JP2008507643A - Curved ceiling panels - Google Patents

Abstract

A curved suspended ceiling panel that, when used in combination with a flat grid system, gives the appearance of a curved or wavy ceiling surface. This curved suspended ceiling panel has a curved outer surface. The curved panel includes a pair of opposed side walls attached to the curved outer surface, and also includes a curved surface along the first edge and a substantially straight surface along the second edge. And are included. The straight edge includes a flange that allows the panel to be attached to a grid member of a flat grid system. These curved panels are designed so that they can be flipped inside the grid so that the curved outer surface is above the grid members. When installed, these curved panels can be arranged to form a corrugated or corrugated pattern to produce the desired effect when viewed from below.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

background

  The present disclosure relates to a suspended ceiling system, and more particularly, a curved ceiling panel having a curved outer surface combined with a flat peripheral body adapted for use with a horizontal grid structure. It relates to a new and improved system using.

  By way of background and not limitation, a suspended ceiling system includes a grid member provided with a ceiling panel support flange that typically extends in the opposite direction. In these systems, the edges of the ceiling panels are attached by placing them in the panel openings created by the grid members. There are also hanging ceiling systems that have a grid member that includes grooves designed to grip the vertically extending edges of the metal ceiling panel. These ceiling panels are typically attached by fitting flanges into the grooves of the grid members, and are commonly referred to as “fit-type ceiling panels”. A typical upset grid panel is manufactured to fit inside a horizontal grid and is inherently flat. In typical ceiling systems, curved panels are used in combination with curved ceiling grid members to obtain a curved ceiling surface. If a curved lattice member is used to form a ceiling structure, the cost increases and attachment is difficult.

  In view of the above, it should be appreciated that there is a need for a ceiling system that provides a curved ceiling surface while allowing the use of a standard horizontal grid construction. In accordance with the present disclosure, these and other needs are met and provide further related advantages.

Overview

  The present disclosure can be described as a new and improved curved suspended ceiling system that exhibits the appearance of a curved or wavy ceiling surface when used in combination with a flat grid system. In a preferred embodiment, the curved panel system comprises a metal or polymer curved panel with a curved outer surface formed by a curved wall. The curved panel includes a pair of opposing sidewalls attached to the curved wall and including a curved surface along the first edge and a substantially straight surface along the second edge. . Each of the straight edges includes a flange that allows the curved panel to be attached to a grid member of a flat grid system. The curved panels are designed so that they can be flipped so that the surfaces of the curved walls can be oriented to face up or down the ceiling grid. During installation, the curved panels can be inverted alternately to form a wavy or wavy pattern and produce the desired effect when viewed from below.

  Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description and the annexed drawings in which embodiments of the disclosure have been described and shown, and the following detailed description given with the accompanying drawings It will become clear by considering.

  Reference to the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings will make the above and other features of the present disclosure and how to obtain them more apparent and best understood. Let's do it.

Detailed description

  The present disclosure has been fully described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which specific embodiments are shown, but is described herein while still achieving the desired results by those skilled in the art. It should be understood first that certain disclosures can be modified. Accordingly, the following description should be understood as a broad information disclosure directed to those of skill in the art, and not as a limitation on this disclosure.

  As shown in the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a portion of a suspended ceiling after assembly into which a curved ceiling panel 10 according to the present disclosure is incorporated. In such a ceiling panel system, the lattice members 12 are interconnected to form a lattice structure 13. The grid member 12 is configured to form an opening dimensioned to receive the curved ceiling panel 10. The lattice member 12 is suspended from the building by a wire hanger 16 or other supporting structure.

  In order to create a lattice structure 13, parallel row lattice members 12 arranged at equal intervals are suspended by wire hangers 16. Each row of grid members 12 is spaced to accommodate the size of the curved ceiling panel 10. In order to accommodate a 2 foot × 2 foot ceiling panel, the grid member 12 is spaced 2 feet in the center. The grid structure 13 also includes a second set of grid members 18 oriented perpendicular to the first set of grid members 12 to create the openings necessary to suspend the curved ceiling panel 10. It is.

  The curved ceiling panel 10 is preferably rectangular or square in shape and is preferably made of metal or polymer. The curved ceiling panels 10 are durable in that they are rich in impact resistance, and the self-supporting property does not deteriorate when they are passed between the lattice members 12. Metallic materials and plastic polymer materials such as polycarbonate are preferred because the various edge structures are formed so that the panel includes the desired shape or for connection to the grid structure 13. This is because it can be molded or punched. Alternatively, other rigid and semi-rigid materials, glass reinforced gypsum, wood or thermoformed fibers can be used, among others.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the curved ceiling panel 10 used inside the lattice structure 13 is provided with a curved wall 20, and the wall 20 has a first surface 22 and a first wall 22. A first surface 22 and a second surface 24 back to back are included. Depending on the orientation of the curved panel 10 inside the lattice structure 13, either the first surface 22 or the second surface 24 can be exposed to the lower region of the lattice structure 13. The curved wall 20 of the curved ceiling panel 10 is curved over its length and extends from the first edge 26 to the second edge 28 of the curved ceiling panel 10. The curved ceiling panel 10 also includes a first side wall 30 and a second side wall 32 spaced apart. The first side wall 30 is substantially parallel to the second side wall 32.

  The first side wall 30 of the curved ceiling panel 10 includes a relatively straight edge 34 and a curved edge 36. The curved edge 36 of the first side wall 30 is spaced from the straight edge 34 in the central region of the panel 10, but converges to the straight edge 34 at the end point 38 of the curved edge 36. Yes. The curved edge 36 is formed by intersecting the curved wall 20 and the first side wall 30.

  The second side wall 32 of the panel 10 is parallel to the first side wall 30 and is spaced therefrom. As shown in FIG. 5, the second side wall 32 of the panel 10 includes a relatively straight edge 40 and a curved edge 42. The curved edge 42 of the second side wall 32 is spaced from the straight edge 40 in the central region of the panel 10, but converges to the straight edge 40 at the end point 44 of the curved edge 42. Yes. The curved edge portion 42 is formed by intersecting the curved wall 20 and the second side wall 32.

  A part of the peripheral body of the panel 10 is formed by the first edge portion 26 and the second edge portion 28 of the panel 10. The first edge 26 includes a first flange 46 that extends outward from the panel 10. The first flange 46 is adapted to be coupled to the grid member 12 of the grid structure 13 to help support the panel 10. In the upset panel structure, as shown in FIG. 2, the first flange 46 is horizontally oriented and is placed on the base portion 58 of the lattice member 12. When using a snap-on panel construction, the first flange 46 is adapted to be coupled to a groove portion of the grid member 12. The second edge 28 includes a second flange 48 that extends outward from the panel 10. The second flange 48 is adapted to be coupled to the grid member 12 of the grid structure 13 to help support the panel 10, as shown in FIG.

  The straight edge 34 of the first side wall 30 of the curved panel 10 includes a third flange 50 extending outward from the curved panel 10 as shown in FIG. The third flange 50 is adapted to be coupled to the grid member 12 of the grid structure 13 to help support the panel 10. The straight edge 40 of the second side wall 32 includes a fourth flange 52 extending outward from the curved panel 10. A peripheral body of the curved ceiling panel 10 is formed by the first, second, third and fourth flanges 46, 48, 50 and 52. These flanges 46, 48, 50 and 52 may include tabs that help to hold the curved ceiling panel 10 to the grid structure 13.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in this curved ceiling system, a curved panel 10 is shown connected to the grid structure 13 through the use of flanges 46, 48. The curved ceiling panel 10 is preferably connected to the lattice structure 13 by flanges, but the curved ceiling panel 10 can be pivoted to an open position for maintenance inspection above the ceiling structure 13. In addition, a hinge can be used. Although a flanged edge and a hinged edge are disclosed, other edge structures can be used to secure the curved ceiling panel 10 to the grid system 13. If all metal ceiling panels are as large as 4 feet x 4 feet, it is beneficial to use hinges to support the curved ceiling panel 10 because these panels However, their relatively large dimensions and weight make installation and removal cumbersome. Yet another example of the use of a hinge can be found in US Pat. No. 6,467,228, incorporated herein by reference. When working with a piece of sheet metal having such a large surface, the overall finish of the ceiling panel 10 may be impaired by improper handling. Also, by using hinges across the width of the curved ceiling panel 10, the panel weight is distributed throughout the edges of the curved panel 10, so that the undulation that would appear on the curved surface 20 of the curved panel 10. The phenomenon is prevented. Furthermore, once the curved ceiling panel 10 is connected to the grid member 12, the curved ceiling panel 10 is automatically aligned by pivoting the ceiling panel 10 upward and fitting the flange into the grid. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the lattice member 12 in this example is assembled from a molded sheet metal. The assembled lattice member 12 includes a spherical portion 56, a base portion 58, and a bridge portion 60 that connects the spherical portion 56 and the base portion 58. The overall shape of the lattice member 12 is such that the member 12 has strength to prevent deflection. Typically, window holes (not shown) are arranged along the length of the bridge portion 60 so that the wire hanger 16 can be wrapped around the spherical portion 56. As shown in FIG. 1, when the wire hanger 16, which may be in the form of a wire, is threaded around the window hole (not shown) and the spherical portion 56, the wire hanger 16 will have several It is wound around and cannot be unwound.

  The bridge portion 60 typically includes slots (not shown) that allow one grid member 12 to be coupled to the second grid member 18 to form the grid structure 13. As shown in FIG. 2, the base portion 58 is formed by bending the bilayer of the bridge portion 60 90 degrees outward and 180 degrees inward to form a flat surface. When a hinge is used, a modified grid member 12 is used, which includes a box-like groove disposed in the bottom portion of the grid member 12. The hinge is formed by molding the hinge 90 degrees upward to create an upwardly extending leg and then molding its edge 90 degrees inward to create an inward lip. Yes. The inward lip portion of the hinge is placed inside the groove of the lattice member 12. The flanges 46, 48, 50, 52 shown in FIG. 2 are formed by molding or molding the edges 34, 36, 40, 42 of the curved ceiling panel 10 to form outward horizontal surfaces. ing. The ceiling panel 10 is held by the lattice structure 13 by placing flanges 46, 48, 50, 52 on the base portion 58 of the lattice member.

  The environmental area of a building is defined as the space inside the building that is used by residents to perform work or perform other activities. It is a habitable space inside the structure. The curved wall 20 of the curved ceiling panel 10 is substantially exposed from the environmental area and can be viewed from below by a resident. Depending on the orientation of the curved ceiling panel 10 inside the grid structure 13, either the first surface 22 or the second surface 24 can be seen from below the environmental zone. When the curved ceiling panel 10 is arranged in the arched position together with the curved wall 20, the first surface 22 can be viewed from below. When the curved ceiling panel 10 is placed in an inverted arched position with the curved walls 20 inside the grid structure 13, the second surface 24 of the curved walls 20 can be viewed from below the environmental zone.

  The curved ceiling panel 10 is designed with four edges that are adapted to be connected to the grid structure 13. The curved ceiling panel 10 can be connected to the grid structure 13 using various edge structures. These edges can be equipped with flanges that can be either fitted or upset.

  In use, the curved ceiling panel 10 is an economical solution for providing a unique ceiling appearance. According to this configuration, a wavy or undulating ceiling appearance can be exhibited while using the flat lattice structure 13 so as to be easily incorporated. With this curved ceiling panel, various patterns can be formed on the ceiling including all panels directed to the arched position or all panels directed to the inverted arched position. By alternating the orientation of the panels at adjacent grid openings, a wavy or undulating pattern can be created. Since standard linear grid members can be used, no additional hardware is required to secure the panel in the proper orientation relative to the grid structure 13. In systems where curved grid members are used, it is necessary to use additional fixtures to ensure that the panel follows the shape of the grid members.

  While the concepts of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative in nature and not restrictive. It should be understood that only exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, and that all variations and modifications within the spirit of the present disclosure are desired and protected.

  There are a number of advantages that can be inferred from this disclosure arising from the various features of the apparatus, systems, and methods described herein. Alternative embodiments of each of the devices, systems and methods of the present disclosure may not include all of the features described as being even more beneficial than at least some of the speculative advantages of such features. I understand that. Those skilled in the art will readily devise those embodiments of apparatus, systems and methods that incorporate one or more of the features of the present disclosure and that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. can do.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a ceiling system showing a curved ceiling panel. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ceiling system along line 2-2 showing a curved ceiling panel connected to the grid system. It is a perspective view of this curved ceiling panel. It is a top view of this curved ceiling panel. It is a side view of this curved ceiling panel. It is an end view of this curved ceiling panel.

Claims (28)

A suspended curved panel ceiling system for connection to a structure,
A plurality of linear grid members intersecting to form a horizontal grid;
A plurality of curved panels adapted to be coupled to the grid, comprising a first upwardly extending side and a second upwardly extending side interconnected by curved walls; The plurality of curves, wherein the curved wall has a first surface and a second surface, and each of the first and second sides has a curved edge and a substantially straight edge. A panel,
First and second flanges formed along each substantially straight edge of the side and adapted to support the curved panel inside the horizontal grid;
A suspended curved panel ceiling system comprising:   The suspended curved panel ceiling system of claim 1, wherein the curved wall terminates at a first edge and a second edge.   The first and second edges include third and fourth flanges formed along the first and second edges, respectively, and the third and fourth flanges connect the curved panel to the horizontal grid. The suspended curved panel ceiling system according to claim 2, wherein the suspended curved panel ceiling system is adapted to be supported inside.   The suspended curved panel of claim 1, wherein the first and second flanges include tabs adapted to support the curved panel inside the horizontal grid and to hold the position. Ceiling system.   The curved panel is directed to a first position inside the horizontal grid, and the first surface of the curved wall is visible from below the horizontal grid. Suspended curved panel ceiling system.   The curved panel is directed to a second position inside the horizontal grid, and the second surface of the curved wall is visible from below the horizontal grid. Suspended curved panel ceiling system.   The suspended curved panel ceiling system of claim 1, wherein the curved panel is assembled from metal.   The suspended curved panel ceiling system of claim 1, wherein the curved panel is constructed of a polymer. A suspended curved panel ceiling system for connection to a structure,
A plurality of linear grid members intersecting to form a horizontal grid;
A plurality of curved panels adapted to be coupled to the grid, comprising a first upwardly extending side and a second upwardly extending side interconnected by curved walls; The plurality of curves, wherein the curved wall has a first surface and a second surface, and each of the first and second sides has a curved edge and a substantially straight edge. A panel,
A fitting flange formed along each substantially straight edge of the side and adapted to support the curved panel inside the horizontal grid;
A suspended curved panel ceiling system comprising: The curved ceiling panel is
A hinge adapted to be coupled to the linear grid member so that the curved ceiling panel can pivot from a closed position to an open position without having to remove the curved ceiling panel from the grid; The suspended curved panel ceiling system of claim 9, further comprising the hinge being configured. A curved ceiling panel for use with a suspended ceiling,
A curved wall having a first surface and a second surface;
An upwardly extending first side wall adjacent to the curved wall and having a curved edge and a substantially straight edge;
An upwardly extending second side wall adjacent to the curved wall and facing the first side wall and having a curved edge and a substantially linear edge;
A substantially straight first flange extending outwardly from the straight edge of the first sidewall;
A substantially straight second flange extending outwardly from the straight edge of the second sidewall;
With
A curved ceiling panel, wherein the first side wall and the second side wall are connected to each other by the curved wall.   The curved ceiling panel of claim 11, wherein the curved wall has a pair of edges that terminate in a plane that passes through the first and second linear flanges.   The curved ceiling panel of claim 12, wherein the edges of the curved wall each include a substantially straight flange.   The curved ceiling panel of claim 13, wherein the flanges are interconnected to form a peripheral body of the curved ceiling panel.   14. A curved ceiling panel according to claim 13, wherein the flanges are all in a common plane.   The curved ceiling panel according to claim 11, wherein the curved ceiling panel is assembled from metal.   The curved ceiling panel according to claim 11, wherein the curved ceiling panel is assembled from a polymer. A curved ceiling panel for use with a suspended ceiling,
A curved wall having a first surface and a second surface;
An upwardly extending first side wall adjacent to the curved wall and having a curved edge and a substantially straight edge;
An upwardly extending second side wall adjacent to the curved wall and facing the first side wall and having a curved edge and a substantially linear edge;
The fitting flange formed along the edge of the panel and adapted to support the curved panel;
With
A curved ceiling panel, wherein the first side wall and the second side wall are connected to each other by the curved wall.   The curved ceiling panel of claim 18, wherein the curved ceiling panel includes a hinge placed along an edge of the curved ceiling panel. A suspended curved panel ceiling system for connection to a structure,
The linear grid members intersecting to form a horizontal grid and having a horizontal member and a vertical member;
A plurality of curved ceiling panels having an arch wall extending from a first edge to a second edge of the curved ceiling panel, the arch wall having a first surface and a second surface; The plurality of curved ceiling panels; and
A first side wall connected to the arch wall, wherein a curved edge is formed by the interconnection of the first side wall and the arch wall, and the first side wall extends from the first surface of the arch wall. Extending apart and having a third edge oriented perpendicular to the first and second edges, the third edge being connected to the grid member Said first side wall comprising a substantially straight flange,
A second side wall connected to the arch wall, wherein a curved edge is formed by the interconnection of the second side wall and the arch wall, and the second side wall extends from the first surface of the arch wall. The fourth edge having a fourth edge extending away from the first edge and oriented perpendicular to the first and second edges and parallel to the third edge; Said second sidewall comprising a substantially straight flange adapted to be coupled to said grid member;
A suspended curved panel ceiling system comprising:   21. The suspended curved shape of claim 20, wherein the first and second edges of the curved ceiling panel each include a substantially straight flange adapted to be coupled to the lattice member. Panel ceiling system.   21. The suspended curved panel ceiling system of claim 20, wherein the flange includes a tab adapted to support the curved panel inside the horizontal grid and to hold the position.   The curved panel is directed to a first position inside the horizontal grid, and the first surface of the arch wall is visible from below the horizontal grid. Suspended curved panel ceiling system.   21. The curved panel of claim 20, wherein the curved panel is oriented to a second position inside the horizontal grid, and the second surface of the arch wall is visible from below the horizontal grid. Suspended curved panel ceiling system.   21. The suspended curved panel ceiling system of claim 20, wherein the curved panel is assembled from metal.   21. The suspended curved panel ceiling system of claim 20, wherein the curved panel is assembled from a polymer. A suspended curved panel ceiling system for connection to a structure,
The linear grid members intersecting to form a horizontal grid and having a horizontal member and a vertical member;
A plurality of curved ceiling panels having an arch wall extending from a first edge to a second edge of the curved ceiling panel, the arch wall having a first surface and a second surface; The plurality of curved ceiling panels; and
A first side wall connected to the arch wall, wherein a curved edge is formed by the interconnection of the first side wall and the arch wall, and the first side wall extends from the first surface of the arch wall. Extending apart and having a third edge oriented perpendicular to the first and second edges, the third edge being connected to the grid member Said first side wall comprising a fitting flange that is
A second side wall connected to the arch wall, wherein a curved edge is formed by the interconnection of the second side wall and the arch wall, and the second side wall extends from the first surface of the arch wall. The fourth edge having a fourth edge extending away from the first edge and oriented perpendicular to the first and second edges and parallel to the third edge; Said second sidewall comprising a snap-fit flange adapted to be coupled to said grid member;
A suspended curved panel ceiling system comprising:   28. The curved ceiling panel further includes a hinge that allows the curved ceiling panel to pivot from a closed position to an open position without having to remove the curved ceiling panel from the lattice. A suspended curved panel ceiling system as described in.

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