Seismic Separation Clip for Suspended Ceiling Grid Systems

Abstract

A clip is provided for connecting either main runners end-to-end, or for connecting cross tees to a main runner. The clip comprises a first vertical portion configured to lie along the vertical web of a T-shaped runner or cross tee that has a central discontinuity to define first and second segments, the discontinuity permitting the clip to fit over a two-way intersection of cross tees with a main runner. Each of the first and second portions includes an elongated slot configured to slidably receive a fastener and an aperture configured to receive a fastener. The clip further comprises a second inverted generally J-shaped portion extending upwardly from the first vertical portion configured to receive the strengthening bulb of a T-shaped member, the second portion including a central discontinuity to permit the clip to fit over a two-way intersection of cross tees with a main runner. The J-shaped section also includes a tab extending outwardly therefrom adjacent the discontinuity, the tab including an aperture configured to receive a fastener, the J-shaped portion including reinforcement adjacent the discontinuity.

1 . A clip for connecting either main runners end-to-end, or for connecting cross tees to a main runner, the main runners and cross tees comprising inverted T-shaped members with opposed flanges at the lower end, a vertical web extending upwardly from the flanges, and a strengthening bulb at the upper end of the web, the clip comprising:
 a first vertical segment configured to lie along the vertical web of a T-shaped member having a first central discontinuity to define first and second halves, the first vertical segment of each of the first and second halves being coplanar, the discontinuity permitting the clip to fit over a two-way intersection of cross tees with a main runner, each of the first and second halves including an elongated slot configured to slidably receive a fastener and an aperture configured to receive a fastener; and   a second inverted generally J-shaped segment extending upwardly from the first vertical portion configured to receive the strengthening bulb of a T-shaped member, the second segment including a second central discontinuity to permit the clip to fit over a two-way intersection of cross tees with a main runner, the second inverted J-shaped segment including a tab extending outwardly therefrom adjacent the second discontinuity, the tab including an aperture configured to receive a fastener.   
     
     
         2 . The clip of  claim 1  further comprising a reinforcement of the second segment adjacent the second central discontinuity. 
     
     
         3 . The clip of  claim 2  further comprising an embossment for reinforcement. 
     
     
         4 . The clip of  claim 1  wherein the second central discontinuity extends from and is continuous with the first central discontinuity. 
     
     
         5 . The clip of  claim 1  wherein the tab extends generally perpendicularly from the second segment.