Abstract: In one embodiment, a roll formed sheet metal tee for grid type suspended ceilings with the face of its flange integral with the stem and the layers of the stem fixed together for improved torsional strength. An upper region of the stem can have one or more of its layers folded to increase suspension wire breakout strength. A stiffening bulb is below suspension wire receiving holes so that a loop of the suspension wire through the tee has a narrow profile and thereby avoids interference with ceiling panels during their installation or removal. Other embodiments of a tee share the feature of a narrow, suspension wire receiving upper stem portion.

Abstract: A roll formed sheet metal grid tee, having a multilayer web, is rigidified by a series of longitudinally spaced tabs lanced through the web. The tabs are cut with a dovetail shape and are foreshortened relative to the holes, made when they are formed, by bending them along a line parallel to a side of the tab that remains uncut. After being foreshortened, the tab is pressed back into its associated hole and tight locking interference is developed between the divergent dovetail sides of the tab and the hole. The tab is incompletely pushed back into the hole so that the layers of the tab are misaligned with corresponding respective layers of the web to assure that the tabs prevent relative shear-like movement and/or spreading of the web layers.

Abstract: A main tee with separate clips affixed on its ends for splicing the tee with identical tees in end-to-end butt joints. The tee and clip form a pocket for receiving the projecting end of an opposing clip with a uniform low insertion force. The clip is self-aligning with the pocket and when interconnected the clips precisely align the coupled tees both vertically and horizontally. The clips, formed of relatively strong material, have mutually engageable locking surfaces that ensure a strong joint.

Abstract: An adaptor clip, for converting a standard tee grid ceiling to a snap-up panel system, comprising an injection-molded plastic body that includes gripping elements for engaging the tops of the flanges of the tee grid and support elements for mating with the upstanding peripheral flanges of the snap-up panels. The clip is arranged to be quickly and easily installed without tools by simply positioning it against the lower faces of intersecting tee grid members so that its center underlies the center of the intersection and rotating it about a vertical axis.