U.S. patent application number 16/434548 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-05 for system to mount ceiling tiles in a completely concealed grid system where individual tile can be mounted or dismounted.
The applicant listed for this patent is Vangala Pattabhi. Invention is credited to Vangala Pattabhi.
Application Number | 20200071930 16/434548 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55361915 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-05 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200071930 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pattabhi; Vangala |
March 5, 2020 |
System to Mount Ceiling Tiles in a Completely Concealed Grid System
Where Individual Tile Can Be Mounted or Dismounted
Abstract
A method, system, and tool are disclosed for installation of
ceiling tiles in an improved mounting hook assembly to form a
concealed grid system The system includes elements for attaching
the mounting hook assembly to the tile; rotating a load bearing
lever member; rotating a positioning lever member to position the
load bearing member on a flange of a T grid bar; and fixing the
tile below the T grid at a distance that is greater than the
thickness of the tile so that when the tile is lifted up, the load
bearing lever is returned to a position above the flange level of
the T grid and any tile can be removed or installed in a totally
concealed grid system without dislocating tiles already laid. A
tool is used to engage and disengage the tiles.
Inventors: |
Pattabhi; Vangala;
(Hyderabad, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pattabhi; Vangala |
Hyderabad |
|
IN |
|
|
Family ID: |
55361915 |
Appl. No.: |
16/434548 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15524392 |
May 4, 2017 |
10352045 |
|
|
PCT/IN2015/000417 |
Nov 11, 2015 |
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16434548 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 9/28 20130101; E04B
9/247 20130101; E04B 9/225 20130101; E04B 9/067 20130101; E04B
9/127 20130101; E04B 9/003 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04B 9/22 20060101
E04B009/22; E04B 9/28 20060101 E04B009/28; E04B 9/12 20060101
E04B009/12; E04B 9/06 20060101 E04B009/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 30, 2015 |
IN |
3919/CHE/2015 |
Claims
1.-7. (canceled)
8. A system for the installation of ceiling tiles to form a grid
system, the system comprising: a) a set of first tiles installed at
a distance from an underside of a flange of a suspended grid, the
distance being more than a thickness of each tile; b) a separate
second tile adjacently installed next to each tile in the set of
first tiles, which when the second tile is raised fully, creates a
gap between an underside of the second tile and a topside of each
of the set of first tiles; and c) a tool to both, i) engage a load
bearing lever of a hook assembly on the second tile onto the flange
of the suspended grid to mount the second tile; and ii) disengage
the load bearing lever of the hook assembly on the second tile from
the flange of the suspended grid to dismount the second tile,
wherein the lever is configured as rotating, push pull, or snap-on
type to have engagement or disengagement of the lever via the
tool.
9. The system as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a
decorative insert between the tiles.
10. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein uniform thickness of
the installed tile of any specified thickness can be used without
kerfing.
11. The system as claimed in claim 8, further comprising brackets
for inserting into corresponding kerfs in the tiles.
12. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second tile can
be mounted or dismounted without shifting the position of already
installed set of first tiles.
13. The system as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a clamp
for clamping the tiles in an upwardly lifted position during
mounting and dismounting of the tiles or installing a closing
tile.
14. The system as claimed in claim 8, further comprising different
stud lengths to obtain multiple levels of the ceiling tiles.
15. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the tool is a bent
rod with a handle used to mount or dismount the second tile by
rotating the load bearing lever to either be perpendicular or
parallel to the flange of the grid to mount or dismount the second
tile.
16. A tool for installation of ceiling tiles in an improved
mounting hook assembly to form a grid system, and, in particular,
for installing the tiles at a distance from an underside of a
flange of a suspended grid, the distance being more than a
thickness of each tile; such that, with an adjacently installed
tile raised fully, a gap is created between an underside of the
adjacently installed raised tile and a topside of a different
adjacent installed tile; wherein the tool comprises: a bent rod
with a handle for insertion of the tool to both engage a load
bearing lever of the hook assembly onto the flange of the suspended
grid to mount the different adjacent installed tile and to
disengage the load bearing lever of the hook assembly from the
flange of the suspended grid to dismount the adjacent installed
tile, the lever being configured as rotating, push pull, or snap-on
type to have engagement or disengagement of the lever via the
tool.
17. The tool as claimed in claim 16, wherein the bent rod of the
tool is made up of first and second ends generally parallel to one
another with an intermediate section therebetween generally
perpendicular to each of the first and second ends.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/524,392 filed May 4, 2017, which is the United States
national phase of International Application No. PCT/IN2015/000417
filed Nov. 11, 2015, and claims priority to Indian Patent
Application No. 3919/CHE/2015 filed Jul. 30, 2015, the disclosures
of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an improved mounting hook
assembly for mounting arid dismounting of any ceiling tile from a
concealed suspended T-grid. More particularly the invention relates
a method, a system, and tool for installation of ceiling tiles in
an improved mounting hook assembly to form a concealed grid system
using commonly used T grid suspension. The present invention is
also directed to a tool for installation of ceiling tiles.
Description of Related Art
[0003] There exists concealed grid systems for mounting and
dismounting of tiles, all of them are not suitable for every
location. There are also dismountable systems that require one or
several of following:
[0004] A thick tile say 20 mm is needed to have edge slots that
make the edges weak. It requires complicated systems of special
hooks or springs or attachments making it sometimes complicated and
requires special skilled persons.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,428,930A describes a grid system which needs
special hooks that are attached to T grid and torsion springs that
are attached to another grid cell which carries tiles, that are
grooved (kerfing) on all ends, accurately manufactured and
assembled. Thus, this prior system additionally require a tile that
has property and thickness to have kerfing. Two grid cells are
needed with several accessories to be attached to each of these
cells with accuracy of component and assembly.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,648,229A uses special hooks attached to a
special rectangular grid system to which these hooks are attached.
Other grid of hooks is flanged spline inserted in kerfing. This
system need roofing additional accessories and is not completely
concealing the suspension as the bottom of the rectangular position
appears between tiles.
[0007] Kerfing needed and rectangular grid member instead of normal
T grid is essential.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,832,816A utilizes a movable cross member and
tiles laid to be supported on cross members on opposite sides and
other sides leaving free. The disadvantages are:
a) The free sides are subjected to sagging with unsupported length.
b) Special construction of T grid is needed as well as movable
cross member. Tiles with kerfing are inserted in flange of T grid.
c) Standard T grid not suitable. Not suitable for tiles that do not
have property and thickness for kerfing. Not suitable to mount on
standard T grid.
[0009] Access above ceiling by providing yet another hook
arrangement by over laying the hooks enabling to lift one of the
tiles. This is a varied construction and tiles with end grooves
(kerfing) is also needed that demands a tile of required
thickness.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 8,056,294B2 provides a special suspended
system comprising torsion springs attached and the titles machined
accurately to fit into the type of spring suspension. This prior
art require extensive special kerfing to match with the selected
torsion springs, which makes it a complicated system. Tiles without
kerfing are not suitable, standard T grid is not suitable,
intricate hooking springs are utilized.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is therefore an object of the invention to propose a
method, a system, and tool for installation of ceiling tiles in an
improved mounting hook assembly to form a concealed grid
system.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to propose a method, a
system, and tool for installation of ceiling tiles in an improved
mounting hook assembly to form a concealed grid system, which
allows individual tiles to be mounted/dismounted without affecting
adjacently installed tiles.
[0013] A still another object of the invention is to propose a
method, a system, and tool for installation of ceiling tiles in an
improved mounting hook assembly to form a concealed grid system,
which is implementable with existing suspension grids.
[0014] A further object of the invention is to propose a method, a
system, and tool for installation of ceiling tiles in an improved
mounting hook assembly to form a concealed grid system, which is
simple and can be accomplished by minimally skilled persons.
[0015] The disclosed process, a system, and tool are meant to be
used with tiles of exact thickness and cut accurately to dimensions
relative to the grid used. For example: A grid of 600.times.600 mm
needs tiles to be cut to same dimensions with no diagonal
differences in length and may have any standardized thickness. An
inventive mounting hook assembly is attached at the back of the
tile at predetermined locations. Such mounting hook assembly is
attached to a mounting stud, and consists of a rotating LB (Load
bearing) lever member that transfers the weight of the tile on to
the flange of a suspended inverted T bar grid.
[0016] As a further improvement such rotating assemblies are
limited to three sides of the ceiling membrane and the fourth side
is fixed (nonrotating) mounting hook assembly.
[0017] A simple tool such as a bent rod of say 6 mm dia or square
with a handle is used to mount or dismount the title by rotating
the LB member to either be perpendicular or parallel to the flange
of a T bar to mount or dismount the tile.
[0018] Yet another embodiment of this method, a system, and tool is
the individual mounting or dismounting of the grid by suspending
the tile at a level below the grid that is more than the thickness
of the tile to be installed. The disclosed novel method, a system,
and tool can be understood with the following description and
referred accompanying drawings. The engineering details are only
for the purpose of easy understanding and do not limit the concept
of this invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1--shows the mounting assembly of the inventive
concealed grid system.
[0020] FIGS. 2 and 2A--shows views of the rotating lever of the
concealed grid system with PL facing grid.
[0021] FIGS. 3 and 3A--shows views of rotating lever with LL
resting on a flange of the T-member.
[0022] FIG. 4--shows that fixed studs mounted on one side of
tile.
[0023] FIGS. 5 and 5A--show that load bearing levers of the system
can be joined by load bearing strips.
[0024] FIG. 6--shows the distance between tile's edge and center
for fixing of a stud.
[0025] FIG. 7--shows the tile is now fixed with studs.
[0026] FIG. 7A--shows post-adjustment position of all the levers
when the long lever remains parallel to the edge of tiles wherein
the short lever is towards the flange of T grid.
[0027] FIG. 7B--shows the position of the long levers when the tile
is lowered.
[0028] FIG. 8--shows elevational view of the tiles on the T grid
with decorative insertion between tiles.
[0029] FIG. 8A--shows the tiles resting on the T grid.
[0030] FIG. 9--shows laying of all tiles except the closing tile
for installation.
[0031] FIGS. 10 and 10A--show a plurality of clamps attached to the
grid for holding the tiles in lifted position at grid level with
the bent tool inserted to rotate the lever.
[0032] FIGS. 11 and 11A--show turning of the long lever on the
flange.
[0033] FIG. 12--shows a typical grid with plurality of tiles.
[0034] FIGS. 13 and 13A show mounting/dismounting of the tile T1
with adjacent tile T2 in lifted position.
[0035] FIGS. 14 and 14A--show the top of all the tiles are at same
level after installation.
[0036] FIGS. 15, 15A, and 15B--show an installation process of the
tiles when the tiles require longer resting lengths.
[0037] FIG. 16--shows a installation process of the tiles with
kerfing.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] Throughout the specification reference will be made to
individual figures. It should be appreciated that these references
apply to the entire group of figures associated with that
reference; such as, for example, reference to FIG. 2 applies to
both FIGS. 2 and 2A.
[0039] Mounting assembly that is to be attached at the back side at
prefixed locations is shown in FIG. 1. Item 1 is the stud fixed on
the tile by suitable means. The stud on top has recess to
accommodate a screw. Item 2 is the rotating lever which has two
levers. The longer lever (LL) is load bearing. The short one is
positioning lever (PL) and has length so that when the PL lever is
facing toward T grid on either side of tile, the distance between
these two PL levers is less than the opening in grid so that the
tile can be lifted until the level of these levers are above flange
of T grid. Item 3 is a washer and item 4 is a screw to assemble.
The assembly is such that the lever can be rotated. The design is
such that length from bottom of stud to bottom of LL (Load bearing
lever) is kept same and is as specified elsewhere. By changing the
length of the stud, the level of tile from the grid can be
changed.
[0040] A plan view of the rotating lever fixed on tile before
attaching to the suspension grid is shown in FIG. 2. It can be seen
that while lifting enough clearance is maintained between PL and
flange of T grid. When the lever is rotated 90.degree. the long
lever that remained parallel to the edge of tile comes on to rest
on the flange of T member. When all levers are turned to have the
long lever above flange the title is lowered and rests on the
flange as shown in FIG. 3. Although it is explained that kerfing is
not needed to mount the tiles as explained and that when mounting
assembly can be attached on top of tile that reduces importance of
thickness of tile.
[0041] It is also possible to use the tiles with kerfing to utilize
same principle. FIG. 16. This can be by using individual hooks or
covering most of kerfing for better support. The load bearing
levers (LL) also can be individual or joined by load bearing strip
as shown in FIG. 5.
Preparation for Installation:
[0042] Tiles should be prepared with mounting hook assembly located
at appropriate locations to carry the weight of tile without any
sag. The locations and numbers are dependent on the strength and
flexibility of ceiling tile to be mounted.
[0043] As a further simplification, one side of the tile has fixed
studs to enable hooking tile onto flange of T grid on one side.
FIG. 4.
[0044] In case long support leverage is needed the levers are
joined with long strips to distribute load. FIG. 5.
[0045] Another important feature of the studs and its relative
location to the edge of tile is as follows: The length of stud is
as needed to have the length from bottom of stud to bottom of long
lever (L.) that is more than the thickness of tile to accommodate
the tool used to turn lever.
[0046] As an example, for tile of 13 mm thickness the L, can be 25
mm to allow 8 mm tool to be inserted as will be explained
latter.
[0047] The suspended ceiling structure is then fixed in standard
way to have exact level because the accuracy of level of grid is
reflected in the level of the ceiling membranes.
[0048] The distance of the fixing of centre of stud from the edge
should be more than flange width of T grid combined with length of
short lever. FIG. 6.
[0049] Tile is fixed with studs as per examples shown in FIG. 7 (1)
represents non rotating fixed studs.
[0050] When longer support is needed on flange, the same will be as
shown in FIG. 8. On one side non rotating (fixed) hooks are fixed
for simplification. The number of hooks are placing is determined
as per the physical characteristics and strength of tile.
Installations:
[0051] The installations can be started as per normal practice. The
grid is laid as per normal practice. Tile is fixed with special
mounting system on three sides and on one side a fixed hook is
attached (item 1 in FIG. 7). The dimension of fixed hook is
identical to that of rotating hook from the bottom of respective
fixture to the bottom of long lever (load bearing lever). The tile
is hooked on one side with fixed hooks onto flange of T grid. All
rotatable levers are adjusted so that the long lever is parallel to
the edge of tile and the short lever is towards flange of grid as
shown in FIG. 7A. The tile is then lifted up so that the levers are
above T grid flange level.
[0052] The tile is then positioned so that the levers raise above
the flange and all levers are turned so that all long levers are
perpendicular to flange of grid. The tile is lowered so that the
long levers rest on the flanges as shown in FIG. 7B, the title is
thus suspended. FIG. 8 shows elevation view of tiles on the T grid
after installation is completed. While laying tile on wall side,
fixed hooks are attached to tile on the side adjoining the length
of the wall.
[0053] The levers are approachable from the top of the suspension
grid for all tiles except closing tile/or tiles. The resting of
tiles on grid is as in FIG. 8A. A insert of any shape or colour can
be inserted between tiles that increases aesthetics of ceiling
system. FIG. 8.
[0054] For the closing tile it is not possible to approach the
lever from plenum (Ceiling void).
[0055] The procedure to fix the closing tile and also to mount or
dismount any individual tile is as shown below:
Closing Tile:--Closing tile is no special tile but is one, cut to
dimension of the gap and similar mounting assembly are installed.
Let us consider that: Tiles A1 to AS, also referred to as a set of
first tiles, are all laid and is necessary to install closing tile
(C T)--FIG. 9.
[0056] Tiles A1. AS are lifted up to the grid level. This will
enable approach to the levers of mounting hook assembly FIG. 10.
Simple clamps attached to grid will keep the tiles A1 and AS in the
lifted position. Then the CT tile, also referred to as a separate
second tile, is hooked by fixed hooks on to flange which carries
tile A3 on the flange of T grid. The CT tile is then lifted so that
the levers rise above the flange level. Through the gap a small
bent rod with handle can be introduced in between flange towards CT
and the stud. FIG. 10.
[0057] Long lever will be turned on flange to disengage the hook
assembly. FIG. 11. After all the levers are turned likewise remove
clamps or spacers and lower the tile A1 and AS and then tile CT so
that long levers on 3 sides and fixed hook on one side rest on the
grid flanges and the CT tile will be in level with other tiles.
[0058] To either mount (enage) or dismount (disengage) any tile in
concealed grid layout as per current disclosure:--FIG. 12 is a
typical grid with tiles numbered A1 to AB. MB is the chosen place
where the tile has to be dismounted and another tile to be
mounted.
[0059] Dismounting is as follows:
Tiles A1. A3 and AS are lifted up and remain so by simple clamp to
grid. MB is raised a bit to relieve load of tile. The bent tool is
inserted between flange and stud of the MB tile. LB lever is pushed
to a position parallel to flange--when all rotatable levers of MB
tile are turned on three sides the tile is slid off the fixed hooks
that are on one side, tile is lowered and thus removed. FIG.
13.
[0060] For mounting or engaging of M B--the tiles A1, A3 and AS are
retained in lifted position and the new tile is positioned so that
the short levers face the grid and are lifted above flange. FIG.
13. The MB is fixed with fixed mountings on flange towards tile A2.
After it is hooked and the MB tile is lifted so that the levers are
above flange T grid. The tool is used to rotate the lever so that
long studs turn on to flange. All the three A1, A3 and AS are
lowered after removing clamps or spacers and MB also lowered. LB
levers will rest on respective flanges. The roof is level with all
tiles. FIG. 14.
[0061] FIG. 15 shows the method when longer resting lengths are
needed to support tile.
[0062] It should be mentioned that engineering details are given to
explain and disclose the main parameters of the invention as
elaborated. Alternate engineering arrangements for example:
Instead of rotary load bearing lever these can be push pull or snap
on and off system.
[0063] All such variations will not alter the validity of the
claims of this simple, economic and hastle free system.
[0064] It is clear that in totally concealed grid construction of
ceiling tiles, the method shows a simple and novel way to mount and
dismount any tile in grid and without need of specially constructed
tile or gadgets such as spring hooks that alter the normally used T
grid suspension.
[0065] The invention herein disclosed has following advantages:
1) It can be used to mount ceiling membrane of any thickness unlike
double groove system with 20 mm thickness. 2) It can be used for
the kind of ceiling membranes where edge grooving is not possible.
3) It can be used to mount and dismount any ceiling membrane which
is part of completely concealed ceiling system. 4) This system can
be used with intermediate decorative runner between tiles. 5) As
the system uses standard suspension grid, retrofitting of the
concealed grid system is possible.
* * * * *