U.S. patent application number 12/586483 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-17 for connector support clip for use in an electrified grid framework.
Invention is credited to Todd M. Bergman, Jere W. Myers.
Application Number | 20100146885 12/586483 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42060019 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100146885 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Myers; Jere W. ; et
al. |
June 17, 2010 |
Connector support clip for use in an electrified grid framework
Abstract
The invention includes an electrified framework system having a
plurality of grid members which form a grid framework. A conductive
material is disposed on a surface of at least one of the plurality
of grid members as shown throughout the drawings. The system
includes connectors which provide electrical connections between
the conductive material on the grid framework and various
electrical fixtures. The electrified framework system includes a
support clip for supporting depending articles suspended from the
grid framework into a room space. The support clip does not
interfere with the electrical and mechanical actuator controlling
the connector and grid interface connection mechanism. The support
clip attaches the connector to the grid element such that the
connector, and any device attached thereto, will not inadvertently
become detached from the grid element during a seismic event.
Inventors: |
Myers; Jere W.; (Washington
Boro, PA) ; Bergman; Todd M.; (Lititz, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.;LEGAL DEPARTMENT
P. O. BOX 3001
LANCASTER
PA
17604-3001
US
|
Family ID: |
42060019 |
Appl. No.: |
12/586483 |
Filed: |
September 23, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61192872 |
Sep 23, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/220.6 ;
248/226.12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 25/142
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/220.6 ;
248/226.12 |
International
Class: |
E04C 2/52 20060101
E04C002/52; E04B 1/38 20060101 E04B001/38 |
Claims
1. A support clip attached to an electrified grid framework for
supporting a connector and an article depending therefrom, the
support clip is configured to attach directly and positively to a
grid element of the grid framework such that the connector and
depending article will maintain mechanical and electrical
connection when seismic forces are applied thereto.
2. The support clip of claim 1, wherein the clip is configured such
that it does not interfere with the mechanism for electrically
connecting a depending article to the electrified grid framework,
the mechanism for electrically connecting a depending article to
the electrified grid framework being a component of the
connector.
3. A grid framework system comprising: a longitudinally extending
grid element having a web portion extending in a vertical plane and
a flange box portion extending from the base of the vertical web
portion, the flange box portion having conductive material in an
interior location of the flange box and a slot for accessing the
conductive material; an electrical connector having a housing
partially installed in the flange box portion of the grid element
and a means for supporting a depending article therefrom; and a
support clip, the support clip being fixedly directly attached to
the vertical web portion of the grid element and being attached to
the means of the connector for supporting a depending article
therefrom; wherein the support clip includes a portion positioned
in a plane offset from and perpendicular to the vertical plane of
the web portion.
4. The grid framework system of claim 3, wherein the means for
supporting a depending article therefrom is a threaded stud
extending from the bottom of the connector housing.
5. The grid framework system of claim 3, wherein the flange box
portion includes: a pair of horizontally extending support flanges
which extend outwardly from the vertical web portion; a pair of
vertically extending side walls extending generally downwardly from
the support flanges; and a pair of horizontally return flanges
extending inwardly from the side walls in a direction toward one
another.
6. The grid framework system of claim 5, wherein the connector
includes a housing which includes a wide base portion for lying
against the support flanges of the flange box and a narrower top
portion positioned in the flange box slot.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/192,872,
filed Sep. 23, 2008, entitled "Seismic Retention Clip For Underside
Connector Of An Electrically Active Grid."
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to a support clip, and,
more particularly, to a clip which enhances the mechanical and
electrical connections between an electrified grid element of the
suspended grid framework and a connector suspended therefrom. The
clip is particularly useful in the interior building environment in
areas of the world which are subject to seismic disturbances.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] For purposes of illustrating a conventional grid framework,
FIG. 1 shows a portion of a conventional suspended ceiling
framework. As shown, the system includes a plurality of grid
elements 100 forming the grid framework which, in turn, form
polygonal openings into which components such as panels 103, light
fixtures 107, speakers, motion detectors and the like can be
inserted and supported. These grid elements 100 are suspended by
support cabling (not shown) to the building infrastructure, such as
the overhead deck of the ceiling. Electrical components, such as
light fixtures, are typically electrified by means of routing
discrete wires, principally on an "as needed" point-to-point basis
via conduits, cable trays and electrical junctions located in the
space behind the grid framework. These known systems suffer from
the drawback that the network of support cables and electrical
wires require occupancy of the limited space behind the grid
framework. In addition, the cables and wires are difficult to
reconfigure and, therefore, provide limited flexibility.
[0004] One attempt to improve flexibility in a grid framework
system is described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/386,215 entitled "Connectors for Electrically Active Grid".
Briefly stated, in accordance with one example embodiment described
therein, conductive material is disposed on at least one of the
plurality of grid elements and is electrified by a low voltage
power source. A depending article, or device, such as a light
fixture 108 (FIG. 1) can be electrically connected to the
conductive material via a connector which itself is directly
attached to a grid element. The depending article connector extends
from the grid framework into the room space 109 (FIG. 1) and
includes a means for supporting a depending article therefrom. The
system is flexible in that the connector can be attached at any
location along the electrified grid element. This includes grid
intersections. However, such flexibility may be restricted due to
other aspects of the ceiling system, e.g. wires and cabling which
are difficult to reconfigure.
[0005] Another issue currently inhibiting flexibility of these
suspended grid framework systems is the need to support depending
devices from these frameworks in areas of seismic activity. It is
well understood in the art that in geographic regions of seismic
activity additional support of the articles depending from a grid
framework, such as the ceiling system shown in FIG. 1 is required.
In other words, to ensure that neither the grid elements nor the
depending devices fall out of the system, additional cabling from
the grid element and article to the building infrastructure is
required. Again, such requirements significantly impede
reconfiguration of components of the system, and specifically those
components which are attached to the grid and extend into the room
space.
[0006] One known support clip for supporting components which are
attached to the grid and extend into the room space is shown and
described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,599,921 to Cumber. However, use of the
clip described therein necessitates attachment of the clip to the
building infrastructure located a distance above the suspended
ceiling plane. Since such attachment points are not easily
accessible from the room space 109 (FIG. 1), any reconfiguration
adds to the cost of maintaining the grid framework. Moreover, this
additional cabling is separate from, and in addition to, any wiring
bringing power to the depending article which needs to be
reconfigured. In addition, the support clip described by Cumber
cannot be utilized at a grid intersection.
[0007] For the reasons set forth above, increased versatility in
the relocation of devices in a grid framework is desired,
particularly in view of the increased versatility being engineered
into conventional grid framework systems referred to above. The
present invention accomplishes all of the needs identified above
and provides additional advantages as will be described herein in
greater detail.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] One aspect of the invention includes an electrified
framework system having a plurality of grid elements forming a grid
network. A conductive material is disposed on a surface of at least
one of the plurality of grid elements. A depending article is
electrically connected to the conductive material via a connector
which itself is attached to a grid element. The invention includes
a support clip for positively attaching the connector and depending
article module to a grid element. The support clip is configured to
attach directly to the grid element and to secure the connector to
the grid element such that the connector, and any device attached
thereto, will not inadvertently become detached from the grid
element when seismic forces are applied thereto. The support clip
is configured such that it maintains the mechanical and electrical
connections of the connector to the grid element when elevated
forces, such as seismic forces are applied thereto. The clip is
also configured such that it does not interfere with the electrical
actuator assembly of the electrical connector which connects or
disconnects the electrical connection between the connector and the
grid element and does not need to be detached from the framework
system.
[0009] Additional advantages of the present invention include: the
ability to provide seismic-type support to a variety of depending
articles, such as an electrically powered device, to the grid
framework without the need for direct attachment of the depending
article, or the support clip therefore, directly to the building
infrastructure; enhancement of the mechanical connection between a
grid member and an electrical connector attached to the grid
member, namely the support clips prevent the depending article and
connector module from shifting position in the longitudinal
direction of the grid element to which it is attached; and the
increased versatility in placement of such support clips, and the
ease in which they can be mounted and relocated, in the grid
framework.
[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following more detailed description of the
preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a room space having an
electrified ceiling according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 shows an elevational perspective view of an example
connector attached to a grid element.
[0013] FIG. 3 shows a front elevational view of FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 4 shows an elevational perspective view of the example
connector of FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0015] FIG. 5 shows an elevational perspective view of a support
clip in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention, the
support clip being attached to a grid element and connector.
[0016] FIG. 6 shows a top plan view of FIG. 5.
[0017] FIG. 7 shows a side elevational view of FIG. 5.
[0018] FIG. 8 shows a front elevational view of FIG. 5.
[0019] FIG. 9 shows an elevational perspective view of the example
support clip prior to assembly.
[0020] FIG. 10 shows a side elevational view of FIG. 9.
[0021] FIG. 11 shows a front elevational view of FIG. 9.
[0022] FIG. 12 shows a top plan view of FIG. 9.
[0023] FIG. 13 shows a portion of FIG. 7, partially exploded,
illustrating the optional tab detail on the bottom of the support
clip.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view illustrating how the clip is
assembled to the grid element and connector.
[0025] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used
throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] For purposes of illustration of the invention, FIG. 1 shows
a portion of a ceiling grid framework comprising a plurality of
grid elements 100. The ceiling grid framework may include
decorative tiles, acoustical tiles, insulative tiles, lights,
heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) vents, other
ceiling elements or covers and combinations thereof being supported
by the grid framework. The grid elements shown throughout the
drawings are well known in the art and are of the type sold by
Armstrong World Industries Inc. in its SIHOUETTE bolt-slot system.
Briefly stated, each grid element 100 has: a web portion 111 which
for purposes of defining orientation of the components relative one
another extends in a vertical plane; and a box-type lower flange
114 extending therefrom. The lower box flange 114 includes: a pair
of horizontally extending support flanges 115, 115' which extend
outwardly from the vertical web portion 111; a pair of vertically
extending side walls 116, 116' extending generally downwardly from
the support flanges 115, 115'; and a pair of horizontally return
flanges 117, 117' extending inwardly from the side walls in a
direction toward one another. The space between the inwardly turned
flanges defines a slot 118 for accessing the interior of the box
114.
[0027] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the box 114 includes a pair of
electrical conductors 119, 119' which are positioned in the
interior of the box and are oriented parallel sidewalls 116, 116'.
Preferably, the electrifiable conductors 119, 119' have opposite
polarity, i.e. one is positive and one is negative. As further
shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, inserted into the lower box 114 of the grid
element 100 is a connector 200. The connector 200 and grid element
100 interface is flexible in that the connector can be attached to
the box 114 at any position along the length of the box. In
addition, the interface provides both a mechanical connection as
well as an electrical connection. The details of the connector and
grid element interface are described in greater detail in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/386,215, which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0028] Briefly stated, the example connector taught in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/386,215 and which is shown in the drawings,
includes a connector housing 212. As best seen in FIG. 4, the
connector housing 212 includes a narrow hanger portion 214 and a
wider lower body portion 216. The connector 200 is installed by
first inserting the hanger portion 214 through the slot 118 of the
box. The connector 200 is properly seated in the box 114 by
pressing the connector 200 up into the interior of the box until
the top surface 215 of the lower body portion 216 is in contiguous
relation with the outer bottom surface of return flanges 117, 117'.
The top portion 214 of the connector 200 has a pair of contact
elements 220 (only one contact element shown) movably mounted
thereon for contacting a respective conductor 119, 119' housed in
the lower box. When the connector 200 is properly seated in the
grid box 114, the contacts 220 are in parallel alignment with the
longitudinally extending conductors 119, 119' oriented parallel to
the sidewalls 116, 116' of the box 114.
[0029] The example connector 200 includes an actuator 230 which is
rotatable and includes a pair of wings 232, 232' extending
therefrom. The winged actuator 230 is rotatable between a first
position X (as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4) and a second position Y (as
seen in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8). It is important to note that the
actuator 230 is rotatable without having to rotate any other
portion of the housing 212. When the actuator is in the first
position X, the connector can be inserted into slot 118. When the
rotator is then moved to a second position Y, the connector becomes
both mechanically and electrically connected to the grid element.
More specifically, the example connector 200 shown includes a cam
member 240 mounted on the winged actuator 230 which interposes the
pair of resilient spring contact elements 220. Thus, when the
connector is moved from position X to position Y, the cam member
240 urges the contact elements against the conductors in the box,
thereby providing both a mechanical and electrical connection. The
connector can become electrically and mechanically disconnected
from the grid member by rotating the rotator wings in the opposite
direction which, in turn, allows the cam/gear to disengage and the
expandable hanger and spring contacts to retract into their
original unexpanded position.
[0030] In addition to the electrical connection provided by the
connector between the conductors on the grid element and an article
depending therefrom, the connector is designed to provide a means
for supporting the article. Fixture mounting hardware, such as a
conventional threaded stud 250 projects through the bottom of the
connector housing 212 to which a depending article 107 such as a
camera or lighting device may be mechanically secured by means of a
wing nut 260, for example. The underside of the connector can
optionally include other fixture mounting hardware such as strain
reliefs, nipples, etc. for attaching a fixture, such as a pendant
light, to the connector.
[0031] With respect to various Figures, and particularly FIG. 5-12,
there is an example support clip 300 which provides a means for
supporting the connector shown in FIGS. 2-4, and, in turn, a
depending article 107 thereto, below the grid elements 100 of a
suspended grid framework. Moreover, the clip allows the
mechanical/electrical connection between the connector and grid
described above to be removed but keeps the connector, and in turn,
the depending article attached to the connector, physically
connected to the grid element.
[0032] The support clip 300 is preferably formed of a resilient
sheet material such as a spring steel strip. As best seen in FIG.
9-12, the body of the support clip includes a grid engaging portion
310 which is configured to be assembled to a longitudinally
extending grid element 100, and, specifically, the vertical web and
box-type flange of a grid element as shown in FIGS. 6-8. In
general, the grid engaging portion 310 overlies only one side of
the grid element and, as will be more evident from the features
therein described below, prevents the connector/depending article
module from sliding longitudinally along the length of the grid
member as well as from pulling away vertically when forces are
applied to the connector/depending article module in these
respective directions. Moreover, the foregoing support clip is
designed to directly attach to the grid but does not require the
grid engaging portion 310 to go over top, e.g. hook over, the top
of the grid element. This feature is particularly important as it
eliminates the potential of the grid engaging portion 310 shorting
the electricity where electricity is being transported by the
electrified grid element via electrical buses provided at or near
the top portion of the grid element.
[0033] The grid engaging portion 310 includes a rectangular
longitudinally extending offset 315 for receiving the like-shaped
cross section of the grid element. This offset 315 can be formed in
any shape to conform to the shape of a grid element, however,
conformity is preferred to avoid interfering with the mounting or
removal of ceiling panels 103 and the like from the polygonal grid
openings. As shown, the offset 315 conforms substantially to the
sidewall, e.g. 116, and the horizontal flange, e.g. 115, of the
flange box 114 of the grid element 100.
[0034] The grid engaging portion 310 also includes a top portion
320 which extends vertically and is integral to the offset portion
315. When the clip is attached to grid element 100, the top portion
320 preferably conforms substantially, and is positioned in a plane
in parallel relation, to the vertical web of the grid element. To
avoid having to support the clip directly to the infrastructure of
the building interior, e.g. the ceiling deck, the top vertically
extending portion 320 includes an aperture 322 (FIGS. 9 and 10)
into which a screw-type fastener 324 (FIGS. 5-8) can pass through
and then be mechanically fastened to the vertical web 111 of the
grid element 100 so that the clip is positively attached to the
grid element. The vertical web portion 111 may include an aperture
to mate with the aperture 322 in the top vertically extending
portion 320 of the grid engaging portion 310. By positively
securing the grid engaging portion 310 to the vertical web of the
grid element, the connector/depending article module is prevented
from sliding longitudinally, which otherwise would only be
restricted from moving longitudinally in the grid box flange by
frictional force via the attachment mechanism of the connector in
the grid box as described herein.
[0035] The grid engaging portion 310 further includes a base
portion 325 which extends horizontally and conforms generally to
one of the lower in-turned flanges, e.g. 116, of the box 114. As
shown in the example embodiment, the offset 315 and base 325
essentially form a longitudinally extending C-shaped offset portion
which mates with the lower box of the grid element. Further, the
base portion is positioned such that the top vertically extending
portion 320 is positioned above the base portion.
[0036] As best seen in FIG. 10, extending from an edge 330 of the
base portion 325 in a direction generally perpendicular the top
portion 315, and in turn the vertical web 111 of the grid element,
is a connector engaging member 340 which mates with, i.e.
parallels, both a sidewall and bottom surface of the connector
which surfaces are positioned below, and in parallel alignment
with, the longitudinally extending grid element. In the example
configuration shown throughout the several views, the engaging
member 340 is bent at a right angle to conform to the box-shape of
the connector 200. As best seen in FIGS. 9, 10 and 12, the engaging
member 340 is longitudinally offset from the grid engaging portion
310 and extends, at least initially, generally perpendicular to the
vertical plane of the vertical web portion 111 of the grid element
when the clip is attached to the grid as shown in FIG. 5.
[0037] Similar to the upper body portion contouring to the grid
element, the components of the lower body portion are configured to
mate with and contour to the connector so that the clip neither
interferes with the insertion or removal of devices, such as
ceiling panel, in the grid openings formed by the grid framework
(FIG. 1). As can be seen in the various views, the cradling member
340 lies in substantially the same vertical plane as the vertical
web portion of the grid element and therefore does not interfere
with the winged rotator so that the wings can be swung to and from
positions X and Y as described above. The engaging member 340, via
its orientation relative the vertical web portion 111 of the grid
element 100, prevents the threaded stud from sliding in the grid
box 114 in both longitudinal directions. Without the support clip,
there would be no positive lock, except friction, to prevent the
connector from moving longitudinally in the grid box flange
114.
[0038] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 12, the engaging member 340
has a cut out extending from an edge thereof to receive the shaft
of a threaded stud 250 of the connector. This cutout is critical in
easily assembling the support clip to the grid element and
connector assembly. As best seen in FIG. 15, this cut out allows
the support clip to be assembled to the grid element and connector
via a single horizontal rotation in the direction indicated by the
arrows. Such ease in installation is important to the flexibility
that an electrified grid system requires.
[0039] While the invention has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
[0040] For example, the grid engagement portion of the clip body
could be bent to conform to any shape of the lower box flange of
the grid element. For example, the box may be of generally curved
configuration, thus, not requiring the fourth portion to be bent at
generally right angles as is necessary to conform to a box-shaped
lower support flange of a grid element. In addition, a second
support clip, having the exact same configuration as the first clip
can be attached to the grid/connector on the opposing side of the
connector. A second clip will provide additional reinforcement and
resist forces applied transverse to the grid in both directions
(e.g. enhanced pull-out perpendicular to the horizontally extending
grid framework is provided).
[0041] Another optional feature of the support clip 300 is the tabs
360 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 which protrude outwardly from the
cradling member 340 adjacent the cut out. These tabs 360 are
captured within a nut 260 when the nut is screwed onto the threaded
stud 250. Two example configuration of the interface of these tabs
and the nut are as follows: 1) the nut can include a grove that
traps the tabs or the nut can have a wedge that bites onto the tabs
when the nut is tightened. Both of these options provide enhanced
positive locking of the bracket to the connector. In turn, these
options provide increase the strength of the connection of the
connector to the grid element.
* * * * *