EP0266330A1

EP0266330A1 - Ceiling panel suspension frame

Info

Publication number: EP0266330A1
Application number: EP87850322A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ulf Einar Nyrén; Leif Axelsson
Original assignee: Handelsbolaget under Elof Hansson Firma
Current assignee: Handelsbolaget under Elof Hansson Firma
Priority date: 1986-10-29
Filing date: 1987-10-28
Publication date: 1988-05-04
Anticipated expiration: 2007-10-28
Also published as: SE8604599D0; SE8604599L; SE459192B; DE3770912D1; EP0266330B1; ATE64639T1

Abstract

A frame for suspension of ceiling panels, such as sound absorbing slabs, which frame (1) consists of two pairs of frame sections (2, 3) with the two frame sections (2, 3) of each pair being identical and arranged in parallel relationship. The first frame section (2) is formed with a leg portion (5) which is bent at an angle and which has an aperture (7) formed therein, and the second frame section (3) has a protrusion (6) which is arranged, to extend through the aperture (7) in the first frame section (2) whereby a channel is formed in which a fastener (4) may be introduced to interlock the frame section (2, 3).

The fasteners (4) may also be the frame suspension means.

Description

The subject invention concerns a frame design to suspend panels and slabs, e.g. sound absorbing panels, from ceilings. The suspension frame in accordance with the invention is of the kind which is intended to be mounted on flanges on e.g. wiring ducts, on brackets or similar means.
A feature common to all prior-art frames of this type is that they consist of a number of profile sections which are welded together to form a frame. When these welded frames are delivered to the customer they are not, as a rule, equipped with integrally mounted suspension means since such members would project beyond the profile of the frame and thus make transport of the frames difficult.
The frame suspension means could be secured to the frame in a number of different ways, e.g. by pop rivets. The most advantageous method by far, of attaching the suspension means to the frame is the one disclosed in the Swedish Patent Application No. 8406589-5 suggesting the use of hook members which are bias-mounted on the frame. The hook members are in the shape of removably secured clasps which have one arm portion intended to be mounted inside a channel formed in the frame, and one hook portion designed for engagement with the flange. The hook members are arranged to engage in guides in the frame and the arm portion extends at such an angle to the rest of the hook member body that a securing force is obtained when the hook members are mounted in position as the latter are being pressed against the frame walls.
However, this construction does not solve the problem of bulkiness during transport of the frames, nor does it eliminate the need for a large number of welding operations to produce the frames, making their manufacture rather expensive.
The purpose of the subject invention is to provide a frame which is designed for the suspension of ceiling panels, the assembly of which frame does not require welding and which frame can be transported in a compact and neat manner.
This purpose is achieved in accordance with the subject invention by manufacturing the suspension frame in the form of a number of frame section which are designed to be removably interconnected by means of clamp fasteners to form a very sturdy and robust frame structure.
In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention the interconnection fasteners are formed by the suspension means, in which case the latter are designed as suggested in the Swedish Patent Application No. 8406589-5.
Further characteristics of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.
One preferred embodiment of the invention will be described in closer detail in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein

Fig. 1 is a view obliquely from above of office premises, where suspension frames in accordance with the subject invention may be used for the ceiling structure,
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a suspension frame in accordance with the subject invention, and
Fig. 3 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of a preferred embodiment of the means of interconnection of the various frame sections.

The suspension frame 1 in accordance with the invention essentially consists of two pairs of frame sections 2 and 3, with the two frame sections of each pair being identical and arranged in parallel relationship, and of clamps fasteners 4 which are designed to interconnect the four frame sections into an essentially rectangular suspension frame.
In accordance with the embodiment of the invention shown in the drwaings the clamp fasteners 4 form the suspension means. In accordance with this embodiment, the suspension means consists of a metal wire of suitable configuration and of a preferably circular cross-sectional shape.
To effect assembly of the frame, the ends of one frame section 2 is bent at an angle of 90° and the angled leg portion 5 of the frame section is intended to abut against the end portion of the other frame section 3. The end of the other frame section 3 has an essentially rectangular, open-ended projection 6 which is intended to be inserted through an aperture 7 of matching configuration which is stamped in the angled leg portion 5 of the first frame section 2. When the projection 6 is inserted through the aperture 7 the projection 6 will extend beyond the inner face of the angled leg portion 5 and thus form a channel through which a clamp fastener 4 may be inserted to interlock the two frame sections 2 and 3 in such a manner that the latter are securely interconnected.
Owing to this very simple manner of assembling the frame sections, which may be effected without use of any tool whatsoever, the suspension frames may be assembled in situ, i.e. at the place of use. In addition to reducing the manufacturing costs, because the interconnection step has become redundant, the invention makes it possible to pack the frame sections for transportation and storage in a manner which requires considerably less space than has hitherto been possible. As a result, transportation and storage costs may be considerably reduced without any impairment to the final product.
Finally, it should be noted that the embodiment described in the aforegoing and shown in the drawings is but one, non-restrctive example and that a number of embodiments and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For instance, the clamp fastener 4 may be in the form of a separate part, in which case the suspension means could be manufactured e.g. as an integral part of one each of the frame sections 3.

Claims

1. A frame for suspension of ceiling slabs or sound absorbing panels, which frame (1) consists of a number of separate frame sections (2, 3) which are designed to be interconnected by means of clamp fasteners (4), said fasteners arranged to interlock assembly members (6, 7) formed on the frame sections (2, 3), characterized therein that the first frame section (2) is formed with a leg portion (5) which is bent at an angle and which has an aperture (7) formed therein, and that the second frame section (3) has a protrusion (6) which is arranged, when said second frame section (3) abuts against said leg portion (5), to extend through the aperture (7) and, when in this position to form a channel in which a clamp fastener (4) may be introduced to interlock the frame sections (2, 3).

2. A frame as claimed in claim 1, characterized therein that the frame suspension means are formed as an integral parts of the second frame sections (3).

3. A frame as claimed in claim 1, characterized therein that the clamp fasteners (4) also serve as suspension means to suspend the frame (1) from means formed with flanges (8).

4. A frame as claimed in claim 3, characterized therein that the suspension means (4) are formed as removably secured pin fasteners which are formed with one arm portion (9) which is designed to be introduced into the channel formed by the projection (6), and with one hook-shaped portion (10) which is arranged to engage the flange (8), that the arm portion (9) extends at such an angle relative to the rest of the parts of the suspension means (4) that a securement force is obtained when the suspension means (4) are mounted by urging the latter against the wall of the frame (1).

5. A frame as claimed in claim 4, characterized therein that a recess is formed in the suspension means (4) to secure the latter in the desired position to the wall of the frame (1).