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.

Abstract: An elongated bracket used in converting a tee grid/lay-in panel ceiling structure to a linear beam array structure. The bracket has first gripping elements for attachment of the bracket to tees with lay-in panels in place on such tees and second gripping elements for subsequent attachment of linear beams to the bracket.

Abstract: A demountable wall system is disclosed providing metal studs adapted to be positioned along the joints between adjacent wall panels. The studs provide outer flanges which are positioned in kerfs along the edges of the panels and inner flanges which engage the inner surface of the panels. A U-shaped web system connects the inner flanges and is structured with the legs of the U-shaped web spaced from the adjacent flanges except at their extremities so that the legs cushion vibration or sound to minimize their transmission through the stud between the two sides of the wall. The inner flanges have a width exceeding twice the depth of the kerfs so that they engage panels beyond the kerf-weakened edges thereof.

Abstract: An elevated floor panel is disclosed formed of a sheet metal upper surface member and a sheet metal lower support member. The lower support member is provided with a plurality of apertures arranged in perpendicular rows across the panel. Integral legs formed of material displaced from the apertures are symmetrically arranged around each aperture and extend laterally to the upper surface member. Each leg is provided with a foot portion welded to the under surface of the surface member. The edges of the lower support member are bent laterally to provide sidewalls extending to the upper surface member and terminating in flanges welded to the upper surface member. The panel structure permits the panel to be supported at its corners and to sustain substantial loads with small load-induced deflections.

Abstract: A suspension ceiling or wall system is disclosed providing a plurality of spaced, rectangular pans or projections positioned in spaced relationship in a pattern to provide a ceiling or wall surface with the appearance of a plurality of such pans suspended in space. The pans are formed from sheet metal into elongated members having a plurality of pans supported by integral, longitudinally extending rails. The rails are provided with a dark color contrasting with a relatively light color on the exposed portion of the pans so as to obscure the presence of the connecting rails.

Abstract: A framing system is disclosed for demountable walls or the like in which the frame member provides a substantially continuous backing surface to engage the back sides of panels along abutting edges thereof. Such frame member is provided with separate locking means at spaced intervals along the backup surface having locking portions which project into the edges of abutting panels to retain the panels against the backing surface. Such locking means are proportioned to fit into kerfs formed in the edges of the panel and are shaped to provide a camming action to press the back sides of the panel into snug engagement with the backup surface. The framing members may be, for example, furring strips formed of metal to secure the wall to a foreign wall, or a stud providing opposed backup surfaces for use in a wall providing panels along both sides thereof.

Abstract: In an integrated suspension ceiling it is disclosed in which a fluorescent tube type lighting fixture is supported from an directly over a runner forming a part of the grid of the ceiling system. The runner is provided with a central web and oppositely extending flanges extending from the sides of the web. The web is formed with an opening above which the lighting fixture is supported. The lighting fixture includes a ballast frame separately supported on the runner above the opening, a reflector positioned in the opening below the ballast frame supported directly on the runner and a louver mounted within the opening flush with the plane of the ceiling. Each of the frame, reflector and louver are separately supported and removable from the runner for installation and service. Because the lighting fixture is supported directly on the runner and is removably attached thereto, the lighting fixture can be installed after the grid is installed. The fixture does not provide an interruption in the ceiling system.

Abstract: A metal stud assembly is disclosed for use in either drywall construction or as intermediate studs in demountable walls. The stud assembly includes a U-shaped stud member and a U-shaped stud extension which telescopes into one end of the stud member with a resilient-type of interference fit which produces a controlled resistance to relative axial movement and eliminates possible looseness. The stud extension is provided with angulated tabs which snap into a channel-shaped ceiling track to lock the stud extension therein. The lower end of the stud fits into a channel-shaped floor track to secure the lower end of the stud assembly in place. The stud assembly is sufficiently flexible to allow the lower end to be twisted through about 90.degree. to position the narrow dimension thereof crosswise with respect to the floor track for easy insertion. After insertion, the stud assembly is returned to the untwisted position to complete the installation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for connecting a plurality of metal sheets or the like without fasteners or welding. A die set is disclosed which is operable to cut ribbons of material from each sheet and to displace the ribbons to one side of the sheets where they are deformed to increase their lateral width within a dovetail-shaped die cavity. The die cavity has an increasing cross section in one longitudinal direction so that the deformed ribbons can be removed from the die cavity by longitudinal movement and it is not necessary to provide the die with movable parts for the release of the deformed ribbons. The die cavity is preferably formed with an open end so that movement of the sheets in a direction perpendicular thereto is not required. The method and apparatus can be combined with processing systems having a feed mechanism for feeding the sheets of material. In such combination, the feed required for the processing is also utilized for the removal of the deformed ribbons from the die cavity.

Abstract: A fire rated, demountable partition structure is disclosed which provides H-shaped studs having a core of combustion-resistant insulation material and opposed channel-shaped metal members secured to opposite faces thereof. Spline clips secure one side of the stud to the panel at joints therebetween. Each clip includes a lateral projection extending with a close fit into a kerf in the edge of the panel and a reverse bend providing opposed clip walls which fit along opposite sides of an adjacent flange on the stud. If the partition is exposed to a fire or the like, which tends to cause shrinkage of the panels and opening of the joints, the core of the stud bridges the joint and prevents direct exposure of the metal channel elements of the stud to heat or water through the opened joint. The spline clips are free to expand if the clips are subjected to greater heat than the channel members so that the stud is not caused to bow toward the fire side of the partition.

Abstract: A channel structure for assembly into a suspended ceiling or the like and which is arranged to maintain the structural integrity of the ceiling during exposure to the heat of a fire. The channel structure includes an end splice arrangement having elements which develop a telescoping relationship between joined channels and thereby avoid buckling during thermally induced axial expansion of the channels.

Abstract: A structure of a grid tee member for suspension ceilings, and a method for producing such structure is disclosed. Such grid tee provides a web, a bulb at one web extremity and a flange at the other web extremity. The tee section includes three strips of material in which the first strip is relatively thin and is shaped to provide the web, a portion of the bulb and a portion of the flanges. A separate cap strip is secured to the flanges on the side thereof remote from the web and separate stiffening material having a generally U-shaped cross section is located within the bulb with the base of the U located at the extremity of the section. The three strips provide a structure in which material is concentrated at the extremities and is therefore efficiently placed to provide a high moment of inertia and high rigidity to the total structure.

Abstract: A structure of a grid tee member for suspension ceilings, and a method for producing such structure is disclosed. Such grid tee provides a web, a bulb at one web extremity and a flange at the other web extremity. The tee section includes three strips of material in which the first strip is relatively thin and is shaped to provide the web, a portion of the bulb and a portion of the flanges. A separate cap strip is secured to the flanges on the side thereof remote from the web and separate stiffening material having a generally U-shaped cross section is located within the bulb with the base of the U located at the extremity of the section. The three strips provide a structure in which material is concentrated at the extremities and is therefore efficiently placed to provide a high moment of inertia and high rigidity to the total structure.