U.S. patent application number 14/378509 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-29 for suspended ceiling, a ceiling tile and an associated installation method.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAINT-GOBAIN ECOPHON AB. The applicant listed for this patent is Saint-Gobain Ecophon AB. Invention is credited to Jonas Skeppas, Jan Wilkens.
Application Number | 20150027075 14/378509 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47747624 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150027075 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilkens; Jan ; et
al. |
January 29, 2015 |
SUSPENDED CEILING, A CEILING TILE AND AN ASSOCIATED INSTALLATION
METHOD
Abstract
In accordance with the present inventive concept, there is
provided a suspended ceiling comprising a ceiling tile (500) and a
grid of profiles forming a frame which supports the ceiling tile
(500). The ceiling tile (500) has a first and a second pair of
non-adjacent side-edge portions, wherein the grid of profiles
engages from below with the first pair of side-edge portions, and
wherein the grid of profiles engages from above with the second
pair of side-edge portions. The grid of profiles engages with said
first and second pair of side-edge portions such that a clamping
action that counteracts lateral displacement of the ceiling tile
(500) is provided. There is also provided a method for mounting the
suspended ceiling. Furthermore, the present inventive concept also
relates to an improved ceiling tile (500) for a suspended
ceiling.
Inventors: |
Wilkens; Jan; (Hoganas,
SE) ; Skeppas; Jonas; (Helsingborg, SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Saint-Gobain Ecophon AB |
Hyllinge |
|
SE |
|
|
Assignee: |
SAINT-GOBAIN ECOPHON AB
Hyllinge
SE
|
Family ID: |
47747624 |
Appl. No.: |
14/378509 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
February 22, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2013/053518 |
371 Date: |
August 13, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/385 ;
52/506.06; 52/582.1; 52/745.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 9/28 20130101; E04B
9/24 20130101; E04B 9/06 20130101; E04F 13/24 20130101; E04F 13/26
20130101; E04B 9/0435 20130101; E04B 9/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/385 ;
52/582.1; 52/506.06; 52/745.13 |
International
Class: |
E04B 9/30 20060101
E04B009/30; E04B 9/06 20060101 E04B009/06; E04F 13/24 20060101
E04F013/24; E04F 13/26 20060101 E04F013/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 23, 2012 |
EP |
12156737.4 |
Claims
1. A suspended ceiling (100) comprising a ceiling tile (120; 122;
120a; 120b; 300; 500) and a grid of profiles (110; 112) forming a
frame which supports said ceiling tile (120; 122; 120a; 120b; 300;
500), said ceiling tile (120; 122; 120a; 120b; 300; 500) having a
first (200; 202) and a second (204; 206) pair of non-adjacent
side-edge portions, characterized in that said grid of profiles
(110; 112) engages from below with the first pair of side-edge
portions (200; 202), and said grid of profiles (110; 112) engages
from above with the second pair of side-edge portions (204; 206),
wherein said grid of profiles (110; 112) engages with said first
(200; 202) and second (204; 206) pair of side-edge portions such
that a clamping action that counteracts lateral displacement of the
ceiling tile (120; 122; 120a; 120b; 300; 500) is provided.
2. The suspended ceiling (100) according to claim 1, in which said
grid of profiles (110; 112) engages with said first (200; 202) and
second (204; 206) pair of side-edge portions under elastical
deformation of the latter.
3. The suspended ceiling (100) according to claim 1 or 2, in which
said first pair of side-edge portions (200; 202) comprises a first
side edge (200) and a second (202) side edge, wherein a first
groove (220; 320; 520) is provided in and extending along the first
side edge (200), and wherein a second groove (230; 330; 530) is
provided in and extending along the second side edge (202), a depth
of said first groove (220; 320; 520) being larger than a depth of
said second groove (230; 330; 530), said grid of profiles (110;
112) comprising a first and a second flange (262; 264; 272; 274;
282) received by said first (220; 320; 520) and second (230; 330;
530) grooves, respectively.
4. The suspended ceiling (100) according to claim 3, wherein the
engagement between said grid of profiles (110; 112) and the first
pair of side-edge portions (200; 202) occurs between said first and
second flange (262; 264; 272; 274; 282) and an upper engagement
surface (226; 236; 236a) associated with said first (220; 320; 520)
and second (230; 330; 530) groove, respectively.
5. The suspended ceiling (100) according to claim 4, wherein said
upper engagement surface (226) of said first groove (220; 320; 520)
is stepped.
6. The suspended ceiling (100) according to any of the preceding
claims, in which said second pair of side-edge portions (204; 206)
comprises a third side edge (204) and a fourth side edge (206),
wherein a first stepped profile (240; 240b; 340; 540a-b) is
provided in and extending along the third side edge (204) for
forming a step in a back surface (212; 212b) of said ceiling tile
(120; 122; 120a; 120b; 300; 500), and wherein a second stepped
profile (250; 350; 550a-b) is provided in and extending along the
fourth side edge (206) for forming a step in said back surface
(212; 212b), said grid of profiles (110; 112) comprising a third
and a fourth flange engaging with said first (240; 240b; 340;
540a-b) and second (250; 350; 550a-b) stepped profiles,
respectively.
7. The suspended ceiling (100) according to claim 6, wherein the
engagement between said grid of profiles (110; 112) and the second
pair of side-edge portions (204; 206) occurs between said third and
fourth flange and a lower engagement surface (244; 244b; 254)
associated with said first (240; 240b; 340; 540a-b) and second
(250; 350; 550a-b) stepped profile, respectively.
8. The suspended ceiling (100) according to any of the preceding
claims, wherein said ceiling tile (120; 122; 120a; 120b; 300; 500)
is rectangular.
9. The suspended ceiling (100) according to any of the preceding
claims, wherein said ceiling tile (120; 122; 120a; 120b; 300; 500)
comprises compressed fibre material.
10. A suspended ceiling (100), further comprising a plurality of
ceiling tiles (120; 122; 120a; 120b; 300; 500) according to any of
the preceding claims.
11. A method for mounting a suspended ceiling (100), comprising
providing a grid of profiles (110; 112) and a ceiling tile (120;
122; 120a; 120b; 300; 500), installing the ceiling tile (120; 122;
120a; 120b; 300; 500) in a frame of said grid of profiles (110;
112), said ceiling tile having a first (200; 202) and a second
(204; 206) pair of non-adjacent side-edge portions, wherein
installing said ceiling tile (120; 122; 120a; 120b; 300; 500),
characterized in arranging the ceiling tile (120; 122; 120a; 120b;
300; 500) in an inclined position and directing a first side edge
(200) of the first pair of side-edge portions (200; 202) towards a
first flange of the frame; inserting, by relative displacement of
the ceiling tile (120; 122; 120a; 120b; 300; 500) and the grid of
profiles (110; 112), said first flange into a first groove (220;
320; 520) of said ceiling tile (120; 122; 120a; 120b; 300; 500)
provided along said first side edge (200) to such an extent that a
second side edge (202) of the first pair of side-edge portions
(200; 202) clears a second flange of the frame, whereby said first
flange engages from below with an upper engagement surface (226)
associated with the first groove (220; 320; 520); arranging the
ceiling tile (120; 122; 120a; 120b; 300; 500) in a horizontal
position and aligning a second groove (230; 330; 530) of said
ceiling tile (120; 122; 120a; 120b; 300; 500) provided along said
second side edge (202) with said second flange, such that a third
and a fourth flange of said frame engage from above with a third
(204) and a fourth (206) side edge, respectively, of the second
pair of side-edge portions (204; 206), the first flange continuing
to engage from below with said upper engagement surface (226)
associated with the first groove (220; 320; 520); and displacing
the ceiling tile (120; 122; 120a; 120b; 300; 500) towards the
second flange, the first, third and fourth flange continuing to
engage with the first (200), third (204) and fourth (206) side
edge, respectively, such that said second flange engages from below
with an upper engagement surface (236; 236a) associated with the
second groove, whereby said flanges engages with said side-edge
portions (200; 202; 204; 206) such that a clamping action that
counteracts lateral displacement of the ceiling tile (120; 122;
120a; 120b; 300; 500) is provided.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the act of providing
a ceiling tile further comprises providing a ceiling tile (120;
122; 120a; 120b; 300; 500) in which said upper engagement surface
(226) of said first groove (220; 320; 520) is stepped.
13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a first stepped
profile (240; 240b; 340; 540a-b) is provided in and extending along
the third side edge (204) for forming a step in a back surface
(212; 212b) of said ceiling tile (120; 122; 120a; 120b; 300; 500),
and wherein a second stepped profile (250; 350; 550a-b) is provided
in and extending along the fourth side edge (206) for forming a
step in said back surface (212; 212b), said third and fourth
flanges comprised in the grid of profiles (110; 112) engaging with
said first (240; 240b; 340; 540a-b) and second (250; 350; 550a-b)
stepped profiles, respectively.
14. The method according to claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein said grid
of profiles (110; 112) engages with said first (200; 202) and
second pair of side-edge portions (204; 206) under elastical
deformation of the latter.
15. A ceiling tile for a suspended ceiling (100), the ceiling tile
(120; 122; 120a; 120b; 300; 500) being arranged to be supported by
flanges (262; 264; 272; 274; 282) of a grid of profiles (110; 112),
said flanges (262; 264; 272; 274; 282) having a thickness T,
wherein said ceiling tile (120; 122; 120a; 120b; 300; 500) having a
front surface (210; 210b), a back surface (212; 212b) and a first
(200; 202) and a second (204; 206) pair of non-adjacent side-edge
portions, characterized in that each side-edge portion of said
first pair (200; 202) comprising an upper engagement surface (226;
236; 236a) faced in the same direction as the front surface (210;
210b) and each side-edge portion of said second pair (204; 206)
comprising a lower engagement surface (244; 244b; 254) faced in the
same direction as the back surface (212; 212b), wherein said upper
engagement surfaces (226; 236; 236a) being arranged at a distance
(X) from said front surface (210; 210b), said lower engagement
surfaces (244; 244b; 254) being arranged at a distance (Y) from
said front surface (210; 210b), wherein the difference between said
distance X and said distance Y is less than said thickness T.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a suspended ceiling. More
specifically, the present invention relates to an improved
suspended ceiling comprising a ceiling tile and supporting
structure and a method for installing the ceiling tile in the
supporting structure. The present invention also relates to an
improved ceiling tile for a suspended ceiling.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A suspended ceiling in a room or in another accommodation
may serve a variety of purposes. One purpose of having a suspended
ceiling may be to conceal an underside of a space, such as another
room, which is located above the room. Another purpose may be to
provide an improved noise absorption and/or noise attenuation in
and outside of the room. The resulting plenum space located between
the suspended ceiling and a main ceiling of the room may further be
utilized to accommodate e.g. wiring, piping, as well as devices
related to heating, ventilation and air condition.
[0003] Typically, the suspended ceiling consists of a plurality of
ceiling panels which are fitted into a supporting grid, comprising
inverted T-profiles, which is mounted in the main ceiling. In the
disclosure EP0979908, there is provided ceiling panels which may
conceal the supporting grid when viewed from below. More
specifically, according to EP0979908, each ceiling panel is
provided with horizontal kerfs along two opposing edges which
thereby allow two adjacent ceiling panels to come closer to each
other while concealing the supporting grid.
[0004] However, known ceiling panels are easily displaced from
their fittings in the supporting grid. In one example, a
displacement of a ceiling panel may be induced by a sudden change
of air pressure in the room, for instance when a door connected to
the room is abruptly opened or closed. In another example, the
displacement may occur when a force is applied to the ceiling panel
from below, which may happen, for example, during a cleaning
process of the ceiling panel. The displacement problem has been
addressed in the disclosure EP0979908, wherein certain spring
arrangements have been used. Alternatively, so-called hold-down
clips mounted on the back sides of the ceiling panels may be
utilized to spring arrangements or hold-down clips, are concealed
in an assembled state. However, it is typically cumbersome and time
consuming to install these external locking devices into each,
often large number, of the ceiling tiles to be mounted. Moreover,
the external locking devices may destroy parts keep the ceiling
panels in place. Preferably, these external locking devices, such
as spring arrangements or hold-down clips, are concealed in an
assembled state. However, it is typically cumbersome and time
consuming to install these external locking devices into each,
often large number, of the ceiling tiles to be mounted. Moreover,
the external locking devices may destroy parts of the ceiling tile,
due to the ceiling tile being porous and consequently fragile.
Also, it is difficult to implement an efficient automated
manufacturing process in which the external locking device is
mounted into a proper position of the ceiling tile.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 2,318,092 and NL 1011196 each discloses a
suspended ceiling comprising rectangular ceiling tiles supported by
a grid of profiles forming frames engaging the tiles on all four
sides.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide an improved suspended ceiling comprising a ceiling tile
which in a mounted state is more efficiently prevented from
involuntary displacements. Moreover, it is an object to provide a
method for mounting the improved suspended ceiling.
[0007] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
improved ceiling tile which is adapted to be mounted in the
inventive suspended ceiling according to the above.
[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is
provided a suspended ceiling comprising a ceiling tile and a grid
of profiles forming a frame which supports the ceiling tile. The
ceiling tile has a first and a second pair of non-adjacent
side-edge portions, wherein the grid of profiles engage from below
with the first pair of side-edge portions, and wherein the grid of
profiles engage from above with the second pair of side-edge
portions. The grid of profiles engages with said first and second
pair of side-edge portions such that a clamping action that
counteracts lateral displacement of the ceiling tile is
provided.
[0009] An advantage of the present inventive concept is that the
ceiling tile is prevented from getting displaced in a vertical
direction. By means of the engagement from above as well as from
below, a vertical displacement of the ceiling tile is prevented. A
portion of the grid of profiles may engage from below with the
first pair of side-edge portions of the ceiling tile while another
portion of the grid of profiles may engage from above with the
second side-edge portions of the ceiling tile. A side-edge portion
of the ceiling tile may be a part of an underside of the ceiling
tile, a part of an upper side of the ceiling tile, a groove or
cavity provided in a side portion of the ceiling tile, a protrusion
provided in a side portion of the ceiling tile, etc. Moreover,
there is no need for any external locking devices, such as spring
arrangements or hold-down clips, in order to further secure the
ceiling tile.
[0010] A further advantage of the present inventive concept is that
the ceiling tile is easy to mount. More specifically, the ceiling
tile may be mounted by performing a series of acts which are
described below in relation to the second aspect of the
invention.
[0011] A further advantage of the present inventive concept is that
it is unnecessary to lift the ceiling tile above the grid of
profiles during mounting, thereby making the mounting process
easier. Thereby, a smaller vertical extension of the plenum space
may be needed in order to mount the ceiling tile which, for
instance, may result in more available headroom in the room.
[0012] Another advantage of the present invention is that the
ceiling tile also is easily demountable. For example, this property
may make it easier to access the plenum space when needed. In
particular, there is no need for a separate entrance chamber in the
ceiling for accessing the plenum space, since any part of the
suspended ceiling comprising the inventive ceiling tiles is equally
accessible.
[0013] Thus, in a mounted state the ceiling tiles comprised in the
inventive suspended ceiling are more efficiently prevented from
involuntary displacements which may be induced by a wind uplift,
impacts from objects, forces applied to the ceiling panel from
below, e.g. during a cleaning process, a sudden change of air
pressure in the room when a door connected to the room is abruptly
opened, etc.
[0014] By means of the clamping action, or frictional fit, the
ceiling tile is kept fixed in a lateral position, being restrained
by friction. Preferably, the clamping action is such that the
ceiling tile is kept fixed at least in a first lateral direction.
More preferably, the clamping action is such that the ceiling tile
is kept fixed in two perpendicular lateral directions.
[0015] According to one embodiment, the grid of profiles engages
with the first and second pair of side-edge portions under
elastical deformation of the latter. By an elastical deformation of
an object with a given original shape, which is not deformed, is
meant a moderate deformation or bending of the object such that it
essentially assumes its original undeformed shape when the
deformation action or bending is ceased. An advantage of this
embodiment is that the ceiling tile may be more easily mounted,
since it may be bent, to a larger or lesser extent, into position.
Another advantage of this embodiment is that a mounted ceiling tile
may be demounted and then mounted again without appreciably
destroying the ceiling tile.
[0016] According to an alternative embodiment, the grid of profiles
engages with the first and second pair of side-edge portions under
inelastical deformation of the latter. After the inelastical
deformation, the ceiling tile does not assume its original
undeformed shape. After a demounting of this ceiling tile, it may
be replaced by another ceiling tile. Optionally, parts of the
ceiling tile may be reused.
[0017] Optionally, the grid of profiles may engage with the first
and second pair of side-edge portions under elastical deformation
of the grid of profiles, or more specifically, elastical
deformation of flanges provided in the profiles. As a further
option, the grid of profiles may engage with the first and second
pair of side-edge portions under elastical deformation of the grid
of profiles as well as under elastic deformation of the first and
second pair of side-edge portions the ceiling tile.
[0018] According to one embodiment, the first pair of side-edge
portions comprises a first side edge and a second side edge,
wherein a first groove is provided in and extending along the first
side edge, and wherein a second groove is provided in and extending
along the second side edge. A depth of the first groove is larger
than a depth of the second groove and, moreover, the grid of
profiles comprises a first and a second flange which are received
by the first and second grooves, respectively. Thus, the grid of
profiles may engage from below with at least a portion of the first
and second grooves. An advantage of providing the ceiling tile with
grooves is that the positioning of the ceiling tile is further
improved, at least in one lateral direction. Optionally, a portion
of the grid of profiles may also engage from above with at least a
portion of the first or second groove.
[0019] By means of the first groove having a larger depth than the
second groove, the flanges may more easily be inserted into the
respective groove allowing for a simpler mounting. In particular,
an installation of the ceiling tile from below the suspended
ceiling is admitted. As a consequence, a smaller plenum space may
be needed for installing the ceiling tile which may result in, for
instance, more headroom in the room. Another advantage of providing
the ceiling tile with grooves is that the ceiling tile may be
inserted into a part of the grid of profiles and may thereby
conceal at least part of the grid of profiles.
[0020] According to one embodiment, the engagement between the grid
of profiles and the first pair of side-edge portions occurs between
the first and second flange and an upper engagement surface
associated with the first and second groove, respectively. The
engagement may occur at a respective upper portion of the first and
second flanges. The upper engagement surface of each groove may be
a portion of an area formed by the groove. For example, the first
groove may give rise to two oppositely arranged walls; the upper
engagement surface of the first groove may be one of these walls.
Analogous remarks holds for the second groove.
[0021] The surface profile of the upper engagement surface may be
flat, stepwise flat, stepwise curved, etc.
[0022] According to one embodiment, the upper engagement surface of
the first groove is stepped. The step may be such that a width of
the groove is smaller at a large depth of the groove than a width
at a small depth of the same. Moreover, the step may be such that a
lateral displacement may be prevented.
[0023] By means of the step in the groove, there is provided a
first and a second depth in the first groove: the first depth may
substantially correspond to the depth of the second groove while
the second depth may be larger than the depth of the second groove.
The grid of profiles may engage with the second depth of the groove
when installing the ceiling tile and with the second depth of the
groove when the ceiling tile is mounted and aligned in a proper
position. Thus, an advantage of having the step is that, when
displacing the ceiling tile engaging with the grid of profiles by
means of a first upper engagement surface towards the second
flange, the ceiling tile may after a given distance clicks down so
that it engages with the grid of profiles by means of a second
upper engagement surface of the step. As a result of the ceiling
tile clicking down, whereby e.g. the ceiling tile clicks into a
proper position, a worker mounting the ceiling tile may obtain a
confirmation that the ceiling tile is located in or close to a
proper position.
[0024] A further advantage is that a lateral displacement of the
ceiling tile may be prevented, in spite of there being a deeper
portion of the first groove. In order to displace the ceiling tile
from its mounting position, a very specific combination of vertical
and horizontal forces at various suitable locations at a front
surface of the ceiling tile needs to be applied.
[0025] According to an alternative embodiment, also an upper
engagement surface of the second groove is stepped. The depth of
the second groove may be equal to a depth of the first groove.
[0026] Optionally, there may be several steps provided in the upper
engagement surface of the first groove. The width of the groove may
be stepwise constant.
[0027] Optionally, a portion of the stepped profiles which is
arranged to engage with the grid of profiles may comprise a
material having larger friction against the grid of profiles than
other portions of the ceiling tile.
[0028] According to one embodiment, the second pair of side-edge
portions comprises a third side edge and a fourth side edge,
wherein a first stepped profile is provided in and extending along
the third side edge for forming a step in a back surface of the
ceiling tile, and wherein a second stepped profile is provided in
and extending along the fourth side edge for forming a step in the
back surface. Moreover, the grid of profiles comprises a third and
a fourth flange received by the first and second stepped profiles,
respectively. By means of this embodiment, a first pair of profiles
comprised in the grid of profiles may engage from below with the
first and second grooves, while a second pair of profiles may
engage from above with the stepped profiles provided in the ceiling
tile, the first and second pair of profiles being situated at the
same height. A further advantage of providing the ceiling tile with
stepped profiles is that the positioning of the ceiling tile is
further improved, at least in one lateral direction. Together with
the grooves according to the embodiment above, the positioning of
the ceiling tile is improved in two lateral directions.
[0029] According to one embodiment, the engagement between the grid
of profiles and the second pair of side-edge portions occurs
between the third and fourth flange and a lower engagement surface
associated with the first and second stepped profile, respectively.
Preferably, each lower engagement surface has a surface profile
with substantially corresponds to a surface profile of an
associated area of the flange in which the engagement occurs. For
example, the surface profile of the lower engagement surface may be
flat, stepwise flat, stepwise curved, etc.
[0030] According to one embodiment, the grid of profiles comprises
a plurality of inverted T-profiles. The first and second flange may
be provided on two separate inverted T-profiles. The grid of
profiles may comprise a metallic material, such as steel or a sheet
metal. Alternatively, the grid of profiles may comprise a
light-weight material, for example a light metal such as
aluminum.
[0031] According to an alternative embodiment, the grid of profiles
may comprise at least one of an L-profile, an H-profile, an
I-profile and a Z-profile.
[0032] According to one embodiment, the ceiling tile is
rectangular. In one example, the ceiling tile is quadratic, each
side edge having equal extensions. With regard to the rectangular
ceiling tile, the first pair of non-adjacent side-edge portions
comprises two opposing side edges having a first extension and the
second pair of non-adjacent side-edge portions comprises the other
two opposing side edges of the rectangle having a second extension.
According to one embodiment, the ceiling tile comprises an
elastically deformable material. According to another embodiment,
the ceiling tile comprises compressed fibre material. The
compressed fibre material may be mineral wool such as rock wool or,
especially, glass wool.
[0033] According to one embodiment, the suspended ceiling further
comprises a plurality of ceiling tiles of the type according to any
of the embodiments described in the above. The plurality of ceiling
tiles may have varying dimensions. For example, a ceiling tile
adjacent to a corner or a wall may be smaller than a ceiling tile
which is not.
[0034] According to a second aspect of the invention there is
provided a method for mounting a suspended ceiling. The method
comprises the acts of providing a grid of profiles, and a ceiling
tile, and installing the ceiling tile in a frame of said grid of
profiles, wherein the ceiling tile has a first and a second pair of
non-adjacent side-edge portions. The act of installing the ceiling
tile comprises: arranging the ceiling tile in an inclined position
and directing a first side edge of the first pair of side-edge
portions towards a first flange of the frame; inserting, by
relative displacement of the ceiling tile and the grid of profiles,
the first flange into a first groove of the ceiling tile provided
along the first side edge to such an extent that a second side edge
of the first pair of side-edge portions clears a second flange of
the frame, whereby the first flange engages from below with an
upper engagement surface associated with the first groove;
arranging the ceiling tile in an horizontal position and aligning a
second groove of the ceiling tile provided along the second side
edge with the second flange, such that a third and a fourth flange
of the frame engage from above with a third and a fourth side edge,
respectively, of the second pair of side-edge portions, the first
flange continuing to engage from below with the upper engagement
surface associated with the first groove; displacing the ceiling
tile towards the second flange, the first, third and fourth flange
continuing to engage with the first, third and fourth side edge,
respectively, such that the second flange engage from below with an
upper engagement surface associated with the second groove, whereby
said flanges engages with said side-edge portions such that a
clamping action that counteracts lateral displacement of the
ceiling tile is provided.
[0035] According to one embodiment, the act of providing a ceiling
tile further comprises providing a ceiling tile in which said upper
engagement surface of said first groove is stepped.
[0036] According to one embodiment, a first stepped profile is
provided in and extending along the third side edge for forming a
step in a back surface of the ceiling tile, and a second stepped
profile is provided in and extending along the fourth side edge for
forming a step in the back surface. Moreover, the third and fourth
flanges comprised in the grid of profiles engage with the first and
second stepped profiles, respectively.
[0037] According to one embodiment, the grid of profiles engages
with the first and second pair of side-edge portions under
elastical deformation of the latter.
[0038] The details and advantages of the second aspect of the
invention are largely analogous to those of the first aspect of the
invention, wherein reference is made to the above. In addition, it
is noted that the ceiling tile may be mounted in a preassembled
grid of profiles.
[0039] According to a third aspect of the invention there is
provided a ceiling tile for a suspended ceiling. The ceiling tile
is arranged to be supported by flanges of a grid of profiles, where
the flanges have a thickness T. The ceiling tile has a front
surface, a back surface and a first and a second pair of
non-adjacent side-edge portions, wherein each side-edge portion of
the first pair comprises an upper engagement surface faced in the
same direction as the front surface and each side-edge portion of
the second pair comprises a lower engagement surface faced in the
same direction as the back surface. Moreover, the upper engagement
surfaces are arranged at a distance (X) from the front surface, and
the lower engagement surfaces are arranged at a distance (Y) from
the front surface, wherein the difference between the distance X
and the distance Y is less than the thickness T.
[0040] The ceiling tile may be mounted in a suspended ceiling
comprising a supporting structure in the form of a grid of
profiles. The upper and lower engagement surfaces may engage with
the flanges. This engagement may occur by means of a clamping
action that counteracts lateral displacement of the ceiling tile.
The engagement may also occur under elastical deformation of the
first and second pair of side-edge portions.
[0041] As is clear from the above, in an unmounted state of the
ceiling tile, the difference between the distance X and the
distance Y is less than the thickness T. In equations, this
relation may be written as X-Y<T. By means of the relation
between X, Y and T, a clamping action is obtained, thereby keeping
the ceiling tile in place. In a non-limiting example, X=15 mm, Y=14
mm and T=1.1 mm, so that the difference becomes X-Y=1 mm, which is
smaller than 1.1 mm. In a mounted state, however, when the ceiling
tile is mounted in a grid of profiles, at least one of the lower
engagement surfaces may be compressed and the relation above
between X and Y may be modified. Moreover, at least one of the
upper engagement surfaces may be compressed. For instance, in a
mounted state, the relation X'-Y'=T may hold, where X' and Y' are
the distances corresponding to X and Y when the ceiling tile is
mounted.
[0042] According to one embodiment, the first pair of side-edge
portions comprises a first side edge and a second side edge,
wherein a first groove is provided in and extending along the first
side edge and wherein a second groove is provided in and extending
along the second side edge. The first and the second groove may be
provided between the front surface and the back surface. A depth of
the first groove may be larger than a depth of the second groove.
Moreover, the upper engagement surfaces comprised in the first pair
of side-edge portions may be arranged in the first and second
groove. According to one embodiment, the upper engagement surface
of the first groove is stepped. The step may be such that a width
of the groove is smaller at a large depth of the groove than a
width at a small depth of the same. Moreover, the step may be such
that a lateral displacement may be prevented.
[0043] According to one embodiment, the second pair of side-edge
portions comprises a third side edge and a fourth side edge,
wherein a first stepped profile is provided in and extending along
the third side edge for forming a step in a back surface of the
ceiling tile, and wherein a second stepped profile is provided in
and extending along the fourth side edge for forming a step in the
back surface. The lower engagement surfaces may be arranged in the
third and fourth stepped profiles.
[0044] According to one embodiment, the ceiling tile is
rectangular. In one example, the ceiling tile is quadratic, each
side edge having equal extensions. According to one embodiment, the
ceiling tile comprises an elastically deformable material.
According to another embodiment, the ceiling tile comprises
compressed fibre material. The compressed fibre material may be
mineral wool such as rock wool or, especially, glass wool.
[0045] According to one embodiment, at least one of the lower or
upper engagement surfaces has an undulating or irregular shape, the
engagement surfaces thereby being arranged at a varying distance
from the front surface. For instance, the undulating or irregular
shape may be wave shaped, saw-tooth shaped, etc. An advantage of
having an undulating or irregularly shaped engagement surface is
that the ceiling tile may be more easily compressed in these areas
and may thereby engage with the grid of profiles more easily.
Simultaneously, however, the magnitude of the engagement between
the engagement surfaces and the grid of profiles may be
reduced.
[0046] When the distance between an engagement surface and the
front surface is varying, the distance may have a maximal magnitude
and a minimal magnitude. The distance may be measured normal to the
front surface. Thus, the concept of distance may be defined as
follows. In one example, the distance between the engagement
surface and the front surface is defined to be the maximal
magnitude of the distance. In another example, the distance between
the engagement surface and the front surface is defined to be the
minimal magnitude of the distance. In yet another example, the
distance between the engagement surface and the front surface is
defined to be an average distance between the front surface and the
engagement surface which is arranged at a varying distance from the
front surface.
[0047] The profiles comprised in the grid of profiles may have any
shape and cross sections. In one example, the profiles comprise
inverted T-profiles. Moreover, the grid of profiles may comprise
flanges which are situated at different heights.
[0048] Other details and advantages of the third aspect of the
invention are largely analogous to those of the first aspect of the
invention, wherein reference is made to the above.
[0049] 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, step, etc]" are to
be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said
element, device, component, means, step, 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
[0050] 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 preferred embodiments of the present invention, with
reference to the appended drawings, where the same reference
numerals will be used for similar elements, wherein:
[0051] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an
embodiment of the inventive suspended ceiling comprising a
plurality of ceiling tiles and a grid of T-profiles.
[0052] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a two side edges
and a back surface of one of the ceiling tiles shown in FIG. 1.
[0053] FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional side view of two ceiling tiles
of the type shown in FIG. 2 along the lines A-A and C-C as mounted
into an inverted T-profile.
[0054] FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional side view of two ceiling tiles
of the type shown in FIG. 2 along the lines B-B and D-D as mounted
into an inverted T-profile.
[0055] FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b illustrate cross-sectional side views of
an alternative embodiment of one of the ceiling tiles shown in FIG.
1 as mounted into a pair of inverted T-profiles.
[0056] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating yet an alternative
embodiment of one of the ceiling tiles shown in FIG. 1.
[0057] FIGS. 6a-c are cross-sectional side views of the ceiling
tile of the type shown in FIG. 5 along the lines A1-A2, B1-B1 and
C1-C1, respectively, as mounted into a pair of inverted
T-profiles.
[0058] FIG. 7a-c schematically illustrates an embodiment of a
method for mounting a suspended ceiling according to the present
inventive concept.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0059] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an
embodiment of the inventive suspended ceiling 100 comprising a
plurality of ceiling tiles 120, 122 and a grid of profiles 110,
112, as seen obliquely from above. The suspended ceiling 100 is
adapted to be mounted underneath a main ceiling of a room or
another accommodation, thereby forming a two-dimensional visible
ceiling surface as seen from below. When mounted, the grid of
profiles 110, 112 comprised in the suspended ceiling 100 is
preferably at least partly concealed. In one example, the grid of
profiles 110, 112 is concealed in one direction of the suspended
ceiling 100 and exposed in the other direction. In another example,
the grid of profiles 110, 112 is concealed in both directions of
the suspended ceiling 100.
[0060] The grid of profiles 110, 112 is a supporting structure for
the ceiling tiles 120, 122 and comprises profiles 110, 112 in the
form of main runners 110 as well as cross runners 112. A first set
of main runners 110 may be suspended in the main ceiling, thereby
supporting the grid of profiles 110, 112, while a second set of
main runners 110 may be non-supported in the same. Moreover, the
first set may extend across several ceiling tiles 120, 122 while
the second set may comprise several segments, whereby each segment
extends along the adjacent side edges of one pair of neighbouring
ceiling tiles 120, 122. The cross runners 112 are provided at right
angles to the main runners 110 and are connected to the same at a
discrete set of locations. Thereby, the main runners 110 and the
cross runners 112 form a grid-like structure which is adapted to
support ceiling tiles 120, 122 of a rectangular shape. Optionally,
the grid of profiles 110, 112 may also comprise wall runners as is
well-known to a person skilled in the art. It is also understood
that the overall geometry of the profiles may vary. For instance,
the profiles may be curved, horizontally and/or vertically, and may
consequently be adapted to support ceiling tiles of other shapes.
For example, a ceiling tile may be in the shape of a polygon, such
as a triangle, a quadrilateral or a pentagon, etc.
[0061] According to the present embodiment, the grid of profiles
forms frames in the shape of inner rectangular frames and outer
rectangular frame portions into which the ceiling tiles 120 and 122
are to be inserted, respectively. Thus, each ceiling tile 120, 122
is at least partly enclosed by profiles. The inner rectangular
frames are adapted to support ceiling tiles with lateral dimensions
600 mm.times.1200 mm, while the outer rectangular portions are
adapted to support ceiling tiles having smaller lateral dimensions,
such as 600 mm.times.300 mm and 200 mm.times.300 cm. Naturally,
also other lateral dimensions are conceivable. For example, a
quadratic ceiling tile may have the dimensions 600 mm.times.600
mm.
[0062] The grid of profiles 110, 112 is suspended by hangers 130
such as hanger wires, rods, etc. In FIG. 1, each hanger 130
comprises a first and a second hanger element which are arranged in
parallel. An end portion of each of the first hanger elements is
provided with a hook and is inserted into a corresponding hole in a
hanger clip which is provided in a main runner 110. Moreover, the
length of each hanger 130 is adjustable by means of an arrangement
which allows for a relative lengthwise displacement of the first
and second hanger element. The second hanger elements are fastened
to a permanent structure of the room, such as the main ceiling of
the room (not shown), thereby upholding the suspended ceiling.
[0063] According to the present embodiment, each of the profiles
110, 112 is an inverted T-profile, or a tee, thereby having a
cross-section in the form of an inverted T. Thus, each of the
profiles has a central web and two flanges which protrude to an
equal extent from a lower part of the web in two opposite
horizontal directions. The flanges are adapted to support the
ceiling tiles 120, 122. Optionally, the central web may comprise a
bulb, e.g. for reinforcing the T-profile. The profiles are
comprised of a light-weight material. For example, the material may
be a metal such as steel or a sheet metal. Alternatively, the
material may be a rigid plastic, a light metal, such as aluminium,
or similarly. The profiles 110, 112 according to the present
embodiment are rigid. However, it is equally conceivable to utilize
resilient profiles 110, 112 which may simplify the installation of
the ceiling tiles 120, 122.
[0064] According to an alternative embodiment, the profiles 110,
112 may comprise at least one of an L-profile, an H-profile, an
I-profile and a Z-profile.
[0065] According to the present embodiment, the ceiling tiles 120,
122 are rectangular comprising four sides, wherein each side is
adapted to engage with a profile 110, 112. Alternatively, the
ceiling tiles 120, 122 may have other shapes. As mentioned above,
the ceiling tile may for example be in the shape of a polygon, such
as a triangle, a quadrilateral or a pentagon, etc.
[0066] The ceiling tiles 120, 122 comprises inner ceiling tiles 120
and outer ceiling tiles 122 which are inserted into the inner
rectangular frames and outer rectangular frame portions,
respectively. The outer ceiling tiles 122 may have smaller
dimensions than the inner ceiling tiles 120. Each inner ceiling
tile 120 is surrounded by other ceiling tiles 120, 122 and is
supported by main runners 110 along one opposing pair of sides.
Moreover, each outer ceiling tile 122 is supported by main runners
110 along one side and by cross runners 112 along at least one of
the remaining sides. Optionally, at least one side of an outer
ceiling tile 122 may be supported by a wall runner. In one example,
an outer ceiling tile 122 is produced by cutting an inner ceiling
tile 120 to smaller dimensions so that it fits along a given wall
or corner of a room.
[0067] In order to improve the acoustical environment of the room,
each of the ceiling tiles 120, 122 may comprise a material which is
sufficiently acoustically absorbing and/or acoustically insulating
for the room under consideration. In addition, the materials are
preferably chosen to be relatively lightweight, thereby giving rise
to a lightweight ceiling. Moreover, the material of the ceiling
tiles 120, 122 is preferably an elastically deformable material.
For example, the ceiling tiles may be made of a compressed fibre
material comprising mineral wool such as rock wool, or especially
glass wool.
[0068] The lateral dimensions of each ceiling tile 120, 122
substantially correspond to the lateral dimensions of the inner or
outer frame into which it is to be inserted. More specifically, the
lateral dimensions of each ceiling tile 120, 122 substantially
correspond to the dimensions a frame formed by the upwardly
directed web portions of the T-profiles surrounding the ceiling
tile under consideration. Furthermore, the thickness of each
ceiling tile 120, 122 is preferably smaller than a height of the
upwardly directed web portions of the surrounding T-profiles,
although a different thickness is equally conceivable. For
instance, the thickness may be 20 mm.
[0069] Next, the design of an inner ceiling tile 120 will be
described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIGS. 3a-b.
[0070] The ceiling tile 120 comprises a first 200, 202 and a second
204, 206 pair of side-edge portions, wherein each pair of side-edge
portions are non-adjacent, viz., in the case of a rectangular
ceiling tile 120, oppositely arranged. The first pair of side-edge
portions comprises the first side edge 200 and the second side edge
202, and the second pair of side-edge portions comprises the third
side edge 204 and the fourth side edge 206.
[0071] Furthermore, the ceiling tile 120 has a front surface 210
and a back surface 212 which are oppositely arranged to each other.
The front surface 210 is arranged to be visible from below when the
suspended ceiling is mounted.
[0072] The first side edge 200 is provided with a first groove 220
which extends along the entire first side edge 200, extending from
a surface of the third side edge 204 to a surface of the fourth
side edge 206. The first groove 220 is stepped in that it comprises
a shallow part 222 and a deep part 224 which are defined by an
upper engagement surface 226, a boundary surface 228 and an
auxiliary surface 227 which are provided essentially in parallel
with respect to either the front surface 210 or the back surface
212 of the ceiling tile 120. The upper engagement surface 226 is,
as evident from i.e. FIG. 3a, faced in the same direction as the
front surface 210. A depth of the deep part 224 is larger than a
depth of the shallow part 222. Moreover, a width of the first
groove 220 at the very bottom of the deep part 224 is smaller than
a width at the shallow part 222 close to the surface of the side
edge 200. The width at the very bottom of the deep part 224 is
defined by the auxiliary surface 227 and the boundary surface 228,
while the width at the shallow part 222 close to the surface of the
side edge 200 is defined by the upper engagement surface 226 and
the boundary surface 228. As will be described below, the deep part
224 is adapted to be used when installing the ceiling tile 120 in
the grid of profiles 110, 112, whereas the shallow part 222 is
adapted to align and lock the ceiling tile 120.
[0073] According to the present embodiment, the lower lip 229 is
extending farther out than upper lip 223 in order to be able to
better conceal the T-profile 260 from below. According to an
alternative embodiment, however, the upper 229 and lower lip 223
may have an equal extension.
[0074] The second side edge 202 is provided with a second groove
230 which extends along the entire second side edge 202, extending
from the surface of the third side edge 204 to the surface of the
fourth side edge 206. The second groove 230 is also depicted in an
adjacent ceiling tile 120a in FIG. 3a at 230a. As opposed to the
first groove 220, the second groove 230 is not stepped. The second
groove 230 is defined by the upper engagement surface 236, faced in
same the direction as the front surface 210, and the boundary
surface 238 such that a width of the second groove 230 is
substantially constant. In other words, the engagement surface 236
and the boundary surface 238 are provided essentially in parallel
with respect to either the front surface 210 or the back surface
212 of the ceiling tile 120. According to the present embodiment,
the lower lip 234, 234a is extending farther out than the upper lip
232, 232a in order to be able to better conceal the T-profile 260
from below. According to an alternative embodiment, however, the
upper 232, 232a and lower lip 234, 234a may have an equal
extension.
[0075] The upper engagement surfaces 226 and 236, 236a are arranged
at a distance X from the front surface 210, 210a, see FIG. 2 and
FIG. 3a. Here, the distance from the front surface is measured
normal to the front surface. Indeed, if a horizontal arrangement of
the ceiling tile 120 is desired, and the flanges of the T-profiles
110, 112 are situated at the same height, the upper engagement
surfaces 226 and 236 of the first and the second groove are
preferably arranged at the same height.
[0076] Moreover, the auxiliary surface 227 is arranged at a
distance Z from the front surface 210, 210a. The distance Z is
preferably less than X.
[0077] The width of the first 220 and second 230 groove is
preferably equal or larger than a width of a portion of the
T-profile, such as a flange, which is adapted to be inserted into
the grooves. According to an alternative embodiment, at least one
of the second groove and the deep part of the first groove is
tapering, such that the width of the groove in question is smallest
at its deepest part. A tapering groove of this kind may, for
instance, allow for a wedging of the ceiling tile, temporarily or
permanently.
[0078] According to an alternative embodiment, the first groove 220
may be tilted with respect to either the front surface 210 or the
back surface 212 of the ceiling tile 120. More specifically, the
upper 226 engagement surface, the boundary surface 228 as well as
the auxiliary surface 227 of the first groove may be provided
obliquely with respect to either the front surface 210 or the back
surface 212. Preferably, the first groove 220 is arranged at an
angle which allows for a simple installation of the ceiling tile
120 from below.
[0079] The third 204 and fourth 206 side edges are provided with a
first 240 and a second 250 stepped profile, respectively, which
extend along the entire third 204 and fourth 206 side edge.
Furthermore, each stepped profile 240, 250 extends from a surface
of the first side edge 200 to a surface of the second side edge
202. A cross section of the second stepped profile 250 is also
depicted to the right in FIG. 3b, and furthermore a cross section
of the first stepped profile 240 provided in an adjacent ceiling
tile 120b is depicted in FIG. 3b at 240b. Each stepped profile 240,
250 forms a step in the back surface 212 of the ceiling tile 120.
The first stepped profile 240, 240b comprises an upper wall portion
242, 242b a lower engagement surface 244, 244b and a lower wall
portion 246, 246b which is parallel to the upper wall portion 242,
242b. The lower engagement surface 224 is faced in the same
direction as the back surface 212. The second stepped profile 250
comprises an upper wall portion 252, a lower engagement surface
254, faced in the same direction as the back surface 212, and a
lower wall portion 256 which is parallel to the upper wall portion
252. A lower part of the upper wall portion 242, 242b, 252 is
connected to an upper part of the lower wall portion 246, 246b, 256
via the lower, essentially horizontal, engagement surface 244,
244b, 254.
[0080] The lower engagement surfaces 244, 244b and 254 are arranged
at a distance Y from the front surface 210, 210b, see FIG. 2 and
FIG. 3b. Here, the distance from the front surface is measured
normal to the front surface. The distance Y is at least equal to
the distance X defined above. Note, however, that in a mounted
state, the relation between X and Y may be different, since the
ceiling tile may be compressed. Thus, in a mounted state, X' may be
less than Y', where the primes indicate that the distances are
valid when the ceiling tile is mounted, see FIG. 3a and FIG.
3b.
[0081] It is noted that the auxiliary surface 227, which is
arranged at a distance Z from the front surface 210, 210b as
mentioned above, may be less than Y, larger than Y, or equal to
Y.
[0082] With reference to FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b, which illustrate
cross-sectional side views of an alternative embodiment 300 of one
of the ceiling tiles shown in FIG. 1, the first 320 as well as the
second 330 groove may comprise a stepped profile. Each of these
grooves 320, 330 comprises a shallow part and a deep part in exact
analogy with the discussion above (cf. the first groove 220). The
dimensions of the two stepped profiles are preferably the same, but
alternatively they may differ. For example, the depth of the deep
part of the first groove 320 may be larger than the depth of the
deep part of the second groove. The first 340 and the second 350
stepped profiles provided in the second pair of side-edge portions
are similar to those of the embodiment discussed in the above (cf.
the stepped profiles 240 and 250), see FIG. 4b. The ceiling tile
300 is mounted into the inverted T-profiles 400, 410 and 420, 430
as illustrated in FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b, respectively.
[0083] In analogy with the discussion above, X' and Y' in FIG. 4a-b
are the distances from the front surface to the upper and the lower
engagement surfaces of the ceiling tile, respectively, in a mounted
state.
[0084] As is clear from the above, the rightmost parts of FIGS. 3a
and 3b illustrate cross sections of the ceiling tile 120 in FIG. 2
taken along the lines A-A and B-B, respectively. Furthermore, the
leftmost parts of FIGS. 3a and 3b, illustrate cross sections of
ceiling tiles 120a and 120b adjacent to the ceiling tile 120,
corresponding to cross sections of the ceiling tile 120 in FIG. 2
taken along the lines C-C and D-D, respectively. In other words,
adjacent ceiling tiles 120, 122 comprised in the suspended ceiling
100 are arranged in the grid of profiles 110, 112 as in FIG. 3a in
one direction and as in FIG. 3b in a perpendicular direction.
[0085] More specifically, the T-profiles consist of main runners
110 with cross section 260 and cross runners 120 with a cross
section 270. Needless to say, the roles of these two types of
T-profiles may be interchanged. From the cross-sectional views in
FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b, it is clear that the T-profile comprises two
flanges 262 and 264, in the case of a main runner 110, and 272 and
274, in the case of a cross runner 120, which flanges extend in
opposite horizontal directions. When mounted, the upper engagement
surface 226 of the ceiling tile 120 engages with an upper side 266
of the flange 264 of the T-profile 260 while the upper engagement
surface 236a of the adjacent ceiling tile 120a engages with an
upper side 268 of the flange 262 of the T-profile 260. Thus, in a
mounted state, the upper engagement surfaces 226 and 236a provided
in the first 220 and second groove 230a, respectively, are
substantially aligned, i.e. the surfaces are essentially parallel
to each other and situated at essentially the same vertical spatial
height as measured from a reference plane in the room, such as a
floor or a main ceiling. Note, however, that the boundary surfaces
228 and 238a provided in the first 220 and second groove 230a,
respectively, do not need to be aligned or situated at the same
vertical spatial height.
[0086] Furthermore, when mounted, the engagement surface 254 of the
ceiling tile 120 engages with an underside 276 of the flange 274 of
the T-profile 270 while the engagement surface 244b of the adjacent
ceiling tile 120b engages with an underside 276 of the flange 272
of the T-profile 270. Thus, in a mounted state, the engagement
surface 244b is substantially in parallel with the engagement
surface 254, see FIG. 3b.
[0087] Consequently, only the front surfaces 210, 210a, 210b of the
ceiling tiles 120, 120a, 120b are visible from below in a mounted
state while the back surfaces 212, 212a, 212b are concealed. The
protrusion 247b of the first stepped profile 240b and the
protrusion 257 of the second stepped profile 250 may have a gap
between them, as in the present embodiment, thereby exposing parts
of the underside 276 of the T-profile 270. The gap may have a width
of 8 mm, but other widths are equally conceivable. According to an
alternative equally conceivable embodiment, there is no gap between
the protrusion 247b and the protrusion 257, whereby a concealment
of the T-profile 270 in the direction along, say, the cross runners
112 is attained.
[0088] Notice that in the other direction, along the main runners
110, there is preferably a distance between the ceiling tiles 120,
thereby making the grid of profiles exposed. More particularly,
there is preferably a gap between the lower lip 234a and the lower
lip 229 in order to be able to mount the ceiling tile 120 according
to the method describe below. The gap may have a width of 8 mm, but
other widths are equally conceivable. Optionally, there may be a
concealing element provided in the gap between the lower lip 234a
and the lower lip 229, extending in a direction along the main
runners 110, arranged to conceal at least a part of the exposed
underside of the T-profile 260. For instance, the concealing
element may be a cap. According to another option, there may be a
spacer mounted in the gap which is arranged to interlock the
ceiling tiles 120, 120a, thereby preventing them from being
displaced. Alternatively, the spacer may be arranged to prevent
demounting of the ceiling tiles 120, 120a.
[0089] According to an alternative embodiment, there is
substantially no distance, or gap, between the ceiling tiles 120,
so that the lower lip 234a and the lower lip 229 are close to or
engage with each other. Thus, the extension of at least one of the
lower lip 234a and the lower lip 229 are adapted accordingly to
accomplish this engagement.
[0090] In fact, the gap between the ceiling tiles may be avoided by
designing the inventive ceiling tile according to the alternative
embodiment as illustrated FIG. 5 and FIG. 6a-c. FIG. 5 is a
perspective view of a ceiling tile 500 which may be utilized in
order to create a gapless suspended ceiling, i.e. a suspended
ceiling wherein there are no gaps between the ceiling tiles.
Moreover, FIGS. 6a-c illustrate cross-sectional side views of the
ceiling tile 500 in FIG. 5 along the lines A1-A2, B1-B1 and C1-C1,
respectively, as mounted into a pair of inverted T-profiles.
[0091] The ceiling tile 500 is provided with a first 520 and a
second 530 groove. The first groove 520 is provided with a stepped
profile similarly to the first groove 220 in FIG. 3a. However,
width of the deep part of the first groove 520 is larger than that
of the first groove 220. Moreover, the second groove 530 is similar
to the second groove 230a in FIG. 3a, except that the width of the
second groove 530 is larger than the corresponding width of the
second groove 230a. According to the present embodiment, the width
of the first groove 520 is larger than the width of the lower lip
534 so that the lower lip 534 is arranged to be inserted into the
first groove 520 of an adjacent ceiling tile of the same type as
the ceiling tile 500 in a mounting process. According to yet
another embodiment, however, the widths may be substantially equal
so that the lower lip has to be forced into the first groove.
[0092] Furthermore, the ceiling tile 500 is provided with first
540a, 540b and second 550a, 550b stepped profiles. The first
stepped profile comprises a thick part 540a and a thin part 540b,
wherein the thin part 540b has a smaller width Z than the width Y
of the thick part 540a as indicated in FIG. 5. According to the
present embodiment, the first stepped profile 540a, 540b is thereby
stepped also in a lengthwise direction. In an unmounted state, the
distances from the front surface to the upper and the lower
engagement surfaces of the ceiling tile 500, both labelled by X in
FIG. 5, are substantially the same. The distances X', Y', Z'
corresponding to the distances X, Y, Z in a mounted state are
indicated in FIGS. 6a-c.
[0093] The second stepped profile 550a, 550b is completely
analogous to the first stepped profile 540a, 540b, whereby the
remarks presented above in relation to the first stepped profile
540a, 540b are equally valid for the second stepped profile 550a,
550b.
[0094] Optionally, the ceiling tile 120 may comprise one or several
marks, e.g. in the form of small kerfs or chamferings provided in
the front surface 210 for indicating areas in which forces are to
be applied when demounting the ceiling tile 120. The marks may be
substantially invisible from a large distance.
[0095] According to an alternative embodiment, the ceiling tile 120
further comprises external units. An external unit may be a
lighting fixture, a device related to heating, ventilation or air
condition, etc. For example, the external unit may be located at a
center point of the front surface 210 of the ceiling tile 120.
Thus, according to this embodiment, there is provided an external
unit integrated with the ceiling tile 120 which is easily mountable
in the suspended ceiling 100. Additionally, the external unit may
be easily accessible from the back surface 212 since the inventive
ceiling tile 120 in which the external unit is provided is easily
demountable.
[0096] Next, an embodiment of a method for mounting a suspended
ceiling 100 will be described with reference to the cross-sectional
views in FIG. 7a-c. According to the method, a ceiling tile 120 is
mounted in a grid of profiles which comprises the inverted
T-profiles 260 and 280. The installation of other ceiling tiles
120, 122 in the suspended ceiling 100, comprising the grid of
profiles 110, 112, proceeds analogously.
[0097] The inverted T-profiles 260 and 280 comprise a central web
261 and 281, and two opposing flanges 262, 264 and 282, 284,
respectively. The T-profiles 260 and 280 are separated by a
horizontal distance and are situated at the same height from a
floor of the room in which the suspended ceiling 100 is to be
mounted. In the present embodiment, a distance between the
rightmost end of the flange 264 of the T-profile 260 and the
leftmost end of the flange 282 of the T-profile 280 is smaller than
the width of the ceiling tile 120, extending from the first 200 and
second 202 side edges, so that the ceiling tile 120 needs to be
inclined in order be able to mount it between the T-profiles 260,
280.
[0098] Indeed, in FIG. 7a the rightmost part of the ceiling tile
120 is inclined downwards while the leftmost part is directed
towards the flange 264. It is understood that the entire side edge
202 is inclined. The ceiling tile 120 is inclined with respect to a
plane substantially in parallel with a plane defined by the grid of
profiles. Thereafter, while the ceiling tile continues to be
inclined, the flange 264 is inserted into the deep part 224 of the
groove 220 so that the auxiliary surface 227 engages with the upper
side 266 of the flange 264. Optionally, the boundary surface 228
may engage with the lower side 267 of the flange 264. The insertion
of the flange 264 into the groove 220 continues until the side edge
202 at the rightmost part of the ceiling tile 120 in FIG. 7a clears
the flange 282. By clearing is here meant that the side edge 202
may be freely pivoted without touching the flange 282, while the
flange 264 is inserted into the groove 220. In some circumstances,
the flange 264 may have to be forced into the groove 220 for
clearing the flange 282.
[0099] Next, the side edge 202 is tilted upwards into a horizontal
position, while the flange 264 is continuing to be inserted into
the groove 220, so that the second groove 230 is aligned with the
flange 282, see FIG. 7b. At this point, the first 240 and second
250 stepped profiles (not shown in FIGS. 4a-c) arranged along the
third and fourth side edges, respectively, engage with a respective
flange as described in the above, cf. the stepped profiles 240b and
250 in FIG. 3b. More specifically, the lower engagement surfaces
244 and 254 of the stepped profiles 240 and 250 engage with a third
and a fourth flange which are arranged on T-profiles which extend
perpendicularly to the T-profiles 260, 280, such as the T-profile
270 in FIG. 3b.
[0100] In the following, reference is made to the quantities X and
Y defined above for the ceiling tile 120. Namely, if the distance Y
is larger than the distance X, the lower engagement surfaces 244,
254 have to be compressed against the underside 276 of the third
and fourth flanges in order be able to align the second groove 230
with the flange 282. On the other hand, if the distance Y is
essentially equal to the distance X, no substantial compression of
the lower engagement surfaces 244 is needed, since then the lower
244 and upper 226 engagement surfaces will be situated at the same
level. After compression, the distances X and Y may have been
modified into the distances X' and Y' which may have a different
relation than X and Y.
[0101] Optionally, the upper lip 232 of the ceiling tile 120 may
have to be forced past the flange 282 into the horizontal position
in order to align the second groove 230 with the flange 282.
[0102] Finally, while continuing engagement between the first 240
and second 250 stepped profiles and the third and fourth flanges,
the ceiling tile 120 is displaced towards the flange 282 so that
the flange 282 is inserted into the groove 230, whereby the upper
engagement surface 236 engages with the upper side 286 of the
flange 282. Optionally, the boundary surface 238 may engage with a
lower side 287 of the flange 282. The insertion of the flange 282
into the groove 230 continues until the flange 264 at the leftmost
part of the ceiling tile 120 in FIG. 7c is released from the
engagement with the auxiliary surface 227 and instead engages with
the upper engagement surface 226. Put differently, as a result of
the horizontal displacement, the ceiling tile 120 clicks down a
step from the deep part 224 to the shallow part 222 of the groove
220 into a position in which the front surface 210 is substantially
parallel with the main ceiling or floor of the room. In this
position, lateral displacements of the ceiling tile 120 are
prevented due to the presence of the grooves 220, 230 as well as
the clamping action between the profiles and the four side edges
200, 202, 204, 206, as described in the above.
[0103] The ceiling tile 300 in FIG. 4a-b may be mounted in a
similar manner as the ceiling tile 120, whereby reference is made
to the above. However, by means of the stepped profiles provided in
the first 320 as well as the second 330 groove, either the first
side edge or the second side edge may be directed towards a first
flange into which the ceiling tile 300 is to be inserted.
[0104] Moreover, in the mounting process of the ceiling tile 300,
it has to click down a step from the deep part to the shallow part
in the first groove 320 as well as in the second groove 330 in
order to a enter a position in which the front surface of the
ceiling tile is substantially parallel with the main ceiling or
floor of the room.
[0105] The ceiling tile 500 displayed in FIG. 5 and FIGS. 6a-c may
be mounted in a similar manner as the ceiling tile 120 described
above. In particular, a plurality of ceiling tiles of the type 500
shown in FIG. 5 and FIGS. 6a-c may be mounted one after another,
starting with the side comprising the lower lip 529 and the first
groove 520. However, by means of the widths of the first 520 and
the second 530 groove being larger than the corresponding widths of
the ceiling tile 120, as well as the stepped profiles 540a-b,
550a-b being stepped also in a lengthwise direction, a gapless
mounting of the ceiling tile 500 is admitted while simultaneously
allowing for an improved demounting process of the ceiling tile
500.
[0106] Indeed, in a suspended ceiling comprising a lattice of
ceiling tiles 500 of the type shown in FIG. 5 and FIGS. 6a-c, any
of these ceiling tiles 500 may be demounted without the need of
demounting any of the adjacent ceiling tiles. More specifically, a
ceiling tile 500 mounted into inverted T-profiles 600, 610, 620,
630 as in FIG. 6a-c may be demounted as follows. First, the lower
lip 529 is moved vertically in an upward direction, which is
possible due to the thin part 540b, 550b of the second stepped
profile. Then, the ceiling tile 500 is moved horizontally to the
right by inserting the its lower lip 529 into the second groove
(cf. 530) of the adjacent ceiling tile which is of the same type as
the ceiling tile 500. The horizontal displacement proceeds until
the upper lip 532 clears the rightmost flange of the T-profile 600.
In this position, the leftmost part of the ceiling tile 500 may be
displaced downwards, thereby disengaging the thick parts 540a, 550a
of the first stepped profiles, and may consequently be completely
removed from the grid of profiles 600, 610, 620, 630. A mounting of
the ceiling tile 500 proceeds analogously to the demounting just
described, albeit in a reverse order.
[0107] The invention has mainly been described above with reference
to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a
person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones
disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the
invention, as defined by the appended patent claims. For example,
it is noted that even though the present inventive concept has been
described in relation to a flat suspended ceiling which is
substantially in parallel with either a main ceiling or a floor of
a room, it is equally applicable to inclined suspended ceilings
which form an angle with the main ceiling or the floor.
* * * * *