Importance

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Abstract

A new and useful latch structure for suspending ceiling panels from a grid of inverted T-beam support members. The latch structure comprises a relatively rigid, hook-shaped member which is coupled to a respective ceiling panel so as to move with the ceiling panel relative to the inverted T-beam support members. Each hook-shaped member can tilt, or pivot, relative to its respective ceiling panel. Each hook-shaped latch member is biased by gravity toward a locking position. As a ceiling panel is brought upward against an inverted T-beam support member, the inverted T-beam support member engages the hook-shaped latch member and tilts the latch member away from its locking position, to allow the latch member to clear the inverted T-beam support member. Once the hook-shaped latch member clears the transverse leg of the inverted T-beam support member, the latch member tilts, or pivots, under the influence of gravity, to its locking position. In that position, a locking portion of the latch member will engage the top side of the transverse leg of the T-beam support member, and suspend the ceiling panel from the T-beam support member. An access opening in the ceiling panel enables the hook-shaped latch member to be disengaged from the inverted T-beam member. The access opening is designed to allow any handy implement (e.g., pencil, screwdriver, etc.) to be inserted therethrough to tilt the latch member away from its locking position, to enable the latch structure to be disengaged from the T-beam support member. The ceiling panel can then be readily removed from the inverted T-beam support member.

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First Claim