Patent Publication Number: US-11384537-B2

Title: Suspended ceiling system incorporating key and keyhole combinations and method of installing same

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the general field of suspended ceilings, and is more specifically concerned with a suspended ceiling system incorporating key and keyhole assemblies. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Suspended ceiling systems are used to provide an aesthetic ceiling surface to a room. In some instances, suspended ceiling systems generally comprise a set of components such as ceiling edge support members, crossbeams and junction elements. 
     These support members, components and elements are typically attachable or otherwise engageable to one another via compatibly shaped attachment end portions so as to form a planar grid-like structure connected laterally along wall surfaces and to overhanging support structures, or the original ceiling of the room. This grid-like structure typically extends in a common plane disposed in a parallelly spaced apart relationship relative to the original ceiling of the room. 
     Existing suspended ceiling systems have many disadvantages. For example, the set of components provided to mount and assemble the suspended ceiling system has a fixed aesthetic configuration that is generally preset at the factory for a given room dimension. Thus the end user is limited to the preset configuration and its associated aesthetics. 
     Furthermore, the compatibly shaped attachment end portions between the members, components and elements, are often rendered unusable if, for some reasons, some elongated crossbeams or support members need to shortened due to, for example, a miscalculation of the dimensions of the destination room, or a modification of the desired design. In other words, these systems leave no margin for on site error corrections or modification of the design. 
     Furthermore, these suspended ceiling systems generally require experienced professionals specifically trained for installing the desired brand or model of system, which raises the overall cost of the suspended ceiling once installed. 
     Thus, there is a need on the market for an improved suspended ceiling system. 
     Against this background, there exists a need in the industry to provide suspended ceiling system mitigating at least in part the above-noted disadvantages of existing suspended ceiling system. An object of the present invention is therefore to provide such suspended ceiling systems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a broad aspect, there is provided a suspended ceiling system for suspending panels, comprising: a plurality of elongated beams each defining a beam longitudinal axis, each of the beams defining longitudinally opposed beam end sections; a plurality of connectors for connecting the beams to each other to form a panel support structure for supporting the panels, each of the connectors defining at least two spaced apart beam coupling sections for each coupling to a respective one of the beams through one of the beam end sections; and a plurality of locking keys for selectively locking the connectors and beams to each other; wherein, with the suspended ceiling system assembled, the beams are joined to each other by the connectors to form a grid configured for supporting the panels, the beams and connectors forming connector-to-beam junctions each including one of the beam end sections and one of the beam coupling sections engaging each other and together defining a keyhole, the keyhole including keyhole beam and connector portions defined respectively by the one of the beam end and coupling sections, the keyhole receiving thereinto one of the locking keys so that movements of the one of the beam end sections and the one of the beam coupling sections relative to each other perpendicularly to the keyhole are prevented to secure the one of the beam end sections and the one of the beam coupling sections to each other. 
     There may also be provided a suspended ceiling system wherein the keyhole is elongated and extends substantially parallel to the beam longitudinal axis. 
     There may also be provided a suspended ceiling system wherein each connector-to-beam junction is configured and sized to allow relative movements between the beam end section and the beam coupling section perpendicularly to the beam longitudinal axis when the locking key is removed from the keyhole. 
     There may also be provided a suspended ceiling system wherein the locking key is slidable toollessly in the keyhole. 
     There may also be provided a suspended ceiling system wherein the locking key includes a substantially elongated key body of substantially constant transversal cross-sectional configuration therealong. 
     There may also be provided a suspended ceiling system wherein the locking key further includes a handling portion extending from the key body and protruding laterally relative thereto. 
     There may also be provided a suspended ceiling system wherein the beam coupling section defines a longitudinal coupling section groove extending thereinto, the keyhole connector portion extending from the coupling section groove laterally relative thereto into the beam coupling section; and the beam end section defines a protrusion inserted in the coupling section groove when the beam coupling section and the beam end section are joined to each other, the keyhole beam portion extending in the protrusion laterally relative thereto so that when the beam coupling section and the beam end section are joined to each other, the keyhole beam and coupling portions face each other to together define the keyhole. 
     There may also be provided a suspended ceiling system wherein the protrusion extends substantially along the entirety of the beam and wherein opposed keyhole beam portions provided in each beam end section are joined to each other through a keyhole groove so that the keyhole groove and keyhole beam portions together defines a longitudinal groove of substantially constant transversal cross-sectional configuration therealong extending along the entirety of the protrusion. 
     There may also be provided a suspended ceiling system wherein at least some of the beams each define a pair of panel support flanges laterally protruding from the protrusion opposed to each other so that the at least some of the beams each have generally T-shaped cross-sectional configuration. 
     There may also be provided a suspended ceiling system further comprising decorative elements supported in register with the connectors to hide the connectors, the decorative elements each defining a decorative element keyhole portion positioned in prolongation of the keyhole beam portions so that a single locking key locks both one of the beams and the decorative element to the connector when the suspended ceiling system is assembled. 
     There may also be provided a suspended ceiling system wherein the plurality of connectors includes T-shaped edge connectors having three edge arms each provided with a respective beam coupling section, L-shaped corner connectors having two corner arms each provided with a respective beam coupling section and X-shaped middle connectors having four middle arms each provided with a respective beam coupling section, wherein, when the suspended ceiling system is assembled, the edge connector and corner connectors are provided at a periphery of the suspended ceiling system and the middle connectors are provided inside the periphery of the suspended ceiling system. 
     There may also be provided a suspended ceiling system further comprising a plurality of mounting brackets mountable to a wall, each mounting bracket including a wall mount mountable to a wall and a connector support extending therefrom, the connector support being configured for supporting thereonto the edge and corner connectors. 
     There may also be provided a suspended ceiling system wherein the connector support includes a support top surface facing upwardly when the connector support is operatively mounted to the wall and a connector protrusion protruding from the support top surface, and wherein the corner and edge connectors each define a mounting groove extending therealong for receiving the connector protrusion when supported by the mounting bracket. 
     There may also be provided a suspended ceiling system further comprising a guide tool including a body configured for engaging the mounting brackets and a wire extending therefrom for indicating an horizontal direction along which the system is to be assembled. 
     There may also be provided a suspended ceiling system wherein at least some of the middle connectors are provided with a support extending upwardly therefrom or securing the at least some of the middle connectors to an overhanging structure. 
     There may also be provided a suspended ceiling system wherein the plurality of connectors includes edge connectors having four edge connector arms each provided with a respective beam coupling section, two of the edge connector arms being colinear, with remaining connector arms forming a V-shape and extending from the two of the edge connector arms, corner connectors having three corner arms each provided with a respective beam coupling section, two of the corner arms being perpendicular to each other and being bisected by a remaining arm and X-shaped middle connectors having four middle arms each provided with a respective beam coupling section, wherein, when the suspended ceiling system is assembled, the edge connector and corner connectors are provided at a periphery of the suspended ceiling system and the middle connectors are provided inside the periphery of the suspended ceiling system. 
     There may also be provided a suspended ceiling system wherein the connectors and beams are all made of wood. 
     There may also be provided a suspended ceiling system comprising the suspended ceiling system according to claim  1  in an assembled configuration in which the grid is defined, and panels supported by the suspension system to fill empty spaces defined by the grid. 
     Advantageously, the proposed suspended ceiling can be relatively easily mounted, and eventually as easily disassembled if desired, mostly toollessly, using only a relatively small number steps in which only of the most basic carpenter tools such as a hammer, nails, a hand saw and a level tool are needed. 
     Further advantageously, the customizable suspended ceiling system allows a user to relatively easily customize the latter between a relatively simple ornamental moulding pattern, and a highly complex design pattern visible along the surface of the suspended ceiling system using a relatively small basic set of modular components thereof. 
     Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1 , in a perspective view, illustrates an embodiment of a suspended ceiling system, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2 , in an alternative perspective view, illustrate the suspended ceiling system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3 , in a perspective view, illustrates a connector part of the suspended ceiling system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4 , in an alternative perspective view, illustrates the connector of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5 , in top plan view, illustrates the connector of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6 , in a bottom plan view, illustrates the connector of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7 , in a side elevation view, illustrates the connector of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 8 , in a perspective view, illustrates an other connector also part of the suspended ceiling system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9 , in an alternative perspective view, illustrates the connector of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10 , in top plan view, illustrates the connector of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11 , in a bottom plan view, illustrates the connector of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 12 , in a front elevation view, illustrates the connector of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 13 , in a side elevation view, illustrates the connector of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 14 , in a perspective view, illustrates yet an other connector also part of the suspended ceiling system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 15 , in an alternative perspective view, illustrates the connector of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16 , in top plan view, illustrates the connector of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 17 , in a bottom plan view, illustrates the connector of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 18 , in a front elevation view, illustrates the connector of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 19 , in a first side elevation view, illustrates the connector of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 20 , in a rear elevation view, illustrates the connector of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 21 , in a second side elevation view, illustrates the connector of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 22 , in a perspective view, illustrates a mounting bracket part of the suspended ceiling system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 23 , in top plan view, illustrates the mounting bracket of  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24 , in a front elevation view, illustrates the mounting bracket of  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 25 , in a rear elevation view, illustrates the mounting bracket of  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 26 , in a side elevational cross-sectional view, illustrates the mounting bracket of  FIG. 22  secured to a wall and engaged with the connector of  FIG. 9 , the latter being secured using a locking key to a beam, both part of the suspended ceiling system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 27 , in a top plan view, illustrates the beam of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 28 , in a front end view, illustrates the beam of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 29 , in a perspective view, illustrates the beam of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 30 , in a perspective view, illustrates a decorative element part of the suspended ceiling system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 31 , in a front end view, illustrates the decorative element of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32 , in an alternative perspective view, illustrates the decorative element of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 33 , in a side elevation view, illustrates the decorative element of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 34 , in a perspective view, illustrates a locking key part of the suspended ceiling system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 35 , in an alternative perspective view, illustrates the locking key of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36 , in first side elevation view, illustrates the locking key of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 37 , in second side elevation view, illustrates the locking key of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 38 , in a rear end view, illustrates the locking key of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 39 , in a front end view, illustrates the locking key of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 40 , in a perspective view, illustrate an alternative embodiment of the connector of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 41 , in a perspective view, illustrate an alternative embodiment of the connector of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 42 , in a perspective view, illustrate an alternative embodiment of the connector of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 43 , in a perspective view, illustrate an alternative embodiment of the mounting bracket of  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 44 , in a perspective view, illustrate an alternative embodiment of the beam of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 45 , in a perspective exploded view, illustrates assembly of various components of the system of  FIG. 1  to each other in which the connector of  FIG. 8  is used; 
         FIG. 46 , in a perspective view, illustrates the components of  FIG. 45  assembled to each other; 
         FIG. 47 , in a perspective exploded view, illustrates assembly of various components of the system of  FIG. 1  to each other in which the connector of  FIG. 3  is used; 
         FIG. 48 , in a perspective view, illustrates the components of  FIG. 47  assembled to each other; 
         FIG. 49 , in a perspective exploded view, illustrates assembly of various components of the system of  FIG. 1  to each other in which the connector of  FIG. 14  is used; 
         FIG. 50 , in a perspective view, illustrates the components of  FIG. 49  assembled to each other; 
         FIG. 51 , in a bottom plan view, illustrates a configuration of the suspended ceiling system of  FIG. 1  in which a first aesthetic aspect is achieved; 
         FIG. 52 , in a bottom plan view, illustrates a configuration of the suspended ceiling system of  FIG. 1  in which a second aesthetic aspect is achieved; 
         FIG. 53 , in a bottom plan view, illustrates a configuration of the suspended ceiling system of  FIG. 1  in which a third aesthetic aspect is achieved; 
         FIG. 54 , in a bottom plan view, illustrates a configuration of the suspended ceiling system of  FIG. 1  in which a fourth aesthetic aspect is achieved; 
         FIG. 55 , in a perspective view, illustrates a connector that is usable as an alternative to the connector of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 56 , in a perspective view, illustrates a connector that is usable as an alternative to the connector of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 57 , in a perspective view, illustrates another connector that is usable as an alternative to the connector of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 58 , in a bottom plan view, illustrates diamond-shaped aesthetical customization of the suspended ceiling system using the connectors of  FIGS. 3, 55 and 56 ; 
         FIG. 59 , in a perspective view, illustrates an adjustable suspension element part of some embodiments of the suspended ceiling system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 60 , in a side elevational cut-away view, illustrates engagement between the locking keys and keyholes formed by beams and connectors in which the locking key secures one beam and one connector to each other; 
         FIG. 61 , in a perspective view, illustrates a pair grid-like structures of the suspended ceiling system of  FIG. 1 , here show mounted vertically in a self-standing V-shaped configuration and used as a support for a marketing backdrop at a trade show boot or the like; and 
         FIG. 62 , in a perspective view, illustrates a guide tool slidably engaged to mounting brackets and usable to selectively align components of the suspended ceiling system of  FIG. 1  during its assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The terms “substantially” and “about” are used throughout this document to indicate variations in the thus qualified terms. These variations are variations that do not materially affect the manner in which the invention works and can be due, for example, to uncertainty in manufacturing processes or to small deviations from a nominal value or ideal shape that do not cause significant changes to the invention. Also, the present document describes the proposed system using directional terminology with reference to a substantially horizontal ceiling assembled using the proposed system. This terminology is for convenience purposes and should not be used to restrict the scope of the appended claims unless explicitly claimed. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  collectively illustrate various aspects of an embodiment, according to the present invention, of a suspended ceiling system  100 , hereinafter “the system  100 ”, usable for installation along a common plane, typically extending substantially parallelly adjacently the original ceiling or overhanging support structure  302  of a room, and laterally across the walls  304  thereof. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the system  100  includes a plurality of elongated beams  130 . As seen in  FIG. 27  for example, each beam  130  defines a beam longitudinal axis  131  and longitudinally opposed beam end sections  132 . Returning to  FIG. 2 , the system  100  further includes a plurality of connectors  102 ,  103  and  124  for connecting the beams  130  to each other to form a panel support structure for supporting panels  162 . Referring for example to  FIG. 3 , each of the connectors  124  defines at least two spaced apart beam coupling sections  127  for each coupling to one of the beam end sections  132 . For example, the connectors  102 ,  103  and  124  include respectively three, two and four beam coupling sections  127 , as seen for example respectively in  FIGS. 8, 14 and 3 . 
     A plurality of locking keys  146 , seen for example in  FIG. 34 , are provided for selectively locking the connectors  102 ,  103  and  124  and beams  130  to each other. 
     As seen in  FIG. 2 , when the system  100  is assembled, the beams  130  are joined to each other by the connectors  102 ,  103  and  124  to form a grid configured for supporting the panels  162 . Referring for example to  FIG. 60 , the beams  130  and connectors  102 ,  103  and  124  form connector-to-beam junctions  140  each including one of the beam end sections  132  and one of the beam coupling sections  127  engaging each other and together defining a keyhole  143 , the keyhole  143  including keyhole beam and connector portions  145  and  147  defined respectively by the one of the beam end and coupling sections  132  and  127 . The keyhole  143  receives thereinto one of the locking keys  146  so that movements of the one of the beam end sections  132  and the one of the beam coupling sections  127  relative to each other perpendicularly to the keyhole  143  are prevented to secure the one of the beam end sections  132  and the one of the beam coupling sections  127  to each other. 
     Typically, the keyholes  143  are elongated and extend substantially parallel to the beam longitudinal axis  131 . Each connector-to-beam junction  140  is configured and sized to allow relative movements between the beam end section  132  and the beam coupling section  127  perpendicularly to the beam longitudinal axis  131  when the locking key is  146  removed from the keyhole  143 . Typically, the locking key  146  is slidable toollessly in the keyhole  143 , but locking keys  146  requiring a hammer or other tool for such insertion are possible, for example if fit between the locking key  146  and keyhole  143  is very tight. 
     The connectors  102  and  103  are typically used at a periphery of the system  100  when the latter is assembled, while the connectors  124  are used inside the periphery of the system  100 . The connectors  102  and  103  could be directly secured to the walls  304  in some embodiments, for example using screws, nails, or an adhesive. However, in the embodiment of the system  100  shown in the drawings, mounting brackets  192 , seen for example in  FIG. 22 , are secured to the walls  304 , and the connectors  102  and  103  are then mounted thereto. 
     The system  100  includes a plurality of connectors  102 , which are in some embodiments substantially T-shaped, and connectors  103 , which are in some embodiments substantially L-shaped. Each one of the connectors  103 , seen for example in  FIG. 14 , includes two arms  104 . Each one of the connectors  103 , seen for example in  FIG. 8 , includes three arms  104 . As best illustrated in  FIGS. 10, 11, 16 and 17 , each arm  104  has a substantially elongated configuration and defines a proximal end  106  and a distal end  108 , the beam end sections  127  being defined at the latter. The arms  104  are joined to one another at their respective proximal ends  106  and each extend in the common plane of the system  100 . The arms  104  may all have similar lengths or may be of different lengths. 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 8, 9, 14 and 15 , the connectors  102  and  103  define laterally oriented inner and outer longitudinal side surfaces  114  and  116  respectively, and, a pair of oppositely oriented upper side and underside surfaces  118  and  120  extending parallelly relative to the common plane of the system  100 . 
     The connectors  102  and  103  further defines a predetermined angle between the longitudinal extension of the arms  104 . In the connector  102 , two of the arms  104  are colinear, and the third arm  104  extends perpendicularly relative thereto, typically in the common plane of the system  100 . In the connector  103 , the two arms  104  are perpendicular to each other, forming angles of 90 or 270 degrees with each other at the inner longitudinal side surfaces  114 , to fit inside and outside corners between two walls  304 . It should be noted that for some applications in which the walls  304  are note perpendicular to each other, the two arms  104  may be angled with any other suitable angle therebetween. 
       FIGS. 3 to 7  illustrate the connectors  124 . Each one of the connectors  124  includes at least four arms  104 . Each arm  104  has a substantially elongated configuration and defining a proximal end  106  and a distal end  108 , the beam coupling sections  127  being formed at the latter. The at least four arms  104  are joined to one another at their respective proximal end  106  and extend away from each other in the common plane to form a cross-shaped configuration. 
     Thus, each one of the connectors  124  defines a pair of oppositely oriented upper side and underside surfaces  118  and  120  extending parallelly relative to the common plane of the system  100 , and four corner edges  128  extending laterally inwardly between the arms  104  and parallelly relative to the common plane. 
       FIGS. 27, 28 and 29  inclusively, illustrate one of the beams  130 . Each one of the beams  130  has a substantially elongated configuration defining a pair of opposite beam end sections  132 , an intermediate portion  134  extending therebetween, and opposed upper side and underside longitudinal surfaces  136  and  138  extending parallelly relative to the common plane of the system  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 46, 48 and 50 , the system  100  typically defines a plurality of connector-to-beam junctions  140  in corresponding number to the number of arms  104  in the system  100 , although leaving some of the arms  104  unsecured to a beam  130  is within the scope of the invention. As illustrated in  FIGS. 7, 11, 12, 13, 17, 20 and 21 , each one of the connector-to-beam junctions  140  includes a longitudinal coupling section groove  142  extending at least partially longitudinally inwardly from each arm distal end  108  and into the beam coupling section  127 , in the underside surface  120  of the respective arm  104 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 27 to 29 , each one of the connector-to-beam junction  140  further includes a protrusion  144  extending at least along an upper side longitudinal portion of each opposed beam end portions  132  of each beam  130 . 
     Referring now more particularly to  FIGS. 34 to 39 , each one of the connector-to-beam junction  140  further includes the locking key  146 . The locking key  146  has a substantially elongated configuration defining a substantially elongated key body  148  of substantially constant transversal cross-sectional configuration therealong, and an optional handling portion  150  at one end thereof and extending from the key body  148  and protruding laterally relative thereto. 
     Referring now more particularly to  FIG. 60 , the coupling section groove  142  is shaped and sized for longitudinally receiving in a snug fit relation at least a longitudinally extending portion of a respective one of the protrusions  144  of the beam  130 , such that the upper side longitudinal surface  136  thereof is proximally parallelly facing the underside longitudinal surface portion of the respective arm  104 . 
     The coupling section groove  142  and the protrusion  144  cooperatively define a pair of oppositely facing surfaces  154  extending substantially perpendicularly relative to the upper side longitudinal surface  136  of the beam  130 . The keyhole connector portion  147  extends from the coupling section groove  142  laterally relative thereto into the beam coupling section  127 , or in other words in the surface  154  of the connector  102 ,  103  or  124 . Similarly, the keyhole beam portion  145  extends in the protrusion  144  laterally relative thereto, into the surface  154  of the protrusion  144 , so that when the beam coupling section  127  and the beam end section  132  are joined to each other, the keyhole beam and connector portions  145  and  147  face each other to together define the keyhole  143 . 
     The keyhole  143  is shaped and sized for slidably longitudinally receiving therein in a snug fit relation the body  148  of the locking key  146 , so as to transversally lock the respective beam end portion  132  of the beam  130  with the respective arm  104 , as best illustrated in  FIGS. 26 and 60 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2, and 45 to 50  inclusively, a method of installing the customizable suspended ceiling system  100  of the present invention will now be described. In a first step, the plurality of connectors  102  and  103  have their respective outer longitudinal side surface  116  engaged in a suitably spaced apart relationship along the flat wall surfaces  304  and wall corners  310  of the room. In a second step, a suitable number of beams  130  and connectors  124  may be successively assembled to form a substantially regular grid-like structure extending between the plurality of connectors  102  and  103  by lockingly engaging the connector-to-beam junctions  140  therebetween using locking keys  146 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 45 to 50  inclusively, the end result being the assembled suspended ceiling system  100  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . As it will be made apparent from the description hereinafter, optional steps may be added to the method described above with regards to additional elements that can be added to the invention such as drop-in panels  162 , adjustable support components  272  and wall mount arrangements  190 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2, 29, 46, 48 and 50 , in some embodiments of the system  100  according to the present invention, the beams  130  forming the opening edges  165  in the grid-like structure each have their respective upper side surface  136  extending at least slightly laterally away from their respective protrusion  144 , and inwardly relative to the opening of the grid-like structure, so as to form a panel support flanges  164  extending longitudinally therealong. The beams connected to the connectors  124  each define a pair of laterally protruding panel support flanges  164  from the protrusion  144 , opposed to each other, so that the beams  130  connected to the connectors  124  each have generally T-shaped cross-sectional configuration. In some embodiments, even the beams used at the periphery of the system  100  have this T-shaped configuration, for example if mounting brackets  192 , described below, are used. 
     The system  100  is typically used in combination with a sufficient number of suitably sized and shaped drop-in panels  162  for closing each opening of the grid-like structure with the edges of the panels  162  resting on the panel support flanges  164 , so as to cooperatively form with the grid-like structure a ceiling surface. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 30 to 33 and 51 to 53 , in some embodiments of the system  100 , the system  100  further comprises a plurality of decorative elements  166  that are user selectively attachable to connectors  102 ,  103  and  124 . Each decorative element  166  includes a plate member  168  defining an upper side surface  170 , an underside surface  172  and a contour edge  174 . Furthermore, each decorative element  166  further includes two or more of the protrusions  144  located along the upper side surface  170  thereof, and in register for engagement with a respective connector groove  142  along the underside surface  172  of user selected connectors  102 ,  103  and  124 . 
     Furthermore, each decorative element  166  has a dimension in the common plane of the system  100  that is at least sufficiently smaller than the respective connector  102 ,  103  or  124  is attached, so as to allow beams  130  to be attached to a respective arm  104  thereof via the connector-to-beam junction  140 . In some embodiments, the decorative elements  166  are configured to be supported in register with the connectors  102 ,  103  and  124  to hide the connectors  102 ,  103  and  124 , and define a keyhole decorative element portion  149 , similar to the keyhole beam portion  145 , and positioned in prolongation of the keyhole beam portions  145 , so that a single locking key  146  locks both one of the beams  130  and the decorative element  166  to the connector  102 ,  103  and  124  when the suspended ceiling system  100  is assembled 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 27 and 29 , in some embodiments of the system  100 , the protrusion  144  extend longitudinally along the whole length of the beam  130 , and opposed keyhole beam portions  145  provided in each beam end section  132  are joined to each other through keyhole decorative element portion  149  so that the keyhole decorative element portion  149  and keyhole beam portions  145  together define a longitudinal groove of substantially constant transversal cross-sectional configuration therealong extending along the entirety of the protrusion  144 . 
     Thus, advantageously, the system  100  may be provided with a sufficient number of beams  130  having each a same overall length that is equal to or greater than the greatest distance between two components of the system  100  so as to allow a user to cut selected beams  130  to any desired length within that overall length of each beam  130 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 6, 7, 11 and 13 , in some embodiments of the system  100 , the grooves  142  all extend along the whole arms  104 , so that selected beams  130  may extend longitudinally across selected connectors  102 ,  103  and  124  and decorative elements  166 . 
     Advantageously, the protrusion  144 , the groove  142  and their respective recesses forming the keyholes  143  thus extending the whole length of, respectively, the beams  130  and arms  104 , the beams  130  and, up to a certain extent, the arms  104  themselves may be selectively cut to desired lengths so as to suit a particular application of the system  100 . This aspect is an advantage over other known suspended ceiling system of the prior art, which generally do not allow this on site customization of lengths of the components due to the end connection arrangements of the latter&#39;s. 
     Referring to  FIG. 56 , in some embodiments, each connector  102  is replaced by an alternative connector  102 ′ including two arms  104  extending at 180 degrees opposed to each other, and two intermediate arms  122  having their respective proximal end  106  joined centrally along the inner longitudinal side surface  114  of the connector  102 , at a junction of the two arms  104 , perpendicularly with each other. 
     Furthermore, each connector  103  is replaced by a connector  103 ′ having two arms  104  perpendicular to each other, and an intermediate arm  122  extending from a junction of the two arms  104  and bisecting these two arms  104 . As seen in  FIG. 55 , the intermediate arm may be inside a corner defined by the two arms  104 , or, as in the connector  103 ″ shown in  FIG. 57 , may be outside of this corner. Thus, using the connectors  102 ,  103 ′,  103 ″ (if required) and  124 , the assembled system  100  may define a diamond grid-like structure relative to the parallelly extending walls  304  of a square room. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 47, 48, 59 and 60 , in some embodiments of the system  100 , the system  100  further comprises an intermediate support  270  having an elongated configuration defining a lower end connected to a substantially centrally located upper side surface portion of user selected cross junction components  124 , and an upper end connected to a stationary support structure  312  overlying the common plane of the system  100 . Thus, the system  100  may be assembled to cover a substantially large common plane between widely spaced apart walls  304  of a room without bowing down due to the overall weight of the assembly. 
     Referring to  FIG. 59 , in some embodiments of the system  100 , the system  100  further comprises an adjustable support component  272  for adjustably connecting the upper end of the intermediate support  270  between two spaced apart support structure members of the stationary support structure  312  overlaying the common plane of the system  100 . 
     The adjustable support component  272  includes a pair of support brackets  274 . Each support bracket  274  is connected to a respective one of the spaced apart support structure members and includes a slot  176  extending parallel to the common plane of the system  100  and is oppositely parallelly facing the slot  176  of the other support bracket  174  in the pair. 
     The adjustable support component  272  further includes an elongated member  178  having a pair of oppositely extending end portions  180  and an intermediate portion  182  extending therebetween. The elongated member  178  is suitably sized and shaped so as to have the end portions  180  thereof slidably engaged in a respective one of the oppositely facing slots  176  of the pair of support brackets  274 . The adjustable support component  272  further includes a tubular member  184  slidably coaxially engaged along the intermediate portion  182  of the elongated member  178 . 
     Thus, the intermediate support  270  may have its upper end adjustably connected to the overlaying stationary support structure  312  through the adjustable support component  272  having its pair of support brackets  274  connected between a pair of spaced apart support members of the stationary support structure  312 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13, 22 to 26, 46 and 50 , in some embodiments of the system  100 , the system  100  further comprises a wall mount arrangement  190  for removably engaging the connectors  102  with the flat wall surfaces  304  and wall corners  310  of the room. 
     The wall mount arrangement  190  includes a plurality of mounting brackets  192 . Each mounting bracket  192  has a substantially elongated configuration defining a pair of spaced apart mounting bracket end portions  194  and a mounting bracket intermediate portion  196  extending therebetween. 
     Each mounting bracket  192  further defines front and rear longitudinal side surfaces  198  and  200  extending substantially the whole length thereof. The rear longitudinal surface  200  is adapted for longitudinal attachment in an end to end configuration along the walls and corners surfaces of the room and substantially in register with the common plane of the system  100  so as to surround the room along the flat walls  304  and wall corners  310  thereof. 
     Each mounting bracket  192  further defines a lip  202  extending longitudinally and substantially upwardly from the front longitudinal surface  198 , and in a parallelly spaced apart relationship relative to the rear longitudinal surface  200  respectively, protruding from a top surface  197  of the mounting bracket  192 . The portion of the mounting bracket  192  below the lip  202  is configured for mounting to the wall  304 . The lip  202  and top surface  197  are configured for supporting the connectors  102  and  103 . To that effect, referring more particularly to  FIGS. 8, 9, 20, 21 and 26 , the wall mount arrangement  190  further includes a lip engaging recess  204  extending longitudinally and at least partially upwardly inwardly relative to the underside surface  120  of each connector  102  and  103 , and parallelly proximally the longitudinal outer side surface  116  thereof. The lip engaging recess  204  is shaped and sized for removably engaging, in a snug fit relation, the lip  202  of the mounting bracket  192  such that the longitudinal underside surface  120  of the connector  102  is located substantially in register with a longitudinal underside edge  206  of the mounting bracket  192 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 26 . 
     Thus, the plurality of mounting brackets  192  may be first relatively easily attached linearly in register with the common plane of the system  100  along the wall and corner surfaces of the room using nails and a hammer, or a nail stapler, followed with engaging the plurality of connectors  102  at user selected positions along the lip  202  of the mounting brackets  192 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 62 , in some embodiments of the system  100 , the system  100  further comprises one or more guide tools  210 . 
     The one or more guide tools  210  each include a first arm  110  and a second arm  112  joined to one another through their respective proximal end  106 , with each arm extending distally therefrom in the common plane of the system  100  and at a predetermined angle relative to one another with respect to an outer longitudinal side surface  116  of the guide tool  210  extending along both the first and second arms  110  and  112  respectively. 
     The predetermined angle for the guide tool  210  being one of 180 degree, positive 90 degree, or negative 90 degree, depending on the location of engagement of the guide tool  210  along the plurality of mounting brackets  192  attached to the walls  304  (e.g. a flat wall surface, a negative wall corner or a positive wall corner respectively). 
     Furthermore, the guide tool  210  defines a longitudinal underside surface  120  extending along the longitudinal underside of both the first and second arms  110  and  112 , and a lip engaging recess  204  extending there along and proximally parallelly the longitudinal underside surface  120  of the guide tool  210 . 
     Thus, the one or more guide tools  210  are usable, in cooperation with mounting brackets  192  attached along selected wall surfaces  304  of the room, a cord  212  removably attached to a centered portion of the guide tool  210  through a hand knob  214 , or the like, and a common level tool, for assisting a user to relatively easily align the attachment of the plurality of mounting brackets  192  along all the walls of the room in a true horizontal common plane. 
     The guide tool  210  may further be useful for assisting a user to rectilinearly align alternating longitudinal assemblies of beams  130  and connectors  124  extending between two connectors  102  or  103  mounted along oppositely facing walls  304 , two adjacent walls  304 , or wall corners  310  of the room. 
     The various structural components of the suspended ceiling system  100  may be sized to substantially any reasonable scale for a given application. For example, and non-limitingly, typical dimensions for the connector  102  may measure about 6″ by 6″ in the common plane, and about 1.25″ in height, while the connector  124  may measure about 15.5″ in the common plane and 1.25″ in height. The typical dimensions of the other structural components such as the beams  130  and drop-in panels  162  may vary quite substantially, depending on the desired size and proportions of the aesthetical aspect of the resulting grid-like structure visible by a person standing in the room. 
     The various components of the suspended ceiling system  100  can be made of any suitably rigid material or combination of materials such as, for example, wood, a suitably rigid plastic using an appropriate injection or extrusion manufacturing process, and metal sheets using any known punch press process. 
     In some embodiments, at least the various structural components may be entirely made of wood. Advantageously, as illustrated in  FIGS. 40 to 44 , all the structural components of the customizable suspended ceiling system  100 , such as the connectors  102 ,  103  and  124  beams  130 , connector-to-beam junctions  140  and wall mount arrangements  190 , including the locking key  146 , may be entirely made out of an assembly of recycled woodwork leftovers having a same thickness. For example, as exemplified in the figures, 0.292″ thick wooden sticks, or baguettes, may be stacked side-by-side using glue, wood staples or the likes. Thus a large part of the system  100  may be economically manufactured, as well as representing an environmentally conscious product. 
     Further advantageously, the suspended ceiling system  100  of the present invention, as described above, can be easily mounted, and eventually as easily disassembled if desired, using only a relatively small number of the most basic carpenter tools such as a hammer, nails, a hand saw and a level tool. Of course, gains in assembly time may be achieved using a power nail stapler, a power miter saw and a small laser level tool. 
     Further advantageously, in some embodiments, the customizable suspended ceiling system  100  of the present invention may be assembled by a user having little or no experience in the assembly of suspended ceilings. Indeed, the use of locking keys  146  for assembling the grid-like structure means that, advantageously, over 90% of the assembly work of the system  100  does not need tools at all. 
     Further advantageously, the customizable suspended ceiling system  100  allows a user to relatively easily customize the latter between a relatively simple ornamental molding pattern, and a highly complex design pattern visible along the surface of the suspended ceiling system  100  using a relatively small basic set of modular components thereof. 
     Further advantageously, the high modularity of the suspended ceiling system  100  allows a user to modify the design pattern as the suspended ceiling is progressively assembled such as, for example, across two large sections of a same room. 
     Further advantageously, a set of ready to install components for mounting and assembling the customizable suspended ceiling system  100  in a room of a given size may be all packaged in a single box having sides no greater than the area of one of the drop-in panels of the system, since the drop-in panels have the greatest dimension of the components. Thus, the customizable suspended ceiling system  100  may be advantageously sold on-line and delivered via parcel shipping to customers. 
     Further advantageously, as illustrated in  FIG. 61 , an assembled grid-like structure of the system  100 , but without wall mount arrangements  190 , may be used as a collapsible and easily portable temporary wall partition. In the figure, two such grid-like structures of the system  100  are disposed vertically and joined to one another along adjacent vertical side edges thereof in a self-standing V-shaped configuration that can be used as a backdrop structure for supporting marketing canvas behind a trade show boot or the like. 
     Although there is illustrated in the figures mainly square-shaped decorative elements  166 , as in  FIGS. 1, 30, 32 and 58 , it is to be understood that all or selected decorative elements  166  of the system  100  may have other shape configurations such as, non limitatively, rounded, rectangular, hexagonal, as exemplified in  FIG. 53 , octagonal, and the likes. Or the user may chose to have a system  100  without any decorative elements  166  at all, as exemplified in  FIG. 54 . 
     Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be readily appreciated that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the claims should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. The present invention can thus be modified without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention as defined in the appended claims.