Elongated ceiling grille member and ceiling grille assembly comprising plurality of elongated ceiling grille members

Abstract

An elongate ceiling grille member comprising: (1) an upper portion having spaced apart upper portion sidewalls (a) threaded to receive and retain a first threaded member and (b) having a lowermost edge; (2) a lower portion having spaced apart lower portion sidewalls (a) threaded to receive and retain a second threaded member and (b) having an uppermost edge; and (3) an intermediate portion (a) connecting a lowermost edge of the upper portion side wall and an uppermost edge of the lower portion side wall, and (b) comprising a pair of intermediate portion side walls, the pair of middle portion sidewalls are bent inwardly from a lowermost edge of the upper portion sidewalls and an uppermost edge of the lower portion sidewalls to contact each other between those edges.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to elongated ceiling grid members and ceiling grid assemblies, the ceiling grid assembly comprising elongated ceiling grid members and attached to and suspended from the ceiling of a room and other building space (such as office space, storage area, and data center) to serve as a frame for directly and / or indirectly supporting other structural members and / or room or building attachments. In particular, the invention relates to elongated ceiling grid members (1) which may be joined at their ends to form a ceiling grid assembly consisting of parallel and perpendicular rows of elongated ceiling grid members, and (2) which may be attached to other structural members and / or room or building attachments. Background Technology

[0002] Ceiling grille assemblies, consisting of multiple slender ceiling grille members, have been used for decades. These slender ceiling grille members are joined at their ends to form parallel and vertical rows of slender ceiling grille members. These ceiling grille assemblies are typically directly attached to and suspended from the structure constituting the ceiling of a room or other building space, such as a concrete slab. The slender ceiling grille members of these ceiling grille assemblies directly or indirectly support other structural members in the room or other building space in which they are installed, as well as room or building accessories such as lighting fixtures, HVAC ducts, sprinkler systems, etc.

[0003] In many applications, elongated ceiling grid members and ceiling grid assemblies must support increasing loads in terms of weight. That is, the rooms and other building spaces comprising these elongated ceiling grid members and ceiling grid assemblies have an increasing number of structural members and room or building accessories that need to be supported by them, which increases the load on the elongated ceiling grid members and ceiling grid assemblies. Therefore, there is a need in the art for elongated ceiling grid members and ceiling grid assemblies with increased strength to adequately support these increased loads.

[0004] Furthermore, elongated ceiling grid members typically support ceiling tiles or similar structures. It is desirable for ceiling grid assemblies composed of elongated ceiling grid members to include a device that holds the ceiling tile or similar structure in place even when a large force is applied upwards to it, while allowing for relatively easy removal or repositioning of those panels or similar structures. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a device that interacts with the elongated ceiling grid members to “hold” the ceiling tile or similar structure in place, while allowing for relatively easy removal or repositioning of those panels or similar structures.

[0005] This invention satisfies those needs, as well as other needs that are obvious to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The elongated ceiling grid member of the present invention has a longitudinal axis in the longitudinal direction. Some embodiments of the elongated ceiling grid member include: (1) an upper portion having spaced-apart upper portion sidewalls (a) extending parallel in the longitudinal direction, (b) threaded to threadedly receive and hold a first threaded member, and (c) including a lowermost edge extending in the longitudinal direction; (2) a lower portion having spaced-apart lower portion sidewalls (a) extending parallel in the longitudinal direction, (b) threaded to threadedly receive and hold a second threaded member, and (c) including an uppermost edge extending in the longitudinal direction; and (3) an intermediate portion (a) connecting the lowermost edge of the upper portion sidewall and the uppermost edge of the lower portion sidewall, and (b) including a pair of intermediate portion sidewalls extending in the longitudinal direction. When viewed along the longitudinal axis, each of the paired intermediate sidewalls can, from top to bottom, (a) begin at a different one of the lowermost edges of the upper part sidewall, (b) bend toward the other of the paired intermediate sidewalls to connect with that other of the paired intermediate sidewalls, and (c) bend away from the joint with that other of the paired intermediate sidewalls away from that other of the paired intermediate sidewalls to end at one of the uppermost edges of the lower part sidewall.

[0007] In other embodiments of the invention, the upper portion includes a bottom wall that extends between and connects the upper portion sidewalls at or near the lowest edge of the upper portion sidewalls, the lower portion includes a top wall that extends between and connects the lower portion sidewalls at or near the highest edge of the lower portion sidewalls, and the middle portion sidewalls begin at the bottom wall and end at the top wall from top to bottom.

[0008] In other embodiments of the invention, each of the paired intermediate sidewalls may include fingers configured to engage a ceiling panel hold-down clip. The fingers may extend outward from the paired intermediate sidewalls.

[0009] Further embodiments of the invention include an elongated ceiling grid member and a ceiling panel clamping assembly. The elongated ceiling grid member of the assembly may be as described above and further includes a lowermost flange extending longitudinally from and perpendicular to the pair of lower portion sidewalls. Those lowermost flanges may be configured to support a ceiling panel. The ceiling panel clamping clamp of those embodiments may engage with fingers of the elongated ceiling grid member and be configured to engage the ceiling panel supported by the lowermost flange. The ceiling panel clamping clips of those embodiments may further include: a ceiling panel clamping clip top wall that is above and spans the upper portion sidewalls of the elongated ceiling grid member; a ceiling panel clamping clip side wall that extends downward from the ceiling panel clamping clip top wall and abuts the outer surfaces of those upper portion sidewalls; an outwardly extending wall that extends outward and downward from the ceiling panel clamping clip side wall; and ceiling panel clamping clip fingers that extend inward from the outwardly extending wall and engage fingers of the middle portion of the elongated ceiling grid member. The clamping clip may be made of spring steel.

[0010] Other embodiments of the invention include elongated ceiling grid members and connector assemblies. The assembly may include at least two of the elongated ceiling grid members described above and connectors, the connectors (a) bridging the at least two of the elongated ceiling grid members, (b) having a connector top wall having at least two orifices configured to receive threaded members, (c) having connector sidewalls extending downward from the connector top wall toward the upper portion sidewalls of the at least two of the elongated ceiling grid members, and (d) having tabs extending from the connector sidewalls on both sides of the upper portion sidewalls and configured to engage and retain the upper portion sidewalls. Attached Figure Description

[0011] FIG. 1 This is a side perspective view of an elongated ceiling grid member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 yes FIG. 1 The image shows a front elevation view of a slender ceiling grid component.

[0013] FIG. 2A yes FIG. 1 and FIG. 2The figure shows a side elevation view of a slender ceiling grid component.

[0014] FIG. 3 Is it possible to... FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A The illustration shows a side perspective view of a ceiling panel clamping clip used with the slender ceiling grid components.

[0015] FIG. 4 yes FIG. 3 The ceiling panel clamping clip shown in the figure FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A The figure shows a side perspective view of the components of the slender ceiling grid member.

[0016] FIG. 5 yes FIG. 3 The ceiling panel clamping clip shown in the figure FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A The slender ceiling grid component shown in the figure FIG. 4 The front elevation view of the component shown in the figure illustrates the component that holds the two ceiling panels in place.

[0017] FIG. 6 This is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a linear connector that can... FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A Two of the slender ceiling grid components shown in the diagram are connected end-to-end in a straight line.

[0018] FIG. 7 yes FIG. 6 The diagram shows a top view of a linear connector.

[0019] FIG. 8 yes FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 The figure shows a side elevation view of the linear connector.

[0020] FIG. 9 yes FIG. 6 to FIG. 8 The diagram shows the front elevation view of the linear connector.

[0021] FIG. 10 It is along FIG. 7 The line cut from 10-10 FIG. 6 to FIG. 9 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of a linear connector.

[0022] FIG. 11 It is attached to FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A Two of the slender ceiling grid components illustrated in the figure.FIG. 7 to FIG. 10 The diagram shows a top perspective view of the linear connector.

[0023] FIG. 12 It is attached to FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A Two of the slender ceiling grid components illustrated in the figure. FIG. 7 to FIG. 10 The linear connector shown in the figure FIG. 11 The diagram shows the front elevation of the component.

[0024] FIG. 13 This is a top perspective view of a four-arm connector that can be connected in an X-configuration. FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A Three or four of the slender ceiling grid components illustrated in the figure.

[0025] FIG. 14 yes FIG. 13 The diagram shows a top view of a four-arm connector.

[0026] FIG. 15 yes FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 The figure shows a side elevation view of the four-arm connector.

[0027] FIG. 16 It is along FIG. 15 The line 16-16 was cut FIG. 13 to FIG. 15 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the four-arm connector.

[0028] FIG. 17 yes FIG. 13 to FIG. 16 The diagram shows a bottom perspective view of the four-arm connector.

[0029] FIG. 18 yes FIG. 13 to FIG. 17 The diagram shows a bottom view of a four-arm connector.

[0030] FIG. 19 It is along FIG. 15 The line 19-19 was cut off FIG. 13 to FIG. 18 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the four-arm connector.

[0031] FIG. 20A yes FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A The illustration shows a top perspective view of three of the slender ceiling grille components aligned in an X-shape to accommodate... FIG. 13 to FIG. 19 The four-arm connector shown in the figure.

[0032] FIG. 20B It is attached to FIG. 1 ,FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A Three of the slender ceiling grid components illustrated in the figure. FIG. 13 to FIG. 19 The diagram shows a top perspective view of the four-arm connector.

[0033] FIG. 21 It is attached to FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A Three of the slender ceiling grid components illustrated in the figure. FIG. 13 to FIG. 19 The four-arm connector shown in the figure FIG. 20B The diagram shows a side elevation view of the component.

[0034] FIG. 22 This is a top perspective view of another four-arm connector, which can be connected in an X-configuration. FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A Three or four of the slender ceiling grid components illustrated in the figure.

[0035] FIG. 23 yes FIG. 22 The diagram shows a top view of a four-arm connector.

[0036] FIG. 24 yes FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 The figure shows a side elevation view of the four-arm connector.

[0037] FIG. 25 It is along FIG. 23 The line was cut at 25-25. FIG. 22 to FIG. 24 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the four-arm connector.

[0038] FIG. 26 It is along FIG. 24 The line 26-26 was cut off FIG. 22 to FIG. 25 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the four-arm connector. Detailed Implementation

[0039] As stated, at least FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A The figure shows an embodiment of the elongated ceiling grid member of the present invention, namely the elongated ceiling grid member 21.

[0040] The elongated ceiling grid member 21 has a longitudinal axis LA along its length in the longitudinal direction and includes an upper portion 23, a middle portion 25 and a lower portion 27 from top to bottom.

[0041] The upper portion 23 includes sidewalls 29, 31, and a bottom wall 33. In this embodiment of the invention, sidewalls 29 and 31 are parallel. The bottom wall 33 extends between and connects sidewalls 29 and 31 at or near the lowermost edge of sidewalls 29 and 31, as shown below. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 As shown in the figure.

[0042] Sidewall 29 includes internal thread 35, notch 30 and notch 34, and sidewall 31 includes internal thread 37, notch 32 and notch 36.

[0043] Internal threads 35 and 37 are on parallel vertical surfaces and vertically offset, such that the threaded member can be threadedly received and held between internal threads 35 and 37, as discussed below and in FIG. 11 , FIG. 12 , FIG. 20B and FIG. 21 As shown in the diagram.

[0044] In this embodiment, notches 30, 32, 34 and 36 are designed to receive and hold protrusions from connecting members that connect two or more of the elongated ceiling grid members 21, as discussed below.

[0045] While the upper portion 23 in this embodiment of the invention includes parallel sidewalls 29 and 31 with internal threads, the upper portion of the elongated ceiling grid member in other embodiments of the invention may include other structures besides the threaded parallel walls, which may receive and hold threaded members or other members suspended from the ceiling. Additionally, the elongated ceiling grid member in other embodiments may not include any notches in the sidewalls of its upper portion.

[0046] The middle portion 25 includes sidewalls 39, sidewalls 41, fingers or protrusions 43, and fingers or protrusions 45.

[0047] In this embodiment of the invention, when viewed along the longitudinal axis and as... FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 As shown, sidewalls 39 and 41 begin at or near the lowermost edges of sidewalls 29 and 31 of the upper portion 23 at the bottom wall 33 and curve toward each other until they intersect or join. Sidewalls 39 and 41 then diverge or curve away from each other at or near the uppermost edges of sidewalls 47 and 49 of the lower portion 27 from the intersection or junction with the top wall 46 of the lower portion 27 (top wall 46 and sidewalls 47 and 49 are discussed further below).

[0048] like FIG. 1 and FIG. 2As shown in this embodiment of the invention, fingers or tabs 43 extend outward from sidewall 39, and fingers or tabs 45 extend outward from sidewall 41. The fingers or tabs 43 and 45 are downwardly "pointed" to form an upwardly extending recess 48 between the fingers or tabs 43 and a portion of sidewall 39, and an upwardly extending recess 50 between the fingers or tabs 45 and a portion of sidewall 41. The function of the fingers or tabs 43 and 45 is explained below.

[0049] The lower portion 27 includes a top wall 46, a side wall 47, a side wall 49, a bottom flange 55, and a bottom flange 57.

[0050] In this embodiment of the invention, sidewalls 47 and 49 are parallel and extend downward from the top wall 46. The top wall 46 extends between and connects sidewalls 47 and 49 at or near the uppermost edge of sidewalls 47 and 49.

[0051] Sidewall 47 includes an internal thread 51, and sidewall 49 includes an internal thread 53. The internal threads 51 and 53 are on parallel vertical surfaces and vertically offset, such that a threaded member can be threadedly received between the internal threads 51 and 53. The threaded member may be a support rod or other structure supporting other room or building space structures, services, or installations.

[0052] Bottom flange 55 extends outward from the lowest edge of sidewall 47, and bottom flange 57 extends outward from the lowest edge of sidewall 49. In this embodiment, bottom flanges 55 and 57 are perpendicular to sidewalls 47 and 49. In use, bottom flanges 55 and 57 may support ceiling panels or other structural members.

[0053] Although in this embodiment of the invention, the lower portion 27 includes parallel sidewalls 47 and 49 having threaded inner surfaces, the lower portion of the elongated ceiling grid member in other embodiments of the invention may include different structures for holding threaded members or other members.

[0054] In this embodiment of the invention, the upper portion 23, the middle portion 25, and the lower portion 27 are integral and may be made of extruded aluminum. Therefore, for example, the sidewall 29 of the upper portion 23, the sidewall 39 of the middle portion 25, and the sidewall 47 of the lower portion 27 are continuous, and the sidewall 31 of the upper portion 23, the sidewall 41 of the middle portion 25, and the sidewall 49 of the lower portion 27 are also continuous. In other embodiments of the invention, one or more of these portions may be separate components or separate components connected to other portions.

[0055] As stated, in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5The middle illustration shows an embodiment of a ceiling panel clamping clip 59, which can be used with the elongated ceiling grid member 21 to "hold" ceiling panels between them.

[0056] The ceiling panel clamping clamp 59 includes a top wall 61, an upper side wall 63, an upper side wall 65, an outwardly extending wall 67, an outwardly extending wall 69, fingers 71, fingers 73, a bottom flange 75, and a bottom flange 77.

[0057] The top wall 61 extends between and connects the uppermost edges of the upper side walls 63 and 65. When the ceiling panel clamping clip 59 is attached to the elongated ceiling grid member 21, the top wall 61 is above and spans the side walls 29 and 31 of the elongated ceiling grid member 21, as... FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 As shown in the diagram.

[0058] The upper sidewalls 63 and 65 extend downwards from the top wall 61 and are parallel to each other. When the ceiling clamping clip 59 is attached to the elongated ceiling grid member 21, the upper sidewalls 63 and 65 abut against the outer surfaces of the sidewalls 29 and 31 of the elongated ceiling grid member 21, respectively, as... FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 As shown in the figure.

[0059] Outward extending wall 67 extends downward and outward from the upper side wall 63. Outward extending wall 69 extends downward and outward from the upper side wall 65.

[0060] Finger 71 extends inward from the outwardly extending wall 67 and is configured to engage with the fingers or tabs 43 of the elongated ceiling grid member 21, such as FIG. 5 As shown, the fingers 73 extend inward from the outwardly extending wall 69 and are configured to engage with the fingers or tabs 45 of the elongated ceiling grid member 21, as well as... FIG. 5 As shown in the figure.

[0061] The bottom flange 75 extends outward from the outward extending wall 67. The bottom flange 77 extends outward from the outward extending wall 69.

[0062] The ceiling panel clamping clip 59 may be made of spring steel and is designed such that it applies a downward force to the ceiling panels resting on the bottom flanges 55 and 57 of the elongated ceiling grid member 21 to hold or “retain” those ceiling panels in place, such as FIG. 5 As shown. Specifically, as FIG. 5As shown, ceiling panel 60 rests on the bottom flange 55 of elongated ceiling grid member 21, and ceiling panel 62 rests on the bottom flange 57 of elongated ceiling member 21. The bottom flanges 75 and 77 of ceiling clamping clip 59 resiliently contact the top surfaces of ceiling panels 60 and 62. Ceiling panels 60 and 62 can be repositioned or removed by counteracting the downward force exerted on the ceiling panels by clamping clip 59.

[0063] Although the ceiling panel clamping clip 59 in this embodiment of the invention includes a top wall 61, upper side walls 63 and 65, outwardly extending walls 67 and 69, fingers 71 and 73, and bottom flanges 75 and 77, the ceiling panel clamping clip in other embodiments of the invention may include other components, as long as the ceiling panel clamping clip can be attached to the elongated ceiling grid member and apply an appropriate "holding" force to the ceiling panel held between the elongated ceiling grid member and the ceiling clamping clip.

[0064] As stated, in FIG. 6 to FIG. 12 The diagram shows an embodiment of a connector for connecting two elongated ceiling grid members 21 in a straight end-to-end manner, namely a straight connector 121.

[0065] The linear connector 121 includes sidewalls 123 and 125, and a top wall 127. In this embodiment of the invention, the top wall 127 is flat. Sidewalls 123 and 125 extend downward from the top wall 127.

[0066] Orifices 129, 131, 133, 135, and 137 are located in the top wall 127. Orifices 129, 131, 135, and 137 are configured to receive bolts or other fastening components, such as bolts 130, 132, 134, and 136, to attach the linear connector 121 to two elongated ceiling grid members 21, such as... FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 As illustrated in the figure. Specifically, bolts 130, 132, 134 and 136 are inserted through orifices 129, 131, 135 and 137 respectively, and the threaded portions of those bolts form a threaded engagement with the internal threads 35 of the sidewall 29 and the internal threads 37 of the sidewall 31 of the upper portion 23 of the two elongated ceiling grid members 21.

[0067] The opening 133 is configured to be machined to receive and hold structural members, such as rods, suspended from the ceiling structure.

[0068] The portions of sidewalls 123 and 125 have a slope different from the rest of those sidewalls. Those portions with different slopes form bubble-like portions 139 around orifice 129, 141 around orifice 131, 143 around orifice 133, 145 around orifice 135, and 147 around orifice 137, as shown below. FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 As shown in the diagram, those bubble-like portions provide added material around the corresponding orifice. This added material increases the "strength" of the bolt / orifice connection, which would be a weakness without it.

[0069] The bubble-like portion 147 includes an opening 149, such as FIG. 6 and FIG. 9 As illustrated in the figure. Similar openings exist in the bubble-like portion 139 (not shown in the figure). Including those openings reduces the material of the linear connector 121.

[0070] Sidewall 123 includes bottom tabs 155 and 157. Sidewall 125 includes bottom tabs 151 and 153.

[0071] Bottom tabs 151, 153, 155, and 157 are configured to receive the upper portion 23 of two elongated ceiling grid members 21 between them, as... FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 As illustrated in the figure. The upper portion 23 is received between the bottom tabs 151, 153, 155 and 157 to resist deformation of the upper portion 23 under heavy load in a direction perpendicular to the bottom tabs 151, 153, 155 and 157.

[0072] As stated, in FIG. 13 to FIG. 19 , FIG. 20B and FIG. 21 The diagram shows a four-arm connector, namely four-arm connector 159, which can be used to connect three or four of the slender ceiling grid members 21 in an X configuration. FIG. 20A The diagram shows the arrangement of three of the slender ceiling grid members 21 in an X-shape.

[0073] The four-arm connector 159 includes a first arm 161, a second arm 163, a third arm 165, a fourth arm 167, and a protrusion 235. Each of arms 161, 163, 165, and 167 is identical, as discussed below.

[0074] The first arm 161, the second arm 163, the third arm 165, and the fourth arm 167 include a top wall 169, which in this embodiment of the invention is flat and extends along the top of each of the first arm 161, the second arm 163, the third arm 165, and the fourth arm 167, as shown in the figure, and a protrusion 235.

[0075] Orifices 187, 189, 190, 191, 193, 195, 197, 199, and 201 are in the top wall 169. Specifically, orifices 191 and 193 are in portions of the top wall 169 in the first arm 161, orifices 195 and 197 are in portions of the top wall 169 in the second arm 163, orifices 199 and 201 are in portions of the top wall 169 in the third arm 165, orifices 187 and 189 are in portions of the top wall 169 in the fourth arm 167, and orifice 190 is in the center of arms 161, 163, 165, and 167.

[0076] Orifices 187, 189, 191, 193, 195, 197, 199, and 201 are configured to receive bolts or other fastening components, such as those shown in Figure 20 and... FIG. 21 Bolts 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204, and 206, as illustrated in Figure 20, are used to attach the four-arm connector 159 to four elongated ceiling grid members 21, as shown in Figure 20. FIG. 21 As illustrated in the figure. Specifically, bolts 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202 and 204 are inserted through orifices 187, 189, 191, 193, 197, 199 and 201, and the threaded portions of those bolts are threadedly received by the internal threads 35 of the sidewalls 29 of the upper portion 23 of the four elongated ceiling grid members 21 and the internal threads 37 of the sidewalls 31 of the upper portion 23.

[0077] The opening 190 is configured to be machined to receive and engage structural members, such as rods, suspended from the ceiling structure.

[0078] Each of the first arm 161, the second arm 163, the third arm 165, and the fourth arm 167 includes a sidewall extending downward from the top wall 169. Specifically, the first arm 161 includes sidewalls 171 and 173, the second arm 163 includes sidewalls 175 and 177, the third arm 165 includes sidewalls 179 and 181, and the fourth arm 167 includes sidewalls 183 and 185.

[0079] The portions of sidewalls 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 181, 183, and 185 have a different slope than the rest of those sidewalls. These portions with different slopes form bubble-like portions 203 around orifice 193, 205 around orifice 191, 207 around orifice 197, 209 around orifice 195, 211 around orifice 201, 213 around orifice 199, 215 around orifice 187, and 217 around orifice 189. Similar to the bubble-like portions 139, 141, 143, 145, and 147 discussed above, the bubble-like portions 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213, 215, and 217 increase the “strength” of the respective bolt / orifice connections.

[0080] Each of sidewalls 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 181, 183, and 185 includes a bottom tab. Specifically, sidewall 171 includes a bottom tab 219, sidewall 173 includes a bottom tab 221, sidewall 175 includes a bottom tab 223, sidewall 177 includes a bottom tab 225, sidewall 179 includes a bottom tab 227, sidewall 121 includes a bottom tab 229, sidewall 183 includes a bottom tab 231, and sidewall 185 includes a bottom tab 233.

[0081] Bottom tabs 219, 221, 223, 225, 227, 229, 231, and 233 are configured to receive the upper portion 23 of the elongated ceiling grid member 21 between them, as shown in Figure 20 and FIG. 21 As illustrated in the diagram. Specifically, the upper portion 23 of the first elongated ceiling grille member 21 is received between bottom tabs 219 and 221, the upper portion 23 of the second elongated ceiling grille member 21 is received between bottom tabs 223 and 225, the upper portion 23 of the third elongated ceiling grille member 21 is received between bottom tabs 227 and 229, and the upper portion 23 of the fourth elongated ceiling grille member 21 is received between bottom tabs 231 and 233. Receiving those upper portions 23 between the corresponding bottom tabs resists deformation of those upper portions under heavy loads.

[0082] Protrusion 235 extends downward from the center portion of the four-arm connector 159, as... FIG. 15 to FIG. 18 As illustrated in the figure, when the four-arm connector 159 is used to connect three elongated ceiling grid members 21 in an X-configuration, the protrusion 235 is configured to be received in paired recesses 30 and 32 in the sidewalls 29 and 32 of the elongated ceiling grid members 21. Alternatively, the protrusion 235 may be received in recesses 34 and 36 of two end-to-end arranged elongated ceiling grid members 21 to connect four elongated ceiling grid members 21 in an X-configuration.

[0083] exist FIG. 22 to FIG. 25 The diagram shows another four-arm connector, namely four-arm connector 251, which can be used to connect three or four of the slender ceiling grid members 121 in an X configuration.

[0084] Similar to the four-arm connector 159, the four-arm connector 251 includes a first arm 253, a second arm 255, a third arm 257, a fourth arm 259, and a protrusion 305. Each of arms 253, 255, 257, and 259 is identical, as discussed below.

[0085] The first arm 253, the second arm 255, the third arm 257, and the fourth arm 259 include a top wall 261, which, in this embodiment of the invention, is flat and extends along the top of each of the first arm 253, the second arm 255, the third arm 257, and the fourth arm 259, as shown in the figure.

[0086] like FIG. 22 to FIG. 25 As shown, orifices 279, 281, 283, 285, and 287 are in the top wall 261. Specifically, orifice 281 is in a portion of the top wall 261 in the first arm 253, orifice 283 is in a portion of the top wall 261 in the second arm 255, orifice 285 is in a portion of the top wall 261 in the third arm 257, orifice 279 is in a portion of the top wall 261 in the fourth arm 259, and orifice 287 is at the intersection of arms 253, 255, 257, and 259.

[0087] Similar to the apertures 187, 189, 191, 193, 195, 197, 199 and 201 in the top wall 169 of the quad connector 159, apertures 279, 281, 283 and 285 are configured to receive bolts or other fastening members to attach the quad connector 251 to the four ceiling grid members 21.

[0088] The orifice 287 is configured to be machined to receive and engage structural members, such as rods, suspended from the ceiling structure.

[0089] Each of the first arm 253, the second arm 255, the third arm 257, and the fourth arm 259 includes a sidewall extending downward from the top wall 261. Specifically, the first arm 253 includes sidewalls 263 and 265, the second arm 255 includes sidewalls 267 and 269, the third arm 257 includes sidewalls 271 and 273, and the fourth arm 259 includes sidewalls 275 and 277.

[0090] The portions of sidewalls 263, 265, 267, 269, 271, 273, 275, and 277 have a different slope than the rest of those sidewalls. These portions with different slopes form a bubble-like portion 289 around orifice 281, a bubble-like portion 291 around orifice 283, a bubble-like portion 293 around orifice 197, and a bubble-like portion 295 around orifice 279. Similar to the bubble-like portions 139, 141, 143, 145, and 147 discussed above, the bubble-like portions 289, 291, 293, and 295 increase the “strength” of the respective bolt / orifice connections.

[0091] Each of sidewalls 263, 265, 267, 269, 271, 273, 275, and 277 includes a bottom flap. Specifically, sidewall 263 includes a bottom flap 296, sidewall 265 includes a bottom flap 297, sidewall 267 includes a bottom flap 298, sidewall 269 includes a bottom flap 299, sidewall 271 includes a bottom flap 300, sidewall 273 includes a bottom flap 301, sidewall 275 includes a bottom flap 302, and sidewall 277 includes a bottom flap 303.

[0092] Bottom tabs 296-303 are configured to receive the upper portion 23 of an elongated ceiling grille member 21 between them. Specifically, the upper portion 23 of the first elongated ceiling grille member 21 is received between bottom tabs 296 and 297, the upper portion 23 of the second elongated ceiling grille member 21 is received between bottom tabs 298 and 299, the upper portion 23 of the third elongated ceiling grille member 21 is received between bottom tabs 300 and 301, and the upper portion 23 of the fourth elongated ceiling grille member 21 is received between bottom tabs 302 and 303. Receiving those upper portions 23 between the corresponding bottom tabs resists deformation of those upper portions under heavy loads.

[0093] Protrusion 305 can be used in the same way as protrusion 235 of quad connector 159.

[0094] The preferred embodiments of the invention described and illustrated herein are those with some variations. The terminology, descriptions, and drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many different embodiments and variations, in addition to the specifically disclosed embodiments and variations, are within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An elongated ceiling grille member, the elongated ceiling grille member having a longitudinal axis in the longitudinal direction and comprising: The upper portion has spaced upper portion sidewalls, the spaced upper portion sidewalls (a) extending parallel in the longitudinal direction, (b) being threaded to threadedly receive and hold a first threaded member, and (c) including a lowermost edge extending in the longitudinal direction. The lower portion has spaced lower portion sidewalls, which (a) extend parallel in the longitudinal direction, (b) are threaded to threadedly receive and hold a second threaded member, and (c) include an uppermost edge extending in the longitudinal direction. as well as The intermediate portion (a) connects the lowermost edge of the upper portion sidewall and the uppermost edge of the lower portion sidewall, and (b) includes a pair of intermediate portion sidewalls extending in the longitudinal direction. When viewed along the longitudinal axis, each of the paired intermediate sidewalls (a) begins from top to bottom at or near one of the lowermost edges of the upper partial sidewall, (b) bends toward the other of the paired intermediate sidewalls to connect with the other of the paired intermediate sidewalls, and (c) bends away from the junction with the other of the paired intermediate sidewalls to end at or near one of the uppermost edges of the lower partial sidewall.

2. The elongated ceiling grid member according to claim 1, wherein: The upper portion includes a bottom wall that extends between and connects the upper portion sidewalls at or near the lowermost edge; The lower portion includes a top wall that extends at or near the uppermost edge between and connects the lower portion sidewalls; and The middle section of the sidewall begins at the bottom wall and ends at the top wall.

3. The elongated ceiling grid member according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the upper and lower portion sidewalls includes an internal thread.

4. The elongated ceiling grid member according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the paired middle section sidewalls includes fingers configured to engage ceiling panel clamping clips.

5. The elongated ceiling grid member according to claim 4, wherein, The fingers extend outward from the middle portion sidewall of the pair.

6. A slender ceiling grid member and a ceiling panel clamping clamp assembly, comprising: The elongated ceiling grid member according to claim 4, including a lowermost flange, wherein the lowermost flange (a) extends from and is perpendicular to the pair of lower portion sidewalls in the longitudinal direction, and (b) is configured to support a ceiling panel. as well as A ceiling panel clamping clamp (a) engages with the finger and (b) is configured to engage the ceiling panel supported by the lowermost flange.

7. The elongated ceiling grid member and ceiling panel clamping clamp assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The ceiling panel clamping clip includes: The ceiling panel clamping clamp top wall is above and across the upper portion side wall; The ceiling panel clamping clamp sidewall (i) extends downward from the top wall of the ceiling clamping clamp and (ii) abuts the outer surface of the upper portion of the sidewall; An outwardly extending wall extends outward and downward from the ceiling panel clamping sidewall; and A ceiling panel clamping clamp finger extends inward from the outwardly extending wall and engages the finger in the middle portion.

8. The elongated ceiling grid member and ceiling panel clamping clamp assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The ceiling panel clamping clip includes a bottom flange (a) extending outward from the outward extending wall and (b) configured to engage the ceiling panel.

9. The elongated ceiling grid member and ceiling panel clamping clamp assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The ceiling panel clamping clip is made of spring steel.

10. An elongated ceiling grid member and connector assembly, comprising: At least two of the elongated ceiling grid members according to claim 1; as well as The connector (a) bridges two of the at least two elongated ceiling grid members, (b) has a connector top wall having at least two orifices configured to receive the first threaded member, (c) has connector sidewalls extending downward from the connector top wall toward the upper portion sidewall, and (d) has tabs (i) extending from the connector sidewall on both sides of the upper portion sidewall and (ii) configured to engage and retain the upper portion sidewall.

11. The elongated ceiling grid member and connector assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The connector's top wall includes a central aperture configured to receive and hold a support member from the ceiling.

12. The elongated ceiling grid member and connector assembly according to claim 10, wherein: At least two of the elongated ceiling components are aligned in a straight line; and The at least two openings are aligned on the straight line.

13. The elongated ceiling grid member and connector assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The at least two of the elongated ceiling components include the first pair and the third of the at least two elongated ceiling components; The first pair is aligned in the first direction; The third one is aligned in the second direction; The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; The top wall of the connector covers the first pair and the third; and The at least two openings include the opening above each of the first pair and the third of the elongated ceiling member.

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