Brock R Kavanagh

6729100, May 4, 2004

Apr 30, 2002

10/135240

Gerald L. Koski - Parma OH
John M. Harcula - Vermillion OH
Brock R. Kavanagh - Avon OH

USG Interiors, Inc. - Chicago IL

E04B 922

527262, 527261, 5250607, 52664, 52668, 403346, 403347

A connector for a main tee of a suspended ceiling grid that has improved self-aligning and connection force properties. The connector has an end tab with a forward portion bent at a lead angle and a receiving pocket with an outwardly flared entrance that, with an opposed identical connector, cooperate to provide smooth horizontal alignment. The end portion, additionally, includes an edge profile that vertically aligns itself with the receiving pocket of the opposed connector. The receiving pocket includes a spring-like resilient wall that limits the assembly force to overcome interference with projecting lock lances even when the connectors are nearly out of dimensional tolerance. The spring-like pocket wall, shape of the lock lance, and reinforcing beads contribute to an improved audible click signaling that a connection has been completed. The lock lance works with a relief groove to augment self-alignment of the connectors.

6523314, Feb 25, 2003

Dec 29, 2000

09/752179

Paul D. LaLonde - Avon OH
Brock Kavanagh - Avon OH
Dennis Alvarez - Euclid OH

USG Interiors, Inc. - Libertyville IL

E04B 552

5250607, 527295, 527317, 527331

A grid tee for a suspended ceiling system having integral centering tabs to prevent misalignment of the tee in the space between adjacent ceiling tiles that could otherwise allow the edge of a tile to slip off a flange of the tee. The centering tabs are cut out of the web of the tee with a cantilevered free length that is sufficient to enable the tabs to deflect a relatively large fraction of the width of a flange portion without permanently bending whereby variations in the widths of tiles are accommodated without development of excessive forces which could otherwise cause the tabs to impale themselves into the edges of the tiles.