US3785110A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Modular ceiling connector
Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
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Filing: 1971-01-14
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Granted: 1974-01-15
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Expires: 1991-01-14
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates generally to improvements in modular connectors for horizontal runners of a ceiling grid system, and more particularly to improvements in modular connectors comprising a one piece sheet metal stamping. The embodiment of the invention disclosed in the present application includes a central sheet metal plate section having a plurality of integral arms radiating therefrom. Each arm presents a plate portion having integral flanges extending upwardly from opposite margins thereof for telescopically accommodating the extremity of a complementary grid channel member. Means is also provided for accommodating the lower extremity of a vertically disposed grid suspending member such as a wire.
Inventors
- 👤 F Pliml
- 👤 L Galloway
- 👤 L Harast
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 13:20
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04B; E04B9/00; E04B9/06; E04B9/12; E04B9/14; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T403/00; Y10T403/34; Y10T403/341; Y10T403/344; Y10T403/60; Y10T403/606
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
A modular connector for horizontal runners of a ceiling grid system, including a central plate section, a plurality of integral arms radiating therefrom, each arm comprising a plate portion forming a continuation of said central plate section, integral flanges extending upwardly from opposite margins of said plate portion, said plate portion and flanges being adapted to telescopically accommodate the extremity of a complementarY grid channel member, and means associated with said plate section for accommodating the lower extremity of a vertically disposed grid suspending member said means including a tiltable member adapted to be positioned in substantial parallelism with the plane of the central plate section when occupying an inoperative position whereby to facilitate nesting of said connector with another like connector.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
122 words
A modular connector for horizontal runners of a ceiling grid system, including a central plate section, a plurality of integral arms radiating therefrom, each arm comprising a plate portion forming a continuation of said central plate section, integral flanges extending upwardly from opposite margins of said plate portion, said plate portion and flanges being adapted to telescopically accommodate the extremity of a complementarY grid channel member, and means associated with said plate section for accommodating the lower extremity of a vertically disposed grid suspending member said means including a tiltable member adapted to be positioned in substantial parallelism with the plane of the central plate section when occupying an inoperative position whereby to facilitate nesting of said connector with another like connector.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
A modular connector for horizontal runners of a ceiling grid system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the tiltable member includes a pair of arms, one extremity of each arm being hingedly coupled with said central plate section, and the opposite extremities of said arms being joined to provide means for accommodating the lower extremity of a vertically disposed grid suspending member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
A modular connector for horizontal runners of a ceiling grid system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the tiltable member consists of a U-shaped length of wire, the free extremities of which are hingedly coupled with said central plate section.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
113 words
A modular connector for horizontal runners of a ceiling grid system, including a central plate section, a plurality of integral arms radiating therefrom, each arm comprising a plate portion forming a continuation of said central plate section, integral flanges extending upwardly from opposite margins of said plate portion, said plate portion and flanges being adapted to telescopically accommodate the extremity of a complementary grid channel member, and means associated with said plate section for accommodating the lower extremity of a vertically disposed grid suspending member said means including a pair of spaced tabs struck from the central plate section, and a U-shaped member hingedly connected at the free extremities thereof with said tabs.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
113 words
A modular connector for horizontal runners of a ceiling grid system, including a central plate section, a plurality of integral arms radiating therefrom, each arm comprising a plate portion forming a continuation of said central plate section, integral flanges extending upwardly from opposite margins of said plate portion, said plate portion and flanges being adapted to telescopically accommodate the extremity of a complementary grid channel member, and means associated with said plate section for accommodating the lower extremity of a vertically disposed grid suspending member said means including a pair of spaced tabs struck from the central plate section, and a U-shaped member hingedly connected at the free extremities thereof with said tabs.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-01-14 | 1977-07-16 | 1978-01-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-14 | 1981-07-16 | 1982-01-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-14 | 1985-07-16 | 1986-01-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |