U.S. patent application number 10/402274 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-15 for seismic clip for ceiling panels.
Invention is credited to Sauer, Gale E..
Application Number | 20040068953 10/402274 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32072988 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040068953 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sauer, Gale E. |
April 15, 2004 |
Seismic clip for ceiling panels
Abstract
Suspended ceiling systems having seismic clips for holding
ceiling panel down so as to prevent the panel from becoming
dislodged during a seismic event are provided. The seismic clip
generally includes at least one wing ending in a bent foot. The
wing is attached to a tab that has a catch projecting therefrom.
The tab and catch act to fasten the seismic clip to a grid and the
wing contacts the upper surface of a panel so as to inhibit upward
movement of the panel. A safety clip is also provided that is
attached to a ceiling panel and that engages a portion of the
ceiling grid when the ceiling panel is dislodged and falls from its
predetermined position within the ceiling system.
Inventors: |
Sauer, Gale E.;
(Sinclairville, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
2500 Columbia Avenue
P. O. Box 3001
Lancaster
PA
17604-3001
US
|
Family ID: |
32072988 |
Appl. No.: |
10/402274 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60368487 |
Mar 29, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/506.06 ;
52/745.05 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 9/24 20130101; E04B
9/242 20130101; E04B 9/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/506.06 ;
052/745.05 |
International
Class: |
E04B 002/00; E04B
005/00; E04B 009/00; E04B 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of assembling a group of component, the group having a
ceiling grid of intersecting beams forming grid openings, clips
which cooperate with the grid, and panels each of which is adapted
to fit into, and extend horizontally within a respective grid
opening, the method comprising the steps of: inserting respective
clips onto respective beams of the grid prior to installation of a
respective panel into a grid opening; installing the respective
panel at an angle through the respective grid opening, such that
the respective panel engages and resiliently deforms a first
respective clip; moving the respective panel in a direction which
is essentially parallel to the plane of the ceiling grid, causing
the respective panel to engage and resiliently deform a second
respective clip; aligning the respective panel in proper position
in the respective grid opening such that the respective panel is
properly seated in the respective grid opening, whereby the
respective clips exert a force on the respective panel to maintain
the panel in the properly seated position.
2. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the clips have curved
feet which cooperate with upper surfaces of the panels when the
panels are installed and seated in the grid openings.
3. The method as recited in claim 2 wherein the curved feet are
configured to act as lead in surfaces to properly guide the panels
during the installation of the panels into the grid openings.
4. The method as recited in claim 3 wherein the beams have upper
sections and flanges which extend from lower sections thereof.
5. The method as recited in claim 4 wherein prongs of the clips
extend beyond the upper sections of the beams when the clips are
inserted onto the beams, tabs, attached to the prongs, are biased
inward so as to capture the upper sections to maintain the clips in
position on the beams.
6. The method as recited in claim 5 wherein the curved feet are
spaced from the flanges a distance which is less than the thickness
of the panels, such that as the panels are fully installed, the
clips exert a force on the panels to maintain the panels in a
properly seated position.
7. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the panels have kerfs
provided at opposed edges thereof, the kerfs cooperate with flanges
of the beams as the panels are installed and properly positioned on
the beams.
8. The method as recited in claim 7 wherein respective kerfs have
treads and vertical risers provided proximate to each other, such
that when the panels are properly seated in the grid openings, the
clip exerts sufficient force on the panel to maintain the flanges
in engagement with the treads while preventing the flanges from
moving beyond the vertical risers.
9. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein an upward force is
applied to a bottom surface of the respective panel in order to
remove the respective panel from the respective grid opening, the
upward force being sufficient to allow the spring forces of the
respective clips to be overcome such that the respective panel may
be slide and angled relative to the grid.
10. A suspended ceiling system comprising: a ceiling grid having
grid openings, the ceiling grid having flanges which extend
proximate the grid openings; panels positioned in the grid
openings, the panels have kerfs extending from edges thereof, the
kerfs cooperate with the flanges of the ceiling grid to support the
panels in the grid openings, the kerfs being dimensioned to allow
the panel to move both vertically and horizontally with respect to
the plane of the ceiling grid as the panels are installed or
removed from the grid openings; clips received on and maintained in
position on the ceiling grid, portions of the clips cooperate with
the panels to apply a force to the panels to maintain the panels in
a properly seated position in the grid opening, the clip has
arcuate ends which engage the panels, whereby when an appropriate
force is applied to the panels, the arcuate ends for the clips will
cooperate with panels to prevent damage of the panels as the clips
are resiliently deformed to allow the panels to be removed from the
grid openings.
11. The system as recited in claim 10 wherein the arcuate ends of
the clips cooperate with upper surfaces of the panels when the
panels are installed and seated in the grid openings.
12. The system as recited in claim 11 wherein the arcuate ends
configured to act as lead in surfaces to properly guide the panels
during the installation of the panels into the grid openings.
13. The system as recited in claim 12 wherein the ceiling grid has
beams have upper sections and lower sections, the flanges extend
from the lower sections.
14. The system as recited in claim 13 wherein prongs of the clips
extend beyond the upper sections of the beams when the clips are
inserted onto the beams, tabs, which extend from the prongs, are
biased inward so as to capture the upper sections to maintain the
clips in position on the beams.
15. The system as recited in claim 14 wherein when the clips are in
an unstressed position, the arcuate ends are spaced from the
flanges a distance which is less than the thickness of the panels,
such that as the panels are fully installed, the clips exert a
force on the panels to maintain the panels in a properly seated
position.
16. The system as recited in claim 10 wherein the panels have kerfs
provided at opposed edges thereof, the kerfs cooperate with flanges
of the beams as the panels are installed and properly positioned on
the beams.
17. The system as recited in claim 16 wherein respective kerfs have
treads and vertical risers provided proximate to each other, such
that when the panels are properly seated in the grid openings, the
clip exerts sufficient force on the panel to maintain the flanges
in engagement with the treads while preventing the flanges from
moving beyond the vertical risers.
18. A clip for use to maintain ceiling panels in position relative
to ceiling grids during a seismic occurrence, the clip comprising:
at least one wing member with an arcuate free end, the at least one
wing member having sufficient resiliency so as to enable the at
least one wing to bend outwardly and exert a biasing force
downwardly and inwardly in response to an upward force applied
thereto; a tab attached to the at least one wing member, the tab
has a prong extending therefrom, the prong tab extends inwardly and
upwardly at an angle relative to the tab, the prong being
dimensioned to cooperate with the ceiling grid to maintain the clip
in position relative to the ceiling grid.
19. The clip as recited in claim 18 wherein two wing members are
provided, the arcuate ends extending outwardly and away from each
other.
20. The clip as recited in claim 19 wherein tongues extend from and
are bent outwardly from the tabs, the tongues and tabs cooperate to
form a lower receiving surface which may accept ceiling grid.
Description
[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 60/368,487, filed Mar. 29, 2002, which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] This invention relates generally to suspended ceiling
systems and, more particularly, to devices for maintaining ceiling
panels in place within a ceiling grid.
BACKGROUND
[0004] As the service sector of the economy grows, more and more
workers find themselves in offices rather than manufacturing
facilities. The need for flexible reconfigurable office space has
resulted in open plan workspaces; large rooms with reduced ceiling
height and, in many cases, modular office partitions that can be
moved and reconfigured with relative ease. Modular ceiling panels
or suspended ceilings allow lighting, paging, and other ceiling
mounted systems to be reconfigured and provide accessibility to
equipment within the plenum space between the suspended ceiling and
the hard ceiling. The ceiling panels of suspended ceilings also can
provide fire and visual barriers between the plenum and people
below.
[0005] Such suspended ceilings typically consist of a plurality of
individual ceiling panels supported by a suspended gridwork made up
of a series of T-shaped cross supports. L-shaped wall moldings
support the ceiling panels around the periphery of the room, with
the cross supports extending across the room so as to form a series
of square or rectangular openings each sized to receive and support
a ceiling panel. In this regard, the dimensions (i.e. length and
width) of the openings generally are slightly less than the
dimensions (i.e. length and width) of the ceiling panels so that
the peripheral edges of the panels rest on the cross supports.
[0006] Most ceiling panels are manufactured in standard square or
rectangular sizes. Some ceiling panels further have simple square
cut edges and are supported within a ceiling opening with their
edges resting on the cross supports. More decorative ceiling panels
are, in some cases, formed with reverse rabbetted edges sometimes
referred to as "kerfed edges". Such kerfed edges on ceiling panels
generally have an inverted L-shaped cross section or slot that
forms a flange or a lip configured to rest on the cross supports
and/or wall moldings surrounding an opening. As a result, when a
ceiling panel with kerfed edges is positioned within its grid
opening, the face of the panel resides slightly below the plane of
the support grid. This provides a clean decorative appearance while
permitting the panels to be installed quickly and easily after the
gridwork is hung.
[0007] During a seismic event of sufficient intensity, such as an
earthquake, the ceiling panels can become dislodged and fall from
the suspended ceiling system, generally causing damage to the
panels and posing an injury hazard to the room occupants.
Therefore, there is a need for a suspended ceiling system that
provides mechanisms by which ceiling panels remain secured therein
during a seismic event.
SUMMARY
[0008] Briefly described, the present invention comprises a
suspended ceiling system wherein individual ceiling panels are
maintained in position during a seismic or jarring event. The
ceiling system includes a series of clips that cooperate with both
a ceiling grid and one or more ceiling panels to maintain the
panel(s) in position adjacent the grid, even when the suspended
ceiling system is exposed to seismic and/or other jarring forces.
Each clip generally includes at least one wing or side section
having a tab projecting therefrom, with a catch attached to or
projecting from the tab. The tab and the catch of each clip
cooperate with a portion of the ceiling grid so that the clip can
be fastened in place. When the clip is in a locking position
installed on the ceiling, its wing contacts an adjacent ceiling
panel and generally inhibits upward movement of the panel edge,
thereby preventing the panel from becoming dislodged from the
grid.
[0009] The clips further can comprise a metal band that is bent in
the center to form a pair of side sections or wings that are
generally curled near their ends. A portion of each wing is cut and
bent inwardly to form a tab. A section of the tab of each wing is
also die cut and bent to form a catch, with the catches of each
wing generally being bent toward each other. In use, each clip will
be fastened to the grid of the suspended ceiling system by sliding
its tabs downwardly over a bulb or center section of a T-bar of the
grid so as to allow the catches to clear the bottom of the bulb.
The angled catches engage the bottom of the bulb so as to retard
upward movement of the clip. Each wing of each clip extends
downwardly from the center of the clip on one side of the T-bar and
engages and bears against the top surface of a ceiling panel
adjacent that side of the T-bar so as to resist any upward movement
of the ceiling panel.
[0010] The present invention also encompasses a suspended ceiling
system having one or more safety clips attached to individual
ceiling panels, wherein the safety clip(s) prevent the individual
ceiling panels from falling even after the panels become dislodged
from the ceiling grid. Each safety clip generally includes a base
with an arm extending upwardly at an angle therefrom and having a
hook or catch at the free end. The safety clip is attached to the
upper surface of a ceiling panel adjacent a T-bar of the ceiling
grid when installed. The safety clip is oriented on the ceiling
panel so that its arm extends upwardly and outwardly beyond the
panel edge, such that when the panel is installed on the ceiling
grid, the hook of the safety clip is aligned above the adjacent
T-bar. The hook accordingly engages the T-bar when the edge of the
panel to which it is attached drops a sufficient distance.
[0011] The invention is also directed to the method for assembling
the ceiling system. The clips are inserted onto respective beams of
the ceiling grid prior to installation of a respective panel into a
grid opening. With the clip properly positioned, the respective
panel is inserted at an angle through the respective grid opening,
such that the respective panel engages and resiliently deforms a
first respective clip. As insertion continues, the panel is rotated
and is then moved in a direction which is essentially parallel to
the plane of the ceiling grid, causing the respective panel to
engage and resiliently deform a second respective clip. The
respective panel is then aligned in proper position in the
respective grid opening such that the respective panel is properly
seated in the respective grid opening. In this position, the
respective clips exert a force on the respective panel to maintain
the panel in the properly seated position.
[0012] These and other features, objects, and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent upon review of the
detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described as
follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seismic clip that embodies
principles of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2a is a side elevational view of the seismic clip of
FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 2b is a side elevational view of the seismic clip as in
FIG. 2a with exemplary dimensions provided for particular features
of the seismic clip.
[0016] FIG. 3a is a front elevational view of the seismic clip of
FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3b is a front elevational view of the seismic clip as
in FIG. 3a with exemplary dimensions provided for particular
features thereof.
[0018] FIG. 4a is a top plan view of the seismic clip of FIG.
1.
[0019] FIG. 4b is a top plan view of the seismic clip as in FIG. 4a
with exemplary dimensions provided for particular features
thereof.
[0020] FIG. 5a is a front elevational view the highlighted section
of FIG. 3 FIG. 5b is a front elevational view as in FIG. 5a with
exemplary dimensions provided for particular features thereof.
[0021] FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a suspended ceiling system
embodying principles of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 6b is a side elevational view of a section of the
suspended ceiling system of FIG. 6a.
[0023] FIG. 6c is a side elevational view of an edge of a ceiling
panel with an A profile.
[0024] FIG. 6d is a side elevational view of an edge of a ceiling
panel with a B profile.
[0025] FIG. 6e is a side elevational view of an edge of a ceiling
panel with a C and/or D profile.
[0026] FIG. 7a is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
suspended ceiling system embodying principles of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 7b is a side elevational view of a section of the
suspended ceiling system of FIG. 7a.
[0028] FIG. 8a is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a
suspended ceiling system embodying principles of the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 8b is a side elevational view of a section of the
suspended ceiling system of FIG. 8a.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of a section of a
suspended ceiling system of the present invention with a seismic
clip cooperating with ceiling panels and a T-bar of the grid of the
system.
[0031] FIG. 10a is a side elevational view of a safety clip that
embodies principles of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 10b is a side elevational view of the safety clip of
FIG. 10a with exemplary dimensions provided for particular features
thereof.
[0033] FIG. 11a is a top plan view of the safety clip of FIG.
10a.
[0034] FIG. 11b is a top plan view of the safety clip as shown in
FIG. 11a with exemplary dimensions provided for particular features
thereof.
[0035] FIG. 12a is a front elevational view of the safety clip of
FIG. 10a.
[0036] FIG. 12b is a front elevational view of the safety clip as
shown in FIG. 12a with exemplary dimensions provided for particular
features thereof.
[0037] FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of a section of a
suspended ceiling system of the present invention with a seismic
clip cooperating with a T-bar of the grid of the system prior to
the installation of the ceiling panel.
[0038] FIGS. 14a through 14d are schematic horizontal sectional
views, with the panel first and second edges A and B in profile,
showing the progressive steps of installing the panel in the
ceiling system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] Referring now in more detail to the drawings, in which like
numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, FIGS.
1-9 illustrate seismic clips for use with ceiling panels and
suspended ceiling systems that embody principles of the present
invention. FIGS. 6a, 7a, 8a and 9 illustrate the clip of this
invention as it appears when installed in various suspended ceiling
systems.
[0040] FIGS. 1 through 5b illustrate one embodiment of a seismic
clip 10 of the present invention. In this embodiment, each seismic
clip 10 is formed from a metal band 16, such as by die-cutting,
stamping or other metal formation processes. However, the present
invention also encompasses seismic clips that are formed from more
than one piece of material. The material from which the clip is
formed may be, for example, galvanized steel, although various
other metals, alloys and synthetic materials that are suitable for
use in suspended ceiling systems and that meet the necessary
building code requirements also may be used. As shown in FIGS. 2a
and 3a, each clip 10 generally has a two wings 22a and 22b that are
joined at the midpoint of the band 16 by a joint 18, and generally
are aligned at an approximately 90.degree. angle at joint 18. This
point of attachment of the wings or joint 18 of the seismic clip of
the present invention alternatively may be formed a continuous
curvature or arc without delineated joint.
[0041] Each wing 22a and 22b generally includes a shoulder portion
24a and 24b, respectively, there along at which the lower portions
of wings 22a and 22b extend inwardly and downwardly toward an
arcuate end or curved foot 26a and 26b, respectively. The curved
feet 26a and 26b generally curve outwardly and away from each
other, although inward curvature is also contemplated by the
invention. The wings 22a and 22b typically have sufficient
resiliency so as to enable the wings to bend or flex outwardly, and
will apply a biasing force downwardly and inwardly in response to
an upward force moving there against.
[0042] Tabs 28a and 28b further are formed from or attached to an
inner portion of each wing 22a and 22b. Each tab 28a and 28b is
generally rectangularly shaped with each of the tabs 28a and 28b
remaining attached to the wings 22a and 22b, respectively, along a
first or upper edge at a point of attachment 30a and 30b,
respectively. The points of attachment 30a and 30b of each tab 28a
and 28b, respectively, and the wings are disposed between the joint
18 and the shoulders 24a or 24b of the wings to which the tabs are
attached. Each tab is bent inwardly from the wing to which it is
attached toward the opposite wing. As shown in FIG. 5b, the angle
at which each tab is bent with respect to its wing typically is
approximately 45%, with the tabs 28a and 28b further generally
extending in substantially parallel alignment.
[0043] A section of each tab 28a and 28b generally is also formed
and bent to form a catch 32a and 32b, respectively. Each catch 32a
and 32b includes a prong 34a and 34b, formed or attached along
inner portions of the tabs 28a and 28b. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4,
the prongs 34a and 34b are generally rectangularly shaped and are
attached to the tabs at lower or second edges thereof. The prongs
34a and 34b each are bent at their points of attachment inwardly
from the tabs 28a and 28b, so that they extend inwardly and
upwardly at an angle relative to the tabs 28a and 28b. The catches
32a and 32b also include tongues 36a and 36b, respectively, which
are bent outwardly from the tabs. Tongue 36a cooperates with prong
34a, as does tongue 36b with prong 34b, to form a lower receiving
surface that may accept the bulb of a T-bar, as explained
below.
[0044] FIGS. 2b, 3b, 4b and 5b provide dimensions for one example
of the embodiment of the seismic clip 10 for purposes of
illustration. As an example, the seismic clip may be approximately
1 to 3 inches wide from the edge of one foot to another. The clip
may be approximately 1 to 2 inches high, from the joint to the
bottom surface of the feet. It will also be understood that the
present invention further encompasses seismic clips with dimensions
that vary from those provided, since the dimensions of the seismic
clip used with a particular suspended ceiling system will vary
depending upon the dimensions and compositions of the other ceiling
system components. Further, while the seismic clip 10 is shown
herein as having two wings, the present invention also encompasses
a clip have only one of each of the wings, feet, tabs, prongs,
catches and shoulders.
[0045] FIGS. 6a, 7a and 8a illustrate various embodiments of the
suspended ceiling systems of the present invention. In each
embodiment, one or more seismic clips cooperate with both the
system grid and the system ceiling panels to maintain those panels
in place during a seismic event.
[0046] FIG. 6a shows a suspended ceiling system 100 formed of a
ceiling grid 60 supporting panels 50 and 51 and clips 10 and 75 or
76. Clips 10 can be seismic clips as shown in greater detail in
FIGS. 1-5b. Clips 75 and 76 are vector border clips that are used
to help secure ceiling panels in position adjacent a wall. The grid
60 generally includes T-bars 40 and stabilizer bars 47. As shown in
FIG. 6b, the grid 60 rests upon a molding flange 70, which is
attached to a wall of the room in which the suspended ceiling
system 100 is disposed. The seismic clips 10 of the present
invention are placed along the grid 60 so that they engage ceiling
panels 50. Depending upon the size of the grid 60 and the panels 50
more than one or more seismic clips 10 may be positioned to
cooperate with a particular edge of a panel.
[0047] FIGS. 6c, 6d and 6e illustrate the different edge profiles
of ceiling panels that may be used within the suspended ceiling
system of the present invention. The A and B profiles are
generically referred to within the drawings as the kerfed edges. In
general, on a given ceiling panel, an edge having an A profile will
be opposed by an edge having a B profile and the other two edges
will have C/D profiles. The A and B profiles are generally
configured so that the flange of a T-bar may be inserted into a
slot in the profile, whereas profiles C and D are generally
configured for a flange to be positioned above the lip of the
profile when the ceiling panel is disposed within the grid.
[0048] FIGS. 7a and 7b illustrate another suspended ceiling system
200 of the present invention. Again, seismic clips 10 are shown
attached to T-bars and cooperating with the kerfed edges of ceiling
panels 50 so as to hold the panels in place during a seismic event.
This suspended ceiling system 200 includes spring border clips 77
that act to help secure the outer boundary panels 51 of the system.
A molding flange 70, as shown in FIG. 7b, supports the outer
boundary panels 51 of this system 200.
[0049] FIGS. 8a and 8b show yet another embodiment 300 of the
suspended ceiling system of the present invention. This system 300
includes a grid 360 supporting panels 50 and 51, and an assortment
of clips 10, 80 and 81. In this embodiment, the seismic clips 10
engage and hold the kerfed edges of the panels 50 in place, while
woodworks vector clips 80 are attached to the outer boundary panels
51 and rest on molding flange 70.
[0050] FIG. 9 illustrates how some of the components of a suspended
ceiling system of the present invention cooperate to maintain
ceiling panels in place adjacent the system grid. The system grid
includes T-bar 40, which is joined in a network to other T-bars
within the suspended ceiling system. T-bar 40 includes center bar
41 that has a bulb 42 attached at the top end and a flange 44
attached at the bottom end. Side B of panel 52 and side A of panel
50 are both joined to flange 44. Panels 50 and 52 are suspended
within the ceiling system in part by these connections with T-bar
40, with a seismic clip 10 is mounted over T-bar 40. When
installed, the seismic clip 10 is urged down over a T-bar 40.
During this process, the lower surfaces of catches 32a and 32b
slide over the bulb 42 of the T-bar and bias tabs 28a and 28b
outward. Once the prongs 34a and 34b clear the lower edges of bulb
42, tabs 28a and 28b bias the catches 32a and 32b with prongs 34a
and 34b inwardly so as to capture the bulb of the T-bar between the
prongs 34a and 34b so that they cannot move upward past the bulb 42
without being moved outwardly away from the T-bar 40 so as to clear
the bottom of bulb 42.
[0051] The seismic clip 10 of the present invention generally is
sized so that, as the prongs 34a and 34b clear the bottom of bulb
42, the feet 26a and 26b come into biased, engaging contact with
the top surfaces of panels 52 and 50, respectively. The seismic
clip 10 further may be sized or designed such that a predetermined
amount of pressure is applied by the feet 26a and 26b against the
panels 52 and 50, respectively, when the seismic clip 10 is
fastened to a T-bar 40. Each panel within the suspended ceiling
system also may have one or more seismic clips aligned along a side
thereof so that one or more sides of the ceiling panel, as
appropriate, can be held down by multiple seismic clips.
[0052] When the suspended ceiling system is arranged, upward force
on the panels 50 and 52 is resisted by seismic clip 10, although
the resistance can be overcome with a reasonable level of manual
force if necessary. However, the seismic clip 10 does not inhibit
lateral movement of the ceiling panels 50 and 52, which may be
necessary to install and remove the panels. Each wing 22a and 22b
will tend to bend upward and/or outward when upward force is
applied to the bottoms of feet 26a and 26b and will correspondingly
tend to resist such upward force with a biased downward and/or
inward counter force. As a result, if the suspended ceiling system
is subjected to a seismic event, such as an earthquake, any
tendency of the panels 50 and 52 to move upward during the event
will be resisted by seismic clip 10. Without the ability to move
upwardly, the ceiling panels cannot become dislodged from the
ceiling system. Consequently, the panels are not subject to damage
from becoming dislodged and do not pose safety hazards as falling
objects. Furthermore, the seismic clips 10 may serve to help dampen
the effects of vibration on the ceiling panels and also allow
installation and removal of the ceiling panels even while the
seismic clip is installed.
[0053] FIGS. 8a and 10a-12b illustrate an embodiment of the safety
clip 81 of the present invention. In this embodiment, each safety
clip 81 is formed from a metal band 89, such as by die-cutting,
stamping or other metal forming processes. However, the present
invention also encompasses safety clips that are formed from more
than one piece of material. The material from which the safety clip
is formed may be, for example, galvanized steel, although various
other metals, alloys and synthetic materials that are suitable for
use in suspended ceiling systems and that meet the necessary
building code requirements also may be used. The safety clip 81
includes a base 82 having an arm 83 that extends upwardly away from
the base at an angle and ends in a hook 84. As shown, the hook 84
includes a bight portion 85 attached to arm 83, and a leg 86
extending downwardly from the bight portion 85, although it is
contemplated that the hook may include simply a substantially
continuously curved or arcuate section. The leg 86 further
generally is angled away from arm 83. The base 82 includes an
aperture 88 through which a screw or other fastener may be inserted
so as to fasten the safety clip 81 to a ceiling panel.
[0054] FIGs. 10b, 11b and 12b provide dimensions for one example of
the embodiment of the safety clip 81 for purposes of illustration.
As an example, the safety clip may be approximately 3 to 4 inches
long from the end of the leg to the end of the base. The safety
clip may be approximately 2 to 3 inches high, from the base to the
bight portion. The arm may be angled away from the base at an angle
of between about 90 degrees to about 120 degrees. The leg 86 may be
angled away from the bight portion at an angle of between about 90
degrees to about 110 degrees. It will also be understood that the
present invention further encompasses safety clips with dimensions
that vary from those provided, since the dimensions of the safety
clip used with a particular suspended ceiling system will vary
depending upon the dimensions and compositions of the other ceiling
system components.
[0055] FIG. 8a shows the safety clip 81 arranged within suspended
ceiling system 300. The safety clips 81 are fastened to the upper
surfaces of ceiling panels 50 and 51 by fasteners 91. The safety
clips 81 are aligned adjacent the edges of the ceiling panels 50
and 51 so that their arms 82 extend upwardly and away from the
panels and toward the T-bars 40 and/or molding flanges 70. Hooks 84
are, in turn, generally aligned above the T-bars and/or molding
flanges 70, although they need not be directly aligned above the
T-bars and/or molding flanges. As shown in FIG. 8a, the safety
clips 81 typically do not engage the T-bars or molding flanges when
the ceiling panels 50 and 51 are in their normal installed
positions within the suspended ceiling system 300. Further during
installation of the panels, the arms of the safety clips 81 may be
bent or flexed away from the T-bars as they are moved up and past
the adjacent T-bars and/or molding flanges.
[0056] In the event that a ceiling panel becomes dislodged and
falls from its predetermined position within the suspended ceiling
system, whether by a seismic event, a force being applied to the
panels by an individual or some other jarring occurrence or event,
the hook of the safety clip engages the T-bar or molding flange,
thereby preventing the ceiling panel from falling more than a
limited distance and being completely dislodged from the ceiling
grid. The safety clip also may be used in conjunction with the
seismic clip, as shown in FIG. 8a, or separately from it. The
safety clip further may be used with large heavy panels, such as
those made of wood, or other types panels that may be awkward to
handle.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 13, 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D the method of
installing the seismic clips 10 and panels 50, 52 in the grid
openings of the ceiling grid will be described. For ease of
explanation and understanding, the installation of panel 50 will be
used, however the same method applies to the other panels 52.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 13, the seismic clip is installed on the
beams or T-bar 40 prior to insertion or installation of panels 50,
52. As previously described, once the prongs 34a and 34b of the
seismic clip clear the lower edges of bulb 42, tabs 28a and 28b
bias the catches 32a and 32b with prongs 34a and 34b inwardly so as
to capture the bulb of the T-bar between the prongs 34a and 34b so
that they cannot move upward past the bulb 42 without being moved
outwardly away from the T-bar so as to clear the bottom of bulb 42.
In this position, curved feet 26a and 26b are spaced from the
flange of the T-bar 40 in both the horizontal and vertical
direction. The spacing X between the flange and each respective
foot is less than the thickness of the panels as measured between
the upper surface of the panel and the top wall of the kerf.
[0059] With the clip 10 properly positioned on the T-bar 40, the
panel 50 is brought into position toward the ceiling in an inclined
position, as shown in FIG. 14A, with edge A uppermost. Each panel
has a kerf 133 provided at an edge A at a lower level in the panel
than kerf 135 in edge B. Both kerfs extend in horizontal planes. As
this occurs, a portion of the panel proximate edge A engages wing
22b causing the wing 22b to be resiliently displaced in the
direction of arrow K. The configuration of curved foot 26a acts as
a lead in surface to facilitate the insertion or installation of
the panel 50. The configuration of the foot prevents the free edge
thereof from distorting or digging into the panel during
installation of the panels. Other configurations of feet 26a and
26b can be used without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0060] As seen in FIG. 14B, the installation of the panel 50
continues as the kerf 133 in edge A engages with the grid flange
side 128 to form a hinge to pivot the panel 50 to a generally
horizontal position in the ceiling system, against the grid 60,
wherein lower lip 141 on edge B abuts flange side 129. As this
point, the kerf 135 in edge B will align with the adjacent flange
side 129. As this occurs, a portion of the panel proximate edge B
engages wing 22a causing the wing 22a to be resiliently displaced
in the direction of arrow L. The configuration of curved foot 26b
acts as a lead in surface to facilitate the insertion or
installation of the panel 50. As previously described for curved
foot 26a, the configuration of the foot prevents the free edge
thereof from distorting or digging into the panel during
installation of the panels.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 14C, the entire panel is then shifted, or
translated, toward the right toward edge B to seat the kerf 135 in
edge B on its adjacent flange side 129 on the grid 60. This
movement occurs in a direction which is essentially parallel to the
plane of the ceiling grid. As this shift occurs, the kerf 133 in
edge A slides away from and out of its adjacent flange, permitting
edge A to drop until it reaches the tread 139 of registration step
136, as seen in FIG. 14D. The panel 50 now lies in the horizontal
plane of the ceiling, since the level of the tread 139 of the
registration step 136 in edge A is the same as that of the upper
side 30 of kerf in edge B, as seen in FIG. 14D. The configuration
of the feet also facilitates the sliding movement of the panel. As
previously described, the free edge of each foot does not dig into
the panel, and therefore does not retard the sliding movement of
the panel.
[0062] The panel 50 can be slightly shifted back to the left
against the vertical riser 134 of registration step 136, in what in
effect is a feedback effect. This enables the installer to readily
and virtually automatically minutely position the panel
horizontally with a minimum of visual judgment, using simply a
technique of feel.
[0063] In the position shown in FIG. 14D, the wings 22a and 22b are
maintained in a slightly stressed position, such that a downward
force, as represented by arrows M, is applied to the panels.
Consequently, the use of the seismic clip maintains the panels in
the position shown in FIG. 14D. In this position the cooperation of
the flange side 129 and the registration step 136 of tread 139
prevent the lateral movement of the panel.
[0064] For removal, the steps necessary to install the panel 50 are
reversed. In order to begin the removal process, an upward force is
applied to the panel 50. The upward force must be sufficient to
overcome the resistance of the seismic clip 10. With the resistance
of the seismic clip overcome, the seismic clip 10 does not inhibit
lateral movement of the ceiling panels 50 and 52, which may be
necessary to install and remove the panels. Each wing 22a and 22b
will tend to bend upward and/or outward when upward force is
applied to the bottoms of feet 26a and 26b by the panels. However
in a seismic event, in which a manual force is not applied to the
bottom of the panel, the seismic clip will apply a sufficient force
to the panel to resist such seismic force with a biased downward
and/or inward counter force. As a result, if the suspended ceiling
system is subjected to a seismic event, such as an earthquake, any
tendency of the panels 50 and 52 to move upward during the event
will be resisted by seismic clip 10. Without the ability to move
upwardly, the ceiling panels cannot become dislodged from the
ceiling system. Consequently, the panels are not subject to damage
from becoming dislodged and do not pose safety hazards as falling
objects. Furthermore, the seismic clips 10 may serve to help dampen
the effects of vibration on the ceiling panels and also allow
installation and removal of the ceiling panels even while the
seismic clip is installed.
[0065] While particular embodiments of the present invention that
have been discussed and disclosed herein represent the best mode
known of carrying out the invention, other embodiments will suggest
themselves to persons skilled in the art in view of this
disclosure. Therefore, it will be understood that variations,
additions, deletions, and modifications to the illustrated
embodiments not specifically discussed herein may be affected
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set
forth in the claims and that the scope of the invention should be
limited only by the claims.
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