U.S. patent application number 14/148634 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-09 for decorative tiles for ceilings and/or walls.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jeffery Anderson. Invention is credited to Jeffery Anderson.
Application Number | 20150191913 14/148634 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53493852 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150191913 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Anderson; Jeffery |
July 9, 2015 |
DECORATIVE TILES FOR CEILINGS AND/OR WALLS
Abstract
A decorative tile includes a base element and a veneer element.
The veneer element is attached to the base element in any suitable
manner. The veneer element is made of any suitable material such as
wood, including natural wood products and engineered wood products.
The decorative tiles can provide, among other things, a pleasing
aesthetic appearance in building structures. The decorative tiles
can be used as, for example, a wall panel or as a ceiling panel for
a drop ceiling.
Inventors: |
Anderson; Jeffery; (Port St.
Joe, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Anderson; Jeffery |
Port St. Joe |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53493852 |
Appl. No.: |
14/148634 |
Filed: |
January 6, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/391 ; 428/189;
428/195.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 13/0862 20130101;
Y10T 428/24802 20150115; Y10T 428/24752 20150115; E04F 13/10
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04F 13/08 20060101
E04F013/08; E04F 13/10 20060101 E04F013/10 |
Claims
1. A decorative tile for a ceiling and/or walls, the decorative
tile including an interior facing side, the decorative tile
comprising: a base element; and a veneer element attached to the
base element, the veneer element being a natural wood product or an
engineered wood product.
2. The decorative tile of claim 1, wherein the veneer element
includes a plurality of veneer segments.
3. The decorative tile of claim 1, wherein the veneer element is
raw.
4. The decorative tile of claim 1, wherein the veneer element is
recessed from a side of the base element such that a ledge is
formed by a portion of the base element that extends beyond the
veneer element.
5. The decorative tile of claim 1, wherein the base element is
recessed from a side of the veneer element such that a ledge is
formed by a portion of the veneer element that extends beyond the
base element.
6. The decorative tile of claim 1, wherein the base element
includes a first wall and a second wall, the first and second walls
being spaced from each other and interconnected by a plurality of
connecting members.
7. The decorative tile of claim 1, wherein the decorative tile
further includes a second veneer element attached to the base
element on an opposite side thereof from the veneer element, the
second veneer element being a natural wood product or an engineered
wood product, whereby the interior facing side of the decorative
tile is selectable by a user.
8. The decorative tile of claim 7, wherein the veneer element and
the second veneer element are different from each other.
9. The decorative tile of claim 1, wherein the veneer element
includes a backing.
10. The decorative tile of claim 1, wherein the base element is
substantially non-collapsible.
11. A decorative tile for a ceiling and/or walls, the decorative
tile including an interior facing side, the decorative tile
comprising: a base element, the base element including a first wall
and a second wall, the first and second walls being spaced from
each other and interconnected by a plurality of connecting members,
the base element being rigid and substantially non-collapsible; and
a veneer element attached to one of the first and second walls of
the base element, the veneer element being a natural wood product
or an engineered wood product.
12. A decorative tile system comprising: a support structure; a
decorative tile including an interior facing side, the decorative
tile including a base element and a veneer element attached to the
base element, the veneer element being a natural wood product or an
engineered wood product, the decorative tile being at least
partially supported by the support structure such that the interior
facing side of the decorative tile is defined by the veneer
element.
13. The decorative tile system of claim 12, wherein the support
structure is a grid of support members that define a plurality of
openings, the decorative tile being at least partially supported by
the grid of support members to substantially fill a respective one
of the plurality of openings, whereby the grid of support members
is a part of a drop ceiling system.
14. The decorative tile system of claim 12, wherein the support
structure is a wall, wherein the decorative tile is attached to the
wall.
15. The decorative tile system of claim 12, wherein the veneer
element is recessed from a side of the base element such that a
ledge is formed by a portion of the base element that extends
beyond the veneer element.
16. The decorative tile system of claim 12, wherein the base
element is recessed from a side of the veneer element such that a
ledge is formed by a portion of the veneer element that extends
beyond the base element.
17. The decorative tile system of claim 12, wherein the base
element includes a first wall and a second wall, the first and
second walls being spaced from each other and interconnected by a
plurality of connecting members.
18. The decorative tile system of claim 12, further including a
second decorative tile including an interior facing side, the
second decorative tile including a base element and a veneer
element attached to the base element, the veneer element being a
natural wood product or an engineered wood product, the second
decorative tile being at least partially supported by the support
structure such that the interior facing side of the second
decorative tile is defined by the veneer element.
19. The decorative tile system of claim 12, wherein the decorative
tile further includes a second veneer element attached to the base
element on an opposite side thereof from the veneer element, the
second veneer element being a natural wood product or an engineered
wood product, whereby the interior facing side of the decorative
tile is selectable by a user.
20. The decorative tile system of claim 19, wherein the veneer
element and the second veneer element are different from each
other.
Description
FIELD
[0001] Embodiments relate in general to ceilings and/or walls of a
structure and, more particularly, to decorative tiles for use in
connection with ceilings and/or walls.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Suspended ceilings or "drop" ceilings have been used in
construction systems for numerous years. Typically, a ceiling grid
or framework is hung by wires fixed to the building's overhead
framing or mechanical components. Ceiling tiles are supported by
the grid and fill in the openings of the grid. In this way, any
components above the grid are hidden, thereby providing a more
aesthetically acceptable appearance. Suspended ceilings can have
advantages over drywall ceilings. For instance, suspended ceilings
can typically be provided at a lower cost. Further, there is less
mess involved in their installation. In addition, if there is any
water or other damage, the individual damaged tiles may be simply
replaced without having to repair and/or repaint the entire or a
large portion of the ceiling as may be necessary with a drywall
ceiling.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one respect, arrangements are directed to a decorative
tile for a ceiling and/or walls. The decorative tile can include an
interior facing side. The decorative tile includes a base element
and a veneer element. The veneer element can be attached to the
base element. The veneer element can be a natural wood product or
an engineered wood product.
[0004] The veneer element can include a plurality of veneer
segments. The plurality of veneer segments can be joined together
to form the veneer element. In one or more arrangements, the veneer
element can be finished. In one or more arrangements, the veneer
element can be raw. In one or more arrangements, the veneer element
can include a backing.
[0005] There can be any suitable relationship between the veneer
element and the base element. As an example, the veneer element can
be recessed from one or more sides of the base element. As a
result, one or more ledges can be formed by those portions of the
base element that extend beyond the veneer element. As another
example, the base element can be recessed from one or more sides of
the veneer element. As a result, one or more ledges can be formed
by those portions of the veneer element that extend beyond the base
element.
[0006] In one or more arrangements, the base element can include a
first wall and a second wall. The first and second walls can be
spaced from each other. The first and second walls can be
interconnected by a plurality of connecting members. In one or more
arrangements, the first wall, the second wall and the plurality of
connecting members can be formed as a unitary structure. In one or
more arrangements, the base element can be substantially
non-collapsible.
[0007] In one or more implementations, the decorative tile can
further include a second veneer element. The second veneer element
can be attached to the base element on an opposite side of the base
element from the veneer element. The second veneer element can be a
natural wood product or an engineered wood product. In such an
arrangement, the interior facing side of the decorative tile can be
selected by a user. The veneer element and the second veneer
element can be different from each other in one or more
respects.
[0008] In another respect, arrangements are directed to a
decorative tile for a ceiling and/or walls. The decorative tile can
include an interior facing side. The decorative tile can include a
base element and a veneer element.
[0009] The base element can include a first wall and a second wall.
The first and second walls can be spaced from each other. The first
and second walls can be interconnected by a plurality of connecting
members. The base element can be rigid. The base element can be
substantially non-collapsible.
[0010] The veneer element can be attached to one of the first and
second walls of the base element. The veneer element can be a
natural wood product or an engineered wood product.
[0011] In still another respect, arrangements are directed to a
decorative tile system. The system can include a support structure
and a decorative tile.
[0012] In one or more implementations, the support structure can be
a grid of support members, which can be a part of a drop ceiling
system. The grid can define a plurality of openings. The decorative
tile can be at least partially supported by the grid of support
members to substantially fill a respective one of the plurality of
openings. In one or more implementations, the support structure can
be a wall. The decorative tile can be attached to the wall.
[0013] The system can also include a decorative tile. The
decorative tile can be at least partially supported by the support
structure. The decorative tile can include an interior facing side.
The decorative tile can include a base element and a veneer
element. The veneer element can be attached to the base
element.
[0014] The veneer element can be a natural wood product or an
engineered wood product. The decorative tile can be at least
partially supported by the grid of support members. The decorative
tile can substantially fill a respective one of the plurality of
openings such that the interior facing side of the decorative tile
is defined by the veneer element.
[0015] There can be any suitable relationship between the veneer
element and the base element. As an example, the veneer element can
be recessed from one or more sides of the base element. As a
result, one or more ledges can be formed by those portions of the
base element that extend beyond the veneer element. As another
example, the base element can be recessed from one or more sides of
the veneer element. As a result, one or more ledges can be formed
by those portions of the veneer element that extend beyond the base
element.
[0016] In one or more arrangements, the base element can include a
first wall and a second wall. The first and second walls can be
spaced from each other. The first and second walls can be
interconnected by a plurality of connecting members. In one or more
arrangements, the first wall, the second wall and the plurality of
connecting members can be formed as a unitary structure. In one or
more arrangements, the base element can be substantially
non-collapsible.
[0017] The system can further include a second decorative tile. The
second decorative tile can include an interior facing side. The
second decorative tile can include a base element and a veneer
element. The veneer element can be attached to the base element.
The veneer element can be a natural wood product or an engineered
wood product.
[0018] The second decorative tile can be at least partially
supported by the support structure such that the interior facing
side of the second decorative tile is defined by the veneer
element. The decorative tile and the second decorative tile can be
different from each other in one or more respects.
[0019] In one or more implementations, the decorative tile can
further include a second veneer element. The second veneer element
can be attached to the base element on an opposite side of the base
element from the veneer element. The second veneer element can be a
natural wood product or an engineered wood product. In such an
arrangement, the interior facing side of the decorative tile can be
selected by a user. The veneer element and the second veneer
element can be different from each other in one or more
respects.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an example of a decorative
tile.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of an example of a
decorative tile.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a view of an example of a decorative tile, wherein
a plurality of connecting members spans generally widthwise across
the decorative tile.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of an example of a
decorative tile, wherein a veneer element is provided on opposite
sides of the decorative tile.
[0024] FIGS. 5A-5D are views of examples of veneer elements for the
decorative tile.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a view of an example of an installation of a
plurality of decorative tiles in a drop ceiling system.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a view of a portion of a decorative tile, wherein
the veneer element extends beyond a side of the base element such
that a ledge is formed by the overhanging portion of the veneer
element.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a view of a portion of a decorative tile, wherein
the veneer element is recessed from a side of the base element such
that a ledge is formed by the overhanging portion of the base
element.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a view of an example of the use of decorative
tiles in a wall system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Arrangements described herein relate to decorative tiles for
use in connection with ceiling and/or walls and associated systems
and methods. Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it
is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are intended
only as exemplary. Therefore, specific structural and functional
details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but
merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for
teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the aspects
herein in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further,
the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting
but rather to provide an understandable description of possible
implementations. Arrangements are shown in FIGS. 1-9, but the
embodiments are not limited to the illustrated structure or
application.
[0030] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of
illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been
repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or
analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set
forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by
those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described
herein can be practiced without these specific details.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, an example of a decorative tile 10 is
shown in an exploded view. While the term "decorative tile" may
connote a purely decorative or aesthetic function, it will be
understood that embodiments are not so limited. Indeed, the
decorative tile can include one or more other functions,
characteristics and/or properties, including fire resistance,
acoustic dampening and/or insulation, just to name a few
possibilities. The decorative tile 10 can have any suitable shape.
As an example, the decorative tile 10 is shown as being
substantially rectangular in FIG. 1. As used herein, the term
"substantially" includes exactly the term it modifies and slight
variations therefrom. Thus, the term "substantially rectangular"
means exactly rectangular and slight variations therefrom. However,
it will be understood that decorative tiles in accordance with
arrangements herein are not limited to this particular shape.
Indeed, the decorative tile 10 can have any suitable shape,
including, for example, substantially circular, substantially oval,
substantially polygonal, substantially trapezoidal, substantially
triangular and/or substantially parallelogram. The decorative tile
10 can be any irregular shape.
[0032] The decorative tile 10 can include an interior facing side
12. "Interior facing side" means the side of the decorative tile
that faces toward the interior of a space (e.g. a room) when
installed in its intended manner. The decorative tile 10 can
include an associated length direction L and an associated width
direction W.
[0033] The decorative tile 10 can include a base element 14 and a
veneer element 16. The veneer element 16 and the based element 14
can be attached in any suitable manner. Each of these elements will
be described in turn below.
[0034] The base element 14 can be one or more structures,
components, substrates, materials and/or combinations thereof. The
base element 14 can be made of any suitable material. For instance,
the base element 14 can be made of plastic. Examples of suitable
plastics include vinyl, polyethylene, polycarbonate, or
polyvinylchloride (PVC), just to name a few possibilities. In some
implementations, the base element 14 can be made of cardboard. In
such case, the cardboard can be coated, lined or otherwise treated
to make it waterproof. The base element 14 can be made in any
suitable manner, such as by extrusion, molding and/or injection
molding, just to name a few possibilities. In at least some
implementations, the base element 14 can provide rigidity and
structure to the decorative tile 10.
[0035] The base element 14 can be lightweight. For instance, the
base element 14 can weigh less than about 5 pounds, less than about
4 pounds, less than about 3 pounds, less than about 2 pounds, less
than about 1 pound, or less than about one-half of a pound.
[0036] FIGS. 1 and 2 show one example of a configuration for the
base element 14. However, it will be understood that the base
element 14 is not limited to this configuration. The base element
14 can be a generally hollow structure. The base element 14 can
include a first wall 18 and/or a second wall 20. The first and
second walls 18, 20 can be spaced from each other. The first and
second walls 18, 20 can be substantially parallel to each other.
The first and second walls 18, 20 can have any suitable size, shape
and/or configuration. In one implementation, the first and second
walls 18, 20 can be generally planar. The first and second walls
18, 20 can be substantially identical to each other. Alternatively,
the first and second walls 18, 20 can be different from each other
in one or more respects, including, for example, size, shape,
length, width, thickness and/or material, just to name a few
possibilities.
[0037] The first and second walls 18, 20 can be interconnected by a
plurality of connecting members 22. The connecting members 22 can
provide stiffness and strength to the base element 14 and/or the
decorative tile 10. The connecting members 22 can resist bowing
and/or sagging of the base element 14 and/or the decorative tile
10. The connecting members 22 and the first and/or second walls 18,
20 can cooperatively form a plurality of T-beams and/or I-beams.
While FIGS. 1 and 2 show an arrangement in which the base element
14 includes the first wall 18 and the second wall 20, it will be
understood that, in at least some arrangements, the base element 14
may include only one wall. The connecting members 22 can extend at
any suitable angle with respect to the first and/or second walls
18, 20. In one implementation, one or more of the connecting
members 22 can extend at about 90 degrees relative to the first
and/or second walls 18, 20, as is shown in FIGS. 1-4; however, it
will be understood that other angles are possible.
[0038] Any suitable quantity of connecting members 22 can be
provided. The connecting members 22 can be distributed between the
first and second walls 18, 20 in any suitable manner. In one
implementation, the connecting members 22 can be substantially
equally spaced from each other. In other instances, one or more of
the connecting members 22 can have a different spacing. A hollow
space 26 can be defined between each pair of neighboring connecting
member 22 and portions of the first and/or second walls 18, 20.
[0039] The connecting members 22 can be substantially planar
structures. The connecting members 22 can have any suitable size
and/or shape. For instance, the connecting members 22 can be
substantially rectangular, substantially T-shaped or substantially
I-shaped in cross-section. The connecting members 22 can be
substantially straight, or one or more of the connecting members 22
can be non-straight. The connecting members 22 can span the entire
length and/or width of the first and/or second walls 18, 20.
Alternatively, the connecting members 22 can span a portion of the
length and/or width of the first and/or second walls 18, 20. FIG. 1
shows an example in which the connecting members 22 extend in the
length direction L of the decorative tile 10; FIG. 3 shows an
example in which the connecting members 22 extend in the width
direction W of the decorative tile 10. However, it will be
understood that the connecting members 22 can extend in a
combination of the length direction L and the width direction W.
Further, one or more of the connecting members 22 can extend in one
or more directions other than the length direction L or the width
direction W.
[0040] In some instances, the connecting members 22 can be
substantially identical to each other. Alternatively, the
connecting members 22 can be different from each other in one or
more respects, including, for example, size, shape, length, width,
thickness, angle relative to the first and/or second walls, and/or
material, just to name a few possibilities.
[0041] The connecting members 22 can be formed together with the
first and/or second walls 18, 20 as a unitary structure.
Alternatively, the connecting members 22 can be formed separately
from the first and/or second walls 18, 20 and subsequently joined
in any suitable manner, such as by adhesives, welding, brazing,
fasteners, and/or mechanical engagement.
[0042] The base element 14 can be a substantially rigid structure,
that is, the base element 14 can retain its form under expected
operational conditions when installed and/or during handling. The
base element 14 can be configured to be substantially
non-collapsible under expected operational conditions when
installed and/or during handling. Thus, in the configuration of the
base element 14 shown in FIGS. 1-2, a spacing between the first and
second walls 18, 20 can be substantially maintained under expected
operational conditions when installed and/or during handling.
[0043] Again, the decorative tile 10 can include a veneer element
16. The veneer element 16 can be a relatively thin layer of
material. As an example, the veneer element can have a thickness
from about 0.1 millimeters to about 4 millimeters and, more
particularly, from about 0.4 millimeters to about 4 millimeters.
The veneer element 16 can define the interior facing side 12 of the
decorative panel 10. The veneer element 16 can be substantially
planar. In one or more arrangements, the veneer element 16 can be
provided in the form of a sheet of material. The veneer element 16
can have generally the same size and/or shape as the base element
14, or the veneer element 16 can be different from the size and/or
shape of the base element 14 in one or more respects.
[0044] The veneer element 16 can be made of any suitable material.
More particularly, the veneer element 16 can be made of wood. In
some implementations, the veneer element 16 can be solely made of
wood. The wood for the veneer element 16 can be extracted from any
species of wood and, more particularly, from any species of wood
that is approved for harvesting. The wood from can be extracted in
any suitable manner. For instance, the wood can be extracted by
slicing, rotary peeling or sawing. In one implementation, the
veneer element 16 can be made printed paper that includes an image
of wood grain thereon. In some instances, the printed paper can be
laminated.
[0045] In some implementations, the veneer element 16 can include a
backing 24 (FIG. 1 shows a portion of the veneer element 16 broken
away to reveal the backing 24). The backing 24 can be attached to
one side of the veneer element 16. For instance, the veneer element
16 can include a paper-backing, a fabric-backing and/or a composite
backing, just to name a few possibilities. The backing 24 can be
used for various reasons. As an example, the veneer element 16 may
be too thin or otherwise not strong enough on its own to allow the
veneer element to be flexible when subjected to forces, such as
bending, without breaking. Accordingly, in some implementations,
the backing 24 can be used to provide structural support to the
veneer element 16. In such case, the backing 24 can allow the
veneer element 16 to be flexible (e.g. when subjected to bending
and/or other forces) without breaking.
[0046] The veneer element 16 can be a natural wood product, or it
can be an engineered wood product. "Natural wood product" means
that the veneer element 16 is made with wood from a single natural
wood source. The wood grain of the natural wood product is not
altered (excluding finishing processes described below) to achieve
a different grain appearance. As a result, the actual wood grain of
the wood is visible. A natural wood product can be a single piece
that does not include joining a plurality of pieces of wood
together.
[0047] An "engineered wood product" includes any element that
includes wood, but is altered in one or more respects to create a
specific wood grain arrangement that is different from the actual
arrangement of the wood grain as found in nature. Engineered wood
products include various products which are made by binding, fixing
or otherwise joining the strands, particles, fibers and/or portions
of wood together, such as by adhesives or other methods of joining.
An engineered wood product can include a plurality of different
pieces of wood joined together. The different pieces of wood can
include more than one type of grain and/or more than one species of
wood. FIG. 6 shows an example of a veneer element 16e that is made
of an engineered wood product.
[0048] The veneer element 16 may be a single layer (e.g. a single
layer of wood). An example of such an arrangement is shown in FIGS.
5A, 5B and 5D. In some instances, the veneer element 16 can be made
of a plurality of layers. In some instances, the veneer element 16
can cover the entire surface area of one of the first and second
walls 18, 20 of the base element 14. Alternatively, the veneer
element 16 can cover at least a portion of the surface area of one
of the first and second walls 18, 20 of the base element 14.
[0049] Alternatively, the veneer element 16 can include a plurality
veneer segments 16a, 16b (FIG. 5C) that are joined together. The
joining of the veneer segments 16a, 16b can be achieved in any
suitable manner, such as by adhesives, mechanical engagement and/or
fasteners, just to name a few possibilities. Each veneer segment
16a, 16b can engage one or more adjacent veneer segments 16a, 16b
in any suitable manner, including in an abutting, overlapping or
offsetting manner. The plurality of veneer segments 16a, 16b can be
substantially identical to each other, or one or more of the veneer
segments 16a, 16b can be different from the other veneer segments
16a, 16b in one or more respects. The use of a plurality of veneer
16a, 16b segments can allow several species of wood to be used in a
single decorative tile 10. While FIG. 5C shows an arrangement in
which the veneer element 16 includes two veneer segments 16a, 16b,
it will be understood that any number of veneer segments 16a, 16b
may be used, including more than two veneer segments.
[0050] The veneer element 16 can either be raw or finished. "Raw"
means that the veneer element (e.g. the wood) is not treated after
it is extracted from a source (e.g. a natural wood source),
excluding cutting the veneer element 16 to a desired shape and/or
the application of any elements thereto for attachment of the
veneer element to the base element. In such case, the actual wood
of the veneer element 16 is exposed to the environment. "Finished"
means that at least a portion of the veneer element is treated in
some manner after extraction from a source to change the visual
appearance of the material. As an example, when the veneer element
16 is made of wood, at least a portion of the wood can be
varnished, painted, stained, or tinted. Alternatively or in
addition, at least a portion of the veneer element 16 may be coated
with one or more materials. The coating can be hot or cold when it
is applied. Examples of suitable coatings include urethane or other
polymeric material. The coating can provide a desired
characteristic, such as an aesthetic appearance, ultraviolet (UV)
protection, water and moisture resistance, and/or scratch
resistance. The finishing of the veneer element 16 can be performed
at any suitable time. For instance, the veneer element 16 can be
finished either before or after the veneer element 16 is attached
to the base element 14.
[0051] The veneer element 16 can be attached to one of the first or
second walls 18, 20 of the base element 14. The veneer element 16
can be attached to the base element 14 in any suitable manner. For
instance, the veneer element 16 can be attached to the base element
14 by one or more fasteners, one or more adhesives, and/or one or
more forms of mechanical engagement, just to name a few
possibilities. In the way of examples, the veneer element 16 can be
applied to the base element 14 using any of the following methods:
cold press by units, hot press by units, roll press by units, or
roll press (hot or cold) incorporated on line. The roll press on
line involves the adherence of the veneer element 16 continuously
in the same line of machinery directly following the extrusion of
the base element 14.
[0052] When the veneer element 16 is attached to the base element
14, there can be various relationships between the veneer element
16 and the respective wall 18, 20 to which it is attached. For
instance, the veneer element 16 can cover the entire wall 18, 20
with substantially no overhang or recessing from the sides 18a-d,
20a-d of the respective wall 18, 20. An example of such an
arrangement is shown in FIG. 3. In another implementation, the
veneer element 16 can extend beyond one or more of the sides 18a-d
and/or 20a-d of the respective wall 18, 20 such that a respective
ledge L1 is formed by the overhanging portion of the veneer element
16, as is shown in FIG. 7. The respective one or more ledges L1 can
fully or partially cover the any supporting structure for the
decorative tile, such as the grid of a drop ceiling system. In such
case, another portion of the decorative tile 10 (e.g. the base
element 14) can be configured to engage the grid so that the tile
10 is supported thereon. In still another implementation, the
veneer element 16 can be recessed from one or more of the sides
18a-d and/or 20a-d of the respective wall 18, 20 such that a ledge
L2 is formed by the overhanging portion of the respective wall 18,
20, as is shown in FIG. 8. As a result, a three dimensional effect
can be created.
[0053] In some arrangements, the decorative tile 10 can include a
first veneer element 16' and a second veneer element 16''. An
example of such an arrangement is shown in FIG. 4. The first and
second veneer elements 16', 16'' can be attached to opposite sides
of the base element 14. In one arrangement, the first veneer
element 16' can be attached to the first wall 18, and the second
veneer element 16'' can be attached to the second wall 20. In such
an arrangement, the decorative tile 10 can be reversible such that
the interior facing side 12 of the decorative tile 10 can be
selected by a user.
[0054] The first and second veneer elements 16', 16'' can be
substantially identical to each other. Alternatively, the first and
second veneer elements 16', 16'' can differ from each other in one
or more respects. For instance, the first and second veneer
elements 16', 16'' can present different appearances. As an
example, one of the first and second veneer elements 16', 16'' can
be a dark wood and the other can be a light wood. As another
example, one of the first and second veneer elements 16', 16'' can
be raw, and the other one can be finished. As a still further
example, one of the first and second veneer elements 16', 16'' can
be aligned with the sides of the base element, recessed from at
least one side of the base element or extend beyond at least one of
the sides of the base element, as described above. The other one of
the first and second veneer elements 16', 16'' can have a different
relationship with the base element 14.
[0055] It should be noted that the veneer element can have an
associated grain direction G (see, e.g., FIGS. 5A and 6). "Grain
direction" means the direction in which a majority of the grains of
the veneer element extend. FIG. 5A shows an example in which the
grain direction G extends generally in the length direction L of
the decorative tile. FIG. 6 shows an example in which the grain
direction G extends generally in the width direction W of one of
the decorative tiles 10. In one implementation, the grain direction
G of the veneer element 16 can extend in substantially the same
direction that the connecting members 22 of the base element 14
extend. That is, the grain direction G of the veneer element 16 can
be substantially parallel to the direction in which the connecting
members 22 extend. Alternatively, the grain direction G of the
veneer element 16 can extend in a transverse direction to the
direction in which the connecting members 22 extend. For instance,
the grain direction G of the veneer element 16 can extend at about
10 degrees, about 15 degrees, about 20 degrees, about 25 degrees,
about 30 degrees, about 35 degrees, about 40 degrees, about 45
degrees, about 50 degrees, about 55 degrees, about 60 degrees,
about 65 degrees, about 70 degrees, about 75 degrees, about 80
degrees, about 85 degrees or about 90 degrees relative to the
direction in which the connecting members 22 extend.
[0056] FIGS. 5A-5D show examples of various veneer elements 16 for
the decorative tiles 10 described herein. However, it will be
understood that embodiments are not limited to the specific veneer
elements 16 shown.
[0057] It will further be appreciated that the material from which
the first wall 18, second wall 20 and/or the plurality of
connecting members 22 is made can be varied to achieve different
characteristics for the decorative tile 10. For example, the
materials could be varied to obtain different acoustic
characteristics. Alternatively or in addition, the materials could
be varied to obtain different light transmitting characteristics.
Also, the materials could be fire retardant to inhibit the spread
of a fire in a building in which the decorative tiles 10 are being
used.
[0058] Now that the various aspects of the decorative tile and
associated components have been described, various methods of using
the decorative tile will now be presented. Various possible methods
of use will be described. The methods described may be applicable
to the embodiments described above in relation to FIGS. 1-9, but it
is understood that the method can be carried out with other
suitable systems and arrangements. Moreover, the method may include
other steps that are not described, and in fact, the methods are
not limited to including every step described herein. Moreover, the
described steps are not limited to the particular chronological
order described. Indeed, some of the steps may be performed in a
different order than what is described and/or at least some of the
steps shown can occur simultaneously.
[0059] One or more of the decorative tiles 10 described herein can
have many possible uses in building structures, including, for
example, as a wall panel, fixed ceiling panel, ceiling panels for a
drop ceiling, or the like. FIG. 6 shows an example of an
installation of a plurality of decorative tiles in a drop ceiling
system. In a typical drop ceiling system, a grid of support members
30 is conventionally supported from a ceiling or building overhead
framing by wires or other means. The support members 30 can be
generally T-shaped. The grid of support members 30 can define a
plurality of openings 32 and support ledges around those openings
32 on which a decorative tile 10 can be supported. The decorative
tiles 10 can fill the openings 32.
[0060] The openings 32 can have any suitable shape, including
substantially rectangular as shown in FIG. 6. Further, the openings
can be substantially identical in size and/or shape, as is shown in
FIG. 6. However, in some instances, one or more of the openings 32
can be a different size and/or shape from the other openings.
[0061] In some instances, a decorative tile 10 can be placed in
front of an existing tile in a drop ceiling system for a more
attractive appearance. In some instances, a decorative tile 10 can
be installed in a drop-ceiling grid as the original and only
ceiling tiles or as a replacement of an existing tile that is
removed. Alternatively or in addition, a decorative tile 10 can be
used in a wall system. FIG. 9 shows an example of the use of
decorative tiles 10 in a wall system. As is shown, the decorative
tile 10 can be attached to a wall 40. The decorative tiles 10 can
be attached to the wall 40 in any suitable manner, including, for
example, by one or more adhesives, double sided tape, fasteners
and/or mechanical engagement. While the wall 40 is shown in FIG. 9
as being substantially vertical, it will be understood that
arrangements are not limited in this regard. Indeed, the decorative
tiles 10 can be used in connection with walls at any orientation,
including walls that are substantially horizontal.
[0062] It will be appreciated that the systems and methods
described above can provide numerous benefits. For instance, the
decorative tiles can provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance. More
particularly, when the veneer element is made of wood, the wood
interior facing side of the decorative tile can provide an
attractive and appealing surface to any occupants of the space in
which the decorative tile is used. Further, the decorative tiles
are lightweight, so they do not significantly load the existing
grid, and they can allow for easy installation. As a result, a home
or building owner can install the ceiling tiles relatively easily
and without the need to hire a third-party installation company.
Still further, the construction of the decorative tiles described
herein allows the decorative tiles to be made of quality materials
in a cost effective manner. Moreover, the construction of the base
element described herein allows for flexibility for easy
installation while providing structural rigidity to prevent the
decorative tile from bowing.
[0063] The terms "a" and "an," as used herein, are defined as one
or more than one. The term "plurality," as used herein, is defined
as two or more than two. The term "another," as used herein, is
defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or
"having," as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open
language).
[0064] Aspects described herein can be embodied in other forms and
combinations without departing from the spirit or essential
attributes thereof. Thus, it will of course be understood that
embodiments are not limited to the specific details described
herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various
modifications and alterations are possible.
* * * * *