KR20080012824A - Adaptable ceiling tile system - Google Patents

Abstract

An adaptable ceiling tile structure and a suspended ceiling system utilizing such ceiling tiles is disclosed. The basic ceiling tiles (100) include a peripheral frame (102) surrounding a single primary opening. A cover layer (104), such as a fabric or scrim may be stretched across the opening and attached to the frame with a support surface defining the primary plane of the cover layer and an offset portion defining a peripheral recess (103). The ceiling tile may be customized with premanufactured trim pieces (108) that include end portions configured for insertion into the peripheral recess and an intermediate portion that can be attached to the cover layer. Once the trim piece is in place, a portion of the peripheral frame and the cover layer can be removed, typically by cutting, to complete the customized ceiling tile.

Description

Reversible Ceiling Tile System {ADAPTABLE CEILING TILE SYSTEM}

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to suspended ceilings having a plurality of ceiling tiles supported by structural grids, and more particularly to improved ceiling tiles that can be more easily fitted around obstacles and other structures when installing suspended ceilings. An improved suspended ceiling system is included.

Many different systems and structures have been developed to provide a drop or suspended ceiling in a room. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the suspension ceiling is spaced from the bottom of the primary superstructure or reinforced concrete structure, such as ceiling beams, to make the ceiling and substantial height more aesthetically pleasing for the finished space. Suspended ceilings provide improved flexibility in finishing the space in which the ceiling system is mounted directly to the primary superstructure or furring strip or other attachment area provided in the primary superstructure. Suspended ceilings generally comprise a plurality of individual ceiling tiles in which the typical shape of the individual tiles is rectangular or square.

The composition of the individual ceiling tiles used in such systems is made from a number of different materials, such as synthetic resins and synthetic polymers or press fiber materials that can be cast into the tile body. Ceiling tiles can be made with one or more embossed or textured surfaces for improved aesthetic appearance and / or improved sound absorption. Other types of cupboard tiles can be manufactured using the frame and a cover layer supported by and provided thereon. A conventional configuration of a ceiling tile comprising a frame and cover layer is shown in FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B.

Typically, conventional suspended ceiling systems utilize a grating assembly or track system for supporting individual tiles. Typically, ceiling tiles, grating assemblies, and tiles will suitably be installed within a relatively narrow range of geometric requirements. Conventional assemblies are constructed such that the exposed surface of the ceiling tile is generally placed in a single plane, such that the arrangement is arranged in a regular arrangement of rows and columns, or can be offset by a certain uniform distance from adjacent columns. This would be the configuration provided. In any case, the ceiling tiles are generally arranged such that a uniform pattern is formed.

In addition, the suspended ceiling system is adapted to adapt the grid assembly and ceiling tiles to accommodate the perimeter of the ceiling space, as well as obstacles or changes in the profile of the ceiling space such as corners, pipes, ducts, columns, etc. One or more methods should be provided. In one of the conventional suspended ceiling systems, wall angle molding is attached around the interior of the wall at a height determined for the grating assembly. The grid assembly is then assembled using an inverted "T-shaped" element aligned with and attached to the wall angle molding. In most instances, the grating elements are made of metal and must be cut with tin nips, nibblers, metal saws or other suitable cutting tools, and the burrs and sharp edges are lined up before installation.

Conventional suspension ceiling assembly systems, which use a suspension "T bar" and / or "Z bar" element to form a lattice for ceiling tile support, have exposed surfaces of support grid element flanges that may degrade the aesthetic quality of the installed ceiling. There are drawbacks to include. This disadvantage can be solved, but at least in part by using a finished metal surface, the associated manufacturing costs are increased. Various concealed grid assembly T bar structures have been developed to solve this problem, but many of these solutions include ceiling tiles that cannot be easily removed, but must break one or more tiles to access the space above the suspended ceiling. This creates another complex problem. Other designs include additional latching and / or pivoting structures that utilize one or more key tiles that are shifted or rotated from the installation position to the open position to access the space above the ceiling.

The present disclosure describes retrofitable ceiling tiles and ceiling tile systems utilizing the same. The basic ceiling tile includes a peripheral frame surrounding a single primary opening, the peripheral frame being configured to provide a main portion providing a support surface and an offset portion providing an offset surface. A cover layer, such as woven or nonwoven or cotton cloth, extends across the opening and is attached to the frame, and the support surface generally forms a plane of the cover layer portion that extends over the opening.

Peripheral depressions will be formed between the cover layer and the offset surface of the frame. And using the at least one pre-fabricated trim piece comprising an end inserted into the periphery and an intermediate portion attached to the underlying portion of the cover layer to support the embedded portion. Can be customized or modified Once the trim member is mounted, a portion of the cover layer and the peripheral frame are typically removed by cutting to complete customization of the ceiling tile that includes the trim member as a modified tile perimeter.

Trim members are available in a wide range of straight, curved or angular configurations so that installers can easily adapt ceiling tiles to accommodate a wide range of obstructions, such as pipes and columns that can obscure the contours of suspended ceilings. It may be provided in a standard configuration.

As described in more detail below, the peripheral frame used for the ceiling tile may be provided in a wide range of configurations. In one of the exemplary aspects, the peripheral frame may include an extended portion for concealing at least the lower surface portion of the support grid and reducing the visible space between adjacent ceiling tiles. The peripheral frame may include one or more releasable various retaining structures or elements that temporarily attach the ceiling tile to the support grid.

In general, the features and advantages of the present ceiling system and the retrofittable ceiling tile described above are described in detail in conjunction with the illustrative aspects and accompanying drawings of the present invention below.

The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a plan view showing a conventional ceiling tile structure,

2A and 2B are cross-sectional views illustrating a conventional ceiling tile structure taken along the line AA ′ of FIG. 1;

3A and 3B are cross-sectional views taken along line A-A 'of an exemplary ceiling tile structure in accordance with the present invention;

4A and 4B are cross-sectional views taken along line A-A 'of an exemplary ceiling tile structure generally corresponding to FIGS. 3A and 3B with a trim member added;

5A and 5B are cross-sectional views taken along line A-A 'of an exemplary ceiling tile structure generally corresponding to FIGS. 4A and 4B with the original tile portion removed to produce a customized ceiling tile;

6A and 6B are another exemplary plan view of a customized ceiling tile configuration with the original ceiling tile portion removed to provide a customized ceiling tile;

7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of another exemplary ceiling tile structure showing an exemplary structure for supporting ceiling tiles from a support frame or grid;

8A-8F are cross-sectional views illustrating another exemplary ceiling tile structure,

9A-9C are cross-sectional views of another exemplary ceiling tile structure showing an example structure that accommodates the insertion of a trim member to produce a customized ceiling tile.

These drawings are provided to assist in understanding the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in more detail below and are not to be considered as limiting of the invention. In particular, the space occupancy, arrangement, size, and dimensions of the various elements shown in the associated drawings may be exaggerated, not drawn to scale, and may be expanded, reduced, or modified for clarity.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wide variety of alternative constructions have been omitted simply for clarity and to reduce the number of drawings. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various components of the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A-9C can be selectively and independently combined to form other structures to fabricate ceiling tile structures specifically designed for the intended use. You will know.

As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional ceiling tile structure 10 may include a peripheral frame with a plurality of spokes or cross members 12b extending between portions of the peripheral frame 12a. The cross member 12b will leave the unsupported portion of the cover layer along the periphery of the customized ceiling tile when the cover layer 14 is divided into a series of openings, for example, cut along the AA ′ line. . As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the cross member may generally have a uniform cross section (see FIG. 2A), and may be hollow (not shown), “T” shaped (not shown) or channel (see FIG. 2B). ) Can be a structure like

An exemplary ceiling tile 100 in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 3A and includes a cover layer 104 attached to a peripheral frame and extending across the opening and a peripheral frame 102 surrounding a single opening. As shown in FIG. 3B, a cross-sectional view along the AA ′ line of FIG. 3A, the peripheral frame 102 may use an adhesive layer 106 or may be stitched, welded, stapled, crimped, pressed, retained, clipped or other mechanically. And / or other suitable attachment means such as friction attachment (not shown). The cross section of the frame may have a “S” or “Z” structure, or may utilize a more complex structure, which may be combined with the cover layer 104 or other protrusions (not shown) of the frame to connect the peripheral depression 103. An inwardly extending offset portion of the peripheral frame 102 is included.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the exemplary ceiling tile 100 extends from one portion of the peripheral frame 102 to another portion of the peripheral frame and at least partially extends into the depression 103 at both ends. Or can be adapted using the member 108. As shown in FIG. 4B, the trim element 108 will typically be attached to the cover layer 104 portion covered by the trim element with the adhesive layer 110. The prefabricated trim element 108 may comprise a double sided adhesive tape with a cover layer removed prior to application to expose the adhesive surface. The adhesive layer 110 may be field-applied and may or may not be continuous, but the adhesive means used do not impair the appearance of the exposed surface of the cover layer 104, ie the use of customized ceiling tiles. It will be a complete monolith that will not be pushed through, discolored, or seeped through the cover layer during its lifetime or application.

As shown in FIG. 5A, once the trim element 108 is in place and attached to at least a portion of the buried region of the cover layer 104, the cover layer and a portion of the peripheral frame 102 are removed to remove the trim element. And the remainder of the peripheral frame 102a may form the periphery of the renovated or customized ceiling tile 100a. As shown in FIG. 5B, the trim element 108 and the adhesive layer 110 substantially continuously support the cut edges of the remainder of the cover layer 104a, which may harm the appearance of the remainder of the ceiling tile 100a. It can reduce sagging or wrinkles.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the trim element 108 may be configured to customize the ceiling tile 100a, which is generally disposed around a rectangular obstacle. Trim element 108 may end up with two straight trim elements followed by a meter (as shown in FIG. 5A), followed by overlapping or other attachment at the intersection of the two trim elements. Can be. Similarly, one or more common angles, such as 30 °, 45 °, 60 ° or 90 °, may be used to simplify and / or reduce field assembly of more complex trim elements to customize ceiling tiles. The trim elements to be formed are produced in advance. As shown in FIG. 6B, the prefabricated trim element 108 may be pipe, pillar or generally cylindrical or in order to simplify and / or reduce on-site assembly of more complex trim elements to customize ceiling tiles. It may be of curvilinear, circular or arcuate configuration to accommodate other obstacles with rounded surfaces.

As shown in FIG. 7A, an exemplary ceiling tile 100 in accordance with the present invention is a grating or support structure formed from a plurality of support members 200 providing a support flange 202 on which the edge of the ceiling tile can be placed. Can be set to. For the configuration shown in FIG. 7A, the support flange 202 has a surface 202a that is fully exposed when the ceiling tile 100 is in place. As also shown in FIG. 7A, the end of the trim element 108 is provided with a depression 109 that engages the end with the offset of the peripheral frame 102 to enhance attachment. Also shown in FIG. 7A is the selective use of the lower inward projection to form at least a portion of the depression to provide additional mechanical support at the end of the trim element 108, and for example, the strength, durability and / or dimensions of the end of the trim element. The use of the reinforcement region 108a provided on a suitable surface of the trim element is shown, which can improve control.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the peripheral frame 102 may be provided with an extension 102c extending across below the exposed surface portion of the support flange 202. In addition, the peripheral frame is provided with an elastic or other biased retaining element or member 112 that is generally configured to protrude upward from the peripheral frame to removably attach the ceiling tile to the support grid. The retaining element 112 can be configured to deflect or rotate about a horizontal or vertical axis between the attachment position and the detachment position 112a to allow insertion and detachment from the support grid.

An opening may be provided in the peripheral frame 102 for inserting a tool or finger through the frame to contact and deflect the retaining element 112. This time, the opening can be concealed using a plug or insert 102d that conceals the opening until necessary. As an alternative to the opening, the peripheral frame 102 may include a simple mechanism 116 that biases the retaining element 112 by acting on an exposed button, tab, fastener or other structure. As also shown in FIG. 7B, the peripheral frame may include a protrusion 102b, which extends from an extension 102c of the peripheral frame and is spaced downwardly and / or inwardly from the support flange 202. Can be located. As with the opening, a plug or plug element may be provided to conceal the exposed portion of the instrument until needed for operation.

As shown in FIG. 8A, exemplary ceiling tiles in accordance with the present invention will provide strength and size suitable for the desired application, including specific structural elements and dimensions that can be adapted as needed. As shown in FIG. 8A, the offset portion of the frame is characterized by a length F and a thickness T _o and is spaced apart from the cover layer 104 by the depression height D. The support of the frame is characterized by a length B and a thickness T _s , the offset of the frame and the support of the frame being separated by a transition or intermediate part having a length I.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the peripheral frame 102 is provided with one or more depressions 118 into which the corresponding attachment element 120 is inserted or snapped in to secure the cover layer 104 to the frame, or And / or improve the aesthetic appearance of the ceiling tile.

As shown in FIG. 8C, the peripheral frame 102 is provided with one or more reinforcing members 122 that increase the strength and / or stiffness of the peripheral frame, such as materials, typically required to obtain the desired strength and / or dimensions. This can reduce the amount of polymer material. Furthermore, the mounting surface is offset from the support surface as shown in FIGS. 8C-8E although the support surface with or without the cover layer 104 portion may be placed on the support flange 202 as shown in FIG. 7A. Peripheral frame 102 is provided with an extension such that 124 is provided, allowing cover layer 104 to be positioned above or below a different height, ie with respect to the support flange.

As shown in FIGS. 8E and 8F, the primary plane of the cover layer 104 is typically formed by the support frame of the peripheral frame 102 or the modified peripheral frame 102a and one or more trim elements 108. However, cover layer 104 may include an additional periphery 104b that may be attached to the peripheral frame along one or more remote surfaces 102e extending beyond the support surface and offset from the support surface. This configuration can be used to improve the appearance of the ceiling panel since the cover layer further hides the surrounding frame.

As shown in FIG. 9A, an exemplary aspect of a customized ceiling panel extends into a depression formed between the offset portion of the peripheral frame 102 and the cover layer 104 to cover the cover layer using an adhesive layer 110. It will include an end of the trim element 108 that can be attached. As shown in FIG. 9B, the basic aspects of FIG. 9A include a stop structure 126 that adjusts the depth of the trim element inserted into the peripheral depression 103 and a tooth or bend that improves retention of the trim element within the depression. (128) and the like can be adapted to include protrusions. As shown in FIG. 9C, the basic aspect of FIG. 9A shows that the offset portion after deflecting the protrusion of the offset portion of the peripheral frame 102 to increase the size of the depression for easy insertion of the end of the trim element 108. It may be adapted to include a weakening or elastic aid 130 that can be returned to its original position.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of specific exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will be able to fabricate various alternatives, modifications, and variations in the structures and methods disclosed in a manner consistent with the detailed description provided above. In particular, although the cover layer is generally described as a single element, the present invention has been adapted to include a plurality of cover layers, which may be the same or different, so that a designer, engineer or user may have appearance, strength, transparency and / or acoustic performance. One or more properties of the ceiling tile of the lamp can be modified. If two or more cover layers are included, one or more layers may be attached in a contiguous or spaced configuration relative to any adjacent layer. When two or more cover layers are included, the cover layers are generally arranged in parallel, or more complex structures such as a catenary portion or corrugation in which one or more cover layers are suspended between the support elements. Can be. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various exemplary aspects disclosed herein are disclosed or other aspects thereof, such as to produce additional aspects not shown herein, including the invention described in the claims, which are more suited to the required performance or intended use. It will be apparent that it can be used in conjunction with alternative embodiments of. Accordingly, all such alternatives, modifications and variations are included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (19)

Reversible ceiling tile system, A ceiling tile (100) comprising a peripheral frame (102) configured to provide a support surface and an offset surface and forming a single primary opening;  A cover layer 104 cooperating with said offset surface to form a depression 103 and extending over said support surface across said opening; And And a trim element (108) having a portion inserted into the depression to form a reduced opening and a contact surface attachable to the cover layer. The method of claim 1, And the cover layer is attached to the peripheral frame by a fastening method of at least one of gluing, stapling, welding, crimping, pressing, retaining and stitching. The method of claim 1, And said offset surface comprises a protruding structure (128) holding said insert of said trim element. The method of claim 1, The peripheral frame is configured to bias the offset surface in a direction away from the cover layer. The method of claim 1, The cover layer is a cotton cloth (veil) and the peripheral frame is a polymer composition. The method of claim 5, wherein The polymer composition includes a reinforcement structure (122). The method of claim 1, The peripheral frame includes a mounting surface (124), wherein the mounting surface is offset from the support surface. The method of claim 1, The peripheral frame includes a recess 118 adjacent the support surface, the recess being configured to receive a retaining element 120 that secures the cover layer to the peripheral frame. . The method of claim 1, A retention structure 112 extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the cover layer; And And an access opening provided in said peripheral frame to deflect said retaining structure. The method of claim 1, A retention structure 112 extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the cover layer; And And the deflection element configured to cause the movement of the deflection element (116) to deflect the retaining structure. The method of claim 7, wherein And an extension (102c) of said peripheral frame to reduce the visually identifiable separation between adjacent ceiling tiles. The method of claim 1, And a stop element (126) extending from the offset surface towards the cover layer to restrict movement of a portion of the trim element into the depression. A method of making a custom ceiling tile with reduced openings, the method of Obtaining a base ceiling tile 100, the base ceiling tile comprising a peripheral frame 102 forming a single primary opening, the peripheral frame being configured to provide a support surface and an offset surface, the cover Layer 104 extends on the support surface across the opening and the cover layer cooperates with the offset surface to form depression 103, the method comprising Determining a modification required for the primary opening required to make the reduced opening; Configuring a trim element to create the reduced opening; Inserting a portion of the trim element into the depression to form a reduced periphery to attach a contact surface to the cover layer; And Removing a portion of the cover layer extending beyond the peripheral frame and the reduced peripheral portion. The method of claim 13, Wherein said trim element is selected from standard configurations selected from straight, angular and curved trim elements. The method of claim 13, And said trim element is selected from standard configurations selected from straight, rectangular and arcuate trim elements. Ceiling tile installation system, The system includes a suspension grid supporting a plurality of base ceiling tiles and a custom ceiling tile, The base ceiling tile has a periphery of constant polygonal shape formed by a peripheral frame 102 forming a single primary opening, the peripheral frame being configured to provide a support surface and an offset surface, and the cover layer 104 is Extends over the support surface across the opening, the cover layer cooperates with the offset surface to form a depression, The custom ceiling tile has an irregular periphery formed by modifying the base ceiling tile by constructing a trim element 108, and a portion of the trim element is inserted into the recess 103 to form the irregular periphery, thereby forming the trim element. A contact surface of is attached to the cover layer, and a portion of the peripheral frame and a portion of the cover layer extending beyond the irregular periphery are removed to form the custom ceiling tile. The method of claim 16, And a retaining structure (112) provided in said ceiling tile, said retaining structure holding the position of the ceiling tile installed in cooperation with said suspension grid. The method of claim 17, A ceiling tile installation system, allowing removal of the ceiling tile by providing an opening in the peripheral frame of the ceiling tile for access and removal of the retaining structure. The method of claim 16, The peripheral frame has an extension configured to conceal a portion of the suspension grid and to reduce the space seen between adjacent tiles.

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