Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
  • E04B9/30—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation characterised by edge details of the ceiling; e.g. securing to an adjacent wall
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
  • E04B9/04—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation comprising slabs, panels, sheets or the like
  • E04B9/0435—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation comprising slabs, panels, sheets or the like having connection means at the edges
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
  • E04B9/06—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation characterised by constructional features of the supporting construction, e.g. cross section or material of framework members
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
  • E04B9/22—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction
  • E04B9/24—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction with the slabs, panels, sheets or the like positioned on the upperside of, or held against the underside of the horizontal flanges of the supporting construction or accessory means connected thereto
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
  • E04B9/22—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction
  • E04B9/28—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction with the slabs, panels, sheets or the like having grooves engaging with horizontal flanges of the supporting construction or accessory means connected thereto
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
  • E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
  • E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
  • E04F13/21—Fastening means specially adapted for covering or lining elements
  • E04F13/24—Hidden fastening means on the rear of the covering or lining elements
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
  • E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
  • E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
  • E04F13/21—Fastening means specially adapted for covering or lining elements
  • E04F13/26—Edge engaging fastening means, e.g. clamps, clips or border profiles

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a suspended ceiling. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved suspended ceiling comprising a ceiling tile and supporting structure and a method for installing the ceiling tile in the supporting structure. The present invention also relates to an improved ceiling tile for a suspended ceiling.
• a suspended ceiling in a room or in another accommodation may serve a variety of purposes.
• One purpose of having a suspended ceiling may be to conceal an underside of a space, such as another room, which is located above the room.
• Another purpose may be to provide an improved noise absorption and/or noise attenuation in and outside of the room.
• the resulting plenum space located between the suspended ceiling and a main ceiling of the room may further be utilized to accommodate e.g. wiring, piping, as well as devices related to heating, ventilation and air condition.
• the suspended ceiling consists of a plurality of ceiling panels which are fitted into a supporting grid, comprising inverted T-profiles, which is mounted in the main ceiling.
• a supporting grid comprising inverted T-profiles
• a displacement of a ceiling panel may be induced by a sudden change of air pressure in the room, for instance when a door connected to the room is abruptly opened or closed.
• the displacement may occur when a force is applied to the ceiling panel from below, which may happen, for example, during a cleaning process of the ceiling panel.
• EP0979908 wherein certain spring arrangements have been used.
• so-called hold-down clips mounted on the back sides of the ceiling panels may be utilized to spring arrangements or hold-down clips, are concealed in an assembled state.
• the external locking devices may destroy parts keep the ceiling panels in place.
• these external locking devices, such as spring arrangements or hold-down clips are concealed in an assembled state.
• the external locking devices may destroy parts of the ceiling tile, due to the ceiling tile being porous and consequently fragile.
• US 2318092 and NL 101 1 196 each discloses a suspended ceiling comprising rectangular ceiling tiles supported by a grid of profiles forming frames engaging the tiles on all four sides.
• a further object of the present invention is to provide an improved ceiling tile which is adapted to be mounted in the inventive suspended ceiling according to the above.
• a suspended ceiling comprising a ceiling tile and a grid of profiles forming a frame which supports the ceiling tile.
• the ceiling tile has a first and a second pair of non-adjacent side-edge portions, wherein the grid of profiles engage from below with the first pair of side-edge portions, and wherein the grid of profiles engage from above with the second pair of side-edge portions.
• the grid of profiles engages with said first and second pair of side-edge portions such that a clamping action that counteracts lateral displacement of the ceiling tile is provided.
• An advantage of the present inventive concept is that the ceiling tile is prevented from getting displaced in a vertical direction. By means of the engagement from above as well as from below, a vertical displacement of the ceiling tile is prevented.
• a portion of the grid of profiles may engage from below with the first pair of side-edge portions of the ceiling tile while another portion of the grid of profiles may engage from above with the second side- edge portions of the ceiling tile.
• a side-edge portion of the ceiling tile may be a part of an underside of the ceiling tile, a part of an upper side of the ceiling tile, a groove or cavity provided in a side portion of the ceiling tile, a protrusion provided in a side portion of the ceiling tile, etc.
• any external locking devices such as spring arrangements or hold-down clips, in order to further secure the ceiling tile.
• a further advantage of the present inventive concept is that the ceiling tile is easy to mount. More specifically, the ceiling tile may be mounted by performing a series of acts which are described below in relation to the second aspect of the invention.
• a further advantage of the present inventive concept is that it is unnecessary to lift the ceiling tile above the grid of profiles during mounting, thereby making the mounting process easier. Thereby, a smaller vertical extension of the plenum space may be needed in order to mount the ceiling tile which, for instance, may result in more available headroom in the room.
• the ceiling tile also is easily demountable. For example, this property may make it easer to access the plenum space when needed. In particular, there is no need for a separate entrance chamber in the ceiling for accessing the plenum space, since any part of the suspended ceiling comprising the inventive ceiling tiles is equally accessible. Thus, in a mounted state the ceiling tiles comprised in the inventive suspended ceiling are more efficiently prevented from involuntary
• the ceiling tile is kept fixed in a lateral position, being restrained by friction.
• the clamping action is such that the ceiling tile is kept fixed at least in a first lateral direction. More preferably, the clamping action is such that the ceiling tile is kept fixed in two perpendicular lateral directions.
• the grid of profiles engages with the first and second pair of side-edge portions under elastical deformation of the latter.
• an elastical deformation of an object with a given original shape, which is not deformed is meant a moderate deformation or bending of the object such that it essentially assumes its original undeformed shape when the deformation action or bending is ceased.
• the ceiling tile may be more easily mounted, since it may be bent, to a larger or lesser extent, into position. Another advantage of this embodiment is that a mounted ceiling tile may be demounted and then mounted again without appreciably destroying the ceiling tile.
• the grid of profiles engages with the first and second pair of side-edge portions under inelastical deformation of the latter.
• the ceiling tile After the inelastical deformation, the ceiling tile does not assume its original undeformed shape. After a demounting of this ceiling tile, it may be replaced by another ceiling tile. Optionally, parts of the ceiling tile may be reused.
• the grid of profiles may engage with the first and second pair of side-edge portions under elastical deformation of the grid of profiles, or more specifically, elastical deformation of flanges provided in the profiles.
• the grid of profiles may engage with the first and second pair of side-edge portions under elastical deformation of the grid of profiles as well as under elastic deformation of the first and second pair of side-edge portions the ceiling tile.
• the first pair of side-edge portions comprises a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein a first groove is provided in and extending along the first side edge, and wherein a second groove is provided in and extending along the second side edge.
• a depth of the first groove is larger than a depth of the second groove and, moreover, the grid of profiles comprises a first and a second flange which are received by the first and second grooves, respectively.
• the grid of profiles may engage from below with at least a portion of the first and second grooves.
• An advantage of providing the ceiling tile with grooves is that the positioning of the ceiling tile is further improved, at least in one lateral direction.
• a portion of the grid of profiles may also engage from above with at least a portion of the first or second groove.
• the flanges may more easily be inserted into the respective groove allowing for a simpler mounting.
• an installation of the ceiling tile from below the suspended ceiling is admitted.
• a smaller plenum space may be needed for installing the ceiling tile which may result in, for instance, more headroom in the room.
• Another advantage of providing the ceiling tile with grooves is that the ceiling tile may be inserted into a part of the grid of profiles and may thereby conceal at least part of the grid of profiles.
• the engagement between the grid of profiles and the first pair of side-edge portions occurs between the first and second flange and an upper engagement surface associated with the first and second groove, respectively.
• the engagement may occur at a respective upper portion of the first and second flanges.
• the upper engagement surface of each groove may be a portion of an area formed by the groove.
• the first groove may give rise to two oppositely arranged walls; the upper engagement surface of the first groove may be one of these walls. Analogous remarks holds for the second groove.
• the surface profile of the upper engagement surface may be flat, stepwise flat, stepwise curved, etc.
• the upper engagement surface of the first groove is stepped.
• the step may be such that a width of the groove is smaller at a large depth of the groove than a width at a small depth of the same.
• the step may be such that a lateral displacement may be prevented.
• a first and a second depth in the first groove the first depth may substantially correspond to the depth of the second groove while the second depth may be larger than the depth of the second groove.
• the grid of profiles may engage with the second depth of the groove when installing the ceiling tile and with the second depth of the groove when the ceiling tile is mounted and aligned in a proper position.
• a further advantage is that a lateral displacement of the ceiling tile may be prevented, in spite of there being a deeper portion of the first groove.
• a very specific combination of vertical and horizontal forces at various suitable locations at a front surface of the ceiling tile needs to be applied.
• an upper engagement surface of the second groove is stepped.
• the depth of the second groove may be equal to a depth of the first groove.
• the width of the groove may be stepwise constant.
• a portion of the stepped profiles which is arranged to engage with the grid of profiles may comprise a material having larger friction against the grid of profiles than other portions of the ceiling tile.
• the second pair of side-edge portions comprises a third side edge and a fourth side edge, wherein a first stepped profile is provided in and extending along the third side edge for forming a step in a back surface of the ceiling tile, and wherein a second stepped profile is provided in and extending along the fourth side edge for forming a step in the back surface.
• the grid of profiles comprises a third and a fourth flange received by the first and second stepped profiles, respectively.
• a first pair of profiles comprised in the grid of profiles may engage from below with the first and second grooves, while a second pair of profiles may engage from above with the stepped profiles provided in the ceiling tile, the first and second pair of profiles being situated at the same height.
• a further advantage of providing the ceiling tile with stepped profiles is that the positioning of the ceiling tile is further improved, at least in one lateral direction. Together with the grooves according to the embodiment above, the positioning of the ceiling tile is improved in two lateral directions.
• each lower engagement surface has a surface profile with substantially corresponds to a surface profile of an associated area of the flange in which the engagement occurs.
• the surface profile of the lower engagement surface may be flat, stepwise flat, stepwise curved, etc.
• the grid of profiles comprises a plurality of inverted T-profiles.
• the first and second flange may be provided on two separate inverted T-profiles.
• the grid of profiles may comprise a metallic material, such as steel or a sheet metal.
• the grid of profiles may comprise a light-weight material, for example a light metal such as aluminum.
• the grid of profiles may comprise at least one of an L-profile, an H-profile, an l-profile and a Z-profile.
• the ceiling tile is rectangular.
• the ceiling tile is quadratic, each side edge having equal extensions.
• the first pair of non-adjacent side- edge portions comprises two opposing side edges having a first extension and the second pair of non-adjacent side-edge portions comprises the other two opposing side edges of the rectangle having a second extension.
• the ceiling tile comprises an elastically deformable material.
• the ceiling tile comprises compressed fibre material.
• the compressed fibre material may be mineral wool such as rock wool or, especially, glass wool.
• the suspended ceiling further comprises a plurality of ceiling tiles of the type according to any of the embodiments described in the above.
• the plurality of ceiling tiles may have varying dimensions. For example, a ceiling tile adjacent to a corner or a wall may be smaller than a ceiling tile which is not.
• a method for mounting a suspended ceiling comprises the acts of providing a grid of profiles, and a ceiling tile, and installing the ceiling tile in a frame of said grid of profiles, wherein the ceiling tile has a first and a second pair of non-adjacent side-edge portions.
• the act of installing the ceiling tile comprises: arranging the ceiling tile in an inclined position and directing a first side edge of the first pair of side-edge portions towards a first flange of the frame; inserting, by relative displacement of the ceiling tile and the grid of profiles, the first flange into a first groove of the ceiling tile provided along the first side edge to such an extent that a second side edge of the first pair of side-edge portions clears a second flange of the frame, whereby the first flange engages from below with an upper engagement surface associated with the first groove; arranging the ceiling tile in an horizontal position and aligning a second groove of the ceiling tile provided along the second side edge with the second flange, such that a third and a fourth flange of the frame engage from above with a third and a fourth side edge, respectively, of the second pair of side-edge portions, the first flange continuing to engage from below with the upper engagement surface associated with the first groove; displacing the ceiling tile towards the second flange, the first, third and fourth flange continuing
• the act of providing a ceiling tile further comprises providing a ceiling tile in which said upper engagement surface of said first groove is stepped.
• a first stepped profile is provided in and extending along the third side edge for forming a step in a back surface of the ceiling tile
• a second stepped profile is provided in and extending along the fourth side edge for forming a step in the back surface.
• the third and fourth flanges comprised in the grid of profiles engage with the first and second stepped profiles, respectively.
• the grid of profiles engages with the first and second pair of side-edge portions under elastical deformation of the latter.
• the ceiling tile may be mounted in a preassembled grid of profiles.
• a ceiling tile for a suspended ceiling.
• the ceiling tile is arranged to be supported by flanges of a grid of profiles, where the flanges have a thickness T.
• the ceiling tile has a front surface, a back surface and a first and a second pair of non- adjacent side-edge portions, wherein each side-edge portion of the first pair comprises an upper engagement surface faced in the same direction as the front surface and each side-edge portion of the second pair comprises a lower engagement surface faced in the same direction as the back surface.
• the ceiling tile may be mounted in a suspended ceiling comprising a supporting structure in the form of a grid of profiles.
• the upper and lower engagement surfaces may engage with the flanges. This engagement may occur by means of a clamping action that counteracts lateral displacement of the ceiling tile.
• the engagement may also occur under elastical deformation of the first and second pair of side-edge portions.
• At least one of the upper engagement surfaces may be compressed.
• the first pair of side-edge portions comprises a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein a first groove is provided in and extending along the first side edge and wherein a second groove is provided in and extending along the second side edge.
• the first and the second groove may be provided between the front surface and the back surface.
• a depth of the first groove may be larger than a depth of the second groove.
• the upper engagement surfaces comprised in the first pair of side-edge portions may be arranged in the first and second groove.
• the upper engagement surface of the first groove is stepped.
• the step may be such that a width of the groove is smaller at a large depth of the groove than a width at a small depth of the same.
• the step may be such that a lateral displacement may be prevented.
• the second pair of side-edge portions comprises a third side edge and a fourth side edge, wherein a first stepped profile is provided in and extending along the third side edge for forming a step in a back surface of the ceiling tile, and wherein a second stepped profile is provided in and extending along the fourth side edge for forming a step in the back surface.
• the lower engagement surfaces may be arranged in the third and fourth stepped profiles.
• the ceiling tile is rectangular. In one example, the ceiling tile is quadratic, each side edge having equal extensions. According to one embodiment, the ceiling tile comprises an elastically deformable material. According to another embodiment, the ceiling tile comprises compressed fibre material.
• the compressed fibre material may be mineral wool such as rock wool or, especially, glass wool.
• At least one of the lower or upper engagement surfaces has an undulating or irregular shape, the engagement surfaces thereby being arranged at a varying distance from the front surface.
• the undulating or irregular shape may be wave shaped, sawtooth shaped, etc.
• the distance between an engagement surface and the front surface When the distance between an engagement surface and the front surface is varying, the distance may have a maximal magnitude and a minimal magnitude. The distance may be measured normal to the front surface.
• the concept of distance may be defined as follows.
• the distance between the engagement surface and the front surface is defined to be the maximal magnitude of the distance.
• the distance between the engagement surface and the front surface is defined to be the minimal magnitude of the distance.
• the distance between the engagement surface and the front surface is defined to be an average distance between the front surface and the engagement surface which is arranged at a varying distance from the front surface.
• the profiles comprised in the grid of profiles may have any shape and cross sections.
• the profiles comprise inverted T-profiles.
• the grid of profiles may comprise flanges which are situated at different heights.
• Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an embodiment of the inventive suspended ceiling comprising a plurality of ceiling tiles and a grid of T-profiles.
• Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a two side edges and a back surface of one of the ceiling tiles shown in Fig. 1 .
• Fig. 3a is a cross-sectional side view of two ceiling tiles of the type shown in Fig. 2 along the lines A-A and C-C as mounted into an inverted T- profile.
• Fig. 3b is a cross-sectional side view of two ceiling tiles of the type shown in Fig. 2 along the lines B-B and D-D as mounted into an inverted T- profile.
• Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b illustrate cross-sectional side views of an alternative embodiment of one of the ceiling tiles shown in Fig. 1 as mounted into a pair of inverted T-profiles.
• Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating yet an alternative embodiment of one of the ceiling tiles shown in Fig. 1 .
• Figs. 6a-c are cross-sectional side views of the ceiling tile of the type shown in Fig. 5 along the lines A1 -A2, B1 -B1 and C1 -C1 , respectively, as mounted into a pair of inverted T-profiles.
• Fig. 7a-c schematically illustrates an embodiment of a method for mounting a suspended ceiling according to the present inventive concept.
• Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the inventive suspended ceiling 100 comprising a plurality of ceiling tiles 120, 122 and a grid of profiles 1 10, 1 12, as seen obliquely from above.
• the suspended ceiling 100 is adapted to be mounted underneath a main ceiling of a room or another accommodation, thereby forming a two-dimensional visible ceiling surface as seen from below.
• the grid of profiles 1 10, 1 12 comprised in the suspended ceiling 100 is preferably at least partly
• the grid of profiles 1 10, 1 12 is concealed in one direction of the suspended ceiling 100 and exposed in the other direction. In another example, the grid of profiles 1 10, 1 12 is concealed in both directions of the suspended ceiling 100.
• the grid of profiles 1 10, 1 12 is a supporting structure for the ceiling tiles 120, 122 and comprises profiles 1 10, 1 12 in the form of main runners 1 10 as well as cross runners 1 12.
• a first set of main runners 1 10 may be suspended in the main ceiling, thereby supporting the grid of profiles 1 10, 1 12, while a second set of main runners 1 10 may be non-supported in the same.
• the first set may extend across several ceiling tiles 120, 122 while the second set may comprise several segments, whereby each segment extends along the adjacent side edges of one pair of neighbouring ceiling tiles 120, 122.
• the cross runners 1 12 are provided at right angles to the main runners 1 10 and are connected to the same at a discrete set of locations.
• the main runners 1 10 and the cross runners 1 12 form a grid-like structure which is adapted to support ceiling tiles 1 20, 122 of a rectangular shape.
• the grid of profiles 1 10, 1 12 may also comprise wall runners as is well-known to a person skilled in the art. It is also understood that the overall geometry of the profiles may vary. For instance, the profiles may be curved, horizontally and/or vertically, and may
• a ceiling tile may be in the shape of a polygon, such as a triangle, a quadrilateral or a pentagon, etc.
• the grid of profiles forms frames in the shape of inner rectangular frames and outer rectangular frame portions into which the ceiling tiles 120 and 122 are to be inserted, respectively.
• each ceiling tile 120, 122 is at least partly enclosed by profiles.
• the inner rectangular frames are adapted to support ceiling tiles with lateral dimensions 600 mm x 1200 mm, while the outer rectangular portions are adapted to support ceiling tiles having smaller lateral dimensions, such as 600 mm x 300 mm and 200 mm x 300 cm.
• a quadratic ceiling tile may have the dimensions 600 mm x 600 mm.
• each hanger 130 comprises a first and a second hanger element which are arranged in parallel. An end portion of each of the first hanger elements is provided with a hook and is inserted into a corresponding hole in a hanger clip which is provided in a main runner 1 10. Moreover, the length of each hanger 130 is adjustable by means of an arrangement which allows for a relative lengthwise displacement of the first and second hanger element.
• the second hanger elements are fastened to a permanent structure of the room, such as the main ceiling of the room (not shown), thereby upholding the suspended ceiling.
• each of the profiles 1 10, 1 12 is an inverted T-profile, or a tee, thereby having a cross-section in the form of an inverted T.
• each of the profiles has a central web and two flanges which protrude to an equal extent from a lower part of the web in two opposite horizontal directions.
• the flanges are adapted to support the ceiling tiles 120, 122.
• the central web may comprise a bulb, e.g. for reinforcing the T-profile.
• the profiles are comprised of a light-weight material.
• the material may be a metal such as steel or a sheet metal.
• the material may be a rigid plastic, a light metal, such as aluminium, or similarly.
• the profiles 1 10, 1 12 according to the present embodiment are rigid.
• the profiles 1 10, 1 12 may comprise at least one of an L-profile, an H-profile, an l-profile and a Z-profile.
• the ceiling tiles 120, 122 are rectangular comprising four sides, wherein each side is adapted to engage with a profile 1 10, 1 12.
• the ceiling tiles 120, 122 may have other shapes.
• the ceiling tile may for example be in the shape of a polygon, such as a triangle, a quadrilateral or a pentagon, etc.
• the ceiling tiles 120, 122 comprises inner ceiling tiles 120 and outer ceiling tiles 122 which are inserted into the inner rectangular frames and outer rectangular frame portions, respectively.
• the outer ceiling tiles 122 may have smaller dimensions than the inner ceiling tiles 120.
• Each inner ceiling tile 1 20 is surrounded by other ceiling tiles 120, 122 and is supported by main runners 1 10 along one opposing pair of sides.
• each outer ceiling tile 122 is supported by main runners 1 10 along one side and by cross runners 1 12 along at least one of the remaining sides.
• at least one side of an outer ceiling tile 122 may be supported by a wall runner.
• an outer ceiling tile 122 is produced by cutting an inner ceiling tile 120 to smaller dimensions so that it fits along a given wall or corner of a room.
• each of the ceiling tiles 120, 122 may comprise a material which is sufficiently acoustically absorbing and/or acoustically insulating for the room under consideration.
• the materials are preferably chosen to be relatively lightweight, thereby giving rise to a lightweight ceiling.
• the material of the ceiling tiles 120, 122 is preferably an elastically deformable material.
• the ceiling tiles may be made of a compressed fibre material comprising mineral wool such as rock wool, or especially glass wool.
• each ceiling tile 120, 122 substantially correspond to the lateral dimensions of the inner or outer frame into which it is to be inserted. More specifically, the lateral dimensions of each ceiling tile 120, 122 substantially correspond to the dimensions a frame formed by the upwardly directed web portions of the T-profiles surrounding the ceiling tile under consideration. Furthermore, the thickness of each ceiling tile 120, 122 is preferably smaller than a height of the upwardly directed web portions of the surrounding T-profiles, although a different thickness is equally
• the thickness may be 20 mm.
• the ceiling tile 120 comprises a first 200, 202 and a second 204, 206 pair of side-edge portions, wherein each pair of side-edge portions are non- adjacent, viz., in the case of a rectangular ceiling tile 120, oppositely arranged.
• the first pair of side-edge portions comprises the first side edge 200 and the second side edge 202
• the second pair of side-edge portions comprises the third side edge 204 and the fourth side edge 206.
• the ceiling tile 1 20 has a front surface 210 and a back surface 212 which are oppositely arranged to each other.
• the front surface 210 is arranged to be visible from below when the suspended ceiling is mounted.
• the first side edge 200 is provided with a first groove 220 which extends along the entire first side edge 200, extending from a surface of the third side edge 204 to a surface of the fourth side edge 206.
• the first groove 220 is stepped in that it comprises a shallow part 222 and a deep part 224 which are defined by an upper engagement surface 226, a boundary surface 228 and an auxiliary surface 227 which are provided essentially in parallel with respect to either the front surface 210 or the back surface 212 of the ceiling tile 120.
• the upper engagement surface 226 is, as evident from i.e. Fig. 3a, faced in the same direction as the front surface 210.
• a depth of the deep part 224 is larger than a depth of the shallow part 222.
• a width of the first groove 220 at the very bottom of the deep part 224 is smaller than a width at the shallow part 222 close to the surface of the side edge 200.
• the width at the very bottom of the deep part 224 is defined by the auxiliary surface 227 and the boundary surface 228, while the width at the shallow part 222 close to the surface of the side edge 200 is defined by the upper engagement surface 226 and the boundary surface 228.
• the deep part 224 is adapted to be used when installing the ceiling tile 120 in the grid of profiles 1 10, 1 12, whereas the shallow part 222 is adapted to align and lock the ceiling tile 120.
• the lower lip 229 is extending farther out than upper lip 223 in order to be able to better conceal the T-profile 260 from below.
• the upper 229 and lower lip 223 may have an equal extension.
• the second side edge 202 is provided with a second groove 230 which extends along the entire second side edge 202, extending from the surface of the third side edge 204 to the surface of the fourth side edge 206.
• the second groove 230 is also depicted in an adjacent ceiling tile 1 20a in Fig. 3a at 230a.
• the second groove 230 is not stepped.
• the second groove 230 is defined by the upper engagement surface 236, faced in same the direction as the front surface 210, and the boundary surface 238 such that a width of the second groove 230 is substantially constant.
• the engagement surface 236 and the boundary surface 238 are provided essentially in parallel with respect to either the front surface 210 or the back surface 212 of the ceiling tile 1 20.
• the lower lip 234, 234a is extending farther out than the upper lip 232, 232a in order to be able to better conceal the T-profile 260 from below.
• the upper 232, 232a and lower lip 234, 234a may have an equal extension.
• the upper engagement surfaces 226 and 236, 236a are arranged at a distance X from the front surface 210, 210a, see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3a. Here, the distance from the front surface is measured normal to the front surface.
• the upper engagement surfaces 226 and 236 of the first and the second groove are preferably arranged at the same height.
• the auxiliary surface 227 is arranged at a distance Z from the front surface 210, 210a.
• the distance Z is preferably less than X.
• the width of the first 220 and second 230 groove is preferably equal or larger than a width of a portion of the T-profile, such as a flange, which is adapted to be inserted into the grooves.
• at least one of the second groove and the deep part of the first groove is tapering, such that the width of the groove in question is smallest at its deepest part.
• a tapering groove of this kind may, for instance, allow for a wedging of the ceiling tile, temporarily or permanently.
• the first groove 220 may be tilted with respect to either the front surface 210 or the back surface 212 of the ceiling tile 120. More specifically, the upper 226 engagement surface, the boundary surface 228 as well as the auxiliary surface 227 of the first groove may be provided obliquely with respect to either the front surface 210 or the back surface 212. Preferably, the first groove 220 is arranged at an angle which allows for a simple installation of the ceiling tile 120 from below.
• the third 204 and fourth 206 side edges are provided with a first 240 and a second 250 stepped profile, respectively, which extend along the entire third 204 and fourth 206 side edge. Furthermore, each stepped profile 240, 250 extends from a surface of the first side edge 200 to a surface of the second side edge 202. A cross section of the second stepped profile 250 is also depicted to the right in Fig. 3b, and furthermore a cross section of the first stepped profile 240 provided in an adjacent ceiling tile 120b is depicted in Fig. 3b at 240b. Each stepped profile 240, 250 forms a step in the back surface 212 of the ceiling tile 1 20.
• the first stepped profile 240, 240b comprises an upper wall portion 242, 242b a lower engagement surface 244, 244b and a lower wall portion 246, 246b which is parallel to the upper wall portion 242, 242b.
• the lower engagement surface 224 is faced in the same direction as the back surface 212.
• the second stepped profile 250 comprises an upper wall portion 252, a lower engagement surface 254, faced in the same direction as the back surface 212, and a lower wall portion 256 which is parallel to the upper wall portion 252.
• a lower part of the upper wall portion 242, 242b, 252 is connected to an upper part of the lower wall portion 246, 246b, 256 via the lower, essentially horizontal, engagement surface 244, 244b, 254.
• the lower engagement surfaces 244, 244b and 254 are arranged at a distance Y from the front surface 210, 21 Ob, see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3b.
• the distance from the front surface is measured normal to the front surface.
• the distance Y is at least equal to the distance X defined above. Note, however, that in a mounted state, the relation between X and Y may be different, since the ceiling tile may be compressed. Thus, in a mounted state, X' may be less than Y', where the primes indicate that the distances are valid when the ceiling tile is mounted, see Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b.
• auxiliary surface 227 which is arranged at a distance Z from the front surface 210, 210b as mentioned above, may be less than Y, larger than Y, or equal to Y.
• the first 320 as well as the second 330 groove may comprise a stepped profile.
• Each of these grooves 320, 330 comprises a shallow part and a deep part in exact analogy with the discussion above (cf. the first groove 220).
• the dimensions of the two stepped profiles are preferably the same, but alternatively they may differ.
• the depth of the deep part of the first groove 320 may be larger than the depth of the deep part of the second groove.
• the first 340 and the second 350 stepped profiles provided in the second pair of side-edge portions are similar to those of the embodiment discussed in the above (cf. the stepped profiles 240 and 250), see Fig.
• Fig. 4a-b The ceiling tile 300 is mounted into the inverted T-profiles 400, 410 and 420, 430 as illustrated in Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b, respectively.
• X' and Y' in Fig. 4a-b are the distances from the front surface to the upper and the lower engagement surfaces of the ceiling tile, respectively, in a mounted state.
• Fig. 3a and 3b illustrate cross sections of the ceiling tile 120 in Fig. 2 taken along the lines A- A and B-B, respectively.
• the leftmost parts of Fig. 3a and 3b illustrate cross sections of ceiling tiles 120a and 120b adjacent to the ceiling tile 120, corresponding to cross sections of the ceiling tile 120 in Fig. 2 taken along the lines C-C and D-D, respectively.
• adjacent ceiling tiles 120, 122 comprised in the suspended ceiling 100 are arranged in the grid of profiles 1 10, 1 12 as in Fig. 3a in one direction and as in Fig. 3b in a perpendicular direction.
• the T-profiles consist of main runners 1 10 with cross section 260 and cross runners 120 with a cross section 270. Needless to say, the roles of these two types of T-profiles may be interchanged. From the cross-sectional views in Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b, it is clear that the T-profile comprises two flanges 262 and 264, in the case of a main runner 1 10, and 272 and 274, in the case of a cross runner 120, which flanges extend in opposite horizontal directions.
• the upper engagement surface 226 of the ceiling tile 120 engages with an upper side 266 of the flange 264 of the T-profile 260 while the upper engagement surface 236a of the adjacent ceiling tile 120a engages with an upper side 268 of the flange 262 of the T- profile 260.
• the upper engagement surfaces 226 and 236a provided in the first 220 and second groove 230a, respectively are substantially aligned, i.e. the surfaces are essentially parallel to each other and situated at essentially the same vertical spatial height as measured from a reference plane in the room, such as a floor or a main ceiling. Note, however, that the boundary surfaces 228 and 238a provided in the first 220 and second groove 230a, respectively, do not need to be aligned or situated at the same vertical spatial height.
• the engagement surface 254 of the ceiling tile 120 engages with an underside 276 of the flange 274 of the T- profile 270 while the engagement surface 244b of the adjacent ceiling tile 120b engages with an underside 276 of the flange 272 of the T-profile 270.
• the engagement surface 244b is substantially in parallel with the engagement surface 254, see Fig. 3b.
• the protrusion 247b of the first stepped profile 240b and the protrusion 257 of the second stepped profile 250 may have a gap between them, as in the present embodiment, thereby exposing parts of the underside 276 of the T-profile 270.
• the gap may have a width of 8 mm, but other widths are equally conceivable.
• the gap may have a width of 8 mm, but other widths are equally conceivable.
• the concealing element may be a cap.
• the spacer may be arranged to prevent demounting of the ceiling tiles 120, 120a.
• Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a ceiling tile 500 which may be utilized in order to create a gapless suspended ceiling, i.e. a suspended ceiling wherein there are no gaps between the ceiling tiles.
• Figs. 6a-c illustrate cross-sectional side views of the ceiling tile 500 in Fig. 5 along the lines A1 -A2, B1 -B1 and C1 -C1 , respectively, as mounted into a pair of inverted T-profiles.
• the ceiling tile 500 is provided with a first 520 and a second 530 groove.
• the first groove 520 is provided with a stepped profile similarly to the first groove 220 in Fig. 3a. However, width of the deep part of the first groove 520 is larger than that of the first groove 220.
• the second groove 530 is similar to the second groove 230a in Fig. 3a, except that the width of the second groove 530 is larger than the corresponding width of the second groove 230a.
• the width of the first groove 520 is larger than the width of the lower lip 534 so that the lower lip 534 is arranged to be inserted into the first groove 520 of an adjacent ceiling tile of the same type as the ceiling tile 500 in a mounting process.
• the widths may be substantially equal so that the lower lip has to be forced into the first groove.
• the ceiling tile 500 is provided with first 540a, 540b and second 550a, 550b stepped profiles.
• the first stepped profile comprises a thick part 540a and a thin part 540b, wherein the thin part 540b has a smaller width Z than the width Y of the thick part 540a as indicated in Fig. 5.
• the first stepped profile 540a, 540b is thereby stepped also in a lengthwise direction.
• the distances from the front surface to the upper and the lower engagement surfaces of the ceiling tile 500, both labelled by X in Fig. 5, are substantially the same.
• the distances X', Y', Z' corresponding to the distances X, Y, Z in a mounted state are indicated in Figs. 6a-c.
• the second stepped profile 550a, 550b is completely analogous to the first stepped profile 540a, 540b, whereby the remarks presented above in relation to the first stepped profile 540a, 540b are equally valid for the second stepped profile 550a, 550b.
• the ceiling tile 120 may comprise one or several marks, e.g. in the form of small kerfs or chamferings provided in the front surface 210 for indicating areas in which forces are to be applied when demounting the ceiling tile 120.
• the marks may be substantially invisible from a large distance.
• the ceiling tile 120 further comprises external units.
• An external unit may be a lighting fixture, a device related to heating, ventilation or air condition, etc.
• the external unit may be located at a center point of the front surface 210 of the ceiling tile 120.
• there is provided an external unit integrated with the ceiling tile 120 which is easily mountable in the suspended ceiling 100. Additionally, the external unit may be easily accessible from the back surface 212 since the inventive ceiling tile 1 20 in which the external unit is provided is easily demountable.
• a ceiling tile 120 is mounted in a grid of profiles which comprises the inverted T-profiles 260 and 280.
• the inverted T-profiles 260 and 280 comprise a central web 261 and 281 , and two opposing flanges 262, 264 and 282, 284, respectively.
• the T- profiles 260 and 280 are separated by a horizontal distance and are situated at the same height from a floor of the room in which the suspended ceiling 100 is to be mounted.
• a distance between the rightmost end of the flange 264 of the T-profile 260 and the leftmost end of the flange 282 of the T-profile 280 is smaller than the width of the ceiling tile 120, extending from the first 200 and second 202 side edges, so that the ceiling tile 120 needs to be inclined in order be able to mount it between the T-profiles 260, 280.
• the rightmost part of the ceiling tile 120 is inclined downwards while the leftmost part is directed towards the flange 264. It is understood that the entire side edge 202 is inclined.
• the ceiling tile 120 is inclined with respect to a plane substantially in parallel with a plane defined by the grid of profiles.
• the flange 264 is inserted into the deep part 224 of the groove 220 so that the auxiliary surface 227 engages with the upper side 266 of the flange 264.
• the boundary surface 228 may engage with the lower side 267 of the flange 264.
• the insertion of the flange 264 into the groove 220 continues until the side edge 202 at the rightmost part of the ceiling tile 120 in Fig.
• the side edge 202 is tilted upwards into a horizontal position, while the flange 264 is continuing to be inserted into the groove 220, so that the second groove 230 is aligned with the flange 282, see Fig. 7b.
• the first 240 and second 250 stepped profiles (not shown in Figs. 4a-c) arranged along the third and fourth side edges, respectively, engage with a respective flange as described in the above, cf. the stepped profiles 240b and 250 in Fig. 3b.
• the lower engagement surfaces 244 and 254 of the stepped profiles 240 and 250 engage with a third and a fourth flange which are arranged on T-profiles which extend perpendicularly to the T- profiles 260, 280, such as the T-profile 270 in Fig. 3b.
• the upper lip 232 of the ceiling tile 120 may have to be forced past the flange 282 into the horizontal position in order to align the second groove 230 with the flange 282.
• the ceiling tile 120 is displaced towards the flange 282 so that the flange 282 is inserted into the groove 230, whereby the upper engagement surface 236 engages with the upper side 286 of the flange 282.
• the boundary surface 238 may engage with a lower side 287 of the flange 282. The insertion of the flange 282 into the groove 230 continues until the flange 264 at the leftmost part of the ceiling tile 120 in Fig. 7c is released from the engagement with the auxiliary surface 227 and instead engages with the upper engagement surface 226.
• the ceiling tile 120 clicks down a step from the deep part 224 to the shallow part 222 of the groove 220 into a position in which the front surface 210 is substantially parallel with the main ceiling or floor of the room. In this position, lateral displacements of the ceiling tile 120 are prevented due to the presence of the grooves 220, 230 as well as the clamping action between the profiles and the four side edges 200, 202, 204, 206, as described in the above.
• the ceiling tile 300 in Fig. 4a-b may be mounted in a similar manner as the ceiling tile 120, whereby reference is made to the above.
• either the first side edge or the second side edge may be directed towards a first flange into which the ceiling tile 300 is to be inserted.
• the ceiling tile 300 has to click down a step from the deep part to the shallow part in the first groove 320 as well as in the second groove 330 in order to a enter a position in which the front surface of the ceiling tile is substantially parallel with the main ceiling or floor of the room.
• the ceiling tile 500 displayed in Fig. 5 and Figs. 6a-c may be mounted in a similar manner as the ceiling tile 120 described above.
• a plurality of ceiling tiles of the type 500 shown in Fig. 5 and Figs. 6a-c may be mounted one after another, starting with the side comprising the lower lip 529 and the first groove 520.
• the widths of the first 520 and the second 530 groove being larger than the corresponding widths of the ceiling tile 120, as well as the stepped profiles 540a-b, 550a-b being stepped also in a lengthwise direction, a gapless mounting of the ceiling tile 500 is admitted while simultaneously allowing for an improved demounting process of the ceiling tile 500.
• any of these ceiling tiles 500 may be demounted without the need of demounting any of the adjacent ceiling tiles.
• a ceiling tile 500 mounted into inverted T-profiles 600, 610, 620, 630 as in Fig. 6a-c may be demounted as follows. First, the lower lip 529 is moved vertically in an upward direction, which is possible due to the thin part 540b, 550b of the second stepped profile. Then, the ceiling tile 500 is moved horizontally to the right by inserting the its lower lip 529 into the second groove (cf.
• the adjacent ceiling tile 500 which is of the same type as the ceiling tile 500.
• the horizontal displacement proceeds until the upper lip 532 clears the rightmost flange of the T-profile 600.
• the leftmost part of the ceiling tile 500 may be displaced downwards, thereby disengaging the thick parts 540a, 550a of the first stepped profiles, and may consequently be completely removed from the grid of profiles 600, 610, 620, 630.
• a mounting of the ceiling tile 500 proceeds analogously to the

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• 2012
  • 2012-02-23 DK DK12156737.4T patent/DK2631380T3/da active
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