Abstract: A stab-in connector that locks with an opposing identical connector, through a slot in the main beam of a suspended ceiling grid. The connector has a straight locking latch that is cantilevered from a bend at a base of the connector. The bend is in the form of an arc. The bend forms a pivot for the latch. Contact between the cantilevered straight locking latch and the side of the slot is delayed as the connector is being stabbed into the slot. During the delay, the connectors are positioned within the slot, and relative to each other, so that substantially less force is needed than the force that was necessary to engage prior art stab-in connectors into locking position.

Abstract: In a suspended ceiling for earthquake prone locations, a line of seismic main beam connections of the invention between main beams separates the ceiling into segments that move independently of each other during a quake, to limit a build-up in ceiling momentum. A slotted fishplate in the connection is set to keep the beam ends stable about a gap before a quake, and slidably connected about the gap during a quake.

Abstract: An electrified ceiling framework system having a plurality of grid elements forming a grid network arranged in a substantially planar arrangement. A conductive material is disposed on a surface of at least one of the plurality of grid elements. The conductive material is electrically connected to a low voltage power source and has a contact surface connectable to a low voltage device.

Abstract: A power and signal distribution system for the building interior and a method for operating a power and signal distribution system for the building interior are provided. The system includes a plurality of conductors adjacent to at least one surface of a plurality of support members forming a grid. The system further includes at least one shunt switch in communication with at least two conductors, the shunt switch being configurable to selectively conduct power or signals between the at least two conductors.

Abstract: A ceiling system having a primary grid network which includes a plurality of grid members that are in generally perpendicular relation and form points of intersection. The ceiling system includes one or more joint clips, each of which is attached to the grid network at a point of intersection. Each joint clip partitions the primary grid network into smaller networks, which move independently of one another. At the same time, the appearance of an overall primary grid network is preserved.

Abstract: A straight rollformed beam made for use in a suspended horizontal drywall ceiling is modified so that it can be used in a drywall ceiling underhang known as a drywall ceiling soffit. The beam is made with repetitive configurations along the length of the beam that are selectively cut, in the field, so that the beam can be bent to, and then fixed at, a desired angle. Drywall panels are secured to a plurality of such beams that form a framework for the soffit.

Abstract: A ceiling system including a grid framework having a plurality of grid elements arranged in a substantially horizontal plane. A conductive material is embedded in one of the plurality of grid elements. The grid element in which the conductive material is embedded includes at least one slot such that portions of the conductive material are exposed. A tap is attached to the grid element so that it is in alignment with the slot, and, in turn, with the conductive material. The tap includes a housing, a conductor engaging means and a tap conductor. The conductor engaging means forms a connection with the conductive material embedded in the grid element and the tap conductor.

Abstract: A V-shaped indent is formed in a stab-in connector for a suspended ceiling grid. The indent forms a vertical bend line. In a fire, the connector bends along the vertical bend line to permit a cross beam in the grid to expand while keeping the grid intact, and thus capable of continuing to support the panels.

Abstract: Joint clips of the invention are used in grids for suspended ceilings, at selected intersections, to create separate areas of ceiling that move independently of one another during an earthquake, to prevent a buildup of momentum in the entire ceiling. In one embodiment disclosed herein, the clips extend laterally of a selected main beam, and are formed of a pair of loosely connected identical segments that are slidably secured to a selected main beam by a cut-out in the segments. The clip extends laterally across a selected main beam and slidably receives the end of a cross beam in a pocket of the clip that extends laterally on each side of the selected main beam.

Abstract: A horizontally extending suspended ceiling segment that appears to float in space. Support hangers in an upper tier connect to a grid that forms a lower tier, and cantilever the outward ends of the beams in the lower tier. A perimeter trim strip surrounds the suspended ceiling segment, on the outward ends of the beams in the grid. The support hangers, and hanger wires that support the suspended ceiling segment, are hidden behind the line of sight of a viewer positioned below the segment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a right-angle connection in the grid of a suspended ceiling, between inverted T-beams having a vertical web extending between a bulb at the top and flanges at the bottom. A connector on the end of a cross beam hooks into a slot in the web of a main beam. The connector has a plastic encasement that forms abutments about a metallic core. The abutments position the connector within the slot in the web, and prevent further entry of the connector into the slot, under normal conditions. The plastic abutments melt away during a fire, so that the beam can expand longitudinally into the slot to relieve stresses in the beam, without the beam buckling. Ridges on the bottom of the metallic core that engage the web at the bottom of the slot, prevent pullback of the connector from the slot, during a fire, to prevent the ceiling from sagging or drooping.

Abstract: A perimeter clip attached to a wall molding that supports a beam in a suspended ceiling intended to survive seismic disturbances. The clip is capable, during an earthquake, of permitting an end of a beam at one end of a connected line of beams, in a grid, to slide while being supported in the clip, or, in the alternative, to secure an end of a beam to the wall molding.

Abstract: A wall molding for a panel suspended ceiling having a vertical leg that is attached to a wall, and a horizontal ledge that supports a beam extending outwardly from the wall, with the ledge having a pair of tabs and a ratchet tooth lanced from the ledge at regular intervals along the ledge that position and secure the beam end to the ledge. A cap extends over the bottom side of the ledge to hide the lanced tabs when viewed from below.

Abstract: A wall molding for a drywall ceiling grid having a vertical leg that is attached to a wall, and a horizontal ledge that supports a beam extending outwardly from the wall, with the ledge having a pair of tabs and a ratchet tooth at regular intervals along the ledge that position and secure the beam end to the ledge.

Abstract: A clip to hold panels in place in grid openings in a suspended ceiling. The clip is integrally formed and includes relatively flexible hinges that bias relatively rigid sections against the panels.

Abstract: A splice plate for a faceted curved beam formed in the field from a straight beam. The splice plate can be used to fix the bends of either a convex or a concave curved beam used in the grid of a curved suspended drywall ceiling so that the cross beams in the grid are positioned in contact with the curved drywall board of the ceiling.

Abstract: In a ceiling grid for a suspended ceiling having 2 ft.×2 ft. openings that support panels, a connection in the grid between a main beam and 4 ft. cross beam is made tighter than a connection in the grid between a 2 ft. cross beam and a 4 ft. cross beam. Both connections use the same connector, but with a different stop position on the connector.

Abstract: A straight roll formed beam for a curved suspended ceiling capable of being formed into a curve at the job site. The straight beam has cutouts that leave a segment of the bulb of the beam in place to give the straight beam rigidity after it is roll formed from metal strip. In the field, the bulb segment at a cutout is cut to permit the beam to be bent into a faceted curve. The bend at the cutout is fixed by a splice plate.

Abstract: A beam for a grid in a ceiling that has drywall affixed to the grid by self-tapping screws. The beam has a hem rolled downwardly and inwardly along the edge of both flanges of the beam. The hem prevents the flange from bending upward and sliding off the screw tip. The screw tip enters one of many indentations in the flange and is captured. The captured screw tip penetrates the flange and secures the drywall to the beam. The beam does not have a face cap over the flanges.

Abstract: A beam for a suspended ceiling in a clean room has soft plastic flaps on top of the flanges. The flaps form a seal when a ceiling panel is supported on the beam. The flaps, formed continuously as the beam emerges from a roll forming operation, are integral with a plastic coating on the metal beam core.