The partially lit T-bar includes a spine with a rest shelf at a lower portion thereof. The rest shelf supports adjacent ceiling tiles. The under surface of the rest shelf includes a lighting module on a portion and a plain unlit undersurface on other portions. Additional T-bars which are shorter, and typically fully lit or fully unlit and half the length of the partially lit T-bar are also provided which can attach at ends or near a midpoint of the partially lit T-bar and typically perpendicularly thereto. A great variety of lighting patterns in a dropped ceiling is thus facilitated. Each of the T-bars preferably also includes a heat sink on an upper portion of the spine and also preferably a lower heat sink on an upper portion of the rest shelf. Heat associated with the light element of the T-bar can thus be drawn away from a space below the ceiling.

An improved connector for a main tee of a suspended ceiling grid that has multiple locking elements that increase connection tensile force properties. The connector has an end tab with a forward portion bent at a lead angle and a receiving pocket with an outwardly flared entrance that, with an opposed identical connector, cooperate to provide smooth horizontal alignment. The end portion, additionally, includes an edge profile that vertically aligns itself with the receiving pocket of the opposed connector. The receiving pocket includes a spring-like resilient wall that limits the assembly force to overcome interference with projecting lock elements. The spring-like pocket wall and shape of the lock elements contribute to an audible click signaling that a connection has been completed. One of the lock elements works with a relief groove to augment self-alignment of the connectors.

An acoustic ceiling tile and a dynamic acoustic ceiling system that includes multiple ceiling tiles that can be quickly and easily installed onto ceiling structures utilizing attached or embedded magnetic assemblies to provide an aesthetically pleasing image, such as an fluctuating image, along with a reduction in unwanted noise or room acoustics, wherein the attached or embedded magnetic assemblies are configured to be removed from the ceiling tile, and then configured to be easily placed or located onto a different location on the ceiling tile as needed, to allow for optimal installation of the ceiling tile onto the ceiling structure.

A main tee for a suspended ceiling formed of metal sheet and having an upper reinforcing bulb, a lower flange and a web between the bulb and flange, the web having evenly spaced, generally vertical cross tee receiving slots along a length of the tee and a series of suspension wire receiving holes along the length of the tee, the lowermost edges of the holes being above a highest extremity of the cross tee slots.

Ceiling tile system for acoustic modification.

A ceiling system in one embodiment includes an overhead support grid comprised of a plurality of intersecting grid support members and a ceiling tile mountable to the grid. Retaining clips support the ceiling tile from the grid which may be concealed from view. The retaining clips each include a cavity that receives a grid support member and a pair of resilient mounting elements configured to lockingly engage a support member. The mounting elements are laterally movable in response to inserting the support member into the cavity of the retaining clip. In one embodiment, the movable elements include locking tabs which create a snap-fit interlock with the grid support member for securing the ceiling tile to the grid.

An acoustic ceiling tile and a dynamic acoustic ceiling system that includes multiple ceiling tiles that can be quickly and easily installed onto ceiling structures utilizing attached or embedded magnetic assemblies to provide an aesthetically pleasing image, such as an fluctuating image, along with a reduction in unwanted noise or room acoustics, wherein the attached or embedded magnetic assemblies are configured to be removed from the ceiling tile, and then configured to be easily placed or located onto a different location on the ceiling tile as needed, to allow for optimal installation of the ceiling tile onto the ceiling structure.

The partially lit T-bar includes a spine with a rest shelf at a lower portion thereof. The rest shelf supports adjacent ceiling tiles. The under surface of the rest shelf includes a lighting module on a portion and a plain unlit undersurface on other portions. Additional T-bars which are shorter, and typically fully lit or fully unlit and half the length of the partially lit T-bar are also provided which can attach at ends or near a midpoint of the partially lit T-bar and typically perpendicularly thereto. A great variety of lighting patterns in a dropped ceiling is thus facilitated. Each of the T-bars preferably also includes a heat sink on an upper portion of the spine and also preferably a lower heat sink on an upper portion of the rest shelf. Heat associated with the light element of the T-bar can thus be drawn away from a space below the ceiling.

An improved connector for a main tee of a suspended ceiling grid that has multiple locking elements that increase connection tensile force properties. The connector has an end tab with a forward portion bent at a lead angle and a receiving pocket with an outwardly flared entrance that, with an opposed identical connector, cooperate to provide smooth horizontal alignment. The end portion, additionally, includes an edge profile that vertically aligns itself with the receiving pocket of the opposed connector. The receiving pocket includes a spring-like resilient wall that limits the assembly force to overcome interference with projecting lock elements. The spring-like pocket wall and shape of the lock elements contribute to an audible click signaling that a connection has been completed. One of the lock elements works with a relief groove to augment self-alignment of the connectors.

An improved drop/suspended ceiling system which provides consistent spacing between continuous, parallel support rails is described. The rails attach directly to floor joists which permits locating ceiling panels as high as possible with respect to the bottom of the joists. In other embodiments, the rails may be supported by hangers, but held in parallel by spacers hidden by the ceiling panels to avoid the use of conventional suspended ceiling cross-sectional members. In some embodiments, the rails attach within or between joists and can also be used as a remodel or new option. Panels can be used with existing steel drop ceilings in conjunction with the spacer channel to achieve a continuous, parallel look with traditional steel drop ceiling rails using the spacer. Rails and tiles can serve as a direct replacement for traditional tiles or long panels can be used from wall to wall in isles or small rooms.