Trim of a ceiling system and method of assembling the same

Abstract

A ceiling trim comprising a plurality of trim elements and a plurality of connector clips for connecting abutting trim elements to form a continuous beam free of imperfections. Each connector clip is formed of a single elongated plate and includes first and second end sections. Each of the first and second end sections include a longitudinally extending web and a means for securing the end sections to the trim elements. The connector clip also has an intermediate section which integrally connects the first and second end sections. The intermediate section has a means for cinching together the edges of adjacent trim elements to provide a ceiling edge having a clean, finished appearance.

1 . A connector clip for interconnecting adjacent trim elements in a ceiling system, the connector clip comprising: 
 a first end section and a second end section, each of the first and second sections including a longitudinally extending web;    a means for securing each end section to a trim element; and    an intermediate section integrally connecting the first and second end sections, the intermediate section having a means for cinching together adjacent trim elements.    
   
   
       2 . The connector clip of  claim 1 , wherein the connector clip is formed of a single elongated plate.  
   
   
       3 . The connector clip of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second end sections extend in a common plane.  
   
   
       4 . The connector clip of  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinally extending web of the first end section is longer than the longitudinally extending web of the second end section.  
   
   
       5 . The connector clip of  claim 1 , wherein the means for securing each of the first and second end sections is a fastener receiving aperture extending through the longitudinally extending web and a fastener inserted through the aperture.  
   
   
       6 . The connector clip of  claim 1 , wherein the means for cinching comprises a pair of fastener receiving apertures mutually aligned with one another and a fastener extending through the fastener receiving apertures.  
   
   
       7 . The connector clip of  claim 1 , wherein the intermediate section includes first and second integrally connected leg portions.  
   
   
       8 . The connector clip of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second end sections include first and second attachment flanges.  
   
   
       9 . A ceiling trim comprising: 
 a plurality of trim elements, each trim element having a longitudinally extending web and a pair of flanges which cooperate with the web to form a connector clip receiving channel, the connector clip receiving channels of adjacent trim elements being in register with one another to provide a continuous connector receiving channel; and    a plurality of connector clips, each connector clip having first and second end sections an intermediate section integrally connecting the first and second end sections and a means for securing the end sections to the trim elements, the intermediate section including first and second integrally connected leg portions.    
   
   
       10 . The ceiling trim of  claim 9 , wherein the first end section spans a portion of the webs of adjacent trim elements.  
   
   
       11 . The ceiling trim of  claim 9 , wherein the means for securing each of the first and second end sections to the trim elements is a fastener receiving aperture extending through the longitudinally extending web.  
   
   
       12 . The ceiling trim of  claim 9 , further comprising a first fastener for attaching the first end section of the connector clip to a first trim element, a second fastener for securing the second end section of the connector clip to the second trim element and a third fastener for cinching the leg portions of the intermediate section together.  
   
   
       13 . The ceiling trim of  claim 9 , wherein the first and second fasteners are screw-type fasteners.  
   
   
       14 . The ceiling trim of  claim 9 , wherein the third fasteners is a mechanical fastener.  
   
   
       15 . The ceiling trim of  claim 9 , wherein the intermediate section is mitered.  
   
   
       16 . The ceiling trim of  claim 9 , wherein each of the first and second end sections further include first and second attachment flanges.  
   
   
       17 . A method of assembling the trim of a ceiling, the method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a plurality of connector clips, each of the plurality of connector clips including a first end section and a second end section, each of the first and second sections including a longitudinally extending web, a means for securing each end section to a trim element, and an intermediate section integrally connecting the first and second end sections, the intermediate section having a means for cinching together adjacent trim elements;    providing a plurality of trim elements, each of the plurality of trim elements having a longitudinally extending web and a pair of flanges which cooperate with the web to form a connector clip receiving channel;    sliding a first end section of the connector clip in a connector clip receiving channel of a first trim element and aligning the end of the first trim element with the first end section of the connector clip such that when a fastener is inserted into a fastener receiving aperture extending through the first end section, the fastener contacts the surface of the first trim element;    inserting a fastener into a fastener receiving aperture extending through the first end section and tightening the fastener to prevent further longitudinal sliding of the connector clip in the connector clip receiving channel;    sliding a second end section of the connector clip in a connector clip receiving channel of a second trim element and aligning the end of the second trim element with the first end section of the connector clip such that when a fastener is inserted into a fastener receiving aperture extending through the second end section, the fastener contacts the surface of the second trim element; and    adjusting the position of the first and second trim elements by inserting a third fastener into mutually aligned fastener receiving apertures in the intermediate section and tightening the third fastener until the trim elements are abutting.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the longitudinally extending web of the first end section is longer than the longitudinally extending web of the second end section.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the means for securing each of the first and second end sections is a fastener receiving aperture extending through the longitudinally extending web and a fastener inserted through the aperture.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the means for cinching comprises a pair of fastener receiving apertures mutually aligned with one another and a fastener extending through the fastener receiving apertures.