Connector support clip for use in an electrified grid framework

Abstract

The invention includes an electrified framework system having a plurality of grid members which form a grid framework. A conductive material is disposed on a surface of at least one of the plurality of grid members as shown throughout the drawings. The system includes connectors which provide electrical connections between the conductive material on the grid framework and various electrical fixtures. The electrified framework system includes a support clip for supporting depending articles suspended from the grid framework into a room space. The support clip does not interfere with the electrical and mechanical actuator controlling the connector and grid interface connection mechanism. The support clip attaches the connector to the grid element such that the connector, and any device attached thereto, will not inadvertently become detached from the grid element during a seismic event.

1 . A support clip attached to an electrified grid framework for supporting a connector and an article depending therefrom, the support clip is configured to attach directly and positively to a grid element of the grid framework such that the connector and depending article will maintain mechanical and electrical connection when seismic forces are applied thereto. 
   
   
       2 . The support clip of  claim 1 , wherein the clip is configured such that it does not interfere with the mechanism for electrically connecting a depending article to the electrified grid framework, the mechanism for electrically connecting a depending article to the electrified grid framework being a component of the connector. 
   
   
       3 . A grid framework system comprising:
 a longitudinally extending grid element having a web portion extending in a vertical plane and a flange box portion extending from the base of the vertical web portion, the flange box portion having conductive material in an interior location of the flange box and a slot for accessing the conductive material;   an electrical connector having a housing partially installed in the flange box portion of the grid element and a means for supporting a depending article therefrom; and   a support clip, the support clip being fixedly directly attached to the vertical web portion of the grid element and being attached to the means of the connector for supporting a depending article therefrom;   wherein the support clip includes a portion positioned in a plane offset from and perpendicular to the vertical plane of the web portion.   
   
   
       4 . The grid framework system of  claim 3 , wherein the means for supporting a depending article therefrom is a threaded stud extending from the bottom of the connector housing. 
   
   
       5 . The grid framework system of  claim 3 , wherein the flange box portion includes: a pair of horizontally extending support flanges which extend outwardly from the vertical web portion; a pair of vertically extending side walls extending generally downwardly from the support flanges; and a pair of horizontally return flanges extending inwardly from the side walls in a direction toward one another. 
   
   
       6 . The grid framework system of  claim 5 , wherein the connector includes a housing which includes a wide base portion for lying against the support flanges of the flange box and a narrower top portion positioned in the flange box slot.