Ceiling wire clamp device and method

Abstract

A ceiling wire clamp device secures ceiling wire in place in a suspended ceiling system without the need for twisting and/or overlapping the wires. The device comprises a pair of jaws, which may be lined with teeth, that grasp and hold ceiling wire in place when the device is in a closed and locked position. The device may be pinched closed. A tab inserted through a slot on the device assists in locking the device in the closed position. A pin may be used to optimize the overall alignment of the device when in the closed and locked position. The device may be opened using a screwdriver or the like.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to ceiling wire used to position suspended ceilings and methods therefor and, more particularly, to a clamp that grasps and holds the ceiling wire in place without the need for twisting and overlapping the ceiling wire onto itself.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Suspended ceilings, also known as acoustical ceilings or dropped ceilings, are secondary ceilings that are commonly used in both residential and commercial construction. A typical suspended ceiling consists of metal, T-shaped grids that may house such things as individual ceiling tiles or panels, light fixtures, speaker boxes, etc. The metal grids are usually suspended from the primary ceiling's joists with wires. One end of each wire is secured to a joist and the other end of each wire is secured to the metal grid. In the prior art, the wires are secured in place by twisting and overlapping the ends of each wire onto itself.

The prior art method of securing the wires in place has several limitations. For example, twisting the ends of the wires requires a certain amount of strength, and may require the use of tools. Further, the wires must be properly aligned so that the metal grids are suspended on a level plane when all of the wires are in place. When this process is performed using the prior art method of twisting and overlapping the wire, it can be time-consuming, especially when it becomes necessary to make adjustments to individual wires.

A need therefore exists for a device and method for grasping and holding ceiling wire in place, that does not require twisting and overlapping the ends of the wire onto itself, and that substantially reduces the time required to install a suspended ceiling.

The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other, related, advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a ceiling wire clamp device is disclosed. The device comprises, in combination: first and second jaws opposably attached to one another at an attachment point at a first end of the clamp device and adapted to grasp ceiling wire positioned therebetween, wherein the first jaw and second jaw are movable between a first open position and a second closed position; ceiling wire grasping members located on an inner surface of at least one of the first and second jaws; and a fastener capable of securing the first and second jaws in the closed position.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a ceiling wire clamp device is disclosed. The device comprises, in combination: first and second jaws opposably attached to one another in substantially a V-shape at an attachment point at a first end of the clamp device and adapted lo grasp ceiling wire positioned therebetween, wherein the first jaw and second jaw are movable between a first open position and a second closed position, the first jaw has a first substantially flat and elongated region and a second generally J-shaped region, and the second jaw has a first substantially flat and elongated region and a second generally reverse J-shaped region; grasping means comprising a plurality of teeth protruding from an inner surface of the first and second jaws, whereby ceiling wire may be held in position between the first and second jaws; and fastening means comprising a tab protruding from an outer surface of the first jaw, wherein the tab is adapted to be inserted through a slot in the second jaw, whereby the jaws may be secured in the closed position.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a method for securing ceiling wire in a suspended ceiling system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a ceiling wire clamp device comprising, in combination, first and second jaws opposably attached to one another at an attachment point at a first end of the clamp device and adapted to grasp ceiling wire positioned therebetween, wherein the first jaw and second jaw are movable between a first open position and a second closed position, grasping means whereby ceiling wire may be held in position between the first and second jaws, and fastening means whereby the jaws may be secured in the closed position; positioning ceiling wire between the first and second jaws; and securing the clamp device in the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art suspended ceiling system.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a portion of the suspended ceiling system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a ceiling wire clamp device in position on ceiling wire of a suspended ceiling system, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a ceiling wire clamp device, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the ceiling wire clamp device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the ceiling wire clamp device of FIG. 3, in a closed position.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the ceiling wire clamp device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the ceiling wire clamp device of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring first to FIG. 1, a prior art suspended ceiling system 10 is shown. The system 10 includes a metal grid 12 suspended from joists 14 with wires 16. A first end 21 of each wire 16 is inserted through an eyelet 18 attached to each joist 14. The first end 21 of each wire 16 is secured to each eyelet 18 by twisting and/or overlapping the first end 21 onto the wire 16, forming a first overlapping region 22. A second end 23 of each wire 16 is secured to the metal grid 12 by inserting the second end 23 of each wire 16 through a predrilled hole 20 in the metal grid 12 and then twisting and/or overlapping the second end 23 onto the wire 16, forming a second overlapping region 24, as best seen in FIG. 1A.

An embodiment of a ceiling wire clamp device 30 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 2-7. The present invention eliminates the need for twisting and/or overlapping the first end 21 and second end 23 of the wire 16, as required in the prior art suspended ceiling system 10 discussed above. Referring first to FIG. 3, the ceiling wire clamp device 30 in this embodiment comprises a pair of jaws, a first jaw 32 and a second jaw 34, each having an outer surface 33 and an inner surface 35. The jaws 32 and 34 may comprise a one-piece assembly, forming substantially a V-shape at a first end 36 of the ceiling wire clamp device 30. Jaw 32 may further include slots 40 and 48. A portion of each of the jaws 32 and 34 curves outward and then back inward, forming generally J-shaped region 42 and generally reverse J-shaped region 44, each of which terminate at a second end 50 of the ceiling wire clamp device 30. J-shaped region 42 includes slot 48. Reverse J-shaped region 44 includes a tab 46 that protrudes from the outer surface 33 of jaw 34 and is adapted to be inserted through slot 48.

With respect to the surfaces 33 and 35 of the jaws 32 and 34, preferably, the outer surface 33 may be generally smooth. At least one and preferably both inner surfaces 35 preferably contains a plurality of teeth 38, as shown in FIGS. 3-5. As shown in this embodiment, the teeth 38 are not present on the portion of the inner surface 35 that extends into the J-shaped region 42 or the reverse J-shaped region 44.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the ceiling wire clamp device 30 is shown in both an open position (FIG. 4) and a closed and locked position (FIG. 5). Referring to FIG. 4, the ceiling wire clamp device 30 is shown in an open position with wire 16 and the second end 23 of the wire 16 depicted between jaws 32 and 34. Referring to FIG. 5, the ceiling wire clamp device 30 is shown in a closed and locked position in which the wire 16 and the second end 23 of the wire 16 are grasped in place by teeth 3 8 between jaws 32 and 34. As best seen in FIG. 5, the teeth 38 on jaw 32 may be offset compared with those on jaw 34 so that the teeth 38 may form an interlocking arrangement when the ceiling wire clamp device 30 is in the closed and locked position. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the inner surface 35 of jaw 34 further comprises a pin 39 adapted to be inserted through slot 40 in jaw 32. The arrangement of the pin 39 inserted through slot 40 optimizes the overall alignment of the ceiling wire clamp device 30 when it is in the closed and locked position (as seen in FIG. 5). While this embodiment shows one pin 39 and one slot 40, it may be desired to provide a ceiling wire clamp device 30 in which more than one pin 39 and slot 40 are utilized to further optimize the overall alignment of the ceiling wire clamp device 30. It may also be desired to provide a ceiling wire clamp device 30 in which the pin 39 and slot 40 are omitted.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the ceiling wire clamp device 30 is shown in position on a portion of a suspended ceiling system. As shown in FIG. 2, the ceiling wire clamp device 30 is preferably attached to the wire 16 in an orientation that is substantially perpendicular to the wire 16. In a complete suspended ceiling system in which the present invention is employed (not shown), it would be preferred to use two ceiling wire clamp devices 30 to secure each wire 16 in place. A first ceiling wire clamp device 30 would be used to secure the wire 16 to the metal grid 12 and a second ceiling wire clamp device 30 would be used to secure the wire 16 to the eyelet 18 (as shown in FIG. 1).

With respect to materials used for the ceiling wire clamp device 30, preferably the ceiling wire clamp device 30 is composed of metal or some other desired strong material that is capable of withstanding tension created when the ceiling wire clamp device 30 is in the closed and locked position (as best seen in FIG. 5).

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention For example, while the embodiments of the ceiling wire clamp device 30 as shown in FIGS. 2-7 consist of one piece, it may be desired to form a ceiling wire clamp device 30 from two jaws 32 and 34 that are separate components and that may be attached to one another at the first end 36 with a hinge or the like.

Statement of Operation

To use the ceiling wire clamp device 30 in the installation of a suspended ceiling system 10, a user would position an opened ceiling wire clamp device 30 so that a wire 16 and the first end 21 of the wire 16 that had previously been inserted through eyelet 18 are interposed between jaws 32 and 34. (To secure wire 16 to the metal grid 12, a user would position an opened ceiling %vre clamp device 30 so that the wire 16 and the second end 23 of the wire 16 that had previously been inserted through opening 20 are interposed between jaws 32 and 34.) To close the ceiling wire clamp device 30, the user would ensure that pin 39 and slot 40, if provided, are properly aligned and then apply force simultaneously to J-shaped region 42 and reverse J-shaped region 44, until tab 46 has been completely inserted through slot 48 and the pin 39 has been inserted through slot 40. To accomplish this, a user should be able to use a thumb and index finger. Once tab 46 has been inserted through slot 48 in this manner, a user would release the thumb and index finger, which would allow tab 46 to lock in place. The foregoing procedure would be repeated as necessary until all wires 16 in a suspended ceiling system 10 have been secured in place.

If necessary, to release the ceiling wire clamp device 30, a tool, such as a screwdriver or the like, may be used to force the tab back through slot 48, which should open the ceiling wire clamp device 30.

Many possible applications can be used with the Ceiling Wire Clamp Device of this invention including, for example, clamping together two ceiling wires by themselves to provide a reliable clamping device to securely hold both ceiling wires.

Claims

1. A ceiling wire clamp device comprising, in combination:

first and second jaws opposably attached to one another at an attachment point at a first end of the clamp device and adapted to grasp ceiling wire positioned therebetween, wherein the first jaw and second jaw are movable between a first open position and a second closed position;

ceiling wire grasping members located on an inner surface of at least one of the first and second jaws; and

a fastener capable of securing the first and second jaws in the closed position.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the first and second jaws form substantially a V-shape at the attachment point.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the first and second jaws form a one-piece assembly.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein:

the first jaw has a first substantially flat and elongated region and a second generally J-shaped region; and

the second jaw has a first substantially flat and elongated region and a second generally reverse J-shaped region.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the grasping members comprise a plurality of teeth protruding from an inner surface of the first and second jaws.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the teeth on the first jaw are offset with the teeth on the second jaw in order to form an interlocking arrangement when the jaws are secured in the closed position.

7. The device of claim 1 further comprising a pin protruding from an inner surface of the first jaw, wherein the pin is adapted to be inserted through an opening in the second jaw when the jaws are secured in the second closed position.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the fastener comprises a tab protruding from an outer surface of the first jaw, wherein the tab is adapted to be inserted through a slot in the second jaw.

9. A ceiling wire clamp device comprising, in combination:

first and second jaws opposably attached to one another in substantially a V-shape at an attachment point at a first end of the clamp device and adapted to grasp ceiling wire positioned therebetween, wherein: the first jaw and second jaw are movable between a first open position and a second closed position; the first jaw has a first substantially flat and elongated region and a second generally J-shaped region; and the second jaw has a first substantially flat and elongated region and a second generally reverse J-shaped region;

grasping means comprising a plurality of teeth protruding from an inner surface of the first and second jaws, whereby ceiling wire may be held in position between the first and second jaws; and

fastening means comprising a tab protruding from an outer surface of the first jaw, wherein the tab is adapted to be inserted through a slot in the second jaw, whereby the jaws may be secured in the closed position.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein the first and second jaws form a one-piece assembly.

11. The device of claim 9 wherein the teeth on the first jaw are offset with the teeth on the second jaw in order to form an interlocking arrangement when the jaws are secured in the closed position.

12. The device of claim 9 further comprising a pin protruding from an inner surface of the first jaw, wherein the pin is adapted to be inserted through an opening in the second jaw when the jaws are secured in the second closed position.

13. A method for securing ceiling wire in a suspended ceiling system comprising the steps of:

providing a ceiling wire clamp device comprising, in combination: first and second jaws opposably attached to one another at an attachment point at a first end of the clamp device and adapted to grasp ceiling wire positioned therebetween, wherein the first jaw and second jaw are movable between a first open position and a second closed position; grasping means whereby ceiling wire may be held in position between the first and second jaws; and fastening means whereby the jaws may be secured in the closed position;

positioning ceiling wire between the first and second jaws; and

securing the clamp device in the closed position.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the first and second jaws form substantially a V-shape at the attachment point.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein the first and second jaws form a one-piece assembly.

16. The method of claim 13 wherein:

the first jaw has a first substantially flat and elongated region and a second generally J-shaped region; and

the second jaw has a first substantially flat and elongated region and a second generally reverse J-shaped region.

17. The method of claim 13 wherein the grasping means comprises a plurality of teeth protruding from an inner surface of the first and second jaws.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the teeth on the first jaw are offset with the teeth on the second jaw in order to form an interlocking arrangement when the jaws are secured in the closed position.

19. The method of claim 13 further comprising a pin protruding tom an inner surface of the first jaw, wherein the pin is adapted to be inserted through an opening in the second jaw when the jaws are secured in the second closed position.

20. The method of claim 13 wherein fastening means comprises a tab protruding from an outer surface of the first jaw, wherein the tab is adapted to be inserted through a slot in the second jaw.