Concealed Ceiling Panel System

Abstract

A flexible ceiling panel is preferably formed from sheet metal, such as aluminum sheet. Each ceiling panel has a generally rectangular shape (corresponding in width to the spacing between the main runners) and is formed with a hem on all four edges. A series of bendable tabs are formed integrally with the hem of the panel. To secure the panel to the associated grid system, the tabs are folded upwardly and outwardly from the panel along two axes to secure the panel to the grid system. Alternatively, a plurality of separate spring clips is used to secure the panel to the grid system. Each clip includes a first leg adapted to have at least a portion thereof received in the hem of the ceiling panel. A second leg extends generally perpendicularly from the first leg and includes a detent extending toward the first leg, the detent being adapted to secure the clip to the flange of the runner.

1 - 3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . A clip for securing a sheet metal ceiling panel to a suspended ceiling support grid wherein the ceiling panel has edges that are folded back to form a hem and the support grid comprises a plurality of runners having flanges thereon for supporting the ceiling panel, the clip comprising:
 a first leg adapted to have at least a portion thereof received in the hem of the ceiling panel;   a second leg extending generally perpendicularly from the first leg, the second leg including a detent extending toward the first leg adapted to secure the clip to the flange of the runner.   
     
     
         5 . The clip of  claim 4  wherein the first leg further comprises a tab adapted to be received in a corresponding aperture in the hem of the ceiling panel. 
     
     
         6 . The clip of  claim 4  wherein the detent has a free end adapted to engage an edge of the flange of the runner. 
     
     
         7 . The clip of  claim 4  wherein the detent has a free end adapted to engage an upper surface of the flange of the runner. 
     
     
         8 . The clip of  claim 4  further comprising an angled segment extending from the second leg, the angled segment having a free end adapted to rest on the flange of the runner during the installation of the ceiling panel into the support grid. 
     
     
         9 . A suspended ceiling system comprising:
 At least one sheet metal ceiling panel, the panel having a plurality of edges, the edges being folded back to form a hem about the periphery of the panel;   A support grid comprising an plurality of runners having flanges thereon; and   A plurality of clips for securing the sheet metal panel to the grid system, the clips comprising a first leg received in the hem of the ceiling panel, a second leg extending generally perpendicularly to the first leg, and a detent extending from the second leg toward the first leg.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the hem of the ceiling panel includes an aperture for locating each clip and the first leg of the clip includes a tab received in the aperture. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the detent on the clip engages the flange of the runner. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the detent on the clip engages the flange of the runner.