious method for using overhead displays involving suspended ceiling grids.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

In the plan view FIG. 1, the clip with attached string is shown inserted into the pole, identifying the cross profile of the pole. [0007]
The elevation view FIG. 2 presents the following figures. [0008]
[0009] 1 displays the grid to which the clip is attached.
[0010] 2 delineates the suspended ceiling panel.
[0011] 3 represents the clip.
[0012] 4 identifies the string from which items may hang.
[0013] 5 denotes the clip leg.
[0014] 6 presents the pole plug.
[0015] 7 defines the pole.
[0016] 8 refers to the screw securing the plug to the pole.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the clip and apparatus for a pictorial assembly presentation.[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention herein known as “Clip for Suspended Ceiling Grids” consists of a clip to be attached to and removed from metal grid components of suspended ceilings by means of a PVC pipe used as a pole, thereby negating the dangerous use of a ladder. [0018]
The clip embodies a single piece of mild steel, {fraction (1/16)}″×¼″×3½″ bent to the designated shape. The design of the clip provides space for attaching a string, hook, or wire from which decorations, signs, and other appropriate objects my hang overhead. The length of the clip leg is such as to prevent a premature release of the clip from the pole in the removal process as the pole is lowered horizontally. [0019]
The pole employed in attaching and removing the clip is a standard ½″ PVC pipe. This pipe is commercially available in lengths of ten feet, and the length can be increased by adding a ½″ PVC coupling and additional pipe. [0020]
In attaching the clip to the grid, the string holding to be displayed must be attached to the clip in the the item to be shared with the grid. The clip leg is then inserted into the space between the pole plug and the pole of sufficient length to reach the ceiling grid. The pole is raised vertically until contact is made between the end of the pole and the grid. The pole is now moved laterally as needed to ensnare the grid inside the clip. Upon reaching the limit of lateral movement, the pole may be lowered. This procedure leaves the clip secured to the grid. [0021]
When removing the clip from the grid, the open end of the pole is used, and the pole is elevated vertically with a visual alignment such as to place the clip leg inside the pole. After reaching the limit of elevation, a lateral movement of the pole toward the entrapping side of the clip will result in the clip being released from the grid. The pole can now be lower, carrying the clip and attached items. [0022]

Claims

1. What I claim as my invention is a clip designed for grids of suspended ceilings whereby with the use of a pole the clip can be attached to and removed from the said grids without the dangerous use of a ladder.