AU2013260714A1 - An improved building profile and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A profile for use in a ceiling or wall, the profile comprises an elongate member which has at least one recessed portion to provide a shadowline effect, at least one fixing portion to enable the profile to be fixed to a support and, at least one light emitter supporting portion able to support at least one light emitter, the portion having a screen to prevent the light emitter from being visible when the profile is installed, the profile being configured to enable light from the light emitter to illuminate at least part of the recessed portion. In a further aspect a profile is provided that in includes rails and at least one carriage adapted to ride along the rail, the carriage adapted to support a load. 27 4 23 ~ED Rope9 i~ 36 2 Fig 5 Fig 6

Description

AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 SPECIFICATION AN IMPROVED BUILDING PROFILE AND METHOD The following statement is a description of the invention: 1 AN IMPROVED BUILDING PROFILE AND METHOD [01] TECHNICAL FIELD [02] The present invention is directed to profiles which can be used in ceilings and walls of buildings and especially commercial buildings. [03] BACKGROUND [04] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge. [05] Profiles are extrusions or sections usually made of aluminium, although they could be of other materials such as or PVC, and which are fitted to ceilings and walls for various reasons. One type of profile comprises an inverted U shaped channel which is fitted between ceiling panels to create a decorative "ceiling transition" to break up the plainness of the ceiling. Figure 3 illustrates a known ceiling transition profile. A similar profile can be used in a wall to provide an aesthetically pleasing effect. [06] Another known type of profile is known as a "shadowline" trim and is usually fixed between a wall and a ceiling to provide an aesthetically pleasing shadowline. Figure 1 illustrates a typical shadowline effect in a room and figure 2 illustrates a known type of aluminium extrusion to cause the shadowline. [07] While the profiles provide an aesthetic effect, the profiles also function to secure one panel to another. [08] Ceiling lights are fitted to the ceiling panels to provide required illumination. Various known methods are used to install ceiling lights. Soft lighting is often used in addition to regular lighting. Soft lighting is not bright 2 enough to properly illuminate the room, and is used for aesthetic reasons. Installing the lighting and especially "soft" lighting can be an onerous task and there would be an advantage if it were possible to install soft lighting in a more efficient manner. [09] Another requirement for many rooms and especially boardrooms, office rooms and the like is the need to support relatively heavy items from the ceiling or wall. As an example, a television mount is usually fixed to a wall or ceiling. A disadvantage of this type of fixing is damage caused to the wall and the inability of the television to be easily moved to a different part of the boardroom/office etc. once mounted in place. Other items which would benefit from being easily moveable would be a display board, a whiteboard, framed pictures etc. [10] There would be an advantage if it were possible to support an item like that described above in a more convenient manner. [11] There would be a particular advantage if it were possible to provide a profile that could support an item and that could assist in supporting soft lighting. [12] It is an object of the invention to provide a profile that would overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide a useful or commercial choice. [13] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [14] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a profile for use in a ceiling or wall, the profile comprising an elongate member comprising at least one fixing portion to enable the profile to be fixed to a support and at least one elongate rail adapted to support least one carriage adapted to ride along the rail, the carriage adapted to support a load.

3 [15] Suitably, the profile includes the least one carriage adapted to ride along the rail, the carriage adapted to support a load. [16] In this manner, a profile can be fitted - particularly between a wall and a ceiling- to provide the ability to attach a load (such as a television, a display board etc.) to the carriage and to enable the load to be moved along the profile. It is preferred that the profile is also a decorative profile such that the profile can provide a shadowline effect. It is particularly preferred that the profile is of the type described above that can accommodate a light emitter so that the profile can function to provide an aesthetic shadowline, soft lighting and a movable load supporting member. [17] The elongate member is provided with at least one elongate rail. The rail may comprise the edge of a lip, a return, a wall, a land portion etc. of the elongate member. Preferably, a pair of spaced apart parallel rails is provided. It is particularly preferred that the elongate member has at least one recessed portion to provide a shadowline effect, and that the recessed portion is provided with a pair of said rails such that the at least one carriage can ride along the recessed portion which provides the shadowline effect. In this manner, a simpler profile can be provided where the carriage can ride along the recess which also comprises the shadowline effect. However, there may be circumstances where it is desirable to provide a track along which the carriage can ride which is separate from the recess that provides the shadowline effect. [18] There may also be circumstances where it is desirable to provide separate rails which are fitted to the remainder of the profile; however it is considered more desirable that the profile is extruded with the rails. [19] At least one carriage is provided which is adapted to ride along the rail or rails. It is envisaged that a single carriage will suffice, although there may be circumstances where it is advantageous to provide two or more carriages which can move independently of each other or which may be linked together.

4 [20] The carriage may comprise a body portion. The body portion may be supported by wheels adapted to ride along the rails. The body portion may comprise a frame. A mounting may be provided to which a load can be attached. The mounting may comprise a hook, an eyelet, a mounting plate, or any suitable type of mounting. A plurality of mountings may be provided on the carriage. A plurality of carriages may be provides especially for long profiles. The profile may have stops to limit the travel of a particular carriage. [21] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a profile for use in a ceiling and/or wall, the profile comprising: a. an elongate member having b. at least one recessed portion to provide a shadowline effect, c. at least one fixing portion to enable the profile to be fixed to a support and, d. at least one light emitter supporting portion able to support at least one light emitter, the portion having a screen to prevent the light emitter from being visible when the profile is installed, the profile being configured to enable light from the light emitter to illuminate at least part of the recessed portion. [22] Suitably, the elongate member includes at least one elongate rail which is adapted to support least one carriage able to ride along the rail, the carriage able to support a load. [23] In this manner, the profile has a special configuration to enable the profile to accommodate a light emitter typically of the type to provide soft lighting. This can obviate the requirement of fitting soft lighting separately to the ceiling. [24] The elongate member according to the second aspect of the invention may be similar to that described above with respect to the first aspect of the invention. The at least one fixing portion according to the second aspect of the invention may be similar to that described above with respect to the first aspect of the invention.

5 [25] The profile will typically find use in a commercial building such as a commercial office, a boardroom, and also in buildings such as hotels, conference areas, and the like. However, it should be appreciated that the profile need not be limited to use in commercial applications and may also find use in domestic applications and particularly for more expensive houses. [26] The profile typically comprises aluminium which can be extruded into complex profiles. [27] For more simple profiles the profile may be formed by bending/cutting a sheet of material. The material may comprise metals other than aluminium and may comprise steel or synthetic material such as PVC. The material may comprise non-metal materials such as plastics. The material may comprise filled materials, coextruded materials, and reinforced materials. The profile may be treated such as by painting, coating, or application of corrosion inhibiting treatments. [28] The profile comprises an elongate member. The profile may comprise a plurality of smaller parts attached together to form the elongate member, although it is considered more convenient to form the profile as a single member. The length of the profile can vary. The profile may have a length of between 1-6m as these lengths are most convenient to work with. The length can be reduced by cutting or extended by joining. [29] The elongate member comprises at least one recessed portion to provide a shadowline effect. The recessed portion may comprise a channel. The channel may be U shaped or substantially U shaped. The channel may have a base wall and a pair of extending sidewalls. The sidewalls may be parallel or may diverge or converge relative to each other. The channel may be continuous or may comprise separate channel portions which may be separated by a partition wall. [30] The profile comprises at least one fixing portion to enable the profile to be fixed to a support. The fixing portion may comprise a lip, a flange, a wall 6 and the like which can be fastened to a support such as a ceiling partition, a wall partition, a wall anchor and the like. [31] The profile comprises at least one light emitter supporting portion able to support at least one light emitter, the portion having a screen to prevent the light emitter from being visible when the profile is installed, the profile being configured to enable light from the light emitter to illuminate at least part of the recessed portion. [32] The supporting portion may comprise a conduit, a wall, a ledge and the like to support the light emitter. Preferably, the supporting portion is integral with the profile. [33] A screen is provided to prevent the light emitter from being directly viewed and/or to provide a retention to prevent the emitter from falling out. The screen may comprise a wall of the profile. The support portion may have an open portion to enable light emitting from the emitter to illuminate part or the entire recessed portion. [34] The light emitter may comprise at least one light rope, typically a LED light rope which can be laid in the supporting portion. Alternatively a plurality of separate emitters can be positioned in the supporting portion. [35] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [36] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: 7 [37] Figure 1. Illustrates a prior art ceiling having a shadowline effect. [38] Figure 2. Illustrates a prior art shadowline trim between the wall and a ceiling. [39] Figure 3. Illustrates a prior art ceiling transition. [40] Figure 4. Illustrates a first aspect of a profile in a wall. [41] Figure 5. Illustrates a second aspect of a profile for a ceiling and including a carriage. [42] Figure 6. Illustrates the carriage. [43] Figure 7. Illustrates a third aspect of a profile able to support a carriage. [44] Figure 8. Illustrates the third aspect of the profile in use. [45] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [46] Referring initially to figure 1, there is illustrated a room comprising a wall 10, a ceiling 11 and a PRIOR ART profile 12 (see particularly figure 2) positioned between wall 10 and ceiling 11 to provide a shadow line effect 13. Referring to figure 2, a ceiling panel 14 is attached to a wall panel 15 via PRIOR ART profile 12 which comprises an elongate metal member. Profile 12 forms the decorative aesthetically pleasing shadowline effect 13 illustrated in figure 1. [47] Figure 3 illustrates a different form of PRIOR ART profile 16 which is used as a transition between a pair of ceiling panels 14. [48] Referring now to figure 5, there is illustrated the first and second aspect of the invention in combination; however it should be appreciated that the present invention may be limited to only the first aspect or only the second aspect of the invention. [49] In figure 5, there is illustrated a profile 17 for use between a ceiling and a wall. The profile comprises an elongate member 18. Elongate member 18 has a recessed portion 19 to provide a shadow line effect when the profile is 8 fitted. Recessed portion 19 comprises a base wall 20 and a pair of opposed parallel sidewalls 21, 22 to form a generally U-shaped recess. [50] The profile further comprises at least one fixing portion to enable the profile to be fixed to a support. In the particular embodiment illustrated in figure 5, the fixing portion comprises wall 23 attachable to a ceiling panel (not illustrated), and wall 24 attachable to a wall panel (not illustrated). [51] The profile further comprises a light emitter supporting portion 25 comprising a conduit formed with a base wall 26 and a first side wall which is side wall 21. A second side wall 27 is provided which comprises a screen to prevent the light emitter from being viewed. [52] In the particular embodiment, the light emitter comprises a LED rope light 28 which can be laid within the conduit defined by walls 21, 26 and 27. [53] Wall (screen) 27 has a height such that there is an opening 29 between screen 27 and base wall 20. The opening allows light emitting from the rope light 28 to illuminate the shadowline area. Thus, when the light is on, the recessed portion will glow with a soft light. [54] Referring again to figure 5, the second aspect of the invention is also illustrated. In the second aspect, profile 17 comprises a pair of elongate rails, one rail comprising the free edge 30 of screen 27, and the other rail comprising a land portion 31 extending inwardly from the side wall 22. [55] A carriage 33 (see figure 6) is provided which comprises a body 34 and two pairs of wheels 35 which ride along rails 13 and 31. A mounting 36 depends from carriage 33 to enable a load to be fixed to the carriage via mounting 36. [56] The spacing between a pair of wheels can be adjusted to suit the particular profile (that is the spacing between the rails in the profile), and this can be achieved by providing an adjustable shaft 37.

9 [57] When the profile 17 is attached, the carriage is located within the recessed portion 19 and can ride along the rails from one end of the profile to the other end of the profile. If the profile is positioned between a wall and ceiling to provide a shadowline effect (see for instance figure 1), this can allow a display board, or a television or some other item to be attached to the carriage and moved along the wall to a desired position. [58] Figure 7 illustrates a profile according to a third aspect of the invention and for use between a ceiling and a wall. The profile 57 comprises an elongate member 58. Elongate member 58 has a recessed portion 59 to provide a shadow line effect when the profile is fitted. Recessed portion 59 comprises a base wall 60 and a pair of opposed parallel sidewalls 61, 62 to form a generally U-shaped recess. [59] The profile further comprises at least one fixing portion to enable the profile to be fixed to a support. In the particular embodiment illustrated in figure 7, the fixing portion comprises flange 63 attachable to a ceiling panel (not illustrated), and flange 64 attachable to a wall panel (not illustrated). These flanges are perforated (not illustrated) to key in plaster, the perforations being quite conventional. [60] The profile further comprises a light emitter supporting area 65 comprising a conduit formed with a base wall 66 and a first side wall which is side wall 61. A second side wall 67 is provided which comprises a screen to prevent the light emitter from being viewed. [61] In the particular embodiment, the light emitter comprises a LED rope light (not illustrated) which can be laid within the conduit defined by walls 61, 66 and 67.

10 [62] Wall (screen) 67 has a height such that there is an opening 69 between screen 67 and base wall 60. The opening allows light emitting from the rope light to illuminate the shadowline area. Thus, when the light is on, the recessed portion will glow with a soft light. [63] Profile 57 comprises a pair of elongate rails, one rail comprising the free edge 70 of screen 67, and the other rail comprising an upper end 71 of a wall 80. The rails can support a carriage in the manner described previously. [64] Profile 57 contains recesses 83, 84, 86 and 87 which function to allow plaster to key into the profile where the usual perforations are not present. The small domed portions 81, 82 function to keep the thickness and strength of this part of the profile consistent (to compensate for the recesses 83, 84). The domed portions may optionally also function as roller guides. [65] Rounded portion 85 (and the area adjacent 87) are the setting edges for the plasterer to set up to. [66] In the non-limiting embodiment only, the profile may have the following dimensions Base wall 60 width - 75mm Base wall 60 thickness - 2.5mm Sidewall 61 height - 11 mm Sidewall 62 height - 15mm Flange 63 width -25mm Flange 64 width - 25mm Sidewall (screen) 67 - 3.35mm Opening 69 - 5mm Rail width 70 - 3mm Rail width 71 - 5mm [67] Figure 8 illustrates the profile of figure 7 in position. Flanges 64 and 63 are positioned over sheets of plasterboard 91, 92 (an example of which may comprise GYPROCK TM plasterboard). A finishing coat or coats of plaster 93 is trowelled over the top of the flanges in the usual manner. The plaster boards are fixed to supports, typically wooden or metal studs (or ceiling rails) 94, 95. A carriage 96 is supported by the rails 70, 71 and can ride therealong 11 (only part of the carriage is illustrated in figure 8). A light rope 97 is positioned in the recess in one side of the profile as described previously. [68] Figure 4 illustrates a profile according to the first aspect of the invention mounted into a wall. The profile is similar to that described above in that it comprises a recessed portion 40 defined by a base wall 41 and a pair of sidewalls 42. A conduit 43 is provided inside wall 42 to accommodate a rope light 28. The profile comprises upper and lower mounting flanges 44 to enable the profile to be mounted to a wall. Wall 41 may also be fastened to a backing member such as a stud and the like. [69] The profile as illustrated in figure 5 has the advantage of being a hangar track as well as providing soft light illuminating the recessed portion 19. [70] Embodiments of either aspect of the invention may be partially embedded in ceiling plaster for example in order that their visual impact be reduced. [71] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term "comprises" and its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of" is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art. [72] Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

12 [73] Any embodiment of the invention is meant to be illustrative only and is not meant to be limiting to the invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (18)

1. A profile for use in a ceiling or wall, the profile comprising an elongate member comprising at least one fixing portion to enable the profile to be fixed to a support and at least one elongate rail adapted to support least one carriage adapted to ride along the rail, the carriage adapted to support a load.

2. The profile of claim 1, including the least one carriage adapted to ride along the rail.

3. The profile of claim 1 or claim 2, including a light emitter such that the profile can provide an aesthetic shadowline and soft lighting.

4. The profile as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a pair of spaced said elongate rails adapted to support a carriage on said rails.

5. The profile as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate member comprises at least one recessed portion to provide a shadowline effect.

6. The profile of claim 5, wherein the recessed portion comprises a channel having a base wall and a pair of extending sidewalls.

7. The profile of claim 6 wherein each sidewall includes an inwardly extending wall.

8. The profile of claim 7, wherein a said elongate rail extends from each inwardly extending wall.

9. The profile as claimed in any one of claims 6-8, wherein the at least one fixing portion comprises a flange extending outwardly from one said sidewall, and a flange extending downwardly from said outer sidewall. 14

10. The profile as claimed in any one of claims 3-9 including at least one light emitter supporting portion able to support the one light emitter, the portion having a screen to prevent the light emitter from being directly viewed when the profile is installed, the profile being configured to enable light from the light emitter to illuminate at least part of the recessed portion.

11. The profile as claimed in claim 10, wherein the light emitter supporting portion comprises a said inwardly extending wall of claim 7.

12. The profile as claimed in claim 11, wherein the screen comprises a wall extending from the inwardly extending wall, the wall including a said elongate rail.

13. The profile as claimed in any one of claims 3-12, wherein the light emitter comprises at least one light rope.

14. The profile as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carriage comprises a body portion supported by wheels adapted to ride along the rails and a mounting to which a load can be attached.

15 A profile for use in a ceiling and/or wall, the profile comprising an elongate member which has at least one recessed portion to provide a shadowline effect, at least one fixing portion to enable the profile to be fixed to a support and at least one light emitter supporting portion able to support at least one light emitter, the portion having a screen to prevent the light emitter from being visible when the profile is installed, the profile being configured to enable light from the light emitter to illuminate at least part of the recessed portion.

16. A profile comprising an elongate member having a recessed portion to provide a shadow line effect when the profile is fitted, recessed portion comprising a base wall and a pair of opposed parallel sidewalls to form a generally U-shaped recess, at least one fixing portion to enable the profile to be fixed to a support the fixing portion comprising a flange attachable to a 15 ceiling part and a flange attachable to a wall part, the profile further comprising a light emitter supporting area comprising a conduit formed with a base wall and side wall, and second side wall which comprises a screen to prevent the light emitter from being directly viewed, wall having a height to provide an opening between wall and base wall, the opening allowing light emitting from a light emitter in the light emitter supporting area to illuminate a shadowline area.

17. The profile of claim 15, comprising a pair of elongate rails, one rail comprising the free edge of screen, and the other rail comprising an upper end of a wall, the rails adapted to support a carriage.

18. A profile 57 comprising an elongate member 58 having a recessed portion 59 to provide a shadow line effect when the profile is fitted, recessed portion 59 comprising a base wall 60 and a pair of opposed parallel sidewalls 61, 62 to form a generally U-shaped recess, at least one fixing portion to enable the profile to be fixed to a support the fixing portion comprising a flange 63 attachable to a ceiling part and a flange 64 attachable to a wall part, the profile further comprising a light emitter supporting area 65 comprising a conduit formed with a base wall 66 and side wall 61, and second side wall 67 which comprises a screen to prevent the light emitter from being directly viewed, wall 67 having a height to provide an opening 69 between wall 67 and base wall 60, the opening allowing light emitting from a light emitter in the light emitter supporting area 65 to illuminate a shadowline area, the profile 57 further comprising a pair of elongate rails, one rail comprising the free edge 70 of screen 67, and the other rail comprising an upper end 71 of a wall 80, the rails adapted to support a carriage, all the above referenced parts having shapes and sizes relative to each other as illustrated in figure 7.