GB2621923A - An architectural system with a lockable panel hook for creating an array of panels - Google Patents

Abstract

A support framework (7, Fig 18) for an array of panels 3, comprising first and second parallel and co-planar panel runners 11 each having a top rail (19, Fig 4) connected to a bottom flange (21, Fig 4) by a web section (23, Fig 4) which is provided with a plurality of regularly spaced alignment apertures (25, Fig 3). Two panel hooks 301 each have an engagement means (311, Fig 10) for attaching the panel hook 301 to a panel runner 11, that has an internal profile that is complementary to the external profile of the top rail 19. Each panel hook 301 has a locking member (325, Fig 10) which is engaged with one of the alignment apertures 25, and a panel attachment means (305, Fig 11) for attachment to a panel 3. The alignment apertures 25 on the first panel runner 11 are opposite to the alignment apertures 25 on the second support panel 11 in a direction that is perpendicular to the first and second panel runners 11.

Description

AN ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEM WITH A LOCKABLE PANEL HOOK FOR CREATING AN ARRAY OF PANELS

Architects use arrays of ceiling, or canopy, panels or arrays of wall panels to produce architectural features within buildings that have both aesthetic and functional qualities.

However, current methods for installing arrays of panels are expensive. For example, at present, the installation of an array of panels requires drilling of the ceiling or wall in multiple places to create anchor points for the panel supports. Furthermore, those anchor points need to be very carefully positioned on to the ceiling or wall in order to ensure that during installation io the panels are square to each other and parallel to each other. Such methods are time consuming, and this contributes to the high installation costs.

At present, a typical way of attaching a canopy panel to a ceiling, for example a rectangular canopy panel that is part of a ceiling panel array, is to suspend the panel from the ceiling using four separate suspension wires. One end of the suspension wires is attached to the upper surface of the panel, towards one of its corners, and the other end of the suspension wires is attached to the ceiling. The length of the suspension wires is then adjusted so that the panel is horizontal. Consequently, to install an array of six canopy panels, it is necessary to install twenty-four separate suspension wires and to individually adjust the length of the suspension wires so that each panel is horizontal and so that each panel is in the same plane as all of the other panels.

There is consequently a need for a system to improve the installation process such that the costs associated with installation can be reduced.

Accordingly, the presently claimed invention provides a support framework for supporting an array of at least two panels, the support framework comprising a first panel runner and a second panel runner, the first panel runner and the second panel runner having a top rail connected to a bottom flange by a web section, wherein the web section is provided with a plurality of alignment apertures that are spaced at regular intervals from each other along the first panel runner and the second panel runner, two panel hooks attached to each of the first panel runner and the second panel runner, each panel hook having an engagement means for attaching the panel hook to a panel runner, the engagement means of each panel hook having an internal profile that is complementary to the external profile of the top rail, each panel hook having a locking member which is engaged with one of the alignment apertures, wherein the first panel runner and the second panel runner are parallel to each other and are located within the same plane and wherein the alignment apertures on the first panel runner are opposite to the alignment apertures on the second support panel in a direction that is perpendicular to the first panel runner (9) and the second panel runner.

Preferably, the first panel runner and the second panel runner are horizontal and two panel runner suspension members are attached to each of the first panel runner and the second panel runner and extend upwardly away from the first panel runner and the second panel runner, and wherein the panel hooks are hung on to each of the first panel runner and the second panel runner, wherein the engagement means of each panel hook is a hanger from which the panel hook hangs from a panel runner.

Preferably, the panel hooks are hung on to each of the first panel runner and the second panel runner, wherein the engagement means of each panel hook is a hanger from which the panel hook hangs from a panel runner.

Preferably, the panel hooks are two-part hooks comprising a top hook part that is removably attachable to a bottom connector part, the top hook part comprising an upper hanger section attached to a lower support section, wherein the lower support section comprises a panel attachment means.

Preferably, the upper hanger section comprises a back wall having on a first side a first edge and having on a second side a second edge, wherein the first edge and the second edge run in a direction from the upper hanger section to the lower support section, a first side wall extends in a forwards direction from the first edge away from the back wall and a second side wall extends in a forwards direction from the second edge away from the back wall, each of the first side wall and the second side wall having a hanger hook and each hanger hook having a centreline lying on a first plane that is orientated vertically and spaced apart from the back wall, wherein a second plane is orientated vertically and orientated perpendicularly to the first plane and the second plane is aligned with the centreline X-X of the back wall such that the second plane is located midway between the first side wall and the second side wall, wherein the lower support section comprises a panel attachment means.

Preferably, the panel attachment means comprises a first sprung finger that extends downwardly from the bottom of the first side wall and a second sprung finger that extends downwardly from the bottom of the second side wall and the bottom connector part having a coupling section for engagement with the first sprung finger and the second sprung finger and at least one panel gripper plate attached to the coupling section.

Preferably, the panel attachment means comprises a plate provided with a helically threaded mechanical fastener.

According to an aspect that does not form part of the presently claimed invention there is provided a support framework for supporting an array of at least two panels, the support framework comprising a first support runner and a second support runner which are parallel to each other and which are located within a first plane, a first panel runner and a second panel runner which are parallel to each other and which are located within a second plane, wherein each of the first support runner and the second support runner are perpendicular to io each of the first panel runner and the second panel runner, and wherein the first plane is parallel to the second plane, wherein the first support runner and the second support runner are each provided along their lengths with a series of alignment apertures that are spaced apart from each other at regular distances and the alignment apertures on the first support runner are opposite to the alignment apertures on the second support runner in a direction that is perpendicular to the first support runner and the second support runner, wherein at least two runner hooks are attached to each of the first support runner and the second support runner, each runner hook having an engagement means for attaching the runner hook to a support runner and each runner hook having a locking member which is engaged with one of the alignment apertures in a support runner, wherein at least two panel hooks are attached to each of the first panel runner and the second panel runner, each panel hook having an engagement means for attaching the panel hook to a panel runner. In addition to improving the ease with which an installer can fix the support framework in place and then attach the panels, this support framework increases the freedom of a designer to makes arrays of panels. The panel runners can readily be arranged in many different ways, once the support runners have been fitted in place. The support runners and the panel runners can have any suitable cross-sectional profile, for example a T-shaped profile, or a U-shaped profile.

Preferably, the first support runner, the second support runner, the first panel runner and the second panel runner each have a top rail connected to a bottom flange by a web section, wherein the alignment apertures provided in the first support runner and in the second support runner are provided in the web section.

Preferably, the engagement means of each runner hook has an internal profile that is complementary to the external profile of the top rail of the first support runner and the second support runner.

Preferably, the engagement means of each panel hook has an internal profile that is complementary to the external profile of the top rail of the first panel runner or the second panel runner.

Preferably, the first panel runner and the second panel runner are each provided along their lengths with a series of alignment apertures that are spaced apart from each other at regular distances and each panel hook has a locking member which is engaged with one of the alignment apertures in a panel runner.

Preferably, the alignment apertures on the first panel runner are opposite to the alignment apertures on the second panel runner in a direction that is perpendicular to the first panel runner and the second support runner.

Preferably, the first support runner, the second support runner, the first panel runner, the second panel runner, the first plane and the second plane are all horizontal and the first plane is located above the second plane, the support framework further comprising two runner suspension members attached to, and extending upwardly from, each of the first support runner and the second support runner, and wherein the runner hooks are hung on to each of the first support runner and the second support runner, wherein the engagement means of each runner hook is a hanger from which the runner hook hangs from a support runner.

Preferably, the panel hooks are hung on to each of the first panel runner and the second panel runner, wherein the engagement means of each panel hook is a hanger from which the panel hook hangs from a panel runner.

Preferably, the first support runner and the second support runner are provided along their length with suspension rod apertures that are spaced at regular distances from each other.

According to another aspect that does not form part of the presently claimed invention there is provided a hook for a support framework, comprising an upper hanger section attached to a lower support section, wherein the upper hanger section comprises a back wall having on a first side a first edge and having on a second side a second edge, wherein the first edge and the second edge run in a direction from the upper hanger section to the lower support section, a first side wall extends in a forwards direction from the first edge away from the back wall and a second side wall extends in a forwards direction from the second edge away from the back wall, each of the first side wall and the second side wall having a hanger hook and each hanger hook having a centreline lying on a first plane (A) that is orientated vertically and spaced apart from the back wall, wherein a second plane (B) is orientated vertically and orientated perpendicularly to the first plane (A) and the second plane (B) is aligned with the centreline X-X of the back wall such that the second plane (B) is located midway between the first side wall and the second side wall.

Preferably, the back wall comprises a displaceable lateral alignment tab attached to the back wall by a hinge.

Preferably, the displaceable alignment tab is and moveable about the hinge from an undeployed position wherein it lies in the plane of the back wall to a deployed position wherein it lies outside of the plane of the back wall, wherein when the hinge constrains the displaceable alignment tab to move in an arc parallel to the second plane (B).

Preferably, the hook further comprises a displaceable vertical fixing tab attached to the back wall by a hinge.

Preferably, the displaceable vertical fixing tab is and moveable about the hinge from an undeployed position wherein it lies in the plane of the back wall to a deployed position wherein it lies outside of the plane of the back wall, wherein when the hinge constrains the displaceable alignment tab to move in an arc parallel to the second plane (B).

Preferably, the lower support section is a runner support and comprises a vertical runner engagement slot that runs in a direction that is within the second plane (B) and that intersects the first plane (A).

Preferably, the lower support section is a flat plate that extends forwardly away from the back wall in a direction perpendicular to the first plane (A).

According to a further aspect that does not form part of the presently claimed invention there is provided a two-part hook for a support framework comprising a top hook part that is removably attachable to a bottom connector part, the top hook part comprising an upper hanger section attached to a lower support section, wherein the upper hanger section comprises a back wall having on a first side a first edge and having on a second side a second edge, wherein the first edge and the second edge run in a direction from the upper hanger section to the lower support section, a first side wall extends in a forwards direction from the first edge away from the back wall and a second side wall extends in a forwards direction from the second edge away from the back wall, each of the first side wall and the second side wall having a hanger hook and each hanger hook having a centreline lying on a first plane (A) that is orientated vertically and spaced apart from the back wall, wherein a second plane (B) is orientated vertically and orientated perpendicularly to the first plane (A) and the second plane (B) is aligned with the centreline X-X of the back wall such that the second plane (B) is located midway between the first side wall and the second side wall, wherein the lower support section comprises a panel attachment means.

Preferably, the panel attachment means comprises a first sprung finger that extends downwardly from the bottom of the first side wall (and a second sprung finger that extends io downwardly from the bottom of the second side wall and the bottom connector part having a coupling section for engagement with the first sprung finger and the second sprung finger and at least one panel gripper plate attached to the coupling section.

Preferably, the panel attachment means comprises a plate provided with a helically threaded mechanical fastener.

According to a still further aspect that does not form part of the presently claimed invention there is provided a kit comprising a sandwich panel fitted with the bottom connector part of the described two-part hook and the kit provided with the top hook part of the two-part hook disconnected from the bottom connector part.

Various aspects of an architectural system will be described with reference to the following figures: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a room with a canopy suspended from the ceiling and formed from an array of six rectangular canopy panels; Figure 2 is a perspective view of an array of six canopy panels viewed from above and showing the support framework; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a runner hook located on an upper runner and carrying a lower runner; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a two-part panel hook located on a lower runner and attached to a canopy panel; Figure 5 shows perspective views of six example hooks that can be fitted to the support framework; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a runner hook; Figure 7 is a side view of the runner hook of Figure 5; Figure 8 is a side view of the runner hook of Figure 5; io Figure 9 is a top view of the runner hook of Figure 5; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a two-part sandwich panel hook; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the hook part of the two-part panel hook of Figure 10; Figure 12 is a perspective view of the base part of the two-part panel hook of Figure 10; Figure 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the two-part panel hook of Figure 10 fitted to a ceiling canopy panel; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a baffle hook and a helical screw thread fixing; Figure 15 is a perspective view of a two-part panel offset hook; Figure 16 is a perspective view of the hook hanger section of the two-part panel offset hook of Figure 15; Figure 17 is a perspective view of an array of vertical canopy panels, or baffles, suspended from a ceiling; and Figure 18 is a perspective view of a support framework provided with only one layer of runners.

Figure 1 illustrates a ceiling canopy 1 formed from an array of six rectangular canopy panels 3 suspended from a ceiling 5. An array of six canopy panels 3 is also shown in Figure 2, viewed from above, in order to illustrate the support framework 7.

The support framework 7 comprises three elongate upper runners 9 and four elongate lower runners 11. The upper runners 9 are horizontal and arranged in parallel to each other and the lower runners 11 are horizontal and arranged in parallel to each other. The upper runners 9 are located above the lower runners 11 and are orientated perpendicularly to the lower runners 11. The upper runners 9 run parallel to the long sides of the rectangular canopy panels 3 and are aligned on the centreline the canopy panels 3, i.e. midway between the two long edges. The lower runners 11 are set in from the short sides of the rectangular canopy panels 3 by the same distance on either side io Each upper runner 9 is provided with three adjustable length suspension rods 13, spaced along its length. One suspension rod 13 is attached to the runner 9 towards one of its ends, one suspension rod 13 is attached to the runner 9 towards the other of its ends and one suspension rod 13 is attached to the runner 9 between the other two suspension rods 3. It is also possible to use adjustable length suspension wires 13 in place of, or in combination with, the adjustable length suspension rods 13. The runners 9 are provided with suspension rod fixing holes 15 spaced at regular intervals. The support framework 7 therefore comprises nine suspension rods 13. The lower end of each suspension rod 13 is connected to an upper runner 9 using one of the suspension rod fixing holes 15 and the upper end of each suspension rod 13 is connected to the ceiling 5 using a suspension rod ceiling anchor 17. The lengths of the suspension rods 13 can be adjusted so that each of the upper runners 9 is horizontal and so that each of the upper runners 9 is in the same plane as all of the other upper runners 9.

Each upper runner 9 is provided with four runner hooks 201, one to carry each of the four lower runners 11 underneath the three upper runners 9. A close-up view of a runner hook 201 fitted to an upper runner 9 and carrying a lower runner 11 is illustrated in Figure 3.

Each lower runner 11 is provided with six two-part sandwich panel hooks 301, two for each of the three canopy panels 3. The canopy panels 3 have a sandwich construction, i.e. they are made from two layers of material that are bonded together to form a sandwich. Figure 4 shows a close-up view of a panel hook 301 fitted to a lower runner 11 and attached to a canopy panel 3.

The upper runners 9 and the lower runners 11 have the same features as each other. As illustrated in Figure 3 and Figure 4, the upper runners 9 and the lower runners 11 have a cross-sectional profile that is formed from an inverted 'T' with a box section rail 19 located at the top of the 'T'. The horizontal part of the 'T' provides a flange 21 at the bottom and the vertical part of the 'T' provides a vertical web section 23 running between the box section rail 19 and the centreline of the flange 21. The flange 21 extends away from the web section 23 by an equal distance on either side. Hook engagement apertures 25, in the form of vertical slots, are provided through the web section 23 at regular intervals, for example at 100mm spacings, along the length of the upper and lower runners 9,11.

The support framework 7 works in combination with various different types of hooks, such that panels 3, light fixtures (not shown), baffles 51 (as illustrated in Figure 17) and any other parts of a ceiling canopy 1 can be suspended from the ceiling 5. Figure 5 illustrates the runner hook 201, the two-part sandwich panel hook 301, a one-part sandwich panel hook 401, a baffle io hook 501, a light fixture hook 601 and a panel offset hook 701.

The hooks 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701 each have an upper hanger section that comprises common features that enable the hooks to be hung from an upper runner 9 or from a lower runner 11. Each of the hooks 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701 has a lower support section that is formed integrally with the upper hanger section. The lower support sections of the hooks 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701 are all different, because each of those hooks serves a different purpose. As an example, figure 5 shows the upper hanger section 203 and the lower support section 205 of runner hook 201. The common features of the upper hanger sections of the hooks 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701 are identified in the following passages of the description, with reference to various figures, along with a description of the features of the different lower sections.

The runner hook 201 is shown in Figure 6. The runner hook 201 is made by stamping a component from a relatively thin sheet of metal, typically steel, and then subjecting that component to various folding operations during its manufacture to form the runner hook 201.

This method of construction provides the runner hook 201 with a high stiffness in relation to the thickness of the material from which it is made. This enables the runner hook 201 to provide the main connection points, as described in further detail below, in a way that creates tight and properly aligned (e.g. parallel) connections between the upper runners 9, the runner hooks 201 and the lower runners 11. The runner hook 201 has an upper hanger section 203, which is for engagement with an upper runner 9, and a lower support section 205, which is for engagement with a lower runner 11. The various features of the runner hook 201 are aligned relative to two perpendicular planes A and B, as explained in further detail below. In use, when the runner hook 201 is fitted to the support framework 7, plane A is a plane parallel to and co- planar with the web section 23 of the upper runner 9 and plane B is a plane parallel to and co-planar with the web section 23 of the lower runner 11.

The upper hanger section 203 has a generally U-shaped cross-section profile. This is shown in Figure 9 and the thickness of the sheet metal from which the runner hook 201 is manufactured is illustrated. The upper hanger section 203 has a generally rectangular back wall 207. The long sides of the back wall 207 extend vertically and are parallel to plane B. Plane B runs down the vertical centreline of the back wall 207 such that the long sides are offset either side of plane B by an equal distance. In addition, the back wall is parallel to and offset from the plane A. A vertical side wall 209 extends from each long side of the back wall 207. The vertical side walls 209 are formed integrally with the back wall 207 and folded out of the plane of the back wall 207 during manufacture of the runner hook 201.

The back wall 207 has a front face which, in use, points towards the web section 23 of the upper runner 9 from which the runner hook 201 is hung and a back face, which, in use, points away from the web section 23 of that upper runner 9. Each side wall 209 extends away from the front face of the back wall 207 at an obtuse angle such that the side walls 209 splay apart from each other. This is advantageous because the two connection points to the runner are wider apart, thus the hook is more stable on the runner. In addition, arranging the side walls 209 so that they taper outwardly makes them inherently more stable, compared to a straight-sided U-shaped arrangement. Furthermore, the splayed side walls facilitate storage, packing and shipping. One side wall 209 is located on one side of plane B and the other side wall 209 is located on the other side of plane.

Each side wall 209 has a runner hanger 211 located towards its upper end and a runner clearance cut-out 212 located towards its lower end. The wall of the side wall 209 is provided with an inverted U-shaped cut-out 213 in order to create the runner hanger 211. The two sides of the inverted U-shaped cut-out 213 of the runner hanger 211 are parallel to each other, are vertical and are spaced apart from each other by a distance that is slightly greater than the width of the box section rail 19 of the upper runner 9. The bottom of the inverted U-shaped cut-out 213 has a profile that is complementary to the profile of the top of the box section rail 19. The depth of the inverted U-shaped cut-out 213 is the same as the depth of the box section rail 19. These features of the runner hanger 211 facilitate it to fit over the box section rail 219 of the upper runner 9.

The top of the inverted U-shaped cut-out 213 is open-ended and thus an elongate arm 215 is formed in the side wall 209 on the side furthest from the back wall 207, as illustrated in Figure 7. The centreline of the inverted U-shaped cut-out 213 of each runner hanger 211 is aligned with plane A, as also shown in Figure 7.

The upper runner clearance cut-out 217 extends through the side wall 209 from the inverted U-shaped cut-out 213 back towards the back wall 207 until it joins with a side wall stiffening section 219. The generally U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the upper hanger section 203, of which the wall stiffening section 219 is an integral part, are important for producing a runner hook 201 that can be made from relatively thin sheet material (to facilitate economic manufacture) whilst stiff providing a high level of stiffness to the runner hook 201, for example so that the upper runners 9 and lower runners 11 can be maintained in a parallel and perpendicular alignment. The upper runner clearance cut-out 217 is shaped to be complementary to the profile of the upper runner 9, so that the runner hook 201 can hang over lo the upper runner 9 without coming into contact with the flange 21. See, for example, Figure 4.

The side wall stiffening section 219 extends from the upper hanger section 203 to the lower support section 205, as will be explained below.

The back wall 207 further comprises an aperture engagement tab 221 that is hinged to the back wall 207, and can be folded out from it in the direction of plane A in a direction parallel with plane B. Figure 6 shows the aperture engagement tab 221 in a partially deployed position, wherein it has been hinged out of the plane of the back wall 207. The aperture engagement tab 221 is generally rectangular and its upper short edge forms the hinge 223 in the back wall 207. The other short edge of the aperture engagement tab 221 is provided with an elongate locking member 225 that is in the same plane as the rest of the aperture engagement tab 221.

The elongate locking member 225 is aligned with the centreline of the back wall 207.

A flange crimping tab 227 is also provided in the back wall 207. The flange crimping tab 227 is hinged to the back wall 207 and can be folded out from it in the direction of plane A in a direction parallel with plane B. Figure 6 shows the flange crimping tab 227 in an undeployed position in which it is in the plane of the back wall 207 The flange crimping tab 227 is generally rectangular and its upper short edge forms a hinge 229 in the back wall 207. The other short edge of the flange crimping tab 227 is provided with a crimping portion 231 that extends perpendicularly to the rest of the flange crimping tab 227 in a direction towards plane A (when the flange crimping tab 227 is in an undeployed position wherein it lies within the plane of the back wall 207). The flange crimping tab 227 is aligned with the centreline of the back wall 207. When the flange crimping tab 227 is in its undeployed position and is situated in the plane of the back wall 207 the crimping portion 207 is in the plane of the horizontal upper part 233 of a support plate 235 which forms part of the lower support section 205. The features of the lower support section 205 will be described below.

The lower support section 205 comprises the support plate 235. The support plate 235 is in the form of an angle section with a horizontal upper part 233 and a vertical web support 237 which extends perpendicularly downwardly from the upper part 233. The horizontal upper part 233 is integrally formed with the back wall 207 and extends perpendicularly from the back wall 207 towards plane A. The vertical web support 237 is co-planar with plane A, as can be seen in Figure 7, and has a vertically orientated aperture engagement slot 239 that is aligned with plane A, plane B and with axis X-X. A lower runner clearance cut-out 241 is provided in the vertical web support 237 and is shaped complementarily to a lower runner 11, so that the aperture engagement slot 239 can be engaged with the web section 23 of a lower runner 11 to by passing it through a hook engagement aperture.

The lower support section 205 further comprises a rail alignment plate 243 which has an inwardly facing vertical rail alignment edge 245. The rail alignment edge 245 is spaced at a distance from plane B that is half the width of the box section rail 19 of a lower runner 11 and extends sufficiently far in a downwards direction such that, in use, the rail alignment edge 245 contacts the external vertical side of a box section rail 19 of a lower runner 11 that is supported by the runner hook 201, to reduce the ability for that lower runner 11 to twist relative to the upper runner 9 that is supporting it.

As mentioned above, the side wall stiffening section 219 extends from the upper hanger section 203 to the lower support section 205. The side wall stiffening section 219 has a front facing external profile that is complementary to, and abuts, the back facing internal profile of the support plate 235.

Another one of the hook types, a two-part sandwich panel hook 301 is shown in Figure 10.

The sandwich panel hook 301 has an upper hanger section 303 and a lower support section 305, as shown in Figure 11. The upper hanger section 303 has similar features to the upper hanger section 203 of the runner hook 201 and is formed in a similar manner during its manufacture. It has a back wall 307 with side walls 209 that extend out from the back wall 307 in the same way as for the runner hook 201. Runner hangers 311 are formed from inverted U-shaped cut-outs 313 that have the same shape and are in the same position as in the runner hook 201 and form an elongate arm 315 in the same way. There is also an upper runner clearance 317 formed in the side wall 309 in the same way as for runner hook 201 and there is a side way stiffening section 319 that runs between the upper hanger section 303 and the lower support section 305. The back wall 307 is provided with an aperture engagement tab 321 and a flange crimping tab 327 that have all the features of the corresponding parts of runner hook 201. In Figure 10, the aperture engagement tab 321 and the flange crimping tab 327 are shown in their undeployed positions, i.e. in the plane of the back wall 307. In relation to the flange crimping tab 327, because the lower support section 305 is different to that of the lower support section 205 of runner hook 201, the flange crimping tab 327 is flat in its undeployed position and the crimping portion 331 is only bent relative to the rest of the flange crimping tab 327 when it is deployed in use.

The lower support section 305 is provided with two sprung fingers 333 which engage with a separate bonding plate 335. Each sprung finger 335 has a bracing part 337 and a spring part 339. The bracing part 337 extends downwardly from the side wall stiffening section 319 of io each side wall 309 as lies in the same plane as it. The spring part 339 is bent upwardly from the bracing part 337 about an axis perpendicular to the back wall 307 so that the spring part 339 is located on the outward side of the bracing part 337 and so there is a relatively small included angle between the bracing part 337 and the spring part 339. The bracing part 337 is provided with an abutment shoulder 341 that is in the same horizontal plane as the bottom edge of the back wall 307. The spring part 339 is provided with two abutment shoulders 343 that between them define a tongue 345.

The bonding plate 335 has a generally circular flat and horizontal coupling plate 347. Two gripper plates 349 are attached to the edge of the coupling plate 347, in diametrically opposite positions, by vertical offset spacers 351, which raise the level of the coupling plate 347 above the level of the gripper plates 349. The gripper plates 349 are generally rectangular and flat and horizontal and are thus parallel to the coupling plate 347.

The coupling plate 347 has a first pair of spring engagement apertures 353 and a second pair of identical spring engagement apertures 355. The first pair of spring engagement apertures 353 are located adjacent to the gripper plates 349 and the second pair of spring engagement apertures 355 are offset from the gripper plates 349 by 90°. The spring engagement apertures 353 and 355 have a T-shaped cross-section and the width of the top of the T-shape is slightly largely than the width of the bracing part 337 and the width of the stem of the T-shape is slightly larger than the width of the tongue 345 of the spring part 339, but less than the width of the spring part 339 across the abutment shoulders 343. In each pair of spring engagement apertures 353, 355 the apertures are spaced apart by a distance such that the sprung fingers 333 are compressed when the lower support section 305 is engaged with the coupling plate 347. In that way the two parts of the two-part sandwich panel hook 301 are held together.

The gripper plates 349 are provided with adhesive apertures 357 and fold out gripping spikes 359. Figure 13 shows the two-part sandwich hook 301 fixed to a sandwich canopy panel made from two canopy panels 3. A circular hole 361 is made in the upper canopy panel 3 and the bonding plate 335 is inserted into it from beneath. The gripping spikes 359 hold the bonding plate 335 in place until the lower canopy panel 3 is bonded to the underneath of the upper canopy panel 3. The adhesive apertures 357 help to improve the quality of the adhesive bond.

Once the adhesive in the sandwich canopy panel has cured, the two-part sandwich hook 301 can be assembled by placing the sprung fingers 33 through one of the pairs of spring engagement apertures 353,355.

A baffle hook 501 is shown in Figure 14. Its upper hanger section 503 has features that are o common to the other hooks 201,301,401, 501, 601, 701. Its lower support section 505 comprises a screw plate 571 that extends perpendicularly to back wall 507 and that is braced by side wall stiffening sections 519. The screw plate 571 is provided with a connection slot 573 for connecting a helical screw thread fixing 575.

A light fixture hook 601 is shown in Figure 5. Its upper section shares the features common to the upper sections of the other hooks 201,301,401,501,701 and its lower section is provided with a flat aperture plate 681 that is perpendicular to the back wall 607. The aperture plate can be used to support a light, such as a LED lamp, by placing a holding screw through the hole in the aperture plate 681.

Figure 15 shows a two-part panel offset hook 701 for use with the bonding plate 353 of the two-part sandwich panel hook 301 comprising a constant cross-section U-shaped height adjustment channel 781 to which is removably fixed an upper hanger section 703 that has features that are common to the upper hanger sections of the other hooks 201,301,401,501,601. The upper hanger section 703 is shown separately in Figure 16. The back wall 707 has two clamping tabs 783 that are hinged to the back wall 707 and can be folded out from it. The height adjustment channel 781 is provided with six height adjustment windows 785 that are spaced at a regular interval from each other that corresponds to the spacing of the clamping tabs 783. The upper hanger section 703 is located within the height adjustment channel and two clamping tabs 783 of the upper hanger section 703 can be placed through whichever two of the height adjustment windows 785 will provide the desired length to offset the two-part panel offset hook 701 by the required distance from the lower runner 11. The clamping tabs 783 are then bent back towards the back wall 707 of the upper hanger section 703 to clamp the upper hanger section 703 to the height adjustment channel 781.

The height adjustment channel 781 is provided on its bottom edge with a pair of sprung fingers 733 that are of the same type as those described above in reference to the two-part sandwich panel hook 301. The height adjustment channel 781 has an elongate rectangular back wall 787 and two side walls 789 extending perpendicularly forwards from the back wall 787 and along the length of the long sides of the back wall 787. A bracing part 737 of each sprung finger 733 is attached to the bottom of a side wall 789 and is co-planar with it and the two sprung finger 733 together form a means for connection to a bonding plate 335, for example as illustrated in Figure 12.

The height adjustment channel 781 can also be provided with the plate and helical screw arrangement of baffle hook 501, in place of the sprung fingers 333, in order to fix a panel 3 to lo the height adjustment channel 781 In order to install a canopy 1 on to a ceiling 5, for example a canopy 1 having six rectangular panels 3, the first step is to drill into the ceiling 5 the holes to secure the suspension rod ceiling anchors 17. Three rows of three ceiling anchors 17 are required. In each row the three ceiling anchors 17 are spaced apart from each other by a distance that is aligned with the spacing of the suspension rod fixing holes 15 on the upper runners 9, so that when the upper runners 9 are suspended from the ceiling anchors 17 by adjustable length suspension rods 13, the adjustable length suspension rods 13 are vertical. All three rows of three ceiling anchors 17 must be parallel to each other. Once the ceiling anchors 17 have been installed, an adjustable length suspension rod 13 is attached to each ceiling anchor 17 using a hook at its upper end.

The adjustable length suspension rods 13 are also provided with a hook at their lower ends and that hook is located through the appropriate suspension rod fixing hole 15 in the upper runner 9. Once the three upper runners 9 have been hung from the nine adjustable length suspension rods 13 the length of the adjustable length suspension rods 13 can be adjusted to ensure that each of the three upper runners 9 is horizontal and that each upper runner 9 lies in the same horizontal plane.

The lower runners 11 are then fixed to the upper runners 9 at right angles. Each upper runner 9 is provided with four runner hooks 201. The runner hooks 201 are located over the upper runners 9, so that the runner hangers 211 are located over the box section rails 19 of the upper runners 9. A first runner hook 201 is located on a first upper runner 9 at a position where the first lower runner 11 is to be located. The upper runner 201 is then held in that lateral position on the upper runner 9 by bending the aperture engagement tab 221 out of the back wall 207 of the runner hook 201 and pushing its locking member 225 through the hook engagement aperture 25 in the web section of the upper runner 9. The runner hook 201 can be fixed to the upper runner 9 by bending up the flange crimping tab 227 and crimping the crimping portion 231 to the flange 21 of the upper runner 9. In crimping the crimping portion 231 to the flange 21, the runner hook 201 is prevented from being able to move in a vertical direction and thus the runner hook 201 is attached to the upper runner 9 in a way that facilitates maintenance of the desired vertical and horizontal alignment of the upper runners 9 with the lower runners 11. The other runner hooks 201 are then installed according to the desired spacing of the lower runners 11 and in order to make the lower runners 11 parallel to each other and perpendicular to the upper runners. The regular spacing of the hook engagement apertures 25 means that the operation of making the lower runners parallel and square is very straightforward.

io Once the upper runners 9 and the lower runners 11 are in place the canopy panels 3 can be installed. For example, a sandwich panel made from two canopy panels 3 can be provided with four two-part sandwich panel hooks 301, one at each corner, and those two-part sandwich panel hooks 301 can be hung on a lower runner 11. The canopy panels 3 can be secured in place by using the aperture engagement tab 321 to engage with a hook engagement aperture 25 in the web section 23 of the lower runner 11, so that the locking member 325 stops the two-part sandwich panel hook 301 from moving laterally. The two-part sandwich panel hook 301 can be fixed to the lower runner 11 to prevent removal by bending up the flange crimping tab 327 and crimping the crimping portion 331 to the flange 21 of the lower runner 11. The other five of the six panels can then be fitted so that they are all square to each other, as facilitated by the regular spacing of the hook engagement apertures 25.

If it is desired to place canopy panels 3 at different heights then two-part panel offset hooks 701 can be used in place of two-part sandwich panel hooks 301, so that the panels can be located in two or more separated horizontal planes.

Figure 17 shows the support framework 7 being used to support an array of vertical canopy panels 51, also known as baffles 51. The baffles 51 are suspended from lower runners 11 by baffle hooks 501.

Figure 18 shows a support framework 807 supporting an array of six rectangular canopy panels 3. The support framework has four lower runners 11, but no upper runners 9. Adjustable length suspension rods 13, not shown, are located in suspension rod fixing holes 15 on the lower runners 11 and are attached to suspension rod ceiling anchors in order to suspend the lower runners 11 from a ceiling 5. It is also envisaged that for the support framework 807 (and also the support framework 7) spacer bars can be attached between the lower runners 11 (and the upper runners 9 of the support framework 7) to strengthen the framework and to improve the maintenance of the parallel orientation (and the perpendicular orientation for the support framework 7).

Claims (6)

1. CLAIMS1. A support framework (7) for supporting an array of at least two panels (3), the support framework (7) comprising a first panel runner (11) and a second panel runner (11), the first panel runner (11) and the second panel runner (11) having a top rail (19) connected to a bottom flange (21) by a web section (23), wherein the web section (23) is provided with a plurality of alignment apertures (25) that are spaced at regular intervals from each other along the first panel runner (11) and the second panel runner (11), two panel hooks (301) attached to each of the first panel runner (11) and the second panel runner (11), to each panel hook (301) having an engagement means (311) for attaching the panel hook (301) to a panel runner (11), the engagement means (311) of each panel hook (301) having an internal profile that is complementary to the external profile of the top rail (19), each panel hook (301) having a locking member (325) which is engaged with one of the alignment apertures (25), and each panel hook (301) having a panel attachment means (305) for attachment to a panel (3), wherein the first panel runner (11) and the second panel runner (11) are parallel to each other and are located within the same plane and wherein the alignment apertures (25) on the first panel runner (11) are opposite to the alignment apertures (25) on the second support panel (11) in a direction that is perpendicular to the first panel runner (11) and the second panel runner (11).
2. 2. A support framework (7) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first panel runner (11) and the second panel runner (11) are horizontal and two panel runner suspension members (13) are attached to each of the first panel runner (11) and the second panel runner (11) and extend upwardly away from the first panel runner (11) and the second panel runner (11), and wherein the panel hooks (301) are hung on to each of the first panel runner (11) and the second panel runner (11), wherein the engagement means (311) of each panel hook (301) is a hanger (311) from which the panel hook (301) hangs from a panel runner (11).
3. 3. A support framework (7) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the panel hooks (301) are hung on to each of the first panel runner (11) and the second panel runner (11), wherein the engagement means (311) of each panel hook (301) is a hanger (311) from which the panel hook (301) hangs from a panel runner (11).
4. 4. A support framework (7) as claimed in any one of claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the panel hooks (301) are two-part hooks (301) comprising a top hook part that is removably attachable to a bottom connector part, the top hook part comprising an upper hanger section (303) attached to a lower support section (305), wherein the lower support section (205) comprises a panel attachment means.
5. 5. A support framework (7) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the upper hanger section (303) comprises a back wall (307) having on a first side a first edge and having on a second side a second edge, wherein the first edge and the second edge run in a direction from the upper hanger section (303) to the lower support section (305), a first side wall (309) extends in a forwards direction from the first edge away from the back wall (307) and a second side wall (309) extends in a forwards direction from the second edge away from io the back wall (307), each of the first side wall (309) and the second side wall (309) having a hanger hook (311) and each hanger hook (311) having a centreline lying on a first plane (A) that is orientated vertically and spaced apart from the back wall (207), wherein a second plane (B) is orientated vertically and orientated perpendicularly to the first plane (A) and the second plane (B) is aligned with the centreline X-X of the back wall (307) such that the second plane (B) is located midway between the first side wall (309) and the second side wall (309), wherein the lower support section (305) comprises a panel attachment means.
6. 6. A support framework (7) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the panel attachment means comprises a first sprung finger (333) that extends downwardly from the bottom of the first side wall (309) and a second sprung finger (333) that extends downwardly from the bottom of the second side wall (309) and the bottom connector part having a coupling section (347) for engagement with the first sprung finger (333) and the second sprung finger (333) and at least one panel gripper plate (349) attached to the coupling section (347).A support framework (7) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the panel attachment means comprises a plate provided with a helically threaded mechanical fastener.