BACKGROUND [0002] The invention relates to suspended ceiling systems, and more particularly, to the construction of a framework for a suspended ceiling. The framework of the present invention provides the basic functions of ceiling panel support, as well as, technical integration and aesthetic appeal.

[0003] Developments in lighting, air conditioning, etc. , are among the factors which have brought about or encouraged the use of a grid type ceiling structure suspended from the primary building structure by suitable hangers at a desired height. Frameworks for supporting suspended ceilings, of the character to which the present invention relates, are conventionally formed of interlocking perpendicularly intersecting framing members which form a plurality of openings in which ceiling panels, lighting fixtures and other ceiling elements are supported. Specifically, the main framing members are generally suspended in spaced parallel relation to one another.

Typically, each main framing members is made up of a series of runners which are connected in end-abutting relation to one another. Transverse framing members, also known as cross runners, are suspended in spaced, parallel relation between adjacent main runners and form T-joints between their ends and the runners of the main framing members. In typical frameworks for suspended ceilings, the transverse runners are connected to the main runners by extensions of the upright web section of the transverse runner which engage through openings formed in the upright web sections of the main runners.

[0004] Suspended ceilings have been suggested wherein the framing members have an I or inverted T configuration and are formed with various types of notches, slots, hooks, etc. , which are intended to lock the framing members in position. However, the conventional framework solutions for supporting suspended ceilings require a substantial amount of time and skill in order to install or remove them properly. As a result, skilled and unskilled labor costs in the construction field often outweigh the cost of the materials themselves. Due to high labor costs, modern-day construction techniques require a maximum of prefabrication or structural packaging as opposed to conventional piecemeal fitting by a skilled workman.

[0005] There is also a trend in modem building construction toward the installation of ceilings which do more than merely provide an overhead surface. Ceilings are often designed to provide functional capability such as air flow exchange between the areas above and below the ceiling.

Current solutions are not aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, the conventional framing members do not-provide an area-for such technical integration. Tims, it is desnable-te provide-a-gnd framework having functional capability other than panel support and which enhances the aesthetic appeal of the ceiling.

[0006] As a result, an improved framework is desired which is easy to install and which has parts that are instantly removable for replacement or to provide access to space behind the ceiling panels. It is also desired to adapt the conventional framing members to accommodate lighting, heating and ventilating systems so as to form a totally integrated grid framework.

SUMMARY [0007] A grid framework for a suspended ceiling is provided. The grid framework includes a plurality of hangers and a plurality of pre-assembled grid modules. Each pre-assembled grid module comprises first and second main framing members, first and second transverse framing members and a plurality of corner splices which link the main framing members to the transverse framing members. The framework arrangement substantially conceals the structural areas of the plurality of corner splices which might otherwise be visible and present an undesired appearance.

[0008] The grid framework is configured so that when installed each framing member of each pre-assembled grid module is positioned symmetrically with a framing member of an adjacent pre-assembled grid module. The framework provides a clearance between symmetrically positioned framing members of adjacent modules. The clearance can be utilized as a conduit for functional capability such as air return and for attaching mechanical and electrical appliances without the need for providing specially designed, costly adapters.

[0009] Various advantages stem from the grid framework of the invention. For example, the system is simpler and enomical to use as it requires only one framing member extrusion. In- addition, a single framing member is capable of providing the same visual at a wall, perimeter and bulkhead location. The absence of the need for multiple extruded framing members results in savings in manufacturing and makes installation and replacement less complicated, resulting in less cost to the consumer. The grid framework also provides an area for technical integration while providing clean and consistent details which enhance the aesthetic qualities of the finished ceiling.

[0010] The invention possesses many other advantages, and has other purposes which may be made more clearly apparent from consideration of an example embodiment. Example embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings forming part of the specification. The example embodiments will now be described in detail for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, but it is to be understood that the description of the example embodiments should not be considered limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] Figure 1 is a fragmentary, partially broken away, perspective view from above a suspended ceiling system incorporating the grid framework of the invention.

[0012] Figure 2 is a side view of a framing member of the invention.

[0013] Figure 3 is a front view of an example embodiment of a bracket connector.

[0014] Figure 4 is a fragmentary, partially broken away, perspective view of the grid framework of Figure 1 at the hanger joint.

[0015] Figure 5a is a front view of the second hanger portion of the hanger element.

[09101 Figure 5b is a front view o f the. fu-st hanger portion. of the. hanger element.

[0017] Figure 6 is a side view of the grid runner of Figure 2 mounted at a wall location.

[0018] Figure 7 is a side view of two adjacent grid members forming a clearance therebetween.

[0019] Figure 8 is a side view of two adjacent grid members having an alternative lower edge detail.

[0020] Figure 9 is an illustration of Figure 7 wherein lighting is integrated in the channel formed between the adjacent grid members.

[0021] Figure 10 is an illustration of Figure 7 wherein a partition is attached between the grid members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0022] The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known embodiment. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and may even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in limitation thereof, since the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims.

[0023] Referring now in greater detail to the Figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the drawings. A portionQf an- xample_embodiment_of the. grid-framework. lQ of the invention is shown in Figure 1. The grid framework 10 has a plurality of hangers 12 and a plurality of pre-assembled grid modules 14 connected to the plurality of hangers 12 at points of juncture. Each module 14 comprises first and second main framing members and first and second transverse framing members 16'. Each of the framing members 16 and 16'are formed of steel, aluminum or any other suitable material. Reference numeral 16 is used to designate those framing members extending in a first direction, while reference numeral 16'is used to represent those framing members extending in a direction transverse to framing members 16. Each module 14 also has four identical corner splices 20 which link the framing members 16 to transverse framing members 18. In the example embodiment shown in the drawings, each corner splice 20 is bent, typically in the manufacturing process, into a substantially L shape so at to link framing members 16 and 16'at right angles. The corner splices 20 are formed of steel, aluminum or any other suitable material. The corner splices 20 connect framing members 16 to framing members 16'and form a module 14 having an opening which coincides with the dimensions of a ceiling panel 62. The module 14 may be pre-assembled in the factory or in the field prior to installation.

[0024] Figure 2 shows an example embodiment of a framing member. For the purpose of illustration, the details of the framing members are herein described with respect to framing member 16. However, it should be noted that framing member 16'preferably has the same configuration as framing member 16. Thus, only a single extrusion for all framing members is required.

[0025] Framing member 16 includes a longitudinally extending vertical web 22, a horizontal upper flange 24 extending from a top edge of the vertical web 22 and a first horizontal lower flange 26-extending, froin-a bottam edge-of the web 22. The horizontal-upper flange 24--and--the first horizontal lower flange 26 project from the same side 41 of, and are in perpendicular relation to, the vertical web 22. An upwardly extending rib 32 is formed on the upper surface of the first horizontal lower flange 26 to define an upwardly-open lower recess 21 between the web 22 and the rib 32. A downwardly extending rib 34 extends from the upper flange 24 to define a downwardly-open upper recess 23 between the web 22 and the rib 34. Rib 32 is aligned with rib 34 as both ribs 32,34 cooperate with the vertical web 22 to form a channel in which a corner splice 20 can be slidably received. For ease of installation, the channel is preferably equal to the height of the corner splice 20, which is hereinafter described in greater detail. Thus, the connector 20 can be fixed in the channel by frictional engagement between the framing members 16 and the corner splice 20 as shown in Figure 4.

[0026] Optionally, the framing member 16 has a second horizontal lower flange 28 attached to the first horizontal lower flange 26. The first and second horizontal lower flanges 26, 28 are offset and are spaced apart from one another and are adjoined by vertical section 30. The horizontal lower flanges 26,28 provide a shelf or ledge on which ceiling panels, lighting fixtures, or the like, may rest.

[0027] The exterior side 43 of the vertical web 22 is flat so that the framing member 16 can be used at various locations within a room, including perimeter and wall locations. Figure 6 displays the framing member 16 mounted at a wall location 60. Figure 7 shows framing member 16 of grid module 14 and framing member 16 of adjacent grid module 14'being utilized in an interior location of the grid framework 10. Numeral 14'is used herein to designate a second grid module adjacent first grid modulel4 as best shown in Figure 1. The framing members 16 are arranged in pairs so that the flat exterior sides 43 of the framing members 16 extend essentially parallel to each other. The framing members 16 are spaced apart to provide a clearance 70 therebetween. The clearance 70 is generally fixed in length by the length of a framing member 16 and in width by the spacing between framing members 16 of adjacent grid modules 145 1 4t5 which approximates the thickness of either a first hanger member 40 or second hanger member 42 of hanger 12 as shown in Figure 4. The clearance 70 allows for complete technical integration and enhanced aesthetic qualities. For example, Figure 9 shows the wire 90 of a hanging light fixture running through clearance 70. Figure 10 displays the framing members supporting the cap 98 of a partition 100.

[0028] It should be noted that the framing members may have cross-sectional forms other than the form illustrated in Figure 7. Figure 8 illustrates one alternative configuration for the framing members. In this example alternative configuration, framing members 16 are configured so that a ceiling panel 62 can be rested on the first horizontal surface 26.

[0029] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, each corner splice 20 has first and second connector portions, 25 and 27 respectively, and an intermediate portion 29 integrally connecting the first and second connector portions, 25 and 27. Each of the first and second connector portions 25,27 is a longitudinally extending substantially planar web. The corner splice 20 is fabricated from a steel or aluminum sheet and formed to a height so as to frictionally engage the channel formed on the interior side 41 by recess 21 and 23 of the framing member 16 as shown in Figure 2. In the example embodiment shown in the drawings, and as best shown in Figure 3, the corner splice 20 is bent at the intermediate section 29 so that the comer splice 20 has a substantially L-shaped configuration. Thus, when two framing members, for example 16 and 16', are attached to the corner splice 20 as shown in Figure 4, the framing members are attached at right angles.

[0030] When installing the grid framework 10 of the invention, a series of hangers 12 are first maunted bçloav the. pnmary buildingstucture. Figure 5 illustrates thist asd secoMhanger members, 40 and 42 respectively, of hanger 12. The first hanger member 40 has a vertical slot 50 formed therein for receiving the second hanger member 42. The second hanger member 42 has longitudinally spaced surfaces 44 and 46 defining a vertical slit 48 opening upwardly from the bottom of the second hanger member 42. The second hanger member 42 interlocks with the first hanger member 40 by lining up slit 48 with slot 50, sliding the second hanger member 42 into slot 50 and moving the second hanger member 42 vertically downward. The hanger 12 is thus cruciform in shape as viewed in plan. The top of slit 48 rests on the bottom of slot 50. The vertical slot 50 may also have a notch 52 formed therein for receiving a plug-in clip 54 as shown in Figure 2. The plug-in clip 54 securely locks the first hanger member 40 to the second hanger member 42, thus, preventing the vertical movement of the second hanger member 42 and inadvertent separation of the second hanger members 42 from the first hanger member 40.

Optionally, the first hanger member 40 has a C-shaped hanging clip 53 which is capable of attaching to a suspension element 55, such as a black iron or a U-profile, as shown in Figure 4. l0031] The pre-assembled modules 14 are then attached to the hangers 12 in the manner shown in Figure 4 until the entire grid framework 10 is established. More specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the corner splice 20 has a tab 21 extending from a top edge of the first connector portion 25 proximate the intermediate portion 29 which can interlock with cooperative apertures 30 formed in the hanger 12. In the example embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the top portion 31 of the tab 21 has a form corresponding to a horizontally extending aperture 30 formed on either the first or second hanger members 40,42. The tab 21 is bent so that the top portion 31 extends away from the corner splice 20 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first end section 25, and then inserting the top portion 31 of the tab 21 through horizontal. slot3D.

[0032] A notch may be formed in the horizontally extending aperture 30 for inserting a plug-in clip 54. When both the plug-in clip 54 and tab 21 are inserted in slit, the clip 54 securely locks the tab 21 of the connector splice 20 in the aperture 30 and thereby prevents movement of the module 14 in any direction relative the hanger 12.