Grid tee for suspended ceiling

Abstract

A suspended ceiling grid main runner is provided that has a cross-section generally in the form of an inverted T, with a central web, a pair of panel support flanges extending from one edge of the web, and a reinforcing bulb extending from the other edge of the web. The main runner includes an integrally-formed interlocking connector, first and second series of longitudinally extending, spaced apart stitches in the web adjacent to the bulb and flanges, hemmed flanges including a cap, and an enlarged reinforcement bulb, which together increase the structural strength of the main runner sufficient to compensate for a reduction in the thickness of the metal strip from which the main runner is formed.

1 . A main runner for a suspended ceiling grid system comprising:
 a) a central web formed of two layers of sheet metal having first and second ends;   b) a reinforcement bulb extending from an upper portion of the central web between the first and second ends of the central web;   c) opposed flanges extending from a portion end of the central web between the first and second ends of the central web;   d) first and second end connector integral with the central web and extending from the first and second ends of the central web, respectively, past the flanges, the first end connector being displaced out of a plane defined by the central web in a first direction and the second end connector being displaced out of the plane defined by the central web in a second direction opposite to the first direction, each of the first and second end connectors having a distal edge;   e) a strap adjacent each end of the central web deformed out of the plane of the central web in a direction opposite to the adjacent end connector, the strap being configured to receive an end portion of an end connector of a second tee   f) each of the first and second end connectors further comprising a rectangularly-shaped embossment extending out of a first side of the end connector, the embossment being defined by a proximal edge, a distal edge, an upper edge and a lower edge, and first and second spaced-apart locking tabs each having a proximal tapered camming surface and distal locking surface extending out of a second side of the end connector, such that the distal locking surface of the locking tabs engage the distal edge of the end connector of the second tee.   
     
     
         2 . The main runner of  claim 1  further comprising a first row of longitudinally spaced stitches at the upper end of the web adjacent the bulb and a second row of longitudinally spaced stitches at the lower end of the web adjacent the flanges, with the stitches in the first row being staggered relative to the stitches in the second row. 
     
     
         3 . The main runner of  claim 1  further comprising a lower cap is applied to the flanges so that the free edges of the flanges are bent back on themselves along with the edges of the cap to provide a hemmed flange. 
     
     
         4 . The main runner of  claim 2  further comprising a lower cap is applied to the flanges so that the free edges of the flanges are bent back on themselves along with the edges of the cap to provide a hemmed flange. 
     
     
         5 . The main runner of  claim 1  wherein the main runner has an overall height of 1.640″ and the bulb has a height of 0.515″ and rounded upper corners. 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . The main runner of  claim 2  wherein the main runner has an overall height of 1.640″ and the bulb has a height of 0.515″ and rounded upper corners. 
     
     
         8 . The main runner of  claim 3  wherein the main runner has an overall height of 1.640″ and the bulb has a height of 0.515″ and rounded upper corners. 
     
     
         9 . The main runner of  claim 4  wherein the main runner has an overall height of 1.640″ and the bulb has a height of 0.515″ and rounded upper corners. 
     
     
         10 . The main runner of  claim 1  wherein the main runner is made of a sheet material having a thickness of 0.012″. 
     
     
         11 . The main runner of  claim 2  wherein the main runner is made of a sheet material having a thickness of 0.012″. 
     
     
         12 . The main runner of  claim 3  wherein the main runner is made of a sheet material having a thickness of 0.012″. 
     
     
         13 . The main runner of  claim 4  wherein the main runner is made of a sheet material having a thickness of 0.012″. 
     
     
         14 . The main runner of  claim 5  wherein the main runner is made of a sheet material having a thickness of 0.012″. 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . The main runner of  claim 7  wherein the main runner is made of a sheet material having a thickness of 0.012″. 
     
     
         17 . The main runner of  claim 8  wherein the main runner is made of a sheet material having a thickness of 0.012″. 
     
     
         18 . The main runner of  claim 9  wherein the main runner is made of a sheet material having a thickness of 0.012