Slat Orifice Encompasses Slat Patents (Class 52/667)
  • Patent number: 5390456
    Abstract: A grid beam of inverted T cross section for a suspended ceiling is made from a first strip of metal. A second strip is secured to the bottom of the flange of the beam between flats on the first strip, so that a three-dimensional effect from essentially flat elements results. The second strip can be of a different color as well as a different material or texture than the first strip, so that additionally a color contrast, as well as a material or surface contrast, can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: National Rolling Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Platt, Thomas E. Rose
  • Patent number: 5363622
    Abstract: A suspended grid system to support screw applied drywall ceilings. The system includes parallel rows of main runners suspended from the structural ceiling. Cross channel members are attached in parallel rows at right angles to the main runners. Drywall is screw attached to the lower surface of the cross channel members. Connectors are formed on the ends of the cross channel members which engage and lock to the main runners. Each such connector uses two upper latches and two lower tongue shaped stop shoulders. The lower stop shoulders will collapse in a controlled manner to relieve excessive compression as would be created from thermal expansion. The main runner will also provide a means for relieving thermal expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gale E. Sauer
  • Patent number: 5327695
    Abstract: A first structural frame member (11) has two tabs (15) projecting from one end and may be secured to a second structural frame member (21) having two slots (25) piercing it intermediate its ends by insertion of the tabs through the respective slots N"Z and subsequent deformation of the tabs to prevent their withdrawal from the slots. Each tab tapers from a tab base (15A) to a tab tip (15B) which is narrower than the tab base, and each slot is defined by two opposed, short, end faces (26) and two opposed, elongate "Z side faces, said side faces comprising opposed center parts (27), each at least as long as the width of the tab tip, and opposed flanking parts (28) on either side of the center parts extending from the center parts to the respective end faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: John Lysaght (Australia) Limited
    Inventor: Michael H. Kelly
  • Patent number: 5274973
    Abstract: A stud spacer and mounting system is provided which consists of a plurality of studs, an elongated track member is positioned upon a flat horizontal surface, whereby the track member will substitute for a bottom sole plate. A structure is on the track member, for positioning and retaining the studs vertically in stationary spaced apart locations therealong, so that sheet rock boards can be secured flush to the studs when a wall is being constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventor: Steve S. T. Liang
  • Patent number: 5271202
    Abstract: A staked-on connector element for an end of a cross member includes first and second abutment surfaces on opposite sides of a third abutment surface which engages a web of a main member as the connecting element extends therethrough. The connecting element further includes one or more embossments to increase the stiffness of the element and, preferably, has mounting apertures lying on a line forming an angle of approximately 55.degree. with the center line of the connecting element with the at least one embossment extending therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Chicago Metallic Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald W. Vukmanic, John S. Borucki, Chester A. Stanley
  • Patent number: 5243804
    Abstract: A grating-like floor comprises a plurality of slats each having a flat upper surface and a longitudinally extending substantially perpendicular bottom projection. The bottom projection may be barbed and have grooves provided in the projection of the plurality of slats where they intersect in a transverse fashion, such that a series of upright slats plug into at least two slats turned upside down in order to form the floor. Except for the grooves, the same slat is used for forming the floor surface and for forming a base of the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignees: Jean-Francois Clement, Francois Briere
    Inventors: Martial Therrien, Rejean Rheaume
  • Patent number: 5241798
    Abstract: A grid beam of inverted T cross section for a suspended ceiling is made from a first strip of metal. A second strip is secured in the bottom of the flange of the beam by flats from the first strip, so that a three-dimensional effect from essentially flat elements results. The second strip can be of a different color as well as a different material or texture than the first strip, so that additionally a color contrast, as well as a material or surface contrast, can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: National Rolling Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Platt, Thomas E. Rose
  • Patent number: 5216865
    Abstract: An end connector structure for suspension ceiling grid systems provides a connector to connector lock on each side of the web of a through runner. The lock includes a lateral tear drop shaped protrusion providing a rearwardly facing exposed edge in combination with a lateral strap on an associated identical connector which also provides a rearwardly facing exposed edge. When tensile stresses are applied between the two connectors, the connector to connector lock is subjected to forces causing the associated rearwardly facing edges to engage and resist connector separation. The protrusion joins the adjacent portion of the connector material with bends having relatively large radius of curvature to reduce the weakening of the structure of the protrusion resulting from notch sensitivity. These large radius of curvatures result in substantially improved ultimate strength in the connector to connector lock when compared with protrusions formed with relatively sharp bends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. LaLonde, James J. Lehane
  • Patent number: 5172535
    Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic grid comprises at least one truss beam having a pair of parallel fiber reinforced plastic chord members and a series of fiber reinforced shear members thatg are arranged between the chord members, wherein at least at one node between a shear member and chord member the fibrous reinforcement of the shear member passes into the chord member so that this shear member and at least a section of a chord member can be made of a continuous string of fiber reinforced plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Jacobus J. M. Jongh, Michael H. Collins
  • Patent number: 5155962
    Abstract: A ceiling runner comprised of an elongated generally U-shaped channel member having longitudinally spaced openings in its web, each with one end portion shaped and sized to confine a transversely arranged upright C-stud therein. The remainder of the opening is of such size and shape as to permit the C-stud to be initially inserted therethrough with the web of its cross-section extending longitudinally of the web of the channel member and to be thereafter twisted about its longitudinal axis to a relatively transverse position to snap into place within said end portion, the web of the channel member having a retaining tab at one side and a detent and camming surface at the opposite side of the opening to cause the C-stud to flex sufficiently to snap into said end portion and to retain the C-stud within said end portion once it has snapped into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignees: Lowell E. Burkstrand, George W. Burkstrand
    Inventors: Lowell E. Burkstrand, George W. Burkstrand, Theodore S. Haines
  • Patent number: 5154031
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling support system is formed of a grid having main runners (12) interconnected by cross runners (16) extending at right angles to the main runners and abutting the main runners at runner intersections. The cross runners are firmly and fixedly interconnected to one another and to the interposed main runner by means of a single connector clip (20) of uniform height throughout its length. The connector clip has end plates (120,124) that connect to opposite sides of the webs (34,144) of respective cross runners and an integral angulated intermediate section (140) extending through a vertical slot (110) in the main runner web (106). The cross runners are formed with opposing channels (40,52,42,54) that slidably receive upper and lower edges of the connector clip and each cross runner web has a hole (99) to receive a locking tongue (126,128) on the clip. Thus a single connector clip firmly and fixedly connects ends of two cross runners to each other and to the interposed main runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Schilling Components, Incorporated
    Inventor: Glen Wall
  • Patent number: 5150885
    Abstract: An improved picket fence is disclosed, comprising a plurality of vertical pickets, each extending through an aperture in an upper rail and a corresponding aperture in a lower rail, the rails being provided with a frictional abutment, into which the pickets are rotated, enabling frictional abutment of the rails with the pickets in such a way as to resist further movement of the pickets relative to the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Inventor: Nicola Leone
  • Patent number: 5137390
    Abstract: A connector member for connection to a T-bar is in the form of a plate with a lug extending from one side. The T-bar has an aperture which snugly receives the lug when the plate is applied on the side of a web of the T-bar. The lug extends through the aperture and defines an opening with the side of the web opposite the side on which the plate is applied. The opening faces longitudinally of the T-bar. A keeper member is slidable longitudinally from a locking position in the opening in which it resists lateral withdrawal of the lug from the aperture to an unlocking position in which the keeper member disengages the lug and allows the plate to be separated from the T-bar web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: E.H. Price Limited
    Inventor: Karl H. Felsen
  • Patent number: 5088261
    Abstract: A horizontally curved grid tee for suspension ceilings is bent in the direction parallel to the plane of the flanges of the grid tee. Such grid tee is provided with end connectors and openings so that the grid tee can be assembled in a suspension ceiling grid combining curved grid tees and/or straight grid tees to produce aesthetically pleasing patterns. When panels are installed in the openings defined by the curved grid tees, appropriate mating curves are formed in the panels so that the panels are supported at their periphery. A method and apparatus for producing such grid tees involves curved tooling which cooperates to confine a straight grid tee as it is bent to the curved shape. The tooling provides grooves into which the flanges project during the bending operation. Such grooves are constructed and dimensioned so that the inner portion of the flange which is subjected to compressive stresses is not buckled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Mieyal, James A. Fletterick
  • Patent number: 5077953
    Abstract: A structural spacer adapted to bridge between two stringers each comprising a web pierced by a pair of slots of predetermined size comprises a steel channel-sectioned body (10) with pressed metal end fittings (11,19) at each end. One end fitting (19) includes two projecting, relatively small hooks (24) with arcuate outer surfaces (25), adapted to respectively engage an edge of the slots. The other end fitting has two relatively larger hooks (14) with arcuate inner surfaces (15) adapted to enter the respective slots and engage over the small hooks of a second spacer engaged therewith. The depths of the large hooks progressively increase from a minimum at their tips, so that when the spacer is swung into the operative position, but not before, the two hooks extending through each slot substantially fill it. An abutment (18) on the end fitting with the larger hooks determines the extent to which the spacer may be swung as aforesaid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: John Lysaght (Australia) Limited
    Inventor: Campbell J. Seccombe
  • Patent number: 5044138
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling structure adapted for unopposed intersections wherein the webs of the main grid runners adjacent the cross runner slots are provided with embossments which strengthen the web and contain the cross runner end connector against withdrawal. It is preferred that the embossments are placed at each side of the cross runner slots. The cross runner end connectors have tabs bent laterally from the longitudinal axis of the cross runners with the rearward edge of the tab bearing against the face of the main runner web, whereby upon the application of a pull out force, the tab edge bends outwardly until it presses against the ends of the embossments. This unopposed intersection structure is commonly referred to in the art as an "ashlar" condition or configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Zaccardelli, Gerald L. Koski
  • Patent number: 4989387
    Abstract: Main runner members and cross members having an inverted T-shaped configuration characterized by an outer edge of the flanges being bent upwardly at an angle to form a bevelled edge to give the flanges an appearance of being substantially thicker than the material used to form the flange. The cross members include a connecting element, preferably formed as a separate element, having spacer bumps, and a U-shaped tab extending from one surface, the U-shaped tab forming a first abutment and a portion of the element is cut and deformed out of the plane of the element on an opposite surface to form a second abutment surface to coact with the first abutment surface of an adjacent connecting element to hold the two aligned cross members in a slot of a main runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Chicago Metallic Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald W. Vukmanic, John S. Borucki, Chester A. Stanley, James J. Dunn
  • Patent number: 4928471
    Abstract: An improved grating construction of the type intended for closing or flooring an opening. The construction preferably is formed of aluminum and includes a plurality of spaced, parallel, elongated bearing bars and a plurality of spaced, parallel, elongated, transversely extending crossbars. Each bearing bar has a generally flat, rectangular shape and has a plurality of spaced cutouts formed along a top longitudinal edge thereof. Each cutout comprises an upper rectangular-shaped portion and an outwardly flared lower portion. Each crossbar has a rectangular-shaped top portion and an outwardly flared lower portion, which portions are complementary in shape and size to the upper and lower portions of the bearing bar cutouts. The crossbars are slideably received within a plurality of transversely aligned bearing bar cutouts. The crossbars are deformed or swaged at locations adjacent to and on opposite sides of the cutouts engaged by the crossbars to lock the crossbars in the bearing bars to form the grating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Ohio Gratings, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Bartley
  • Patent number: 4912894
    Abstract: A fire-resistant suspended ceiling grid structure having cross tees interlocked to main beams, to support ceiling tiles. The structure has shear means to permit a cross tee to expand into a main beam during a fire. The interlock includes tongues held in an abutting relationship by open belt loops. The tongues slide to permit the cross tees to expand longitudinally during a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: National Rolling Mills, Inc.
    Inventor: William Platt
  • Patent number: 4903444
    Abstract: A floor grating assembly is disclosed, which comprises tread rails arranged in closely spaced parallel relation and held by spacer bars. The spacer bars, which are notched, are inserted in alignment openings of preferably triangular shape in the tread rails. After insertion, the spacer bars are rotationally reoriented to a position securing the tread rails in spaced apart relation. Flange means extending along the lower edges of the spacer bars are locally deformable into locking notches formed in the alignment openings. The spacer bars are thus locked against rotation out of their operative positions. Manufacturing economies and structural improvements are realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Inventor: Fred P. Berndt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4866900
    Abstract: A grid system for suspending a ceiling formed of drywall includes main runners which are interconnected by splice connections having an arrangement for controlling bending to relieve thermal expansion and has cross members formed of channels which are connected to the main runner by a connection having an arrangement for relieving thermal expansion. The splice connection includes a portion of the bead of the main runner being removed to provide bending lines spaced inward from the edge of the web so that bending will occur at two spaced positions at the splice connection to relieve thermal expansion caused by a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Chicago Metallic Corporation
    Inventor: James J. Dunn
  • Patent number: 4860510
    Abstract: A modular tile for interlocking with other similar tiles to form a surface covering which provides a cushioned surface suitable for use in an outdoor playground environment which allows water to substantially flow thereunder for purposes of draining free from the tile. The tile includes a flat support grid having a top and bottom surface and including a repeating pattern of inersection cross members which are integrally formed with interstitial openings therebetween. A plurality of support legs are attached at the bottom surface of the support gird to raise the grid above the supporting surface of concrete or other material. Means are provided around the perimeter of the support grid to allow attachment of additional grids in an interlocking manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Duragrid, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Kotler
  • Patent number: 4840005
    Abstract: Purlin bridging for building frames has bridging members, each with a web-tempered channel provided with hooks at one end and lugs at the other end. The lugs extend perpendicularly to the web for engagement in the holes in the purlins and are locked therein by the hooks of the next succeeding bridging member. The lugs may be provided with slots to receive and engage the hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Australian Building Industries Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald Cochrane
  • Patent number: 4827681
    Abstract: A fire-resistant suspended ceiling grid structure having cross tees and main beams, to support ceiling tiles. The structure has shear means to permit a cross tee to expand into a main beam during a fire. The shear means have a notch behind a transverse tab formed in the cross tee which acts as a stop against the main beam in normal conditions, and shears or bends during a fire to permit the cross tee to expand into the main beam and still hold the tile in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: National Rolling Mills, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Platt
  • Patent number: 4785603
    Abstract: In a suspended ceiling grid structure adapted to support ceiling tiles or the like, connecting apparatus between ceiling grid inverted T main and cross members disposed at right angles to each other and having upright central fins and bottom horizontal flanges comprise a tongue extending from each end of the cross members, a locking tab formed in the tongue of the cross members that is V-shaped in cross section and contacts the web of the main member when a cross member has been inserted through a slot in the main member, an opening in the tongue of the cross member that allows the locking tab to flex back when the cross member is inserted through a slot in the main member, a fingernail and fingernail interlocking pocket formed in each end of the cross member to interlock oppositely disposed cross members together and an interlock release pocket formed in the bottom of the fingernail interlocking pocket to disengage interlocked cross members without damage to either cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: National Rolling Mills Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Platt
  • Patent number: 4779394
    Abstract: A suspension ceiling grid system having grid runners connected at intersections including a through-runner and opposed runner ends connected together and to the through-runner on opposite sides of the through-runner. Each runner end is provided with an end connector which extends through an opening in the web of the through-runner. Each connector is provided with a first-end-in-lock which connects the connector to the through-runner itself and a dual connector-to-connector lock which interconnects the two connectors at the intersection. The first-end-in-lock provides opposed lateral projections which engage the remote side of the web of the through-runner beyond the ends of the opening therein. The connectors may be disassembled from an intersection without the need for tools and without damage to either the connector or the through-runner opening. Further, an intersection can be disassembled and subsequently reassembled in a trapped module condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Donn, Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard Shirey, Gerald L. Koski, Jonathan P. Teli, David F. Mieyal
  • Patent number: 4727704
    Abstract: An interlock grate structure is provided which includes longitudinal load bearing span bars having lateral locating holes spaced therealong for receiving transverse tie bars, the transverse tie bars having axial locking means which engage the longitudinal span bars at the point of juncture to prevent axial displacement of the tie bar relative to the span bar. A longitudinal lock rod serves to interlock the position of the transverse tie bar locking means with respect to the longitudinal span bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Fibergrate Corporation
    Inventor: Donald G. Carlton
  • Patent number: 4715153
    Abstract: An improved panel mounting building wall construction is disclosed for use in curtain walls, store fronts and the like. The heart of the building wall construction comprises a J-shaped structural frame member adapted for universal use as a head member, side jamb member, a sill member, vertical mullion and horizontal transom member. The J-shaped frame member comprises a flat intermediate plate member, a head on one side of the plate members having portions thereof laterally extending outwardly in opposite directions from the plate member, and a foot member on the opposite side of the plate member laterally extending therefrom. The frame member further has a pair of opposed elongate lips on the plate member, one of the lips laterally extending from one side of the plate member and the other of the lips laterally extending from the opposite side of the plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: Schlegel Corporation
    Inventor: Henry Rohrman
  • Patent number: 4679375
    Abstract: A narrow-faced suspension ceiling grid system is disclosed which includes grid tees providing central webs and relatively narrow, oppositely extending flanges in combination with panel centering means. The narrow flanges provide improved aesthetics and reduce the material required to form the grid tees when compared to conventional wide-faced grid tees. The panel supporting flanges are sufficiently narrow that if the grid were used with conventional panels having a conventional amount of clearance, they would not reliably support the panels in the grid. However, when the centering means are provided to center the panels within the panel receiving openings, reliable support is provided for the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Donn Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard Shirey
  • Patent number: 4677802
    Abstract: A runner and a ceiling system utilizing the runner as a main runner and cross-runner characterized by each of the runners being composed of a first member and a cap member. The first member is bent to form an inverted T-bar configuration with a groove extending inwardly from the flange of the T and the cap member having the same configuration and being secured on the flange of the T-bar configuration to form a channel with flange portions on each side for supporting panels of the ceiling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: Chicago Metallic Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald W. Vukmanic
  • Patent number: 4648230
    Abstract: A suspension ceiling grid system is disclosed which provides intersections including through-runners and oppositely extending runner ends. The through-runner is provided with a connector opening and the runner ends are provided with identical end connectors. The end connectors are engaged and disengaged by lateral movement and provide spring means which resiliently urge the end connectors toward the locked position. The end connectors provide two locking systems, one of which provides a connection with the through-runner when only one connector is installed in the connector opening, and subsequently provides an improved strength functionally direct connection between the two end connectors when two end connectors are installed within the connector opening from opposite sides. The end connectors provide a second separate locking system which directly connects between the two end connectors. In one embodiment, a connector system is disclosed which allows easy removal of a runner within an assembled grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignee: Donn Incorporated
    Inventors: David F. Mieyal, Richard Shirey, Robert F. Worley
  • Patent number: 4625470
    Abstract: In order to provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance, and also in order to enable concealed, directional lighting to be used, an openword grid-like suspended ceiling system has outer squares which contain four inner blades forming an inner square surrounded by four rectangles. Light fittings are associated with the rectangles so that the axis of a light fitting can be inclined. In order to enable the ceiling system to be packaged at low packing density, the four inner blades are hinged to each other and collapse so as to lie parallel to each other. After opening out, they can be hooked into the sides of the outer squares.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: Intalite International N.V.
    Inventor: Robert C. Heritage
  • Patent number: 4621474
    Abstract: A suspension ceiling grid system is disclosed which provides intersections including through-runners and oppositely extending runner ends. The through-runner is provided with a connector opening and the runner ends are provided with identical end connectors. The end connectors are engaged and disengaged by lateral movement and provide spring means which resiliently urge the end connectors toward the locked position. The end connectors provide two locking systems, one of which provides a connection with the through-runner when only one connector is installed in the connector opening, and subsequently provides an improved strength functionally direct connection between the two end connectors when two end connectors are installed within the connector opening from opposite sides. The end connectors provide a second separate locking system which directly connects between the two end connectors. In one embodiment, a connector system is disclosed which allows easy removal of a runner within an assembled grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: Donn Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert F. Worley
  • Patent number: 4611453
    Abstract: A suspension ceiling grid system is disclosed which provides intersections including through-runners and oppositely extending runner ends. The through-runner is provided with a connector opening and the runner ends are provided with identical end connectors. The end connectors are engaged and disengaged by lateral movement and provide spring means which resiliently urge the end connectors toward the locked position. The end connectors provide two locking systems, one of which provides a connection with the through-runner when only one connector is installed in the connector opening, and subsequently provides an improved strength functionally direct connection between the two end connectors when two end connectors are installed within the connector opening from opposite sides. The end connectors provide a second separate locking system which directly connects between the two end connectors. In one embodiment, a connector system is disclosed which allows easy removal of a runner within an assembled grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: Donn Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert F. Worley
  • Patent number: 4608798
    Abstract: There is provided a new and useful building component comprising a first series of elongated members arranged in parallel spaced apart relationship, at least two sets of aligned openings extending transversely through the first series of members, a second series of at least two elongated members extending substantially through respective ones of the sets of openings, and means for securing the first set of members to the second set of members in said parallel spaced apart relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Inventor: Barry Spiers
  • Patent number: 4564233
    Abstract: A flat bed trailer formed of a pair of horizontally spaced longitudinally extending I-beams and a plurality of longitudinally spaced transversely extending tubular members positioned in longitudinally spaced apertures in the I-beams inwardly of their upper portions with the sides of the tubular members being welded to the portions of the I-beams defining the apertures and with the uppermost portions of the tubular members positioned in abutting relation under the upper portions of said I-beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1986
    Inventor: Howard Booher
  • Patent number: 4555886
    Abstract: A resin bonded glass fiber grating constructed to mechanically interlock upon assembly to form a light-weight, high strength industrial grating, which may also be adhesively bonded or thermoplastically bonded, and which may also include a non-skid elastomer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1985
    Assignee: Poly-Trusions, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph W. Wiechowski
  • Patent number: 4549383
    Abstract: An interconnected runner system formed by elements structurally interconnected to form main runners and intersecting cross T runners. The main runners and cross T runners are structurally interconnected to prevent unintentional or accidental disengagement, and function to provide a structure wherein objects may be suspended beneath the suspended ceiling supported from the grid forming runners throughout the grid structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Assignee: Chicago Metallic Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald W. Vukmanic, John S. Borucki, Chester A. Stanley
  • Patent number: 4548013
    Abstract: A ceiling suspension grid system is provided in which cross tees are assembled to main beams by pushing tabs in the web of one through a corresponding slot in the web of the other. The slots and webs are vertically oriented. Each slot is provided intermediate its height with at least one wide place of comparatively small vertical extent. The tabs are provided with correspondingly thickened bosses, but at slightly vertically displaced sites, so that two elements which are to be connected are oriented at slightly different levels so that the tab of one may be inserted through the slot of the other. Then, upon these elements being brought to a common level, the tab cannot be withdrawn from the slot. By preference, the tabs of two longitudinally adjoining elements may be inserted in the same slot from opposite directions, and become disposed one over the other with the element ends being notched to accommodate the tabs of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Inventor: Enrique Reina Briceno
  • Patent number: 4543759
    Abstract: A mimic panel is formed by a series of like aluminum strip members. The strip members B are slid through the strip members A and rotated 90.degree. into the position shown in the drawing. Some of the intersections of the members A and B are spot welded together. Mimic tiles 18 are then placed in the structure and held in position by spring clips 20. There are 1600 mimic tiles per square meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Assignee: Mosaic King (PTY) Ltd
    Inventor: Helmuth H. Rohrer
  • Patent number: 4534589
    Abstract: A trailer with a unitized floor construction is formed of a pair of horizontally spaced, longitudinally extending beams and a plurality of longitudinally spaced transversely extending cross frame members positioned in aligned longitudinally spaced openings in the upper portions of said beams. A floor is positioned on the upper surfaces of the beams and cross frame members and welded thereto. The cross frame members are cross sectionally U-shaped and with the floor form closed shapes imparting unusual rigidity to the flat bed trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Inventor: Howard Booher
  • Patent number: 4525973
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling system having main runners and/or members extending parallel with the cross members spaced therealong to form rectangular sections, the cross members being provided with tongues extending from the end and received in an aperture or slot in the web of the main member with the tongue being provided with spaced abutment surfaces separated by an elongated aperture extending parallel to a bead of the cross member and the tongue having abutment surfaces and flaps for coacting with the tongue from the opposite direction to form an end-to-end connection between the cross members. The elongated aperture besides spacing the two abutment surfaces that engage the web of the main member to hold the cross member in place provides an aperture on each side of the web of the main member for receiving a clip such as a seismic clip to positively lock the members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Assignee: Chicago Metallic Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald W. Vukmanic, John S. Borucki, Chester A. Stanley
  • Patent number: 4522009
    Abstract: A flooring grating including a plurality of spaced I-beam support members (12) is disclosed. A plurality of interconnecting members (14) interconnect the I-beam support members (12) in a predetermined spaced, parallel relationship. Each of the interconnecting members (14) includes a central core member (16) and first and second outer spacer members (18) positioned in longitudinally extending channel-like portions (30) on opposite sides of the central core member (16). The top surface of the outer spacer members (18) is notched at intervals corresponding to the spacing between adjacent I-beam support members (12). The outer spacer members (18) are securedly attached to the central core member (16) by a suitable adhesive. The central core member (16) and the outer spacer members (18) cooperate as an integral unit to retain the I-beam support members (12) in a predetermined spaced relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Inventor: Conrad F. Fingerson
  • Patent number: 4498802
    Abstract: Coupling apparatus comprising two plates to be coupled together, with each plate carrying a locking mechanism for receiving a coupling member, the coupling member having two ends, each end being adapted to engage and couple to the locking mechanism on one of the plates whereby the two plates can be rigidly coupled together. Each plate carries two flexible locking tabs which are offset from each other, and the coupling member carries two holes which are offset from each other and each of which is adapted to receive one locking tab of each plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: Burroughs Corporation
    Inventors: Mark J. Del Tufo, Ralph J. Lake, Jr., Stephen R. Solomon
  • Patent number: 4484428
    Abstract: A clip member is disclosed for underlying the areas of interconnection of main and cross runner members of a grid system for suspended ceilings. The runner members include downwardly opening recesses between their respective tile supporting flanges, and the clip member provides the appearance of an uninterrupted recess in the cross members at the areas of interconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1984
    Assignee: Donn Incorporated
    Inventor: Gale E. Sauer
  • Patent number: 4470239
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling grid system formed of main runners (10) and cross runners (40) disposed at right angles to the main runners to define grid openings for the reception of ceiling tiles (T). Each of the runners (10, 40) includes a bulb (12, 42) a pair of webs (14, 44) depending from the bulb to define a recess therebetween, and a pair of tile supporting flanges (16, 46) extending in opposite directions from the lower edges of the webs. The tiles (T) when assembled onto the flanges (16, 46) of the main and cross runners (10, 40) resiliently displace the webs (14, 44) from their normal unstressed positions to cause the webs to center the tile. Simulation means (76) is carried by the runners in underlying relationship at the intersection of the main and cross runners (10, 40) to simulate a continuous recess at the intersection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Assignee: Donn Incorporated
    Inventor: Gale E. Sauer
  • Patent number: 4464084
    Abstract: In shoring a mine tunnel, use is made of a plurality of panels 11 each comprising a rectangular member with detents 15 formed in two opposed edges. The panel 11 may be composed entirely of sheet metal or may comprise spaced-apart rectangular or strips of sheet metal, with spaces between occupied by wire or rod mesh. The detents may comprise U-shaped tongues 18 defined by a C-shaped slot 16 and a T-shaped slot 17 the tongues acting in a hook like manner to interconnect the detents 15 on the superimposed edges of adjacent panels 11. Where the panel 11 is entirely of sheet metal, apertures 25 may be provided along the other pair of opposed sides for engagement of links such as 58; where the panel is partly of mesh such links can be looped through the mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: Serni Limited
    Inventor: Jan C. Wozniak
  • Patent number: 4462198
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling system for supporting ceiling panels and the like includes a plurality of main runners, connected in end-to-end relationship to form parallel beams, and a plurality of cross runners interconnecting the parallel beams to form a grid.Each main runner includes an end connector, having an opposed pair of laterally projecting hooks which form a guideway for receipt of the forward end of a corresponding main runner end connector. The face of each end connector is continuous, from one side of the hooks to the other, to provide a bearing surface for sliding the end connectors through their respective guideways. Respective apertures and detents are formed in each end connector to provide opposed engaging surfaces for interlocking the end connectors in side-by-side relationship.The cross runners include respective end connectors which interlockingly engage when inserted from opposite directions through a slot in the web of the main runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1984
    Assignee: Ceiling Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph F. Sharp
  • Patent number: 4448004
    Abstract: An improvement is provided in a removeable partition wall system wherein gypsum board panels, having suspension assemblies attached thereto, are suspended from horizontal channel support members extending through cut-outs formed in the webs of vertical channel stud members. The support members are preferably V-shaped or semi-circularly shaped. The cut-out comprises upper and lower portions. The upper portion is sized to permit the support member to be inserted therethrough on edge. The lower portion forms a seat dimensioned and shaped to conform with the outline of the support member. The cut-out is formed to provide locking shoulders, at the confluence of the upper and lower portions, which function to hold the support member (when seated) against rotation or vertical displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignees: Robert S. Agar Inc., Thorsell Holdings Ltd., Mudlake Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: Stanley E. Thorsell
  • Patent number: 4439958
    Abstract: This invention relates to a self-interlocking grille structure comprising a plurality of the bars curved to provide a required surface geometry, which bars including a series of notches and holes, and a plurality of rods wherein said plurality of bars are criss crossed to form a network of bars and said rods threaded through said holes in the bars criss cross each other forming a network of rods which network of rods is embedded into the network of the bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Inventor: Hyok S. Lew