GB2199602A - Suspension ceiling grid with two locking systems - Google Patents

Description

h 1 1 1 SUSPENSION CEILING SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

219960'2,' This invention relates generally to suspension ceiling grid systems, and more particularly to a novel and improved end connector system for such grids.

Prior Art

Suspension ceiling grid systems usuallyprovide grid t es or runners which interconnect at intersections to promide openings in which pan els or Fixtures are positioned. In some systems, the grid includes main runs which extend parallel to each other and perpendicular cross runs which are connected at their ends on opposite sides of the main runs. In other systems such as basket weave systems, the grid does nbt include main runs and cross runs; however, both syslems provide intersectiort connections in which a through -runner extends through the Intersection and aligned,. opposed runners connect at their ends to opposite sides of the through-runner.

Usually the through-runner provides a connector opening. and the aligned, opposed runners provide end con- nections which extend from opposite sides into thethrough-runner connector opening. Examples of such grid runners and end connectors are illustrated In United States Letters Patent Nos. 3,193,063; 3,378,976; 3, 426,496; 3,501,185; 3,503,641; and 4,108,563.

1 3 2 In some instances, the end ec)i-iiiecEfir.s conner-1 with Lhe 11,1i,otlL!1,1-rtjnrier and do not directly connect with, the associaled end conneclor of the opposed runner.

Lett.ers Patents Nos close such sysLems tor provides connec Is w i 1 neclor is open I.iip, U. 113. 3,193,063 and 3,378,976, siiprti. disIn other instances, the end connec- IWO Separale locRing systems, one of which h Ihe 1hrough-runner even when another conwithin the not present through-runnev connector (ofteri referred to as a "First end-in lock"), an(] the ol.her Toc-Ring sysLem provides a direct connection between Lhe Lwo erid connectors when both such connectors aL,e insLalled wil.hin the Hirough-runner conneclor open ing. UniLed States LeLLers Patent No. 4,108,563, supra.

discloses such a connecLion. In SUCh and connec.tors the first erid-in loc'k normally does not contribuLe signif-t cant.ly Lo the ability of the connectocs to restst sepa- rating Force6.

In most grid connector systems, the Lhrough runner: connecLor opening is Formed to position Lhe two end ConneCLC)CS Fur locRing engaileiiient, and the locking system 111self Ls deflectable to allow assembly. Such sys Lems are often very difficult to disassemble, pavticu larly From locaLionS within an assembled the periphery thereof. In such location, spacing between IWO H-1VOLIP1 h-runners, at the ends of the given runner is fixed and mainratned by the surrounding portions of the grid, so it is impossible to move a runner and its connecLor lengthwise of the runner any significant distance to di. ,.-connecL 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 damaginp, the connector, and has been very difFicult to accomplish, 1 grid spaced from 1 1 3 SUMMARY OF Till', INVENTION

There are a number of aspects to the 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 and is provided with a locR system which is engaged or disengaged by lateral movement of the connector within the connector opening. Spring fiieatis are provided to bias the connector laterally within the connector opening into the locked position. Such spring means normally mairitains Ihe connector in the locRed position while -permittin& lateral movement in the opposite direction to release the locR system and allow removal of the connector.

In accordance with another aspect of this inven- tion, the locR system provides a connector opening having opposed, inwardly extending projections, arid the connector provides re.arwardly Facing surfaces which are moved by Lhe spring weans behind the projections to lock the connector to tt,.&e through-runner even when only one connector is positioned in the openIng. This feature, which provides a firsl end--in lock, Facilitates the assembly of the grid by allowing the installation of the connector at one end of the grid runner which is secure and maintains such runner end connection while the connector at the other end is being installed. Further, it allows assem bly of grids in 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 11 (It U ec I i or i tion local S L 1 1: F a C e S i S With such a locRing system, improved locking sti.,eilgih is provided when lhe second connector is installed within a given conneclar opening.

In accordance with another important aspect of 111r01161h a connector olienif-12- SO lhal Lhe licajec ed between 1he two opposed, rearwardly facing not subjected to excessive bending forces.

the invention, a novel and improved dual lock end connector is provided. Such end connector provides a first lock syslem which connects with the 1hrough-runner when only one end connector is installed in the connector opening oE Lhe through-runner. A second and separate lock sysLejii conneels directly between the two opposed end connectous when two opposed end connectors ace installed, in the conneclor opening of the 1hrough-runner.

B01-1.1 such lock syst.ellis are enp- ,ap,ed and disen gaged by Taleral movement, and each end connector pro- vides a sprinj-, lat-t-li,all.y tjrgiii2- c c 0 a 1he (.-.otine it) s t w rd L.he locked posiLion, while allowing movement in the opposite dicecLior, C-or disassembly. There fore, the enll conneclor can be (iisasseiiiljled without difficulty while providing reliable connection within a grid system.

In accordance with anot.her aspec.1 oF this inven tion, a dual lock connector syst:erii is provided in which one lock system connects directly with a through-runner when only one end connector is installed and the same lock syslein provides a high-slrength, Functionally direct connection between two opposed end connectors when such two opposed end connectors are installed in a through runner connector opening. A separate lock system is pro vided which directly interconnects the two opposed end connectors and the two lock systems, both of which pro vide high strength, cooperate to provide, a very strong 1 4 connection between the two opposed rtintiers"contie(,.leci oil opposite sides of a through-runner.

In accordance with still another aspect of thts invention, a grid connector is provided which produces a strong, reliable connection while peviiiittinp, easy connector release and replacement so that grid runners cart be removed or J.n.,.,,t.al.le(l substantially anywhere within an assembled Brid system. Such removal and installation can be easily accomplished without damage, to the runners or the connections.

In the embodiment incorporating this asp.ect of the invention, the connectors are normally installed by lorigi-LLjdi.iia-1. movemen.l front opposite sides into a through-runner connector opening. However, within an - assembled grid, such longitudinal rnbvement in the opposite direction, for connector removal, is prevented by the surrountli.ng grid runners. This embodiment permits the tipper edil,,e oF the connector to be moved against the action of the spring to release the tipper lock and to.

permit the I]-trotipli-riinner to be twisted to a position In which the (.,oiii.tector can be removed by vertical upward moveliiellt. Consequently, a given runner within a given system can be removed without significant longittittinal movement of the con nector out of the connecLor opening, so that it is easy to remove a given runner frofit a grid system even when such grid runner is located well within tt.ie interior of the assembled grid. Reinstallat-ion or.Installation oE 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 opening of a 1hrough-runner which has been tipped or twisted front its normal position. After the connector is 1 ..

6 positioned within the connectOr opening, the throushrtinner is allowed to i,eLurn to its normal untwisted pos tion arid the installation of the connector is completed. These and other aspects of this invention are 5 illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and are more fully described in the following specification.

BRTEF DESCRTPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view, illus- traling a through-runner and opposed end connectors before assemlily of- the intersection in accordanpe with the Eirsi embodimeni of this invenLion; FIG. 2 is a side elevalion of a itirotigti-runtier, illust.raling the shape of the connector opening formed in the web thereof; FIG. 3 is a side elevation of- an inlerseclion, illtjslraLinp, one of the end connecLors in Full-line and the other iii litiatit.-oiiiline; FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary section taken along line li-If of FIG. 3, illustrating the shape of the end of one oE the connectors. In such section, only a single connector is illustrated; FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3, illustrating one oE the locking sy,31enis in [he assembled condition; 7 FIG. 6 is a. fragmentary section similar to the se.ction of FIG. 5, but LaRen along line 6-6 of FIG. 3; 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 bu-1 illustr ating a third embodiment of this inventioni FIG. 9 is a Fragmentary, centerline cross: 10 section oF the embodiment of FIG. 8; FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view of an intersection in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 8, with one connector illustrated in phantom and the other in Fullline; and FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 10 but illustraling the position the elements assume when the through-runner is rotated during disassembly, permitting removal oE a runner within an assembled grid.

DETA.11.YD 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, oppositely extending panel supporting flanges 12 along the lower edge oF the web, arid a stiffening bulb 13 along' 8 by Lhe arid 17 system throug and 17 lle Uppel., edge oF Lhe Web. 1hP3 L]Fawii"f'5!3 11103 traLe the rli[lller as a tic)nlopolleous slrtic-lijre, Ihe runners are norinally E-orined by sheet metal bent to the I.Ilu:3 trated cross-section.

The web 11 is Formed with a connector opening therein havirip, a generally 11-shape- A pair of opposed runners or Lrid lees 16 and 17 are also formed with webs 18, panel supporting flanges 19, and bulbs 21 substanLially Ihe same as Ihe runner 10. Mounted on II-Le end of each of the opposed runners 16 and 17 are identical end corineclors 22 which are supported on Ihe webs 18 of the opposed runners and project beyond the ends thereof. The end connectors 22 extend through the conneclGr opening 14 sides, and are structured, as discussed in delail below, so as to interlock with each other and with Ihe 1hrough-runner lo Form an as:3eitibl.ed joint or inter section within a suspension ceiling grid system.

IF Ihe invention is applied to a p-rid consisting oE main runs and cross runs, the niain runs are provided runner 10 and the cross runs are the runners 16 On the other hand, in a Lypical basket weave a single type of runner is structured so that the h-runner 10 receives Ihe ends of stmilar runners 16 to a),,ain provide a suspension ceiling grid system.

Each of the end connectors 22 in combination with Ihe connector opening lit is provided with two sepa rate and distinct locking systems which cooperale In assembled intersections to provide a very stronp, joint capable oF withstanding large separating Forces. Such locking systems, however, can be relatively easily disas sembled, again as discussed in detail below.

1 If 1 9 z The connecLor opening shape is bet illusLt:acet.j in FIG. 2. Such connector opening 14 is generally Ifshaped and provides opposed, inwardly exLeliding cent.ral projections 20 and 27, wh.ich respectively exCend from the upper and lower extremities of the opening 14. Such projecLions 26 and 27 Form a significant part of one of the locking systems.

S'ince- Lhe two end connectors 22 are identical in SCVUCLWre, the Following, detailed description of one applies equally to both. The end connectors are Formed of sheet metal mounted with a rivetlike sLruclure 28 on the webs 18 of the opposed runners 16 arid 17. The webs are Formed with offsets 29 within which the connectors 22 are mounted, and the offset is proportioned so that the face 31 of the connector is aligned with the center pla.ne of the web 1.8 so that when the connecLors are installed at an inLersection, the two opposed runners 16 and--17 are in alignment with each other.

The upper and lower edges of the connectors'22 are bent inw'ardly at about a 45-degree angle to provide laterally extending, opposed flanges 32 and 33 which extend to forwa-rd edges 34 and 36, respectively. Adjacent to I.he upper and lower edges of Lhe forward end of the connectors 22, the metal is deformed laterally to provide a pair of longitudinally extending recesses 37 and 38, which are spaced laterally back 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, which are Forwardly spaced From the Forward ends 34 and 36,oE the flanges 32 and 33, respectively. These Flanges provide rearwardly facing lateral surFaces 10.

Z..

I'l i e various elements are proportioned so that the forward end OF each connector is receive(] with a close Fit through Llie opening lit to one side of the pro jeclions 26 arid 27 until the ends 34 and 36 engage the surface 1j3 OF Lhe web 11 of the through-runner. Such eiigap,eitiei-il Iiinits the inward movement of the connector willi respect to the connector opening.

the rearward end of each of 1 the associated is also provided the side of the terally within t E Ihe Elanp-es 39 In such position, the Flanges 39 and 41 has extended pas projections 26 and 27. Each connector with a spring tali ill, whi(,,11 then engages opening lit and cams the cont, opening Ili so HiaL the surfaces ItO 41 fit such position, end-in loc, is web OF the Lhro connector is positioned behind and engage a the associaled connector ill Lhe opening the strength oF the between the rearward ector la h e 0 and the projections 26 and 27. In preliminary locl<ing system, orFirst provided wiLh the end connectors and the ugh-runner, which acts even when only one ill the opening Ill.

Because OF the symmetry of the opening and of the connectors, either connector call be installed initially within Lhe opening and provides a preliminary Iocking system with Lhe surEaces 110 and the projections 26 and 27 which retains even a single connector in its locRed Position. However, after one connector is installed, the opposite connector 22 can be inserted in a similar manner until its flanges 39 and 41 extend past 7 to locl( the second condition exists, connection provided by the engagement 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 it) effect connected projections 26 and 2 When such i p 1 11 directly LGE-Lether through the projections eInd the strength of the projections per se does not limit the strength of- the connection provided by the first locking sys tem.

The Eorward end of the end connector 22 which xtends through the opening Ilk is of lesser height than the remaining portions so thal the Flanges 39 and AI Fit between the flanges-32 and 33 of the other connector and the Flanges nest into the recesses 37 and 38 of such other connector. E'urther, the recesses 37 and 38' are sufficiently deep to clear the projections 26.and 27 so that, once installed, 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 conneciors 22 arid a B-shaped opening 47 rearwardly spaced from the strap 116. When the two connectors 22 ace inserted in opposite directions through the connector openings 14, tlie,strap 46 of one connector moves to a position extending into the opening 47 of the oilier con nector so that each strap 46 of each connector extends laterally inia an associated opening 47 in the oilier con nector to provide a second locking syslem.

lie-ce agairi, the engagemeni of the locking system is accomplished by lateral movement aE the connectors within the opening, and such lateral movement is created by.the spring labs lili engaging the adjacent side of the opening.14. Disengagement of the connectors is accom plished by applying a lateral force to the respective runners. 16 and 17 which overcomes the action of the asso ciated spring tabs 44 and moves the connectors laterally apart. When such action occurs, the straps A6 move out of the associated openings 117 and the flanges 39 and 41 12 move clear of the tabs 26 and 27, respectiyely. This allows removal of one or both of the connectors without pecmanenLly distlorLing the structure of either the con nectors or the openings Ili. On the other hand, once Lhe connectors are fully inserted and locked, a substantial number of interengaging surfaces prevent separation of the connecLors. The locking edges which interengage provide narrow surfaces that provide the actual locking operation. TheceEore, the term "surface" or "locking surfacell 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 47.

FIG. 6 illustrates the operation of the prelimi nary connector system. In such Figure, one connector 22 is illustrated in Full-line section and the other connec tor, designated as connector 221, is illustrated in phan tolli. The web 1.1 of the through-cunner provides the open Ing Izi LhUOLIgh Which the two connectors 22 and 22 1 extend in opposite direcLions. Located between the connectors at the lower end of the opening is the projection 27.

When the two connectors are NIly installed, the Flange zil of Lhe connector 22 exLends past the projecLion 27 and is shifted by Cite spring lili (illusLraLed in FIG. 5) laterally unLil the rearward edge, or locking SUrface, of the Elange Ill is in alignment with the projection 27.

Similarly, the flange 'ill of the connector 221 extends past the pcojecLion 27 and is shifted laterally by its associaLed spring so that the rearward edge of the flange 411 is also in alignment with the projection 27 and is in Fact in alignment with an edge 40 of the flange 41 of the connector 22. In such position, the Forward ends 36 and 361 of the respective connecLors 22 and 221 engage the 13 adjacent Faces of the web 11. to linRit Further inward movement of the connectors to the, illustrated position.

If only one connector 22 is positioned at a given time within the opening Ili, the engagement between the projections 26 and 27 and the rearward edges 40 of the flanges 39 and 41, respectively, locl( such connector in the opening as a first end-in lock. The strength of such lock, however, is not great because the projections 26 and 27 are relatively small and can be deformed tE swHicient load is applied thereto. On the other hand, when both connectors are installed, a separating force applied to the runners 16 and 17 causes the end surFaces 40 of the associated flanges 41 to engage the opposite sides of the associated projections 26 and 27. The Elanges 39 and 41 are proportioned so that the inner edges overlap. Therefore, part of their rearward edges 40 overlap, with Lhe result that the projection As loaded in direct compression and is not subjected to any-significanL bending loads. Under such conditions, the two projections 26 and 27 operate Functionally to directly interconnect Lhe two opposed connectors 22, and such connecLion is capable of withstanding large separating forces without failure.

Consequently, the connection provided by the Elanges 39 and 41 in cooperation with the projections 26 and 27 operaLes init.ially to provide a preliminary connecLion which is of relatively low tensile strength, in the order of 30 to 40 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 locRing system is provided by the interaction oE the straps 46 A 111 a n d ass ocia 1:o d c) I) eni nf.,,s '17. However, Lhis.connecLiork FuncLiOnS directly bel.'weell tile two connectors, and does not come inLL) play unt.il the two end connectors 22 are installed within the opening 14. Further, the B-shape of [tie opening 47 provides a rearwardly extending toothlike projection 51 which projects into the lateral opening defined by Lhe strap l16 when a tension load is applied between thL, two connectors. This interlocking engagement of the tooth with the opening provided by the strap live- vents the connection From separating laterally under tension loads, and increases the strength of the second locRing 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 inAtalled good resistance to tensile or system lo provide very separaling Fouces applied between the runners 16 and 17. The preliminary locking system, because of the eng-agement between rhe Flanp- the respective projec- ,es 39 and l and Licins 26 and 27, provides two sets which inlerenLage La resist separa A of opposed surfaces ling forces. Similarly, each of the straps 46 engages the forward edge of the assGcial(cl opening at two locations, so an additional Eour inlevengaging surfaces are provided by the second locking system. Consequently, the locking system contbines 1he inlerengagement of six opposed pairs of surfaces. With such a locking syslem, as illustrated in the first embodiment of this invention, 1he connectors ace capable oF withstanding a separating Force in the order 30 of at least 300 pounds without failure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a second embodiment oF this inventicii. In such embodiment, similar reference numerals are used to designate similar parts; however, 100 is is r 1 added to each isnich reference numeral to indicate reference to the second-eriffiodiment. The second embodtmenL again provides 1-hrough- runners 1.10 and opposed rUnnecs 116 and 117. The cross section of the two runners is the 5 same as the I-Irst embodiment. Here again, idenLical con- nec Loi's 1.22 are mounted on the opposed miriners 116 and 117, and are proportioned to extend through a connector opening Il'i Formed in the web 11.1 of the through-runner.

The two connec-Lors 122 provide two separate locking Sys tems. The first locking system provided by the flanges 139 arid 141 cooperates with projections 126 and 127, respectively, to provide a preliminary connection when one connector is installed within the opening 114 and an increased strength connection functionally direct ly connecting the two connectors when two connectors are installed wirhin Lhe opening. The shape and Function Of the I-Irst. locki-ng connec-tion provided by the flanges 139 and Vil ace identical to the corresponding locking con nection of the First embodiment.

Here apz ,ain, a secondary locking system is provided, but in -this instance the connector provides a pair of opposed, lateral projections 161 and 162 which extend longitudinally along an opening. 163 for slightly less than one-half the length thereof. The projections 161 and 162 are located at the rearward end of the openings, leaving a space at the Forward end thereof to receive the projections 161 and 162 of the associated conriectov when such connector is installed. When the two connectors 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 surEace 167 oF the other end connector to interlock the end connectors together. Here again, connection is provided by lateral movement oF Lhe connect.ors within Lilt3, Cjr)(3311ng 114 created by Lhe spring Lab litli. This dual connection sysLem again provides high sLrength. The first connector sysLem provided by Lhe Flanges 1.39 and 141 again provides two pairs 5 of opposed:mcEaces which lock the connectors together. In addiLion, each of the projecLions 161 and 162 coacLs, wiLh the adjacenL edge 167, so Four additional interengaging surfaces are provided, for a total of six sets of interengaging sucEaces. It is recognized that tolerances oE manwEacLure Lend to cause one pair of surfaces to engage prior Lo another; however, suHicienL deformatiori occurs in the sysLem to ensure that all of the locking surEaces inLecengage and contribute to the srrength of the joinL before Failure occurs.

F-'IGS. 8 through 11 illustrate a third embodiment oF Lhis invenLicin. Here again, similar reference numerals are uLi.lized to designate similar parts; however, 200 is added to each reFerence numeral to indicate reference to the i.hird embodiment of FIG. 8.

This Lhird embodiment again provides a first end-in lock which direcLly connecLs Lhe end connectors to Lhe Lhrough-runner and a second lock system which directly connecLs beLween two end connectors positioned within a connecLor opening. This connector system, however, has additional features discussed in detail below permitting the easy removal and installation of the connector within ail assembled grid where substantial longitudinal movement of the connector ends is restrained by the remaining grid assembly.

ReFerring now to FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings, the through-runner 210 is again formed with a connector opening 214 providing oppose(], inwardly extending projec- tions 226 and 227.The runner ends 216 and 217 are again A k 17 provided with identical connectors 222 sectired 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 240 which__ fit behind the projections 226 and 227, respectively, when the connectors 222 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 lock system is provided by a lateral strap or projection 21[6 and an opening 247. Whe n two connectors are installed within the opening 214 from opposite 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. Here 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 in which a given runner can be removed from a location within a grid assembly without requiring longitudinal movement 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 ls illustrated in phantom, while the run ner end 217 is illustrated in full-line so as to provide X 18 a better distinction belwL,(-,ii [ho Lwo parts: In the normalposition of FIG. 10, the web 211 of the throughrunner extends vertically, 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 opposite 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 r otate 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 2114 and can be easily accomplished. In such condition, the rear 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 19 W 0 position of FIG. 1.1. This results in deformation of the upp ' er edge of the opening or the surface 234 of the run ner 216. In effect, this structure provides an overcome able stop which normally maintains the web of the through-runner vertical but allows rotation about its iongitudinal 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 the runner end 217 with a pivotlike movement with respect to the flange 212 of the through-runner 210. At the same time, a pivotlike movement occurs between the through runner 210 and tbe 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 and the lower side of the opening 21-4. The forward ends of- the two runner ends 216 and 217 are set back along an upward ly inclined edge at 245 to provide clearance and the con nectors 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 217 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 2l to lift away-from the projection 227.

Consequently, the two connectors, when they reach t.he position of FIG. 11, are disconnected from each other and from the projections 226 and 227. Therefore, the connec tors themselves do not prevent any relative longitudinal movement of the runner ends 216 and 217. In the position of FIG. 11, the connector 222 of the connector end 217 is k A lifted tip out of the opening 21ti to coinplelle 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 rattier 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 longitudi nal 111ovellient. The Free end 244a of the spring 244 is bent back inwardly, as best illustrated in FIG. 9, so that Che 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 disen gaged position Erom which the connectors can be disassem bled without damage to the connectors, and without the requirement of excessive forces.

In each illustrated embodiment of this inven tion, 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 et-iibodiiiieiii, 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 21 Although the preferred embodiments- of this - invention have been shown and described, it should be understood that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention as disclosed and claimed erein.

22-

Claims (9)

CLAIMS:

1. A suspension ceiling grid system comprising elongated through-runners and opposed runner ends adapted to be interconnected in a grid, said through-runners providing a connector opening, and said runner ends providing end connectors proportioned to be positioned within said connector openings from opposite sides thereof by longitudinal movement to provide a grid intersection, wherein said end connectors provide first locking means for locking said end connectors to said through-runner and second locking means for locking two end connectors together within a connector opening, said connector opening and each of said end connectors being structured so that when said connectors are fully installed within said opening each connector is movable in the direction of the length of said through-runner, each locking means being engaged by movement in a first direction aligned with-the length of said through-runner and released by movement in a second direction opposite said first direction, and releasable means normally preventing relative movement in said second direction to maintain said locking means locked.

2. A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said releasable means are provided by springs which bias said end connectors in said first direction.

3. A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in Claim 2, wherein said springs are provided by lateral tabs on said end connectors which engage the sides of said connector opening.

t 23- '

4. A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second locking means include on each end connector a laterally extending edge surface and an opening providing a locking edge, each laterally extending edge surface of each end connector engaging said locking edge of the other end connector when said end connectors interlock and operate to resist said tension force.

5. A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in Claim 4, wherein each end connector provides at least six lateral surfaces which interengage associated surfaces to resist said tension forces.

6. A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in Claim 4, wherein said laterally extending edge surface is provided by a curved portion which defines a laterally extending opening, and said locking edge provides a locking projection extending into the associated opening,when tension forces are applied to said end connectors and which prevents lateral separation of said end connectors while tension forces are applied thereto.

7. A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in Claim 4, wherein said laterally extending edge surface is provided by longitudinally extending lateral projections.

8. A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said runner ends are provided by opposed runners connected through said connector opening to provide perpendicular runs and to cooperate with through-runners to define panel openings, said releasable means comprising spring means operable to bias said end connectors within said end connector opening in 4 24- said first direction for locking and permitting movement in said opposite direction for release.

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

Published 1998 at The Patent Office. State House. 6671 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.