Electrified ceiling framework connectors

• US 7,351,075 B1
• Filed: 10/17/2006
• Issued: 04/01/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/17/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Worthington Armstrong Venture
• Original Assignee: AWI Licensing Company (Armstrong World Industries Incorporated)
• Inventors: Patterson, Brian T., Myers, Jere W., Manning, Randy Marshall
• Primary Examiner(s): GUSHI, ROSS N
• Application Number:
  US11/581,822
• Publication Number:
  US 20080090431A1
• Time in Patent Office: 532 Days
• Field of Search: 439110-122
• US Class Current: 439/121
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 25/142 Their counterparts
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 25/145 Details, e.g. end pieces or joints H01R25/147 takes precedence

Abstract

An electrical connector for use with an electrified ceiling framework having a conductive body with a first end and second end. The first end of the conductive body is arranged and disposed to provide selective electrical contact to a first conductive surface disposed adjacent to a ceiling framework. The first end also includes a conductive, mechanically biased member capable of maintaining physical contact with the first conductive surface. The second end includes a surface arranged and disposed to provide selective electrical contact to a device selected from the group consisting of a voltage source, a second conductive surface, an electrical device and combinations thereof. The conductive body provides electrical connectivity between the conductive surface and the device.

Claims

1. An electrified ceiling system comprising:

a ceiling supported by a ceiling grid framework, the ceiling grid framework having a plurality of support members, wherein at least one support member has a vertical surface;

first and second conductive materials having opposing polarities, the first and second conductive materials being electrically isolated from one another and mounted on at least one of the plurality of support members, wherein the first and second conductive materials are mounted on opposing sides of the vertical surface of the at least one support member;

a connector having a conductive body having a first end and second end, the first and second ends being positioned on opposing sides of the vertical surface of the at least one support member;

the first end being arranged and disposed to provide selective electrical contact to the first conductive material;

the first end comprising a conductive, mechanically biased member capable of maintaining physical contact with the first conductive material;

the second end comprising a surface arranged and disposed adjacent the second conductive material, the second end providing selective electrical contact to a device selected from the group consisting of a power source, a third conductive material, an electrical device and combinations thereof; and

wherein the conductive body provides electrical connectivity between the first conductive material and the device.

2. The electrified ceiling system of claim 1, wherein the conductive body comprises a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, copper, brass, phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, stainless steel, and combinations thereof.

3. The electrified ceiling system of claim 1, wherein the conductive body comprises a plating selected from the group consisting of nickel, tin, lead, bismuth, silver, gold plating and combinations thereof.

4. The electrified ceiling system of claim 1, wherein one of the first and second ends of the conductive body further comprises a substantially horizontal surface.

5. The electrified ceiling system of claim 1, wherein one of the first and second ends includes a conductive, mechanically biased member capable of maintaining physical contact with one of the first and second conductive materials.

6. The electrified ceiling system of claim 1, wherein the conductive body extends through openings in the ceiling framework.

7. The electrified ceiling system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the mechanical bias is from the clipping of an upper portion of the connector.

8. The electrified ceiling system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the mechanical bias is from the material properties of the mechanically biased member.

9. The electrified ceiling system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of one of the first and second conductive materials is coated.

10. The electrified ceiling system of claim 1, wherein the conductive body further comprises an insulative coating.

11. The electrified ceiling system of claim 10 wherein the insulative coating comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyester, acrylic, polyurethane, polyvinyl, silicone, epoxy and combinations thereof.