Patent Application
20250176750
The present invention relates generally to the field of ceiling curtain tracks. The present invention relates specifically to a clip assembly configured to connect a ceiling grid to a rail for hanging a curtain from a ceiling.
One embodiment of the invention relates to a ceiling grid clip assembly configured to attach a rail for hanging a curtain from a ceiling. The ceiling grid clip assembly includes a bracket integrally formed as a single continuous, contiguous component. The bracket includes a front side, a rear side, a top side, channel extending from the front side to the rear side and configured to receive the rail, and an opening located on the top side. The ceiling grid clip assembly also includes a grid lock integrally formed as a single continuous, contiguous component. The grid lock includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a first engagement arm located on a first side of the grid lock, a second engagement arm located on a second side of the grid lock, a receiving slot formed between the top surface and the first and second engagement arms, and a locking protrusion extending from the bottom surface. The locking protrusion of the grid lock interlocks with the bracket within the opening to couple the grid lock to the bracket. The grid lock is configured to couple to a ceiling grid by placing a portion of the ceiling grid in a gap between the first engagement arm and the second engagement arm and rotating the grid lock such that the portion of the grid lock is retained within the receiving slot.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a ceiling grid clip assembly configured to attach a rail for hanging a curtain from a ceiling. The ceiling grid clip assembly includes a bracket integrally formed as a single continuous, contiguous component. The bracket includes a front side, a rear side, a top side, a channel extending from the front side to the rear side and being configured to receive the rail, and an opening located on the top side. The grid clip assembly also includes a grid lock integrally formed as a single continuous, contiguous component. The grid lock includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a first engagement arm located on a first side of the grid lock, a second engagement arm located on a second side of the grid lock, a receiving slot formed between the top surface and the first and second engagement arms and being configured to receive a portion of a ceiling grid, and a locking protrusion extending from the bottom surface. The locking protrusion of the grid lock passes through the opening of the bracket to couple the grid lock to the bracket. The locking protrusion is slidably adjustable between a locked position and an unlocked position within the opening of the bracket. The locking protrusion can be removed from the opening when in the unlocked position. The bracket prevents the locking protrusion from passing through the opening when in the locked position.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a system for hanging a curtain from a ceiling. The system includes a bracket and a grid lock. The bracket includes a front side, a rear side, a top side, and a channel extending from the front side to the rear side and being configured to receive the rail. The grid lock includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a first engagement arm located on a first side of the grid lock, a second engagement arm located on a second side of the grid lock, and a receiving slot formed between the top surface and the first and second engagement arms. The system also includes a rail configured to attach to a curtain. The rail is coupled to the bracket within the channel. The grid lock is configured to couple to a ceiling grid by placing a portion of the ceiling grid in a gap between the first engagement arm and the second engagement arm and rotating the grid lock such that the portion of the grid lock is retained within the receiving slot.
Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and, in part, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims thereof, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.
The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of various embodiments.
Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.
This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in which:
Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a ceiling grid clip assembly are shown. Embodiments of the ceiling grid clip assembly discussed herein include an innovative design to provide for a variety of desired characteristics, including secure attachment of a rail for hanging a curtain from a ceiling grid. Typically, traditional ceiling grid clips are assembled using multiple components to attach the clip to a ceiling grid and to a rail. In order to assemble the ceiling grid clip, users typically must use fasteners to secure the multiple components together.
Applicant has found it beneficial to provide a ceiling grid clip assembly that can be assembled and can couple a rail to a ceiling grid without the use of fasteners. This allows users to easily and quickly assemble and implement the ceiling grid clip, as well as reduce the number of components in the ceiling grid clip assembly. In some embodiments, the ceiling grid clip is integrally formed as a single continuous, contiguous component such that no assembly is required.
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In a specific embodiment, rail 4 includes a core section 3 and an outer shell 5. Core section 3 is formed from an aluminum alloy, such as a 3105 aluminum with between a H22 and H24 temper. Outer shell 5 is formed from a thermoplastic, such as ABS or PVC. In some embodiments, bracket 6 and/or ceiling grid lock 8 are formed from injection molded thermoplastics, such as ABS or PVC. Alternatively, bracket 6 can be formed from a metal material, such as an aluminum alloy.
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In an alternative embodiment, bracket 6 is coupled to a ceiling or other surface without coupling bracket 6 to ceiling grid lock 8 and/or a ceiling grid portion 24. As shown in
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Coupling apertures 40 are located on a left side and a right side of bracket 6, respectively. In a specific embodiment, coupling apertures 40 are configured to allow appropriate fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc., to pass through bracket 6 from an outer surface into channel 10. Such fasteners can apply a clamping force to bracket 6 and rail 4 within channel 10 to secure and rigidly couple bracket 6 to rail 4, as well as bend the sides of bracket 6 toward rail 4 to increase contact area between bracket 6 and rail 4.
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Ceiling grid lock 8 is coupled to bracket 6 by first passing locking protrusion 52 through opening 38 and then sliding bracket 6 in the longitudinal direction 12 relative to ceiling grid lock 8 such that locking protrusion 52 is in contact with second semi-circular edge 44 of opening 38. The structure of locking protrusion 52 and opening 38 allows lower lip 56 to pass through opening 38 around first semi-circular edge 42 but does not allow lower lip 56 to pass through opening 38 around second semi-circular edge 44 due to the radial sizes of first semi-circular edge 42, second semi-circular edge 44, and lower lip 56. The radial sizes of shaft 58, first semi-circular edge 42, second semi-circular edge 44 are configured to allow shaft 58 to be retained within opening 38 at first semi-circular edge 42 and second semi-circular edge 44. The radial size of shaft 58 and the lateral width at the narrowest portion of opening 38 between concave arcuate edges 46 are configured such that when shaft 58 is moved between first semi-circular edge 42 and second semi-circular edge 44, bracket 6 flexes to expand the lateral width at the narrowest portion of opening 38 between concave arcuate edges 46 and/or locking protrusion 52 contracts to allow shaft 58 to pass between concave arcuate edges 46.
Applicant has found that the structure of locking protrusion 52 and opening 38 discussed above allows users to easily, quickly, and securely attach and detach bracket 6 to and from ceiling grid lock 8 without requiring additional components. As such, the structure of locking protrusion 52 and opening 38 provides a means for assembling ceiling grid clip assembly 2 without fasteners, thereby reducing the number of components in ceiling grid clip assembly 2 and reducing time and labor costs associated with assembling ceiling grid clip assembly 2. In an alternative embodiment, bracket 6 and ceiling grid lock 8 are integrally formed as a single contiguous, continuous component.
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It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.
While the current application recites particular combinations of features in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein whether or not such combination is currently claimed, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.
In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more component or element and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one.
