Abstract: A suspended ceiling system comprising grid runners and downwardly accessible generally planar tiles mounted on the grid runners, peripheral tile edges having portions extending horizontally underneath an adjacent grid runner, opposed tile edges having a downwardly facing support surface, said opposed edges having a generally vertical abutment surface above its support surface and resting on an adjacent horizontal flange portion of a grid runner, the runners having locating surfaces of limited height above said flange portions and engageable with the abutment surfaces, the runners and tiles being arranged to permit one of the opposed tile edges to be lifted so that its abutment surface can be raised and thereafter be shifted towards the runner adjacent the lifted edge a distance sufficient to allow the opposite edge to drop below the flange portion of its associated runner.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling system comprising grid runners and downwardly accessible generally planar tiles mounted on the grid runners, the tiles being rectangular in plan view with four peripheral edges, the peripheral edges each having portions that extend horizontally underneath an adjacent grid runner, each edge of an oppositely disposed pair of said edges having a downwardly facing support surface disposed between a plane of a lower visible face of the tile and a plane of an upper back face of the tile, the grid runners each being symmetrical about a vertical mid-plane and having horizontal flange portions extending in opposite directions away from said mid-plane, each of said oppositely disposed edges of said tiles having a generally vertical abutment surface above its support surface, the support surface resting on the adjacent horizontal flange portion, the runners having locating surfaces of limited height above said flange portions and engageable with the abutment surfaces, the runners and tiles being arra

Abstract: A connector for a main tee of a suspended ceiling grid that has improved self-aligning and connection force properties. The connector has an end tab with a forward portion bent at a lead angle and a receiving pocket with an outwardly flared entrance that, with an opposed identical connector, cooperate to provide smooth horizontal alignment. The end portion, additionally, includes an edge profile that vertically aligns itself with the receiving pocket of the opposed connector. The receiving pocket includes a spring-like resilient wall that limits the assembly force to overcome interference with projecting lock lances even when the connectors are nearly out of dimensional tolerance. The spring-like pocket wall, shape of the lock lance, and reinforcing beads contribute to an improved audible click signaling that a connection has been completed. The lock lance works with a relief groove to augment self-alignment of the connectors.

Abstract: A connector for a main tee of a suspended ceiling grid that has improved self-aligning and connection force properties. The connector has an end tab with a forward portion bent at a lead angle and a receiving pocket with an outwardly flared entrance that, with an opposed identical connector, cooperate to provide smooth horizontal alignment. The end portion, additionally, includes an edge profile that vertically aligns itself with the receiving pocket of the opposed connector. The receiving pocket includes a spring-like resilient wall that limits the assembly force to overcome interference with projecting lock lances even when the connectors are nearly out of dimensional tolerance. The spring-like pocket wall, shape of the lock lance, and reinforcing beads contribute to an improved audible click signaling that a connection has been completed. The lock lance works with a relief groove to augment self-alignment of the connectors.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling system in which the grid runners are largely concealed by the panels to produce a distinctive high quality appearance. In various illustrated embodiments, the visual effect is produced as a result of the panels being separated by a relatively narrow gap in two perpendicular directions or by a narrow gap in one direction and essentially no gap in the perpendicular direction, and the grid being recessed above the main face of the panels. The panels are accurately positioned on the grid by metal clips, normally permanently attached to the panels, which engage upstanding flange portions of the grid runners. The accurate positioning afforded by the clips assures that visually distracting variations in the size of the narrow gaps are avoided. The clips can also serve to avoid accidental dislodging of the panels.

Abstract: An end connector for a ceiling grid runner that interlocks with an identical connector when assembled in a common slot of a through runner. Problems associated with interference between a lock lance stamped laterally out of the plane of the connector and the opposing connector when the second connector is being inserted in the slot are reduced by a relief zone in the forward portion of the connector that is in the form of a concave area that clears the opposing lock lance until the second connector is nearly fully received in the slot.

Abstract: A connector for suspended ceiling grid that provides a first end lock in a main tee slot and a lock with an identical opposed connector. The connector in the first end lock and in the connector-to-connector lock is installed with a simple stab-in motion. The connector works with a non-re-entrant slot profile that avoids the risk of improper assembly. The connector is releasable without tools and is reusable. The connector emits an audible click when fully installed, is resistant to damage from rough handling, and affords high tensile and compressive strength in its connections.

Abstract: A connector for suspended ceiling grid that provides a first end lock in a main tee slot and a lock with an identical opposed connector. The connector in the first end lock and in the connector-to-connector lock is installed with a simple stab-in motion. The connector works with a non-re-entrant slot profile that avoids the risk of improper assembly. The connector is releasable without tools and is reusable. The connector emits an audible click when fully installed, is resistant to damage from rough handling, and affords high tensile and compressive strength in its connections.

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.

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.

Abstract: A snap-up panel for suspension ceiling systems is disclosed. The panel is formed of sheet metal and provides a central planar section and four upwardly extending flanges along the edges of the planar section. Each flange is formed with an inwardly directed rib extending along the length of the flange at a point spaced from the upper and lower edges thereof. Detents are provided in the flanges adjacent to the corners and are positioned in alignment with the ribs and sized to project beyond the inner extremity of the ribs. These detents provide additional support for the panel when the ribs are snapped over supporting lips in a suspension ceiling grid system. Improved alignment and support of the panels are provided by the detents when the panels are installed in a suspension ceiling grid.

Abstract: A suspension ceiling system having an improved connecting system comprising a pair of similar ends on crossbeam connectors which are received through a single slot opening in a main beam in side-by-side relationship by a straight- in movement. Projections the crossbeam connectors interlock when fully engaged and prevent axial movement in either direction. A tab on each connector holds the first-inserted end in place prior to the insertion of the second connector.