Abstract: A method for securing two pieces of sheet material is provided using a stitch preferably made by sequentially passing the grid member through two die sets. The first die set lances a strap out of the two sheets of metal such that, at the approximate center or midsection of the strap, the first layer of material is displaced completely out of the plane defined by the web, while the second layer is only partially displaced out of the plane of the web so that a portion of the second layer remains in the space vacated by the first layer of the strap. The lanced strap is then passed through a second die set, in which the first and second layers of the strap are deformed or “swaged” such that the first layer is flattened and expanded in width beyond the edges of the hole in the web created when the strap was lanced. This provides interference such that the first layer of the strap cannot pass back through the hole.

Abstract: A seismic separation joint is provided for connecting end-to-end a first grid tee to a second grid tee. Each grid tee includes a central web, with a tongue or tab extending from the web. Preferably, an elongated slot extends from the web into the tongue/tab associated therewith, with the slots being aligned when the first grid tee is connected to the second grid tee. A fastener is received in a portion of the tongue/tab of at least one, and preferably both, of the grid tees distally of the slot in one grid tee and in the slot of the other grid tee.

Abstract: A wall channel for a drywall ceiling has a generally U-shaped cross-section with a vertical leg interconnecting two generally-horizontal legs. The lower horizontal leg is adapted to support an inverted tee-runner that has a vertical web and opposed flanges, the opposed flanges being adapted to rest on the horizontal leg of the wall angle. The lower horizontal leg is formed with a plurality of pairs of locating tabs that are spaced apart a distance sufficient to accommodate the width of the opposed flanges of the tee-runner. The upper horizontal leg is formed with a plurality of pairs of locating tabs that are spaced apart a distance sufficient to accommodate the width of the reinforcing bulb of the tee-runner.

Abstract: A wall angle for a suspended ceiling, which may either be a drywall suspended ceiling or a lay-in tile suspended ceiling, has a cross-section forming a substantially right angle of the vertical leg and a horizontal leg. The horizontal leg is adapted to support an inverted tee-runner that has a vertical web and opposed flanges, the opposed flanges being adapted to rest on the horizontal leg of the wall angle. The horizontal leg is formed with a plurality of pairs of locating tabs, at least one tab in each pair being upwardly extending and vertically-oriented. The tabs in each pair are spaced apart a distance sufficient to accommodate the width of the opposed flanges of the tee-runner. At least one of the tabs in each pair has a downwardly extending detent adapted to permit installation of a tee-runner, but to inhibit removal of the tee-runner. The pairs of tabs are spaced, on center, a pre-determined distance that depends upon the intended application of the wall angle.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling grid beam is provided that has an increased beam height to provide enhanced resistance to downward deflection. The beam has a cross-section generally in the form of an inverted T, with a central web, a pair of panel support flanges extending from one edge of the web, and a reinforcing bulb extending from the other edge of the web. The reinforcing bulb has a generally planar, fin-like structure extending therefrom opposite to and generally co-planar with the central web.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a flexible ceiling panel preferably formed from sheet metal, such as aluminum sheet. Each ceiling panel has a generally rectangular shape (corresponding in width to the spacing between the main runners) and is formed with a hem on all four edges. A series of bendable tabs are formed integrally with the hem of the panel. To secure the panel to the associated grid system, the tabs are folded upwardly and outwardly from the panel along two axes to secure the panel to the grid system. Alternatively, a plurality of separate spring clips is used to secure the panel to the grid system. Each clip includes a first leg adapted to have at least a portion thereof received in the hem of the ceiling panel. A second leg extends generally perpendicularly from the first leg and includes a detent extending toward the first leg, the detent being adapted to secure the clip to the flange of the runner.