GB2624009A

GB2624009A - Structures for supporting an array of panels

Info

Publication number: GB2624009A
Application number: GB2216426.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jakob Trauernicht Gert; Richard Schmitt Max; Raupach Philipp; Wambach Nanouk
Original assignee: Zentia Ltd
Current assignee: Zentia Ltd
Priority date: 2022-11-04
Filing date: 2022-11-04
Publication date: 2024-05-08
Also published as: GB202216426D0; WO2024094981A1

Abstract

A support framework 7, 207, 307 for an array of panels 3, 203, 303 comprising first support runners 9, 209, 309 and second support runners 11, 211, 311 that are provided with first runner connection features 15, 215, 315 that are complementary to and directly connectable with second runner connection features 17, 217, 317, so that each first support runner 9, 209, 309 is connected directly to two second support runners 11, 211, 311 and each second support runner 11, 211, 311 is connected directly to two first support runners 9, 209, 309. Each second support runner 11, 211, 311 crosses a support runner 9, 209, 309 and each first support runner 9, 209, 309 crosses a second support runner 11, 211, 311. The support framework 7, 207, 307 has panel attachment members 19, 219, 319 connected to a first support runner 9, 209, 309 or to a second support runner 11, 211, 311.

Description

STRUCTURES FOR SUPPORTING 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 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 present invention provides in a first aspect a support framework for supporting an array of at least two panels, the support framework comprising, at least two first support runners and at least two second support runners, wherein the first support runners have the same form as the second support runners, wherein the first support runners are spaced apart from each other and are orientated parallel to a first plane and the second support runners are spaced apart from each other and are orientated parallel to a second plane and the first plane and the second plane are parallel to each other, the first support runners and the second support runners are each provided with a plurality of first runner connection features that are spaced apart from each other at regular distances and a plurality of second runner connection features that are spaced apart from each other at regular distances, the first runner connection features of a first support runner are complementary to and directly connectable to the second runner connection features of a second support runner, each first support runner being connected directly to two second support runners by connecting its first runner connection features with the second runner connection features of the second support runners, and each second support runner being connected directly to two first support runners by connecting its second runner connection features with the first runner connection features on the first support runners, wherein each second support runner crosses at least one first support runner and each first support runner crosses at least one second support runner, the support framework further comprising a plurality of panel attachment members, wherein each panel attachment member is connected to at least one of a first support runner or a second support runner.

Preferably, a panel attachment member is connectable to at least one of the first runner connection features or the second runner connection features.

Preferably, the first support runners and the second support runners each have a first end face that runs along their length and a second end face that runs along their length, the first end face and the second end face being parallel to each other, spaced apart from each other and connected to each other by a wall, the first end face and the second end face being parallel to the first plane and to the second plane.

Preferably, the first runner connection features are adjacent to the first end face and the second runner connection features are adjacent to the second end face.

Preferably, the first runner connection features or the second runner connection features are apertures that pass through the first support runners and the second support runners.

Preferably, the first runner connection features are aligned with the second runner connection features in a lengthwise direction along the first support runners and the second support runners.

Preferably, the first runner connection features are offset relative to the second runner connection features in a lengthwise direction along the first support runners and the second support runners.

Preferably, the first runner connection features and the second runner connection features are an integral part of the first support runners and the second support runners. It is advantageous to form the first runner connection features and the second runner connection features as an integral part of the first support runners and the second support runners for a number of reasons. For example, it facilitates economical manufacturing processes, it reduces the number of separate components within the system, it can be used to produce strong connections between first and second support runners and it enables efficient installation techniques.

Preferably, the first support runners are orientated parallel to each other and each run in a first direction, the second support runners are orientated parallel to each other and each run in a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. A perpendicular arrangement of the first support runners and the second support runners will produce a support framework having a rectangular grid pattern. Alternatively, the first support runners and the second support runners can be arranged in a non-perpendicular pattern, for example so that the support framework has a rhomboidal grid pattern. It is envisaged that in order to accommodate non-perpendicular arrangements of first and second support runners it may be necessary to utilise modified first and second runner connection features. In a further alternative, the first support runners may not be parallel to each other and/or the second support runners may not be parallel to each other, for example so that the support framework has a trapezoidal grid pattern. The flexibility provided by the present invention for the production of different grid patterns in the support framework is advantageous, for example, because it facilitates the creation of different arrays of panels in the ceiling canopy.

Preferably, the support framework further comprises at least two coupling elements connected to each of the at least two first support runners or connected to each of the at least two second support runners. The coupling elements may be suspension elements, such as suspension hooks, if the support framework is to be used to support panels from a ceiling as part of a ceiling canopy. Alternatively, if the support framework is to be used to support panels from a vertical wall, as part of a panel array covering a wall, then the coupling elements can be brackets to attach the first and/or second support runners to the wall.

Preferably, the at least two coupling elements are connected to first runner connection features or to second runner connection features of the at least two first support runners or the at least two second support runners.

Preferably, the first support runners are located at least partially above the second support runners.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a support framework for supporting an array of at least two panels, the support framework comprising, at least two first support runners and at least two second support runners, wherein the first support runners have the same form as the second support runners, wherein the first support runners are spaced apart from each other and are orientated parallel to a first plane and the second support runners are spaced apart from each other and are orientated parallel to a second plane and the first plane and the second plane are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other, the first support runners and the second support runners are each provided with a plurality of first runner connection features that are spaced apart from each other at regular distances and a plurality of second runner connection features that are spaced apart from each other at regular distances, the first runner connection features of a first support runner are complementary to and directly connectable to the second runner connection io features of a second support runner, each first support runner being connected directly to two second support runners by connecting its first runner connection features with the second runner connection features of the second support runners, and each second support runner being connected directly to two first support runners by connecting its second runner connection features with the first runner connection features on the first support runners, wherein each second support runner passes over or under at least one first support runner and each first support runner passes over or under at least one second support runner, the support framework further comprising a plurality of panel attachment members, wherein each panel attachment member is connected to at least one of a first support runner or a second support runner, wherein the first support runners and the second support runners each have a first end face that runs along their length and a second end face that runs along their length, the first end face and the second end face being parallel to each other, spaced apart from each other and connected to each other by a wall, the first end face and the second end face being parallel to the first plane and to the second plane, wherein when a second support runner and a first support runner are connected together the first end face of the second support runner is located opposite to and adjacent to the second end face of the first support runner.

Preferably, the first runner connection features are provided on the first end face of each of the first runners and the second runners and the second runner connection features are provided on the second end face of the first support runners and the second support runners.

Preferably, the first runner connection features are runner connection hooks that extend outwardly from the first end face and the second runner connection features are runner connection apertures that pass through the second end face. The provision of runner connection hooks that have a rectangular profile and fit closely within rectangular runner connection apertures is advantageous because it promotes the construction of a rectangular grid as a result of the runner connection features being constrained from twisting out of alignment.

Preferably, the first support runners and the second support runners have a generally Z-shaped cross-sectional profile, with the first end face forming the top of the Z, the second end face forming the bottom of the Z and the wall extending between the first end face and the second end face having a diagonally orientated portion.

Preferably, each panel attachment member is provided with at least one resiliently biased connector for engagement with one of the runner connection apertures.

Preferably, the at least two coupling elements are connected to first runner connection features or to second runner connection features of the at least two first support runners or the at least two second support runners Preferably, first support runners are located above the second support runners.

Preferably, the first support runners are orientated parallel to each other and each run in a first direction, the second support runners are orientated parallel to each other and each run in a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. A perpendicular arrangement of the first support runners and the second support runners will produce a support framework having a rectangular grid pattern. Alternatively, the first support runners and the second support runners can be arranged in a non-perpendicular pattern, for example so that the support framework has a rhomboidal grid pattern. It is envisaged that in order to accommodate non-perpendicular arrangements of first and second support runners it may be necessary to utilise modified first and second runner connection features. In a further alternative, the first support runners may not be parallel to each other and/or the second support runners may not be parallel to each other, for example so that the support framework has a trapezoidal grid pattern. The flexibility io provided by the present invention for the production of different grid patterns in the support framework is advantageous, for example, because it facilitates the creation of different arrays of panels in the ceiling canopy.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a support framework for supporting an array of at least two panels, the support framework comprising, at least two first support runners and at least two second support runners, wherein the first support runners have the same form as the second support runners, wherein the first support runners are spaced apart from each other and are orientated parallel to a first plane and the second support runners are spaced apart from each other and are orientated parallel to a second plane and the first plane and the second plane are parallel to each other and co-planar, the first support runners and the second support runners are each provided with a plurality of first runner connection features that are spaced apart from each other at regular distances and a plurality of second runner connection features that are spaced apart from each other at regular distances, the first runner connection features having the same form as the second runner connection features, wherein the first runner connection features of a first support runner are connectable to the second runner connection features of a second support runner, each first support runner being connected directly to two second support runners by connecting its first runner connection features with the second runner connection features of the second support runners, and each second support runner being connected directly to two first support runners by connecting its second runner connection features with the first runner connection features on the first support runners, wherein each second support runner passes across at least one first support runner and each first support runner passes across at least one second support runner, the support framework further comprising a plurality of panel attachment members, wherein each panel attachment member is connected to at least one of a first support runner or a second support runner, wherein the first support runners and the second support runners each have a first end face that runs along their length and a second end face that runs along their length, the first end face and the second end face being parallel to each other and the first end face and the second end face being parallel to the first plane and to the second plane, wherein when a second support runner and a first support runner are connected together the first end face of the second support runner is located in the same plane as the first end face of the first support runner and the second end face of the second support runner is located in the same plane as the second end face of the first support runner.

Preferably, the first support runners and the second support runners are in the form of flat strips with a constant rectangular cross-sectional profile and wherein the first runner connection features are slots which extend perpendicularly from the first end face through the thickness of the strip and across at least part of the height of the strip and the second runner connection features are slots which extend perpendicularly from the second end face and through the thickness of the strip and across at least part of the height of the strip, wherein the first runner connection features and the second runner connection features are interspersed along the length of the first support runners and the second support runners.

Preferably, the support framework further comprises a runner connector clip to hold a first support runner to a second support runner at an intersection between them by engaging the runner connector clip with at least two first runner connection features or at least two second runner connection features Preferably, the panel attachment members comprise at least a portion made from wire for engagement with at least one of the first runner connection features or at least one of the second runner connection features.

Preferably, the at least two coupling elements are connected to first runner connection features or to second runner connection features of the at least two first support runners or the at least two second support runners Preferably, the first runner connection features and the second runner connection features are an integral part of the first support runners and the second support runners. It is advantageous to form the first runner connection features and the second runner connection features as an integral part of the first support runners and the second support runners for a number of reasons. For example, it facilitates economical manufacturing processes, it reduces the number of separate components within the system, it can be used to produce strong connections between first and second support runners and it enables efficient installation techniques.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a support framework for supporting an array of at least two panels, the support framework comprising, at least two first support runners and at least two second support runners, wherein the first support runners have the same form as the second support runners, wherein the first support runners are spaced apart from each other and are orientated parallel to a first plane and the second support runners are spaced apart from each other and are orientated parallel to a second plane and the first plane and the second plane are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other, the first support runners and the second support runners are each provided with a plurality of first runner connection features that are spaced apart from each other at regular distances and a plurality of second runner connection features that are spaced apart from each other at regular distances, the first runner connection features of a first support runner are complementary to and directly connectable to the second runner connection features of a second support runner, each first support runner being connected directly to two second support runners by connecting its first runner connection features with the second runner connection features of the second support runners, and each second support runner being connected directly to two first support runners by connecting its second runner connection features with the first runner connection features on the first support runners, wherein each second support runner crosses and partially overlaps at least one first support runner and each first support runner crosses and partially overlaps at least one second support runner, the support framework further comprising at two panel attachment members, wherein each panel attachment member is connected to at least one of a first support runner or a second support runner, wherein the first support runners and the second support runners each have a first end face that runs along their length and a second end face that runs along their length, the first end face and the second end face being parallel to each other, spaced apart from each other and connected to each other by a wall, the first end face and the second end face being parallel to the first plane and to the second plane, wherein when a second support runner and a first support runner are connected together they partially overlap, the first end face of the second support runner is located adjacent to the wall of the first support runner and the second end face of the first support runner is located adjacent to the wall of the second support runner.

Preferably, the first runner connection features are runner connection apertures with a closed perimeter that extend through the thickness of the first support runners and the second support runners and that are arranged in a row adjacent to and spaced from the first end faces of the first support runners and the second support runners, and wherein the second runner connection features are runner connection hook apertures with an open perimeter that extend through the thickness of the first support runners and the second support runners and that are arranged in a row adjacent to the second end faces of the first support runners and the second support runners, wherein the open portion of the perimeter of each of the runner connection hook apertures is aligned with the second end faces, and wherein the row of runner connection apertures is parallel to the row of runner connection hook apertures.

Preferably, the first runner connection features and the second runner connection features are offset from each other along the lengths of the first support runners and second support runners, wherein the first runner connection features are rectangular apertures which are engageable with hook features defined by the perimeters of the second runner connection features.

Preferably, the panel attachment members comprise at least a portion made from wire for engagement with at least one of the first runner connection features or at least one of the second runner connection features Preferably, the support framework further comprises at least two coupling elements connected to each of the at least two first support runners or connected to each of the at least two second support runners. The coupling elements may be suspension elements, such as suspension hooks, if the support framework is to be used to support panels from a ceiling as part of a ceiling canopy. Alternatively, if the support framework is to be used to support panels from a io vertical wall, as part of a panel array covering a wall, then the coupling elements can be brackets to attach the first and/or second support runners to the wall.

Preferably, the first support runners are located partially above the second support runners.

The present invention will be described with reference to the following figures: Figure 1 is an exemplary view of six ceiling canopy panels arranged in a regular array and io suspended from a ceiling; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a support framework according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a close-up view of an intersection between an upper runner and a lower runner of the support framework of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a close-up view showing the connections between upper runners, lower runners and panel hangers in the support framework of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a panel hanger; Figure 6 is an end view of the cross-sectional profile of the upper and lower runners of the support framework of Figure 2; Figure 7 is a top perspective view of a section of an upper or lower runner of the support framework of Figure 2; Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of a section of an upper or lower runner of the support framework of Figure 2; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a ceiling suspension bracket; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a support framework according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is a close-up perspective view of an intersection between a longitudinal runner and a transverse runner of the support framework of Figure 10; Figure 12 is a close-up view showing the connections between longitudinal runners, transverse runners and panel hangers in the support framework of Figure 10; Figure 13 is a perspective view of a panel hanger; Figure 14 is a close-up view of a portion of a longitudinal or transverse support runner; Figure 15 is a perspective view of a support framework according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 is a close-up perspective view of an intersection between an upper runner and a is lower runner of the support framework of Figure 15; Figure 17 is a close-up view showing the connections between upper runners, lower runners and panel hangers in the support framework of Figure 15; Figure 18 is a close-up perspective view of a section of an upper or lower runner of the support framework of Figure 15; and Figure 19 is a close-up side view of a section of an upper or lower runner of the support framework of Figure 15.

Figure 1 illustrates a ceiling canopy 1 formed from an array of six rectangular canopy panels 3 suspended from a ceiling 5. Figure 2 is an illustration of four canopy panels 3, viewed from above, in order to illustrate the support framework 7 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The support framework 7 comprises six elongate upper support runners 9 and four elongate lower support runners 11. The number of upper support runners 9 that are used to support the lower support runners 11 is selected according to the characteristics of the ceiling canopy 1, for example its mass. If the panels 3 to be supported are relatively heavy, then it may be necessary to use a relatively large number of upper support runners 9. However, if the panels 3 to be supported are relatively lightweight, then it may be possible to use fewer upper support runners 9. For example, the lower support runners 11 of the support framework 7 illustrated in Figure 2 could be supported by a lower number of upper runners 9, for example the lower support runners 11 could be supported by three upper runners 9, if the panels 3 were relatively lightweight.

The upper support runners 9 are horizontal, spaced apart, arranged in parallel to each other and located parallel to a first plane Pl. The lower support runners 11 are horizontal, spaced apart, arranged in parallel to each other and located parallel to a second plane P2. The upper support runners 9 are located above the lower support runners 11 and are orientated perpendicularly to the lower support runners 11. The upper support runners 9 run parallel to the short sides of the rectangular canopy panels 3 (or, alternatively, the upper support runners 9 can run parallel to the long sides of the canopy panels 3). The lower support runners 11 are set in from the long sides of the rectangular canopy panels 3 by the same distance on either side and run parallel to those sides.

Each upper runner 9 is provided with four ceiling suspension brackets 13, spaced along its length. A ceiling suspension bracket 13 is illustrated in Figure 9. One ceiling suspension bracket 13 is attached to the runner 9 towards one of its ends, one ceiling suspension bracket 13 is attached to the runner 9 towards the other of its ends and two ceiling suspension brackets 13 are attached to the runner 9 between the other two ceiling suspension brackets 13. It is also possible to use adjustable length suspension wires in place of, or in combination with, the ceiling suspension brackets 13. The support framework 7 therefore comprises twenty-four ceiling suspension brackets 13. The number of ceiling suspension brackets 13 that are used to suspend the support framework 7 and the panels 3 from the ceiling 5 is selected according to the characteristics of the ceiling canopy 1, for example the mass of the framework 7 and the panels 3. If the framework 7 and the panels 3 are relatively heavy then a relatively large number of ceiling suspension brackets 13 will be utilised. If the framework 7 and the panels 3 are relatively lightweight then a relatively small number of ceiling suspension brackets 13 can be utilised.

The lower end of each ceiling suspension bracket 13 is connected to an upper runner 9 using one of the first runner connection features 15 that are provided on each upper runner 9. The lengths of the ceiling suspension brackets 13 can be adjusted so that each of the upper support runners 9 is horizontal and so that each of the upper support runners 9 is in the same plane as all of the other upper support runners 9.

Each upper runner 9 is directly connected to the four lower support runners 11 by engagement of one the first runner connection features 15 that is provided on each of the lower support runners 11 with one of the second runner connection features 17 that is provided on each of the upper support runners 9. A close-up view of an intersection between an upper runner 9 and a lower runner 11 is illustrated in Figure 3 Each lower runner 11 is provided with ten panel hangers 19, five for each of the two canopy panels 3 that are supported by each lower runner 11. The number of panel hangers 19 used to support a panel 3 is selected according to the characteristics of the panel 3, for example its mass. A heavy panel 3 may require a relatively large number of panel hangers 19 and vice versa. Figure 4 shows a close-up view of a panel hanger 19 fitted to a lower runner 11 and attached to a canopy panel 3 and Figure 5 shows a panel hanger 19.

The upper support runners 9 and the lower support runners 11 have the same form as each other, i.e. they have the same shape, features and dimensions. As illustrated in the figures, and in Figures, 6, 7 and 8 in particular, the upper support runners 9 and the lower support runners 11 have a Z-shaped cross-sectional profile with an upper end face 21 that is parallel a lower end face 23. The upper end face 21 is connected to the lower end face 23 by a wall 25 in the form of a web 25. The web 25 extends from a right-hand edge 27 of the upper end face 21 to a left-hand edge 29 of the lower end face 23. The web 25 has an upper portion 31 that is orientated perpendicularly to the upper end face 21 and a diagonally orientated intermediate portion 33 that is located between the upper portion 31 and a lower portion 35 that is orientated perpendicularly to the lower end face 23. An upper stiffening strip 37 extends from an upper left-hand edge 39 of the upper end face 21 and is orientated perpendicularly to the upper end face 21 and opposite and adjacent to the upper portion 31 of the web 25. A lower stiffening strip 41 extends from a right-hand edge 43 of the lower end face 23 and is orientated perpendicularly to the lower end face 23 and opposite and adjacent to the lower portion 35 of the web 25.

The first runner connection features 15 are in the form of runner connection hooks 15 that are an integral part of the upper support runners 9 and the lower support runners 11. The runner connection hooks 15 are formed from the material of the upper end face 21 by stamping out, or pressing out, from the upper end face 21 a rectangular hook plate 45 that remains joined to the upper end face 21 along one of its short sides only. The hook plate 45 is parallel to the upper end face 21 of the upper and lower support runners 9, 11 and a hooking space 47 is created between the hook plate 45 and the upper end face 21. The runner connection hooks 15 are located along the length of the upper and lower support runners 9, 11 and are equidistantly spaced apart from each other.

The second runner connection features 17 are in the form of runner connection apertures 17 that are stamped out of, or cut out of, the lower end face 23 of the upper and lower support runners 9, 11. The runner connection apertures 17 are rectangular and have dimensions that allow the hook plate 45 of the runner connection hooks 15 to pass through the aperture. The hooking space 47 has a depth that is sized to permit the lower end face 23 of the upper and lower support runners 9, 11 to be located between the hook plate 45 and the upper end face 21 of the upper and lower support runners 9, 11. The runner connection apertures 17 are located along the length of the upper and lower support runners 9, 11 and are equidistantly spaced apart from each other.

The runner connection hooks 15 are spaced apart from each other by the same distance that the runner connection apertures 17 are spaced apart from each other, and the runner connection hooks 15 and the runner connection apertures 17 are horizontally aligned with each other.

The panel hanger 19, as illustrated in Figure 5, is provided at one end with a spring clip 49 and at the other end with a panel attachment flange 51 comprising a through hole 53 for connection of a panel 3 using any suitable mechanical fastener. The spring clip 49 has a form that is complementary to the runner connection apertures 17, so that the spring clip 49 can be used to secure a panel hanger 19 to an upper or lower runner 9, 11 (typically the panel hangers 19 are connected to the lower support runners 11).

The ceiling suspension bracket 13, as illustrated in Figure 9, is provided at one end with a runner attachment flange 55 comprising a runner hanging aperture 57. The runner hanging aperture 57 is rectangular and has dimensions that allow the hook plate 45 of the runner connection hooks 15 to pass through the runner hanging aperture 57. The runner attachment flange 55 is connected to a suspension plate 59 and the runner suspension plate can be attached to the ceiling 5.

The support framework 7 works in combination with various different types of hooks, such that panels 3, light fixtures (not shown), vertical baffles (not shown) and any other parts of a ceiling canopy 1 can be suspended from the ceiling 5.

In order to install a ceiling canopy 1 on to a ceiling 5, for example a ceiling canopy 1 having four rectangular panels 3 as shown in Figure 2, the first step is to drill into the ceiling 5 the holes to secure the suspension bracket ceiling anchors 61 (not shown). In the illustrated array six rows of four ceiling anchors 61 are required. However, as explained above it will be possible to use a smaller number of ceiling suspension brackets 13, and thus a smaller number of ceiling anchors 61, for example if the ceiling canopy 1 is relatively lightweight. In each row the four ceiling anchors 61 are spaced apart from each other by a distance that is aligned with the spacing of the first runner connection hooks 15 on the upper support runners 9, so that when the upper support runners 9 are suspended from the ceiling anchors 61 by ceiling suspension brackets 13, the ceiling suspension brackets 13 are orientated vertically. All six rows of four ceiling anchors 61 must be parallel to each other. Once the ceiling anchors 61 have been installed, a ceiling suspension bracket 13 is attached to each ceiling anchor 61. The ceiling suspension brackets 13 are hooked on to the appropriate first runner connection hook 15 on the upper runner 9, by passing that first runner connection hook 15 through the runner hanging aperture 57 on the ceiling suspension bracket 13.

The lower support runners 11 are then fixed to the upper support runners 9 at right angles by engaging the runner connection hooks 15 on the lower support runners 11 with the runner connection apertures 17 on the upper support runners 9. The equidistant spacing of the runner connection hooks 15 and the runner connection apertures 17 facilitates the construction of a rectangular grid. The runner connection hooks 15 are located into the runner connection apertures 17 and the upper and lower support runners 9,11 are moved relative to each other so that the hook plates 15 of the runner connection hooks 15 slide over the internal surface of the lower end face 23 of the upper support runners 9, whereby the runner connection hooks are prevented from moving vertically, such that the lower support runners 11 are suspended from the upper support runners 9.

Each panel 3 of the array of four panels 3 is supported by ten panel hangers 19. Five panel hangers 19 are attached to one of the two lower support runners 11 that support the panel 3 and five panel hangers 19 attached to the other of the two lower support runners 11 that support the panel 3. The panel hangers 19 are attached to the lower support runners 11 by engaging their spring clips 19 with the runner connection apertures 17 on the lower support runners 11 and are attached to the panels 3 by passing a mechanical fastener through each of the through holes 53 in the panel attachment flanges and fixing that fastener to the panel 3.

Figure 10 illustrates a support framework 207 according to a second embodiment of the present invention comprising four elongate longitudinal support runners 209 and four elongate transverse support runners 211. The longitudinal support runners 209 are horizontal, spaced apart, arranged in parallel to each other and located parallel to a first plane P1. The transverse support runners 211 are horizontal, spaced apart, arranged in parallel to each other and located parallel to a second plane P2. The longitudinal support runners 209 are located at the same level as the transverse support runners 211, i.e. the first and second planes P1, P2 are co-planar, and the transverse support runners 211 are orientated perpendicularly to the longitudinal support runners 209. The longitudinal support runners 209 run parallel to the long sides of the rectangular canopy panels 203 and are set in from those long sides. The transverse support runners 211 run parallel to the short sides of the rectangular canopy panels 203.

Each longitudinal support runner 209 is provided with twelve ceiling suspension hooks 213, spaced along its length and with one ceiling suspension hook 213 located either side of, and in close proximity to, each intersection between longitudinal and transverse support runners 209, 211. The support framework 7 therefore comprises forty-eight ceiling suspension brackets 13.

The lower end of each ceiling suspension hook 213 is connected to a longitudinal support runner 209 using one of the first runner connection features 215 that are provided on each longitudinal support runner 209. The lengths of the ceiling suspension hooks 13 can be adjusted so that each of the longitudinal support runners 209 is horizontal and so that each of the longitudinal support runners 209 is in the same plane, plane P1, as all of the other longitudinal support runners 209.

Each longitudinal support runner 209 is directly connected to the six transverse support runners 211 by engagement of one the first runner connection features 215 that is provided on each of the transverse support runners 211 with one of the second runner connection features 217 that is provided on each of the longitudinal support runners 209. A runner connector clip 210 holds the longitudinal at transverse runner 209, 211 together at each intersection. A close-up view of an intersection between a longitudinal support runner 209 and a transverse support runner 211 is illustrated in Figure 11.

Each longitudinal support runner 209 is provided with six panel hangers 219, three for each of the two canopy panels 203 that are supported by each longitudinal runner 209. Figure 12 shows a close-up view of a panel hanger 219 fitted to a longitudinal runner 209 and attached to a canopy panel 203 and Figure 13 shows a panel hanger 219.

The longitudinal support runners 209 and the transverse support runners 211 have the same form as each other, i.e. they have the same shape, features and dimensions. As illustrated in the figures, and in Figure 14 in particular, the longitudinal and transverse support runners 209, 211 are in the form of strips with a thin rectangular cross-sectional profile, with the short edges orientated horizontally and the long edges orientated vertically, and they have an upper first end face 221 that is parallel to a lower second end face 223.

The first runner connection features 215 are in the form of thin rectangular lower runner connection slots 215 that are an integral part of the longitudinal and transverse support runners 209, 211. The lower runner connection slots 215 are cut-out of the longitudinal and transverse runners 209,211 and pass through them from one side to the other. The lower to runner connection slots 215 extend vertically upwardly from the lower second end face 223 by half of the distance between the lower second end face 223 and the upper first end face 221. The lower runner connection slots 15 are located along the length of the longitudinal and transverse support runners 209, 211 and are equidistantly spaced apart from each other.

The second runner connection features 217 are in the form of thin rectangular upper runner connection slots 217 that are an integral part of the longitudinal and transverse support runners 209, 211. The upper runner connection slots 217 are cut-out of the longitudinal and transverse runners 209,211 and pass through them from one side to the other and they have the same form as the lower runner connection slots 215. The upper runner connection slots 217 extend vertically downwardly from the upper first end face 221 by half of the distance between the upper first end face 221 and the lower second end face 223. The upper runner connection slots 217 are located along the length of the longitudinal and transverse support runners 209, 211 and are equidistantly spaced apart from each other, by a distance that is the same as the spacing of the lower runner connection slots 215.

The lower runner connection slots 215 and the upper runner connection slots 217 are interspersed which each other long the length of the longitudinal and transverse support runners 209, 211, so that a lower runner connection slot 215 is located midway between two upper runner connection slots 217.

The panel hanger 219, as illustrated in Figure 13, has an upper hanging loop 225 attached to a lower panel attachment flange 227 comprising a through hole 228 for connection of a panel 203 using any suitable mechanical fastener. The hanging loop 225 has a form that is complementary to the upper runner connection slots 217, so that the hanging loop 225 can be used to secure a panel hanger 219 to a longitudinal or transverse runner 209, 211 (typically the panel hangers 219 are connected to the longitudinal support runners 209).

The ceiling suspension hooks 213 are provided at one end with a hook 229 that engages with a lower runner connection slot 215 and at the other end can be attached to the ceiling 5. However, other types of suspension element are also suitable, such as a wire that can be engaged with a longitudinal runner 209 and then secured by being twisted around itself.

The support framework 207 works in combination with various different types of hooks, such that panels 203, light fixtures (not shown), vertical baffles (not shown) and any other parts of a ceiling canopy 201 can be suspended from the ceiling 5.

In order to install a ceiling canopy 201 on to a ceiling 5, for example a ceiling canopy 201 having four rectangular panels 3 as shown in Figure 10, the first step is to drill into the ceiling 5 the holes to secure the suspension bracket ceiling anchors 231 (not shown). Four columns of twelve ceiling anchors 231 are required. In each column the twelve ceiling anchors 231 are spaced apart from each other by a distance that is aligned with the spacing of the lower runner connection slots 215 on the longitudinal runners 209, so that when the longitudinal runners 209 are suspended from the ceiling anchors 31 by ceiling suspension hooks 213, the ceiling suspension hooks 213 are orientated vertically. All four columns of twelve ceiling anchors 231 must be parallel to each other. Once the ceiling anchors 231 have been installed, a ceiling suspension hook 213 is attached to each ceiling anchor 231. The ceiling suspension hooks 213 are hooked on to the appropriate lower runner connection slot 15 on the longitudinal runner 209, by passing the hook 229 of the ceiling suspension hook 213 through the lower runner connection slot 15.

The transverse support runners 211 are then fixed to the longitudinal support runners 209 at right angles by engaging the upper runner connection slots 217 on the transverse support runners 211 with the lower runner connection slots 215 on the longitudinal support runners 209, by moving the longitudinal and transverse support runners 209, 211 vertically relative to each other. A runner connector clip 210 is hooked into a first upper runner connection slot 217 in the longitudinal support runner 209, passes underneath the transverse support runner 211, and is then hooked into a second upper runner connection slot 217 in the longitudinal support runner 209. The equidistant spacing of the lower runner connection slots 215 and the upper connection slots 217 facilitates the construction of a rectangular grid.

Each panel 203 of the array of four panels 203 is supported by six panel hangers 219. Three panel hangers 219 are attached to each one of the two longitudinal support runners 209 that support the panel 203. The panel hangers 219 are attached to the longitudinal runners 211 by engaging their hanging loops 225 with two of the upper connection slots 215 and are attached to the panels 203 by passing a mechanical fastener through each of the through holes 228 in the panel attachment flanges 227 and fixing that fastener to the panel 203.

Figure 15 illustrates a ceiling canopy 301 formed from an array of four rectangular canopy panels 303 suspended from a ceiling 5 by a support framework 307 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

The support framework 307 comprises six elongate upper support runners 309 and four elongate lower support runners 311. The upper support runners 309 are horizontal, spaced apart, arranged in parallel to each other and located parallel to a first plane Pl. The lower support runners 311 are horizontal, spaced apart, arranged in parallel to each other and located parallel to a second plane P2. The upper support runners 309 are located partially above the lower support runners 311 and are orientated perpendicularly to the lower support runners 311. The upper support runners 309 run parallel to the short sides of the rectangular canopy panels 303. The lower support runners 311 are set in from the long sides of the rectangular canopy panels 303 by the same distance on either side and run parallel to those sides.

Each upper runner 309 is provided with eight ceiling suspension hooks 313, spaced along its length. The support framework 307 therefore comprises forty-eight ceiling suspension hooks 313.

The lower end of each ceiling suspension hook 313 is connected to an upper runner 309 using one of the first runner connection features 315 that are provided on each upper runner 309.

The lengths of the ceiling suspension hooks 213 can be adjusted so that each of the upper support runners 309 is horizontal and so that each of the upper support runners 309 is in the same plane as all of the other upper support runners 309.

Each upper runner 309 is directly connected to the four lower support runners 311 by engagement of one the first runner connection features 315 that is provided on each of the lower support runners 311 with one of the second runner connection features 317 that is provided on each of the upper support runners 309. A close-up view of an intersection between an upper runner 309 and a lower runner 311 is illustrated in Figure 16.

Each lower runner 311 is provided with eight panel hangers 319, five for each of the two canopy panels 303 that are supported by each lower runner 311. Figure 17 shows a close-up view of a panel hanger 319 fitted to a lower runner 311 and attached to a canopy panel 303.

The upper support runners 309 and the lower support runners 311 have the same form as each other, i.e. they have the same shape, features and dimensions. As illustrated in the figures, and in Figures 18 and 19 in particular, the upper support runners 309 and the lower support runners 311 have a folded S-shaped cross-sectional profile with an upper end face 321 that is parallel a lower end face 323. The upper end face 321 is connected to the lower end face 323 by a wall 325 in the form of a web 325. The web 325 extends from a left-hand edge 327 of the upper end face 21 to a right-hand edge 329 of the lower end face 323. The web 325 is orientated vertically and perpendicularly to the upper end face 321 and the lower end face 323. An upper stiffening strip 331 extends from the upper right-hand edge 332 of the upper end face 321 and is orientated perpendicularly to the upper end face 321 and parallel and adjacent to the web 325. A lower stiffening strip 333 extends from a left-hand edge 335 of the lower end face 323 and is orientated perpendicularly to the lower end face 323 and adjacent and parallel to the web 325.

The first runner connection features 315 are in the form of runner connection apertures 315 that are an integral part of the upper support runners 309 and the lower support runners 311.

The runner connection apertures 315 are stamped out of, or cut out of, the material of the web 325 and the upper stiffening strip 331 of the upper and lower support runners 309, 311. The runner connection apertures 317 are rectangular and have dimensions that are complementary to the lower runner connection features 317. The short sides of the runner connection apertures 317 are horizontal parallel to the upper end face 321 and adjacent to and spaced from the left and right hand edges 327, 329 of the upper end face 321. The runner connection apertures 317 are located along the length of the upper and lower support runners 309, 311 and are equidistantly spaced apart from each other.

The second runner connection features 317 are in the form of runner connection hooks 317 that are stamped out of, or cut out of, the material of the web 325 and the lower stiffening strip 333 of the upper and lower support runners 309, 311.

The runner connection hooks 317 have an inverted [-shape where the vertical part of the L extends from the lower end face 323 so that the runner connection aperture 317 is open at that end to allow an upper or lower support runner 309, 311 to pass into the runner connection hook 317. The horizontal part of the [extends parallel to the lower end face 323 and the hook of each runner connection hook 317 is provided by a protrusion 337 that extends upwardly from the horizontal part of the L, the remaining portion of the horizontal part providing a hanging surface 339 from which the adjoining upper or lower support runner 309, 311 can hang. The runner connection hooks 317 are located along the length of the upper and lower support runners 309, 311 and are equidistantly spaced apart from each other.

The runner connection apertures 315 are spaced apart from each other by the same distance that the runner connection hooks 317 are spaced apart from each other. The runner connection apertures 315 and the runner connection hooks 317 are horizontally aligned so that the runner connection apertures 315 are vertically above the hanging surfaces 339 of the runner connection hooks 317, so that when the upper and lower support runners 309, 311 are connected together the lower support runners 311 are horizontally aligned with the runner connection apertures 315.

The panel hanger 319, for example as illustrated in Figure 16, is provided at one end with a hanging loop 341 and at the other end with a panel attachment flange 343 comprising a through hole 345 for connection of a panel 303 using any suitable mechanical fastener. The hanging loop 341 has a form that is complementary to the runner connection hooks 317, so that the hanging loop 341 can be used to secure a panel hanger 319 to an upper or lower support runner 309, 311 (typically the panel hangers 319 are connected to the lower support runners 311).

The ceiling suspension hook 313, for example as illustrated in Figure 16, is provided at one end with a hook 347 that has dimensions that allow it to engage with the upper runner connection apertures 315, so that the upper or lower support runners 309, 311 can be suspended from the ceiling 5.

The support framework 7 works in combination with various different types of hooks, such that panels 3, light fixtures (not shown), vertical baffles (not shown) and any other parts of a ceiling canopy 1 can be suspended from the ceiling 5 (typically the upper support runners 309 are suspended from the ceiling 5).

In order to install a ceiling canopy 301 on to a ceiling 5, for example a ceiling canopy 1 having four rectangular panels 3 as shown in Figure 15, the first step is to drill into the ceiling 5 the holes to secure the suspension bracket ceiling anchors 349 (not shown). Six rows of eight ceiling anchors 349 are required. In each row the eight ceiling anchors 349 are spaced apart from each other by a distance that is aligned with the spacing of the first runner connection apertures 315 on the upper support runners 309, so that when the upper support runners 309 are suspended from the ceiling anchors 349 by ceiling suspension hooks 313, the ceiling suspension hooks 313 are orientated vertically. All six rows of eight ceiling anchors 349 must be parallel to each other. Once the ceiling anchors 349 have been installed, a ceiling suspension hook 313 is attached to each ceiling anchor 349. The ceiling suspension hooks 13 are hooked on to the appropriate first runner connection apertures 315 on the upper runner 309, by passing that first suspension hook 313 through the first runner connection apertures 315.

The lower support runners 311 are then fixed to the upper support runners 309 at right angles by engaging the runner connection apertures 315 on the lower support runners 311 with the runner connection hooks 317 on the upper support runners 309. The equidistant spacing of the runner connection apertures 315 and the runner connection hooks 317 facilitates the construction of a rectangular grid. The runner connection apertures 315 are located into the runner connection hooks 317 and the upper and lower support runners 309,311 are moved vertically and horizontally relative to each other so that the upper runner connection apertures 315 on the lower support runner 311 pass over the protrusions 337 of the lower runner connection hooks 317 on the upper support runner 309 and then the upper runner connection features 315 of the lower runner support 311 locate on the hanging surfaces 339 of the lower runner connection hooks 317 of the upper support runner 309.

Each panel 303 of the array of four panels 303 is supported by six panel hangers 319. Three panel hangers 319 are attached to one of the two lower support runners 311 that support the panel 303 and three panel hangers 319 are attached to the other of the two lower support runners 311 that support the panel 303. The panel hangers 319 are attached to the lower support runners 311 by hanging their hanging loops 341 over the runner connection hooks 317 on the lower support runners 311 and are attached to the panels 303 by passing a mechanical fastener through each of the through holes 345 in the panel attachment flanges 343 and fixing that fastener to the panel 303.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A support framework (7, 207, 307) for supporting an array of at least two panels (3, 203, 303), the support framework (7, 207, 307) comprising, at least two first support runners (9, 209, 309) and at least two second support runners (11, 211, 311), wherein the first support runners (9, 209, 309) have the same form as the second support runners (11, 211, 311), wherein the first support runners (9, 209, 309) are spaced apart from each other and are orientated parallel to a first plane (P1) and the second support runners (11, 211, 311) are spaced apart from each other and are orientated parallel to a second plane (P2) and the first plane (P1) and the second plane (P2) are parallel to each other, the first support runners (9, 209, 309) and the second support runners (11, 211, 311) are each provided with a plurality of first runner connection features (15, 215, 315) that are spaced apart from each other at regular distances and a plurality of second runner connection features (17, 217, 317) that are spaced apart from each other at regular distances, the first runner connection features (15, 215, 315) of a first support runner (9, 209, 309) are complementary to and directly connectable to the second runner connection features (17, 217, 317) of a second support runner (11, 211, 311), each first support runner (9, 209, 309) being connected directly to two second support runners (11, 211, 311) by connecting its first runner connection features (15, 215, 315) with the second runner connection features (17, 217, 317) of the second support runners (11, 211, 311), and each second support runner (11, 211, 311) being connected directly to two first support runners (9, 209, 309) by connecting its second runner connection features (17, 217, 317) with the first runner connection features (15, 215, 315) on the first support runners (9, 209, 309), wherein each second support runner (11, 211, 311) crosses at least one first support runner (9, 209, 309) and each first support runner (9, 209, 309) crosses at least one second support runner (11, 211, 311), the support framework (7, 207, 307) further comprising a plurality of panel attachment members (19, 219, 319), wherein each panel attachment member (19, 219, 319) is connected to at least one of a first support runner (9, 209, 309) or a second support runner (11, 211, 311).
2. A support framework (7, 207, 307) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a panel attachment member (19, 219, 319) is connectable to at least one of the first runner connection features (15, 215, 315) or the second runner connection features (17, 217, 317).
3. A support framework (7, 207, 307) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first support runners (9, 209, 309) and the second support runners (11, 211, 311) each have a first end face (21, 221, 321) that runs along their length and a second end face (23, 223, 323) that runs along their length, the first end face (21, 221, 321) and the second end face (23, 223, 323) being parallel to each other, spaced apart from each other and connected to each other by a wall (25, 325), the first end face (21, 221, 321) and the second end face (23, 223, 323) being parallel to the first plane (P1) and to the second plane (P2).
4. A support framework (7, 207, 307) as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first runner connection features (15, 215, 315) are adjacent to the first end face (21, 221, 321) and the second runner connection features (17, 217, 317) are adjacent to the second end face (23, 223, 323).io
5. A support framework (7, 207, 307) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first runner connection features (15, 215, 315) or the second runner connection features (17, 217, 317) are apertures that pass through the first support runners (9, 209, 309) and the second support runners (11, 211, 311).is
6. A support framework (7, 207, 307) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first runner connection features (15, 215, 315) are aligned with the second runner connection features (17, 217, 317) in a lengthwise direction along the first support runners (9, 209, 309) and the second support runners (11, 211, 311).
7. A support framework (7, 207, 307) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first runner connection features (15, 215, 315) are offset relative to the second connection features (17, 217, 317) in a lengthwise direction along the first support runners (9, 209, 309) and the second support runners (11, 211, 311).
8. A support framework (7, 207, 307) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first runner connection features (15, 215, 315) and the second runner connection features (17, 217, 317) are an integral part of the first support runners (9, 209, 309) and the second support runners (11, 211, 311).
9. A support framework (7, 207, 307) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first support runners (9, 209, 309) are orientated parallel to each other and each run in a first direction, the second support runners (11, 211, 311) are orientated parallel to each other and each run in a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.
10. A support framework (7, 207, 307) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least two coupling elements (13, 213, 313) connected to each of the at least two first support runners (9, 209, 309) or connected to each of the at least two second support runners (11, 211, 311).
11. A support framework (7, 207, 307) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the at least two coupling elements (13, 213, 313) are connected to first runner connection features (15, 215, 315) or to second runner connection features (17, 217, 317) of the at least two first support runners (9, 209, 309) or the at least two second support runners (11, 219, 319).
12. A support framework (7, 207, 307) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, io wherein the first support runners (9, 209, 309) are located at least partially above the second support runners (11, 211, 311).
13. A support framework (7) for supporting an array of at least two panels (3), the support framework (7) comprising, at least two first support runners (9) and at least two second support runners (11), wherein the first support runners (9) have the same form as the second support runners (11), wherein the first support runners (9) are spaced apart from each other and are orientated parallel to a first plane (P1) and the second support runners (11) are spaced apart from each other and are orientated parallel to a second plane (P2) and the first plane (P1) and the second plane (P2) are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other, the first support runners (9) and the second support runners (11) are each provided with a plurality of first runner connection features (15) that are spaced apart from each other at regular distances and a plurality of second runner connection features (17) that are spaced apart from each other at regular distances, the first runner connection features (15) of a first support runner (9) are complementary to and directly connectable to the second runner connection features (17) of a second support runner (11), each first support runner (9) being connected directly to two second support runners (11) by connecting its first runner connection features (15) with the second runner connection features (17) of the second support runners (11), and each second support runner (11) being connected directly to two first support runners (9) by connecting its second runner connection features (17) with the first runner connection features (15) on the first support runners (9), wherein each second support runner (11) passes over or under at least one first support runner (9) and each first support runner (9) passes over or under at least one second support runner (11), the support framework (7) further comprising a plurality of panel attachment members (19), wherein each panel attachment member (19) is connected to at least one of a first support runner (9) or a second support runner (11), wherein the first support runners (9) and the second support runners (11) each have a first end face (21) that runs along their length and a second end face (23) that runs along their length, the first end face (21) and the second end face (23) being parallel to each other, spaced apart from each other and connected to each other by a wall (25), the first end face (21) and the second end face (23) being parallel to the first plane (P1) and to the second plane (P2), wherein when a second support runner (11) and a first support runner (9) are connected together the first end face (21) of the second support runner (11) is located opposite to and adjacent to the second end face (23) of the first support runner (9).
14. A support framework (7) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first runner connection features (15) are provided on the first end face (21) of each of the first support runners (9) and the second support runners (11) and the second runner connection features (17) are provided on the second end face (23) of the first support runners (9) and the second support runners (11).
15. A support framework (7) as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the first runner connection features (15) are runner connection hooks (15) that extend outwardly from the first end face (21) and the second runner connection features (17) are runner connection apertures (17) that pass through the second end face (23).
16. A support framework (7) as claimed in any one of claims 13, 14 or 15, wherein the first support runners (9) and the second support runners (11) have a generally 7-shaped cross-sectional profile, with the first end face (23) forming the top of the Z, the second end face (23) forming the bottom of the Z and the wall (25) extending between the first end face (21) and the second end face (23) having a diagonally orientated portion (33).
17. A support framework (7) as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein each panel attachment member (19) is provided with at least one resiliently biased connector (49) for engagement with one of the runner connection apertures (17).
18. A support framework (7) as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 17, further comprising at least two coupling elements (13) connected to each of the at least two first support runners (9) or connected to each of the at least two second support runners (11).
19. A support framework (7) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the at least two coupling elements (13) are connected to first runner connection features (15) or to second runner connection features (17) of the at least two first support runners (9) or the at least two second support runners (11).
20. A support framework (7) as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the first support runners (9) are located above the second support runners (11).
21. A support framework (7) as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the first runner connection features (15) and the second runner connection features (17) are an integral part of the first support runners (9) and the second support runners (11).
22. A support framework (7) as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the first support runners (9) are orientated parallel to each other and each run in a first direction, the second support runners (11) are orientated parallel to each other and each run in a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.
23. A support framework (201) for supporting an array of at least two panels (203), the support framework (201) comprising, at least two first support runners (209) and at least two second support runners (211), wherein the first support runners (209) have the same form as the second support runners (211), wherein the first support runners (209) are spaced apart from each other and are orientated parallel to a first plane (P1) and the second support runners (211) are spaced apart from each other and are orientated parallel to a second plane (P2) and the first plane (P1) and the second plane (P2) are parallel to each other and co-planar, the first support runners (209) and the second support runners (211) are each provided with a plurality of first runner connection features (215) that are spaced apart from each other at regular distances and a plurality of second runner connection features (217) that are spaced apart from each other at regular distances, the first runner connection features (215) having the same form as the second runner connection features (217), wherein the first runner connection features (215) of a first support runner (209) are connectable to the second runner connection features (217) of a second support runner (211), each first support runner (209) being connected directly to two second support runners (211) by connecting its first runner connection features (215) with the second runner connection features (217) of the second support runners (211), and each second support runner (211) being connected directly to two first support runners (209) by connecting its second runner connection features (217) with the first runner connection features (215) on the first support runners (209), wherein each second support runner (211) passes across at least one first support runner (209) and each first support runner (209) passes across at least one second support runner (211), the support framework (207) further comprising a plurality of panel attachment members (219), wherein each panel attachment member (219) is connected to at least one of a first support runner (209) or a second support runner (211), wherein the first support runners (209) and the second support runners (211) each have a first end face (221) that runs along their length and a second end face (223) that runs along their length, the first end face (221) and the second end face (223) being parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other, the first end face (221) and the second end face (223) being parallel to the first plane (P1) and to the second plane (P2), wherein when a second support runner (211) and a first support runner (209) are connected together the first end face (221) of the second support runner (211) is located in the same plane (P1, P2) as the first end face (221) of the first support runner (209) and the second end face (223) of the second support runner (211) is located in the same plane (P1, P2) as the second end face (223) of the first support runner (209).
24. A support framework (201) as claimed in claim 23, wherein the first support runners (209) and the second support runners (211) are in the form of flat strips with a constant rectangular cross-sectional profile and wherein the first runner connection features (215) are slots which extend perpendicularly from the first end face (221) through the thickness of the strip and across at least part of the height of the strip and the second runner connection features (217) are slots which extend perpendicularly from the second end face (223) and through the thickness of the strip and across at least part of the height of the strip, wherein the first runner connection features (215) and the second runner connection features (217) are interspersed along the length of the first support runners (209) and the second support runners (211).
25. A support framework (201) as claimed in claim 23 or claim 24, further comprising a runner connector clip (210) to hold a first support runner (209) to a second support runner (211) at an intersection between them by engaging the runner connector clip (210) with at least two first runner connection features (215) or at least two second runner connection features (217)
26. A support framework (201) as claimed in any one of claims 23, 24 or 25, wherein the panel attachment members (219) comprise at least a portion made from wire for engagement with at least one of the first runner connection features (215) or at least one of the second runner connection features (217).
27. A support framework (201) as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 26, further comprising at least two coupling elements (213) connected to each of the at least two first support runners (209) or connected to each of the at least two second support runners (211).
28. A support framework (201) as claimed in claim 27, wherein the at least two coupling elements (213) are connected to first runner connection features (215) or to second runner connection features (217) of the at least two first support runners (209) or the at least two second support runners (211).
29. A support framework (201) as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the first runner connection features (215) and the second runner connection features (217) are an integral part of the first support runners (209) and the second support runners (211).
30. A support framework (201) as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the first support runners (209) are orientated parallel to each other and each run in a first direction, the second support runners (211) are orientated parallel to each other and each run in a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.
31. A support framework (301) for supporting an array of at least two panels (303), the support framework (301) comprising, at least two first support runners (309) and at least two second support runners (311), wherein the first support runners (309) have the same form as the second support runners (311), wherein the first support runners (309) are spaced apart from each other and are orientated parallel to a first plane (P1) and the second support runners (311) are spaced apart from each other and are orientated parallel to a second plane (P2) and the first plane (P1) and the second plane (P2) are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other, the first support runners (309)and the second support runners (311) are each provided with a plurality of first runner connection features (315) that are spaced apart from each other at regular distances and a plurality of second runner connection features (317) that are spaced apart from each other at regular distances, the first runner connection features (315) of a first support runner (309) are complementary to and directly connectable to the second runner connection features (317) of a second support runner (311), each first support runner (309) being connected directly to two second support runners (311) by connecting its first runner connection features (315) with the second runner connection features (317) of the second support runners (311), and each second support runner (311) being connected directly to two first support runners (309) by connecting its second runner connection features (317) with the first runner connection features (315) on the first support runners (309), wherein each second support runner (311) crosses and partially overlaps at least one first support runner (309) and each first support runner (309) crosses and partially overlaps at least one second support runner (311), the support framework (307) further comprising at two panel attachment members (319), wherein each panel attachment member (319) is connected to at least one of a first support runner (309) or a second support runner (311), wherein the first support runners (309) and the second support runners (311) each have a first end face (321) that runs along their length and a second end face (323) that runs along their length, the first end face (321) and the second end face (323) being parallel to each other, spaced apart from each other and connected to each other by a wall (325), the first end face (321) and the second end face (323) being parallel to the first plane (P1) and to the second plane (P2), wherein when a second support runner (311) and a first support runner (309) are connected together they partially overlap, the first end face (321) of the second support runner (311) is located adjacent to the wall (325) of the first support runner (309) and the second end face (323) of the first support runner (309) is located adjacent to the wall (325) of the second support runner (311).
32. A support framework (307) as claimed in claim 31, wherein the first runner connection io features (315) are runner connection apertures (315) with a closed perimeter that extends through the thickness of the first support runners (309) and the second support runners (311) and that are arranged in a row adjacent to and spaced from the first end faces (321) of the first support runners (309) and the second support runners (311), and wherein the second runner connection features (317) are runner connection hook apertures (317) with an open perimeter that extends through the thickness of the first support runners (309) and the second support runners (311) and that are arranged in a row adjacent to the second end faces (323) of the first support runners (309) and the second support runners (311), wherein the open portion of the perimeter of each of the runner connection hook apertures (37) is aligned with the second end faces (323), and wherein the row of runner connection apertures (315) is parallel to the row of runner connection hook apertures (317).
33. A support framework (307) as claimed in claim 31 or 32, wherein the first runner connection features (315) and the second runner connection features (317) are offset from each other along the lengths of the first support runners (309) and second support runners (311), wherein the first runner connection features (315) are rectangular apertures (315) which are engageable with hook features defined by the perimeters of the second runner connection features (317).
34. A support framework (307) as claimed in any one of claims 31, 32 or 33, wherein the panel attachment members (319) comprise at least a portion made from wire for engagement with at least one of the first runner connection features (315) or at least one of the second runner connection features (317).
35. A support framework (307) as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 34, further comprising at least two coupling elements (313) connected to each of the at least two first support runners (309) or connected to each of the at least two second support runners (311).
36. A support framework (307) as claimed in claim 35, wherein the at least two coupling elements (313) are connected to first runner connection features (315) or to second runner connection features (317) of the at least two first support runners (309) or the at least two second support runners (311).
37. A support framework (307) as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 36, wherein the first support runners (309) are located partially above the second support runners (311).
38. A support framework (307) as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 37, wherein the first to runner connection features (315) and the second runner connection features (317) are an integral part of the first support runners (315) and the second support runners (317).
39. A support framework (307) as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 38, wherein the first support runners (309) are orientated parallel to each other and each run in a first direction, the second support runners (311) are orientated parallel to each other and each run in a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.