NZ578317A - Ceiling panel support system - Google Patents

Abstract

A ceiling arrangement 2 for use with an overhead ceiling structure, includes a support assembly comprising more than one support members 10 each configured so as to be suspended from the overhead ceiling structure, and a number of separating members 8 operatively associated with the support assembly. The support members 10 are arranged relative to one another so that one or more ceiling panels 6 may be releasably secured to them. The separating members 8 are arranged relative to the support assembly so as to substantially maintain relative alignment of the support assembly and the ceiling panels 6, and do not provide any support to the ceiling panels 6.

Description

Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 A CEILING ARRANGEMENT Technical Field The present invention relates to ceiling arrangements. In one aspect, the present invention provides a one-way exposed suspended ceiling arrangement.

Background In this specification, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date: (i) part of common general knowledge; or (ii) known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

Ceiling arrangements for office building complexes are, in part, designed to cover and/or protect the vast amount of service equipment that provides essential 15 service requirements. These may include the transportation of clean/waste water, electricity and fire safety services (eg, sprinklers). The provision of these services takes up space, and can be aesthetically unpleasant. Ceiling arrangements tend to shield such service equipment from view of the building occupants while also providing a platform for supporting fixtures such as lighting units and insulating 20 panels. Often, ceiling arrangements are suspended below the actual ceiling itself.

Known prior art ceiling arrangements can be problematic in that many arrangements can be clumsy, too complex and time consuming to assemble and install. Furthermore, alignment of the ceiling panels themselves and the supporting grid structure can become skewed leading to aesthetic shortcomings 25 and structural deficiency.

Summary of the inventive aspects According to a first aspect there is provided a ceiling arrangement for use with an overhead ceiling structure, the ceiling arrangement including: a support assembly comprising more than one support members each 30 configured so as to be suspended from the overhead ceiling structure, the support gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 2 members arranged relative to one another so that one or more ceiling panels may be releasably secured thereto; a plurality of separating members, each separating member operatively associated with the support assembly; each separating member arranged so as to 5 engage with the support assembly while avoiding supportive contact with the panels; the separating members arranged relative to the support assembly so as to substantially maintain relative alignment of the support assembly and the ceiling panels.

Advantages of some embodiments of the ceiling arrangements described herein include that the support assembly may be aligned in a desired direction and the risk of any misalignment propagating throughout the assembly is minimised by the use of regularly spaced separating members used to separate the respective adjacent support members that make up the support assembly remain 15 substantially parallel with one another. It has been found that a support assembly configured in this manner affords additional structural rigidity and stability to the ceiling arrangement. Furthermore, use of the separating members additionally ensures that adjacent ceiling panels remain aligned with one another in a substantially parallel configuration and that any misalignment does not propagate 20 along the length of adjacent support members. Other advantages over prior art systems will become readily apparent.

In one embodiment the support assembly comprises a plurality of similar support members whereby, when the arrangement is assembled, the separating members are arranged so that the support members remain substantially parallel 25 with one another. In this embodiment, the support assembly comprises more than one support members arranged so as to be spaced from one another. The support members are in this embodiment each arranged so as to releasably secure a plurality of ceiling panels thereto between adjacent pairs of support members.

In another embodiment, the separating members each comprise an 30 elongate body arranged at opposite ends thereof to releasably engage with a respective support member. gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 3 A separating member may be arranged along its length so that, when the separating member is assembled between adjacent support members, one or more ceiling panels either side of the separating member remain substantially parallel with one another.

In a further embodiment, a separating member has an edge arranged so that, when the separating member is assembled between adjacent support members, at least a portion of the edge is substantially intermediate adjacent ceiling panels.

In one embodiment the support member is configured along at least one 10 edge thereof to releasably secure an edge portion of one or more ceiling panels.

A support member may comprise a channel section configured for receiving an edge portion of one or more ceiling panels.

In another embodiment at least one support member comprises two opposed edges arranged so as to be substantially parallel with one another, and 15 configured to releasably secure an edge portion of one or more ceiling panels thereto. In this embodiment both parallel edges each comprise a channel section arranged to receive an edge portion of respective ceiling panels. Furthermore, the open side of the or each channel section is upwardly facing when the support member is assembled within the arrangement.

In some embodiments, the edge portions of respective ceiling panels may include one or more hook members. In such embodiments, the channel sections may be arranged so as to receive the one or more hook members.To facilitate releasable engagement with a respective separating member an aperture may be formed within the support member so as to receive a protrusion provided on each 25 end of the separating member. In one embodiment, the engagement between the ends of the separating member and the respective support member is a press-fit engagement. Further, the engagement between the ends of the separating member and the respective support member may be a snap-fit engagement. Other engaging arrangements are envisaged within the scope of the invention. gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 4 In one embodiment, the separating member comprises a biasing mechanism that, when assembled to adjacent support members, biases the separating member thereto.

The ceiling arrangement of the current aspect may be arranged in such a 5 manner so as to be suspended from a ceiling structure. In this regard, a support member is suspended from a ceiling structure using an arrangement of suspension members; more than one of the suspension members each arranged at one end thereof to attach to a ceiling structure for suspending the support assembly therefrom.

In another embodiment, each support member comprises an elongate body of generally constant cross-section along its length. The cross-sectional shape is symmetrical about a centreline which, when assembled in use, is aligned substantially vertically. The shape of the cross-section of the support member generally resembles an upside down 'T' section having a web portion and a flange 15 portion aligned substantially transversely thereto at a free end thereof. The free end defines a first free edge therealong. The flange comprises two oppositely disposed free ends which defines second and third respective edges. The second and third edges are formed in such a manner so as they may, when the arrangement is assembled, releasably secure an edge portion of a respective 20 ceiling panel.

In one embodiment, the second and third edges are each provided with channel sections whereby the open side of the channel section faces in the direction of the first edge. The channel section is shaped so as to engage an edge portion of a ceiling panel, which itself is shaped so that, when engaged with the 25 channel, the ceiling panel is releasably secured in position with the respective support member so that inadvertent displacement of the ceiling panel will not allow the panel to be dislodged from engagement with the respective support member.

In one embodiment, each separating member comprises an elongate body 30 having a generally constant cross-sectional shape along its length. The cross-sectional shape is symmetrical about a centreline which, when assembled, is aligned with the vertical plane. The shape of the cross-section generally gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 resembles a 'T' section having a web portion and a flange portion aligned substantially transverse one another at a free end thereof. The free opposite ends of the flange portion of each separating member comprises an arrangement which, when installed, engages and releasably secures the respective end to an adjacent 5 support member. When installed between adjacent support members, the separating member is configured so that it remains substantially orthogonal to both adjacent support members. In this configuration, and with one or more further separating members spaced along the length of the adjacent support members, both support members may be aligned in a substantially parallel 10 manner.

In one embodiment, the free ends of each separating member comprise a protrusion which, when the separating member is assembled to a pair of adjacent support members, is placed into a corresponding aperture formed within the web portion of the support member. The sizing of the protrusion and the aperture 15 may be such that a snap-fit or a press-fit results between both.

The protrusion may be aligned within the plane of the flange portion of the separating member or with the web portion of said member. In another embodiment, the protrusion may be "T" shaped (ie, portions of the protrusion being aligned in both planes).

In a further embodiment, the ends of the separating member may each comprise a locking device arranged so that, once inserted within a respective aperture in the support member, the device is manipulated in such a way that releases a catch which biases the web portion of the support member against the respective end of the separating member so that a secure engagement results. It 25 will be appreciated that other ways of achieving a releasable engagement between the separating and support members can be obtained that will facilitate and ensure that both members remain substantially orthogonal to each other.

When the ceiling arrangement of the first aspect is assembled and installed, the free end defining the free edge of the web portion of the separating member is 30 appropriately shaped so that when the separating member is assembled with respective adjacent support members, at least a portion of the free edge lies intermediate or between the peripheral edges of two adjacent ceiling panels gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 6 supported between adjacent support members. When in this configuration, the free edge of the separating member acts as a guide to align the adjacent ceiling panels so that they remain substantially parallel with one another. Assembling regularly spaced separating members with an adjacent pair of support members, a 5 consistent alignment results thereby minimising the risk of any skew in alignment developing that might propagate along the length of the adjacent support members.

In another embodiment, the support assembly is arranged so as to be suspended from a ceiling structure so as to provide a suspended ceiling 10 arrangement. In this arrangement, each of the support members is attached to a suspension assembly that depends from the ceiling structure. In one embodiment, the suspension assembly comprises more than one suspension member. In the simplest embodiment, each suspension member comprises two free and opposite ends whereby one end is attached to the ceiling, and the 15 alternate end is attached to a respective support member. A plurality of suspension members may be required to support a respective support member.

According to a second aspect there is provided a ceiling arrangement for use with an overhead ceiling structure, the ceiling arrangement including: more than one support member each configured so as to be suspended 20 from the overhead ceiling structure, the support members arranged relative one another so as one or more ceiling panels may be releasably secured therebetween; more than one separating member arranged so as to engage with a respective support member while avoiding supportive contact with the panels; the separating member arranged to separate and align adjacent 25 support members and ceiling panels substantially parallel with one another respectively.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of both the support members and the separating member described in relation to the first aspect herein may be incorporated as part of the second aspect. gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 7 In one embodiment the separating member comprises an elongate body arranged at opposite ends thereof to releasably engage respective support members.

The separating member may be arranged along its length so that, when the 5 separating member is assembled between adjacent support members, one or more ceiling panels either side of the separating member remain substantially parallel with one another. Further, the separating member may comprise an edge arranged so that, when the separating member is assembled between adjacent support members, at least a portion of the edge lies intermediate adjacent ceiling 10 panels.

In one embodiment an edge of the support member comprises a channel section configured to receive an edge portion of the one or more respective ceiling panels.

In another arrangement at least one support member includes opposed 15 edges arranged so as to be substantially parallel with one another, and configured to releasably secure an edge portion of one or more respective ceiling panels thereto. In this regard, both parallel edges each comprise a channel section configured to releasably secure an edge portion of one or more respective ceiling panels thereto. The open side of the channel section may be arranged to so as to 20 be upwardly facing when the support member is assembled within the arrangement.

The arrangement of the second aspect of the invention may be arranged so as to be suspended from a ceiling structure.

As with the arrangement of the first aspect, when the arrangement is 25 assembled and installed, the free end defining the free edge of the web portion of the separating member is appropriately shaped so that at least a portion of the free edge lies intermediate or between the peripheral edges of the two adjacent ceiling panels supported between adjacent support members. When in this configuration, the free edge of the separating member acts as a guide to align the 30 adjacent ceiling panels so that they remain substantially parallel with one another. Using regularly spaced separating members, a consistent alignment results thereby minimising the risk of any skew in alignment developing that might propagate gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 8 along the length of adjacent support members. In this regard the separating members are arranged to align to a plurality of ceiling panels in a substantially parallel formation. As such, the alignment of the ceiling panels is substantially orthogonal to that of the support members.

According to a third aspect there is provided a separating member for use with a ceiling arrangement of the first aspect having adjacently disposed supporting members each arranged for releasably securing a ceiling panel therebetween, the separating member including: an elongate body having opposite free ends each configured to releasably 10 engage with and separate respective supporting members from one another so as to remain in a substantially parallel formation.

In one embodiment the separating member is arranged along its length so that, when it is assembled between adjacent support members, one or more ceiling panels either side of the separating member remain substantially parallel 15 with one another.

In another embodiment the separating member includes an edge arranged so that, when it is assembled between adjacent support members, at least a portion of the edge lies intermediate adjacent ceiling panels so as to maintain the relative alignment of the panels in a substantially parallel manner.

In another embodiment an end of the separating member comprises a protrusion for providing releasable engagement with a respective support member.

The elongate body may be of a substantially constant cross-section along its length.

The separating member may comprise a biasing mechanism that, when said member is assembled to adjacent support members, biases said separating member thereto.

In one embodiment, the elongate body comprises a generally constant cross-sectional shape along its length. The cross-sectional shape is symmetrical 30 about a centreline which, when assembled, is aligned with the vertical plane. The shape of the cross-section generally resembles a 'T' section having a web portion gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 9 and a flange portion aligned substantially transversely thereto at a free end thereof. The free opposite ends of the flange portion of the elongate body comprises an arrangement which, when installed, engages and releasably secures the respective end to an adjacent support members. When installed between 5 adjacent the support members, the separating member is configured so that it remains orthogonal to both adjacent support members. In this configuration, and with one or more further separating members spaced along the length of the adjacent support members, both support members may be aligned in a substantially parallel manner.

In another embodiment, the free ends of the elongate body comprise a protrusion which projects into a corresponding aperture formed within the web portion of the support member. The sizing of the protrusion and the aperture may be such that a tight fit or a snap-fit results between both.

The protrusion may be aligned within the plane of the flange portion of the 15 elongate body or with the web portion of said member. In another embodiment, the protrusion may be 'T shaped (ie, portions of the protrusion being aligned in both planes).

The ends of the elongate body may each comprise a locking device arranged so that, once inserted within the aperture of the support member, the 20 device is manipulated in such a way that releases a catch which biases the support member against the respective end of the elongate body so that a secure engagement results. It will be appreciated that other ways of achieving a releasable engagement between the elongate body of the separating member and support member can be obtained that will facilitate and ensure that both members 25 remain substantially orthogonal to each other.

According to a fourth aspect there is provided a support assembly for use in a ceiling arrangement of the first aspect for supporting a plurality of ceiling panels, the support assembly comprising: more than one support member having an elongate body; the body 30 arranged along one edge thereof to releasably secure an edge portion of a ceiling panel. gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 10 In one embodiment the edge of at least one of the support members comprises a channel section configured to receive the edge portion of a ceiling panel.

In another embodiment at least one of the support members includes a pair 5 of edges arranged substantially co-planar with one another, and are configured to releasably secure an edge portion of one or more ceiling panels. In this embodiment both edges each comprise a channel section arranged to receive edge portions of respective ceiling panels.

In another embodiment of the support member, an aperture is formed 10 within the body and arranged so as to provide releasable engagement with a respective end of a separator device for placing between and joining adjacent support members so as to separate and align said members in a substantially parallel manner.

The support assembly may be suspended from a ceiling structure.

In another embodiment the elongate body of the support member further comprises second and third edges, oriented opposite and co-planar with one another, both the second and third edges being arranged to engage with a respective ceiling panel so as to releasably secure an edge portion of the panel thereby preventing the panel from being inadvertently displaced from a secured 20 position.

In one embodiment, the elongate body of the support member comprises an elongate member of generally constant cross-section along its length. The cross-sectional shape is symmetrical about a centreline which, when assembled in use, is aligned in the vertical plane. The shape of the cross-section of the elongate 25 body generally resembles an upside down "T" section having a web portion and a flange portion aligned substantially transversely thereto. A free end of the web portion defines a first free edge therealong. The flange portion comprises two oppositely disposed free ends which defines second and third respective edges. The second and third edges are formed in such a manner so as they may, 30 releasably secure an edge portion of a respective ceiling panel. In the current embodiment, the second and third edges are co-planar with one another. gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 11 In a further embodiment, the second and third edges are each provided with channel sections whereby the open side of the channel section faces in the direction of the first edge (ie, upwards when assembled with any of the arrangements of the first and second aspects). The channel section is shaped so as 5 to engage an edge portion of a ceiling panel, which itself is shaped so that, when engaged with the channel, the ceiling panel is releasably secured in position with the respective support member so that inadvertent displacement of the ceiling panel will not allow the panel to be dislodged from engagement with the respective support member.

In another embodiment, the first edge comprises regularly spaced engagement devices for engaging with a respective suspension member so as the support member may be suspended from a ceiling structure.

According to a fifth aspect there is provided a ceiling system for use with a suspension assembly, the system comprising: more than support member arranged to releasably secure a plurality of ceiling panels therebetween; one or more of the support members supported by the suspension assembly from a ceiling structure; more than one separating member according to any one of the embodiments of the third aspect, each separating member arranged so as to align adjacent support members and the ceiling panels substantially parallel with one another respectively.

For embodiments of the ceiling system of the current aspect, it will be appreciated that embodiments of both the support member and the separating member described in relation to the previous aspects may be incorporated.

According to a sixth embodiment, there is provided a suspended ceiling system comprising: a ceiling arranged according to any one of the first or second aspects, arranged to be suspended from a ceiling structure by a suspension assembly.

According to a seventh aspect there is provided a suspended ceiling system, the system comprising: gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 12 a support assembly according to any embodiment of the fourth aspect; the support assembly arranged so as to be suspended from a ceiling structure by a suspension assembly; and, more than one separating member according to any of the embodiments of 5 the third aspect; the separating members being arranged to align adjacent support members and ceiling panels substantially parallel with one another respectively.

In one embodiment the suspension assembly comprises more than one suspension member attached at one end to the ceiling structure and, at an 10 opposite end thereto, attached to a support member so as to suspend the support member from the ceiling structure. The suspension member may comprise a suspension hook.

In another configuration the suspension assembly comprises a plurality of suspension hooks arranged to suspend a plurality of support members from the 15 ceiling structure.

In one embodiment, each support member may be suspended from the ceiling using suspension members arranged at one end thereof to attach to the ceiling, and, at an opposite end, arranged to engage the support member.

For embodiments of the suspended ceiling system of the current aspect, it 20 will be appreciated that embodiments of both the support member and the separating members described in relation to the previous aspects may be incorporated.

According to an eighth aspect there is provided a method for installing a ceiling arrangement to an overhead ceiling structure, the method comprising: providing a support assembly having more than one support member each configured so as to be suspended from the overhead ceiling structure, the support members arranged relative to one another so that a plurality of ceiling panels may be releasably secured therebetween; arranging more than one separating member between adjacent 30 support members so each support member and at least one ceiling panel either side of the separating member remain substantially parallel with one another gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 13 respectively; each separating member arranged so as to engage with the support assembly while avoiding supportive contact with the panels.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of suspending the support members from a ceiling structure using more than one suspension 5 members.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises providing and installing a support assembly having more than one support members formed and arranged in accordance with any of the embodiments of the fourth aspect.

In a further embodiment, the method comprises the step of providing one 10 or more separating members in accordance with any of the embodiments of the third aspect.

The method may further comprises the step of attaching a suspension assembly to the overhead ceiling structure.

The method may further comprises the step of attaching the ceiling 15 arrangement to the suspension assembly.

In another embodiment, the method comprises the step of releasably fastening the ends of each separating member to respective support members.

The method may further comprises the step of assembling the ceiling panels between adjacent support members.

In yet another embodiment, the method may comprise the step of arranging the separating members in a 'brick' like formation within the support assembly substantially as described herein and in accordance with that shown in Figure 4. By way of example, considering a first pair of adjacent support members, separating members may be spaced along the length of the first pair of 25 adjacent support members at, for example, approximately 2.4m centres. For a second adjacent pair of support members that share a common support member with the first pair of adjacent support members, the separating members placed therebetween are each located intermediate the centres of those between the first pair of adjacent support members; or, put another way, the separating members 30 placed between the second pair of adjacent support members are spaced in a manner that is offset from those of the first pair of adjacent support members. In gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 14 this configuration, a lattice network is produced that has been found to afford favourable structural characteristics while allowing the support members to remain parallel with one another while also ensuring the ceiling panels remain parallel with one another.

With respect to any of the aspects described above, the ceiling panels may be formed having a display surface intended to be seen by an occupant of a room in which the ceiling arrangement is installed. The ceiling panels may be formed having suitable materials having favourable thermal and/or acoustic properties. The panels may comprise a tray shaped core to which insulating materials and/or 10 aesthetically pleasing indicia may be applied.

Longitudinal edge portions of the panels may be arranged to form a load bearing interface with the supporting assembly (via respective supporting members). In this embodiment, a 'tegular' edge arrangement steps up a distance adjacent to the vertical leg of the respective channel section then extends out over 15 said respective channel section. The benefit of this edge detail is to transfer panel weight evenly across the whole width of the panel and also prevents racking or distortion of the support assembly.

In one embodiment, the longitudinal edge(s) of the ceiling panel include an integrated hook system arranged to interact with respective channel sections of 20 a support member. In this arrangement, one or more hook members is/are arranged to project in a direction substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the panel. During installation, ceiling panels may be manipulated so that the one or more hook members depending therefrom may be placed within a respective channel section of the support member thereby allowing the panel to hang in 25 place under its own weight. In one embodiment, one or more of the hook members are configured so as to project into the respective channel section so that inadvertent displacement of the panel does not completely displace the hook member from the channel section unless removal of the ceiling panel is expressly desired. In this arrangement, when installed, the lowermost surface of the ceiling 30 panel sits flush with the lowermost surface of the support member thereby producing a flush 'tegular' panel interface with the supporting assembly. It will be appreciated that other forms of engagement may also be incorporated. gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 In further aspect there is provided a kit of parts for a ceiling arrangement comprising: a support assembly according to any one of the embodiments of the fourth aspect; more than one separating member according to any one of the embodiments of the third aspect.

In another embodiment, the kit of parts further comprises more than one ceiling panel. In a further embodiment the kit of parts further comprises more than one suspension device for suspending a support member from a ceiling 10 structure.

In yet a further aspect there is provided a ceiling panel comprising: a panel body bounded, at least in part, by at least two substantially parallel and opposite edges having respective edge portions each arranged so as to releasably secure with a respective support member of any of the embodiments of 15 the ceiling arrangements or suspended ceiling systems described above.

In one embodiment, the configuration of the ceiling panel may be such that, when installed, the panel(s) assist with the relative alignment of the support members and separating members.

In one embodiment, a region of the panel body may be arranged so as to be 20 recessed substantially below the edges.

Preferably, the or each edge portions may comprise one or more hook portions.

For any of the above described embodiments, the ceiling panel may be of a tegular type arrangement.

Description of the Figures Embodiments of the arrangement will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a ceiling 30 arrangement in accordance with the present invention; gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 16 Figure 2 shows a perspective view of two adjacent supporting members in accordance with the embodiment of the ceiling arrangement shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a perspective view a supporting member in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 shows a plan view of one configuration that the ceiling arrangement of Figures 1 to 3 may be arranged in when installed; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the arrangement of Figures 1 to 4 indicating where the ceiling panels are to be installed; Figure 6A shows an end view of the arrangement of Figures 1 to 5 10 indicating how the ceiling panels engage with a respective supporting members; Figure 6B shows cross section view of the arrangement shown in Figures 6A indicating how the lower edge of the separating member fits between the edges of adjacent ceiling panels; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the ceiling arrangement of Figures 1 to 15 6 with the ceiling panels in position; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the ceiling arrangement of Figures 1 to 7 with a light fitting to be substituted in place of a ceiling panel; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the ceiling arrangement of Figure 8 when viewed from below; Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a perimeter region of the ceiling arrangement of Figures 1 to 7; Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a ceiling arrangement whereby the supporting members are attached to the perimeter trim by a first attachment means; and, Figure 12 shows a perspective view of yet a further embodiment of a ceiling arrangement whereby the supporting members are attached to the perimeter trim by a second attachment means.

Detailed description gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 17 With reference to Figures 1 to 12, there is shown one embodiment of a new ceiling arrangement 2 for use in building developments such as for example, office complexes. The ceiling arrangement 2 includes a support assembly 4 arranged to releasably support one or more ceiling panels 6. The ceiling arrangement further 5 includes more than one separating members 8 arranged to be operatively associated with the support assembly 4 so as to substantially maintain respective relative alignment of the assembly 4 and the ceiling panels 6. For the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 12, the ceiling arrangement 2 is used to provide a ceiling arrangement that provides a one-way exposed ceiling with a dual 10 locking arrangement for releasably securing and aligning the ceiling panels 6, and the supporting members 10, in position. For the embodiment shown, the ceiling arrangement 2 is suspended from a ceiling structure.

The support assembly 4 broadly comprises a plurality of support members 10 each arranged so as to be spaced from one another throughout a portion of a 15 level or floor of a building. The support assembly 4 further comprises support members 16 arranged about the peripheral of the surface of a wall to support ceiling panels that lie on the periphery or edge of the ceiling arrangement 2. Such support members 16 are attached to the corresponding wall as shown in Figure 5.

Typically, the building is an office building and the ceiling arrangement 2 is 20 to be suspended from a ceiling structure (not shown) by a suspension arrangement. In this regard, the suspension arrangement generally comprises an arrangement of suspension members, such as suspension hooks 12, which engage with both a respective support member 10 and the ceiling structure in order to suspend the ceiling arrangement 2 therefrom (as shown in Figure 2). With 25 reference to Figure 3, each of the suspension hooks 12 may include engagement devices 14 that engage with a respective support member 10 so as to suspend said supporting member from the ceiling. For the embodiment shown, the suspension hooks 12 are held to the ceiling structure by units 13 that are themselves held by the ceiling structure. It will be appreciated that other methods may be used to 30 attach the suspension hooks 12 to ceiling structures.

Referring to Figure 3, the support members 10 each comprise an elongate body 18 having a generally constant cross-sectional shape identified as A. The gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 18 elongate body 18 includes a first edge 20 extending along the upper most region of the cross-sectional shape A. A second 24 and third 28 edge is formed on the opposite side (lower side) of the cross-section A to the first edge, and are both arranged so as to be symmetrical about the centreline 32 of the cross-section.

For the current embodiment, the cross-sectional shape A of the support member 10 comprises a web section 36 that is intermediate the first 20 edge and the second 24, third 28 edges. In this arrangement, cross-section A resembles an upside down 'T section and advantageously affords favourable structural and rigidity properties to the support member 10 when supporting the ceiling panels 10 6 as shown in Figure 7.

The second 24 and third 28 edges are arranged to support longitudinal end portion 6a and 6b of a respective ceiling panel 6 as shown in Figure 6A. Both the second 24 and third 28 edges each comprise a channel section whereby the open side of the section faces substantially upward toward the first edge 20. The 15 channel section of the second 24 and third 28 edges is arranged so that, when the longitudinal edge portions 6a, 6b of the ceiling panel 6 is placed therein, said edge portions are releasably secured in place so that any inadvertent displacement of the ceiling panel 6 does not result in the panel being dislodged from engagement with a respective support member 10.

For the embodiment shown in the Figures, the longitudinal edge portions 6a,6b of the panels 6 form a load bearing interface with the supporting assembly (via respective supporting members 10). In this embodiment, a 'tegular' edge arrangement 29a,29b (hereinafter '29') steps up a distance (for example approximately 9 5mm for the embodiment shown in Figure 6) adjacent to the 25 vertical leg of the respective channel section 24,28, then extends out over said respective channel section. The benefit of this edge (29) detail is to transfer panel weight evenly across the whole width of the panel and also prevents racking or distortion of support assembly.

With reference to Figure 6, for the embodiment shown, the longitudinal 30 edge portions 6a,6b of the ceiling panel 6 includes an integrated hook system and arranged in such a manner so that the panel 6 is manipulated so that one or more hook members 27a,27b depending therefrom may be placed within a respective gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 19 channel section 24,28 of the support member 10 thereby allowing the panel to hang in place under its own weight. For the embodiment shown, the hook members 27a,27b (hereinafter '27') are configured so as to project into the respective channel section so that any inadvertent displacement of the panel 6 5 does not completely displace the hook member from the respective channel section unless removal of the ceiling panel is expressly desired. In this arrangement, when installed, the lowermost surface of the ceiling panel 6 sits flush with the lowermost surface of the support member 10 thereby producing a flush tegular panel interface with the supporting assembly.

The hook members 27 may be formed integral with the ceiling panel 6 or may be formed separately and fastened to the ceiling panel using any known fastening arrangements, such as for example nut and bolt, clip-on, push-fit or adhesive arrangements. It will be appreciated that other forms of engagement between the ceiling panels 6 and the support member 10 may also be 15 incorporated.

The web portion 36 of a respective support member 10 is formed having a substantially straight section that comprises grooved channels 43, 43', either side of the web portion 36. Channels 43, 43' allow a complimentary shaped protrusion to slide therein when the support member 10 is to locate against a support 20 member 16 that attaches to a wall to define the perimeter support of the ceiling arrangement 2 (shown in Figures 11 and 12). It will be appreciated that other engagement means may be employed to establish a connection between support members 10 and 16 having sufficient integrity for deriving benefit from the embodiment of the ceiling arrangement 2 shown.

The engagement devices 14 of the suspension hooks 12 may be integrally formed with the suspension hooks 12 or comprise separate components that attach to the end of each suspension hook. For the embodiment shown in the Figures, the engagement device 14 is an attachment that connects to the lowermost end of the suspension hook 12. The first edge 20 of the support 30 member 10 is formed having a tapering section 40 whereby a catch 42 (identified in Figure 3) is formed on the largest dimensioned side so as to be caught and held by an end 44 of the engagement device 14 as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 6. The gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 end 44 of the engagement device 14 is arranged having opposing fingers which may be manipulated away from each other so as to surround the catch 42, but when released, come together to engage the catch 42 (and thus the edge 20) thereby holding the first edge 20 therebetween.

As shown in the Figures (notably Figure 6), the separating member 8 comprises an elongate body 58 of constant cross-section B. The elongate body 58 is arranged at ends 8a, 8b so as to be releasably engageable with a respective support member 10. For the embodiment shown in the Figures, ends 6a, 6b of the separating member 8 engage with the web portions 36 of respective adjacent 10 support members 10 so that the separating member 8 can not become dislodged by inadvertent displacement thereof. In this regard, the engagement between the ends 6a, 6b of the separating member 8 and the respective adjacent support members 10 is to ensure the (adjacent) support members 10 are separated or spaced from one another at a desired distance, and, when further separating 15 members 8 are placed at spaced locations along the adjacent support members 10, ensures that the support members 10 remain substantially parallel with one another.

The ends 6a, 6b of the separating member 8 are, in the embodiment shown, arranged having a protrusion 60 that is shaped so as to engage a corresponding 20 aperture 63 (shown in Figure 11) formed within the web portion 36 of the elongate body 18 of the support member 10. For the embodiment shown, the sizing of the protrusion 60 and the respective aperture is such that a tight-fit or a snap-fit results thereby minimising the risk of dislodgement due to inadvertent displacement of the separating member 8. In one embodiment, the protrusion 25 may be aligned within the plane of the flange portion of the elongate body or with the web portion of said member. In another embodiment, the protrusion may be 'T' shaped.

In another embodiment, the ends of the elongate body 58 of the separating member 8 may each comprise a locking device arranged so that, once inserted 30 within the aperture of a respective support member, the device is manipulated in such a way that releases a catch which biases the support member 10 against the respective end of the elongate body 58 of the separating member. It will be gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 21 appreciated that other ways of achieving a releasable engagement between the elongate body 58 of the separating member 8 and support member 10 can be obtained that will facilitate and ensure that both members remain substantially engaged and substantially orthogonal to each other.

As shown in Figure 4, the cross section B of the separating member 8 resembles a regular T section whereby the flange portion 50 is oriented upwards and the web portion 54 extends downwards. As with that of the support member 10, the cross section B of the separating member 8 affords favourable structural rigidity so that the section can withstand sufficient compression and bending loads 10 borne by the support assembly 4 when loaded with the ceiling panels 6. A benefit of this arrangement is that alignment of both the support members 10 and the ceiling panels 6 is consistent throughout the assembly when installed. In this regard, the ceiling arrangement 2 provides that the support members 10 remain substantially parallel with one another and that the ceiling panels 6 remain 15 substantially parallel with one another.

With reference to Figure 4, in one embodiment of the arrangement 2, the separating members 8 are arranged relative to the support members 10 so that a 'brick' type formation is resembled. For example, considering a first pair of adjacent support members 10 and 10', separating members 8, 8' may be spaced 20 along the length of the first pair 10, 10' at, for example, approximately 2.4m centres. For a second adjacent pair of support members 10', 10" that share a common support member (10') with the first pair of adjacent support members, separating members 8", 8'" placed therebetween are each located intermediate the centres of separating members 8,8' placed between the first pair of adjacent 25 support members 10,10'; or, put another way, the separating members placed between the second pair of adjacent support members are spaced in a manner that is offset from those separating members separating the first pair of adjacent support members.

In this configuration, a grid or lattice network is produced that has been 30 found to conveniently afford favourable structural rigidity characteristics to the ceiling arrangement 2 that allows the support members 10 to remain substantially parallel with one another while also ensuring the ceiling panels 6 remain gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 22 substantially parallel with one another (by way of the separating members), number of separating members 8 required. It will be appreciated that many other grid or lattice type arrangements may be possible.

The ceiling arrangement 2 is installed by providing an arrangement of 5 support members 10 above the desired floor area to be covered.

For the edge regions of the ceiling arrangement 2, support members 16 may be appropriately prepared so that they comprise an outwardly facing edging that receive an edge portion 6a or 6b of a ceiling panel 6. For support members 16 that are parallel to the longitudinal direction of a given ceiling panel 6, the 10 edging may be capable of receiving a portion of a longitudinal edge of the ceiling panel 6 or may merely be arranged so that said longitudinal edge of the ceiling panel sits up flush against the support member 16 (shown in Figures 8 to 10.

The separating members 8 are installed and secured in the desired configuration followed by the ceiling panels 6 being loaded in position. It will be 15 appreciated that securing of the separating member ends 8a, 8b to the respective support members 10 may also be achieved by the use of simple nut and bolt arrangements or other fastening systems known in the art.

During installation, the separating members 8 are positioned between adjacent support members 10 so that the protrusions 60 extend outward from the 20 ends of the separating member 8 to engage the apertures 63 (shown in Figure 11) formed within respective web portions 36 of the support members 10. The apertures 63 are located within the web portion 36 so that, when the separating members 10 are installed, at least a portion of the lowermost edge 62 of the separating member 8 resides intermediate or between two adjacent ceiling panels 25 6 as shown in Figure 6B. When the separating members 8 are placed at regular intervals along adjacent support members 10, interaction of the lowermost edge 62 of the separating member 8 ensures that ceiling panels 6 adjacent thereto remain parallel with one another and minimise the risk of the propagation of any misalignment or skew of the ceiling panels 6 along the length of the support 30 members 10. For example, one can imagine that a small misalignment at one end of a support member 10 has the potential to propagate to become noticeable at the opposite end. gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 23 For the case where the ceiling arrangement 2 is suspended, the suspension hooks 12 may each be attached at one end to a ceiling structure using unit 13. The ceiling structure may be a separate lattice or similar arrangement of support members capable of bearing sufficient load. Alternatively, the ceiling structure 5 may be the actual ceiling of a floor of a commercial office building (typically formed of concrete) and therefore the suspension hooks 12 may attach thereto using specific fasteners such as concrete bolts that are placed into the concrete leaving a contact point for the suspension hook 12 to engage and depend therefrom. The suspension hooks 12 are attached to the contact point, and the 10 engagement device 14 attached to the lowermost end of the suspension hook 12. The remaining end 44 of the engagement device 14 are manipulated about the first edge 20 of the support member 10. For the most part, the suspension hooks 12 are off the shelf components that will most likely be familiar to those skilled in the art.

Figure 5 shows a pair of adjacent support members 10 with separating members 8 installed prior to the ceiling panels being assembled in position.

Figure 7 shows the ceiling arrangement 2 shown in Figure 5 with the ceiling panels 6 in position.

Figure 8 shows the same ceiling arrangement as that of Figure 7, however, 20 one ceiling panel 6 has been replaced with a lighting fixture 70 thereby illustrating the ease by which the arrangement 2 can be used to accommodate other fixtures if required.

Figure 10 shows a corner section of the ceiling arrangement 2 that is on the perimeter of the arrangement. Support members 16 are arranged so as to line 25 the adjacent walls so as to support respective regions of the ceiling panels with support member 10.

Figure 11 shows the ceiling arrangement 2 where the suspension hooks 12 are configured to be attached to an arrangement of tracks 75 that, themselves, depend from a ceiling structure thereby demonstrating the ease by which the 30 ceiling arrangement 2 may be adapted to work with different suspension arrangements. gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 24 For the arrangement shown in Figure 11, the support members 10 are each arranged at one end to engage with a male plug 78 that extends from the support member 16 provided at the adjacent wall. In this embodiment, the male plug 78 is received by the end of the support member 10 so as to facilitate a secure 5 engagement therewith. For the embodiment shown, the web portion 36 of the support member 10 is formed having a shape that complements the shape of the plug 78. As such, when engaged with the end of the support member 10, as shown in Figure 12, the plug 78 slides within the grooved channels 43, 43' that are defined either side of the web portion 36 of the support member 10.

In another embodiment, the web portion 36 of the supporting member 10 may be provided with an internal cavity that accommodates the plug 78, or, the plug may be fastened to either side of the web portion 36 using a fastening system such as for example, a nut and bolt arrangement. Other fastening arrangements or methods may be readily known to one skilled in the art for securing the plug 78 to the end of the supporting member 10.

The word 'comprising' and forms of the word 'comprising' as used herein, and in the claims, do not limit aspects or embodiments of the invention claimed to exclude any variants or additions. Modifications and improvements to aspects and embodiments of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this invention. gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639

Claims (63)

Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 25 The claims:

1. A ceiling arrangement for use with an overhead ceiling structure, the ceiling arrangement including: a support assembly comprising more than one support members each configured so as to be suspended from the overhead ceiling structure, the support members arranged relative to one another so that one or more ceiling panels may be releasably secured thereto; a plurality of separating members, each separating member operatively associated with the support assembly; each separating member arranged so as to engage with the support assembly while avoiding supportive contact with the panels; the separating members arranged relative to the support assembly so as to substantially maintain relative alignment of the support assembly and the ceiling panels.

2. A ceiling arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the separating members are arranged so that the support members remain substantially parallel with one another.

3. A ceiling arrangement according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein one or more of the separating members comprise an elongate body arranged at opposite ends thereof to releasably engage with a respective support member.

4. A ceiling arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the separating member is arranged along its length so that, when said separating member is assembled between adjacent support members, one or more ceiling panels either side of the separating member remain substantially parallel with one another.

5. A ceiling arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the separating member includes an edge arranged so that, when said member is assembled between adjacent support members, at least a portion of the edge is substantially intermediate adjacent ceiling panels. gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 26

6. A ceiling arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each support member is configured along at least one edge thereof to releasably secure an edge portion of one or more ceiling panels.

7. A ceiling arrangement according claim 6, wherein the edge of the or each support member comprises a channel section configured for receiving the edge portion of one or more ceiling panels.

8. A ceiling arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one support member comprises two edges arranged opposite and parallel with one another, and configured to releasably secure an edge portion of one or more ceiling panels thereto.

9. A ceiling arrangement according to claim 8, wherein both parallel edges each comprise a channel section arranged to receive an edge portion of respective ceiling panels.

10. A ceiling arrangement according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the open side of the or each channel section is upwardly facing when the support member is assembled within the ceiling arrangement.

11. A ceiling arrangement according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the edge portions of the ceiling panels include one or more hook members; and wherein the or each respective channel sections are arranged so as to receive the or each hook member.

12. A ceiling arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an aperture is formed within at least one support member and arranged so as to provide a releasable engagement with an end of a separating member.

13. A ceiling arrangement according to claim 12, wherein each end of the separating member comprises a protrusion so as to provide a releasable engagement with the aperture of the support member.

14. A ceiling arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement between the ends of the separating member and the respective support member is a press-fit engagement. gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 27

15. A ceiling arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement between the ends of the or each separating member and the respective support member is a snap-fit engagement.

16. A ceiling arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the separating member comprises a biasing mechanism that, when assembled to adjacent support members, biases the separating member thereto.

17. A ceiling arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arrangement is suspended from a ceiling structure.

18. A ceiling arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support assembly is suspended from a ceiling structure using an arrangement of suspension members, more than one of the suspension members each arranged at one end thereof to attach to the ceiling structure for suspending the support assembly therefrom.

19- A ceiling arrangement for use with an overhead ceiling structure, the ceiling arrangement including: more than one support members each configured so as to be suspended from the overhead ceiling structure, the support members arranged relative to one another so that one or more ceiling panels may be releasably secured therebetween; more than one separating member arranged so as to engage with a respective support member while avoiding supportive contact with the panels; the separating member arranged to separate and align adjacent support members and ceiling panels substantially parallel with one another respectively.

20. A ceiling arrangement according to claim 19, wherein the separating member comprises an elongate body arranged at opposite ends thereof to releasably engage respective support members.

21. A ceiling arrangement according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the separating member is arranged along its length so that, when the separating gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 28 member is assembled between adjacent support members, one or more ceiling panels either side of the separating member remain substantially parallel with one another.

22. A ceiling arrangement according to claim 19 or claim 20 wherein the separating member includes an edge arranged so that, when said member is assembled between adjacent support members, at least a portion of the edge lies intermediate adjacent ceiling panels.

23. A ceiling arrangement according to any of claims 19 to 22 wherein the edge of the support member comprises a channel section configured to receive an edge portion of the one or more respective ceiling panels.

24. A ceiling arrangement according to any of claims 19 to 23 wherein at least one support member comprises two edges arranged opposite and parallel with one another, and configured to releasably secure an edge portion of one or more respective ceiling panels thereto.

25. A ceiling arrangement according to claim 24 wherein both parallel edges each comprise a channel section configured to releasably secure an edge portion of one or more respective ceiling panels thereto.

26. A ceiling arrangement according to claims 23 to 25 wherein the open side of the channel section is upwardly facing when said support member is assembled within the arrangement.

27. A ceiling arrangement according to any of the preceding claims wherein the arrangement is suspended from a ceiling structure.

28. A separating member for use with a ceiling arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 27, the separating member including: an elongate body having opposite ends each configured to releasably engage with and separate respective support members from one another in a substantially parallel formation.

29. A separating member according to claim 28, wherein the separating member is arranged along its length so that, when said separating member is assembled between adjacent support members, one or more ceiling gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 29 panels either side of the separating member remain substantially parallel with one another.

30. A separating member according to claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the separating member includes an edge arranged so that, when said member is assembled between adjacent support members, at least a portion of the edge lies intermediate adjacent ceiling panels.

31. A separating member according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein an end of the separating member comprises a protrusion for providing releasable engagement with a respective support member.

32. A separating member according to any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the elongate body is of substantially constant cross-section along its length.

33. A separating member according to any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein the elongate body is of a substantially constant cross-section resembling a 'T' section.

34. A separating member according to any one of claims 28 to 33, and further comprising a biasing mechanism that, when said member is assembled to adjacent support members, biases said separating member thereto.

35. A support assembly for use with a ceiling arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 27, the support assembly comprising: more than one support member having an elongate body, the body arranged along one edge thereof to releasably secure an edge portion of a ceiling panel.

36. A support assembly according to claim 35, wherein an edge of at least one of the support members comprises a channel section configured to receive the edge portion of a ceiling panel.

37. A support assembly according to claim 35 or 36, wherein at least one of the support members comprises two edges arranged substantially co-planar one another, and are configured to releasably secure an edge portion of one or more ceiling panels. gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 30

38. A support assembly according to claim 37, wherein both edges each comprise a channel section arranged to receive edge portions of respective ceiling panels.

39- A support assembly according to any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein an aperture is formed within the body and arranged so as to provide releasable engagement with an end of a separator device for placing between adjacent support members so as to separate and align said members in a substantially parallel manner.

40. A support assembly according to any one of claims 35 to 39, wherein the assembly is suspended from a ceiling structure.

41. A suspended ceiling system comprising: a ceiling arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 16, or, any one of claims 19 to 27 arranged to be suspended from a ceiling structure by a suspension assembly.

42. A suspended ceiling system according to claim 41, wherein the suspension assembly comprises more than one suspension members attached at one end to the ceiling structure and, at an opposite end thereto, attached to the support member so as to suspend the support member from the ceiling structure.

43. A suspended ceiling system according to any one of claims 41 or 42, wherein the suspension member is a suspension hook.

44. A suspended ceiling system according to claim 43, wherein the suspension assembly comprises a plurality of suspension hooks arranged to suspend the plurality of support members from the ceiling structure.

45. A ceiling arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 27, or, a support assembly according to any one of claims 35 to 40, or, a suspended ceiling system according to any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein the ceiling panels comprise one or more hook members arranged so as to be received by an adjacent support member for suspending said panels therefrom.

46. A method for installing a ceiling arrangement to an overhead ceiling structure, the method comprising: gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 31 providing a support assembly having more than one support members each configured so as to be suspended from the overhead ceiling structure, the support members arranged relative to one another so that a plurality of ceiling panels may be releasably secured therebetween; arranging more than one separating member between adjacent support members so each support member and at least one ceiling panel either side of the separating member remain substantially parallel with one another respectively; each separating member arranged so as to engage with the support assembly while avoiding supportive contact with the panels.

47. A method according to claim 46, wherein the support assembly is one in accordance with any one of claims 35 to 40.

48. A method according to claim 46 or claim 47, wherein one or more of the separating members are in accordance with any one of claims 28 to 34.

49- A method according to any one of claims 46 to 48, and further comprising the step of attaching a suspension assembly to the overhead ceiling structure.

50. A method according to any one of claims 46 to 49, and further comprising the step of attaching the ceiling arrangement to the suspension assembly.

51. A ceiling panel comprising: a panel body bounded, at least in part, by at least two substantially parallel and opposite edges having respective edge portions each arranged so as to releasably secure with a respective support member of a ceiling arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 27, or a suspended ceiling system according to any one of claims 41 to 44.

52. A ceiling panel according to claim 51, wherein a region of the panel body is arranged so as to be recessed substantially below the edges.

53. A ceiling panel according to any one of claims 51 to 52, wherein the or each edge portion comprises one or more hook portions.

54. A ceiling panel according to any one of claims 51 to 53, wherein the ceiling panel is a tegular type arrangement. gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639 Received at IPONZ on 31 January 2011 32

55. A kit of parts for a ceiling arrangement comprising: a support assembly according to any one of claims 35 to 40; more than one separating member according to any one of claims 28 to 34. 5

56. The kit of parts according to claim 51, and further comprising at least one ceiling panel according to any one of claims 51 to 54.

57. The kit of parts according to claim 55 or claim 56, and further comprising more than one suspension member for suspending a support member from a ceiling structure. 10

58. A ceiling arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to any one of the accompanying Figures.

59- A suspended ceiling system substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to any one of the accompanying Figures.

60. A separating member substantially as hereinbefore described and with 15 reference to any one of the accompanying Figures.

61. A support assembly substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to any one of the accompanying Figures.

62. A ceiling panel substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to any one of the accompanying Figures. 20

63. A kit of parts substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to any one of the accompanying Figures. gvhm A0112827375v3 306205639