U.S. patent application number 15/870369 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-19 for ceiling panel.
This patent application is currently assigned to Orangebox Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is Orangebox Limited. Invention is credited to Richard Drew, Mark Partridge.
Application Number | 20180202156 15/870369 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48048691 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180202156 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Partridge; Mark ; et
al. |
July 19, 2018 |
CEILING PANEL
Abstract
There is provided a ceiling panel for a pod room. The ceiling
panel comprises one or more cover components movable between an
open configuration and a closed configuration; and an actuation
mechanism configured to move the one or more cover components from
the closed configuration to the open configuration in response to a
trigger. The ceiling panel may provide a specified percentage open
area in the open configuration. The ceiling panel may be adapted to
acoustically insulate the pod room in the closed configuration.
Inventors: |
Partridge; Mark;
(Huddersfield, GB) ; Drew; Richard; (Huddersfield,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Orangebox Limited |
Cardiff |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
Orangebox Limited
Cardiff
GB
|
Family ID: |
48048691 |
Appl. No.: |
15/870369 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14769329 |
Aug 20, 2015 |
9903114 |
|
|
PCT/GB2013/053158 |
Nov 29, 2013 |
|
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15870369 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 10/10 20130101;
E04B 1/8218 20130101; E04B 1/82 20130101; E04F 10/02 20130101; E04B
2/74 20130101; E04B 9/001 20130101; A62C 2/241 20130101; E04B 7/163
20130101; E04H 1/125 20130101; E04B 1/343 20130101; E04B 9/003
20130101; E04B 9/02 20130101; E04B 1/941 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04B 9/00 20060101
E04B009/00; E04F 10/10 20060101 E04F010/10; E04B 9/02 20060101
E04B009/02; E04B 1/343 20060101 E04B001/343; E04B 1/82 20060101
E04B001/82; E04B 1/94 20060101 E04B001/94; E04B 2/74 20060101
E04B002/74; E04F 10/02 20060101 E04F010/02; A62C 2/24 20060101
A62C002/24; E04H 1/12 20060101 E04H001/12; E04B 7/16 20060101
E04B007/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 20, 2013 |
GB |
1302991.3 |
Claims
1. A ceiling panel for a pod room, the ceiling panel comprising:
one or more cover components movable between an open configuration
and a closed configuration and wherein the one or more cover
components are adapted to acoustically insulate the pod room in the
closed configuration.
2-4. (canceled)
5. The ceiling panel of claim 1, wherein the one or more cover
components comprise a plurality of pivotable louvres, the louvres
being pivotable between contacting positions in which the louvres
contact one another to define the closed configuration, and
non-contacting positions which define the open configuration.
6. The ceiling panel of claim 5, wherein the louvres further
comprise flanges which contact and overlap one another to define
the closed configuration.
7. The ceiling panel of claim 6, wherein the flanges overlap by
between 20 mm and 60 mm.
8. The ceiling panel of claim 6, wherein the flanges of the louvres
further comprise a nib to improve the seal.
9. (canceled)
10. The ceiling panel of claim 1, wherein the cover components
comprise a composite of a higher density material and a lower
density material.
11-14. (canceled)
15. The ceiling panel of claim 6, wherein the flanges further
comprise a nib which protrudes in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the flange.
16. The ceiling panel of claim 15, wherein the flanges and the nibs
of two adjacent louvres define an insulating cavity in the closed
configuration.
17. The ceiling panel of claim 10, wherein the higher density
material has a density of at least 500 kg/m.sup.3, and preferably
at least 700 kg/m.sup.3.
18. The ceiling panel of claim 10, wherein at least one of the
higher density material and the lower density material comprises a
sound insulating material.
19. The ceiling panel of claim 10, wherein at least one of the
higher density material and the lower density material comprises a
sound absorbent material.
20-23. (canceled)
24. The ceiling panel of claim 5, wherein the louvres have a
thickness of between 6 mm and 70 mm.
25-44. (canceled)
45. The ceiling panel of claim 5, wherein the ceiling panel further
comprises a frame and wherein the louvres are configured to overlap
the edges of the frame to generate an acoustic seal.
46. The ceiling panel of claim 1, further comprising: one or more
cover components movable between an open configuration and a closed
configuration and wherein the one or more cover components in the
open configuration produce at least a specified percentage open
area, and wherein the at least a specified percentage open area is
at least a 65.0% open area, preferably at least a 67.0% open area,
more preferably at least a 70% open area and most preferably about
a 72% opening area.
47. A pod room comprising a ceiling panel according to claim 1.
48. The ceiling panel of claim 7, wherein the flanges overlap by
between 35 mm and 45 mm.
49. The ceiling panel of claim 19, wherein the absorbent material
has a fractional absorption coefficient of at least 0.2.
50. The ceiling panel of claim 49, wherein the absorbent material
has a fractional absorption coefficient of at least 0.6.
51. The ceiling panel of claim 24, wherein the louvres have a
thickness of between 25 mm and 50 mm.
52. A method, comprising: providing a ceiling panel for a pod room,
the ceiling panel comprising one or more cover components movable
between an open configuration comprising at least a 65% open area
and a closed configuration; detecting with a detection unit a
predetermined condition; and in response to detection of the
predetermined condition, moving the one or more cover components
from the closed configuration to the open configuration.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a ceiling panel for a pod room, and
a ceiling system incorporating one or more ceiling panels.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Fixed partition rooms require project planning, coordination
with building trades, building regulation approval, and permanent
connections to the infrastructure of the building in which the
fixed partition rooms are installed, all of which incur cost, over
the initial build cost, along with disruption and landfill waste
when there is a need to reconfigure.
[0003] Pod rooms on the other hand can simply be unpacked,
assembled and plugged in, and may offer a guaranteed acoustic
performance. Assembly may require just one tool with a large
proportion of the system able to be assembled by hand.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a ceiling panel for a pod room, the ceiling panel
comprising one or more cover components movable between an open
configuration and a closed configuration and whereby the one or
more cover components are adapted to acoustically insulate the pod
in the closed configuration. The cover components preferably
provide a fractional sound absorption coefficient of at least 0.2,
more preferably at least 0.4 and most preferably at least 0.6.
[0005] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is further provided a ceiling panel for a pod room, the ceiling
panel comprising one or more cover components movable between an
open configuration and a closed configuration and whereby the one
or more cover components in the open configuration produce at least
a specified percentage open area.
[0006] The specified percentage open area may be at least a 65.0%
open area, preferably at least a 67.0% open area, more preferably
at least a 70.0% open area and most preferably a 72% open area.
[0007] According to a combination of the first and second aspects
of the present invention, there is provided a ceiling panel for a
pod room, the ceiling panel comprising one or more cover components
movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration
and whereby the one or more cover components are adapted to
acoustically insulate the pod in the closed configuration and
whereby the one or more cover components in the open configuration
produce at least a specified percentage open area.
[0008] The specified percentage open area may be at least a 65.0%
open area, preferably at least a 67.0% open area, more preferably
at least a 70.0% open area and most preferably a 72% open area.
[0009] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a ceiling panel for a pod room, the ceiling panel
comprising one or more cover components movable between an open
configuration and a closed configuration; and an actuation
mechanism configured to move the one or more cover components from
the closed configuration to the open configuration in response to a
trigger.
[0010] The actuation mechanism may be configured to bias one or
more of the cover components towards the open configuration, and
further configured in a first state to hold the one or more cover
components in the closed configuration against the bias, and in a
second state to allow the one or more cover components to move
towards the open configuration under the bias, the actuation
mechanism being configured to move from the first state to the
second state in response to the trigger.
[0011] The first state may be a powered state and the second state
may be an unpowered state.
[0012] The trigger may comprise a power cut to the actuation
mechanism.
[0013] The "ceiling panel" may comprise a unit or section which is
to define part or all of a ceiling or roof of a pod room. In one
example, the ceiling panel comprises an opening or openable ceiling
panel. The ceiling panel may constitute one of a number of ceiling
panels which together form a ceiling or ceiling system, with at
least one of the ceiling panels being openable. It may be the case
that all of the ceiling panels have to be openable.
[0014] By "pod room" is meant an assemblable structure, building,
partition or installation, which may be temporary, for use within a
larger structure or building, to serve as a self-contained room,
such as a meeting room.
[0015] The one or more cover components may include any element
serving to cover or enclose the pod room substantially to prevent
air and/or light from passing through and also create a level of
acoustic insulation. The one or more cover components may comprise
a plurality of movable segments.
[0016] In one example, the one or more cover components may
comprise a plurality of pivotable louvres. By "louvres" are meant
slats which are fixed at intervals relative to one another. The
louvres being pivotable between contacting positions in which the
louvres contact one another to define the closed configuration, and
non-contacting positions which define the open configuration.
[0017] The louvres may have an overlapping portion such as a flange
in which a louvre overlaps with at least one neighbouring louvre to
define the closed configuration in order to improve the seal. This
overlap may be between 20 mm and 60 mm and will preferably be
between 30 mm and 50 mm, more preferably between 35 mm and 45 mm
and most preferably about 41 mm. The overlapping portion or flange
may further comprise a nib to improve the seal. The nib may
directly abut the overlapping portion or flange of a neighbouring
louvre. The nib may increase the contact area between adjacent
louvres or help to define a sound insulation cavity to improve the
acoustic seal.
[0018] In one further example, the cover components or louvres
comprise a composite of a higher density material and a lower
density material. The higher density material may form a `core` and
the lower density material may form a `cladding` which surrounds at
least a portion of the higher density material. The core may have a
substantially planar shape. The cladding may extend around the
substantially planar core. The cladding may further comprise a
flange. The flange may at least partially overlap with at least one
flange on a neighbouring louvre in order to improve the seal and
reduce acoustic leakage at the join. The flange may further include
a nib which protrudes in a direction substantially perpendicular to
the flange. The flanges and the nibs of two adjacent louvres may
define an insulating cavity which further improves the seal in the
closed configuration. In further examples, the higher density
material may have a density of at least 500 kg/m.sup.3 and
preferably at least 700 kg/m. At least one of the higher density
material and the lower density material ideally comprises a sound
insulating material. At least one of the higher density material
and the lower density material ideally comprises a sound absorbent
material. The absorbent material may have a fractional absorption
coefficient of at least 0.2, preferably at least 0.4 and more
preferably at least 0.6. The absorbent material may be between 5 mm
and 25 mm in thickness, preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm in
thickness and more preferably about 15 mm in thickness.
[0019] By the term "fractional absorption coefficient" (also known
as the "fractional attenuation coefficient") is meant the extent to
which the intensity of an energy beam (such as an acoustic wave) is
reduced as it passes through one or more materials. The fractional
absorption coefficient is a number between 0 and 1 inclusive. A
fractional absorption coefficient of 0 represents no absorption or
attenuation of an energy beam; a fractional absorption coefficient
of 1 represents total absorption or attenuation of an energy
beam.
[0020] In a further example, the louvres may have a louvre width of
between 20 mm and 500 mm, preferably between 100 mm and 400 mm,
more preferably between 200 mm and 300 mm and, in a specific
embodiment, about 248 mm.
[0021] In a further example, the louvres may have a louvre pitch of
between 30 mm and 500 mm, preferably between 100 mm and 400 mm,
more preferably between 150 mm and 250 mm and, in a specific
embodiment, about 207.5 mm.
[0022] By the term "louvre pitch" is meant the fixed interval
between the centres of two adjacent louvres.
[0023] In a further example, the louvres may have a louvre
thickness of between 6 mm and 70 mm, preferably between 15 mm and
60 mm, more preferably between 25 mm and 50 mm and, in a specific
embodiment, about 40 mm.
[0024] The ceiling panel may further comprise a connection element
pivotably connected to each louvre to effect synchronous movement
of the louvres.
[0025] In another example, the one or more cover components may be
interconnected to form a concertina, the concertina being movable
between a collapsed position which defines the open configuration
and an extended position which defines the closed configuration. By
"concertina" is meant an arrangement which compresses or collapses
into folds.
[0026] In a further example, the one or more cover components may
form a tambour cover which is movable between a stowed position
which defines the open configuration and an extended position which
defines the closed configuration. By "tambour cover" is meant a
cover of fabric or flexible material that is pulled taut, or an
arrangement of interconnected segments which is capable of moving
into a curved or rolled stowed configuration.
[0027] A further example comprises connected louvres,
counterweighted or spring loaded at one side to create an open bias
(urging the louvres towards a vertical orientation) but held closed
by means of a mechanical fusible link holding the louvres in their
closed position until the fusible link breaks once the temperature
has reached a predetermined threshold.
[0028] The open configuration may comprise any arrangement of the
one or more cover components which substantially permits light
and/or air to pass through the ceiling panel, which in the closed
configuration may be any arrangement which substantially prevents
the same. In one example, the open configuration may create at
least 70% open area in the ceiling panel. In the closed
configuration, the cover components may be designed to overlap the
edges of the ceiling panel to generate an acoustic seal and/or
minimise any gaps.
[0029] The ceiling panel may comprise any mechanism which is
arranged to bias the one or more cover components without a
requirement for electricity or any other power source. In one
example, the ceiling panel may comprise a spring release configured
to bias the one or more cover components towards the open
configuration. By "spring release" is meant any arrangement which
uses stored elastic energy to provide the biasing effect, and in
which a resilient element may be releasably elastically deformed so
as to store such energy. In another example, the actuation
mechanism may comprise at least one counterweight configured to
bias the one or more cover components towards the open
configuration.
[0030] Furthermore, the actuation mechanism may comprise a
mechanism which is operable to hold the cover components in the
closed configuration against the bias. The actuation mechanism may
be powered or powerable by, for example an electromechanical,
hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, which may operate in a linear or
rotary fashion. In one example, the actuation mechanism comprises
an electromechanical actuator configured in a powered state to hold
the one or more cover components in the closed configuration
against the bias, and in an unpowered state to allow the one or
more cover components to move towards the open configuration under
the bias. The terms "powered state" and "unpowered state" may
relate to the actuation mechanism being provided with or deprived
of a source of energy or power, such as an electrical power source,
or in other examples a pneumatic or hydraulic power source.
Alternatively, the actuation mechanism may operate without the need
for power. In one example, the actuation mechanism may comprise a
fusible link configured in an intact state to hold the one or more
cover components in the closed configuration against the bias, and
in a fused state to allow the one or more cover components to move
towards the open configuration under the bias, wherein the fusible
link is configured to fuse upon reaching a predetermined threshold
temperature.
[0031] In another aspect of the present invention, there may be
provided a ceiling panel comprising one or more cover components as
described herein whereby the one or more cover components are
adapted to acoustically insulate the pod in the closed
configuration and the ceiling panel further comprises an actuation
mechanism configured to move the one or more cover components from
the closed configuration to the open configuration in response to a
trigger.
[0032] In yet another aspect of the present invention, there may be
provided a ceiling panel comprising one or more cover components as
described herein whereby the one or more cover components provide a
specified percentage open area in the open configuration and the
ceiling panel further comprises an actuation mechanism configured
to move the one or more cover components from the closed
configuration to the open configuration in response to a
trigger.
[0033] In yet a further aspect of the present invention, there may
be provided a ceiling panel comprising one or more cover components
as described herein whereby the one or more cover components
provide a specified percentage open area in the open configuration,
whereby the one or more cover components are adapted to
acoustically insulate the pod in the closed configuration and the
ceiling panel further comprises an actuation mechanism configured
to move the one or more cover components from the closed
configuration to the open configuration in response to a
trigger.
[0034] There may be provided a ceiling system comprising one or
more ceiling panels as described or claimed herein.
[0035] The ceiling system may comprise a detection unit configured
to provide the trigger to the actuation mechanism in response to
the detection of a predetermined condition.
[0036] The detection unit may comprise a smoke detector configured
to respond to the detection of smoke. Additionally or
alternatively, the detection unit may comprise a movement detector
configured to respond to the detection of an absence of movement in
the pod room. The movement detector may comprise a PIR (passive
infrared sensor). Additionally or alternatively, the detection unit
may comprise a heat detector configured to respond to the detection
of a temperature within the pod room reaching a predetermined
threshold. The heat detector may comprise a fusible link configured
to fuse when responding to the detection of a temperature within
the pod room reaching a predetermined threshold. All the above cut
power to the said actuation mechanism when the temperature within
the pod room reaches the predetermined threshold.
[0037] There may also be provided a pod room comprising a ceiling
panel or ceiling system as described or claimed herein.
[0038] The present invention includes one or more aspects,
embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations
whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that
combination or in isolation.
[0039] The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and
non-limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] A description is now given, by way of example only, with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:--
[0041] FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C show a round pod room having a ceiling
system in a closed configuration;
[0042] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C show the pod room of FIG. 1 with the
ceiling system in an open configuration;
[0043] FIG. 3A shows a single ceiling panel of the ceiling system
of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a closed configuration, and FIG. 3B shows the
ceiling panel of FIG. 3A in an open configuration;
[0044] FIGS. 4A and 4B are side elevations of the ceiling panel of
FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively in closed and open configurations:
[0045] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are side elevations of a ceiling panel
with the cover components in an open configuration, wherein the
open configurations produce different specified percentage open
areas.
[0046] FIG. 6A is a partial side elevation showing several cover
components in the closed configuration. Inset FIG. 6B shows a
detail of the overlapping portion of two neighbouring cover
components.
[0047] FIGS. 7A and 7B show an actuation mechanism with the ceiling
system of FIGS. 1-4 in open and closed configurations,
respectively;
[0048] FIG. 8 shows detection units of the ceiling system of FIGS.
1-7;
[0049] FIG. 9 shows control circuitry;
[0050] FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C show a square pod room having a
ceiling system in a closed configuration;
[0051] FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C show the pod room of FIG. 10 with the
ceiling system in an open configuration;
[0052] FIG. 12A shows a single ceiling panel in a closed
configuration, and FIG. 12B shows the ceiling panel of FIG. 12A in
an open configuration;
[0053] FIGS. 13A and 13B are side elevations of the ceiling panel
of FIGS. 12A and 12B respectively in closed and open
configurations;
[0054] FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C illustrate a ceiling system
respectively in closed, partially-open and fully open
configurations;
[0055] FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C illustrate a ceiling system
respectively in closed, partially-open and fully open
configurations
[0056] FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate an actuation mechanism of a
ceiling panel respectively in closed and open configurations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0057] FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C show a pod room 10 having a ceiling
system 100 in a closed configuration, and FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C show
the pod room 10 with the ceiling system 100 in an open
configuration. As shown in these figures, the pod room 10 is a
round pod. The ceiling system 100 comprises a plurality of ceiling
panels 102, each of which comprises one or more cover components
104 movable between an open configuration and a closed
configuration.
[0058] The ceiling system 100 provides an opening roof system for
fire suppression of standalone pod rooms 10. The ceiling system 100
may be activated in the event of a fire within the pod room 10,
which may not be physically connected or extended to the ceiling of
the environment or building in which the pod room 10 is
installed.
[0059] The cover components 104 comprise a plurality of pivotable
louvres 104, the louvres being pivotable between contacting
positions in which the louvres overlay one another to define the
closed configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, and
non-contacting positions which define the open configuration, as
shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C. In one implementation, the louvres
104 open through about 90 degrees until they reach a substantially
vertical orientation in order to create at least 70% open area in
the ceiling system.
[0060] The ceiling panel 102 comprises an actuation mechanism 103,
which includes a spring release (not shown) configured to bias the
cover components 104 towards the open configuration. The actuation
mechanism 103 further comprises an electromechanical actuator (not
shown) configured in a powered state to hold the cover components
104 in the closed configuration against the bias of the spring
release, and in an unpowered state to allow the spring release to
move the cover components 104 towards the open configuration.
[0061] FIG. 3A shows a single ceiling panel 102 in a closed
configuration, and FIG. 3B shows the ceiling panel 102 in an open
configuration. As can be seen, the ceiling panel 102 comprises a
connection element 106 pivotably connected to each louvre 104 to
effect synchronous movement of the louvres 104.
[0062] FIGS. 4A and 4B are side elevations of the ceiling panel 102
of FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively in closed and open configurations,
showing the connection element 106 in more detail.
[0063] Each louvre 104 is connected by a single connection element
106 or bar 106. Each louvre 104 has a fixedly attached (e.g. cast
or moulded) lever arm 108, one end of which is pivotably attached
to the bar 106 and a second end of which is pivotably attached to a
frame 110 of the ceiling panel 102. The spring release 103 and
electromechanical actuator 105 are connected to one of the louvres
104 (in one example a first louvre 104) by means of a lever arm 108
and thereby to all of the other louvres 104 by means of the
connection bar 106 interconnected to all the louvres 104.
[0064] FIGS. 5A-C show side elevations of differing sized louvres
104, 404 for a ceiling panel 102, 402 in the open configuration. In
the embodiment in FIG. 5A, louvres 104 with louvre width 37 mm,
thickness 12 mm and louvre pitch 37 mm are disposed along the
ceiling panel 102. When in the open configuration, these louvres
achieve a 67.0% open area. FIG. 5B shows a different embodiment
with louvres 104 having a louvre width 425 mm, thickness 12 mm and
louvre pitch 425 mm disposed along the ceiling panel 102. When in
the open configuration, these louvres achieve a 97% open area. The
larger louvres achieve a greater specified percentage open area,
but they extend into the space of the pod room and reduce the
useable space inside.
[0065] FIG. 5C shows a preferred embodiment with louvres 404 having
a louvre width 248 mm, thickness 40 mm and louvre pitch 207.5 mm,
disposed along the ceiling panel 402. When in the open
configuration, these louvres 404 achieve a 72% open area.
[0066] FIG. 6A shows a partial side elevation view of a preferred
embodiment of a ceiling panel 402 in the closed configuration.
Ceiling panel 402 contains composite louvres 404 comprising planar
higher density material cores 406 and lower density material
cladding 408 disposed around the planar cores 406. Either of the
higher density or the lower density materials may comprise sound
absorbent material having a fractional absorption coefficient of
0.6 or more. Furthermore, either one of the higher density or the
lower density materials may comprise a sound insulating material.
The overlapping portions or flanges 410 of two adjacent louvres
comprise the lower density material and are configured to improve
the acoustic seal in the closed configuration. A nib 412 may
protrude substantially perpendicularly to the flange 410 of louvre
404 and defines, alongside the overlapping portion or flange 410 of
a neighbouring louvre 404, an acoustically insulating cavity 414
between the louvres 404. As is shown more dearly in the inset FIG.
6B, the nib 412a positioned on overlapping portion or flange 410a
may directly abut the overlapping portion or flange 410b of the
neighbouring louvre. Corresponding nib 412b positioned on
overlapping portion or flange 410b may directly abut the
overlapping portion or flange 410a. Together the overlapping
portions and nibs define acoustic insulating cavity 414. The
acoustically insulating cavity 414 increases the number of
reflections of an energy wave (such as sound wave), reducing the
intensity of the energy wave which passes through the ceiling panel
402.
[0067] FIGS. 7A and 7B show the actuation mechanism 103 connecting
to the bar 106 by means of a rotating actuator arm 114 fixed to the
actuation mechanism 103 locating into a slot 110 of the lever arm
108 and thereby to all the louvres 104 by means of the bar 106.
[0068] The ceiling system 100 further comprises an optional
detection unit configured to respond to the detection of a
predetermined condition by cutting power to an actuation mechanism
of one or more of the ceiling panels 102, causing the actuation
mechanism to enter the unpowered state, and allowing the spring
release to move the louvres 104 to the open configuration.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 8, in one example, the detection unit
comprises a smoke detector 116 configured to respond to the
detection of smoke. In another example, the detection unit
comprises a movement detector 118 configured to respond to the
detection of an absence of movement in the pod room 10. In a
further example, the detection unit comprises a heat detector
configured to respond to the detection of a temperature within the
pod room 10 reaching a predetermined threshold. One example of a
heat detector comprises a fusible link 120 configured to fuse and
thereby cut power to the said actuation mechanism when the
temperature within the pod room reaches the predetermined
threshold. It should be understood that, although FIG. 8 for
illustration purposes shows three different detection units, the
ceiling system 100 may comprise any number of detection units of
any type, or no detection unit at all.
[0070] In use, the louvres 104 may be opened, for example in the
event of a fire, in a number of different ways:-- [0071] 1. By the
smoke detector 116 wired in such a way as to cut power to the
actuation mechanism 103, thereby allowing the spring release to
open the louvres 104. [0072] 2. In the event of a power cut, the
spring release will automatically open the louvres 104, as the
actuation mechanism 103 is connected to the power in the pod room
10. In this case, there is no need for a detection unit. [0073] 3.
When the movement detector 118 senses no movement of people in the
pod room 10, the movement detector 118 cuts the power and the
louvres 104 will automatically be opened by means of the spring
release. [0074] 4. In the event of no smoke, the heat detector
fusible link 120 may cut power to the pod room 10 at a
predetermined threshold temperature, which in one example may be
around 68 to 73.degree. C. The heat detector fusible link 120 may
also be used without a smoke detector. [0075] 5. In the event of an
electrical equipment failure fusing the systems and cutting the
power. [0076] 6. If the smoke detector fails or is removed, the
power is cut.
[0077] All the above work by cutting power to the actuation
mechanism 103 allowing the louvres 104 to open by means of the
spring release.
[0078] FIG. 9 shows circuitry which is designed and programmed to
link all the electrical equipment and sensors together within the
pod room 10 to enable automatic opening through cutting the power
of the roof in the event of a fire or closing of the roof when the
PIR 118 senses movement of people entering the pod for a meeting or
for work.
[0079] In the open configuration, the ceiling system 100 enables
the heat from a fire inside the pod room 10 to be released as
quickly as possible, which may allow a sprinkler head to be
activated. Once the sprinkler head has activated, the open
configuration of the louvres 104 allows enough water to ingress
into the pod room 10 to control the fire.
[0080] The louvres 104 may be designed with fire rated board, foam
and fabric and the combination may be designed to have an acoustic
performance level of absorption, insulation and diffusion by means
of a specific density of integral board, outer acoustic performance
foam and the pattern on each louvre 104.
[0081] Although not shown, the louvres 104 may be designed to
overlap the edges of the frame 110 to generate an acoustic seal and
minimise any gaps.
[0082] FIGS. 10A-C, 11A-C, 12A-B and 13A-B show a pod room 10 which
differs from that described above in that the pod room 10 is a
square pod rather than a round pod.
[0083] Variants include a ceiling system 200 as shown in FIGS.
14A-C having flexible concertina type retracting roof material
driven by an actuator to draw the roof open to one side, and a
ceiling system 300 as shown in FIGS. 15A-C having a retracting
tambour door type construction driven by an actuator and rolling
across and down the sides of the pod room. These variants may
generate a 70% open area.
[0084] FIGS. 16A and 16B show an actuation mechanism in which the
louvres 104 are biased towards the open configuration by a
counterweight 205 or spring attached to one side of each louvre
104. The louvres 104 are held in the closed configuration by a
fusible link 203, which is configured to fuse at a predetermined
threshold temperature, which in this case is 73.degree. C. The
fusible link 203 connects one pivoting arm of one set of louvres
104 to another pivoting arm 108 in a second set of louvres 104,
each set of louvres 104 being united by a connection bar 106 and
being biased to rotate in the opposite direction to the other set.
As shown, the fusible link 205 link connects one connection bar 106
to the other in the closed configuration, such that fusing of the
fusible link 203 breaks the link between the connection bars 106
and frees the counterweights 205 or spring to move the louvres 104
towards the open configuration.
[0085] The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual
feature described herein and any combination of two or more such
features, to the extent that such features or combinations are
capable of being carried out based on the present specification as
a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person
skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or
combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and
without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant
indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any
such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the
foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the
art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the
invention.
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