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: 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.

Abstract: A support system for trimming exposed edges of suspension ceilings provides a trim strip mounting clip which mounts on the bulb of an adjacent grid tee member and provides a face portion which snaps into and locks with a channel-shaped trim strip. The connector clip supports the trim strip from the adjacent grid members without any exposed fasteners and provides an uninterrupted finished edge appearance. Several embodiments of connector clips are illustrated, one of which provides a support portion pivotally connected to a face portion so that trim strips can be mounted on adjacent grid members in positions parallel to the adjacent grid members and at angles relative thereto. Also disclosed are splice plates which bridge between abutting ends of trim strips to lock such abutting ends in proper alignment. Such splice plates can be used with straight or curved trim strips and can also be used at inside corners.

Abstract: A support system for trimming exposed edges of suspension ceilings provides a trim strip mounting clip which mounts on the bulb of an adjacent grid tee member and provides a face portion which snaps into and locks with a channel-shaped trim strip. The connector clip supports the trim strip from the adjacent grid members without any exposed fasteners and provides an uninterrupted finished edge appearance. Several embodiments of connector clips are illustrated, one of which provides a support portion pivotally connected to a face portion so that trim strips can be mounted on adjacent grid members in positions parallel to the adjacent grid members and at angles relative thereto.

Abstract: A linear panel wall and ceiling system is disclosed which provides a carrier strip which can be coiled in long lengths for storage and shipment. Such carrier strip provides longitudinally aligned and relatively closely spaced, narrow slots extending along the length of the carrier strip to provide a hinge line which divides the carrier strip into a mounting portion and a support portion. The support portion is provided with laterally extending projections at intervals along its length which are proportioned to connect with and support generally U-shaped linear pans which extend perpendicular to the carrier. At the time of installation, pieces of the carrier strip are cut from the coil and installed. In instances in which the mounting portion is mounted along a plane perpendicular to the support portion, the carrier strip may be bent along the hinge line either prior to the actual mounting or after mounting.

Abstract: A suspension ceiling grid system is disclosed in which cross members are provided with end connectors inserted from opposite sides through openings in runners extending perpendicularly thereto. The end connectors are provided with resilient lock means which interengage when the connectors are inserted into the opening to interlock the runners. Release means provided by a tab formed in the web adjacent to the opening cooperate to define a portion of the opening when in the normal position and are bendable to a release position to enlarge the opening and allow release of the lock means for removal of one or both of the end connectors.

Abstract: A basketweave-type suspension ceiling grid system is disclosed wherein the grid members are generally U-shaped providing a relatively wide face portion, oppositely extending panel support flanges, and a pair of spaced and parallel webs. The system provides a connector system in which the female part of the connector system is provided by a longitudinally extending slot substantially adjacent to the panel support flanges. Male end connector parts are proportioned to fit through the slots and lock therein to the members of the grid. The male connector part provides a generally T-shaped lanced projection which extends rearwardly and upwardly from a hinge line and is formed with raised wing portions providing stop surfaces for engaging the remote side of an associated web. A dimple formed intermediate the rings and rearwardly therefrom provides a stop surface limiting the insertion movement of the connector.

Abstract: A suspension ceiling grid having removable grid members is disclosed. Such grid is of the basketweave type and includes a plurality of grid assemblies interconnected to form a grid. Each assembly is provided with a similar first or male connection at its ends and second or female connections at its center. In the grid, the assemblies are interconnected so that the male connections of adjacent grids meet with and connect with the female connections at the center of the assemblies to provide a basketweave type system. Each grid assembly includes two similar grid members each having a first connection at one end and one-half of a second connection at its other end. In the assembly, a removable clip provides a semipermanent connection between adjacent ends of the two members and the two halves of the second connections cooperate to provide one full second connection. Individual grid members may be removed from an existing grid and replaced without creating the situation in which the grid is unstable.

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 suspension ceiling system is disclosed which includes main tee members and cross tee members which can be assembled in a variety of relationships. The main tee members are provided with similar first end connections at each end and the cross tee members are provided with similar second end connectors at each end. The main tee and cross tee members can be end connected to produce main runs consisting of alternate main tee members and cross tee members. The cross tees can also be assembled through openings provided in the webs of both types of members to produce cross runs consisting solely of cross tee members. In the illustrated embodiment the second end connectors of the cross tees can be connected in three ways. They can be connected to first end connectors of the main tees, connected through a cross tee opening without a similar second end connector extending from the other side and can be connected to a second end connector extending in the opposite direction through the same cross tee opening.

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.