Clip system for suspended ceiling panels

Abstract

A suspended ceiling comprises a frame formed by a pair of spaced apart main runners interconnected by a pair of spaced apart cross members defining an opening for receiving a ceiling tile. The main runner defines a circular groove for receiving a clip assembly to be suspended by an overhead structure. The clip assembly comprises an upper connector element connected to the overhead structure and a lower clip element comprising an upper part connected to the upper connector element and a lower part comprising a pair of spaced apart walls extending from the upper part and comprising respective, spaced apart and interfacing semi-circular ends for being fitted within the groove. The semi-circular ends when inserted into the groove provide for moving the lateral walls inwardly, the lateral walls being outwardly biased providing for the semi-circular ends to be forced against the circular concave peripheral wall.

Description

TITLECLIP SYSTEM FOR SUSPENDED CEILING PANELSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority on United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 63 / 726,281 filed on November 28, 2024 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to suspended ceilings. More particularly but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a clip system for suspending ceiling panels.BACKGROUND

[0003] Suspended ceilings are usually made of a metal grid consisting of tracks in the form of longitudinal parallel runners (i.e. main or primary runners) spaced apart from one another at a desired distance and separated by cross members (i.e. secondary runners) in a perpendicular fashion thereby creating a plurality of rectangular openings. In general, those rectangular openings are of standard sizes allowing the ventilation outlets and the lighting fixtures to be easily inserted among the ceiling panels.

[0004] United States Patent No. 9,091 ,053 issued on July 28, 2025, teaches a suspended ceiling with main runners having grooves along their length. Clip assemblies are slidably fitted into the grooves and provide for removably connecting the main runners to overhead structures in a parallel and adjacently spaced apart fashion. Parallel and adjacently spaced apart cross members are positioned on the spaced apart main runners forming an openingtherebetween. A ceiling panel is positioned within the opening with its edges resting on the main runners and / or cross members. The clip assemblies provide for suspending the assembled main runners, cross members and ceiling panels from the overhead structure. Each clip assembly has first and second members. The first member has a top portion that is fastened to the overhead structure and a pair of arms downwardly extending from the top channel and defining a channel therebetween. The second member includes top and bottom parts. The top part of the first member includes a protrusion with fins to be fitted within the channel of the first member thereby assembling the first and second members. The fins are adapted for selective vertical adjustment of the relative assembled position of the first and second members. The bottom part of the first member is slidably fitted within the groove of a main runner thereby allowing selective slidable position adjustment of the clip assembly along the length of the main runner groove.

[0005] United States Patent No. 9,670,674 issued on June 6, 2027, teaches clip assembly for a suspended ceiling comprising a top member and a bottom member. The suspended ceiling comprises at least one ceiling panel and at least one runner. The top member has an upper wall for being secured to an overhead structure and comprises a pair of lower spaced apart lateral walls downwardly extending from the upper wall. The lateral walls define front and rear open faces and a bottom opening and comprise respective outer surfaces and inner surfaces defining a channel therebetween. At least one inward fin extends from each of the inner surfaces into the channel in an upwardly sloped direction. The bottom member comprises a top end, a bottom end for being secured to the runner and opposite lateral surfaces therebetween. At least one outward fin extends from each of the lateral surfaces in a downwardly sloped direction that is complementary to the upward sloped direction of the at least one inward fin. The bottom member is configured to be inserted into the channel via the front or rear open faces providing for each one of the outward fins to slide on a respectiveone of the inward fins and be supported thereon and for the bottom end to extend below the bottom opening thereby mounting the bottom member to the top member so as to connect the runner when the bottom end is secured thereto to the overhead structure when the upper wall is secured thereto.OBJECTS

[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a suspended ceiling.

[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a clip assembly for a suspended ceiling.SUMMARY

[0008] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a suspended ceiling comprising: at least two main runners providing for being adjacently spaced apart and suspended from an overhead structure, each of the at least two main runners defining a groove formed along a longitudinal length thereof, the groove being circumscribed by a circular concave peripheral wall, at least two cross members for being adjacently spaced apart and for being connected at each respective longitudinal ends thereof to the at least two main runners forming a frame therewith, the frame defining an opening thereof; a ceiling tile for being positioned within the opening and comprising edges thereof for being mounted to the frame; and at least two clip assemblies, each of the clip assemblies providing for connecting a respective one of the at least two main runners to an overhead structure to be suspended therefrom, each of the clip assemblies comprising: an upper connector element for being connected to the overhead structure; and a lower clip element comprising an upper part thereof for being connected to the upper connector element and a lower part thereof comprising a pair of spaced apart, flexible and resilient lateral walls extendingfrom the upper part and comprising respective, spaced apart and interfacing semi-circular ends for being fitted within the groove, wherein the semi-circular ends when inserted into the groove provide for moving the lateral walls inwardly, the lateral walls being outwardly biased providing for the semi-circular ends to be forced against the circular concave peripheral wall.

[0009] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a clip assembly for a suspended ceiling comprising a main runner defining a groove formed along a longitudinal length thereof, the groove being circumscribed by a circular concave peripheral wall, a cross member for being connected at a longitudinal end thereof to the main runner forming a frame therewith, the frame defining an opening thereof for receiving a ceiling tile, the clip assembly providing for connecting the main runner to an overhead structure to be suspended therefrom, the clip assembly comprising: an upper connector element for being connected to the overhead structure; and a lower clip element comprising an upper part thereof for being connected to the upper connector element and a lower part thereof comprising a pair of spaced apart, flexible and resilient lateral walls extending from the upper part and comprising respective, spaced apart and interfacing semi-circular ends for being fitted within the groove, wherein the semi-circular ends when inserted into the groove provide for moving the lateral walls inwardly, the lateral walls being outwardly biased providing for the semi-circular ends to be forced against the circular concave peripheral wall.

[0010] In an embodiment, insertion of the semi-circular ends into the groove brings the semi-circular ends closer together. In an embodiment, in the groove defines a narrower opening thus requiring the semi-circular ends to be brought closer together for insertion.

[0011] In an embodiment, the lateral walls are brought closer together for insertion of the semi-circular ends into the groove and for removal of the semicircular ends form the groove.

[0012] In an embodiment, the lower clip element comprises a pair of lateral flaps defining hook elements at respective free ends thereof, the suspended ceiling further comprising at least two clip support members, each of the two clip support members being mountable to a respective one of the two cross members, each of the two clip support members defining a flexible arm with a hook part at a free end thereof for being connected to a respective one of the hook elements. In an embodiment, the flexible arms are inwardly biased providing a mutual and opposite biasing between to connections between the hook parts and the hook elements. In an embodiment, each of the two clip support members comprises a main panel mounted to the cross member with the flexible arm being movable connected to the main panel. In an embodiment, each of the two clip support members comprises a fin downwardly extending from an underside thereof mounted to the cross member to be fitted within a gap formed between the cross member and the main runner connected therewith.

[0013] In an embodiment, the lower clip element comprises a pair of lateral wings extending and defining respective undersurfaces thereof comprising a respective protrusion, the suspended ceiling further comprising inserts positioned between each of the main runners and the cross-member interconnected therewith, each of the inserts defining a groove for receiving the respective protrusion.

[0014] In an embodiment, each lateral side of each of the main runners defines a respective L-shaped shoulder for respectively receiving thereon a corresponding inverted L-shaped wing formed at each of the respective longitudinal ends of the cross member.

[0015] In an embodiment, the upper connector is an upper clip member comprising a top portion for being connected to the overhead structure and a bottom portion defining a female part comprising a pair of spaced apart lateral walls defining a channel therebetween, the lateral of the female part define innerwall surfaces comprising female part fins extending into the channel. In an embodiment, the top part of the lower clip member comprises a male part defining a vertical body comprising lateral male part fins extending therefrom, the male part being insertable within the channel of the female part, with the male part fins extending on the female part fins. In an embodiment, male part fins are downwardly sloped, and the female part fins are correspondingly upwardly sloped. In an embodiment, the female part fins and male part fins providing for mounting the male part at different heights within the female part channel. In an embodiment, the vertical body and the male fins are horizontally elongated providing for horizontally sliding the female part along the vertical body for adjusting a horizontal position thereof. In an embodiment, the female part defines opposite front and rear openings thereof, wherein the vertical body is inserted into the female part channel via the front or the rear openings.

[0016] In an embodiment, the top portion of the upper clip member comprises a flat top for being mounted to an overhead structure.

[0017] In an embodiment, the top portion of the upper clip member comprises a hook or being mounted to an overhead structure.

[0018] In an embodiment, the top part of the lower clip member comprises a vertical body comprising lateral fins extending therefrom, the upper connector element comprising a longitudinal member.

[0019] In an embodiment, the upper part of the lower clip member comprises a hook for being connected to the upper connector element.

[0020] In an embodiment, the upper connector element comprises a longitudinal member.

[0021] In an embodiment, a stabilizing insert is provided for being inserted into a space defined by the spaced apart lateral walls and the semi-circular endsof the lower part of the lower clip member when the semi-circular ends are fitted into the groove for stopping the spaced apart lateral walls and the semi-circular ends from being brought closer to each other via the space therebetween.

[0022] Other objects, advantages and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a panel assembly for a suspended ceiling in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2 is a lateral side view of the panel assembly of Figure 1 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 3 is another top perspective view of the panel assembly of Figure 1 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a junction between a pair of cross members and a main runner with a clip assembly of the panel assembly of Figure 1 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 5 is a sectional front view of a clip assembly mounted to an overhead structure and a main runner of the panel assembly of Figure 1 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a top portion of the clip assembly of Figure 5 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 7 is a front view of a bottom member of the clip assembly of Figure 5 inserted in the groove of the main runner of the panel assembly of Figure 1 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 8 is a front view of a bottom member of the clip assembly of Figure 5 inserted in the groove of the main runner and engaged by clip supports mounted to cross members of the panel assembly of Figure 1 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of a bottom portion the bottom clip member of Figure 8 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 10 is a top perspective view of a bottom clip member engaged by a clip support in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 11 is a front perspective view of the bottom clip member of Figure 10 with an insert stabilizer inserted therein in accordance with a non- restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 12 is a front perspective view of the inserted stabilizer of Figure 11 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 13 is a side perspective view of a top clip member for a clip assembly in accordance with another non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 14 is a front view of the top clip member of Figure 13 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 15 is a side perspective view a clip assembly comprising the bottom clip member of Figure 10 and the top clip member of Figure 13 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 16 is a front view of the clip assembly of Figure 15 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 17 a top perspective view of a panel assembly for a suspended ceiling including the clip assembly of Figure 15 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 18 is a top and partial perspective view of the panel assembly of Figure 17 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a junction between a pair of cross members and a main runner with a clip assembly in accordance with another non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 20 is a front view of a bottom member of the clip assembly of Figure 19 inserted in the groove of the main runner and engaged by clipsupports mounted to cross members in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 21 is a top perspective view of a panel assembly for a suspended ceiling in accordance with a further non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 22 is a bottom perspective view of the panel assembly of Figure 21 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 23 is a lateral and partial perspective view of the panel assembly of Figure 21 showing a junction of a main runner having a clip assembly mounted thereto with a cross member in accordance with a non- restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 24 is an enlarged lateral and partial perspective view of a clip assembly mounted to a main runner at a junction with a cross member of the panel assembly of Figure 21 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure

[0047] Figure 25 is a bottom perspective view of a panel assembly for a suspended ceiling in accordance with yet another non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0048] Figure 26 is a top perspective view of the panel assembly of Figure 21 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0049] Generally stated, the disclosure provides a suspended ceiling comprising a frame formed by a pair of spaced apart main runnersinterconnected by a pair of spaced apart cross members defining an opening for receiving a ceiling tile. The main runner defines a circular groove for receiving a clip assembly to be suspended by an overhead structure. The clip assembly comprises an upper connector element connected to the overhead structure and a lower clip element comprising an upper part connected to the upper connector element and a lower part comprising a pair of spaced apart walls extending from the upper part and comprising respective, spaced apart and interfacing semicircular ends for being fitted within the groove. The semi-circular ends when inserted into the groove provide for moving the lateral walls inwardly, the lateral walls being outwardly biased providing for the semi-circular ends to be forced against the circular concave peripheral wall

[0050] Figures 1 and 2 show a panel assembly 10 for a suspended ceiling comprising a pair of main runners 12 interconnected by a pair of cross members 14 therebetween forming a frame 16 therewith which provides an opening 18 (see Figure 4) for receiving a ceiling panel 20. Each main runner 12 is connected to an overhead structure 22 via a clip assembly 24 to provide for the panel assembly 10 to be suspended therefrom. The pair of main runners 12 are adjacently spaced apart in a parallel relationship. The cross members 14 are also adjacently spaced apart in a parallel relationship but perpendicular to the main runners 12 thereby providing a frame 16 with a rectangular configuration defining the rectangular opening 18 (see Figure 4) therebetween. The panel 20 is positioned within the rectangular opening 18.

[0051] With reference to Figures 4 and 5, each main runner 12 has a top or inner side 26 with a longitudinal groove 28 formed therein extending along the length of the main runner 12 for a snap or clip fit with the clip assembly 24. The groove 28 defines front and rear longitudinal openings 29.

[0052] As shown in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, the lateral sides 30A and 30B of each main runner 12 define a respective L shaped shoulder 32 for respectively receiving thereon a corresponding inverted L shaped wing 34 formed at each longitudinal end 36’ and 36” of the cross member 14. As such, each cross member 14 rests the pair of spaced apart main runners 12 and extends therebetween. The lateral sides 38A and 38B of each cross member 14 define a respective L shaped shoulder 40. Each side 42A, 42B and 44’ and 44” of the panel define as an inverted L-shaped wing (not shown). As such, when the panel 20 is positioned within the rectangular opening 23, sides 42A and 42B rest on the shoulders 40 of the spaced apart cross members 14 of fame 16 and sides 44’ and 44” rest on the shoulders 32 of the spaced apart main runners 12 of frame 16.

[0053] With reference to Figures 5, 6 and 7, the clip assembly 24 comprises an upper connector 46 in the form of an upper or top clip member 46 and a lower or bottom clip member 48.

[0054] The upper or top clip member 46 comprises a top portion 50 a bottom portion 52. The top portion 50 is defined by an upper wall 54 having a top surface 56 for interfacing with the overhead structure 22. The bottom portion 52 defines a female part including a pair of spaced apart lower lateral walls 58 downwardly extending from the underside 60 of the upper wall 54 which is opposite the top surface 56.

[0055] The spaced apart lateral walls 58 define respective outer wall surfaces 62 and respective inner wall surfaces 64. The spaced apart inner wall surfaces 64 define a channel 66 therebetween. The spaced apart lateral walls 58 define front and rear open faces 68 (it should be noted that the terms “front” and “rear” are used herein for convenience and are thus interchangeable) and a bottom opening 70. The inner wall surfaces 64 of the spaced apart walls 58comprise at least one respective inward fin 72 extending therefrom into the channel 66 in an upwardly sloped direction providing for forming a receiving cavity 74 between the inward fin 72 and the inner wall surface 64 it extends from.

[0056] With reference to Figures 5 to 8, the lower or bottom clip member 48 of the clip assembly 24 comprises a male part in the form of a main longitudinal and generally vertical body 76 defining top and bottom ends, 78 and 80, respectively and opposite lateral surfaces 82.

[0057] Each lateral surface 82 comprises at least one outward fin 84 that extends therefrom in a downwardly sloped direction.

[0058] The vertical body 76 and the outward fins 84 extending therefrom are configured to be inserted into the channel 66 via the front or rear face 68 of the top member 46. In this way, a given lateral surface 82 of the vertical body 76 of the bottom member 48 interfaces with a given inner surface 64 of a given lateral wall 58 of the top member 46 providing a given outward fin 84 of that given lateral surface 82 to interface and slide on a given inward fin 72 of that given inner surface 64. In one non-limiting embodiment, this given inward fin 72 and this given outward fin 84 have complementary sloped structures. In this way, the outward fins 84 are rested or mounted on the inward fins 72 they interface with thereby mounting the bottom member 48 to the top member 46.

[0059] Each inner surface 64 of the top member 46 can include more than one inward fin 72 as shown in the Figures; correspondingly, each lateral surface 82 of the bottom member 48 can include more than one outward fin 84. Therefore, the bottom member 48 can be mounted along different positions along the vertical height defined by the channel 66. As such, the height of the clip assembly 24 is adjustable and thus the space between a main runner 12 and the overhead structure 22.

[0060] The vertical body 76 upwardly extends from a base 86, thus the bottom member 48 defines an upper part 76 and a lower part 86 thereof.

[0061] The base 86 comprises a flexible longitudinal body 88 downwardly extending from a top end 90 thereof contiguous with the vertical body 76 and carrying a circular tail 92 at its opposite bottom end 94 thereof. The longitudinal body 88 comprises a pair of spaced apart legs 88A, 88B joined together at a common junction defined by the top end 90 which is contiguous with the bottom end 78 of the vertical body 76. The legs 88A and 88B and junction 90 form a flexible prong with the legs 88A and 88B being movable by a pressure or squeezing force towards each other but biased to their spaced apart and generally parallel position. The circular tail 92 is formed by a pair of separate semi-circular tail portions 92A and 92B respectively carried by legs 88A and 88B.

[0062] The circular tail 92 is snapped into the circularly configured groove 28 of the main runner 12. The groove 28 defines an opening 96 that is narrower and thus when inserting the two semi-circular portions 92A and 92B their free ends 98A, 98B, respectively are brought closer together to be fitted therein. In order to bring ends 98A and 98B closer together to close the circle 98, the biasing legs 88A and 88B are pushed towards each other slightly closing or reducing the gap 100 therebetween. Once the tail 92 is fully fitted within the groove 28 the biasing force of the legs 88A and 88B force each semi-circular portions 92A and 92B against respective curved walls 102A and 102B circumscribing the groove 28 thereby locking the tail 92 into the groove. In order to release the tail 92 from the groove 28, the legs 8A and 88B are squeezed together reducing the gap 100 therebetween and moving the semi-circular portions 92A and 92B away from the curved walls 102A and 102B, allowing the tail 92 to move be released from the groove 28 out of the opening or to slide out from a front or rear end openings 29.

[0063] With reference to Figures 8 and 9, each of the legs 88A and 88B define respective inner lateral surfaces 104 and respective opposite outer lateral surfaces 106. Flexible and resilient curved flaps or arms 108A and 108B respectably extend the lateral surfaces 106 of each leg 88A and 88B. Each flap 108A and 108B has a proximal portion 110 extending from the surface 106 and downwardly extending to a median elbow portion 1 12 engaging the inner surface 26 of the main runner 12. A distal portion 114 extends upwardly from the median portion 112 and forms a hook 116 at its free end 118.

[0064] With reference to Figures 5, 8 and 9, cross member 14 has top and bottom surfaces 120 and 122, and its wing 34 at the longitudinal ends 36’ or 36” defines an outwardly extending lateral surface 124 and an inwardly recessed lateral surface 126 with an underside surface 128 extending therebetween. The main runner 12 has a top surface 26 and a bottom surface 130 and its shoulder 32 at the lateral sides 30A and 30B defines an inwardly recessed lateral surface 132 and an outwardly extending lateral surface 134 with a platform surface 136 extending therebetween. The underside surface 128 of the cross member 14 rests on the platform surface 136 providing for the lateral surface 126 and 132 to engage and for lateral surfaces 124 and 134 to interface and be spaced apart as to form a gap 138 therebetween.

[0065] As shown in Figures 1 , 4, and 8-10, a pair of clip supports such as hinge supports 140 mounted to the spaced apart cross-members 14 are connected to the clip assembly 24 at each lateral side thereof.

[0066] With particular reference to Figures 8-10, the pair of hinge supports 140 respectively engage the flaps 108A and 108B of the bottom clip member 48 to maintain the bottom clip member 48 in place within the groove 28. Each hinge support 140 comprises a main panel 142 mounted to the top or inner surface 120 of the cross member 14 near one of its longitudinal ends 36’ or 36”.The panel 142 includes apertures 144 for receiving fasteners to secure the hinge support 140 to the cross-member 14. An arm 146 extends from the main panel 142 and a flexible elbow 148 is defined therebetween allowing the arm 146 to upwardly and downwardly articulate about the flexible elbow 148. A fin 150 downwardly extends from the underside 152 of the flexible elbow 148 and is fitted within the gap 138 formed at the junction of the main runner 12 and the cross member 14. The fin 150 and the panel 142 form a corner 154 engaging a corner 156 formed at the junction between surfaces 120 and 124 of the cross member 14. The arm 146 defines a hook 158 at its free end 160 for mutually engaging the hook 116 for a locking therewith.

[0067] The arms 146 when hooked to the flaps 108A, 108B, the arms 146 are upwardly biased and the distal portions 114 of the flaps 108A, 108B are inwardly biased providing a mutual and opposite biasing force to the connections between hooks 116 and 158 forcing the median sections 1 12 of the flaps 108A, 108 onto the inner surface 26 of the main runner 12 thereby further securing the tail 92 of the bottom clip member 48 into the groove 28. In an embodiment, the hooks 116 and 158 are released from engagement by upwardly moving or thrusting the arms 146 and simultaneously flattening the distal portions 114 towards surface 16 of the main runner 12.

[0068] With reference to Figures 11 and 12, there is shown a stabilizing insert 162 for being inserted in the space 100 (see Figure 7) between legs 88A, 88B and in the space 164 (see Figure 9) between the tail portions 92A, 92B. The insert 162 comprises a cylindrical base 166 for being inserted in space 164 and a fin 168 upwardly extending therefrom for being inserted in the space 100. In this way, the legs 88A and 88B and the tail portions 92A and 92B cannot be pushed together to disengage the groove 28.

[0069] With reference to Figures 13 and 14, a top clip member 47 comprises a top portion 51 and a bottom portion 52 similar to the bottom portion of clip member 46.

[0070] The top portion 51 comprises an elongate body 170 with a hook structure 172 at its top end 174 and extending along the length of the elongate body 170. An aperture 176 is formed through the elongate body 170 from one lateral side 178A thereof to the other lateral side 178B thereof.

[0071] The bottom portion 52 defines a female part including a pair of spaced apart lower lateral walls 58 downwardly extending from a top wall 180 from which the elongate body 170 extends at its bottom end 182. The bottom portion 52 defines inwardly extending fin 72 for connecting with the outward fins 84 of the bottom clip member 84 as shown in Figures 14 and 15 thereby defining the clip assembly 24’.

[0072] The hook structure 172 forms a bore 184 (see Figures 14 and 16) for receiving a rod 184 therethrough as shown in Figures 17 and 18. A longitudinal connector 186 for is connected to the elongate body 170 via the aperture 176. The connector 186 connectively extends from the overhead structure 22 to thereby providing the main runners 12 to hang therefrom.

[0073] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the top clip members 47 are slidably adjustable along the length of the bottom clip members 48 during constructions of the panel assembly 10’.

[0074] Turning to Figures 19 and 20, there is shown a clip assembly 24” comprising a clip member 190 having a top part 192 extending from a base 86.

[0075] The top part 192 comprises an elongate body 194 with a hook structure 196 at its top end 198 and extending along the length of the elongate body 194. The elongate body 194 extends from its bottom end 200 which is contiguous with the base 86.

[0076] The base 86 comprises a flexible longitudinal body 88 downwardly extending from a top end 90 thereof which is contiguous with the elongate body 194 and carrying a circular tail 92 at its opposite bottom end 94 for being inserted into the groove 28 of the main runner 12. The longitudinal body includes lateral flaps 108A, 108B for being flexibly engaged by hinge members 142 mounted to the cross members 14.

[0077] With reference to Figures 21 to 26, there is shown a clip assembly 210 comprising a main clip body 212 having an upper vertical part 214 extending from a lower base part 216. The upper vertical part 214 has a central stem 218 with fins 220 downwardly extending therefrom at each lateral side thereof. The base part 216 includes a flexible body 222 carrying a circular tail 224. The flexible 222 comprises a pair of spaced apart legs 222A and 222B extending from a common junction 226 from the stem 218. The circular tail 224 comprises a pair of spaced apart semi-circular parts 224A and 224B at the bottom end of a respective leg 222A and 222B. The tail 224 is fitted within the groove 28 at the inner face 26 of the main runner 12.

[0078] A pair of lateral wings 228A and 228B respectively extend from each of the legs 222A, 222B and define respective top surfaces 230 and respective undersurfaces 232. Each undersurface 232 defines proximal and distal ends, 234 and 236 respectively. A shoulder 238 is formed at the proximal end 234 and a cylindrical protrusion 240 is positioned between the shoulder 238 and the distal end 234.

[0079] Inserts 242 are interposed between the main runners 12 and the cross-members. The insert 242 includes a vertical part 244 that sits on surface 136 of the main runner 12 and interposed between surfaces 124 and 134 of the cross-member 14 and the main runner 12 respectively. The insert 242 includes a first horizontal part 246 for overlying the top surface 26 of the main runner 12 and forming a groove 248 for receiving the cylindrical protrusion 240. The leading end 250 of the first horizontal part 246 engages the shoulder 238. The insert 242 includes a second horizontal part 252 opposite the first horizontal part 246 for overlying the surface 120 of the cross-member 14. The second horizontal part 252 includes apertures 254 for receiving fasteners 256 for being fastened to the surface 120 of the of the cross-member 14.

[0080] The upper vertical part 214 of the clip body 212 provides for being connected to a top clip member 46. In another embodiment, the vertical part 214 is connected to a longitudinal member 258 fastened therethrough. The top clip member 46 and the longitudinal member 258 are mounted to an overhead structure 22.

[0081] The various features described herein can be combined in a variety of ways within the context of the present description so as to provide still other embodiments. It is to be understood that the present description is not limited in its application to the details of construction and parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described hereinabove. The description is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation. Hence, although the present description has been provided hereinabove by way of non-restrictive illustrative embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the scope, spirit and nature of the disclosure and appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A suspended ceiling comprising: at least two main runners providing for being adjacently spaced apart and suspended from an overhead structure, each of the at least two main runners defining a groove formed along a longitudinal length thereof, the groove being circumscribed by a circular concave peripheral wall, at least two cross members for being adjacently spaced apart and for being connected at each respective longitudinal ends thereof to the at least two main runners forming a frame therewith, the frame defining an opening thereof; a ceiling tile for being positioned within the opening and comprising edges thereof for being mounted to the frame; and at least two clip assemblies, each of the clip assemblies providing for connecting a respective one of the at least two main runners to an overhead structure to be suspended therefrom, each of the clip assemblies comprising: an upper connector element for being connected to the overhead structure; and a lower clip element comprising an upper part thereof for being connected to the upper connector element and a lower part thereof comprising a pair of spaced apart, flexible and resilient lateral walls extending from the upper part and comprising respective, spaced apart and interfacing semi-circular ends for being fitted within the groove, wherein the semi-circular ends when inserted into the groove provide for moving the lateral walls inwardly, the lateral walls being outwardly biased providing for the semi-circular ends to be forced against the circular concave peripheral wall.

2. A suspended ceiling according to claim 1 , wherein insertionof the semi-circular ends into the groove brings the semi-circular ends closer together.

3. A suspended ceiling according to claim 2, wherein the groove defines a narrower opening thus requiring the semi-circular ends to be brought closer together for insertion.

4. A suspended according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lateral walls are brought closer together for insertion of the semi-circular ends into the groove and for removal of the semi-circular ends form the groove.

5. A suspended ceiling according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lower clip element comprises a pair of lateral flaps defining hook elements at respective free ends thereof, the suspended ceiling further comprising at least two clip support members, each of the two clip support members being mountable to a respective one of the two cross members, each of the two clip support members defining a flexible arm with a hook part at a free end thereof for being connected to a respective one of the hook elements.

6. A suspended ceiling according to claim 5, wherein the flexible arms are inwardly biased providing a mutual and opposite biasing between to connections between the hook parts and the hook elements.

7. A suspended ceiling according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein each of the two clip support members comprises a main panel mounted to the cross member with the flexible arm being movable connected to the main panel.

8. A suspended ceiling according to any one of claims 5 to 7,wherein each of the two clip support members comprises a fin downwardly extending from an underside thereof mounted to the cross member to be fitted within a gap formed between the cross member and the main runner connected therewith.

9. A suspended ceiling according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lower clip element comprises a pair of lateral wings extending and defining respective undersurfaces thereof comprising a respective protrusion, the suspended ceiling further comprising inserts positioned between each of the main runners and the cross-member interconnected therewith, each of the inserts defining a groove for receiving the respective protrusion.

10. A suspended ceiling according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each lateral side of each of the main runners defines a respective L- shaped shoulder for respectively receiving thereon a corresponding inverted L- shaped wing formed at each of the respective longitudinal ends of the cross member.1 1 . A suspended ceiling according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the upper connector is an upper clip member comprising a top portion for being connected to the overhead structure and a bottom portion defining a female part comprising a pair of spaced apart lateral walls defining a channel therebetween, the lateral of the female part define inner wall surfaces comprising female part fins extending into the channel.

12. A suspended ceiling according to claim 11 , wherein the top part of the lower clip member comprises a male part defining a vertical body comprising lateral male part fins extending therefrom, the male part being insertable within the channel of the female part, with the male part fins extendingon the female part fins.

13. A suspended ceiling according to claim 12, wherein the male part fins are downwardly sloped, and the female part fins are correspondingly upwardly sloped.

14. A suspended ceiling according to any one of claims 12 or13, wherein the female part fins and male part fins providing for mounting the male part at different heights within the female part channel.

15. A suspended ceiling according to any one of claims 12 to14, wherein the vertical body and the male fins are horizontally elongated providing for horizontally sliding the female part along the vertical body for adjusting a horizontal position thereof.

16. A suspended ceiling according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the female part defines opposite front and rear openings thereof, wherein the vertical body is inserted into the female part channel via the front or the rear openings.

17. A suspended ceiling according to any one of claims 1 1 to 16, wherein the top portion of the upper clip member comprises a flat top for being mounted to an overhead structure.

18. A suspended ceiling according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the top portion of the upper clip member comprises a hook or being mounted to an overhead structure.

19. A suspended ceiling according to any one of claims 1 to 10,wherein the top part of the lower clip member comprises a vertical body comprising lateral fins extending therefrom, the upper connector element comprising a longitudinal member.

20. A suspended ceiling according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the upper part of the lower clip member comprises a hook for being connected to the upper connector element.21 . A suspended ceiling according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and 20, wherein the upper connector element comprises a longitudinal member.

22. A suspended ceiling according to any one of claims 1 to 21 , further comprising a stabilizing insert for being inserted into a space defined by the spaced apart lateral walls and the semi-circular ends of the lower part of the lower clip member when the semi-circular ends are fitted into the groove for stopping the spaced apart lateral walls and the semi-circular ends from being brought closer to each other via the space therebetween.

23. A clip assembly for a suspended ceiling comprising a main runner defining a groove formed along a longitudinal length thereof, the groove being circumscribed by a circular concave peripheral wall, a cross member for being connected at a longitudinal end thereof to the main runner forming a frame therewith, the frame defining an opening thereof for receiving a ceiling tile, the clip assembly providing for connecting the main runner to an overhead structure to be suspended therefrom, the clip assembly comprising: an upper connector element for being connected to the overhead structure; and a lower clip element comprising an upper part thereof for being connected to the upper connector element and a lower part thereofcomprising a pair of spaced apart, flexible and resilient lateral walls extending from the upper part and comprising respective, spaced apart and interfacing semi-circular ends for being fitted within the groove, wherein the semi-circular ends when inserted into the groove provide for moving the lateral walls inwardly, the lateral walls being outwardly biased providing for the semi-circular ends to be forced against the circular concave peripheral wall.

24. A clip assembly according to claim 23, wherein insertion of the semi-circular ends into the groove brings the semi-circular ends closer together.

25. A clip assembly according to any one of claims 23 or 24, wherein the lateral walls are brought closer together for insertion of the semicircular ends into the groove and for removal of the semi-circular ends form the groove.

26. A clip assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the lower clip element comprises a pair of lateral flaps defining hook elements at respective free ends thereof, the suspended ceiling further comprising at least two clip support members, each of the two clip support members being mountable to a respective one of the two cross members, each of the two clip support members defining a flexible arm with a hook part at a free end thereof for being connected to a respective one of the hook elements.

27. A clip assembly according to claim 26, wherein the flexible arms are inwardly biased providing a mutual and opposite biasing between to connections between the hook parts and the hook elements.

28. A clip assembly according to any one of claims 26 or 27, wherein each of the two clip support members comprises a main panel mounted to the cross member with the flexible arm being movable connected to the main panel.

29. A clip assembly according to any one of claims 26 to 7, wherein each of the two clip support members comprises a fin downwardly extending from an underside thereof mounted to the cross member to be fitted within a gap formed between the cross member and the main runner connected therewith.

30. A clip assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the lower clip element comprises a pair of lateral wings extending and defining respective undersurfaces thereof comprising a respective protrusion, the suspended ceiling further comprising inserts positioned between each of the main runners and the cross-member interconnected therewith, each of the inserts defining a groove for receiving the respective protrusion.31 . A clip assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein the upper connector is an upper clip member comprising a top portion for being connected to the overhead structure and a bottom portion defining a female part comprising a pair of spaced apart lateral walls defining a channel therebetween, the lateral of the female part define inner wall surfaces comprising female part fins extending into the channel.

32. A clip assembly according to claim 31 , wherein the top part of the lower clip member comprises a male part defining a vertical body comprising lateral male part fins extending therefrom, the male part being insertable within the channel of the female part, with the male part fins extendingon the female part fins.

33. A clip assembly according to claim 32, wherein the male part fins are downwardly sloped, and the female part fins are correspondingly upwardly sloped.

34. A clip assembly according to any one of claims 32 or 33, wherein the female part fins and male part fins providing for mounting the male part at different heights within the female part channel.

35. A clip assembly according to any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the vertical body and the male fins are horizontally elongated providing for horizontally sliding the female part along the vertical body for adjusting a horizontal position thereof.

36. A clip assembly according to any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the female part defines opposite front and rear openings thereof, wherein the vertical body is inserted into the female part channel via the front or the rear openings.

37. A clip assembly according to any one of claims 31 to 36, wherein the top portion of the upper clip member comprises a flat top for being mounted to an overhead structure.

38. A clip assembly according to any one of claims 31 to 36, wherein the top portion of the upper clip member comprises a hook or being mounted to an overhead structure.

39. A clip assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 30,wherein the top part of the lower clip member comprises a vertical body comprising lateral fins extending therefrom, the upper connector element comprising a longitudinal member.

40. A clip assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein the upper part of the lower clip member comprises a hook for being connected to the upper connector element.41 . A clip assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 30 and40, wherein the upper connector element comprises a longitudinal member.

42. A suspended ceiling according to any one of claims 23 to41 , further comprising a stabilizing insert for being inserted into a space defined by the spaced apart lateral walls and the semi-circular ends of the lower part of the lower clip member when the semi-circular ends are fitted into the groove for stopping the spaced apart lateral walls and the semi-circular ends from being brought closer to each other via the space therebetween.

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