A Locking System for a Ceiling Grid and an Elongate Ceiling Grid Member
Patent Information
- Application Number
- AU2025202391
- Authority / Receiving Office
- AU · AU
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-22
Smart Images
Figure 00000002_0000 
Figure 00000034_0000 
Figure 00000035_0000
Abstract
Description
Field OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention broadly relates to a locking system for a ceiling grid and an elongate ceiling grid member, and more particularly although not exclusively relates to a locking system for a ceiling grid that is capable of resisting movement during an earthquake for example. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Ceiling grid assemblies formed by interconnected parallel and perpendicular rows of elongate grid members are well known and have been in use for a long time. However, current ceiling grid systems that are available in the marketplace have the following shortcomings: (i) inability to support heavy-duty applications; (ii) lacking cross compatibility with existing ceiling grid systems; (iii) inadequate conformance or compliance with construction standards and codes, in particular the requirements outlined in AS / NZS 2785:2020 and AS 1170.4:2024; and (iv) involving a complex installation process which is time consuming to carry out.
[0003] Australian patent application no. 2020201481 is directed to an elongated ceiling grid member and ceiling grid assembly including a connector which is used to clamp a plurality of the elongated ceiling grid members together. One of the shortcomings with the arrangement disclosed in this Australian patent application is that the elongated ceiling grid members may not be clamped sufficiently tightly to one another such that there is a significant risk of sliding of the members with respect to the other in one direction or another. In 2025202391 03 Apr 2025 particular, this is likely to occur if and when the entire grid assembly is subjected to severe shaking in the case of an earthquake for example.
[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a locking system and / or an elongate ceiling grid member which may overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above shortcomings or which may provide the public with a useful choice. Notes
[0005] The term “comprising” (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of “having” or “including”, and not in the exclusive sense of “consisting only of”.
[0006] The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the invention section, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locking system for a ceiling grid; the locking system including bidirectional movement locking components; the ceiling grid comprised of at least one first elongate member and at least one second elongate member; the at least one first elongate member being bound at an angle to the at least one second elongate member by means of a connector; characterised in that the locking system comprises the connector having a first connector engagement component and a second connector engagement component; wherein the at least one first elongate member is locked against bidirectional movement along a longitudinal axis 2025202391 03 Apr 2025 of the at least one first elongate member with respect to the connector by means of the first connector engagement component engaging with a corresponding at least first elongate member engagement component on the at least first elongate member; wherein the at least one second elongate member is locked against bidirectional movement along a longitudinal axis of the at least one second elongate member with respect to the connector by means of the second connector engagement component engaging with a corresponding at least second elongate member engagement component on the at least second elongate member.
[0008] Preferably, the locking system is a ceiling grid locking system.
[0009] Preferably, the angle ranges from 0 to 180 degrees. More preferably, the angle is 90 degrees. Even more preferably, the the angle is an acute angle.
[00010] Preferably, the first and second connector engagement components are first and second projections when the corresponding at least one first and second elongate member engagement components are first and second slots respectively. More preferably, the first and second connector engagement components are first and second slots when the corresponding at least first and second elongate member engagement components are first and second projections respectively.
[00011] Preferably, the first slot is aligned substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the at least one first elongate member whereby bidirectional movement along the longitudinal axis is prevented by engagement of the projection in the first slot. More preferably, the second slot is aligned substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the at least one second elongate member whereby bidirectional movement along the longitudinal axis is prevented by engagement of the projection in the second slot. 2025202391 03 Apr 2025
[00012] Preferably, the at least one first elongate member includes a first longitudinal upper portion which carries the first slot. More preferably, the at least one second elongate member includes a second longitudinal upper portion which carries the second slot. Even more preferably, the first longitudinal upper portions carries either multiple first connector engagement components which are spaced apart at predetermined locations or multiple corresponding at least first elongate member engagement component which are spaced apart at predetermined locations. Still even more preferably, the second longitudinal upper portion carries either multiple second connector engagement components which are spaced apart at predetermined locations or multiple corresponding at least second elongate member engagement component which are spaced apart at predetermined locations. Most preferably, each of the first and second longitudinal upper portions includes an elongate channel defined by a pair of parallel walls, each of the walls having an inwardly extending upper edge. Each of the first and second slots is preferred to include a pair of notches provided in the pair of inwardly extending upper edges respectively.
[00013] Preferably, each of the first and second elongate members includes a pair of flanges, each flange in use supporting an edge of a ceiling panel. More preferably, the locking system includes a stabiliser adapted to be affixed to the upper portion of the first or second elongate member, the stabiliser cooperating with the edge to hold the ceiling panel in place. Even more preferably, the stabiliser is in the form of a hold down clip, the clip having: an element adapted to be fastened to the upper portion of the first or second elongate member; at least one leg joined to the element, the leg having a foot; wherein the edge of the ceiling panel is sandwiched 2025202391 03 Apr 2025 between the foot and the flange, the foot and the flange cooperatively holding the ceiling panel in place.
[00014] Preferably, the locking system includes a gasket located between the flange and the edge of the ceiling panel. The gasket is made out of any one of the following materials: natural rubber, neoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, butyl, EPDM rubber, fluorosilicone, any closed cell foam, silicon rubber, silicone, closed-cell sponge rubber, polyethylene foam, polystyrene foam and EVA foam.
[00015] Preferably, the connector includes a first extension having the first projection and a second extension having the second projection, the first and second extensions adapted in use to engage with the at least one first and second elongate members respectively by means of the first projection mating with the first slot and the second projection mating with the second slot. More preferably, the connector is fastened to the at least one first and second elongate members via multiple threaded bolts and nuts, each nut being housed in the elongate channel. Even more preferably, the at least one second elongate member includes an end adapted to abut a side surface of the at least one first elongate member.
[00016] Preferably, the ceiling grid comprises a third elongate member being bound to the at least one first elongate member; the connector having a third connector engagement component; wherein the third elongate member is locked against bidirectional movement along a longitudinal axis of the third elongate member with respect to the connector by means of the third connector engagement component engaging with a corresponding third elongate member engagement component on the third elongate member. Preferably, the third elongate member includes an end adapted to abut an opposite side surface of the first elongate member; the connector including a third extension having a third projection; the third extension adapted in use to 2025202391 03 Apr 2025 engage with the third elongate member by means of the third projection mating with a third slot provided in a third longitudinal upper portion of the third elongate member.
[00017] Preferably, the at least one first elongate member includes a fourth slot being spaced apart from the first slot on the first longitudinal upper portion; the connector having a fourth extension having a fourth projection; the fourth extension adapted in use to engage with the at least one first elongate member by means of the fourth projection mating with the fourth slot. More preferably, the connector is in the shape of a cross.
[00018] Preferably, the locking system includes a joining mechanism comprising: a joiner for attaching any one of the first, second and third elongate members to a fourth elongate member; and a retainer provided on either one of the side surfaces of the at least first or second or third elongate member, the retainer being capable of retaining the joiner in place.
[00019] Preferably, the retainer includes a pair of opposing channel members adapted to cooperatively retain the joiner in place. More preferably, the opposing channel members are spaced apart defining an elongate open slot with an internal span. The channel members may include elongate returns, bends, flutes or brackets.
[00020] Preferably, the joiner includes: a first portion adapted in use to be placed and retained in the elongate open slot; and a second portion adapted to be attached to the fourth elongate member; wherein the first and second portions are integrally joined and perpendicular to one another. More preferably, the first portion includes a plate adapted to be received in the elongate open slot, the plate having an upper extremity and a lower 2025202391 03 Apr 2025 extremity, the distance between the upper and lower extremities being equal to the internal span of the elongate open slot. Even more preferably, the plate also includes a lateral edge running between one end of the upper extremity and the lower extremity; the lateral edge converging towards the lower extremity so as to enable insertion and placement of the plate into the elongate open slot when the joiner is rotated to a certain angle. Still even more preferably, the upper extremity is a flat edge whereas the lower extremity is a pointy end. Most preferably, the converging lateral edge is curved or rounded.
[00021] Preferably, the second portion includes a flat elongate plate adapted to be affixed to an end of the fourth elongate member, the flat elongate plate having a width that is smaller than the distance between the upper and lower extremities of the first portion. More preferably, the fourth elongate member includes an elongate backing plate flanked by a pair of opposing flanges.
[00022] Each of the at least one first and second elongate members and the third elongate member is preferred to be an extrusion.
[00023] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ceiling grid locking system of a ceiling grid; the ceiling grid comprised of at least one first elongate member and at least one second elongate member; the at least one first elongate member being bound at an angle to the at least one second elongate member by means of a connector; the locking system comprising the connector having a first connector engagement component and a second connector engagement component; the first elongate member having a first elongate member engagement component; the second elongate member having a second elongate member engagement component; wherein the at least first elongate member is locked against bidirectional movement along a longitudinal axis of the 2025202391 03 Apr 2025 at least first elongate member with respect to the connector by means of the first connector engagement component engaging with a corresponding at least first elongate member engagement component on the at least first elongate member; wherein the at least second elongate member is locked against bidirectional movement along a longitudinal axis of the second elongate member with respect to the connector by means of the second connector engagement component engaging with a corresponding at least second elongate member engagement component on the at least second elongate member.
[00024] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an elongate ceiling grid member capable of being attached to another ceiling grid member via a joiner, the elongate ceiling grid member comprising: a side surface which extends longitudinally along a side of the elongate ceiling grid member; and a retainer provided on the side surface; the retainer engaging one end of the joiner; the joiner having another end engaging said another ceiling grid member thereby to attach the elongate ceiling grid member to said another ceiling grid member.
[00025] Preferably, the retainer includes a pair of opposing channel members defining an elongate open slot; the opposing channel members adapted to cooperatively retain at least part of the joiner in the elongate open slot.
[00026] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of locking a connector against bidirectional longitudinal movement with respect to at least one first elongate member; the method comprising the step of incorporating cooperating engagement components on both the connector and the at least first elongate member whereby the components, when engaged with one another, resist bidirectional longitudinal movement of the at least one first elongate member. 2025202391 03 Apr 2025 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[00027] In order to achieve a better understanding of the nature of the present invention, preferred embodiments of a locking system for a ceiling grid and an elongate ceiling grid member will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of the locking system according to the present invention being applied to form a ceiling grid; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a joint including the locking system of Figure 1 having a preferred embodiment of a connector; Figure 3 is a side view of an elongate ceiling grid member which runs along the direction X as indicated in Figure 1; Figure 3a is a magnified side view of an end section of the elongate ceiling grid member of Figure 3 showing one corresponding elongate member engagement component in the form of a slot provided on the upper portion thereof; Figure 3b is a magnified side view of a middle section of the elongate ceiling grid member of Figure 3 showing a pair of corresponding elongate member engagement components in the form of two slots provided on the upper portion thereof; Figure 3c is an end view of the elongate ceiling grid member of Figure 3; Figure 4 is a side view of another elongate ceiling grid member in a different embodiment running along the direction Y as indicated in Figure 1; Figure 4a is a magnified side view of an end section of the elongate ceiling grid member of Figure 4; Figure 5 is an end view of the elongate ceiling grid member of Figure 4; Figure 6 shows perspective, side, sectional and orthographic views of the connector of Figure 2 with four extensions each 2025202391 03 Apr 2025 having a connector engagement component in the form of a projection; Figure 6a shows side, sectional and orthographic views of an alternative embodiment of the connector with three extensions; Figure 6b shows side, sectional and orthographic views of a further alternative embodiment of the connector with two extensions disposed at right angles to one another; Figure 6c shows side, sectional and orthographic views of a yet further alternative embodiment of the connector with two extensions disposed at 180 degree to one another; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along D-D of the locking system of Figure 2 applied in the joint of Figure 2 in an assembled form; Figure 7a is a schematic diagram showing a cross sectional view of a section of a ceiling grid with three joints including a middle joint flanked by two perimetral joints; Figure 7b is a magnified cross sectional view of the left perimetral joint of the section of Figure 7a; Figure 7c is a magnified cross sectional view of the middle joint of the section of Figure 7a; Figure 8 shows various perspective views illustrating the process of connecting the elongate ceiling grid member of Figure 4 to an alternative embodiment of an elongate ceiling grid member by way of a joining mechanism; and Figure 9 shows various views of a joiner being a component of the joining mechanism of Figure 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[00028] A ceiling grid 10 formed with a locking system 10 of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The ceiling grid 12 consists of a plurality of elongate ceiling grid members forming multiple joints 12, 48, 50 for example.
[00029] As best shown in Figure 2, an exploded view of a locking system 10 used to form a joint 13 which forms part of the ceiling grid 12 is shown. The joint 13 comprises a (first) 2025202391 03 Apr 2025 elongate member 14, a (second) elongate member 16, a (third) elongate member 18 and a preferred embodiment of a connector 20 which forms part of the locking system 10. The elongate member 14 shown in Figure 2 is only a section of a full-length elongate member 22 as shown in Figures 1 and 3. In this embodiment, the locking system 10 includes the connector 20 and bidirectional movement locking components. The first elongate member 14 is bound at right angles to the second elongate member 16 by means of the connector 20. Likewise, the second elongate member 18 is bound at right angles to the first elongate member 14 also by means of the connector 20. In this embodiment, the connector 20 has four extensions 70, 72, 74 & 76 each having a connector engagement component in the form of a downwardly extending projection 78, 80 for example (see Figures 6 and 7).
[00030] As best shown in Figures 1, 2 and 7, the first elongate member 14 is locked against bidirectional movement along a longitudinal axis of the first elongate member 14 with respect to the connector 20 by means of the first connector engagement component (ie. projection 78) engaging with a corresponding first elongate member engagement component in the form of a slot 40 provided on the first elongate member 14. In a similar manner, the second elongate member 16 is locked against bidirectional movement along a longitudinal axis of the second elongate member 16 with respect to the connector 20 by means of the second connector engagement component in the form of a downwardly extending projection engaging with a corresponding second elongate member engagement component in the form of a slot 56 (see Figure 4) provided on the second elongate member 16. In this embodiment, the joint 31 has a third elongate member 18. Again, the third elongate member 18 is locked against bidirectional movement along a longitudinal axis of the third elongate member 18 with respect to the connector 20 by means of a third connector engagement component in the form of a projection engaging with a corresponding third elongate member 2025202391 03 Apr 2025 engagement component in the form of a slot. In the present embodiment, the first elongate member 14 includes a further corresponding (fourth) elongate member engagement component in the form of a slot 42 (see Figure 2). The slot 42 is designed to engage with a corresponding fourth connector engagement component in the form of a projection downwardly extending from extension 72 (see Figure 6). In this embodiment, the first elongate member 14 and the second elongate member 16 are disposed at right angles to one another so the angle between them is 90 degrees. It will however be appreciated that the locking system 10 is capable of binding elongate members disposed at an angle ranging from 0 to 180 degrees to one another. For instance, the angle may be an acute angle.
[00031] It should be noted that although in the present embodiment, the first and second connector engagement components are first and second projections (78 for example) when the corresponding at least one first and second elongate member engagement components are first and second slots 40 & 56 respectively, the projections and slots arrangement may be in reverse. This means that in an alternative embodiment, the first and second connector engagement components may be first and second slots when the corresponding at least first and second elongate member engagement components are first and second projections respectively. In such an alternative arrangement, the projections stem from the elongate members whereas the slots are provided in each of the extensions of the connector.
[00032] As best shown in Figure 2, the first slot 40 is aligned substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the first elongate member 14 whereby bidirectional movement along the longitudinal axis is prevented by engagement of the projection 78 in the first slot 40. Similarly, the second slot 56 is aligned substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the second elongate member 16 whereby bidirectional 2025202391 03 Apr 2025 movement along the longitudinal axis is prevented by engagement of the projection (no visible in the drawings) in the second slot 56. It will be appreciated that the same right angles alignment arrangement applies to the third and fourth slots 58 & 42 on the third elongate member 18 and first elongate member 14 respectively.
[00033] With reference to Figures 2, 3c and 5, each of the first, second and third elongate members 14, 16 & 18 includes a longitudinal upper portion 24, 26, 28 carrying one or more corresponding elongate member engagement components in the form of slots in the present embodiment. Each longitudinal upper portion 24, 26, 28 has an elongate channel 30 defined by two parallel walls 32 & 34 each having an inwardly extending upper edge 36, 38. In this embodiment, each upper edge 36, 38 has two slots 40 & 42 which are spaced apart at predetermined locations. Each slot includes a pair of notches 40a & 40b and 42a & 42b situated at predetermined locations in the respective longitudinal upper edges 36 & 38, as shown in Figures 2 and 3b. With reference to Figure 3, it will be appreciated that the number of slots (ie. pairs of notches) may vary from one to many to suit different elongate member embodiments or designs. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, a full length elongate member 22, which includes the first elongate member 14, has multiple ‘double slots’ distributed along its length so as to form multiple joints 13, each being part of the overall ceiling grid 12. There are also two ‘single slots 44 & 46’ located in proximity to the two opposite ends of the full length elongate member 22, as best shown in Figure 3. For instance, multiple joints 13, each involving two (ie. first and fourth) slots (ie. two pairs of notches 40b & 42b for example) provided in the upper edges 36 & 38 (see Figure 3), are formed and located along the length of the ceiling grid 12 (see Figure 1). In contrast, with reference to Figure 4, the second and third elongate member 16, 18 have a different configuration each including only two 2025202391 03 Apr 2025 slots 56 & 58 located in proximity to the opposing ends of the second or third elongate member 16, 18, as shown in Figures 4 and 4a.
[00034] With reference to Figure 2 showing the present embodiment, the second and third elongate members 16 and 18 are orthogonally joined to the first elongate member 14 from opposite sides thereof. The second elongate member 16 includes the second slot 58 and an end 52 adapted to abut a side surface 54 (see Figures 2 and 3c) of the first elongate member 14. In this embodiment, the third elongate member 18 with a third slot 58 and an end 60 are adapted to abut an opposite side surface 62 of the first elongate member 14. As shown in Figures 2, 4, 4a and 5, each of the ends 52 & 60 of the respective second and third elongate members 16, 18 includes a setback 64, 66 configured to facilitate abutment of the ends 52, 60 with the respective side surface 54, 62 which includes a protruding retainer (which will be described in further detail later).
[00035] Referring to Figures 2 and 6, the locking system 10 includes the connector 66 for engaging all of the first, second and third elongate members 14, 16 & 18 to form the joint 13 (see Figure 1) of the ceiling grid 12. The first, second, third and fourth slots 40, 56, 58 and 42 also serve the function of being locators or prompters so configured and arranged as to enable precise positioning of the connector 66 with respect to the first, second and third elongate members 14, 16 and 18. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the fourth slot 42 is provided on the upper edges 36 & 38 of the first elongate member 14, which is preferred but optional. In the present embodiment, the connector 66 includes four extensions 70, 72, 74 & 76, each of which is adapted in use to engage with the four slots (ie. the notches) provided on the upper edges of the three elongate members 16, 14 and 18 respectively. As shown in Figure 6, each extension 70, 72, 74 & 76 includes a downwardly 2025202391 03 Apr 2025 extending projection (78, 80 for example; see Figures 6 and 7) adapted in use to mate with one of the four slots 40, 56, 58 and 42 which are in the form of notches in the present embodiment. As a result of the mating, each extension is interlocked with the corresponding elongate member thereby preventing any bidirectional movement of each elongate member with respect to the connector.
[00036] Turning to Figures 2 and 7, the connector 66 is fastened to the first, second and third elongate members 14, 16 & 18 via multiple threaded bolts 82 and nuts 84. Each nut 84 is inserted into the elongate channel 30 during installation and housed within the elongate channel when threadably engaged by the bolts 82 which are inserted through the peripheral holes 86 provided in the extensions 70, 72, 74 & 76. In this embodiment, the connector 66 is in the shape of a cross. As shown in Figures 1 and 7, after assembly, the extensions 70, 72, 74 and 76 of the connector 66 are interlocked with the four slots respectively forming a four-way intersection 68 at the joint 13.
[00037] It will be appreciated that the fourth slot 42 is calculatedly spaced apart from the first slot 40 such that the span between the projections 78 & 80 of the opposing extensions 76 & 72 for example equates to the distance between the first and fourth slots 40 & 42. Likewise, the span between the other two projections of the opposing extensions 70 & 74 equates to the distance between the second and third slots 56 & 58. As such, during installation, once the ends 52 & 60 of the respective second and third elongate members 16 & 18 are brought into abutment with the respective side surfaces 54 & 62 of the first elongate member 14, the four slots are capable of effectively preventing any bidirectional movement of the elongate members with respect to the connector 66. The locking system 10 also offers the benefit of enabling and / or ensuring precise positioning of the connector 66 with respect to the 2025202391 03 Apr 2025 first, second and third elongate members 14, 16 & 18 during assembly of the joint 13 and the ceiling grid 12 at large.
[00038] It should be noted that alternative embodiments of joint may be created by using the locking system 10 of the present invention to form the ceiling grid 12. For instance, with reference to Figure 1, joints 48 and 50 which are situated at different locations on an edge of the ceiling grid 12 are formed with alternative embodiments of the connector. Such alternative embodiments of the connector and joint will now be described. A first alternative embodiment of the connector and joint
[00039] Referring to Figures 1 and 6a, an alternative embodiment of the connector 66a is shown. Connector 66a includes only three extensions 70a, 72a and 74a each having a downwardly extending projection for mating with a corresponding slot on the first elongate member. As shown in Figure 1, connector 66a is most suited for forming the joint 48 which is located somewhere in the middle of the edge of the ceiling grid 12. Hence the locking system 10 in this embodiment includes the connector 66a, the elongate member 14 and two lateral elongate members 16 & 18. A second alternative embodiment of the connector and joint
[00040] Turning now to Figure 6b, a further alternative embodiment of the connector 66b is shown. Connector 66b includes only two extensions 70b and 72b disposed perpendicularly to one another. Each of the two extensions has a downwardly extending projection for mating with a corresponding slot on the first and second elongate members respectively. As shown in Figure 1, connector 66b is most suited for forming the joint 50 which is located at a corner of the ceiling grid 12. In this embodiment, the connector 72b includes only one first elongate member and either a second or third elongate member 16, 18 which is perpendicularly disposed to the first elongate member 14. 2025202391 03 Apr 2025 A third alternative embodiment of the connector and joint
[00041] Referring to Figure 6c, a yet further alternative embodiment of the connector 66c is shown. Connector 66c also includes only two extensions 70c and 74c. These two extensions are however disposed at 180 degrees to one another. As such, connector 66c is suitable to be used as part of the locking system to form a joint for binding two elongate members which are disposed in an end-to-end manner.
[00042] It should be noted that technical standard AS / NZS 2785:2020 requires that all ceilings are to be seismically restrained (refer to Clause 4.3.3.1). The standard outlines different methods of restraints, with one typical method involving the use of back bracing which is used to transfer the ceiling diaphragm action under seismic actions to the structure. In this regard, the locking system 10 of the present invention is capable of and efficient in transferring a greater magnitude of the seismic action through a rigid ceiling grid with a bare minimal number of components, so as to reduce the scope of the bracing and limit the associated costs. The slots in the form of notch pairs permit shear forces to be transmitted through the connector 66, 66a, 66b (for example) in addition to friction forces, to a greater extent than if only frictional forces were employed. This is particularly advantageous when the elongate members are in tension. A fourth alternative embodiment of the joint
[00043] Referring to Figure 7a, a schematic diagram of a section 130 of a ceiling grid incorporating the locking system of the present invention is shown. The section 130 comprises a middle joint 132 flanked by two perimetrical joints 134 & 136. As shown in Figure 7b, the perimetrical joint 134 includes a main elongate member (14 for example) and a lateral elongate member (16 for example) which are bound together by two- or three-way 2025202391 03 Apr 2025 connector 66b or 66a (see Figure 6b & 6a) of the locking system 10. The joint 134 also includes a stabiliser in the form of a hold down clip, a preferred embodiment of which generally referred to as ‘one-way’ hold down clip 138 is shown in Figures 7a and b. The hold down clip 138 includes an element adapted to be fastened to the upper portion 24 of elongate member 14. In the present embodiment, the element takes the form of a top plate 140 orthogonally and integrally joined to a leg 142 with a foot 144. The top plate 140 is designed in use to be sandwiched and held captive between upper edges 36 & 38 of the upper portion 24 of elongate member 14 and a nut 84a once it’s tightened onto the bolt 82a whose threaded shaft goes through an aperture provided in the centre of the connector 66a. The head of the bolt 82a is trapped in the elongate channel 30. In the present embodiment, a washer is also provided between the nut 84a and the top plate 140 to prevent looseness and provide protection to the surface of the top plate 140. As best shown in Figure 7b, elongate member 14 has a pair of outwardly extending flanges 148 & 150 which are configured to support an edge of a ceiling panel 152. In this embodiment, a gasket 146 is fitted onto the upper surface of the flange 150. The gasket 146 is provided between the flange 150 and the ceiling panel 152 to serve as a cushion while the ceiling panel 152 is held down by the foot 144 of the hold down clip 138. In this embodiment, another gasket 154 is provided between the underside of the flange 148 and a perimeter trim 156 of an L- shaped bracket 158 which is affixed to a wall 160.
[00044] Again, the gasket 154 serves as a cushion being capable of absorbing any impact on the rigid ceiling grid as a result of any shock, vibrational or seismic movement in an earthquake for example. The hold down clip 138 is configured to hold lay-in ceiling panel 152 in place so as to prevent the ceiling panel 152 from lifting, disengaging or fluttering, especially in areas with potential uplift due to wind or pressure changes such as at or near entryways or in atriums. 2025202391 03 Apr 2025
[00045] Turning to Figure 7c, a ‘two-way’ hold down clip 162 which includes two legs 164 & 166, each including a foot 168 & 170 is provided and fitted over the upper portion 24 of elongate member 14 at middle joint 136 where connector 66 or 66a is used to engage main elongate member 14 and two lateral elongate members 16 and 18. Gaskets 146 & 172 are provided to fill the space between ceiling panels 152 & 174 respectively.
[00046] It will be appreciated that the gaskets 146, 172 & 154 are preferred to be made out of any one of the following materials: natural rubber, neoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, butyl, EPDM rubber, fluorosilicone, any closed cell foam, silicon rubber, silicone, closed-cell sponge rubber, polyethylene foam, polystyrene foam and EVA foam.
[00047] Turning now to Figures 8 and 9, the locking system 10 also includes a joining mechanism comprising a joiner 88 and a retainer 90 which in this embodiment is in the form of a pair of opposing channel members 90a & 90b that run along the longitudinal length of the first, second and third elongate members 14, 16 & 18. It will be appreciated that the channel members may take the form of returns, bends, flutes, or brackets, all having the same retaining function. In the present embodiment, each of the first, second and third elongate members 14, 16 & 18 is an extrusion of which the pair of opposing channel members 90a & 90b form an integral part. The joiner 88 is for attaching the first, second or third elongate members 14, 16, 18 to a fourth elongate member which in the present embodiment is configured differently from the first, second and third elongate members 14, 16 & 18. The joining mechanism is provided so that the ceiling grid 12 may be joined to or incorporated into other ceiling grid systems or structures. The retainer 90 is provided on either of the side surfaces 54, 62 of each of the first, second and third elongate members 14, 16 & 2025202391 03 Apr 2025 18.
[00048] With reference to Figures 3c, 5 and 8, in a preferred embodiment, the pair of opposing channel members 90a & 90b are provided on both of the side surfaces 54, 62 of each of the first, second or third elongate member 14, 16 and 18. The pair of opposing channel members 90a & 90b are spaced apart defining an elongate open slot 92, 94, 96, 98 each with an internal span as indicated by E in Figure 3c for example. It is important to note that the internal span is wider than the opening indicated F (see Figure 3c) defined by the ends of the respective opposing channel members 90a & 90b which are provided and configured to cooperatively retain the joiner 88. The joiner 88 is designed such that it needs to be rotated to a certain angle to enable a portion of it to be inserted through the opening F into the elongate open slot 92, 94, 96, 98.
[00049] Referring to Figure 9, in a preferred embodiment, the joiner 88 includes a first portion which is in the form of a plate 100 and a second portion which is in the form of a flat elongate plate 102. The plates 100 and 102 are integrally joined and perpendicular to one another. The plate 100 is adapted in use to be skilfully placed, received and retained in one of the open slots 92, 94, 96, 98 (for example). The flat elongate plate 102 is adapted in use to be attached to the fourth elongate member 104. The plate 100 has an upper extremity 106 which is in the form of a flat edge 106 and a lower extremity which is in the form of a pointy end 108. The distance indicated as G (see Figure 9) between the upper and lower extremities 106 and 108 is equal to the internal span E (see Figure 3c) of the elongate open slot 92, 94, 96 or 98 (for example). The plate 100 also includes a lateral edge 110 running between one end 112 of the flat edge 106 and the pointy end 108. The lateral edge 110 converges towards the lower extremity so as to enable insertion and placement of the plate into the elongate open slot when the 2025202391 03 Apr 2025 joiner 88 is rotated to a certain angle. In the present embodiment, the converging lateral edge 110 is curved or rounded so as to enable insertion and placement of the plate 100 into the open slot 92, 94, 96 or 98 through the opening F (see Figure 3c) when the joiner 88 is rotated to the certain angle. The flat elongate plate 102 is adapted to be affixed to an end of the fourth elongate ceiling member 104, as shown in Figure 8. The flat elongate plate 102 has a width that is smaller than the distance G (see Figure 9) between the flat edge 106 and the point end 108 of the plate 100. In the present embodiment, the fourth elongate ceiling member 104 includes an elongate backing plate 114 flanked by a pair of opposing flanges 116 & 118. During installation, the joiner 88 is to be rotated so that the plate 100 is disposed at say 45 degrees to the vertical face of the elongate member 14, 16 or 18. At such an angle, the plate 100 is able to unobstructedly enter the open slot 92 (see Figure 8). The plate 100 can then be rotated in the opposite direction until the upper and lower extremities 106 & 108 of the plate 100 firmly butt up against the respective top and bottom internal surface of the opposing channel members 90a & 90b so that the plate 100 is jammed in place. A fastener may then be used to affix the plate 100 onto the back panel of the open slot 92. One open end of the fourth elongate member 104 is then brought into engagement with the flat elongate plate 102 which is sticking out. Optionally, an unwanted offcut at the open end of the fourth elongate member 104 may be discarded by cutting. The fourth elongate member 104 is then brought into engagement with the flat elongate plate 102 to create an overlapping area where one or more fasteners may be used to fasten the fourth elongate member 104 to the first elongate member 14.
[00050] With reference to Figure 2, the locking system 12 comprises a fastening mechanism adapted to adjustably connect the ceiling grid 12 to a ceiling. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening mechanism includes a first rod 120, a turnbuckle 122 and a second rod 124. The first rod 120 has an upper end and a 2025202391 03 Apr 2025 lower end threadably connected to an orifice 126 (see Figures 2 and 6) of the connector 66. The turnbuckle 122 has an upper end and a lower end threadably connected to the upper end of the first rod 120. The second rod 124 has a lower end threadably connected to the upper end of the turnbuckle and an upper end connected to the ceiling (not shown). As shown in Figure 1, the fastening mechanism need not be included in every ceiling grid 12 but may be provided intermittently throughout the ceiling grid 12.
[00051] It will be appreciated that the present invention provides a method of locking a connector against bidirectional longitudinal movement with respect to at least one first elongate member. The method comprises the step of incorporating cooperating engagement components on both the connector and the at least first elongate member whereby the components, when engaged with one another, resist bidirectional longitudinal movement of the at least one first elongate member. The method may include further steps to bind one or more additional elongate members.
[00052] Now that preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in some detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the locking system and the elongate ceiling grid member may offer at least one or more of the following advantages: (i) the pair of opposing channel members allow for easy and quick integration with other pre-existing ceiling systems offering high compatibility; (ii) the slots provided on the elongate members allow loadcarrying capacity to be located as required during installation or assembly thereby providing substantial savings with respect to material and labour costs; and 2025202391 03 Apr 2025 (iii) the locking system provides a rigid ceiling grid thereby enabling compliance with building codes and industry standards, particularly relating to transmission of seismic and / or other lateral actions.
[00053] The above described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Reference to a feature disclosed herein does not mean that all embodiments must include the feature.
[00054] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. For instance, different forms of elongate members and connectors may be mixed and matched to create a ceiling grid. Also, the locking system allows for different embodiments of the connector to be used to interlock with different numbers and forms of elongate members to form joints to suit applications at different locations of the ceiling grid. All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope of the present invention the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description.
Claims
1. A locking system for a ceiling grid; the locking systemincluding bidirectional movement locking components; theceiling grid comprised of at least one first elongate memberand at least one second elongate member; the at least onefirst elongate member being bound at an angle to the at leastone second elongate member by means of a connector; characterised in that the locking system comprises theconnector having a first connector engagement component and asecond connector engagement component;wherein the at least one first elongate member islocked against bidirectional movement along a longitudinal axis of the at least one first elongate member with respectto the connector by means of the first connector engagementcomponent engaging with a corresponding at least firstelongate member engagement component on the at least firstelongate member;wherein the at least one second elongate member islocked against bidirectional movement along a longitudinalaxis of the at least one second elongate member with respectto the connector by means of the second connector engagementcomponent engaging with a corresponding at least second elongate member engagement component on the at least secondelongate member.
2. The locking system of claim 1 being a ceiling grid lockingsystem.
3. The locking system of either claim 1 or 2, wherein theangle ranges from 0 to 180 degrees.
4. The locking system of either claim 1 or 2, wherein theangle is 90 degrees.2025202391 03 Apr 20255. The locking system of either claim 1 or 2, wherein theangle is an acute angle.
6. The locking system of any one of the preceding claims,wherein the first and second connector engagement components arefirst and second projections when the corresponding at least onefirst and second elongate member engagement components are firstand second slots respectively.
7. The locking system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first and second connector engagement components are first andsecond slots when the corresponding at least first and second elongate member engagement components are first and secondprojections respectively.
8. The locking system of either claim 6 or 7, wherein the first slot is aligned substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the at least one first elongate member whereby bidirectional movement along the longitudinal axis is prevented by engagement of the projection in the first slot.
9. The locking system of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the second slot is aligned substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the at least one second elongate member whereby bidirectional movement along the longitudinal axis isprevented by engagement of the projection in the second slot.
10. The locking system of any one of the preceding claims,wherein the at least one first elongate member includes a firstlongitudinal upper portion which carries the first slot.
11. The locking system of any one of the preceding claims,wherein the at least one second elongate member includes a second longitudinal upper portion which carries the second slot.
12. The locking system of either claim 10 to 11, wherein thefirst longitudinal upper portions carries either multiple first2025202391 03 Apr 2025connector engagement components which are spaced apart at predetermined locations or multiple corresponding at least first elongate member engagement components which are spaced apart atpredetermined locations.
13. The locking system of any one of claims 10 to 12, whereinthe second longitudinal upper portion carries either multiplesecond connector engagement components which are spaced apart at predetermined locations or multiple corresponding at leastsecond elongate member engagement component which are spacedapart at predetermined locations.
14. The locking system of any one of claims 10 to 13, whereineach of the first and second longitudinal upper portionsincludes an elongate channel defined by a pair of parallelwalls, each of the walls having an inwardly extending upperedge.
15. The locking system of claim 14, wherein each of the firstand second slots includes a pair of notches provided in the pairof inwardly extending upper edges respectively.
16. The locking system of any one of claims 6 to 15, wherein theconnector includes a first extension having the first projectionand a second extension having the second projection, the firstand second extensions adapted in use to engage with the at leastone first and second elongate members respectively by means ofthe first projection mating with the first slot and the secondprojection mating with the second slot.
17. The locking system of any one of claims 14 to 16, whereinthe connector is fastened to the at least one first and secondelongate members via multiple threaded bolts and nuts, each nut being housed in the elongate channel.2025202391 03 Apr 202518. The locking system of any one of the preceding claims,wherein the at least one second elongate member includes an end adapted to abut a side surface of the at least one firstelongate member.
19. The locking system of claim 18, wherein the ceiling gridcomprises a third elongate member being bound to the at least one first elongate member; the connector having a thirdconnector engagement component; wherein the third elongatemember is locked against bidirectional movement along alongitudinal axis of the third elongate member with respect tothe connector by means of the third connector engagementcomponent engaging with a corresponding third elongate memberengagement component on the third elongate member.
20. The locking system of claim 19, wherein the third elongatemember includes an end adapted to abut an opposite side surfaceof the first elongate member; the connector including a thirdextension having a third projection; the third extension adaptedin use to engage with the third elongate member by means of thethird projection mating with a third slot provided in a third longitudinal upper portion of the third elongate member.
21. The locking system of claim 20, wherein the at least onefirst elongate member includes a fourth slot being spaced apartfrom the first slot on the first longitudinal upper portion; theconnector having a fourth extension having a fourth projection;the fourth extension adapted in use to engage with the at least one first elongate member by means of the fourth projectionmating with the fourth slot.
22. The locking system of claim 21, wherein the connector is inthe shape of a cross.2025202391 03 Apr 202523. The locking system of any one of claim 19 to 22, whichincludes a joining mechanism comprising:a joiner for attaching any one of the first, second andthird elongate members to a fourth elongate member; anda retainer provided on either one of the side surfaces ofthe at least first or second or third elongate member, the retainer being capable of retaining the joiner in place.
24. The locking system of claim 23, wherein the retainerincludes a pair of opposing channel members adapted tocooperatively retain the joiner in place.
25. The locking system of claim 24, wherein the opposing channelmembers are spaced apart defining an elongate open slot with an internal span.
26. The locking system of either claim 24 or 25, wherein thechannel members include elongate returns, bends, flutes orbrackets.
27. The locking system of any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the joiner includes:a first portion adapted in use to be placed and retained in the elongate open slot; anda second portion adapted to be attached to the fourth elongate member;wherein the first and second portions are integrally joinedand perpendicular to one another.
28. The locking system of claim 27, wherein the first portionincludes a plate adapted to be received in the elongate openslot, the plate having an upper extremity and a lower extremity,the distance between the upper and lower extremities being equal to the internal span of the elongate open slot.
29. The locking system of claim 28, wherein the plate alsoincludes a lateral edge running between one end of the upper2025202391 03 Apr 2025extremity and the lower extremity; the lateral edge converging towards the lower extremity so as to enable insertion andplacement of the plate into the elongate open slot when thejoiner is rotated to a certain angle.
30. The locking system of claim 29, wherein the upper extremityis a flat edge whereas the lower extremity is a pointy end.
31. The locking system of either claim 29 or 30, wherein theconverging lateral edge is curved or rounded.
32. The locking system of any one of claims 27 to 31, whereinthe second portion includes a flat elongate plate adapted to beaffixed to an end of the fourth elongate member, the flatelongate plate having a width that is smaller than the distancebetween the upper and lower extremities of the first portion.
33. The locking system of any one of claims 27 to 32, whereinthe fourth elongate member includes an elongate backing plate flanked by a pair of opposing flanges.
34. The locking system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the at least one first and second elongate members and the third elongate member is an extrusion.
35. A ceiling grid locking system of a ceiling grid; the ceilinggrid comprised of at least one first elongate member and atleast one second elongate member; the at least one first elongate member being bound at an angle to the at least onesecond elongate member by means of a connector; the locking system comprising the connector having a first connectorengagement component and a second connector engagementcomponent; the first elongate member having a first elongatemember engagement component; the second elongate member having asecond elongate member engagement component;wherein the at least first elongate member is locked2025202391 03 Apr 2025against bidirectional movement along a longitudinal axis of theat least first elongate member with respect to the connector by means of the first connector engagement component engaging witha corresponding at least first elongate member engagementcomponent on the at least first elongate member;wherein the at least second elongate member is lockedagainst bidirectional movement along a longitudinal axis of thesecond elongate member with respect to the connector by means ofthe second connector engagement component engaging with a corresponding at least second elongate member engagementcomponent on the at least second elongate member.
36. An elongate ceiling grid member capable of being attached to another ceiling grid member via a joiner, the elongate ceilinggrid member comprising:a side surface which extends longitudinally along aside of the elongate ceiling grid member; anda retainer provided on the side surface; the retainerengaging one end of the joiner; the joiner having another endengaging said another ceiling grid member thereby to attach theelongate ceiling grid member to said another ceiling gridmember.
37. The elongate ceiling grid member of claim 36, wherein theretainer includes a pair of opposing channel members defining anelongate open slot; the opposing channel members adapted tocooperatively retain at least part of the joiner in the elongateopen slot.
38. A method of locking a connector against bidirectional longitudinal movement with respect to at least one first elongate member; the method comprising the step of incorporatingcooperating engagement components on both the connector and the at least first elongate member whereby the components, whenengaged with one another, resist bidirectional longitudinal movement of the at least one first elongate member.2025202391 03 Apr 202539. The locking system of any one of the claims 1 to 34, whereineach of the first and second elongate members includes a pair offlanges, each flange in use supporting an edge of a ceilingpanel.
40. The locking system of claim 39, which includes a stabiliseradapted to be affixed to the upper portion of the first orsecond elongate member, the stabiliser cooperating with the edgeto hold the ceiling panel in place.
41. The locking system of claim 40, wherein the stabiliser is inthe form of a hold down clip, the clip having:an element adapted to be fastened to the upper portionof the first or second elongate member; andat least one leg joined to the element, the leg havinga foot;wherein the edge of the ceiling panel is sandwichedbetween the foot and the flange, the foot and the flangecooperatively holding the ceiling panel in place.
42. The locking system of claim 41, which includes a gasketlocated between the flange and the edge of the ceiling panel.
43. The locking system of claim 42, wherein the gasket is madeout of any one of the following materials: natural rubber,neoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, butyl, EPDM rubber, fluorosilicone, any closed cell foam, silicon rubber, silicone, closed-cell sponge rubber, polyethylene foam, polystyrene foam and EVA foam.