Single strip - double web ceiling grid member

Abstract

A runner for a suspended ceiling grid is roll-formed from a single strip of sheet metal so as to have a generally symmetrical appearance about a vertical center line, with a double vertical web and a double-thickness flange for supporting ceiling tiles. The bottom surface of the flange is continuous across its exposed surface, so that there is no visible juncture of the opposed flanges with the double web when viewed from below, thus providing an aesthetically more-pleasing appearance

1 . A tee for a suspended ceiling or drywall suspension system comprising a vertical web with first and second opposed ends and opposed flanges extending from the first end of the vertical web, the tee further comprising a single piece of sheet metal, the vertical web and the flanges each having a double thickness of sheet metal, and the flanges having an outer surface that is continuous.  
   
   
       2 . The tee of  claim 1  wherein the second opposed end of the vertical web comprises a reinforcing bead.  
   
   
       3 . The tee of  claim 2  wherein the reinforcing bead has a fin extending therefrom in substantial alignment with the vertical web.  
   
   
       4 . The tee of  claim 3  wherein the fin comprises a locking seam.  
   
   
       5 . The tee of  claim 1  in which the web includes at least one stitch for securing the two thicknesses of sheet metal of the vertical web to each other.  
   
   
       6 . The tee of  claim 1  wherein a cap is secured to the flanges.  
   
   
       7 . The tee of  claim 1  wherein the opposed flanges define a slot for receipt of a bolt.  
   
   
       8 . The tee of  claim 1  wherein the second end of the web defines an elongated slot on each side of the web with the slot facing the flanges.  
   
   
       9 . The tee of  claim 2  wherein the reinforcing bead has a generally planar configuration that is generally parallel to a plane defined by the flanges.