U.S. patent application number 12/210521 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-18 for ceiling tile and edge suspension system.
This patent application is currently assigned to CertainTeed Corporation. Invention is credited to Alan L. BOYD.
Application Number | 20100064618 12/210521 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42005987 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100064618 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BOYD; Alan L. |
March 18, 2010 |
CEILING TILE AND EDGE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Abstract
A rectangular ceiling tile is provided including a core
containing fiber material with two opposite first and second edges,
the tile forming a projecting, circumferential rim on the lower
face thereof. The ceiling tile also includes two oppositely
disposed, generally C-shaped edge support clips, each having one or
more limbs and inserted into the core in a transverse edge surface
thereof, and each having a web forming a protruding edge having a
stepped groove. The stepped groove has a deeper section and a
shallower section. The protruding edge of each of the clips extends
transversely of a transverse edge of the tile. Clips and methods of
installing such ceiling tiles are also provided.
Inventors: |
BOYD; Alan L.;
(Collegeville, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUANE MORRIS LLP - Philadelphia;IP DEPARTMENT
30 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-4196
US
|
Assignee: |
CertainTeed Corporation
|
Family ID: |
42005987 |
Appl. No.: |
12/210521 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/506.07 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 9/225 20130101;
E04B 9/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/506.07 |
International
Class: |
E04B 9/04 20060101
E04B009/04 |
Claims
1. A rectangular ceiling tile to be supported in an exposed type
suspended grid system of perpendicularly crossed girders of
inverted T-profile, said tile comprising: a) a core containing
fiber material with two opposite first edges, forming each a
stepped recess, and two opposite second edges forming each a
stepped recess, the tile forming a projecting, circumferential rim
on the lower face thereof, alongside said first and second edges;
and b) at least two oppositely disposed generally C-shaped edge
support clips, each having one or more limbs that are inserted into
the core in a transverse edge surface thereof, and each having a
web forming a protruding edge having a stepped groove, said stepped
groove having a deeper section and a shallower section, said
protruding edge of each of said clips extending transversely of the
transverse edge of said core.
2. The ceiling tile of claim 1 wherein said shallower section of
said stepped groove permits the clip to rest on a flange of a
girder of inverted T-profile.
3. The ceiling tile of claim 2 wherein said deeper section of
stepped groove permits a downward access clearance for mounting and
de-mounting said tile within said grid system.
4. The ceiling tile of claim 1 wherein said generally C-shaped
metal or plastic edge supporting clips comprise a width of about
0.5-4 inches and a length of about 1-3 inches.
5. The ceiling tile of claim 1 wherein said core comprises fibers
bonded by a resinous adhesive at a density of less than 5 pounds
per cubic foot.
6. A generally C-shaped edge support clip for ceiling tiles
supported in an exposed type suspended grid system of
perpendicularly crossed girders of inverted T-profile, said clip
comprising: a) a metallic or plastic material; b) one or more limbs
that can be inserted into a transverse edge of said ceiling tile;
c) a web forming a protruding edge having a deeper stepped groove
that permits downward access for mounting and de-mounting said tile
and a shallow section for allowing said clip to rest on a flange of
a ceiling suspension grid.
7. The generally C-shaped clip of claim 6 wherein said clip has at
least two limbs separated by a slot.
8. The generally C-shaped clip of claim 7 wherein said clip is
manufactured from a single piece of sheet metal.
9. The generally C-shaped clip of claim 6 wherein said at least one
limb comprises a bayonet-shaped prong.
10. The generally C-shaped clip of claim 7 wherein said clip has a
tab flush with the bottom of the clip and extending toward the
panel outside edge for a distance of from about 0.125 inches to
about 0.500 inches to act as a reinforcement for the panel.
11. A method of installing a rectangular ceiling tile in an exposed
type suspended grid system of perpendicularly crossed girders of
inverted T-profile, said method comprising: a) providing a ceiling
tile including a core containing fiber material with two opposite
first edges forming each a stepped recess, and two opposite second
edges forming each a stepped recess, the tile forming a projecting,
circumferential rim on the lower face thereof, along said first and
second edges; b) inserting at least two generally C-shaped metal or
plastic edge support clips on each of said two opposite first
edges, said at least two generally C-shaped clips each having one
or more limbs that are inserted into the core along a transverse
edge surface of said core, and each having a web forming a
protruding edge having a stepped groove having a deeper section and
a shallower section, said protruding edge of each of said clips
extending transversely of the transverse edge of the core; c)
supporting a first of said two opposite first edges comprising one
of at least two generally C-shaped metal or plastic edge support
clips onto a first girder flange of said girders so as to insert
said girder flange into said deeper section of said stepped groove;
d) lifting said rectangular ceiling tile so that a second of said
two opposite first edges comprising a second of at least two
generally C-shaped metal or plastic edge support clips is disposed
above a second girder flange; and e) transversely sliding said
rectangular ceiling tile whereby said first and second girder
flanges come in contact with the shallower sections of each of said
first and second generally C-shaped metal or plastic edge support
clips to support said rectangular ceiling tile within said grid
system.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein said insertion step (b)
comprises inserting at least four generally C-shaped metal or
plastic edge support clips, whereby at least two generally C-shaped
clips are inserted into the core of fiber material along each of
two opposite first edges.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein said core of fiber material
comprises a fiberglass board and said generally C-shaped metal or
plastic edge support clips are inserted into a transverse cut edge
of said fiberglass board.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein at least said stepped recesses
of said two opposite first edges are painted.
15. The method of claim 11 wherein each of said generally C-shaped
metal or plastic edge support clips is inserted so that its deeper
section of its stepped groove is disposed below its shallower
section.
16. A rectangular ceiling tile to be supported in an exposed type
suspended grid system of perpendicularly crossed girders of
inverted T-profile, said tile comprising a core containing fiber
material with two opposing first edges and two opposing second
edges, each of said first and second edges forming a stepped recess
having a substantially vertical transverse edge surface and a top
edge surface, said vertical transverse edge and said top edge
surfaces forming an inside, generally L-shaped, corner of said
stepped recess, said inside corner being substantially completely
covered in paint.
17. The rectangular ceiling tile of claim 16 wherein said core of
fiber material comprises textile fiber, rotary glass fibers or both
bonded by a resinous adhesive.
18. The rectangular ceiling tile of claim 17 wherein said core of
fiber material is bonded to a non-woven fiber glass mat on a first
major surface of said ceiling tile.
19. The rectangular ceiling tile of claim 17 wherein said core of
fiber material is bonded to a vinyl or other decorative laminate on
a first major surface of said ceiling tile.
20. The rectangular ceiling tile of claim 18 wherein said core of
fiber material also comprises a second fiberglass mat disposed on a
second major surface of said ceiling tile.
21. The rectangular ceiling tile of claim 16 wherein said top edge
surfaces of said two opposing first edges have a lateral dimension
greater than the lateral dimension of the top edge surfaces of said
two opposing second edges.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to ceiling tiles supported in an
exposed-type suspension grid system of perpendicularly crossed
girders of inverted T-profile.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Ceiling tile suspension systems have been provided for
ceiling construction with improved appearance that is derived from
a suspension grid that is largely concealed by the ceiling tiles
themselves. This has been accomplished by diminishing the exposure
of the girders by having them recess into the side edges of the
tiles. Typically, this is accomplished by using a tile made of a
core of fibrous material with two opposite first edges forming each
a stepped groove having a deeper section and a shallower section,
and two opposite second edges forming each a stepped groove. While
the tile is mounted in the grid system, the flanges of the girders
extending along the first edges are received by the shallower
section of the stepped grooves and support the tile in the grid
system. Such systems are generally described in Moller, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,389,771; Bodine, U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,994; and Wendt et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,325, which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0003] The standard cut edges described in the references are
complex, with many surfaces that are difficult to paint and seal.
Exposed fiberglass edges are not desirable in high-end fiberglass
ceiling panels. Accordingly, there remains a need for a better tile
for simplifying the construction and installation of exposed-type
suspension grid systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In a first embodiment of the present invention, a
rectangular ceiling tile is provided. The ceiling tile is to be
supported in an exposed-type suspension grid system of
perpendicularly crossed girders of inverted T-profile. The tile
includes a core containing fiber material with two opposite first
edges, forming each a stepped recess, and two opposite second edges
forming each a stepped recess. The tile includes a projecting,
circumferential rim on the lower face thereof, alongside the first
and second edges. The tile further includes at least two oppositely
disposed generally C-shaped edge support clips, each having one or
more limbs that are inserted into the core in a transverse edge
surface thereof. Each of the clips also includes a web forming a
protruding edge having a stepped groove, the groove having a deeper
section and a shallower section. The protruding edge of each of the
clips extends transversely of the transverse edge of the tile.
[0005] Accordingly, the ceiling tile and systems of this invention
are designed to replace the complex and difficult to paint edge
detail of prior art downwardly accessible ceiling panels with a
simpler cut and provide a support clip shaped to mimic the complex
cut edge. This avoids the costs associated with cutting the complex
tile edge with a saw tool, along with the costs associated with
painting and sealing all of those exposed edge surfaces, which
sometimes remain uncoated on current tiles.
[0006] The use of the C-shaped clips of this invention can also be
positioned to compensate for panel thickness variation, and can be
custom sized for various suspension grid types and sizes. The clips
can also be used to provide additional support to the panel,
alleviating a potential for sagging or bowing. These clips,
desirably, are also not visible when viewing the ceiling or tile
from the normal vantage point of a typical room. Finally, the
preferred clips are shaped to mimic the complex cut edge of
existing tiles, such as Ecophon DG, C, and D edge profile
commercial tiles.
[0007] In the preferred embodiment, the entire tile can be sealed
or encapsulated in paint, including both faces and along all four
edges. The two machined edges, having a complex two-step cavity of
prior art tiles, can be replaced with simpler L-shaped edges, so
that all four sides of the tile include an L-shaped edge, for
example. The C-shaped clips of this invention can be inserted into
a pair of opposite sides of a tile, or into all four sides having
these L-shaped edges. The clips can also be adjusted to permit
installation in grids that are out of square. The systems and clips
of this invention can be used with fiberglass or low density
mineral boards.
[0008] In a further embodiment of the present invention, a
generally C-shaped edge support clip for ceiling tiles is provided.
The clip can be supported in an exposed type suspension grid system
of perpendicularly crossed girders of inverted T-profile. These
clips include a metallic or plastic material, one or more limbs
that can be inserted into a transverse edge of a ceiling tile, a
web forming a protruding ridge having a deeper stepped groove that
permits downward access for mounting and demounting the tile and a
shallower section for allowing the clip to rest on a flange of a
ceiling suspension grid.
[0009] In still a further embodiment of the present invention, a
method of installing a rectangular ceiling tile in an exposed-type
suspension grid system of perpendicularly crossed girders of
inverted T-profile is provided. The method includes providing a
ceiling tile including a core containing fiber material with two
opposite first edges forming each a stepped recess, and two
opposite second edges forming each a stepped recess, the tile
forming a projecting, circumferential rim on the lower face
thereof, along the first and second edges. The method further
includes inserting at least two generally C-shaped edge support
clips into each of said two opposite first edges. These two
generally C-shaped clips each include one or more limbs that are
inserted into the core along a transverse edge surface of said
ceiling tile. Each C-shaped clip has a web forming a protruding
edge having a stepped groove having a deeper section and a
shallower section, said protruding edge of each of said clips
extending transversely of the transverse edge of the tile. The
method further includes supporting a first of said two opposite
first edges comprising one of at least two generally C-shaped edge
support clips onto a first girder flange of said girder so as to
insert said girder flange into said deeper section of said step
groove. The method further includes lifting the rectangular ceiling
tile so that a second of the two opposite first edges comprising a
second of at least two generally C-shaped edge support clips is
disposed above a second girder flange and finally, transversely
sliding said rectangular ceiling tile whereby said first and second
girder flanges come in contact with the shallower sections of each
of said first and second generally C-shaped edges support clips to
support said rectangular ceiling tile within said grid system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present invention will be described in more detail with
reference to the accompanying drawings which disclose an
illustrative embodiment of the invention:
[0011] FIG. 1: is a perspective view of a suspended ceiling with
the tiles of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 2: is an enlarged cross-sectional view along line 2-2
in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3: is a top planar view of a generally C-shaped edge
supporting clip of one embodiment of this invention;
[0014] FIG. 4: is a front planar view of the support clip of FIG.
3;
[0015] FIG. 5: is a side elevation view of the support clip of FIG.
3;
[0016] FIG. 6: is a bottom planar view of the support clip of FIG.
3;
[0017] FIG. 7: is a bottom perspective view of an additional
support clip embodiment having a flush tab extension;
[0018] FIG. 8: is a top perspective view of the clip of FIG. 7;
and
[0019] FIG. 9: is a side elevation view of the clip of FIG. 7.
[0020] With reference to the figures and particularly to FIGS. 1
and 2, there is shown a suspended ceiling 100 with an exposed grid
system which comprises perpendicularly crossed sheet metal or
extruded aluminum girders including main runners 15 and cross
runners 16 both of inverted T-profile. The grid system is suspended
by means of hangers 17. In the rectangular windows formed by the
grid system 100, tiles 101 and 102 are mounted which comprise a
core of fiber material such as glass wool, glass textile fibers,
mineral fibers, paper fiber, or gypsum, or a combination thereof,
having a surface layer on one or both faces thereof. The surface
layer or layers of the tiles 101 and 102 can be a woven or
non-woven glass mat, or a woven or non-woven resinous (such as
polyolefin) or natural fiber mat or fabric, (such as a textile of
woven cotton fibers), and adhered to the first and/or second major
surfaces of the tiles 100 and 102.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, a rectangular ceiling tile 101 is
supported in an exposed-type suspended grid system of
perpendicularly crossed girders 16 of inverted T-profile. The tile
includes a core of fiber material with two opposite first edges,
forming each a stepped recess, and two opposite second edges,
forming each a stepped recess, for example, having a general "L"
shaped cross-section having a transverse vertical edge and a
horizontal top edge 27. The tile 101 forms a projecting,
circumferential rim on the lower face thereof, alongside the first
and second edges. Disposed into the fiber material of the core
along the transverse edge surface of the stepped two opposite first
edges is a pair of generally C-shaped support clips 25. Each of
these support clips 25 include one or more limbs that are inserted
into the fiber material of the core in a transverse edge surface
thereof. Each of the support clips 25 also includes a web forming a
protruding ridge having a stepped groove, having a deeper section
205 and narrower section 208 as described by the plastic edge
support clip 200 shown in FIG. 5. The protruding edge of each of
the clips 25 or 200 extends transversely of the transverse edge of
the tile 101 into which it is inserted. Upon final installation,
the stepped groove formed in the web of each clip 25 permits the
clip 25 to rest on a flange 19 of a girder 16 of inverted
T-profile. Typically, the shallower section 208 of the stepped
groove of clip 200 permits the clip to rest on the flange 19 while
the deeper section 205 of the stepped groove of clip 200 permits a
downward access clearance for mounting and demounting the tiles 101
and 102. Alternatively, less desirable structures for the generally
C-shaped support clips 25 could include clips that have a larger
single step or projection for mounting the tiles 101 and 102 and
providing downward access.
[0022] The edge clips 25, 200, and 300 disclosed in FIGS. 2-9, can
be made of sheet spring steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel,
cold-rolled steel, aluminum, or plastic, such as polyethylene,
polystyrene or pvc, with or without reinforced fibers, such as
glass fibers. The clips 25, 200 and 300 form a generally C-shaped
profile. The clips 25, 200 and 300 can include one or more limbs
such as bayonet-shaped prongs 201 and 203. The prongs can be in
single form, such as prongs 203 and 303, or in multiple prongs such
as prongs 201 and 301. There can be more prongs located at the
bottom of the clip 200 and 300 than at the top of the clip 200 and
300, and vice versa. The prongs may have a tapered leading edge so
that insertion into the core of the tile 101 can be
facilitated.
[0023] Clip 300 is designed to further support the "L" shaped edge
or recess of the ceiling tile 101 during use. Clip 300 has a flush
tab 315 which extends along the top surface of tile 101 and
supports it against breakage and bending. This is an added
accommodation in the event lower density boards or thinner extended
flanges are used. The clip 300 is otherwise similar in geometry and
purpose to clip 200.
[0024] In a further embodiment of this invention, the clip 200 can
include optional reinforcing bumps 202 and 203 which help to
reinforce thin sheet metal or plastic when it is being crushed into
the core of tiles 101 and 102. In this manner, the thickness of the
clip material can be reduced to conserve on material costs. The
edge support clips 25, 200 and 300 have a width of 0.5-4 inches,
most preferably about 1-2 inches, and a length of about 1-3 inches,
most preferably about 1.5-2 inches. The thickness of the clip will
be dictated by the material stiffness and the substrate into which
it will be stabbed. The preferred material, galvanized steel, will
generally be about 25 to 27 gauge, or about 0.016 to 0.020 inches
in thickness to allow the clip to be stiff, but still be thin
enough to allow it to be stabbed efficiently and cleanly into the
core of the transverse edge of tiles 101 and 102. The tiles 101 and
102 can be made of fiberglass or mineral board, for example.
[0025] The top surface of the clips 200 and 300 can be solid or
slotted to appear to have two or more legs. The transverse edge of
the tile 101 would receive the clip 25, 200 or 300, and the clip
would support the panel such that the clip 25, 200 or 300 would
rest on the flange 19 of the ceiling suspension grid, and allow the
downwardly accessed steps necessary to mount and de-mount the
panel. Two or more such clips 25, 200 or 300 would be inserted in
opposite edges of the panel. The remaining two panel edges can
remain unsupported, as in current practice. Alternatively, two or
more clips can be inserted into the second set of opposite edges of
a panel, as well, to provide at least four clips surrounding the
panel.
[0026] The clips 25, 200 and 300 enable the ceiling tile 100 or 102
to be fabricated more simply than the current practice of cutting a
complex stepped edge into the entire length of the board side. This
simpler edge is generally "L" shaped, and is then easier to coat or
paint. This will reduce manufacturing costs. The clips 25, 200 and
300 will generally not be visible when viewing the ceiling panel or
tile 101 or 102 from the normal vantage point of below the drop
ceiling in a typical room. When the system is complete, the tiles
101 and 102, clips 25 and flanges 19 of the girder 16, form a
cavity 24 and a spacing 23 between tiles 101 and 102. The extended
edge of the tiles 101 and 102 can be designed so that they are
substantially touching, which would eliminate the space 23.
Generally, there will be a space 23 formed between adjacent tiles,
but insufficient light in the cavity 24 to allow an observer to
readily see the clips 25.
[0027] In practice, a first edge of a tile 101 having one or two
generally C-shaped metal or plastic edge support clips 25 on each
of two opposite first edges is supported on a first girder flange
19 so as to insert the girder flange 19 into the deeper section of
the stepped groove 205. Next, the ceiling tile 101 is lifted so
that a second of the two opposite first edges comprising at least
one or two, for example, generally C-shaped metal or plastic edge
support clips 25 is disposed above a second girder flange 19. Then,
the ceiling tile 101 is transversely slid whereby the first and
second girder flanges 19 come in contact with the shallower
sections, generally 208 of clip 200 shown in FIG. 5, of each of the
first and second ones or sets of the generally C-shaped metal or
plastic edge support clips 25 to support the rectangular ceiling
tile 101 within the grid system, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0028] In more preferred methods of inserting tiles 101 into the
grid systems of this invention, at least four generally C-shaped
metal or plastic edge support clips 25 or 200 are inserted into a
tile 101, whereby at least two generally C-shaped clips 25 or 200
are inserted into the core of the fiber material along each of two
opposite first edges, more preferably into a transverse cut of a
tile 101 being made of a fiberglass board.
[0029] Ideally, the C-shaped metal or plastic edge support clips 25
or 200 are inserted so that the deeper section 205 of its step
groove is disposed below its shallower section 208.
[0030] The preferred ceiling tile 101 of this invention comprises a
core of fiber material with two opposing first edges and two
opposing second edges, each of the first and second edges form a
stepped recess having a substantial vertical transverse edge
surface and a top edge surface 27. The vertical transverse edge and
the top edge surfaces 27 forming an inside corner of the stepped
recess, or "L" shape, said inside corner being substantially
completely covered in paint. Whereas the complex shape of
conventionally sold ceiling tiles having a double stepped groove
are difficult to paint and often include an unpainted surface which
is generally invisible to one inspecting the tile from below, but
problematic from a quality control perspective, providing a tile
101, which is substantially completely covered in paint, is an
improvement over the prior art. As used herein, the terms
"substantially completely covered in paint" means that there are
generally no large or continuous areas of uncoated fiberglass, but
there may remain individual fiberglass fibers which are uncovered,
or small pinholes which are uncovered in paint. For products where
two sides are supporting and two sides are non-supporting, the top
surface 27 of the L-shaped transverse edge, or horizontal edge,
will generally be about 16 mm (0.630 inches) wide on the sides that
will be receive the clip 25 or 200. The other two sides will have a
flange or top surface 27 of approximately 8.5 mm (0.335 inches)
wide. These dimensions will result in a gap 23 between the tiles
101 and 102 of about 5/16 inches. If the top surfaces 25 of the
L-shaped transverse edge are all made wider, they can be made to
come together and conceal the girders 16 completely, or one can
vary the transverse edge top surface 27 dimensions to make the gaps
23 any width desired, from a max of about 5/8 inches to about zero.
In the case of a 5/8 inch gap, the dimensions of the top surface 27
would be essentially zero.
[0031] The core of the fiberglass material used for making the
tiles 10 of this invention can include textile fibers, rotary glass
fibers or both bonded by a resinous adhesive. A woven or non-woven
mat, vinyl layer or decorative laminate can be disposed on a first
major surface, a second major surface, or both major surfaces of
the ceiling tiles 101 and 102. Generally, a non-woven fiberglass
mat composed of random-oriented glass fibers bonded by a resinous
adhesive is preferred. The rectangular ceiling tiles 101 and 102
can include a top edge surface 27 of two opposing first edges
having a lateral dimension which is greater than the lateral
dimension of the top edge surfaces of two opposing second edges.
They can also have top edge surfaces 27 of equal dimensions to the
top edge surfaces 27 of the two opposing second edges.
[0032] Normally, due to the complexity of the multi-step cut that
characterizes the Ecophon DG-type edge, a manufacturer needs to use
a relatively high density fiberglass board (e.g., 5 to 6 pounds per
cubic foot). The high density allows the cut to be more precise and
"clean", gives a much better surface to apply paint to (i.e., it is
less absorbent than if a lower density fiberglass board is used),
and the relatively small "lip" that supports the panel on the grid
flange is strong enough to support the weight of the panel. This
invention allows a heretofore high end edge detail (Ecophon DG or D
type) to be obtainable on less expensive fiberglass coreboards.
Commonly today, reveal edge panels (panels that have a recess
around the perimeter to allow the panel face to extend below the
plane of the grid) are made from a board having a density of less
than 5 pounds per cubic foot, e.g., a 4 pound per cubic foot
fiberglass board. This density of board can be used to make DG type
boards, but it is marginal in quality (most likely not acceptable)
because the lower density board does not accept the complex DG cut
very well (it's not a very clean cut), and it is even more
absorbent, and therefore difficult to paint than when the 6 pound
per cubic foot fiberglass is used.
[0033] In the case of 4 pound per cubic foot fiberglass, we can
make the simplified L-shaped cut described in this invention, and
use the clip 25 to complete the product. The result is a
high-quality product without using the much more expensive 6 pound
per cubic foot fiberglass board. An acceptable product may also be
made with 2.7 to 3.0 pound per cubic foot glass, which is
considered the very low end, commodity type of board. This would
allow the high-end DG look to be available to builders or
homeowners who may not otherwise be able to afford it.
[0034] From the foregoing, it can be realized that this invention
provides improved ceiling tiles, clips for ceiling tiles and
systems for supporting ceiling tiles in exposed type suspension
grid systems. The clips and systems of this invention enable
ceiling tile board edges to be fabricated more simply than with the
current practice of cutting a complex edge into the entire length
of the board side. This simpler edge is then easier to coat or
paint, and reduces manufacturing costs.
* * * * *