US4720946A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and structure for installing drop ceiling tiles close to ceiling
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1986-05-08
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Granted: 1988-01-26
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Expires: 2006-05-08
Abstract
Abstract A method for installing drop ceiling tiles close to a ceiling is provided and consists of attaching a plurality of grid clip holders to the ceiling, inserting a plurality of T-clips into the grid clip holders, inserting a plurality of main T-members into the T-clips and placing a plurality of ceiling tiles into the main T-members so that the ceiling tiles are close to the ceiling.
Inventors
- 👤 Saverio J. Pagliarello
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 04:55
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04B; E04B9/00; E04B9/18; E04B9/183; E04B9/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A grid lock system for installing drop ceiling tiles close to a ceiling comprising: (a) a plurality of grid clip holders externally attached to a ceiling; (b) a plurality of T-clips removably inserted into said grid clip holders, wherein each of said grid clip holders includes an elongated C-shaped track having a first set of open gaps to allow for said T-clips to be inserted therein after said grid clip holder is attached to said ceiling and a second set of open gaps including retaining arms to allow for the attachment of said grid clip holder to said ceiling and into which said T-clips are slid and therein retained; and (c) a plurality of main T-members slidably inserted into a said T-clips in which said ceiling tiles are placed into said main T-members so that said ceiling tiles are close to said ceiling.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
A grid lock system for installing drop ceiling tiles close to a ceiling comprising: (a) a plurality of grid clip holders externally attached to a ceiling; (b) a plurality of T-clips removably inserted into said grid clip holders, wherein each of said grid clip holders includes an elongated C-shaped track having a first set of open gaps to allow for said T-clips to be inserted therein after said grid clip holder is attached to said ceiling and a second set of open gaps including retaining arms to allow for the attachment of said grid clip holder to said ceiling and into which said T-clips are slid and therein retained; and (c) a plurality of main T-members slidably inserted into a said T-clips in which said ceiling tiles are placed into said main T-members so that said ceiling tiles are close to said ceiling.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
111 words
A grid lock system as recited in claim 1 further comprising: (a) each of said T-clips being of a limited length and fabricated out of one continuous piece of thin metal formed in a general T-shaped configuration having a pair of upstanding spaced apart arms on ends of horizontal portion and a hook and hole on one vertical portion; and (b) each of said main T-members being of an elongated length and fabricated out of one continuous piece of thin metal formed in a general inverted T-shaped configuration having a bent end on one vertical portion so that said bent end will grip said hook in said T-clip when inserted therein.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
65 words
A grid clip lock system as recited in claim 2 further comprising a tool for disengaging each of said main T-members from each of said T-clips whereby after said main T-member is pushed upwardly said tool is pushed into said hole on said one vertical portion of said main T-member thereby allowing said main T-member to be pulled downwardly for removing said main T-member therefrom.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
A grid lock system as recited in claim 3 further comprising a plurality of fasteners inserted through said grid clip holders at said second set of said open gaps for attaching said grid clip holders to said ceiling.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
62 words
A grid lock system as recited in claim 4 wherein each of said arms of each of said T-clips having a pair of L-shaped cut out areas one of which is a mirror image of said other cut out area and into which said retaining arms slide so that said T-clips can be inserted transversely across said grid clip holders when needed.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-01-25 | 1991-07-27 | 1992-01-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-01-25 | 1995-07-27 | 1996-01-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-01-25 | 1999-07-27 | 2000-01-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |