GB2172028A - False ceiling framework assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is concerned with suspending a false ceiling (10) from any support structure, by means of a primary framework (12A) formed by beam members (13A) and a secondary framework (12B) formed by beam members (13B) which are crossed with the first-mentioned beam members. For flush interengagement of the beam members (13B) and beam members (13A) the latter are provided locally at spaced positions with cut-outs (22) through the central web (15) thereof and the lower flange (16) thereof. The beam members (13B) are secured in the cut-outs (22) preferably by simply clipping therein. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION False ceiling framework assembly The present invention generally concerns the suspension of a false ceiling from any support structure such as a slab or planking floor.

It more particularly concerns the situation in which, in order to span substantial distances, and/or to minimise the number of anchorage points to be provided in the support structure and therefore the number of corresponding adjustment operations, such a suspension arrangement uses two different frameworks which are each formed by a network or system of parallel beam or lining members, said members being crossed, that is to say disposed perpendicularly to each other, from one of said frameworks to the other.

There is firstly a first framework or primary framework, the beam members of which are supported by hangers from the support structure, and a second framework or secondary framework whose beam members which are disposed orthogonally with respect to the first-mentioned members are themselves suitably suspended from those ofthe primary framework.

The members of the frameworks which are usually shaped members may be of widely varying crosssectional configurations, for example of an I-shape or U-shape; broadly speaking they always have a core or web or central portion and, along one of the edges at least thereof, a flange or a limb portion.

Be that as it may, the two frameworks, namely the primary and the secondary frameworks, which are made up of such members, are in most cases superposed one in relation to the other and are therefore disposed at different levels, the secondary framework alone being used for fixing the plates or panels for forming the false ceiling that is to be produced.

That is the case for example with the false ceiling described in the French patent application which was filed on 3rd June 1983 under the No 8309271 and published under the No 2 546939.

Although such an arrangement is satisfactory, it does not make it possible to provide that the primary framework enjoys the benefit of the reinforcing effect due to the false ceiling.

In addition, for fixing the secondary framework, it necessitates the use of particular suspension means, to be connected to the primary framework, at the cost of a certain degree of complexity.

It is true to say that German patent application No 1484028 which concerns a false ceiling with visible framework proposes disposing the primary framework and the secondary framework at the same level. However in that German patent application No 14 84 028, the beam members of the secondary framework form braces or cross-members between those of the primary framework and, in order to fit them between the latter, they have to be cut up, which is detrimental to productivity.

Furthermore, in that situation also, relatively complicated components have to be used for connecting the primary framework to the secondary framework and for suspending the assembly.

US-A-3 031 042 discloses a false ceiling framework structure formed by two orthogonally crossed primary and secondary frameworks formed by T-shape lining members or beams, with a web portion and a lower flange. At the points at which the frameworks cross, the primary framework beam members which will be suspended from a planking floor surface comprise a notch extending in their central web to a mid-height position, and the secondary framework beam members which rest on the primary framework comprise a notch in their flange and their central web portion to a mid-height position of the latter. In the flange, the notch can receive the flange of the primary framework beam member. Thus, by engaging one notch into the other, the flanges of the beam members of the primary and secondary framework are flush and define a plane for fixing the false ceiling.

The major disadvantage of such an arrangement is that the framework must be entirely assembled on the ground before being suspended from the surface of the planking floor as the secondary framework fits into the primary framework from above.

The present invention generally concerns an arrangement which, while permitting the advantage of the primary framework and the secondary framework being disposed at the same level to be retained, makes it possible to overcome the disadvantages briefly referred to above while also affording further advantages.

According to the present invention there is provided a false ceiling framework assembly including primary framework beam members, which are capable of being suspended from a support structure, of the type comprising a web and at the base thereof a lower flange, and secondary framework beam members which cross the primary framework beam members substantially orthogonally and which are attacable to the primary framework in such a way that their downward faces define in conjunction with the lower flanges a plane where the false ceiling panels will be fixed, wherein, at each intersection with a secondary framework beam member, each primary framework beam member has a cut-out for receiving therein the associated said secondary framework beam member, each secondary framework beam member having a central portion forming a flange which, when the secondary member is attached to the primary member in the cut-out of the latter, is in flush relationship with the lower flange of the primary framework beam member.

In practice, in a preferred embodiment, the cut-out which is thus to be found in a beam member in accordance with the invention is suitable for clipping or latching engagement thereon of a secondary framework beam member.

Be that as it may, by virtue of such a cut-out, a secondary framework beam member can intersect with a primary framework beam member without being cut to length, which secondary framework bear member extends through said primary framework beam member as it were continuously by being threaded therethrough, by virtue of the cut-out therein.

As the primary and secondary frameworks may thus be at the same level, it is advantageously possible for the plates or panels making up the false ceiling structure in question to be fixed both to the beam members of the primary framework and to the members of the secondary framework.

Thus the beam members of the primary framework advantageously enjoy the benefit of the mechanical reinforcement effect due to the false ceiling structure being fixed thereto, without being penalised by the overloading due to the false ceiling structure.

In practice, tests have shown that deformations under load of the assembly remains substantially equal whether the false ceiling is formed by one or more skins, that is to say one or more thicknesses or superposed plates or panels.

In addition, as the secondary framework can be suspended from the primary framework by a simple clipping or latching action, the operation of setting the members making up the secondary framework in position is very quick and easy and it advantageously does not require any adjustment operation.

Preferably the frame work assembly includes a hanger for suspending a beam member for a primary framework of a false ceiling of the type with which the invention is concerned.

Such a beam member being provided with an upper flange, in the upper part of its central web and in parallel relationship to its lower flange, the hanger or suspension member is generally characterised in that it comprises a stirrup or clip member which is arranged to come into engagement with the upper flange of the beam member, a sleeve which, passing freelythrough said stirrup, is provided with a stop collar for suspension ofthe stirrup, the collar projecting radially at the base of the sleeve, and a suspension rod of which the lower part at least is screw-threaded and which is engaged thereby with the sleeve, said sleeve for that purpose being provided axially with a tapped bore.

Such a hanger or suspension member lends itself readily to the adjustment operations required, both longitudinally, along a beam member ofthe primary framework, by virtue of the stirrup thereof being simply slid along the upper flange of the beam member, and vertically, by a simple rotary move menfforscrewing its sleeve with respect to its suspension rod.

In addition, it permits the primary framework beam members to be fish-plated or gusseted together at their ends.

Finally, and in particular, it lends itself readily if desired to making up an anti-vibration hanger or suspension member, by virtue of the interposition between its stirrup and the stop collar of its sleeve, of a washer or disc of visco-elastic material, which is advantageously favourable to providing an insulation effect, in particular in the low frequency range.

The subject-matter of the invention as well as the features and advantages thereof will be apparent from the-following description which is given by way of example with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a false ceiling, the suspension of which involves using beam members and hangers according to the invention, Figure 2 is an elevational view of the assembly as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrow II in Figure 1, Figure 3 is another elevational view of the assembly, as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrow lil in Figure 2, Figure 4 is a view on a larger scale and partly in axial section of a hanger according tithe invention, taken along line IV-IV in Figure 2, Figure 5 is a perspective view of the stirrup forming part of such a suspender, shown in isolation and viewed from below, and Figure 6 is a partial view in axial section similar two that shown in Figure 4, illustrating an alternative anti-vibration construction of the hanger in question.

As illustrated in Figure 1,the invention is generally concerned with suspending from any support structure, for example a slab or planking floor (nowt shown), any false ceiling 10 formed by any plates or panels 11 which are suitably positioned in side-byside relationship.

In the embodiment illustrated, the construction uses a single thickness or 'skin' of plates or panels 11 but it will be apparent that the false ceiling 10 may be formed by two or more thicknesses or 'skins' of plates or panels in superposed relationship.

Be that as it may, for the purposes of suspending the false ceiling 10, the arrangement involves using, in a horizontal respect, two different frameworks, namely on the one hand a first or primary framework 12Aformed by beam or lining members 13Awhich are disposed in paralled relationship with each other and, on the other hand, a second or secondary framework 128 which is formed by beam or lining members 13B which are also disposed in parallel relationship with each other and which extend substantially orthogonally with respect to the members 1 3A of the primary framework 12The primary framework 1 2A is intended to be engaged at a plurality of spaced positions to the support structure in question by means of hangers or suspension members 14 as will be described hereinafter in greater detail, while the framework 1 2B is intended to be suspended from the framework 12A.

The members 1 3A of the primary framework 12A, which are all identical to each other, are in practice formed by shaped members and for example, as illustrated, shaped members consisting of bent or folded sheet metal.

In the embodiment illustrated, the member 13A which is formed by such a shaped member comprises a central web 15, a lower flange 16 atthe base of the central web 15 and, in the upper part of the web 15 and parallel to the lowerflange 16, an upper flange 17.

In practice, it is of an I-shaped configuration, with each of its lower and upper flanges 16 and 17 respectively having two limbs on respective sides of its central web 15.

In the embodiment illustrated, the limbs of the lower flange 16 which are of a single thickness are transversely greater in width than the width of the limbs of the upper flange 17; the limbs of the upper flange 17 are of double thickness.

However, in regard to each of the lower and upper flanges 16 and 17 respectively, the limbs are of the same width.

In the embodiment illustrated, the members 13B of the secondary framework 1 2B which are also all identical to each other are also formed by shaped members and for example, and as illustrated, shaped members made of bent sheet metal.

In the embodiment illustrated, the member 13B formed by such a shaped member is of a U-shaped cross-sectional configuration, the member 13B comprising a central portion 18forming a flange and, at right angles with respect thereto, two side limbs 19 of the same height with, along the edge of said limbs 19; right-angled return portions 20 which are directed towards each other, in parallel relationship with the central portion 18.

Such members 13A and 13B are well known per se, as well as the way of producing them, and, as they are not in themselves part of the present invention, they will not be described in greater detail herein.

According to the invention, each of the members 13A of the primary framework 12A is locally provided with at least one cut-out 22, for engagement therein in respect of its height of a beam member 13B of the secondary framework 1 2B, the cut-out 22 forming an opening jointly in its central web 15 and its lower flange 16.

In practice, and as illustrated, each of the members 13Aofthe primary framework 12A is thus provided at spaced locations along its lower flange 16 and the base of its central web 15 with a plurality of identical cut-outs 22 which are disposed at regular spacings at a given pitch corresponding to the centre-to-centre spacing to be maintained between the beam members 13B of the secondary framework 12B.

The above-mentioned pitch may be for example of the order of 30, 40, 50 or 60 cm but it will be appreciated that those values are given here only by way of indication and in no way constitute a limitation on the present invention.

Preferably, and as illustrated, each of the cut-outs 22 which is thus to be found in a beam member 13A is suitable for a beam member 13B of the secondary framework 1 2B to be simply clipped or latched to the beam member 13A.

In practice, for such a clipping or latching action, such a cut-out 22 forms two slots 23 in parallel relationship with the lower flange 16 of the beam member 13A in question; the slots 23, which involve the central web 15 of the beam member 13A, are disposed in alignment with each other, being oriented in back-to-back relationship with each other.

In the embodiment illustrated, the cut-out 22, in elevation in relation just to the central web 15, is of a generally trapezoidal configuration with, in parallel relationship with the lower flange 16, a bottom 24 and, inclined with respect to each other as considered from the bottom 24 and diverging with respect to each other in the direction of the lower flange 16, two lateral edges 25, and that one of the edges of the slots 23 formed by such a cut-out 22, which is at the greatest spacing from said lower flange 16, is in line with said bottom 24 of the cut-out 22.

In plan, and in relation just to the lower flange 16, the cut-out 22 is of a generally rectangular contour, the edges 26 of the notch formed by the cut-out 22 on the lower flange 16 extending generally transversely, that is to say generally perpendicularly to the central web 15, as considered from the corresponding ends of the above-mentioned inclined edges 25.

In practice, each of the cut-outs 22 that is thus to be found in each ofthe beam members 13A of the primary framework 1 2A leaves, in its central region, between the slots 23 that it forms, a heel or projection portion 27 whose lateral edges 28 are generally inclined with respect to said slots 23, converging relative to each other in the opposite direction thereto.

In the embodiment illustrated, the lateral edges 28 are generally rounded and they extend from the end face 29 of the projection portion 27 which is substantially parallel to the bottom 24 of the trapezoidal part of the cut-out 22, to the slots 23 defined by the cut-out 22.

In practice, the height HI of the trapezoidal part of the cut-out 22, which involves the central web 15, as measured between the downward surface of the lower flange 16 and the bottom 24 of the cut-out 22, is slightly greater than the height H2 of the beam members 13B of the secondary framework 12B, as measured between the corresponding outside surfaces thereof and, at the same time, the height H3 of the projection portion 27 that such a cut-out 22 leaves, as measured between its end face 29 and that one of the edges of the slots 23 which is closest thereto is greatly smaller than the height H4 of said beam members 13B, as measured between the corresponding inside surfaces thereof.

As a corollary, the width LI of the projection portion 27 is slightly less than the corresponding width L2 of the beam members 13B of the secondary framework 12B, as measured between the corresponding inside surfaces thereof.

Finally, the width and the depth of the slots 23 formed by a cut-out 22 are sufficient to permit engagement therein of the right-angled return portions 20 that are provided by the beam members 13B of the secondary framework 12B.

The results of the various arrangements as set forth above are on the one hand that the cut-outs 22 in the beam members 13A of the primaryframework 12A being suitable aligned from one of those beam members 1 3A to the other, it is possible for each of the beam members 13B ofthesecondaryframework 1 2B to be fitted to those beam members 13A by a clipping or latching action in a very simple manner, for example by engaging one of the right-angled return portions 20 of such a beam member 13B into one of the slots 23 formed by the respective cut-outs 22 of the beam members 13A, then by forcing the other right-angled return portion 20 of that beam member 13B to follow the opposite rounded edge 28 of the projection portion 27 of each of said cut-outs 22, with accompanying resilient deformation of the beam member 13B, until the other right-angled return portion 20 thereof passes into the other of the slots 23 defined by the cut-outs 22 and, on the other hand, when a beam member 13B is thus engaged with the beams 1 3A of the primary framework 1 2A, it is fitted into the height thereof, as considered from the lowerflange 16 thereof, and hence it forms the same level with those beam members 13A, the middle portion 18 thereof then being substantially level with said lowerflange 16 of those beam members.

Hence, once all the beam members 13B of the secondary framework 12B required are thus clipped to the beam members 1 3A of the primary framework 12A, the plates or panels 11 for making up the false ceiling 10 may be secured, for example by means of screws or any other suitable fixing means, both to the members 13B of the secondary framework 12B and to the beams 1 3A of the primary framework 12A, to the downward face of the latter, which means that the primary framework 1 2A enjoys the benefit of the corresponding reinforcing effect.

With an equal load, the span of the beam members 1 3A of the primary framework 1 2A can thus be greater and, with an equal span, their height which depends on that span may be smaller.

The shaped members forming the members 13A of the primary framework 1 2A being produced in practice by a folding or bending operation, it is very easy, on the corresponding bending line, to provide spaced-apart punch members which are suitable for forming the cut-outs 22 required so that, operation occurring without repetition,the step offorming the cut-outs advantageously does not of itself involve any substantial increase in cost in regard to the assembly.

As will be appreciated, when the plates or panels 11 are fixed to the members 13B of the secondary framework 12B,the members 13B are advantageously buttressed or supported by the bottom 24 of the trapezoidal part of the respective cut-outs 22 in the beam members 13A of the primary framework 1 2A and/or by the end face 29 of the projection portion 27 that the cut-outs 22 leave.

Moreover, and in accordance with the invention, each of the suspension members or hangers 14 used for suspending a beam member 13A of the primary framework 12A comprises a stirrup 30 which is adapted to come into engagement with the upper flange 17 of such a member 13A, a sleeve 31 which, passing through said stirrup, is provided at its base in a radially projecting relationship with a stop or retaining collar 32 for holding up the stirrup, and a suspension rod or bar 33 of which the lower part at least is screw-threaded as illustrated and which is engaged by way of the screwthread with the sleeve 31, the sleeve 31 for that purpose being provided axially with a tapped bore 34.

In practice the stirrup 30 forms a slider which is suitable for being engaged slidably on the upper flange 17 of the beam members 13A to be suspended; the stirrup 30 is provided on the one hand with a central portion 36 which has an opening 37 for the associated sleeve 31 to pass therethrough with clearance, while however being smaller in diameter than the collar 32 on the sleeve 31 and, on the other hand, two limbs 38 which, being bent in a U-shaped configuration parallel to the central portion 36, along the edges thereof, form in mutually facing relationship two grooves 39 which are each arranged to cap one of the side faces of such an upperflange 17, along the width thereof.

In practice, and as illustrated, the most outward flank 40 of the portion 41 which is thus bent into a U-shaped configuration of the limbs 38 is transversely greater in width than the width ofthe most inwardflank42 thereof and, for the stop collar 32 of a sleeve 31 to pass therethrough, it is provided in the central region of its free edge with a circular recess 43 which is slightly greater in diameter than the diameter of a stop collar 32.

As will be readily appreciated, the stirrup 30 which is formed in that way may advantageously be adjusted in position along the upperflange 17 of the beam member 1 3A on which it is fitted, thereby permitting the installation thereof at any point along the upperflange 17.

As will also be readily appreciated, adjustment in respect of heightpfthe hanger 14which is formed in that way by a stirrup 30, a sleeve 31 and a suspension rod 33, is effected simply by a rotary movement for screwing the sleeve 31 with respect to the suspension rod 33, the latter moreover being assumed to be suitably fixed to the support structure in question, in the upper part thereof (thatfixing is not shown).

In accordance with the-alternative embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, interposed between the stirrup 30 and the stop collar 32 on the sleeve 31 is a disc or washer 45 of visco-elastic material so that the hanger 14in question advantageously forms an anti-vibration hanger of the type that are commonly referred to as resilient hangers.

An anti-vibration hanger of that kind advantageously permits gains in respect of insulation, in particular in the range of low frequencies.

For example, the disc or washer 45 of the viscoelastic material which is used in that construction may consist of the synthetic material which is marketed under the trade name 'NEOPRENE', the hardness thereof being selected in dependence on the insulation effect required.

The outside contour ofthe visco-elastic disc or washer 45 which, by way of a central aperture 46, is simply fitted overthe sleeve 31, possibly with clearance, the aperture 46 being smaller in diameter than thestop collar 32 on the sleeve 31, may be circular.

It may also be quadrangular for preventing it from rotating on the stirrup 30, if desired.

The present invention is not limited to the embodi- ments described and illustrated but embraces any alternative construction therein.

In particular the configuration ofthe beam mem bersaccording to the invention is not necessarily an I-shaped configuration; it could equally well be for example a member of U-shaped configuration or a member of L-shaped configuration.

Moreover, although the method offixing the beams of the secondaryframeworkto those of the primary framework by a clipping or latching action is preferred because it is particularly simple, it would not constitute a departure from the scope of the present invention to adopt another fixing method, - the important consideration being that the beam members of the primary framework comprise cutouts or openings for the beam members of the secondary framework to pass continuously therethrough.

Claims (11)

1. A false ceiling framework assembly including primary framework beam members, which are capable of being suspended from a support structure, of the type comprising a web and at the base thereof a lower flange, and secondary framework beam members which cross the primary framework beam members which cross the primary orthogonally and which are attachable to the primary framework in such a way that their downward faces define in conjunction with the lower flanges a plane where the false ceiling panels will be fixed, wherein, at each intersection with a secondary framework beam member, each primary framework beam member has a cut-out for receiving therein the associated said secondary framework beam member, each secondary framework beam member having a central portion forming a flange which, when the secondary member is attached to the primary member in the cut-out of the latter, is in flush relationship with the lower flange of the primary framework beam member.

2. Aframe assembly according to Claim 1, wherein each primary framework beam member cut-out and associated secondary framework beam member are shaped and formed to co-operate by clipping together.

3. Aframework assembly according to Claim 2, wherein each secondary framework beam member is U-shaped in cross-section and has substantially right-angled return portions which are directed towards each other along the edge of the U section limbs, and wherein each cut-out of each primary framework beam member is provided in the web and forms, parallel to the lower flange, two slots in the web which are disposed in spaced apart, in line, back-to-back relationship with each other to open away from each other, so that the return portions of the secondary framework beam member may be clipped into said slots.

4. A framework assembly according to Claim 3, wherein one of the edges of each slot formed by the cut-out in the primary framework beam member, which edge is most remote from the lower flange, is in line with and forms the bottom or innermost edge of said cut-out.

5. A framework asembly according to Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein each cut-out in the primary framework beam member, leaves a projecting portion between the slots, which projecting portion has lateral edges which are generally inclined with respect to the slots, and which converge towards each other away from the slots.

6. A framework assembly according to Claim 5, wherein the lateral edges of the projecting portion are generally rounded.

7. A framework assembly according to Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein the projecting portion extends in the central plane of the cut-out.

8. A framework assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, including hangers for suspending it from a surface by way of the primary framework beam members) each said primary beam member being provided with an upper flange in the upper part of its web and in parallel relationship to its lower flange, wherein each hanger has a stirrup for engagement with the upper flange of the primary beam member, a sleeve which, passing freely through said stirrup, is provided with a stop collar for suspension of the stirrup, the collar projecting radially at the base of the sleeve, and a suspension rod of which the lower part at least is screw-threaded and which is engageable thereby with the sleeve, said sleeve being provided axially with a tapped bore for receiving the screw threaded end of the suspension rod.

9. A framework assembly according to Claim 8, wherein the stirrup forms a slide member slidably engagable on the upper flange of the primary framework beam member to be suspended, and has a central portion through which passes an opening for the associated sleeve to pass through, and two lateral limbs which, in their edge regions are bent in a U-shaped configuration, parallel to the controi portion to form in mutually facing relationship two grooves each operable to cap one for the side faces of the upper flange of the associated primary framework beam member.

10. A framework assembly according to Claim 8 or Claim 9, including a disc of visco-elastic material interposed between the stirrup and the stop collar on the sleeve.

11. A false ceiling framework assembly, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 as modified or not by Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings.