US4535580A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Screw slot runner system
Assignee: Donn Inc
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Filing: 1983-06-03
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Granted: 1985-08-20
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Expires: 2003-06-03
Abstract
Abstract A screw slot runner system for suspension ceiling grids is disclosed. The system provides runners having a central web, an enclosed bulb at the upper edge of the web, and a downwardly opened channel at the lower edge of the web. Opposing, inturned lips define the channel opening and permit insertion of T-bolts or the like to support accessories from the grid system. The runner connections are structured to provide a mitered type joint appearance even though a full miter joint is not provided. In one embodiment, separate end connector clips are provided to join main run runner modules, and the connector clips are provided with openings through which cross run end connectors project to interconnect the cross runs and main runs.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard Shirey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 09:37
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04B; E04B9/00; E04B9/06; E04B9/12; E04B9/122; E04B9/10; E04C; E04C2/00; E04C2/30; E04C2/42; E04C2/421
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
206 words
A suspension ceiling grid system comprising elongated runners formed with a bulb at their upper edge, a planar central web, and an open channel at their lower edge, said open channel being defined by lateral flanges extending in opposite directions from the lower edge of said web, a pair of laterally spaced, substantially parallel channel sidewalls, and inturned lips extending laterally toward each other from said sidewalls and terminating at spaced and opposed inner edges, said lips cooperating to define a longitudinal opening along the lower side of said channel, said grid system including first runners having end connectors adapted to connect with second runners at predetermined locations, said second runners providing notches in their channels at said locations, said notches extending through said lips and a first portion of the associated sidewalls adjacent to said lips leaving intact a second portion of said sidewalls and said flanges extending uninterrupted past said notch, said lips at the ends of said first runners and adjacent to the notches of said second runners being shaped to fit together to form a miter joint when said runners are interconnected, said second portions providing substantial resistance to buckling of said runners at said notches when lateral load are applied thereto.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
206 words
A suspension ceiling grid system comprising elongated runners formed with a bulb at their upper edge, a planar central web, and an open channel at their lower edge, said open channel being defined by lateral flanges extending in opposite directions from the lower edge of said web, a pair of laterally spaced, substantially parallel channel sidewalls, and inturned lips extending laterally toward each other from said sidewalls and terminating at spaced and opposed inner edges, said lips cooperating to define a longitudinal opening along the lower side of said channel, said grid system including first runners having end connectors adapted to connect with second runners at predetermined locations, said second runners providing notches in their channels at said locations, said notches extending through said lips and a first portion of the associated sidewalls adjacent to said lips leaving intact a second portion of said sidewalls and said flanges extending uninterrupted past said notch, said lips at the ends of said first runners and adjacent to the notches of said second runners being shaped to fit together to form a miter joint when said runners are interconnected, said second portions providing substantial resistance to buckling of said runners at said notches when lateral load are applied thereto.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first portions of said side walls are bent back along said second portions to eliminate a raw edge along the lower edge of said second portion and to obscure said second portion from view when said runners are assembled in a grid system.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
109 words
A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in claim 2 wherein said runners are formed of sheet metal coated with a first color on one side and a second contrasting color on the other side, said one side providing the lower surface of said lips and the other side providing the exposed surfaces within said channel along said flanges and said channel sidewalls, said first portion of said sidewalls which is bent back along said second portion covering said one side of said second portions and exposing said other side along the exterior of said second portions to obscure the presence of said second portions within said channels.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in claim 2 wherein said second portion of said side walls extend from said flanges toward said lips through a distance at least equal to one half the distance therebetween, said second portions contributing substantially to the lateral strength of said runners at said notches.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
52 words
A suspension ceiling grip system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second portions of said sidewalls extend from said flanges toward said lips for a distance at least equal to one half the distance therebetween, said second portions contributing substantially to the lateral strength of said runners at said notches.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
67 words
A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first runners provide upwardly offset flange portions at their ends which extend over and along the flange portions of said second runners when said runners are connected in said grid system, said offset portions of said flanges of said first runners tending to obscure the joint between said flanges in an assembled grid system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
56 words
A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second runners are formed by separate runner modules adapted to be connected by a bridging connector clip, the ends of said runner modules being formed with opposed notch halves which cooperate when two runner modules are connected together to define a full notch.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in claim 6, wherein said connector clips are formed with an opening, and said connectors of said first runners are adapted to project through said opening from opposite sides to provide an interconnection between said runners.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in claim 8, wherein said connector clip fits along one side of said web and is deformed adjacent to said opening to position said opening in the plane of said web of said modules.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
A suspension ceiling grid system as set forth in claim 9, wherein said clip provides a bulb engaging portion extending at least part way around said bulb to provide additional strength.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-08-19 | 1989-02-18 | 1989-08-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-08-19 | 1993-02-18 | 1993-08-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-08-19 | 1997-02-18 | 1997-08-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |