Patent ID: 6178712
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: E04B

Abstract:
In a group of component parts first capable of being assembled in the field into an intersecting connection in a ceiling grid that supports panels, and then capable of being disassembled from the connection, the group having:a main runner (1) having a web and a web opening (5), and a pair of identical cross runners (2,2'), each of said connectors (2,2') having at an end an identical connector (6,6'), each said connector (6,6') having a stop (8,8') and a resilient finger (7,7');whereina) in assembling the group, each of said connectors (6,6') is inserted substantially horizontally into the web opening (5) against the stop (8,8') on the connector (6,6'), with the web vertical, in a stab motion that is relatively straight and along the longitudinal axis of the cross runner (2,2');b) in the assembled group, each connector (6,6') is confined within the web opening, and when so confined, is interlocked with said connector (6,6') of an opposing cross runner (2,2') to prevent separation of the connectors (6, 6') longitudinally of the cross runners; andc) in disassembling the group, the main runner (1) is rotated so that one of said connectors (6,6') is no longer confined within the web opening (5) and said connector (6,6') can be removed from the assembled group substantially vertically;the improvement comprising, each connector having (6,6'), a movable shoulder (7a,7a') on the resilient finger (7,7') spaced away from the stop (8,8') a distance sufficient to permit the movable shoulder (7a,7a') and stop (8,8') to straddle the web of the main runner (1) in the assembled group;whereina) in assembling the group, the resilient finger (7,7') is depressed as the movable shoulder passes through the web opening (5) and then the resilient finger (7,7') recovers after the movable shoulder (7a,7a') has passed through the web opening (5), and the stop (8,8') is against the web;b) in the assembled group, the movable shoulder (7a,7a') and the stop (8,8') on each connector (6,6') combine with the movable shoulder (7a,7a') and the stop (8,8') on the other connector (6,6') to straddle the web and maintain the web in a vertical position against rotation, whereby the connectors (6,6') are confined within the web opening (5) and each connector (6,6') is kept interlocked laterally and longitudinally with the other connector (6,6'); andc) in disassembling the group, the resilient finger (7,7') must be depressed to permit the web opening to pass over the movable shoulder (7a,7a') when the main runner is rotated.