Abstract: An apparatus for constructing an interlocked grid system which may be suspended from the main structure of a building for use as a ceiling panel support is disclosed in which transverse members interlock with suspendable support members. A tongue on each end of opposing transverse members communicates with a rectangular hole in the support member. The upper and lower edge of each tongue is deflected to form upper and lower shoulders which face backward toward the transverse member. Upon insertion of the tongue into the rectangular hole, the shoulders engage the support member at the upper and lower ends of the rectangular hole. The leading end of the tongue is wedged and maintained in position within the orifice by a centrally located reinforcement bead on the opposing transverse member. The reinforcement bead extends across the junction of the tongue with the transverse member to perform a reinforcing function as well as the wedging function.

Abstract: In a suspended ceiling assembly of panels carried by spaced, elongated stringers, stabilizer bars interconnecting the stringers for maintaining the stringers fixed in position relative to each other and preventing racking of the assembly. Each stabilizer bar is a rigid element having a tab at each end for snap-fitting insertion into a slot formed in a stringer, and also having flange portions adjacent each end for bearing against a stringer surface along spaced extended lines of contact, when the tab at that end is inserted in the stringer, to prevent angular movement of the stringer relative to the stabilizer bar.

Abstract: A splicer bar is provided for fastening together two inverted T-shaped runners. The splicer bar spans the junction between two runners and the splicer bar is fastened to the vertical web of both runners. Each runner has spaced apertures in its vertical web and the splicer bar has snap fasteners that will fit into these apertures to hold the two runners in parallel alignment and fixedly fastened together.

Abstract: A first support member having a web with a slot and a pair of second support members having locking connectors insertable through the slot in side by side relation, each connector having a resiliently yieldable finger engageable against the web after insertion through the slot for interlocking the first and second members. Each connector has a laterally projecting detent on the side opposite the finger, an opening providing an arcuate generally vertical shoulder spaced rearwardly from the detent, and a laterally projecting spring retainer on the same side as the detent extending forwardly at least partially across the opening. When the connectors are inserted through the slot in side by side relation the forward end of each connector is confined against the other connector by the retainer thereof with its detent engaging the arcuate shoulder of the other connector, thereby interlocking the second support members, the retainers yielding resiliently to permit passage of the detents into the respective openings.

Abstract: A one piece T section used interchangeably as both a main T member and a cross T member in a supporting grid system for suspended ceilings. The interchangeable T sections have locking connectors engageable to interlock a pair of sections in end to end relation to form a main T splice with their tile supporting flanges substantially abutting. When the sections are used as cross T members, the locking connectors engage the web of a section used as a main T member and the flanges of the cross T sections overlie the flanges of the main T section with which they are interlocked.

Abstract: For use in a suspended ceiling system a pair of beams joinable end to end in aligned relation, each of the beams having a vertical web and lower flange at right angles thereto. The beams have identically formed end portions each terminating in a horizontal tongue integral with the web. Each web has formed therein a window having an inwardly spaced "locking" edge and having a vertical dimension just slightly greater than the height of the tongue. Each of the tongues is notched and bent along its upper and lower edges to form a pair of integral hooks. The tongues are sufficiently straight with respect to the plane of the web so that when a tongue is received in the window of the companion beam it bears with resilient lateral force against the far edge of the window, insuring that the hooks "catch" behind the locking edge to a desired depth.

Abstract: A resin bonded glass fiber grating adhesively bonded together in unitary construction to form a lightweight, high strength industrial grating, which may include a non-skid elastomer surface and the capability to be rolled up for storage and a method of constructing the same.

Abstract: A grille comprised of a plurality of the thin strips and bars made of the steel or plastics is disclosed, which grille is assembled without using any welding or bonding. The thin strips have a series of equally spaced notches cut out along the edge of said strips, which notches are of a rectangular shape of width slightly greater than the thickness of said strip and of depth approximately equal to the one half of the width of said strip. Said strips further include a series of holes disposed intermediate each pair of adjacent notches. First half of the grille assembly is formed by the plurality of said strips forming a network wherein the notches on the strips crossing each other engage one another at each crossing point. The last half of the grille assembly is composed of bars threaded through said holes on the strips which bars forms another network wherein bars crossing each other are interlaced to one another.

Abstract: A resilient three dimensional structure comprising a plurality of interlocked strips each having co-engaging projections and apertures. The projections of one strip engaging apertures of another strip to retain against relative movement perpendicular to the length of said one strip and the apertures of said one strip being engaged by projections in said other strip to retain the two strips against relative movement in a second direction perpendicular to the length of said one strip.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling system including a main beam formed with a vertically extending rectangular window and a pair of cross beams intended to abut the main beam in alignment with one another at the window. The cross beams, which are identical, have at each end a pair of longitudinally extending vertically spaced tongues integral with the web thereof, the tongues being spaced and laterally offset in opposite directions from the plane of the associated web to such degree that the diagonally measured distance between the upper edge of the upper tongue and the lower edge of the lower tongue is equal to the diagonal dimension of the window so that, when the tongues of the mated cross beams are inserted into the window from opposite sides to seated positions, the tongues of the cross beams mutually overlap one another for snug occupation of all four corners of the window opening.

Abstract: A resin bonded glass fiber grating adhesively bonded together in unitary construction to form a lightweight, high strength industrial grating, which may include a non-skid elastomer surface and the capability to be rolled up for storage and a method of constructing the same.

Abstract: An easily installed awning includes a pair of side frame members and a plurality of generally vertical slats carried by slots in the upper surfaces of the side members.

Abstract: A fire rated dry wall ceiling support system having fixed, aligned main beam members spliced together in a manner so as to absorb longitudinal compression, as for example resulting from thermal expansion during a fire. Each main beam includes a web surmounted by a bead with flange portions extending laterally outwardly from the web. Each web end includes a tongue extending axially outwardly for locking engagement with the adjacent beam member web and is so configured that the tongues fold in a longitudinal manner and become laterally displaced out of the normal plane of the tongues when the beam members are longitudinally compressed towards one another. Accordingly, the bead means become laterally displaced while moving towards one another in a longitudinal direction and may in fact overlap one another in a longitudinal sense. The system further includes support channels disposed transversely to the main beam members and engaged therewith.

Abstract: An elongated sheet of stainless steel material includes alternately spaced apart laterally extending slots and ridges formed by removing a length of material and then applying downward pressure within the slots to form downwardly extending rounded slot edges. Upward pressure is applied along a line between the slots to form rounded ridges having oppositely extending downwardly sloping surfaces which merge into flat surfaces extending to the adjacent slot edges. The opposite sides of the floor members include downwardly extending side walls which slope inwardly towards each other such that side walls of adjacent floor members form elongated openings which increase in width downwardly. An A-shaped strengthening member may be provided under the floor member along its center line and supported by vertically disposed end channels the upper legs of which have downwardly extending return bend portions providing rounded edges therealong.

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 cantilivered cross truss construction provides a load supporting structure through the interlocking of the trusses one within the other to form a superior load supporting truss construction.

Abstract: The system is preferably for use in building construction where concrete floors can be poured in place. The components of the system comprise parallel arranged joists preferably each constructed from three pieces to form an I-beam joist, bracing channels extending orthogonally between adjacent joists and mated at their respective ends with the joists, means for securing and bracing channels in place relative to the joists, and corrugated metal decking extending in separate sections between adjacent joists and over the bracing channels. Concrete is poured over the metal decking and interlocks with the top end of each joist to form a structurally securely supported, poured-in-place concrete floor.

Abstract: A vertically suspended foil structure for sound muffling and light scattering false ceilings comprises a grid of U-shaped metal crossbeams, resting on longitudinal stringers, and foils attached to one another by a crossbeam engaging device having a spring biassed head for insertion in a hole through a metal plate and a prismatic body whereto a foil is affixed rigidly, each crossbeam having holes through the upper side thereof and mating notches in its wing portions adapted to engage the head in the hole and concurrently snap engage two opposite corners of the crossbeam engaging device in the wing portions.

Abstract: A composite beam or girder fabricated from a section of an "I" shaped rolled structural steel beam and a reinforced concrete slab is formed. The bottom flange and the web of the girder are a section of the "I" beam, the top "top flange" is the concrete slab. The steel section is obtained by cutting the web of the "I" beam in a zig-zag fashion into two similar sections, each having a flange and a sawtooth shaped web. Effective interconnection of the steel section and the reinforced concrete slab is achieved by anchor rods snugly fit into holes provided in the top part of the web.

Abstract: An improved metal pallet is shown having elongate deck members defining a load bearing surface and transverse stringer members to support the deck members. The stringer members are generally U-shaped having generally upright laterally resilient sides defining longitudinally spaced-apart, transverse openings located adjacent to the upper marginal edges of the sides. The ends of the deck members pass through the stringer member openings. The deck members have longitudinal downwardly and outwardly disposed laterally resilient sides defining opposed pairs of parallel slot openings. The longitudinal spacing between these slot openings is different than the normal transverse spacing between the stringer sides, so that upon assembly of the pallet the stringer and deck member sides are laterally deflected; the peripheral edges of the stringer openings are located in the slot openings, and the deck members and stringer member are biased into mutual engagement by the lateral deflections of the respective sides.

Abstract: A foot grille comprises closely spaced, parallel tread rails of uniform, T-shaped cross section joined by crosswise key lock bars. The lock bars are tightly wedged in triangular cutouts in the web portions of the rails between upper and lower flanges of the rails. The heights of the lock bars are greater than the heights of the web portions of the rails, and the lock bars are notched to receive the lower flanges of the rails, thus to fix the lower ends of the rails. The top edges of the bars tightly engage laterally spaced-apart areas of the undersides of the top flanges of the rails to fix the upper parts of the rails.

Abstract: A floor mat of the type comprising crossed, interlocking flexible strips which are arranged in grid-like fashion. A plurality of interchangeable design elements are inserted in the rectangular interstitial spaces between the strips at various places on the mat so as to form any desired wording, design or pattern in matching or contrasting colors. The design elements, which substantially occupy the interstitial spaces, are provided with a pair of protruding lugs which interlock with suitably positioned apertures in the strips.

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.

Abstract: In a metal building wall construction intended especially for house basement walls, the walls consist of edge interlocked metal panels resting on the web of an upwardly-open perimeter channel that delineates the basement floor. A flange on the channel inner side sets the depth of a poured concrete floor and acts as a screed for levelling the concrete. The perimeter channel web is wider than the panels are thick and they are supported at their inner face by spaced tabs struck up out of the perimeter channel web to leave internal drain holes which permit escape of water received in the perimeter channel. Since the thin passage between abutting edge webs unavoidably promotes capillary action whereby water can be drawn into it from the adjacent soil, the passage is provided along its length with an enlargement forming a vertical longitudinal drain passage that will trap the water moving into the passage and cause it to travel downwards to the perimeter channel and through the drain holes.

Abstract: A pallet or skid is disclosed for use in material handling. The pallet, preferably formed of metal, may be rigidly assembled or disassembled without the use of welding or fasteners, or the like. The pallet has a plurality of longitudinal deck panels for horizontal parallel location to form a load bearing surface. The deck panels have longitudinal resilient edge portions defining a plurality of spaced-apart slots. A plurality of spaced-apart stringer members are provided for transversely engaging the deck members, with the deck members passing through openings in the stringer members. The stringer member openings are dimensioned to provide retaining portions, so that upon transverse deflection of the deck member edge portions, the deck members may slide through the stringer member openings until the slots register with the retaining portions causing the deck members to snap and lock into position in the stringer members.

Abstract: A modular ceiling system utilizing a plurality of stringers interlocked with one another to provide a high strength, non-warping suspended ceiling grid assembly. The T-shaped stringer employed in the grid assembly has a channel-shaped T-head designed to support acoustical ceiling tiles flush with the lower edge of the stringers. The main stringers are arranged parallel to one another and interlocked to secondary stringers to provide a grid of four sided cells. Part of the secondary stringers have the same length as one side of a single cell and others are of double that length. The double length secondary stringers are constructed to have a snug snap-lock joint with the main stringers whereas the single length secondary stringers have a snug, non-locking fit between the mid-portions of the double length stringers.

Abstract: A modular ceiling system utilizing a plurality of stringers interlocked with one another to provide a rectangularly celled, high strength, non-warping suspended ceiling grid assembly. The T-shaped extruded aluminum stringer employed in the grid assembly has a channel-shaped T-head designed to support acoustical ceiling tiles flush with the lower edge of the stringers. The main stringers are arranged parallel to one another and interlocked to secondary stringers to provide a grid of four sided cells. Part of the secondary stringers have the same length as one side of a single cell and others are of double that length. The double length secondary stringers are constructed to have a snug snap-lock joint with the main stringers whereas the single length secondary stringers have a snug, non-locking fit between the mid-portions of the double length stringers.

Abstract: A grating assembly comprises a plurality of inverted T-shaped cross pieces 2 each having a plurality of slots 3 in the upper flange. The slots have convexly curved central walls 4. A plurality of transverse profile bars 1 have curved lower flange portions 1c that engage in the slot curvatures when assembled. The latter is implemented by bending the pieces 2 to open the slot mouths and facilitate the bar insertions.

Abstract: A metallic structural fencing having inter-engaged horizontal and vertical members is disclosed. The horizontal members are lanced to provide laterally projecting web sections adapted to receive and engage the vertical members which are secured to the top and bottom horizontal members. The horizontal members are secured to vertical framing members at their ends.

Abstract: A first support member having a web with a slot therein and a second support member having a web provided with an integral locking connector extending axially therefrom for insertion in the slot. The connector has a snap locking finger provided with an edge inclined relative to a true vertical for positive locking engagement against one side of the first support member web. Interlocking means are provided on the opposed faces of a pair of second support member connectors inserted through the slot for locking the second support members against axial separation.