GB2200153A - Suspended ceiling grid with interlocking between grid members - Google Patents

Description

t -, f :4 1 SUS.PENSION CEILING SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

2 r'. 3 0 15 -5 This invention relates generally to suspension ceiling grid sys"teiiis, and more particularly to a no.vel and improved end cortnec-tor system for such grids.

Prior Art

Suspension ceiling grid systems usually'provide grid tees. or runners which interconnect at intersections to provide openings in which panels or fixtures are positioned. In some systems, 1he grid includes main runs which extend parallel to each oil-ier and perpendicular cross runs which are connected at t-heir ends on opposite sides of the main runs. In other systems such as baskel weave systems, the grid does nbt include main runs and cross runs; however, both systems provide inlecsectiort qonnections in which a through-runner extends through the Intersection and aligned, opposed runners corinect at their ends to opposite sides of the through-runner.

Usually 1he through-runner provides a connector opening and. the aligned, opposed runners provide end con- nections which extend Erom opposite sides into 1he through - r urine r connector opening.' Examples of such grid runners arid end connectors - are illustrated in United States Lellers Patent Nos. 3,193,063; 3,378,976; 3,1t26,'i96; 3)501,185; 3,503,641; and li,108,563.

A 2 In some instances, the end connec[ors connect with Lhe Lhrough-runner and do no't directly connect with the associated end connector of the opposed runner. U. S. Lett-ers Patents Nos. 3,19-3,063 and 3,378,976, sUpr!q. disclose Stich -systelils. In other instances, the end connector rjrovi. des two separate locRing sysLems, one of which connects with the through- runner even when another coilnecLor is not presenL within I.he through - runner connector opent,ng (often referred to as a "EirsL end-in locIO), and Lhe other locRing system provides a direcL connection between the Lwo erid connectors when both such connectors are insLalled within the through-runner connector opening. united States Letters Patent No. 4,108, 563, EqLiLg, discloses such a connection. In such end conneq.tors the first end-in lock normally does not contribute signifiCallf.ly to Lvie ablliLy of the connectors to resist sepa-ratinp, o r c e s. in most f.,,rid connector systems, the throughrunner connector opening is formed to position the two end connectors for locl(ing engagement, and Che locking system itself- is deElecl-able to allow assembly. Such systems are often very difficult to disassemble, particularly From locations within an assembled grid spaced from the periphery thereoF. In such location, spacing between two_ thrMlf.,111- runners at the ends of the given runner is fixed and maintained by the surrounding portions of the grid, so it is impossible to move a runner and its connector lengthwise of the runner any significant distance to disconnect the end connections or to reinstall the runner. In the past, removal and installation of a runner within a sysLem has usually required bending or otherwise damaging the connector, and has been very difEicult to accomplish, 1 1 z i k 3 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTTON

There are a number of aspects to Lhe present invention. In accordance with one important aspect, an end connector is installed by longitudinal movement into a connector opening within the, web of a through-runner ant] is provided with a loc,l( system which is engaged or disenLlaf,,,ed by lateral movement of the connector wt-tt,itrt the connector opening. Spring nteans are provided to bias the conneclor late- rally within the connector opening Into Lhe locl(ed position. Such spring means normally maintains Lhe connector in the locked position while permittin& lateral movement in the opposite direction to release Ihe lock system arid allow removal of the conneetor.

Ill accordance with another aspect of this inven- tion, the 1. ock system provides a connector opening having opposed, Inwa, rdly extending projections, arid the connector,provides rearwardly facing surfaces which are moved by Lhe spring means behind the projections to lock -the connector, to Ihe, through-runner even when only one conner-tor is posilinned in the opening.. Thts Feature, which [jrovicAc-.,., a firsI, end-in lock, fa(,.1.Iitat:es the assembly of the grid by allowine the installation of the connector at one end of the grid runner which is secure and hiaintains SUCh CLIliner end connection while Iti,e connector at the other end is being installed.- Curther, it allows assem bly OF arids ill which at least some of the runners are installed in a pattern in which opposed runners do not.

exist at all intersections PreFerably, such rearwardly facing surfaces on one connector are aligned with the corresponding surface of an identical connector. extending in the opposite 1 I& direcliOll 1hroUgh a connector opening so thal itie projection locate(] between 1he two opposed, rearwardly facilig surfaces is not subjected to excessive bending Forces. With such a locking system, improved locking strength is provided when the second connector is installed within a Siven connector opening.

In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, a novel and improved dual lock end connector is provided. Such end connector provides a first lock syslem which connects with the through - ru tine r when only one end connector is installed in the connector opening of the throughrunner. A second and separate lock syslein connects directly between the two opposed end connectors when two opposed end conneclors are installed in Ihe connector opening of the through-runner.

Both such lock systems are engaged and disengaged by lal.eral movement, and eac.h end connector provides a spring lat.(3.t.,al.l.y tirpi.iip, the (,otineeLt)vs Loward the locked position, while allowing movement in the opposite direction Eor disassembly. Therefore, the end connec.lor can be disassembled without difficulty while providing reliableconnection within a grid system.

In accordance with another aspect of this invention, a dual lock connector system is provided in which one lock system connects directly with a through-runner when only one end connector is installed and the same lock system provides a high-strength, functionally.direct connection between two opposed end connectors when suet] two opposed end connectors are installed in a through- runner connector opening. A separate lock system is provided which directly interconnects the two opposed end connectors and the two lock systems, both of which provide high strength, cooperate to provide a very strong 1 -Q connection belween the two opposed riAniiers"cor.itie(teci oil opposite sides oE a through-runner.

In accordance With still another aspect of this -iiivaiiii(3ii,- a grid (,-.cjntiect-or is provided which produces a strong, celiable connection while permitting easy connector release and replacement so that grid runners cart be removed or installed substantially anywhere within an assembled grid system. Such removal and installation can be easily accomplished without damage to the runners or the connections.

In the embodiment incorporating this aspect oE the. thp c:ontipelors are normally installed by longitudinal movement front opposite sides into a through-runner connector opening. However, within a n assembled grid, such longitudinal movement in the opposite direction, Eor connector removal, is prevented by the surroliriclinii grid rLinriei-.,.,> . This embodiment permits the tipper edge of the connector to be moved against the action of the spring to release the tipper lock an(] to..

permit. the 1hrough-runner to be twisted to a posMon tn which the conneclor can be removed by vertical upward movement. - Consequently, a given runner within a given sys Leill can be removed withoul signiFicant longitudinal movement. of the connector out of the conneclor opening, so that it is easy lo remove a given runner from a grid syslem even when such grid runner is located well- wilhin the interior oE the assembled grid. Reinstallation or Inslallation cif a runner within a given grid can be accomplished easily by the opposite movements, in which the connector is moved vertically down into the connector operting of a through-runner which has been tipped or twisted From its normal position. AEter the connector is 6 positioned within the connector opening, the throughrunner is allowed to i-eturn to its normal untwisted position and the installation of the connector is completed. These and other aspects of this invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and are more fully described in the following specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

F1G. 1 is an exploded, perspective view, illustratinp, a through-runner and opposed end connectors before assembly of the intersection in accordanpe with the first embodAment of this invention, 1 FIG. 2 is a side elevation of a through-runner, illustrating the shape of the connector opening formed in the web thereof; FIG. 3 is a side elevation of an intersection, illtisiralinp,,one of the end connectors in full-line and the oil-ier in phantom- line; F1G. 'i is an enlarged, fragmentary section taken along line li-it of FIG. 3, illustrating the shape of the end of one of the connectors. In such section,. only a single connec.lor is illustrated; FIG- 5 is an enlarged, Eragmentary section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3, Allustraling one of the locking systems in it-to assembled condition; 7 FIG. 6 is a fragmentary seclion sibilar to the section of FIG. 5, but taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3; 1 FIG. 7 is an exploded, perspective view similar to FIG. 1, but illustrating a second embodiment of this 5 invention; FIG. 8 is an exploded., perspective view similar to FIGS- 1 and 7 but illustrating a third embodiment' of this invention; FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, centerline cross 10 section of Ihe embodiment of FIG. Bi FIG. 10 is a Fragmentary view of an intersection in accordance with the embodfirtent of FIG. 8, with one connector illustrated in phantom and the other in fullline; and FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view stmilar to F1G. 10 but ii.justraii[lp, the position the elements assume when the throtif,,,h-rtii,iner is rotated during disassembly, permitting removal oF a runner within an assembled grid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 through 6 illustrate the first embodi ment of this invention. Such embodiment provides a through-runner or grid tee 10 providing a central web 11 appoAitely exLending panel supporting flanges 12 along the lower edge of Che web,'and a stiffening bulb 13 along Qi V ttie uppell. cif the weli. Althoup111 cleaWilif:,s illils :P irate the cunner as a homogeneous structure, the runners are normally f-ormed by sheet metal bent to the 1.1lus trated cross-section.

The web 11 is Formed with a connector opening lit therein having a generally li-shape. A pair of opposed runners or grid tees 16 and 17 are also Foritted with webs 18, panel supporting flanges 19, and bulbs 21 substan tially the same as the runner 10. Mounted on the end of each of the opposed runners 16 and 17 are identical end connectors 22 which are supported on the webs 18 of the opposed runners and project beyond the ends thereof. The end connectors 22 extend through the connector opening 14 Erom opposite sides, and are structured, as discussed in detail below, so as to interlock with each other and with Lhe 1hrough-runner to Forni an as!3eiiibl.ed joint or inter section within a suspension ceiling grid system.

IF the invention is applied to a grid consisting of mpin runs and cross runs, the niain runs are provided by Lhe runner 10 and the cross runs are the runners 16 and 17. On the other hand, in a typical basRet weave system, a single type of runner is structured so that the receives the ends oE stmilar runners 16 and 17 to adain provide a suspension ceiling grid system.

Each of the end cbrinectors 22 In combination with the connector opening lit is provided with two sepa rate and distinct locRing systems which cooperate In assembled intersections to provide a very strong joint capable oF withstanding large separating forces. Such locking systems, however, can be relatively easily disas seitil-jlecl,- again as discussed in detail below.

1 9 i.

7 1; The connector opening shape is beL illusLuatect in FIG. 2. Such connector opening III is generally Ifshap ed and provides opposed, inwardly exLending cenl.ral projections 26 and 27, which respectively extend from the upper and lower extremities of the opening 11i. Such pr'ojecLions 26 and 27 form a significant part of one of the locRing sysLems.

Since the two end connectors 22 are identical in structure, the following detailed description of one applies equally to both. The end connectors are Fo-rmed of sheet mel.al mounted with a rivetliRe structure 28 on the webs 18 of the opposed runners 16 and 17. The webs are formed with ofFseLs 29 within which the connectorB 22 are mounted, and the offset is proportioned so that the face 31 of the connector is aligned with the center plane of the web 1.8 so that when the connectors are installed at an i.nLerSeC-Lion, the two opposed runners 16 and __17 are in alignment with each other.

The upper and lower edges of the connectors,22- are bent inwardly at about a 45-degree angle to pro - vide laterally extending, opposed flanges 32 and 33 which extend to fouward edges 34 and 36, respectively. _Adjacent Lo I.he upper and lower edges of the forward end of the comiectors 22, the metal is deformed laterally to provide a pair of longitudinally extending recesses 37 and 38, which are spaced laterally bacl( From the surface 31 a small. distance. The upper edges of the forward end of the connectors are bent laterally inward to provide short Flanges 39 and 41, wtkich are Forwardly spaced from the Forward ends 34 and 36., of the flanges 32 and 33, respectively. These flanges provide rearwardly facing lateral surfaces 10.

Z- The various elemenLs are proportioned so that the Forward end of each connector_ is received w-iLh a close fit through the opening 14 to one side of the projections 26 and 27 unl.il the ends 34 and 36 engage the surface l13 of the web 11 of the through-runner. Such engagement limits the inward nio.veinent of the connector with respect to the connector opening.

In such position, the rearward end of each of the Flanges 39 and 41 has extended past the associated projections 26 and 27. Each connector is also provided with a spring tab lili which then engages the side of the opening 14 and cai,iis the connector laterally within the opening Vi so that the surfaces 40 of the Flanges 39 and lil Fit behind and engage the projections. 26 and 27. T11 suc,,h position, a preliminary loc'king system, orFirst end-in lock, is provided with the end connectors and the web of the through -runner, which acts even when only one connector is positioned in the opening Ili.

Because of the symmeLry oE the opening and oE the connecLors, either connector can be insLalled inLtially within the opening and provides a preliminary lockin& sysLem with the surfaces 110 and the projections 26 and 27 which retains even a single connector in its locRed position. However, after one connector is in- stalled, the opposite connector 22 can be inserted in a similar manner until its Flanges 39 and 41 extend past the associaLed projections 26 and 27 to lock the second connector in the opening. When such a condition exists, the strength of the connection provided by the engagement between the rearward edges of the flanges 39 and 41 and the associated projections 26 and 27 is drastically increased, as is discussed in detail below. In such condition, the two connectors 22 are in effect connected 1 1 e X directly throup ,h the projections eInd the stcength of the projections per se does not limit the strength of- the connection provided by the First locking sys Lem.

The forwarel end of the end connector 22 which xtends through the opening 14 is of lesser height than the remaining portions so tha the Flanges 39 and 41 Fit between the flanges 32 and 33 of the other connector and the flanges nest into the recesses 37 an(] 38 of such other connector. Eurther, the recesses 37 and 38.are sufficiently deep to clear the projections 26 and 27 so that, once insialled, the surfaces 31 of the two connec tors can move laterally into engagement.

The second locking system includes a lateral strap portion 116 formed at the forward end of each_of the conneclors 22 and a B-shaped opening 10 rearwardly spaced Erom the sIrap 46. When the two connectors 22 ace inserted in opposile direclions through the connector openings 14, the strap 46 of one connector moves to, a position exteiidiiif.,, int.o the opening 47 of- the neclor so that each strap 46 of each connector extends laterally into an associated opening 47 in the other con nector to provide a second locking system.

Ileve again, the engapeiiieiiL of- the locking system is accomplished by lateral movement of the connectors within the opening, and such lateral movement is created by -the spring tabs lilt engaging the adjacent side oE the opening lit. Disk:,ripap.,eiiietit of the connectors is- ac-com plished by applying a lateral Force to the. respeclive runners 16 and 17 which overcomes the action of the asso cialed spring tabs 44 and moves the connectors laterally a-par 1. When such action occurs, the straps 46 move out of the associated openings 47 and the Flanges 39 and Al 12 move clear oE the tabs 26 and 27, respectiVely. Th i s allows removal cif one or both of the connectors without permanently dist-orting the structure of either the con nectors or the openings 14. On the other hand, once the connectors are Eully inserted and locked, a substantial number of interengaging surfaces prevent separation of the connectors. The locking edges which interengage provide narrow surfaces that provide the actual locking operation. ThereEore, the term "surface" or "locking surface" is intended to include the surfaces provided by edges such As the edges of the flanges 39 and 41 and the edges of the opening 7.

FIG. 6 illusWates the operation of the prelimi nary connector system. In such figure, one connector 22 is illustrated in Eull-line section and the other connec tor, designated as connector 221, is illustrated in phan tom. The web 1.1 of the provides the open ing 11i through whic-li the two connectors 22 and 221 extend in opposite directions. Located between the connectors at the lower end oF the opening is the project-ion 27.

W1- ten the two connectors are Fully installed, the flange lil of the., connector 22 extends past the projection 27 and is shifted by the spring lili (illustrated in FIG. 5) laterally until the rearward edge, or lockinp, surface, of the Elange 41 is in alignment with the projection 27.

Similarly, rhe flange 411 of the connector 221 extends past the projection 27 and is shifted laterally by its associated spring so that the rearward edge oE the Flange 411 is also in alignment with the projection 27 and is in Fact in alignment: with an edge 40 of the flarille 41 of the connector 22. In such position, the forward ends 36 and 361 of the respective connectors 22 and 221 engage Lhe 9 1 13 v i v' adjacent faces of the web 11. to limit further inward Movement of the connectors to the, illustrated position.

If only one connector 22 is positioned at a given time within the ope'riing lit, the engagement be tween the projections 26 and 27 and the rearward edges 40 of the flanges 39 and 41, respectively, lock such connector in the opening as a First end-Ln lock. The strength of such locR, however, is not great because the projections 26 and 27 are 'relatively small and can be deformed if sufficient load is applied thereto. On the other hand, when both connectors are installed, a separating force applied to the ruliners 16 and 17 causes the end surEaces 40 oE the associated Flanges lil to engage the opposite sides of the associated projections 26 and 27. The Flanges 39 and 41 are-proportioned so that the inner edges overlap. Therefore, part of their rearward edges 40 oveclap, with the result Lhal the projection is loaded in direct compression and is not subjected to any.signiFiCant bending loads. Under such conditions, the two projections 26 and 27 operate Functionally to directly interconnect the two opposed connectors 22, and such connection is capable of withstan- ding large separating_ Forces wilhotal Failure.

Consequently, the connection provided b y the,Flanges 39 and 41 in cooperation with the projections 26 and 27 operales initially to, provide a preliminary connection which is oF relatively low tensile strength, in the order of 30 to ItO pounds, but after both connectors are installed, it supplies a strong locking connection which Functionally directly connects the two runners 16 and 17.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second locking sysleiii is provided by the interaction cif the straps 46 Ilk and associal.ead openings '0. However, Lhis_connecLiOll Functions (Jii:ecl-.Iy between the two connectors, and does not come into play until the two end connectors 22 are installed within the opening 14. Further, the B-ahape of the opening 47 provides a rearwardly extending toothlike projection 51 which projects into the lateral opening defined by Lhe strap 46 when a tension load is applied between the two connectors. This interlocking engagement of the tool.h with the opening provided by the strap live- vents the connection from separating laterally under tension loads, and incr.eases the strength of the second locking connection. A similar structure is disclosed and claimed in United States Letters Patent No. 4, 108,563, supra- The two locking systems coact in an in8talled system Lo provide very good resistance to tensile or separating forces applied between the runners 16 and 17. The -preliminary locking sysrem, because of Lhe engagement between the Flanges 39 and 41 an(] the respective projec- tions 26 and 27, provides two sets of opposed surfaces w1iich interengage to resist separating forces. Similarly, each of-the straps 46 engages the forward edge of the associared opening at two locations, so an additional four interengaging surfaces are provided by the second locking system. Consequently, the locking system combines the interengagement of six opposed pairs of surfaces. With such a locking syst.em, as illustrated in the first embodiment of this invention, the connectors are capable of withstanding a separating force in the order of at least 300 pounds without failtive.

FIG. 7 illustrates a second embodiment of this invention. - Tn such embodiment, similar reference numerals are used to designate similar parts; however, 100 is 1 1 4 il f.

is added to each such reference numeral to indicate. reEerence to Llie second ei.iiboditnenl. The second embodimeni again provides 1hroughrunners 1.10 and opposed runners 116 and 117. The cross section of the two runners is the 5 same as the first embodiment. llere again, identical con122 are mounted on the opposed runners 116 and 117, anc.1 are Ii ropoV L ioned to ex lend throullM, Ii a connec tor operitrip, Illi foiiiied in the web 11.1 of the throtipl-i-rtj.niier. The two connectors 1.22 provide two separate looking sys tems The Eirst 1 ocking system provi.ded by the flanges 139 arid 141 cooperates with projections 126. and 127, respectively, to provide a prel iminary, connection when one connector is installed withl.n the opening Illi and an increased strength connection functionally di.rect- ly conne(Aing the two connectors when two connectors ave inslalled within the opening. The shape and function of the Eir2t. locking connection provided by the flanges 139 and 141 ave identical to the corresponding locking con nection OE the first embodiment.

Here, apal.ii# a secondary locking system is pro vided, but in this instance the connector provides-a pair of opposed, lateral projections 161 and 162 which extend long i tud inal ly along an opening. 163 for slightly less than one-half the lenStl- i thereof. The projections 161 and 162 are located at the rearward end of the openings,- leaving a space at rhe Fo rward end thereof to rece.i,ve the py.,ojections 161 and 1.62 of the associated connector when such connector is installed. When the two connector.s are positioned in the opening 114 from opposite directions, the end 166 of the projections 161 and 162 of one end connector engage the edges or locking surface 167 of the oilier end connector to interlock the end connectors together. Here again, connection is provided by lateral 16 movement of the connectors within the opentne, 114 created by the spring tab litlf. This dual..connection system again provides high slrength. The first connector system provided by the flanges 1.39 and 141 again provides two pairs 5 of opposed surfaces which lock the connectors together. In addition, each of the projections 161 and 162 coacts with the adjacent edge 167, so four additional interenSaging surfaces are provided, for a total of six sets of interengaging surf-aces. 11 is recognized that tolerances of manufacture Lend to cause one pair of surfaces to engage prior to another; however, sul-ficient, deformation occurs in the system to ensur e that all of the locking surfaces inlerengage and contribute to the strength of the joint before failtire occurs.

FIGS. 8 through 11 illustrate a third embodtment of this invention. Here again, similar reference numer als are utilized to designate similar parts; however, 200 is added to each reference numeral to indicate reference to the third embodiment of FIG. 8.

This Lhird embodiment. again provides a first end-in lock which directly connects the end connectors to the a second lock system which direct ly connects between two end connectors positioned within a connector opening. This connector system, however, has additional features discussed in detail below permitting the easy removal and installation of the connector within an assembled grid where substantial longitudinal moveinent of the connector ends is restrained by the remaining grid assembly.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings, the through-runner 21.0 is again formed with a connector opening 214 providing opposed, inwardly extending projec- tions 226 and 227. The runner ends 216 and 217 are again 1 f c 17 provided with identical connectors 222 sectfeed to -the webs of the runner ends with a rivetlike structure_ A first end-in lock is provided by tabs 239-and 241, which provide rearwardly facing-surfaces 2A0 which fit behind the projections 226 and 227, respectively.

when the connectors 221 are inserted in the opening-,214.

Here again, a laterally extending spring tab 244 is pro vided to shift the flanges or tabs 239 and 242 laterally into a position behind the projections 226 and 227 after the insertion is complete. In this embodiment, a forward edge 236 is provided at the lower side of the connector to engage the side of the through-runner web 211 and limit the inward movement of the connector.

The second locksystem is provided by a lateral strap or projection 246 and an opening 247. When two connectors are installed within the opening 214 from opposit sides, the projection 246 of one connector fils behind the opening 247 of the other connector to provide a direct lock between the two connectors on each side.of the web 211 of the through-runner. llere again, locking of the two connectors is accomplished by the lateral movement produced by the spring tabs 244. The forward edge of the opening 247 provides an offset 247a which cooperates with the projection 246 to ensure a strong interlocking connection.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the manner An which a given runner can be removed from a location within a grid assembly without requiring longitudinal mov.ement of the runner end first being disconnected. Normally, the cont ponents of an intersection are in the position of FIG.

10, in which the through-runner 210 extends perpendicular to the runner ends 216 and 217. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the runner end 216 is illustrated in phantom, w.hile the run ner end 217 is illustrated in full-line so as to provide 1 18 a better distinction belween 1Tic, Lwo parts: In the normal position of FIG. 10, the web 211 of the through runner extendsvertically,with the two connectors 222 extending through the opening 214 from opposite sides thereof. In such position, the two locking systems lock the connection or intersection together.

In this embodiment, a surface 234 along the upper side of the connector has a small height, in the order of 0.02 inch. The opposed surfaces 236 and 234 of the two connectors engage oppos.ite sides of the web 211 and normally cooperate to maintain the'through-runner vertical. However, since the surface 234 is short, it is possible, as discussed in detail below, to rotate the through-runner 210 to the position of FIG. 11 when the intersection is disassembled. During such rotation, some metal tearing or deformation occurs either along the sur face 234 or the opening 214. Such tearing or deformation does not result in substantial or material damage to the parts.

In the event that it is desired to remove the connector 222 of the runner end 217 From the opening without longitudinal movement, as is required in a typi cal interior location within an assembled grid, the upper edge of the runner end 217 is first twisted or rotated about its longitudinal axis to move the rearward edge of the tab 239 out from behind the projection 226. Such action or movement is resisted only by the spring 244 and can be easily accomplished. In such condition, the rea-r ward edge of the tab 241, however, remains behind the projection 227.

Once the rearward edge of the upper tab 239 is released From behind the projection 226, the through runner 210 is rotated about its longitudinal axis to the z 1 J 19 r position of FIG. 11. This results in deformation oFthe uppbr edge of the opening or the surface 234 of.the runner 216. In effect, this structure provides an overcomeable stop which normally maintains the web of the through-runner vertical but allows rotation about its longitudinal axis.

During such rotation, the flange 212 of the through-runner 210 engages the underside of the flange 219 of the runner end 217, and causes a raising of th-e runner end 217 with a pivotlike movement with respect to the flange 212 of the through-runner 210. At the same time, a pivollike movement occurs between the throughrunner 210 and the runner end 216, in which relative rotation occurs about a location at 250 along the lower edge of the connector 222 of the runner end 216 land-the lower side of the opening 214. The forward ends of the two runne, ends 216 and 217 are set back along an upwardly inclined edge at 245 to provide clearance and the connectors are curved at 255 and recessed at 255a to allow such rotation of the through-runner.

As the rotation of the through-runner progresses from the position of FIG. 10, the connector 222 of the runner end 21T lifts with respect to the connector 222 of the runner end 216 and this causes the tabs 246 of the respective connectors to disengage from the openings 247 of the other connector. It also causes the rearward edge of the tab 211 to lift away from the projection 227. Consequently, the two connectors, when they reach the position of FIG. 11, are disconnected from each other and From the projections 226 and 227. Therefore, the connectors themselves do not prevent any relative longitudinal movement oE the runner ends 216 and 217. In the position of FIG. 11, the connector 222 of the connector end 217 is 1 lifted tip out of the opening 21A to completle the disas' sembly of such connector, as indicated by the arrow. Once the end connector at one end of the runner is clear and above the through-runner, longitudinal movement of the runner 217 is permitted to remove the connector at the other end of the runner 217. Such removal is usually accomplished in such a longitudinal manner rather than in the vertical manner, by merely compressing the spring 244 to release the various locks at the other end of the run- ner and permit withdrawal of the connector by longitudinal movement. The free.end 244a of the spring 244 is bent back inwardly, as best illustrated inFIG. 9, so that the spring does not interfere with rotation of the through-runner from the position of FIG. 11 back to the position of FIG. 10. Further, because the parts of the intersection are not damaged to any material extent, they can be reassembled by the opposite movement.

Even though the connectors provide very high strength in-a total grid system, the connectors permit relatively easy disassembly by applying a lateral force to the ends of the runners to compress the spring tabs and allow the connectors to move laterally to a disengaged position from which the connectors can be disassembled without damage to the connectors, and without the requirement of excessive forces.

In each illustrated embodiment of this invention, a suspension ceiling connector system is provided in which two separate and distinct connection systems cooperate to provide high strength and in which one con- nector system provides a first end-in connection when only one connector is installed. Further, in each embodiment, disassembly or release of the locking systems is accomplished by the simple expedient of applying a lateral force to overcome the action of the-spring tabs.

1 1 1 1 1 4 21 91 Although the preferred embodiments- of this in--vention have been shown and described, it should be understood that Various modiFications.and rearrangements OF the parts may be resorted to without departing from tile scope of- the invention as disclosed and claimed herein.

1 4 22-

Claims (9)

CLAIMS:

1. A suspension ceiling grid system comprising elongated runners each providing a central web, opposed panel supporting flanges along one edge of said web, and a bulb along the opposite side of said web, at least one of said runners providing a connector opening within its web, at least two other runners each providing a runner end including a connector projecting from the end thereof, wherein said connectors are longitudinally insertable from opposite sides into said opening in a release position, said connectors providing lateral surfaces engageable upon lateral movement of said connector in a direction aligned with the length of said through-runner from said release position to a locked position to lock said connectors within said opening, said connectors providing a spring portion operable to resiliently bias said connectors toward said locked position and permit movement to said release position when an opening lateral force is applied.

2. A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said lateral surfaces engage the remote side of said web when said connectors are in said locked position.

3. A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said spring portion is provided by a cantilever projection on said connector which engages the side of said opening when said connector is positioned therein.

4. A suspension ceiling as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said connector opening provides opposed inwardly extending projections, and said lateral surfaces engage the remote sides of said projections.

A 1 1 i 1 23-

5. A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in Claim 4, wherein said lateral surfaces of two connectors positioned within said connector opening from opposed and aligned runners on opposite sides thereof engage said projections from opposite sides and are aligned so that tension forces on said opposed runners place said projections in compression. without substantial bending forces causing said projections to provide a functionally direct connection between opposed lateral surfaces resisting said tension forces.

6. A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in Claim 5, wherein 'said connector opening is generally H-shaped.

7. A suspension ceiling system as set forth in claim 1. wherein said spring portion comprises separate spring means operable when said connectors are inserted into said opening to move said connectors laterally from said release to said locked position, said separate spring means also being operable to permit movement of said connectors back to said release position when a lateral force is applied to said runners for removal of the connectors.

8. A suspension ceiling system as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said lateral surfaces comprise rearwardly facing surfaces.

9. A suspension ceiling system, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Published 1988 at The Patent Office, State House, 6571 High Holborn, London WCIR 4TP. Further copies may be obtained from The Patent Office. Sales Branch, St Mary Cray, Orpington, Kent BR5 3RD. Printed by Multiplex techniques ltd. St Mary Cray, Kent. Con. 1/87.