Patent ID: 6199343
Filing Date: 2001-03-13
Classification: E04B,Y10T

Abstract:
In a connector assembly for ceiling grid formed of main beams and cross-beams, wherein the beams have an inverted T cross-section with a vertical web and a flange at the bottom of the web:a) a main beam (47) having a slot (48) in the web (50);b) a pair of cross-beams (47, 47') each having one of a pair of identical clips (20, 20') connected at an end with both clips (20, 20') extending through the slot (48) of the main beam (51) from opposing directions;the assembly having a first lock between each of the clips (20, 20') and the main beam (51) in the form of a hook (32, 32') that engages the web (50) of the main beam (51),the improvement comprising in combination a second lock between the cross-beams (47, 47') whereina) each of the clips (20, 20') has a ridge (36, 36') in the clip (20, 20'), extending longitudinally of the cross-beams (47, 47'), with gaps (37, 38, 37', 38') in the ridge (36, 36');b) the gaps (37, 38, 37', 38') in each one of the clips engages the ridge (36, 36') between the gaps in the other clip to form an interlock between the clips;wherein the hook (32') and a substantially vertical shoulder (28') in the clip (20') form means to engage the second lock by a substantially downward vertical movement.