Locking connection for supporting grid systems

Abstract

A first support member having a web with a slot therein and a second support member having a web provided with an integral locking connector extending axially therefrom for insertion in the slot. The connector has a snap locking finger provided with an edge inclined relative to a true vertical for positive locking engagement against one side of the first support member web. Interlocking means are provided on the opposed faces of a pair of second support member connectors inserted through the slot for locking the second support members against axial separation.

I claim: 
     
       1. A locking connection for supporting grid systems and the like comprising a first support member having a flange and a web upstanding therefrom; said web being provided with a slot; a second support member having a flange and web upstanding therefrom; said second member web being provided with a locking connector extending axially therefrom and insertable through said slot; said locking connector having a first portion engaging one side of said first support member web and a resiliently yieldable second portion having a terminal edge inclined at an angle relative to the plane of said first support member web in the fully assembled relation therewith; said terminal edge having at least a portion thereof engaging against the side of said first support member web opposite said first locking connector portion whereby said first portion and said edge portion simultaneously engage the opposite sides of said first support member web in the fully assembled relation therewith. 
     
     
       2. A locking connection according to claim 1 wherein said resiliently yieldable second portion comprises a finger struck out from the body of said connector along a vertical fold line, said terminal edge being inclined relative to a plane including said vertical fold line for positive engagement against said opposite side of first support member web. 
     
     
       3. A locking connector according to claim 1 wherein said resiliently yieldable second portion is bent about a vertical fold line having a recessed shoulder formed centrally therealong; a laterally projecting detent formed in said connector in axially spaced relation to said recessed shoulder for interlocking engagement with a corresponding but oppositely facing recessed shoulder of another second support member connector extending through said slot. 
     
     
       4. A locking connection according to claim 1 wherein said first connector portion comprises a stop shoulder engaging said one side of said first support member web below said slot formed therein. 
     
     
       5. A locking connection according to claim 1 wherein the distance between said first portion and said terminal edge portion is no greater than the thickness of said first support member web. .[.6. A locking connection for supporting grid systems and the like comprising: a first support member having a flange and a web upstanding therefrom; said web being provided with a slot; a pair of second support members each having a flange and a web upstanding therefrom; said second member webs being provided with axially projecting locking connectors insertable from opposite directions through said slot in a side-by-side relation; each of said locking connectors having axially spaced portions engagable against the opposite sides of said first member web for interlocking engagement therewith, and means interlocking said connectors together in an assembled relation preventing relative movement of said second support members away from each other..]. .[.7. A locking connection according to claim 6 wherein said interlocking means comprises a recessed shoulder and an axially spaced laterally projecting detent formed in each connector for interlocking engagement with the corresponding but oppositely facing detent and 
     
     
        recessed shoulder of the other connector..]. 8. .[.A locking connection according to claim 6.]. .Iadd.A locking connection for supporting grid systems and the like comprising: a first support member having a flange and a web upstanding therefrom; said web being provided with a slot; a pair of second support members each having a flange and a web upstanding therefrom; said second member webs being provided with axially projecting locking connectors insertable from opposite directions through said slot in a side-by-side relation; each of said locking connectors having axially spaced portions engageable against the opposite sides of said first member web for interlocking engagement therewith; means interlocking said connectors together in an assembled relation preventing relative movement of said second support members away from each other and .Iaddend.wherein one of said web engaging portions comprises a resiliently yieldable finger struck out from the body of each connector and having a terminal edge inclined at an angle relative to the plane of said first support member web in the fully assembled relation therewith for engagement of at least a portion thereof with one side of said first support member web in said 
     
     
        fully assembled relation therewith. 9. A locking connection according to claim 8 wherein the other of said web engaging portions comprises a stop shoulder engagable with the other side of said first support member web. .[.10. A locking connection according to claim 6 wherein the distance between said web engaging portions is no greater than the thickness of said first support member web..].