Lay-in light fixture retainer clip

Abstract

A hold-down and retaining clip for a lay-in light fixture secures the fixture to the T-bar frame of the suspended ceiling against both vertical and lateral movement. The main body portion of the clip has an L-shape configuration adapted to lie substantially adjacent the stem in one bottom flange of the T-bar. The upper vertical leg of the clip includes an extended center portion which is formed in an enlarged bend extending over the top of the stem with substantial clearance and terminates in an upwardly rebent edge adapted to engage the far side of the stem. The shorter lateral portions of the vertical leg have their upper edges bent toward the stem and are adapted to engage the near side of the stem at a slightly higher elevation than the terminal edge on the far side of the stem. The lower horizontal leg of the clip includes a heel adapted to bear against the stem adjacent the bottom flange and also includes a center portion at a slightly higher elevation than the foot of the lateral portions which form the heel. The center portion is provided with barbs directed toward the stem which are adapted to engage and bite into a horizontal peripheral flange of the light fixture when the same is inserted between the center elevated portion and the lower lateral portions of the bottom leg of the clip. The clip is adapted to accommodate either round or rectangular head T-bar or lighting fixtures which have upturned peripheral flanges of varying degree or no upturned flanges at all.