Yu U Lin

US Patent:

7520095, Apr 21, 2009

Filed:

May 17, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/130529

Inventors:

William J. Platt - Aston PA, US
Yu Lin - Blue Bell PA, US

Assignee:

Worthington Armstrong Venture - Malvern PA

International Classification:

E04B 9/08
E04C 2/02

US Classification:

52232, 5250607, 525731, 52664, 52DIG 5

Abstract:

The invention relates to a right-angle connection in the grid of a suspended ceiling, between inverted T-beams having a vertical web extending between a bulb at the top and flanges at the bottom. A connector on the end of a cross beam hooks into a slot in the web of a main beam. The connector has a plastic encasement that forms abutments about a metallic core. The abutments position the connector within the slot in the web, and prevent further entry of the connector into the slot, under normal conditions. The plastic abutments melt away during a fire, so that the beam can expand longitudinally into the slot to relieve stresses in the beam, without the beam buckling. Ridges on the bottom of the metallic core that engage the web at the bottom of the slot, prevent pullback of the connector from the slot, during a fire, to prevent the ceiling from sagging or drooping.

US Patent:

7661236, Feb 16, 2010

Filed:

Sep 23, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/947976

Inventors:

William J. Platt - Aston PA, US
Daniel C. Ziegler - Millersville PA, US
Yu Lin - Blue Bell PA, US

Assignee:

Worthington Armstrong Venture - Malvern PA

International Classification:

E04B 9/08
E04B 9/12
E04B 9/18
E04B 9/20

US Classification:

5250606, 5250608, 5250607, 525061

Abstract:

A V-shaped indent is formed in a stab-in connector for a suspended ceiling grid. The indent forms a vertical bend line. In a fire, the connector bends along the vertical bend line to permit a cross beam in the grid to expand while keeping the grid intact, and thus capable of continuing to support the panels.

US Patent:

7926238, Apr 19, 2011

Filed:

Jan 9, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/754323

Inventors:

Brett W. Sareyka - West Chester PA, US
Yu Lin - Blue Bell PA, US
William J. Platt - Aston PA, US

Assignee:

Worthington Armstrong Venture - Malvern PA

International Classification:

E04B 9/10
E04B 9/34

US Classification:

5250606, 5250607, 525061, 5250609

Abstract:

A stab-in connector that locks with an opposing identical connector, through a slot in the main beam of a suspended ceiling grid. The connector has a straight locking latch that is cantilevered from a bend at a base of the connector. The bend is in the form of an arc. The bend forms a pivot for the latch. Contact between the cantilevered straight locking latch and the side of the slot is delayed as the connector is being stabbed into the slot. During the delay, the connectors are positioned within the slot, and relative to each other, so that substantially less force is needed than the force that was necessary to engage prior art stab-in connectors into locking position.