U.S. patent application number 12/971137 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-23 for ceiling tile unit and a method for forming a ceiling tile unit.
Invention is credited to Thomas NILSSON, Jonas SKEPPAS, Jan WILKENS.
Application Number | 20110146183 12/971137 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42262379 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110146183 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WILKENS; Jan ; et
al. |
June 23, 2011 |
CEILING TILE UNIT AND A METHOD FOR FORMING A CEILING TILE UNIT
Abstract
The present invention relates to a ceiling tile unit comprising
a tile body made of mineral fibre material, a surface layer and a
guide. The tile body has a front side, a rear side and at least one
side edge, and the surface layer is arranged on said front side of
said tile body. A groove is provided in said rear side of said tile
body dividing said tile body into a first tile body section and a
second tile body section. Said guide is adapted to form a fold
guidance for inclination of said first tile body section in
relation to said second tile body section by folding about an axis
parallel to the longitudinal direction of said groove. The
invention further relates to a method for forming a ceiling tile
unit.
Inventors: |
WILKENS; Jan; (Hoganas,
SE) ; SKEPPAS; Jonas; (Helsingborg, SE) ;
NILSSON; Thomas; (Hassleholm, SE) |
Family ID: |
42262379 |
Appl. No.: |
12/971137 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/506.06 ;
52/631; 52/745.19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 9/045 20130101;
E04B 9/0414 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/506.06 ;
52/631; 52/745.19 |
International
Class: |
E04B 9/18 20060101
E04B009/18; E04C 2/40 20060101 E04C002/40; E04B 1/35 20060101
E04B001/35 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 22, 2009 |
EP |
09180422.9 |
Claims
1. A ceiling tile unit, comprising a tile body made of mineral
fibre material, a surface layer and a guide, the tile body having a
front side, a rear side and at least one side edge, the surface
layer being arranged on said front side of said tile body, wherein
a groove is provided in said rear side of said tile body dividing
said tile body into a first tile body section and a second tile
body section, and wherein said guide is adapted to form a fold
guidance for inclination of said first tile body section in
relation to said second tile body section by folding about an axis
parallel to the longitudinal extension of said groove.
2. A ceiling tile unit according to claim 1, wherein the guide
comprises a crease formed in said surface layer.
3. A ceiling tile unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide
comprises a guide body of a compressible material, the guide body
being adapted to be arranged in the groove.
4. A ceiling tile unit according to claim 1, wherein the guide
comprises a profile insertable in said groove.
5. A ceiling tile unit according to claim 4, wherein the profile is
at least partially enclosed by the tile body when inserted in said
groove and when the first tile body section is inclined in relation
to the second tile body section.
6. A ceiling tile unit according to claim 4, wherein the profile is
included in a supporting system for supporting said tile body.
7. A ceiling tile unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the
surface layer comprises a layer of paint.
8. A ceiling tile unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the
groove has a depth corresponding to the thickness of the tile
body.
9. A ceiling tile unit according to claim 1, further comprising an
angle bar for locking the first tile body section in relation to
the second tile body section in an inclined position.
10. A ceiling tile unit according to claim 4, wherein the profile
comprises protrusions forming an angle bar.
11. A ceiling tile unit according to claim 1 or 2, further
comprising an additional groove provided in said rear side of said
tile body, said groove and said additional groove dividing said
tile body into said first tile body section, said second tile body
section and a third tile body section, and wherein an additional
guide is adapted to form a fold guidance for inclination of said
third tile body section in relation to said first tile body section
by folding about an axis being parallel to said additional
groove.
12. A ceiling tile unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the
groove has a square cross section and has a width corresponding to
a thickness of the tile body.
13. A suspended ceiling comprising at least one ceiling tile unit,
said at least one ceiling tile unit comprising a tile body made of
mineral fibre material, a surface layer and a guide, the tile body
having a front side, a rear side and at least one side edge, the
surface layer being arranged on said front side of said tile body,
wherein a groove is provided in said rear side of said tile body
dividing said tile body into a first tile body section and a second
tile body section, and wherein said guide is adapted to form a fold
guidance for inclination of said first tile body section in
relation to said second tile body section by folding about an axis
parallel to the longitudinal extension of said groove.
14. A suspended ceiling according to claim 13, wherein the guide
comprises a crease formed in said surface layer.
15. A suspended ceiling according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the
guide comprises a guide body of a compressible material, the guide
body being adapted to be arranged in the groove.
16. A suspended ceiling according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the
guide comprises a profile insertable in said groove.
17. A method for forming a ceiling tile unit, comprising providing
a ceiling tile unit comprising a tile body made of mineral fibre
material and a surface layer, said tile body having a front side, a
rear side and at least one side edge, and said surface layer being
arranged on said front side of said tile body, forming a groove in
said rear side of said tile body dividing said tile body into a
first tile body section and a second tile body section, providing a
guide adapted to form a fold guidance for inclination of said first
tile body section in relation to said second tile body section by
folding about an axis parallel to the longitudinal extension of
said groove.
18. A method according to claim 17, further comprising inclining
said first tile body section in relation to said second tile body
section about said axis.
19. A ceiling tile unit according to claim 2, wherein the guide
further comprises a profile insertable in said groove.
20. A ceiling tile unit according to claim 19, wherein the profile
is at least partially enclosed by the tile body when inserted in
said groove and when the first tile body section is inclined in
relation to the second tile body section.
21. A ceiling tile unit according to 19, wherein the profile is
included in a supporting system for supporting said tile body.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a ceiling tile unit and a
method for forming such a ceiling tile unit. The ceiling tile unit
comprises a groove and a guide adapted to form a fold guidance for
inclination of a first tile body section in relation to a second
tile body section.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
[0002] Suspended ceilings can be installed in many different types
of buildings for various reasons, for example to absorb sound, to
reflect light, to lower the ceiling height or to conceal
installations such as cable arrangements, ventilation equipment,
lighting installations and other devices arranged in the space
between the suspended ceiling and the ceiling structure of a
building.
[0003] Suspended ceilings often comprise tiles and a supporting
structure. The supporting structure normally comprises supporting
profiles, which are arranged in a grid defining compartments for
individual tiles or groups of tiles. The tiles may have
sound-absorbing and/or sound-insulation properties in order to
improve the acoustic environment of the room. In order to obtain a
relatively lightweight ceiling with satisfactory sound absorption,
the tiles, for instance, may be made of a compressed fibre material
such as mineral wool. The tiles may also be made of gypsum.
[0004] Sometime it is desirable to create a smooth transition
between different levels of the suspended ceiling, for example to
accommodate various installations such as ventilation equipment in
the ceiling void, or to achieve a special effect of the suspended
ceiling. It may also be desirable to create a smooth transition
between a wall and the suspended ceiling or to create a special
curvature of the suspended ceiling.
[0005] In order to hide for example a ventilation tube,
plasterboards and a filler material may be used to visually cover
the ventilation tube. This task is time-consuming and the result
may not match the visual impression of the rest of the suspended
ceiling.
[0006] Alternatively, there is provided ceiling tiles being
pre-formed to a specific curvature for this purpose. These tiles,
especially tiles made of a mineral fibre material, are pressed to a
specific shape and curvature. These tiles may have a
cross-sectional shape corresponding to a segment of a circle, or be
essentially S-shaped or L-shaped in cross-section. Common for these
tiles is that they have a large radius of curvature and a large
portion of the tile is curved, which may not be desirable from an
architectural or aesthetical point of view. Further, compared to
the cost of a conventional ceiling tile, a pre-formed curved
ceiling tile is considerably more expensive.
[0007] Since the tiles are formed and pressed to the desired shape
during manufacture, they are also space requiring during transport
and distribution.
[0008] As an alternative, there is provided ceiling tiles having a
glass wool core being bendable to a desired shape when mounting the
tile to the support structure. Similar to ceiling tiles of the type
described above, these ceiling tiles are only bendable to a large
radius of curvature. In addition, these ceiling tiles must be
attached to the support profile by clips. In order to maintain the
desired shape of the profile, a clip must be fixed at every 100-300
mm depending of the radius of curvature, which is a time-consuming
task.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
ceiling tile unit and a method for forming such a ceiling tile unit
which facilitate forming of an inclined tile unit. A further object
is to provide a ceiling tile unit which enables forming of small
radius of curvature and which enables efficient transportation and
distribution of the tile unit.
[0010] This and other objects and advantages that will be apparent
from the description have been achieved by a ceiling tile unit
comprising a tile body made of mineral fibre material, a surface
layer and a guide. The tile body has a front side, a rear side and
at least one side edge. The surface layer is arranged on said front
side of said tile body. A groove is provided in said rear side of
said tile body dividing said tile body into a first tile body
section and a second tile body section. The guide is adapted to
form a fold guidance for inclination of said first tile body
section in relation to said second tile body section by folding
about an axis parallel to the longitudinal extension said
groove.
[0011] With a ceiling tile unit is meant a set comprising the tile
body, the surface layer and the guide. The guide may be provided
separately from the tile body, or may be provided together with the
tile body.
[0012] An advantage of the present invention is that the tile unit
can be delivered and transported in a flat state. Thereby, the tile
unit requires no extra space during transportation compared to a
conventional flat tile. Since the tile unit may be transported in a
flat state, the risk for damages caused by the transport is
reduced. Not until the tile unit is to be mounted in a specific
room the first tile body section is inclined about the axis in
relation to the second tile body.
[0013] The guide is adapted to guide the position and direction of
the folding between the first and second tile body portions and to
relieve the forces affecting the surface layer when inclining the
second tile body portion in relation to the first tile body
portion. Furthermore, the guide strengthens the transition between
the first and second tile body sections and improves the impact
resistance of the transition.
[0014] Since the groove may be arranged at any position on the tile
body, the tile unit offers great flexibility. By varying the
position and shape of the groove, a ceiling tile unit having a
shape and inclination adjusted to accommodate a specific detail of
a room may be formed. The architect, for example, is free to create
a specific shape of the tile unit without having to select between
a limited numbers of pre-formed tiles. The flexibility includes
varying the angle of inclination, the position of the groove, the
number and relative positions of the inclinations, the radius of
curvature etc.
[0015] Another advantage compared to a pre-formed ceiling tile
having a large radius of curvature is that a horizontal portion of
the suspended ceiling may extend from any position along the
extension of the first tile body portion. It is not necessary that
the horizontal portion of the suspended ceiling starts at the end
of the first tile body portion. Thereby, the level of the
horizontal portion of the suspended ceiling is variable.
[0016] A further advantage is that it is possible to obtain a small
radius of curvature when forming the inclination between the first
and second tile body sections. The transition between the first and
second tile body sections may be restricted to a small area. It is
thus possible to obtain a distinct transition between the first and
second tile body sections.
[0017] It is to be understood that the groove may be formed in
connection with the manufacturing of the tile body, or may be
formed just before mounting the tile unit. If the groove is formed
on the building site, adjustments to the specific room are possible
by varying the number of grooves and the position of the groove or
grooves.
[0018] Mounting a ceiling tile unit according to the present
invention is easy and fast compared to the prior art solutions.
When the groove and guide are provided, the tile unit is ready to
be mounted and no additional step is required.
[0019] An inclined tile unit according to the present invention
requires no clips in order to maintain its shape and inclination.
Once inclined and suspended by a supporting structure, the tile
unit will maintain its shape. Thereby, the time-consuming task of
attaching clips at certain distance from each other along the edge
of the tile unit is avoided. The tile unit is comparably more
stable and the risk that the tile unit becomes damaged by an object
making contact with the tile unit is reduced. Since no clips are
required, the tile unit is easily demountable.
[0020] Compared to a pre-formed ceiling tile, a ceiling tile unit
according the present invention is less expensive since it is
formed from a conventional ceiling tile body.
[0021] The guide may comprise a crease formed in said surface
layer. The crease such as a crease line reduces the risk that the
surface layer cracks or splits when the first tile body section is
inclined in relation to the second tile body section. Thereby,
folding the first tile body in relation to the second tile body is
facilitated and the visual impression of the folding is improved.
Further, the crease forms a distinct transition between the first
and second tile body sections. The crease may be formed by means of
a knife or by means of a tool compressing a portion of the surface
layer. The crease may be formed just before mounting the tile unit,
thereby allowing flexibility. Alternatively, the crease may be
formed in connection to the manufacturing of the tile body.
[0022] The guide may comprise a guide body of a compressible
material, the guide body being adapted to be arranged in the
groove. The guide body of the compressible material forms guidance
for folding and a smooth transition between the first and second
tile body sections. Further, the guide body protects and
strengthens the surface layer in the transition between the first
and second tile body sections.
[0023] The guide may comprise a profile insertable in said groove.
The profile reduces the risk that the surface layer cracks or
splits when the first tile body section is inclined in relation to
the second tile body section. Furthermore, the profile improves the
strength and rigidity of the folded portion of the tile unit. The
risk is reduced that the tile unit is damaged if an object hits the
folded portion.
[0024] Additionally, by varying the cross-sectional shape of the
profile, different radius of curvature and shapes of the transition
between the first and second tile body sections are obtainable.
[0025] It is to be understood that the profile may be provided in
the same package as the tile body or may be provided separately.
Nevertheless, the profile, the tile body and the surface layer form
a ceiling tile unit irrespectively if they are provided in the same
package or not.
[0026] The profile may be used in combination with a crease.
Depending of the desired radius of curvature and properties of
surface layer, it may be advantageous to form a crease line and
insert a profile in the groove.
[0027] The profile may at least be partially enclosed by the tile
body when inserted in said groove and when the first tile body
section is inclined in relation to the second tile body section.
Thereby, the profile cannot be separated from the tile unit when
being mounted.
[0028] The profile may form part of a supporting grid for
supporting said tile body. Thereby, the tile unit is supported by
the profile also used to form the guide. Consequently, it is
possible to suspend the profile to the soffit or as a part of the
supporting grid and then arrange the tile unit about the
profile.
[0029] The surface layer may comprise a layer of paint. The front
surface of the ceiling tile body adapted to be faced towards the
interior of a room is usually coated by a layer of paint. Further,
the surface layer may be air-permeable.
[0030] The groove may have a depth corresponding to the thickness
of the tile body. Thereby, folding of the first tile body in
relation to the second tile body is further facilitated since the
material of the tile body is removed in this portion.
[0031] The ceiling tile unit may further comprise an angle bar for
locking the first tile body section in relation to the second tile
body section in an inclined position. The angle bar secures the
tile unit in its inclined position. The angle bar may also be used
to attach two adjacent tile units to each other.
[0032] As an alternative, the profile may comprise protrusions
forming the angle bar.
[0033] The ceiling tile unit may further comprise an additional
groove provided in said rear side of said tile body, said groove
and said additional groove dividing said tile body into said first
tile body section, said second tile body section and a third tile
body section, and wherein an additional guide may adapted to form a
fold guidance for inclination of said third tile body section in
relation to said first tile body section by folding about an axis
being parallel to said additional groove. Thereby, a Z-shaped tile
unit may be formed, or part of box may be formed. Forming more than
one groove and guide allows further adaptation to the architecture
of a specific room.
[0034] The groove may have a square cross section and may have a
width corresponding to a thickness of the tile body. When the first
tile body section is inclined in relation the second tile body
section, the surface layer covers a side edge of the second tile
body section.
[0035] According to a second aspect of the invention, a suspended
ceiling comprising at least one ceiling tile unit of the above
described type is provided. The suspended ceiling incorporates all
the advantages of the inventive ceiling tile unit, which previously
has been discussed. Thereby, the previous discussion is applicable
also for the inventive suspended ceiling.
[0036] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for
forming a ceiling tile unit is provided. The method comprises:
[0037] providing a ceiling tile unit comprising a tile body made of
mineral fibre material and a surface layer, said tile body having a
front side, a rear side and at least one side edge, and said
surface layer being arranged on said front side of said tile
body,
[0038] forming a groove in said rear side of said tile body
dividing said tile body into a first tile body section and a second
tile body section,
[0039] providing a guide adapted to form a fold guidance for
inclination of said first tile body section in relation to said
second tile body section by folding about an axis parallel to the
longitudinal extension of said groove.
[0040] The method incorporates all the advantages of the inventive
ceiling tile unit, which previously has been discussed. Thereby,
the previous discussion is applicable also for the inventive
method. In addition to the advantages already discussed, the method
is advantageous since the step of forming the groove may be
performed both in connection with the manufacturing of the tile
body or just before the tile unit is to be mounted in a building,
thereby offering flexibility and adjustment possibilities. The
guide may be provided as a part of the tile body or may be provided
as a separate part which is to be arranged in the tile body before
the first tile body section is to be inclined in relation to the
second tile body section.
[0041] The method may further comprise inclining said first tile
body section in relation to said second tile body section about
said axis. The step of inclining the first tile body section in
relation to the second tile body section may be performed
separately from the forming of tile unit. During distribution, the
tile unit is in its flat and unfolded state, but when mounting the
tile unit, the tile unit is inclined.
[0042] Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be
interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical
field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references
to "a/an/the [element, device, component, means, etc]" are to be
interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said
element, device, component, means, etc., unless explicitly stated
otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to
be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly
stated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] The above, as well as additional objects, features and
advantages of the present invention, will be better understood
through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed
description of embodiments of the present invention, with reference
to the appended drawings, where the same reference numerals will be
used for similar elements, wherein:
[0044] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a suspended
ceiling in two different levels.
[0045] FIG. 2a shows a schematic side view of a ceiling tile unit
according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 2b shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling
tile unit in FIG. 2a.
[0047] FIG. 2c shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling
tile unit in FIGS. 2a-b when the tile unit is inclined.
[0048] FIG. 3a shows a schematic side view of a ceiling tile unit
according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 3b shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling
tile unit in FIG. 3a.
[0050] FIG. 3c shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling
tile unit in FIGS. 3a-b when the tile unit is inclined.
[0051] FIG. 4a shows a schematic perspective view of a ceiling tile
unit according to a third embodiment of the invention.
[0052] FIG. 4b shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling
tile unit in FIG. 4a when the tile unit is inclined.
[0053] FIG. 4c shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling
tile unit in FIG. 4a including an alternative embodiment of the
profile.
[0054] FIG. 4d shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling
tile unit in FIG. 4a including an alternative embodiment of the
profile.
[0055] FIG. 5a shows a schematic perspective view of a ceiling tile
unit according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
[0056] FIG. 5b shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling
tile unit in FIG. 5a when the tile unit is inclined.
[0057] FIG. 6a shows a schematic perspective view of a ceiling tile
unit according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.
[0058] FIG. 6b shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling
tile unit in FIG. 6a when the tile unit is inclined.
[0059] FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a ceiling tile
unit being inclined twice.
[0060] FIG. 8a shows schematic perspective view of a ceiling tile
unit for forming part of a box.
[0061] FIG. 8b shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling
tile unit in FIG. 8a when being inclined.
[0062] FIG. 9a shows a schematic perspective view of a ceiling tile
unit according to another aspect of the present invention.
[0063] FIG. 9b shows the ceiling tile unit in FIG. 9a when the
surface layer has been folded.
[0064] FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the ceiling tile
unit.
[0065] FIG. 11a shows a further alternative embodiment of the
ceiling tile unit.
[0066] FIG. 11b shows the ceiling tile unit in FIG. 11a when
inclined.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0067] A suspended ceiling 1 comprising ceiling tile units 10
according to the present invention will now be described with
reference to FIG. 1. The suspended ceiling 1 comprises at least one
ceiling tile unit 2, 10 and a supporting system, for example in
form of a supporting grid, supporting the ceiling tile units 2, 10
comprising at least one profile 3, 4. In the shown embodiment, the
supporting grid is formed of main profiles 4 and transverse
profiles 3. The shown suspended ceiling comprises ceiling tiles of
two types, conventional ceiling tile units 2 and ceiling tile units
10 according to the present invention. As the ceiling tile units 10
according to the present invention are inclined, the suspended
ceiling 1 forms two horizontal levels being connected by the
ceiling tile units 10 according to the present invention. The
ceiling tile units 10 comprise in the shown embodiment both a
horizontally extending section and a vertically extending
portion.
[0068] Common for embodiments is that the ceiling tile unit 10 may
be a sound absorber having sound absorbing properties and/or a
sound insulation element having sound insulation properties.
[0069] A ceiling tile unit 10 according to the present invention
will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1-9.
With reference to FIG. 2a-2c, a first embodiment of a ceiling tile
unit 10 will be described. The tile unit 10 comprises a tile body
11 and a surface layer 12. The tile body 11 has a rear side 15, a
front side 16 and four side edges 17, 18, 19, 20. The front side 16
is adapted to be facing the interior of the room when the tile unit
10 is mounted. The rear side 15 is adapted to be facing the soffit
or ceiling structure of the building when the tile unit 10 is
mounted. Even if a rectangular tile body is shown, the tile body
may have any other shape such as circular, elliptic, irregular
shaped etc.
[0070] Common for all embodiments is that the tile body 11
comprises a mineral fibre material. The mineral fibre material may
be a compressed mineral fibre material, or more specifically a
man-made mineral fibre material. The mineral fibre material may be
mineral wool. More specifically, the mineral fibre material may be
glass wool. In addition to mineral fibres, the material may
comprise for example binders.
[0071] The surface layer 12 is arranged on the front side 16 of the
tile body 11. The surface layer 12 may for example be a layer of
paint.
[0072] A groove 13 is formed in the rear side 15 of the tile body
11. The groove 13 has a linear extension and is extending between
two side edges, 18, 20 of the tile body 11. The position of the
groove 13 may be varied. In this embodiment, the groove 13 is
essentially V-shaped in cross-section. The groove 13 divides the
tile body 11 into a first tile body section 11a and a second tile
body section 11b. By varying the position of the groove 13, the
relative size between the first and second tile body sections 11a,
11b may be varied. It is not necessary for the invention that the
first and second tile body sections 11a, 11b have an equal size
and/or shape.
[0073] Preferably, the groove 13 has a linear extension.
[0074] A guide 14 is provided in the surface layer 12. The guide 14
is adapted to form a fold guidance for inclination of the first
tile body section 11a in relation to the second tile body section
11b by folding about an axis A being parallel to the longitudinal
extension of the groove 13. In this embodiment the guide 14 is
provided in form of a crease 22. The crease or crease line 22
provides an indication or a weakening of the surface layer 12 about
which the first tile body section 11a may be inclined in relation
to the second tile body section 11b. The crease 22 forms a distinct
transition between the first and section tile body sections 11a,
11b. The crease 22 is arranged in the surface layer 12. Preferably,
the crease 22 is arranged in a side of the surface layer 12 facing
the tile body 11.
[0075] In FIGS. 2a-b, the tile unit 10 is shown in its flat shape,
i.e. when the first tile body section 11a has an extension in the
same plane as the second tile body section 11b. In FIG. 2c, the
tile unit 10 has been inclined. The first tile body section 11a has
been inclined in relation to the second tile body section 11b about
the axis A parallel to the longitudinal extension of the groove 13.
In this embodiment, the first tile body section 11a is extending
upwardly from the second tile body section 11b. The angle of
inclination may be varied. The angle of inclination may be varied
by varying the cross-sectional shape of the groove.
[0076] A second embodiment of the present invention will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 3a-c. The tile unit 10 comprises
a tile body 11, a surface layer 12, a groove 13 and a guide 14 as
previously has been described with reference to FIGS. 2a-c. The
tile unit 10 shown in FIGS. 3a-c only differs from the tile unit 10
shown in FIGS. 2a-c regarding the cross-sectional shape of the
groove 13. As previously described, the groove 13 is formed in the
rear side 15 of the tile body 11 and has a linear extension
extending between two side edges 18, 20 of the tile body 11. In
this embodiment, the groove 13 is in form of a slit having a small
widthwise extension. The guide 14 is provided in the surface layer
12 in form of a crease 22. The guide 14 is adapted to form a fold
guidance for inclination of the first tile body section 11a in
relation to the second tile body section 11b by folding about the
axis A being parallel to the longitudinal extension of the groove
13.
[0077] In FIGS. 3a-b, the tile unit 10 is shown in its flat shape,
i.e. when the first tile body section 11a has an extension in the
same plane as the second tile body section 11b. In FIG. 3c, the
tile unit 10 has been inclined. The first tile body section 11a has
been inclined in relation to the second tile body section 11b about
the axis A parallel to the longitudinal extension of the groove 13.
In this embodiment, the first tile body section 11a is extending
downwardly from the second tile body section 11b. The angle of
inclination may be varied.
[0078] A third embodiment of the present invention will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 4a-c. The tile unit 10 comprises
a tile body 11, a surface layer 12 and a groove 13 as previously
has been described with reference to FIGS. 2a-c. The tile unit 10
shown in FIGS. 4a-b differs from the tile unit 10 previously
described with regard to the cross-sectional shape of the groove 13
and the form of the guide 14. As previously described, the groove
13 is formed in the rear side 15 of the tile body 11 and has a
linear extension extending between two side edges 18, 20 of the
tile body 11. In this embodiment, the groove 13 has a V-shaped
cross-section which narrow end transforms into a semi-circular
shape in cross-section.
[0079] In this embodiment, the guide 14 is in form of a profile 21.
The profile is arranged in the groove 13 and is extending in a
direction being parallel to the longitudinal direction of the
groove 13. The profile 21 has a circular cross-section. Preferably,
the radius of the profile 21 is smaller than the radius of the
semi-circular end section of the groove 13. The length of the
profile 21 may equal the length of the groove 13. Alternatively,
the length of the profile 21 may exceed the length of the groove
13. In this case, one profile 21 may extend across more than one
tile unit 10, and thereby forms a guide 14 for more than one tile
unit 10. The profile 21 may also be used to attach tile units 10 to
each other in order to form a row as shown in FIG. 1.
[0080] The guide 14, in form of the profile 21, is adapted to form
a fold guidance for inclination of the first tile body section 11a
in relation to the second tile body section 11b by folding about
the axis A being parallel to the longitudinal extension of the
groove 13. In this embodiment, the first tile body section 11a is
inclined in relation to the second tile body section 11b by folding
about the profile 21.
[0081] In FIG. 4a, the tile unit 10 is shown in its flat shape,
i.e. when the first tile body section 11a has an extension in the
same plane as the second tile body section 11b. In FIG. 4b, the
tile unit 10 has been inclined. The first tile body section 11a has
been inclined in relation to the second tile body section 11b by
folding about the profile 21. In this embodiment, the first tile
body section 11a is extending upwardly from the second tile body
section 11b. The angle of inclination may be varied, for example by
varying the dimensions of the groove 13.
[0082] The cross-section and dimensions of the profile 21 may be
varied in order to vary the radius of curvature of the transition
between the first and second tile body sections 11a, 11b. The
larger radius of the profile 21, the larger radius of curvature of
the transition.
[0083] When the first tile body section 11a has been inclined in
relation to the second tile body portion 11b, the profile 21 is at
least partially enclosed by the tile body 11.
[0084] In FIG. 4b, an angle bar 30 is arranged in grooves 31
arranged in the side edge 18 of the tile body 11. The angle bar 30
locks the tile unit 10 in its inclined position, i.e. the angle bar
30 locks the first tile body section 11a in a specific angle in
relation to the second tile body section 11b. The angle bar 30 may
also be used to attach the tile unit 10 to an adjacent tile unit
for forming a row of tile units as shown in FIG. 1. Even if the
angle bar 30 is shown in connection with the embodiment shown in
FIG. 4b, it is to be understood that the angle bar 30 may be used
in connection to any other embodiment of the inventive tile
unit.
[0085] In FIG. 4c, an alternative embodiment of the profile 21 is
shown. In all other aspects, the tile unit 10 corresponds to the
tile unit 10 shown in FIGS. 4a-b. The profile 21 comprises in this
embodiment protrusions 32 which protrude from the profile 21. The
protrusions 32 are inserted into grooves 31 arranged in the first
and second tile body sections 11a, 11b. The protrusions form an
angle bar 30. The protrusions 32 have the same function as the
angle bar described in connection to FIG. 4b, i.e. to lock the
first tile body section 11a in a specific angle in relation to the
second tile body section 11b. Even if this embodiment of the
profile 21 is shown in connection to the embodiment shown in FIG.
4c, it may be used in connection to any other embodiment of the
tile unit 10.
[0086] When inclining a ceiling tile unit 10 including the profile
21 described above, the first tile body section 11a is inclined in
relation to the second tile body section 11b before the profile 21
is arranged in the groove 13. Thereafter, the profile 21 is
arranged in the grooves 13, 31 by inserting the profile from the
side edge of the tile body when the angle between the first and
second tile body sections 11a, 11b corresponds to the angle between
the protrusions 32 of the profile 21. If the profile 21 comprises
protrusions 32 at both ends (as shown in FIG. 4c), the groove 31 is
extending from one side edge of the tile body to the opposite side
edge.
[0087] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4d, the tile unit 10 may be
suspended to an overlying structure by means of the profile 21. In
this embodiment, the profile 21 is enclosed by the tile body 11
when the tile unit 10 is in its inclined position. The tile unit 10
may therefore be supported by the profile 21 when the tile unit 10
is maintained in its inclined position by the fact that it is
supported by profiles 3, 4 forming a part of the supporting grid.
The profile 21 comprises in this embodiment protrusions 23 adapted
to be attached to hangers. The profile 21 may also comprise
protrusions (not shown) adapted to engage with the tile body 11.
When mounting the tile units 10, a plurality of profiles 21 are
attached to the hangers. Alternatively, a profile 21 extending
across more than one tile unit 10 is attached to the hangers. The
tile units 10 are then folded about the profile/profiles 21 already
being suspended. Alternatively, the tile unit 20 is inclined about
the profile 21 before being mounted, and the profile 21 is then
connected to the hangers.
[0088] Even if the profile 21 described above is described in
connection to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4d, it is to be
understood that the profile adapted to be suspended to the hangers
may be used in connection with any other embodiment of the
inventive tile unit.
[0089] A fourth embodiment will now be described with reference to
FIGS. 5a-b. The tile unit 10 comprises a tile body 11, a surface
layer 12, a groove 13 and a guide 14 in form of a profile 21 as
previously has been described with reference to FIGS. 4a-c. The
tile unit 10 shown in FIGS. 5a-b differs from the tile unit 10
shown in FIGS. 4a-c with regard to the cross-sectional shape of the
groove 13 and the shape of the profile 21. As previously described,
the groove 13 is formed in the rear side 15 of the tile body 11 and
has a linear extension extending between two side edges 18, 20 of
the tile body 11. In this embodiment, the groove 13 has a V-shaped
cross-section which narrow end transforms into a rectangular
cross-section.
[0090] In this embodiment, the guide 14 is in form of a profile 21.
The profile 21 is arranged in the groove 13 and is extending in a
direction being parallel to the longitudinal direction of the
groove 13. The profile 21 has a rectangular cross-section.
Preferably, the size of the profile 21 is smaller than the size of
the rectangular end section of the groove 13. The length of the
profile 21 may equal the length of the groove 13. Alternatively,
the length of the profile 21 may exceed the length of the groove
13. In this case, one profile 21 may extend across more than one
tile unit 10, and thereby forms a guide 14 for more than one tile
unit 10. The profile 21 may also be used to attach tile units 10 to
each other in order to form a row as shown in FIG. 1.
[0091] The guide 14, in form of the profile 21, is adapted to form
a fold guidance for inclination of the first tile body section 11a
in relation to the second tile body section 11b by folding about
the axis A being parallel to the longitudinal extension of the
groove 13. In this embodiment, the first tile body section 11a is
inclined in relation to the second tile body section 11b by folding
about the profile 21.
[0092] In FIG. 5a, the tile unit 10 is shown in its flat shape,
i.e. when the first tile body section 11a has an extension in the
same plane as the second tile body section 11b. In FIG. 5a, the
tile unit 10 has been inclined. The first tile body section 11a has
been inclined in relation to the second tile body section 11b by
folding about the profile 21. In this embodiment, the first tile
body section 11a is extending upwardly from the second tile body
section 11b. The angle of inclination may be varied, for example by
varying the shape and position of the groove 13.
[0093] The cross-section and dimensions of the profile 21 may be
varied in order to vary the transition between the first and second
tile body sections 11a, 11b. Depending of the properties of the
surface layer 12, it may be advantageous to combine the profile 21
with a crease 22.
[0094] When the first tile body section 11a has been inclined in
relation to the second tile body portion 11b, the profile 21 is at
least partially enclosed by the tile body 11, thus allowing the
tile unit 10 to be suspended by means of the profile 21.
[0095] A fifth embodiment of the present invention will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 6a-b. As previously has been
described, for example with reference to FIGS. 2a-c, the tile unit
10 comprises a tile body 11, a surface layer 12, a groove 13 and a
guide 14. The tile unit 10 shown in FIGS. 6a-b differs from the
tile unit 10 shown in FIGS. 2a-c with regard to the cross-sectional
shape of the groove 13. As previously described, the groove 13 is
formed in the rear side 15 of the tile body 11 and has a linear
extension extending between two side edges 18, 20 of the tile body
11. In this embodiment, the groove 13 has a rectangular cross
section. Further, in this embodiment the depth of groove 13 equals
the thickness of the tile body 11.
[0096] The guide 14 is provided in the surface layer 12 in form of
a crease 22. The crease or crease line 22 is arranged in a side of
the surface layer 12 facing the tile body 11. The crease 22 in the
groove 13 adjacent the tile body 11. The guide 14 in form of the
crease 22 is adapted to form a fold guidance for inclination of the
first tile body section 11a in relation to the second tile body
section 11b by folding about the axis A being parallel to the
longitudinal extension of the groove 13.
[0097] In FIG. 6a, the tile unit 10 is shown in its flat shape,
i.e. when the first tile body section 11a has an extension in the
same plane as the second tile body section 11b. In FIG. 6b, the
tile unit 10 has been inclined. The first tile body section 11a has
been inclined in relation to the second tile body section 11b by
folding about the crease 22. In this embodiment, the first tile
body section 11a is extending in a direction being essentially
perpendicular to the extension of the second tile body section 11b.
Thereby, a side edge 24 of the second tile body section 11b formed
by the groove 13 is covered by the surface layer 12.
[0098] In one embodiment (not shown), the groove has a rectangular
cross-section as described above, but the width of the groove 13 is
twice the height of tile body 11. A first guide is provided in the
surface layer 12 in the groove 13 adjacent the first tile body
section 11a in form of a first crease. A second guide is provided
in the surface layer 12 in the groove 13 adjacent the second tile
body section 11b in form of a second crease. Thereby, the first
tile body section 11a may be folded about the first crease. The
second tile body section 11b may be folded about the second crease.
The first and second tile body sections 11a, 11b may be inclined
towards each other such that they extend in the same direction.
Thus, a ceiling tile unit 10 having a thickness twice the original
thickness of the tile body is formed. A side edge of the first and
second tile body sections 11a, 11b is covered by the surface layer
12 in the inclined state of the tile unit 10.
[0099] A ceiling tile unit 10 being inclined twice will now be
described with reference to FIG. 7. As previously described, the
tile unit 10 comprises a tile body 11 and a surface layer 12. A
first groove 13a and a second groove 13b are provided in the rear
side of the tile body 11. The first groove 13a divides the tile
body 11 into a first tile body section 11a and second tile body
section 11b. The second groove 13b divides the tile body 11 into
the first tile body section 11a and a third tile body section 11c.
A first guide 14a is adapted to form a fold guidance for
inclination of the first tile body section 11a in relation to the
second tile body section 11b. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7,
the first guide 14a is in form of a crease 22a. A second guide 14b
is adapted to form a fold guidance for inclination of the third
tile body section 11c in relation to the first tile body section
11a. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the second guide 14b is in
form of a crease 22b. Alternatively, the first and/or second guide
14a, 14b may instead comprise a profile insertable in the groove
13a, 13b. A combination is also possible, wherein the first guide
14a comprises a profile and the second guide 14b comprises a crease
22b, or vice versa.
[0100] FIG. 7 shows the tile unit 10 when the first tile body
section 11a has been inclined in relation to the second tile body
section 11b, and the third tile body section 11c has been inclined
in relation to the first tile body section 11a. Thereby, a ceiling
tile unit 10 having two tile body sections 11b, 11c extending in a
horizontal direction and one tile body section 11a extending in an
inclined direction is provided.
[0101] A further embodiment of the present invention will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 8a-b. In FIG. 8a, a ceiling tile
unit 10 adapted to form a box is shown. In FIG. 8a, a portion of
the tile unit disclosing the grooves is shown in more detail, but
in FIG. 8b the complete tile unit 10 is shown. The tile unit 10 is
formed from a rectangular tile body 11 from which a rectangular
portion has been cut off. Consequently, an L-shaped tile unit 10 is
provided. The tile unit 10 comprises a rear side 15, a front side
16 and six side edges. A surface layer 12 is arranged on the front
side 16.
[0102] A first groove 13a and a second groove 13b are provided in
the rear side 15 of the tile body 11. The first groove 13a extends
from one of the side edges to the corner where two other side edges
meet. The second groove 13b extends from another side edge to the
corner where two side edges meet. The grooves 13a, 13b may have any
cross-sectional shape as previously described. The first groove 13a
divides the tile body 11 into a first tile body section 11a and a
second tile body section 11b. The second groove 13b divides the
tile body 11 into the second tile body section 11b and a third tile
body section 11c.
[0103] A first guide 14a is adapted to form a fold guidance for
inclination of the first tile body section 11a in relation to the
second tile body section 11b. A second guide 14b is adapted to form
a fold guidance for inclination of the third tile body section 11c
in relation to the second tile body section 11b. The first and
second guides 14a, 14b comprise a crease and/or a profile. In order
to improve the strength of the transition, it may be advantageous
to provide a profile insertable in the grooves 13a, 13b.
[0104] In order to form a part of a box, which is shown in FIG. 8b,
the first and third tile body sections 11a, 11c are inclined in
relation to the second tile body section 11b. Preferably, the tile
body sections 11a-c are locked in this position by means of an
angle bar 30. The remaining two side edges not being connected are
attached to each other by using for example an adhesive and a
filler material. Thereby, a part of a box 10 having three sides is
formed. The structure may be used to conceal for example a
ventilation duct.
[0105] Even if a part of a box is described above, it is
contemplated that other three-dimensional structures may be formed
as well.
[0106] When forming the inventive ceiling tile unit 10 described
above with reference to FIGS. 1-8, a groove 13 is formed in the
rear side of the tile body 11 dividing the tile unit 10 into a
first tile body section 11a and a second tile body section 11b. The
groove 13 may be formed during manufacturing of the ceiling tile
unit 10 or in connection with the mounting of the suspended ceiling
1. A guide is provided, adapted to form the fold guidance for
inclination of the first tile body section 11a in relation to the
second tile body section 11b by folding about the axis parallel to
the groove 13. The guide 14b may be provided during manufacturing
or when mounting the suspended ceiling 1. For example, if the guide
comprises a crease 22, the crease 22 may be formed during
manufacturing of the tile unit 10 or when mounting the suspended
ceiling 1. If the guide 14 comprises a profile 21, the profile 21
may be arranged in the groove 13 in connection with the
manufacturing of the tile unit 10, or may be placed in the groove
13 just before mounting the suspended ceiling 1. Preferably, the
first tile body section 11a is inclined in relation to the second
tile body section 11b when the tile unit 10 is to be mounted as a
suspended ceiling 1 and not during manufacturing of the tile unit
10.
[0107] Another aspect of the present invention will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 9a-b. In FIG. 9a, a tile unit 10'
comprising a tile body 11 and a surface layer 12 is shown. The tile
unit 10' may be a ceiling tile unit. The tile body 11 comprises a
rear side 15, a front side 16 and four side edges 17, 18, 19, 20.
The tile body 11 may be made of compressed fibre material, such as
mineral fibre, or more specifically such as glass wool. A first
portion 12a of the surface layer 12 is arranged on the tile body
12. A second portion 12b of the surface layer 12 extends beyond the
tile body 11. A guide 14a is provided, adapted to form a fold
guidance for folding of the second portion 12b of the surface layer
12 in relation to the first portion 12a of the surface layer 12 by
folding about an axis A being parallel to the longitudinal
extension of one side edge 18 of the tile body 11. The guide 14a
may comprise a crease 22, preferably arranged in the side of the
surface layer 12 facing the tile body 11. The guide 14a may
comprise a profile 21 extending along one of the side edges of the
tile body 11. If the guide 14 is in form of a crease 22, the crease
22 extends preferably along one of the side edges of the tile body
11 adjacent said side edge. Preferably, an additional guide 14b is
provided further dividing the second portion 12b of the surface
layer 12. Preferably, the additional guide 14b may be arranged at
distance from the first guide 14 corresponding to the height of
tile body 11 and extending along the same side edge 18.
[0108] In FIG. 9b, the second portion 12b of the surface layer 12
has been folded about the axis A parallel to the longitudinal
extension of said side edge 18. Thereby, the second portion 12b of
the surface layer 12 is arranged on said side edge 18 of the tile
body 11. In the figure, an additional guide 14b is provided,
thereby allowing folding about a second axis parallel to the
longitudinal extension of said side edge 18. The second portion 12b
of the surface layer 12 is thereby completely covering said side
edge 18.
[0109] In the figure, the surface layer 12 has been folded about
two side edges 18, 20. A person skilled in the art will easily
understand that a single side edge may be covered by the surface
layer 12, or that more than one side edge may be covered by the
surface layer 12.
[0110] By providing a tile body 11, arranging a surface layer 12 on
a front side 16 of the tile body 11, providing a guide 14 adapted
to form a fold guidance for folding of a second portion 12b of the
surface layer 12 in relation to a first portion 12a of the surface
layer 12 by folding about an axis A being parallel to the
longitudinal extension of one side edge 17, 18, 19, 20 of the tile
body 11, folding the second portion 12b of the surface layer 12
about said axis A in relation to the first portion 12a of the
surface layer 12, a surface layer 12b is formed on one of said side
edges 17, 18, 19, 20 of the tile body 11.
[0111] This method may be used for applying a surface layer 12 to a
side edge 17, 18, 19, 20 during manufacturing of the tile unit 10'.
It may also be used after a tile unit 10' has been cut to fit a
specific space when mounting the suspended ceiling. Under some
circumstances, the side edge of the tile unit 10' becomes visible
and has to be covered by a surface layer 12. A portion of the tile
body 11 is removed without removing or affecting the surface layer
12, thereby forming a new side edge of the tile body 11. Then the
surface layer 12 is folded about said side edge of the tile body
11. Thereby, a side edge covered a surface layer 12 is formed. The
surface layer 12 may for instance be a layer of paint.
[0112] A further embodiment is shown in cross-section in FIG. 10.
The tile unit 10 comprises as previously described a tile body 11,
a surface layer 12, a groove and a guide 14. In this embodiment,
the guide 14 is formed of a guide body 33 arranged in the groove
13. The guide body 33 is made of a compressible material. In one
embodiment, the material may be a foamed material, or any other
material having resilient properties such as rubber. In another
embodiment, the material may be compressed fibre material, such as
mineral fibre and more specifically glass wool. The guide body 33
guides the direction of the folding between the tile body sections
11a, 11b, protects the surface layer 12 and relieves any forces
actuating on the surface layer 12. If the first tile body section
11a is inclined upwardly in relation to the second tile body
section 11b, the guide body 33 is compressed, which is shown in
FIG. 10. Contrary, if the first tile body section 11b is to be
inclined downwardly in relation to the second tile body section
11b, the guide body 33 is inserted in the groove such that the
guide body 33 becomes pretensioned. When the first tile body
section 11a is inclined in relation to the second tile body section
11b, the guide body 33 of the compressible material expands from
its pretensioned state (not shown). Alternatively, the guide body
may be attached to the edges of the first and second tile body
sections facing the groove and may expand when the first and second
tile body sections are inclined in relation to each other (not
shown).
[0113] The embodiment wherein the guide body 33 is made of mineral
fibre will now be described in more detail. The mineral fibre
material of which the tile body 11 is formed is preferably
orientated. Advantageously, the fibres of the tile body 11 are
extending in a plane parallel to the surface layer 12. The fibres
of the guide body 33, made of mineral fibre material, forming the
guide 14 are orientated such that the fibres extend in a plane
being perpendicular to the surface layer 12. Consequently, the
fibres of the guide body 33 of mineral fibre material forming the
guide 13 are extending in a plane being perpendicular to the plane
in which the fibres of the tile body 11 extend. When the first tile
body section 11a is inclined in relation to the second tile body
section 11b, the section 33 of mineral fibre material guides the
folding and protects and stabilise the surface layer 12. Depending
of the angle between the first and second tile sections 11a, 11b,
the guide body 33 of mineral fibre is either compressed or expanded
as described above.
[0114] In the above described embodiments, the guide body 33 is
arranged in a groove 13 having a rectangular cross-section.
Alternatively, the groove may have a profiled shape, and the guide
body 33 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the groove
(not shown).
[0115] It is contemplated that there are numerous modifications of
the embodiments described herein, which are still within the scope
of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
[0116] In the above described embodiments, the guide is described
as a crease, a profile or a material insertable in the groove.
However, it is contemplated that the guide may comprise any design
adapted to guide the position and direction of the folding between
the first and second tile body portions and to relieve the forces
affecting the surface layer when inclining the second tile body
portion in relation the first tile body portion, for example a
weakened portion of the surface layer facilitating the folding of
surface layer. Further, it is contemplated that the guide may
comprise a portion of the surface layer being reinforced such that
the surface layer resists the forces formed when inclining the
first tile body section in relation to the second tile body section
without causing the surface layer to crack. It is also contemplated
that the groove itself may form the guide, which is shown in FIGS.
11a and 11b. The tile unit in FIGS. 11a-11b is of the type
previously described for example in connection to FIGS. 2a-c except
the guide 14. In this embodiment, the guide 14 is formed of the
specific shape of the groove 13. The groove 13 comprises, in
addition to a V-shaped upper part, a lower part 34. The lower part
34 of the groove is formed in the tile body adjacent the surface
layer 12. Material is removed from the tile body sections 11a, 11b
such that convex surfaces are formed, facing the surface layer 12.
The convex surfaces of the first and second tile body sections form
a guide for a smooth transition between the first and second body
sections 11a, 11b when they are inclined in relation to each other
(which is shown in FIG. 11b).
[0117] It is further contemplated that the guide may comprise both
a crease in the surface layer and a profile insertable in the
groove.
[0118] Both a profile having a circular and a rectangular
cross-section has been disclosed, but it is to be contemplated that
a profile with any other cross-sectional shape may be used. It is
also contemplated that the profile may be formed as a curved sheet.
The radius of the curve is adjusted to the desired radius of
curvature of the inclined tile unit. The ends of the profile are
inserted into grooves in the first and second tile body
sections.
[0119] In the shown embodiments, the surface layer is arranged on
the front side of the tile body. It is contemplated that a surface
layer may be arranged on rear side, and/or on the at least one side
edge as well.
[0120] It is to be understood that the dimensions of the tile units
shown in the appended drawings are highly exaggerated in order to
visualise details in the embodiments.
* * * * *