WO2013007690A1 - A suspended ceiling and a method for dismounting a suspended ceiling - Google Patents

A suspended ceiling and a method for dismounting a suspended ceiling Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013007690A1
WO2013007690A1 PCT/EP2012/063404 EP2012063404W WO2013007690A1 WO 2013007690 A1 WO2013007690 A1 WO 2013007690A1 EP 2012063404 W EP2012063404 W EP 2012063404W WO 2013007690 A1 WO2013007690 A1 WO 2013007690A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
profile
ceiling
fixing member
bulb
ceiling tile
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2012/063404
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jan Wilkens
Original Assignee
Saint-Gobain Ecophon Ab
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Saint-Gobain Ecophon Ab filed Critical Saint-Gobain Ecophon Ab
Publication of WO2013007690A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013007690A1/en

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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
    • E04B9/18—Means for suspending the supporting construction
    • E04B9/20—Means for suspending the supporting construction adjustable
    • E04B9/205—Means for suspending the supporting construction adjustable by means of a resilient clip
    • 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
    • E04B9/241—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 with the slabs, panels, sheets or the like positioned on the upperside of the horizontal flanges of the supporting construction
    • E04B9/242—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 with the slabs, panels, sheets or the like positioned on the upperside of the horizontal flanges of the supporting construction with separate retaining elements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a suspended ceiling comprising at least one ceiling tile, at least one profile comprising a flange and a web having a bulb, and a fixing member adapted for engagement with said at least one ceiling tile.
  • the present invention also relates to a method for
  • Suspended ceilings can be installed in many different types of buildings for various reasons, for example to absorb sound, to reflect light, to lower the ceiling height or to conceal installations such as cable
  • a suspended ceiling usually comprises a plurality of ceiling tiles and a supporting structure in form of a grid.
  • the grid comprises profiles which support the ceiling tiles.
  • the grid often comprises main runners which are suspended to the ceiling structure of the building and transverse or cross runners which are supported by the main runners.
  • the profiles usually have an inverted T-shape or L-shape.
  • the ceiling tiles may have sound-absorbing and/or sound-insulation properties in order to improve the acoustic
  • the ceiling tiles for instance, may be made of a compressed fibre material such as mineral wool and especially glass wool.
  • ceiling tiles supported by a grid of inverted T-shaped profiles are not displaced or lifted when subjected to force in a vertical direction, for example when the ceiling tiles are cleaned.
  • ceiling tiles especially light-weight ceiling tiles
  • a sudden increase of pressure in the room This may occur when a door is rapidly opened to a small room, for instance a bathroom or toilet. It may also be desirable in some circumstances, for instance at schools, prisons etc, to prevent persons not being authorized to gain access to the space above the suspended ceiling.
  • a hold down clip may be arranged for securing ceiling tiles to inverted T-shaped profiles.
  • Conventional holds down clips are to be mounted from the rear surface of the ceiling tiles, i.e. from the surface facing the ceiling structure of the building. These conventional hold down clips are fixed to the web of the inverted T-shaped profile and are extending over a top portion of web. Hold down clips of this type are disclosed for example in US 7 062 886, US 4 858 408, and US 4 408 428.
  • Another types of clips for suspended ceilings are shown in GB 861 322, US 4 833 854, US 6 260 325, FR 2 581 680 and GB 2 104 567.
  • hold down clips of this type makes inspection of the space between the suspended ceiling and the ceiling structure of the building difficult, since the hold down clips only can be dismounted from above the suspended ceiling, i.e. from the rear side of the suspended ceiling. Thereby, the ceiling tiles are not easily dismountable. An inspection panel is in this case often required in order to get easily access to the space above the suspended ceiling. As an alternative, one of the ceiling tiles may be mounted without any hold down clip, thus resulting in the above mentioned problems.
  • GB 1 245 084 A discloses securing means for use in connecting together laths which are each of an inverted T-section with a bead at the longitudinal edge of the web. Moreover, rectangular panels may be layed on the lath flanges in order to form a ceiling lining. A spring clip may be provided in one edge of each panel in order to retain the panel in position. The spring clip encloses the bulb of the inverted T-section and engages with the bulb.
  • US 4 033 079 A describes a hold-down clip for suspended ceiling panels.
  • the clip has a protruding prong which can be inserted into the edge of a ceiling panel.
  • the clip has a spring gripping means provided on its top, engaging with the bulb of a T-suspension beam adjacent to the panel, for securing the ceiling panel in a proper position.
  • US 2 780 850 A discloses a construction clip for anchoring adjacent edges of building slabs to a supporting beam as well as to each other.
  • the clip comprises a U-shaped member which in use engages with the head of the supporting beam.
  • the U-shaped member further comprises resilient lugs which snap under the head of the supporting beam and engage with vertical portions of the supporting beam.
  • the clip comprises flanges which are embedded into the sides of two adjacent slabs.
  • a further object is to provide an improved suspended ceiling wherein a conventional profile may be used.
  • a suspended ceiling comprising at least one ceiling tile having a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface and one or more edge surfaces extending between the front and rear surfaces, and at least two profiles adapted to support said at least one ceiling tile, wherein at least one of said profiles comprises a flange and a web having a bulb, and a fixing member adapted to fixedly engage with said at least one ceiling tile. At least a fixing portion of the fixing member is adapted to be inserted into said at least one ceiling tile via an edge surface of said at least one ceiling tile.
  • the fixing member has a retaining portion adapted for engagement with the bulb from beneath relative to the bulb and only on a side of the profile facing said at least one ceiling tile into which the fixing portion is adapted to be inserted.
  • An advantage of the present invention is that the fixing member prevents displacement of the ceiling tile upwards in a vertical direction.
  • the ceiling tile will not lift due to sudden increase of pressure in a room and will remain in place. Further, it is possible to apply pressure on the front surface of the ceiling tile without lifting the ceiling tile in an upward direction. Thereby, the ceiling tile will remain in place when it is for example cleaned.
  • the fixing member is inserted into the ceiling tile. The ceiling tile is then mounted to the grid formed of the profiles in conventional way. When the ceiling tile is supported by the profiles, the retaining portion of the fixing member engages with the bulb from beneath.
  • the fixing member Since the retaining portion of the fixing member is adapted to engage with the bulb from beneath and only on a side of the profile facing the ceiling tile, and not as in prior art solutions extending over the top portion of the bulb, the fixing member does not have to be mounted from above the grid but from below the grid. The mounting of the fixing member is thereby facilitated.
  • the ceiling tile When the ceiling tile is to be dismounted, a force or torque is applied to the profile such that the profile is twisted. Thereby, at least a portion of the profile is angled about a longitudinal axis of the profile. Consequently, the bulb is displaced from the retaining portion of the fixing member thereby releasing the engagement with the retaining portion. Thereafter, the ceiling tile may be dismounted.
  • the fixing member does not have to be dismounted from above the grid. Thereby, dismounting of the ceiling tile is facilitated.
  • the fixing member is not visible from beneath the suspended ceiling. Thereby, the visual appearance of the suspended ceiling is approved and is not affected by the fixing members.
  • the fixing member may be used together with a conventional profile for forming the grid for the suspended ceiling.
  • the profile does not have to a have a special design adapted to suit the fixing member, a conventional profile also suitable for other utilizations may be used.
  • the fixing portion of the fixing member is adapted to be inserted into the ceiling tile in order to fixedly engage with the ceiling tile. No portion of the fixing member is abutting the flange of the profile. Thereby, a profile having a planar flange may be used together with the fixing member. Consequently, no gap is formed between the flange of the profile and the ceiling tile.
  • a further advantage is that for a person not intended to get access to the space above the suspended ceiling, the ceiling tile seems fixed to the grid not moveable in a vertical direction, thereby preventing access to the space above the suspended ceiling.
  • the ceiling tile is easily dismountable from the suspended ceiling.
  • the engagement of the retaining portion with the bulb may prevent displacement of the fixing member in a horizontal direction.
  • the fixing member prevents movement of the ceiling tile in both upwards in a vertical direction and in the horizontal direction.
  • the retaining portion of the fixing member may be adapted to release the engagement with the bulb when said at least one profile is twisted such that at least a portion of the profile is angled about a longitudinal axis of said at least one profile.
  • the engagement between the retaining portion and the bulb is released.
  • the rotational movement of the profile about the longitudinal axis moves the bulb away from the retaining portion of the fixing member.
  • the retaining portion can pass at the side of the bulb such that the ceiling tile can be moved and removed from the grid. In this manner, the suspended ceiling is easily dismountable.
  • the retaining portion may be adapted to engage with a surface of the bulb facing the flange. Consequently, the retaining portion engages with the bulb from beneath.
  • the surface of the bulb may form a transition between the bulb and the web.
  • the bulb may be formed when forming the profile, for example by roll forming.
  • the surface of the bulb may be inclined towards the web in a direction away from the flange. As the surface may be inclined toward the web away from the flange, the inclined surface prevents the retaining portion of the fixing member from releasing its engagement with the bulb. The inclination of the surface of the bulb in the direction away from the flange prevents
  • the bulb may be integrally formed with the web. Thereby, the bulb may be formed during the same operation as the rest of the profile, for example by roll forming a sheet into a profile. The bulb may increase the strength of the profile.
  • Said at least one profile may be twistable by elastic deformation of said at least one profile.
  • the properties of the profile are such that the profile may be twisted to some extent, for instance 3-10°, by being elastically deformed. By allowing such elastic deformation, the profile may be twisted such that the engagement between the bulb and the retaining portion of the fixing member is released.
  • Said at least one profile may be adapted to be elastically deformed when a force or torque to said at least one profile while the fixing member is adapted to remain in its original shape and position.
  • a modulus of elasticity of the fixing member may be larger than a modulus of elasticity of said at least one profile. This implies that when a person affects the profile for dismounting the ceiling tile, for example by twisting the profile, it is the profile that deforms and not the fixing member.
  • the yield point R p0 ,2 of the fixing member may be more than 400 N/mm 2 , preferably more than 500 N/mm 2 .
  • the fixing member is formed of a material, for instance steel, having a high yield point, since the fixing member may be exposed to large impacts and since it is desirable to reduce the thickness of the material for the profile in order to reduce the required space for the installation.
  • the yield point of the fixing member may be higher than the yield point of the profile.
  • the yield point R p o,2 of said at least one profile may be 200-400 N/mm 2 , preferably 300 N/mm 2 . Even if the yield point of the profile is low, twisting of the profile is possible within the elastic region of the material since the profile is suspended at suspension points arranged at a large distance from each other, for example at least 600 mm, and since the torque is applied to the profile at a position corresponding to the centre of the ceiling tile along the profile 10.
  • At least a portion of said at least one profile may be twistable 3-10°, preferably 5-7°, about a longitudinal axis of said at least one profile.
  • the profile 3-10°, preferably 5-7°, about the longitudinal axis of the profile the engagement of the retaining portion with bulb is released.
  • the bulb is moved away from the retaining portion of the fixing member, Thereby, the retaining portion of the fixing member may pass beside the bulb such that the ceiling tile can be lifted, tilted and then removed from the grid.
  • An edge portion of the front surface of said at least one ceiling tile may be adapted to rest on the flange.
  • the flange may have a planar surface.
  • a method for dismounting a suspended ceiling comprises -providing a suspended ceiling comprising
  • At least one ceiling tile having a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface and one or more edge surfaces extending between the front and rear surfaces,
  • At least two profiles adapted to support said at least one ceiling tile, wherein at least one of said profiles comprises a flange and a web having a bulb, and
  • a fixing member adapted to fixedly engage with said at least one ceiling tile, wherein at least a fixing portion of the fixing member is adapted to be inserted into said at least one ceiling tile via an edge surface of said at least one ceiling tile,
  • the fixing member having a retaining portion adapted for engagement with the bulb from beneath relative the bulb
  • the engagement between the retaining portion and the bulb is released.
  • the rotational movement of the profile about the longitudinal axis moves the bulb away from the retaining portion of the fixing member.
  • the retaining portion can pass at the side of the bulb such that the ceiling tile can be moved and removed from the grid. Consequently, the ceiling tiles in the suspended ceiling are easily dismountable.
  • the inventive method it is possible to release the fixing member and thereby dismount the ceiling tile from beneath. Dismounting of the fixing member such that the ceiling tile may be removed from the grid is further facilitated.
  • the fixing member does not have to be removed from above the level of the suspended ceiling but from beneath.
  • the ceiling tiles of the suspended ceiling seem locked. If a person tries to lift a ceiling tile, it will not be possible to move the ceiling tile. No part of the fixing member is visible and, consequently, no clue is given to how to dismount the ceiling tile.
  • the ceiling tiles are easily dismountable by applying a force or torque to the profile for twisting the profile.
  • a tool may be used to grip, for example the flange of the profile, for further increase the impression that the ceiling tiles are locked and that a special tool must be used to dismount the ceiling tile from the suspended ceiling. Such a tool may also further facilitate dismounting of the ceiling tile, since the tool facilitates gripping the flange of the profile.
  • the method may further comprise lifting said at least one ceiling tile upwards at least at the fixing member side while applying said force or torque to the profile. Thereby, the ceiling tile may be tilted such that it may be removed from the grid.
  • the step of applying a force or torque to said at least one profile may comprise applying a force or torque to the flange of said at least one profile.
  • a force or torque is applied to the profile at a position located at the centre of the ceiling tile along the profile.
  • the flange acts as a torque arm.
  • the torque required for achieving the twisting of the profile is reduced.
  • a fixing member adapted to fixedly engage with a ceiling tile, comprising a first fixing portion adapted to be inserted into a ceiling tile via an edge surface of the ceiling tile, a second fixing portion adapted to abut a rear surface of the ceiling tile, and a retaining portion adapted to engage with a bulb of a profile from beneath relative the bulb.
  • Fig. 1 shows a portion of a suspended ceiling.
  • Fig. 2a shows a perspective view of a fixing member.
  • Fig. 2b shows a cross section of the fixing member in fig. 2a.
  • Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a section of the suspended ceiling including the fixing member.
  • Fig. 4 shows the section of the suspended ceiling in fig. 2 in cross- section.
  • Figs. 5a-b schematically disclose a method for dismounting the suspended ceiling.
  • Fig. 1 shows a portion of a suspended ceiling 1 comprising profiles 10,
  • the profiles 10, 1 1 are adapted to support the ceiling tiles 2.
  • the profiles 10, 1 1 may be main runners 10, cross runners 1 1 and/or wall runners (not shown). At least one of the profiles is of the type described in more detail below.
  • the main runners 10 are commonly suspended from the structural ceiling or building frame work or the like. The suspension may e.g. be provided using hangers 3 formed of wires or interconnected plate shaped members or the like.
  • the main runners 10 are commonly arranged equidistantly and parallel to each other.
  • the grid further comprises a plurality of cross runners 11 extending between the main runners 10.
  • the cross runners 1 1 are provided with connecting members at their respective ends and engage with the main runners 10. They may also be supported by the main runners 10.
  • the cross runners 1 1 are commonly arranged equidistantly and parallel to each other, and commonly transverse to the main runners 10. Cross runners 1 1 may also be arranged parallel to the main runners 10.
  • the grid thus formed provides a plurality of quadratic or rectangular openings into which the ceiling tiles 2 are adapted to be placed.
  • the ceiling tiles 2 have a front surface 2a, a rear surface 2b opposite the front surface 2a and one or more edge surfaces 2c extending between the front and rear surfaces 2a, 2b.
  • the front surface 2a may be provided with a surface layer.
  • the rear surface 2b may also be provided with a surface layer.
  • the front and/or the rear surface 2a, 2b may be painted.
  • the ceiling tiles 2 have sound-absorbing and/or sound-insulation properties in order to improve the acoustic environment of a room.
  • the ceiling tile 2 may be made of man-made mineral fibre.
  • the ceiling tiles may, for instance, be made of a compressed fibre material such as mineral wool and especially glass wool.
  • Figs. 2a-b show a fixing member 20 adapted to fixedly engage with a ceiling tile 2 in more detail.
  • the fixing member 20 is in form of a clip.
  • the fixing member 20 comprises a first fixing portion 21 , a second fixing portion 22, an intermediate portion 23 and a retaining portion 24.
  • the fixing member 20 comprises a pair of the first fixing portions 21 a, 21 b.
  • the fixing member 20 may be designed with one first fixing portion.
  • the fixing member 20 is adapted to fixedly engage the ceiling tile 2 by means of the first and the second fixing portions 21 , 22.
  • the first fixing portion 21 is adapted to be inserted into a ceiling tile 2 via an edge surface 2c of the ceiling tile 2.
  • the first fixing 21 portion is adapted to extend into the ceiling tile 2.
  • the second fixing portion 22 is adapted to extend along a rear surface of the ceiling tile 2.
  • the second fixing portion 22 is adapted to abut the rear surface of the ceiling tile 2.
  • the shown embodiment of the fixing member 20 comprises two first portions 21 a, 21 b adapted to be inserted into an edge surface 2c of the ceiling tile 2.
  • the first and second fixing portions 21 , 22 extend in a horizontal direction.
  • the first and second fixing portions 21 , 22 extends in a direction parallel to the plane of the ceiling tile 2.
  • An intermediate portion 23 of the fixing member 20 is connecting the first fixing portion 21 with the retaining portion 24 and the second fixing portion 22.
  • the retaining portion 24 is extending upwardly.
  • the retaining portion 24 is angled away from the second fixing portion 22.
  • the retaining portion 24 is adapted to engage with a profile 10 when forming a part of the grid for a suspended ceiling 1 .
  • the fixing member 20 may be formed from a sheet. Three tongues are cut out from the sheet. The tongues are bent such that the tongues form the first and second fixing portions 21a, 21 b, 22. An upper part of the fixing member 20 is upwardly angled such that the retaining portion 24 is formed.
  • the fixing member 20 may be formed of steel.
  • the yield point p o, 2 of the material used for forming the fixing member is more than 400 N/mm 2 , and preferably more than 500 N/mm 2 .
  • the thickness of the sheet is less than 0,5 mm.
  • the fixing member 20 is required to resist impacts without deforming.
  • Fig. 3 discloses a section of the suspended ceiling 1 shown in fig. 1 .
  • the suspended ceiling 1 comprises at least two profiles 10, 1 1 , at least one ceiling tile 2 and at least one fixing member 20. Said at least two profiles 10, 1 1 are adapted to support the ceiling tiles 2.
  • the profiles 10, 1 1 comprise a flange 12 and a web 13. At least one of the profiles has a bulb 14.
  • the bulb 14 is integrally formed with the web 13.
  • the bulb 14 is symmetrical about a vertical axis.
  • the bulb 14 has a pointed top portion.
  • the bulb 14 has a lower portion having a surface 15 on each side of the web 13.
  • the surface 15 forms a transition between the bulb 14 and the web 13.
  • the surface 15 is inclined towards the web 13 in a direction away from the flange 12.
  • the profiles 10, 11 are adapted to support a ceiling tile 2. More specifically, an edge portion of the front surface 2a of the ceiling tile 2 is adapted to rest on the flange 12 of the profile 10, 1 1 .
  • the profiles 10, 11 may be an inverted T-profile or an L-shaped profile.
  • the flange 12 of the profile may be provided with a capping 16.
  • the profiles 10, 1 1 can be formed of a sheet of for instance steel.
  • the thickness of the sheet may be 0,25 - 0,5 mm.
  • the capping 16 can be formed of a sheet of aluminium or steel. The thickness of the sheet for forming the capping may be approximately 0,2 mm.
  • Said at least one ceiling tile 2 is of the type described in more detailed above in connection with fig. 1
  • the fixing member 20 is of the type described in more detailed above in connection with figs.2a-b.
  • the fixing member 20 is fixedly engaging the ceiling tile 2.
  • the pair of first fixing portions 21 a, 21 b is inserted into the ceiling tile 2 via an edge surface 2c of the ceiling tile 2.
  • the second fixing portion 22 is extending along the rear surface 2b of the ceiling tile 2.
  • the second fixing portion 22 is abutting the rear surface 2b of the ceiling tile 2. Thereby, the fixing member 20 fixedly engages the ceiling tile 2.
  • the retaining portion 24 of the fixing member 20 engages with the profile 10. More specifically, the retaining portion 24 engages with the bulb 14 from beneath only on the side of the profile 10 facing said the ceiling tile into which the fixing portion is inserted.
  • the retaining portion 24 engages with the inclined surface 15 of the lower portion of the bulb 14.
  • the engagement between the retaining portion 24 and the bulb 14 restricts movements of the ceiling tile 2 in the vertical direction. Thereby, the ceiling tile 2 can not be lifted and moved in the vertical direction. Further, due to the surface 15 being inclined towards the web 13 in a direction away from the flange 12, movement of the ceiling tile 2 in the horizontal direction is also restricted. Consequently, the engagement between the retaining portion 24 and the bulb 14 locks the ceiling tile 2 in position.
  • An edge portion of the front surface 2a of ceiling tile 2 is directly abutting the flange 12 of the profile 10.
  • the edge portion of the ceiling tile 2 rests on the flange 12 of the profile 10.
  • the upper surface of the flange 12 forms a plane surface on which the edge portion of the front surface 2a of the ceiling tile 2 is resting.
  • a fixing member 20 is arranged on opposite side surfaces of the ceiling tile 2. Thereby, two fixing members 20 are attached to each ceiling tile 2. Preferably, the fixing members 20 are arranged at a centre portion of each ceiling tile 2.
  • the fixing member 20 When mounting the suspended ceiling 1 , the fixing member 20 is attached to the ceiling tile 2 as described above.
  • a supporting structure is formed by said at least two profiles 10, 1 1.
  • the supporting structure is suspended to the ceiling structure of the building.
  • the ceiling tile 2 is then mounted to the supporting structure, i.e. the grid.
  • the ceiling tile 2 angled such that the ceiling tile 2 can pass between the profiles 10, 1 1 and lifted above the profiles 10, 1 1.
  • the ceiling tile 2 is then released such that the ceiling tile 2 falls down and in position.
  • the retaining portion 24 of the fixing member 20 passes the bulb 14 of the profile 10 and snaps into engagement with the surface 15 of the lower portion of the bulb 14. Since friction between the fixing member 20 and the profile 10 is low, the retaining portion 24 easily can pass the bulb 14.
  • the ceiling tile 2 reaches its final position wherein an edge portion of the ceiling tile 2 rests on the flange 12 of the profile 10, and wherein the retaining portion 24 of the fixing member 20 engages the surface 15 of the bulb 14.
  • Figs. 4 and 5 show a suspended ceiling 1 of the type described above including the fixing member 20 as described above.
  • the profile 10 is twisted or torsioned about a longitudinal direction of the profile 10 such that at least a portion of the profile 10 is angled about the longitudinal axis of the profile 10.
  • a portion of the profile 10 is angled at a position located at the centre of the ceiling tile along the profile 10.
  • the profile 10 is angled at a position near the fixing member 20.
  • the profile 10 is twisted in a direction such that the bulb 14 moves away from the fixing member 20 and the ceiling tile 2.
  • the engagement between the retaining portion 24 of the fixing member and the bulb 14 of the profile 10 is released. More specifically, the engagement between the retaining portion 24 and the inclined surface 15 of the lower portion of the bulb 14 is released.
  • the profile 10 is twisted in a direction away from the fixing member 20, the bulb 14 is moved in relation to the fixing member 20 and the ceiling tile 2. Thereby, the bulb 14 moves away from the retaining portion 24 and the engagement between the retaining portion 24 and the bulb 14 is released.
  • the retaining portion 24 can pass beside the bulb 14.
  • the ceiling tile arranged on the opposite side of the profile 10 allows the profile 10 to be twisted and does not hinder the displacement of the profile 10.
  • the profile 10 is angled 5-7°. Thereby, the bulb 14 is moved 2-3 mm, which is enough to release the engagement between the retaining portion 24 and the bulb 14, and let the retaining portion 24 pass beside the bulb 14.
  • Required torque moment is about 0,2 Nm.
  • the profile 10 may be twisted by applying a force or torque to the profile 10.
  • the force or torque may be applied to the flange 12 of the profile 10.
  • the force or torque is applied to an end portion of the flange 12.
  • the torque or force is preferably applied to the profile 10 at a position located at the centre of the ceiling tile along the profile 10.
  • the force may be applied by pushing or gripping the flange 12 by hand.
  • a person may grip the profile 10 an end portion of the flange 12 opposite the side of the profile 10 where the fixing member 20 is located, and rotate that side of the profile 10 downwardly.
  • the person may push the flange 12 at the same side of the profile 10 as the side where the fixing member 20 is located, and rotate the side upwardly.
  • a tool may be used in order to grip an end portion of the flange 12 opposite the side of the profile 10 where the fixing member 20 is located. The tool is then used to rotate the profile 10 about the longitudinal direction of the profile 10.
  • the edge of the ceiling tile 2 can be lifted upwardly.
  • the fixing member 20 arranged on the opposite side edge of the ceiling tile 2 will release its engagement with bulb 14 of the other profile 10. Thereby, the ceiling tile 2 can be dismounted from the grid formed by the profiles 10.
  • the ceiling tile 2 can be remounted to the profile 10 again.
  • the profile 10 is elastically deformed when being twisted or torsioned.
  • the material of the profile 10 is chosen such that the profile 10 allows twisting by being elastically deformed. Even if the profile 10 is produced of a material having a low yield point, twisting of the profile 10 within its elastic region is possible since the profile 10 is suspended at suspension points arranged at a large distance from each other, for instance at least 600 mm, and since the torque is applied to the profile 10 at a position located at the centre of the ceiling tile along the profile 10.
  • the properties of the profile 10 in relation to the properties of the fixing member 20 are chosen such that the profile 10 elastically deforms when a torque or force is applied to the profile 10 and the fixing member 20 does not deform.
  • the modulus of elasticity of the fixing member 20 may be exceeding the modulus of elasticity of the profile 10. Consequently, the profile 10 will deform and the fixing member 20 will withstand the stress without deforming. Further, the yield point of the fixing member 20 may be exceeding the yield point of the profile 10.
  • the profile 10 may be produced from a material having a yield point R p0 ,2 of 200-400 N/mm 2 , preferably 300 N/mm 2 .
  • the fixing member 20 may be produced from a material having a yield point R p0 ,2 of more than 400 N/mm 2 , preferably more than 500 N/mm 2 .
  • the yield point R p o,2 an offset yield point, wherein value is set at 0,2 % of the strain
  • the grid supporting said at least one ceiling tile comprise at least one profile having a bulb as described above and one or more conventional profiles.
  • the fixing member may be attached to both main runners and/or cross runners.
  • fixing members are arranged at two opposite sides of the ceiling tile.
  • Fixing member may also be arranged at opposite sides the profile, as seen in fig. 1 .
  • the fixing members are arranged at more than two sides, for example at four sides of the ceiling tile, or at only one side.
  • the fixing members are arranged opposite each other. More than one fixing member may also be arranged at the same side of the ceiling tile.

Abstract

Suspended ceiling (1) comprising at least one ceiling tile (2) having a front surface (2a), a rear surface (2b) opposite the front surface (2a) and one or more edge surfaces (2c) extending between the front and rear surfaces (2a, 2b), and at least two profiles (10, 11) adapted to support said at least one ceiling tile (2), wherein at least one of said profiles (10) comprises a flange (12) and a web (13) having a bulb (14), and a fixing member (20) adapted to fixedly engage with said at least one ceiling tile (2). At least a fixing portion (21) of the fixing member (20) is adapted to be inserted into said at least one ceiling tile (2) via an edge surface (2c) of the said at least one ceiling tile (2). The fixing member (20) has a retaining portion (24) adapted for engagement with the bulb (14) from beneath relative the bulb (14) and only on a side of the profile (10) facing said at least one ceiling tile (2) into which the fixing portion (21) is adapted to be inserted. The present invention also relates to a method for dismounting a suspended ceiling (1).

Description

A SUSPENDED CEILING AND A METHOD FOR DISMOUNTING A
SUSPENDED CEILING
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a suspended ceiling comprising at least one ceiling tile, at least one profile comprising a flange and a web having a bulb, and a fixing member adapted for engagement with said at least one ceiling tile. The present invention also relates to a method for
dismounting a suspended ceiling.
Technical background
Suspended ceilings can be installed in many different types of buildings for various reasons, for example to absorb sound, to reflect light, to lower the ceiling height or to conceal installations such as cable
arrangements, ventilation equipment, lighting installations and other devices arranged in the space between the suspended ceiling and the ceiling structure of a building.
A suspended ceiling usually comprises a plurality of ceiling tiles and a supporting structure in form of a grid. The grid comprises profiles which support the ceiling tiles. The grid often comprises main runners which are suspended to the ceiling structure of the building and transverse or cross runners which are supported by the main runners. The profiles usually have an inverted T-shape or L-shape. The ceiling tiles may have sound-absorbing and/or sound-insulation properties in order to improve the acoustic
environment of the room. In order to obtain a relatively lightweight ceiling with satisfactory sound absorption, the ceiling tiles, for instance, may be made of a compressed fibre material such as mineral wool and especially glass wool.
Occasionally, installations concealed by the suspended ceiling may require inspection or maintenance. Therefore, at least some portions of the suspended ceilings must be dismountable. A solution to this problem is to install inspection panels or to arrange ceiling tiles that are dismountable.
However, it also desirable that ceiling tiles supported by a grid of inverted T-shaped profiles are not displaced or lifted when subjected to force in a vertical direction, for example when the ceiling tiles are cleaned.
Additionally, there is also a risk that ceiling tiles, especially light-weight ceiling tiles, are lifted or displaced during a sudden increase of pressure in the room. This may occur when a door is rapidly opened to a small room, for instance a bathroom or toilet. It may also be desirable in some circumstances, for instance at schools, prisons etc, to prevent persons not being authorized to gain access to the space above the suspended ceiling.
In order to hold down the ceiling tiles such that displacement or lifting of ceiling tiles is prevented, a hold down clip may be arranged for securing ceiling tiles to inverted T-shaped profiles. Conventional holds down clips are to be mounted from the rear surface of the ceiling tiles, i.e. from the surface facing the ceiling structure of the building. These conventional hold down clips are fixed to the web of the inverted T-shaped profile and are extending over a top portion of web. Hold down clips of this type are disclosed for example in US 7 062 886, US 4 858 408, and US 4 408 428. Another types of clips for suspended ceilings are shown in GB 861 322, US 4 833 854, US 6 260 325, FR 2 581 680 and GB 2 104 567.
However, hold down clips of this type makes inspection of the space between the suspended ceiling and the ceiling structure of the building difficult, since the hold down clips only can be dismounted from above the suspended ceiling, i.e. from the rear side of the suspended ceiling. Thereby, the ceiling tiles are not easily dismountable. An inspection panel is in this case often required in order to get easily access to the space above the suspended ceiling. As an alternative, one of the ceiling tiles may be mounted without any hold down clip, thus resulting in the above mentioned problems.
There are examples of prior art hold down clips which are
dismountable from below the suspended ceiling. However, these clips are partly visible from the interior of the room, which is undesirable due to aesthetic reasons.
GB 1 245 084 A discloses securing means for use in connecting together laths which are each of an inverted T-section with a bead at the longitudinal edge of the web. Moreover, rectangular panels may be layed on the lath flanges in order to form a ceiling lining. A spring clip may be provided in one edge of each panel in order to retain the panel in position. The spring clip encloses the bulb of the inverted T-section and engages with the bulb.
US 4 033 079 A describes a hold-down clip for suspended ceiling panels. The clip has a protruding prong which can be inserted into the edge of a ceiling panel. Moreover, the clip has a spring gripping means provided on its top, engaging with the bulb of a T-suspension beam adjacent to the panel, for securing the ceiling panel in a proper position.
US 2 780 850 A discloses a construction clip for anchoring adjacent edges of building slabs to a supporting beam as well as to each other. The clip comprises a U-shaped member which in use engages with the head of the supporting beam. The U-shaped member further comprises resilient lugs which snap under the head of the supporting beam and engage with vertical portions of the supporting beam. Moreover, the clip comprises flanges which are embedded into the sides of two adjacent slabs.
Summary of the invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improvement over the above described techniques and prior art.
A further object is to provide an improved suspended ceiling wherein a conventional profile may be used.
At least some of these and other objects and advantages that will be apparent from the description have been achieved by a suspended ceiling comprising at least one ceiling tile having a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface and one or more edge surfaces extending between the front and rear surfaces, and at least two profiles adapted to support said at least one ceiling tile, wherein at least one of said profiles comprises a flange and a web having a bulb, and a fixing member adapted to fixedly engage with said at least one ceiling tile. At least a fixing portion of the fixing member is adapted to be inserted into said at least one ceiling tile via an edge surface of said at least one ceiling tile. The fixing member has a retaining portion adapted for engagement with the bulb from beneath relative to the bulb and only on a side of the profile facing said at least one ceiling tile into which the fixing portion is adapted to be inserted.
An advantage of the present invention is that the fixing member prevents displacement of the ceiling tile upwards in a vertical direction.
Thereby, the ceiling tile will not lift due to sudden increase of pressure in a room and will remain in place. Further, it is possible to apply pressure on the front surface of the ceiling tile without lifting the ceiling tile in an upward direction. Thereby, the ceiling tile will remain in place when it is for example cleaned. When mounting the ceiling tile, the fixing member is inserted into the ceiling tile. The ceiling tile is then mounted to the grid formed of the profiles in conventional way. When the ceiling tile is supported by the profiles, the retaining portion of the fixing member engages with the bulb from beneath. Since the retaining portion of the fixing member is adapted to engage with the bulb from beneath and only on a side of the profile facing the ceiling tile, and not as in prior art solutions extending over the top portion of the bulb, the fixing member does not have to be mounted from above the grid but from below the grid. The mounting of the fixing member is thereby facilitated.
Additionally, the problem associated with mounting of fixing members to the last ceiling tile in a suspended ceiling is overcome. Such problems arise when fixing members are to be mounted from above the grid, often resulting in that no fixing member is arranged for fixing the last ceiling tile.
When the ceiling tile is to be dismounted, a force or torque is applied to the profile such that the profile is twisted. Thereby, at least a portion of the profile is angled about a longitudinal axis of the profile. Consequently, the bulb is displaced from the retaining portion of the fixing member thereby releasing the engagement with the retaining portion. Thereafter, the ceiling tile may be dismounted. The fixing member does not have to be dismounted from above the grid. Thereby, dismounting of the ceiling tile is facilitated.
Further, the fixing member is not visible from beneath the suspended ceiling. Thereby, the visual appearance of the suspended ceiling is approved and is not affected by the fixing members.
A further advantage is that the fixing member may be used together with a conventional profile for forming the grid for the suspended ceiling. The profile does not have to a have a special design adapted to suit the fixing member, a conventional profile also suitable for other utilizations may be used. The fixing portion of the fixing member is adapted to be inserted into the ceiling tile in order to fixedly engage with the ceiling tile. No portion of the fixing member is abutting the flange of the profile. Thereby, a profile having a planar flange may be used together with the fixing member. Consequently, no gap is formed between the flange of the profile and the ceiling tile.
A further advantage is that for a person not intended to get access to the space above the suspended ceiling, the ceiling tile seems fixed to the grid not moveable in a vertical direction, thereby preventing access to the space above the suspended ceiling. However, for a person having permission to this space, the ceiling tile is easily dismountable from the suspended ceiling. The engagement of the retaining portion with the bulb may prevent displacement of the fixing member in a horizontal direction. Thereby, the fixing member prevents movement of the ceiling tile in both upwards in a vertical direction and in the horizontal direction.
The retaining portion of the fixing member may be adapted to release the engagement with the bulb when said at least one profile is twisted such that at least a portion of the profile is angled about a longitudinal axis of said at least one profile. By twisting at least a portion of the profile about the longitudinal axis, the engagement between the retaining portion and the bulb is released. The rotational movement of the profile about the longitudinal axis moves the bulb away from the retaining portion of the fixing member.
Thereby, the retaining portion can pass at the side of the bulb such that the ceiling tile can be moved and removed from the grid. In this manner, the suspended ceiling is easily dismountable.
The retaining portion may be adapted to engage with a surface of the bulb facing the flange. Consequently, the retaining portion engages with the bulb from beneath.
The surface of the bulb may form a transition between the bulb and the web. Thereby, the bulb may be formed when forming the profile, for example by roll forming.
The surface of the bulb may be inclined towards the web in a direction away from the flange. As the surface may be inclined toward the web away from the flange, the inclined surface prevents the retaining portion of the fixing member from releasing its engagement with the bulb. The inclination of the surface of the bulb in the direction away from the flange prevents
displacement of the fixing member in a horizontal direction away from the profile. Consequently, the inclined surface locks the position of the retaining portion of the fixing member when the profile is in its normal upright position.
The bulb may be integrally formed with the web. Thereby, the bulb may be formed during the same operation as the rest of the profile, for example by roll forming a sheet into a profile. The bulb may increase the strength of the profile.
Said at least one profile may be twistable by elastic deformation of said at least one profile. The properties of the profile are such that the profile may be twisted to some extent, for instance 3-10°, by being elastically deformed. By allowing such elastic deformation, the profile may be twisted such that the engagement between the bulb and the retaining portion of the fixing member is released.
Said at least one profile may be adapted to be elastically deformed when a force or torque to said at least one profile while the fixing member is adapted to remain in its original shape and position. Thereby, the
engagement between the bulb and the retaining portion of the fixing member may be released without the fixing member starts to deform.
A modulus of elasticity of the fixing member may be larger than a modulus of elasticity of said at least one profile. This implies that when a person affects the profile for dismounting the ceiling tile, for example by twisting the profile, it is the profile that deforms and not the fixing member.
The yield point Rp0,2 of the fixing member may be more than 400 N/mm2, preferably more than 500 N/mm2. The fixing member is formed of a material, for instance steel, having a high yield point, since the fixing member may be exposed to large impacts and since it is desirable to reduce the thickness of the material for the profile in order to reduce the required space for the installation. The yield point of the fixing member may be higher than the yield point of the profile.
The yield point Rpo,2 of said at least one profile may be 200-400 N/mm2, preferably 300 N/mm2. Even if the yield point of the profile is low, twisting of the profile is possible within the elastic region of the material since the profile is suspended at suspension points arranged at a large distance from each other, for example at least 600 mm, and since the torque is applied to the profile at a position corresponding to the centre of the ceiling tile along the profile 10.
At least a portion of said at least one profile may be twistable 3-10°, preferably 5-7°, about a longitudinal axis of said at least one profile. By twisting the profile 3-10°, preferably 5-7°, about the longitudinal axis of the profile, the engagement of the retaining portion with bulb is released. By twisting the profile, the bulb is moved away from the retaining portion of the fixing member, Thereby, the retaining portion of the fixing member may pass beside the bulb such that the ceiling tile can be lifted, tilted and then removed from the grid.
An edge portion of the front surface of said at least one ceiling tile may be adapted to rest on the flange. The flange may have a planar surface.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for dismounting a suspended ceiling is provided. The method comprises -providing a suspended ceiling comprising
at least one ceiling tile having a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface and one or more edge surfaces extending between the front and rear surfaces,
at least two profiles adapted to support said at least one ceiling tile, wherein at least one of said profiles comprises a flange and a web having a bulb, and
a fixing member adapted to fixedly engage with said at least one ceiling tile, wherein at least a fixing portion of the fixing member is adapted to be inserted into said at least one ceiling tile via an edge surface of said at least one ceiling tile,
the fixing member having a retaining portion adapted for engagement with the bulb from beneath relative the bulb,
-releasing the engagement between the retaining portion of the fixing member and the bulb by applying a force or torque to said at least one profile such that said at least one profile is twisted such that at least a portion of said at least one profile is angled about a longitudinal axis of said at least one profile thereby moving the bulb away from the retaining portion of the fixing member.
By twisting at least a portion of the profile about the longitudinal axis, the engagement between the retaining portion and the bulb is released. The rotational movement of the profile about the longitudinal axis moves the bulb away from the retaining portion of the fixing member. Thereby, the retaining portion can pass at the side of the bulb such that the ceiling tile can be moved and removed from the grid. Consequently, the ceiling tiles in the suspended ceiling are easily dismountable.
By the inventive method, it is possible to release the fixing member and thereby dismount the ceiling tile from beneath. Dismounting of the fixing member such that the ceiling tile may be removed from the grid is further facilitated. The fixing member does not have to be removed from above the level of the suspended ceiling but from beneath.
Further, for a person not supposed to have access to the suspended ceiling, the ceiling tiles of the suspended ceiling seem locked. If a person tries to lift a ceiling tile, it will not be possible to move the ceiling tile. No part of the fixing member is visible and, consequently, no clue is given to how to dismount the ceiling tile. However, for a person having access to the suspended ceiling and space above, the ceiling tiles are easily dismountable by applying a force or torque to the profile for twisting the profile. Additionally, a tool may be used to grip, for example the flange of the profile, for further increase the impression that the ceiling tiles are locked and that a special tool must be used to dismount the ceiling tile from the suspended ceiling. Such a tool may also further facilitate dismounting of the ceiling tile, since the tool facilitates gripping the flange of the profile.
Additionally, the advantages described above for the suspended ceiling are applicable also for the inventive method.
The method may further comprise lifting said at least one ceiling tile upwards at least at the fixing member side while applying said force or torque to the profile. Thereby, the ceiling tile may be tilted such that it may be removed from the grid.
The step of applying a force or torque to said at least one profile may comprise applying a force or torque to the flange of said at least one profile. Preferably, a force or torque is applied to the profile at a position located at the centre of the ceiling tile along the profile. By applying a force or torque to the flange of the profile, the flange acts as a torque arm. Thus, the torque required for achieving the twisting of the profile is reduced.
According to a further aspect of the invention, a fixing member adapted to fixedly engage with a ceiling tile is provided, comprising a first fixing portion adapted to be inserted into a ceiling tile via an edge surface of the ceiling tile, a second fixing portion adapted to abut a rear surface of the ceiling tile, and a retaining portion adapted to engage with a bulb of a profile from beneath relative the bulb.
Brief description of the drawings
The present invention will by way of example be described in more detail with reference to the appended schematic drawings, which show embodiments of the present invention.
Fig. 1 shows a portion of a suspended ceiling.
Fig. 2a shows a perspective view of a fixing member.
Fig. 2b shows a cross section of the fixing member in fig. 2a.
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a section of the suspended ceiling including the fixing member.
Fig. 4 shows the section of the suspended ceiling in fig. 2 in cross- section. Figs. 5a-b schematically disclose a method for dismounting the suspended ceiling.
Detailed description
Fig. 1 shows a portion of a suspended ceiling 1 comprising profiles 10,
1 1 forming a grid, ceiling tiles 2 and fixing members 20. The profiles 10, 1 1 are adapted to support the ceiling tiles 2. The profiles 10, 1 1 may be main runners 10, cross runners 1 1 and/or wall runners (not shown). At least one of the profiles is of the type described in more detail below. The main runners 10 are commonly suspended from the structural ceiling or building frame work or the like. The suspension may e.g. be provided using hangers 3 formed of wires or interconnected plate shaped members or the like. The main runners 10 are commonly arranged equidistantly and parallel to each other. The grid further comprises a plurality of cross runners 11 extending between the main runners 10. The cross runners 1 1 are provided with connecting members at their respective ends and engage with the main runners 10. They may also be supported by the main runners 10. The cross runners 1 1 are commonly arranged equidistantly and parallel to each other, and commonly transverse to the main runners 10. Cross runners 1 1 may also be arranged parallel to the main runners 10. The grid thus formed provides a plurality of quadratic or rectangular openings into which the ceiling tiles 2 are adapted to be placed.
The ceiling tiles 2 have a front surface 2a, a rear surface 2b opposite the front surface 2a and one or more edge surfaces 2c extending between the front and rear surfaces 2a, 2b. The front surface 2a may be provided with a surface layer. The rear surface 2b may also be provided with a surface layer. The front and/or the rear surface 2a, 2b may be painted.
The ceiling tiles 2 have sound-absorbing and/or sound-insulation properties in order to improve the acoustic environment of a room. The ceiling tile 2 may be made of man-made mineral fibre. In order to obtain a relatively lightweight ceiling with satisfactory sound absorption, the ceiling tiles may, for instance, be made of a compressed fibre material such as mineral wool and especially glass wool.
Figs. 2a-b show a fixing member 20 adapted to fixedly engage with a ceiling tile 2 in more detail. The fixing member 20 is in form of a clip. The fixing member 20 comprises a first fixing portion 21 , a second fixing portion 22, an intermediate portion 23 and a retaining portion 24. In the shown embodiment, the fixing member 20 comprises a pair of the first fixing portions 21 a, 21 b. However, a person skilled in the art appreciates that the fixing member 20 may be designed with one first fixing portion.
The fixing member 20 is adapted to fixedly engage the ceiling tile 2 by means of the first and the second fixing portions 21 , 22.
The first fixing portion 21 is adapted to be inserted into a ceiling tile 2 via an edge surface 2c of the ceiling tile 2. The first fixing 21 portion is adapted to extend into the ceiling tile 2. When the first fixing portion 21 is inserted into the ceiling tile 2, the position of the fixing member 20 is fixed in relation to the ceiling tile 2.
The second fixing portion 22 is adapted to extend along a rear surface of the ceiling tile 2. The second fixing portion 22 is adapted to abut the rear surface of the ceiling tile 2.
In order to improve the strength of the fixing member 20, the shown embodiment of the fixing member 20 comprises two first portions 21 a, 21 b adapted to be inserted into an edge surface 2c of the ceiling tile 2.
As seen in cross-section in fig. 2b, the first and second fixing portions
21 , 22 extend in a horizontal direction. When the fixing member 20 is engaging a ceiling tile 2, the first and second fixing portions 21 , 22 extends in a direction parallel to the plane of the ceiling tile 2.
An intermediate portion 23 of the fixing member 20 is connecting the first fixing portion 21 with the retaining portion 24 and the second fixing portion 22.
The retaining portion 24 is extending upwardly. The retaining portion 24 is angled away from the second fixing portion 22. The retaining portion 24 is adapted to engage with a profile 10 when forming a part of the grid for a suspended ceiling 1 .
The fixing member 20 may be formed from a sheet. Three tongues are cut out from the sheet. The tongues are bent such that the tongues form the first and second fixing portions 21a, 21 b, 22. An upper part of the fixing member 20 is upwardly angled such that the retaining portion 24 is formed.
The fixing member 20 may be formed of steel. The yield point po,2 of the material used for forming the fixing member is more than 400 N/mm2, and preferably more than 500 N/mm2. Preferably, the thickness of the sheet is less than 0,5 mm. The fixing member 20 is required to resist impacts without deforming.
Fig. 3 discloses a section of the suspended ceiling 1 shown in fig. 1 . The suspended ceiling 1 comprises at least two profiles 10, 1 1 , at least one ceiling tile 2 and at least one fixing member 20. Said at least two profiles 10, 1 1 are adapted to support the ceiling tiles 2.
The profiles 10, 1 1 comprise a flange 12 and a web 13. At least one of the profiles has a bulb 14. The bulb 14 is integrally formed with the web 13. The bulb 14 is symmetrical about a vertical axis. The bulb 14 has a pointed top portion. The bulb 14 has a lower portion having a surface 15 on each side of the web 13. The surface 15 forms a transition between the bulb 14 and the web 13. The surface 15 is inclined towards the web 13 in a direction away from the flange 12.
The profiles 10, 11 are adapted to support a ceiling tile 2. More specifically, an edge portion of the front surface 2a of the ceiling tile 2 is adapted to rest on the flange 12 of the profile 10, 1 1 .
The profiles 10, 11 may be an inverted T-profile or an L-shaped profile. The flange 12 of the profile may be provided with a capping 16.
The profiles 10, 1 1 can be formed of a sheet of for instance steel. The thickness of the sheet may be 0,25 - 0,5 mm. The capping 16 can be formed of a sheet of aluminium or steel. The thickness of the sheet for forming the capping may be approximately 0,2 mm.
Said at least one ceiling tile 2 is of the type described in more detailed above in connection with fig. 1
The fixing member 20 is of the type described in more detailed above in connection with figs.2a-b.
As seen in figs. 3 and 4, the fixing member 20 is fixedly engaging the ceiling tile 2. The pair of first fixing portions 21 a, 21 b is inserted into the ceiling tile 2 via an edge surface 2c of the ceiling tile 2. The second fixing portion 22 is extending along the rear surface 2b of the ceiling tile 2. The second fixing portion 22 is abutting the rear surface 2b of the ceiling tile 2. Thereby, the fixing member 20 fixedly engages the ceiling tile 2.
The retaining portion 24 of the fixing member 20 engages with the profile 10. More specifically, the retaining portion 24 engages with the bulb 14 from beneath only on the side of the profile 10 facing said the ceiling tile into which the fixing portion is inserted. The retaining portion 24 engages with the inclined surface 15 of the lower portion of the bulb 14. The engagement between the retaining portion 24 and the bulb 14 restricts movements of the ceiling tile 2 in the vertical direction. Thereby, the ceiling tile 2 can not be lifted and moved in the vertical direction. Further, due to the surface 15 being inclined towards the web 13 in a direction away from the flange 12, movement of the ceiling tile 2 in the horizontal direction is also restricted. Consequently, the engagement between the retaining portion 24 and the bulb 14 locks the ceiling tile 2 in position.
An edge portion of the front surface 2a of ceiling tile 2 is directly abutting the flange 12 of the profile 10. The edge portion of the ceiling tile 2 rests on the flange 12 of the profile 10. The upper surface of the flange 12 forms a plane surface on which the edge portion of the front surface 2a of the ceiling tile 2 is resting.
Preferably, a fixing member 20 is arranged on opposite side surfaces of the ceiling tile 2. Thereby, two fixing members 20 are attached to each ceiling tile 2. Preferably, the fixing members 20 are arranged at a centre portion of each ceiling tile 2.
When mounting the suspended ceiling 1 , the fixing member 20 is attached to the ceiling tile 2 as described above. A supporting structure is formed by said at least two profiles 10, 1 1. The supporting structure is suspended to the ceiling structure of the building. The ceiling tile 2 is then mounted to the supporting structure, i.e. the grid. The ceiling tile 2 angled such that the ceiling tile 2 can pass between the profiles 10, 1 1 and lifted above the profiles 10, 1 1. The ceiling tile 2 is then released such that the ceiling tile 2 falls down and in position. The retaining portion 24 of the fixing member 20 passes the bulb 14 of the profile 10 and snaps into engagement with the surface 15 of the lower portion of the bulb 14. Since friction between the fixing member 20 and the profile 10 is low, the retaining portion 24 easily can pass the bulb 14. The ceiling tile 2 reaches its final position wherein an edge portion of the ceiling tile 2 rests on the flange 12 of the profile 10, and wherein the retaining portion 24 of the fixing member 20 engages the surface 15 of the bulb 14.
With reference to figs. 4 and 5, a method for dismounting the suspended ceiling 1 will be described. Figs. 4 and 5 show a suspended ceiling 1 of the type described above including the fixing member 20 as described above. In order to dismount a ceiling tile 2 from the suspended ceiling 1 , the profile 10 is twisted or torsioned about a longitudinal direction of the profile 10 such that at least a portion of the profile 10 is angled about the longitudinal axis of the profile 10. Preferably, a portion of the profile 10 is angled at a position located at the centre of the ceiling tile along the profile 10. Preferably, the profile 10 is angled at a position near the fixing member 20. The profile 10 is twisted in a direction such that the bulb 14 moves away from the fixing member 20 and the ceiling tile 2. By twisting the profile 10 about the longitudinal direction, the engagement between the retaining portion 24 of the fixing member and the bulb 14 of the profile 10 is released. More specifically, the engagement between the retaining portion 24 and the inclined surface 15 of the lower portion of the bulb 14 is released. When the profile 10 is twisted in a direction away from the fixing member 20, the bulb 14 is moved in relation to the fixing member 20 and the ceiling tile 2. Thereby, the bulb 14 moves away from the retaining portion 24 and the engagement between the retaining portion 24 and the bulb 14 is released. The retaining portion 24 can pass beside the bulb 14.
Since the compressed fibre material of the ceiling tile, for example glass wool, is non-rigid and flexible, the ceiling tile arranged on the opposite side of the profile 10 allows the profile 10 to be twisted and does not hinder the displacement of the profile 10.
Preferably, for a profile having a height of 32 mm, the profile 10 is angled 5-7°. Thereby, the bulb 14 is moved 2-3 mm, which is enough to release the engagement between the retaining portion 24 and the bulb 14, and let the retaining portion 24 pass beside the bulb 14. Required torque moment is about 0,2 Nm.
The profile 10 may be twisted by applying a force or torque to the profile 10. Preferably, the force or torque may be applied to the flange 12 of the profile 10. Preferably, the force or torque is applied to an end portion of the flange 12. In the longitudinal direction of the profile 10, the torque or force is preferably applied to the profile 10 at a position located at the centre of the ceiling tile along the profile 10. The force may be applied by pushing or gripping the flange 12 by hand. A person may grip the profile 10 an end portion of the flange 12 opposite the side of the profile 10 where the fixing member 20 is located, and rotate that side of the profile 10 downwardly. As an alternative or in addition, the person may push the flange 12 at the same side of the profile 10 as the side where the fixing member 20 is located, and rotate the side upwardly.
Alternatively, a tool may be used in order to grip an end portion of the flange 12 opposite the side of the profile 10 where the fixing member 20 is located. The tool is then used to rotate the profile 10 about the longitudinal direction of the profile 10.
While twisting the profile 10 such that the engagement between the retaining portion 24 and the bulb 14 is released, the edge of the ceiling tile 2 can be lifted upwardly. When the ceiling tile 2 is lifted, the fixing member 20 arranged on the opposite side edge of the ceiling tile 2 will release its engagement with bulb 14 of the other profile 10. Thereby, the ceiling tile 2 can be dismounted from the grid formed by the profiles 10.
If desired, the ceiling tile 2 can be remounted to the profile 10 again.
The profile 10 is elastically deformed when being twisted or torsioned. The material of the profile 10 is chosen such that the profile 10 allows twisting by being elastically deformed. Even if the profile 10 is produced of a material having a low yield point, twisting of the profile 10 within its elastic region is possible since the profile 10 is suspended at suspension points arranged at a large distance from each other, for instance at least 600 mm, and since the torque is applied to the profile 10 at a position located at the centre of the ceiling tile along the profile 10.
The properties of the profile 10 in relation to the properties of the fixing member 20 are chosen such that the profile 10 elastically deforms when a torque or force is applied to the profile 10 and the fixing member 20 does not deform. The modulus of elasticity of the fixing member 20 may be exceeding the modulus of elasticity of the profile 10. Consequently, the profile 10 will deform and the fixing member 20 will withstand the stress without deforming. Further, the yield point of the fixing member 20 may be exceeding the yield point of the profile 10. The profile 10 may be produced from a material having a yield point Rp0,2 of 200-400 N/mm2, preferably 300 N/mm2. The fixing member 20 may be produced from a material having a yield point Rp0,2 of more than 400 N/mm2, preferably more than 500 N/mm2. The yield point Rpo,2 an offset yield point, wherein value is set at 0,2 % of the strain
It is contemplated that there are numerous modifications of the embodiments described herein, which are still within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
It is for example contemplated that the grid supporting said at least one ceiling tile comprise at least one profile having a bulb as described above and one or more conventional profiles. It is also contemplated that the fixing member may be attached to both main runners and/or cross runners. In the shown embodiment, fixing members are arranged at two opposite sides of the ceiling tile. Fixing member may also be arranged at opposite sides the profile, as seen in fig. 1 . However, it is also contemplated that the fixing members are arranged at more than two sides, for example at four sides of the ceiling tile, or at only one side. Preferably, the fixing members are arranged opposite each other. More than one fixing member may also be arranged at the same side of the ceiling tile.

Claims

1 . A suspended ceiling (1 ) comprising
at least one ceiling tile (2) having a front surface (2a), a rear surface (2b) opposite the front surface (2a) and one or more edge surfaces (2c) extending between the front and rear surfaces (2a, 2b), and
at least two profiles (10, 1 1 ) adapted to support said at least one ceiling tile (2) ,
wherein at least one of said profiles (10) comprises a flange (12) and a web (13) having a bulb (14), and
a fixing member (20) adapted to fixedly engage with said at least one ceiling tile (2), wherein at least a fixing portion (21 ) of the fixing member (20) is adapted to be inserted into said at least one ceiling tile (2) via an edge surface (2c) of said at least one ceiling tile (2),
the fixing member (20) having a retaining portion (24) adapted for engagement with the bulb (14) from beneath relative to the bulb (14) and only on a side of the profile (10) facing said at least one ceiling tile (2) into which the fixing portion (21 ) is adapted to be inserted.
2. A suspended ceiling (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the engagement of the retaining portion (24) with the bulb (14) prevents displacement of the fixing member (20) in a horizontal direction.
3. A suspended ceiling (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the retaining portion (24) of the fixing member (20) is adapted to release the engagement with the bulb (14) when said at least one profile (10) is twisted such that at least a portion of the profile (10) is angled about a longitudinal axis of said at least one profile (10).
4. A suspended ceiling (1 ) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the retaining portion (24) is adapted to engage with a surface (15) of the bulb (14) facing the flange (12).
5. A suspended ceiling (1 ) according to claim 4, wherein said surface (15) of the bulb (14) forms a transition between the bulb (14) and the web (13).
6. A suspended ceiling (1 ) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said surface (15) of the bulb (14) is inclined towards the web (13) in a direction away from the flange (12).
7. A suspended ceiling (1 ) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the bulb (14) is integrally formed with the web (13).
8. A suspended ceiling (1 ) according to any one of claim 1-7, wherein said at least one profile (10) is twistable by elastic deformation of said at least one profile (10).
9. A suspended ceiling (1) according to any one of claims 1 -8, wherein said at least one profile (10) is adapted to be elastically deformed when a force or torque to said at least one profile (10) while the fixing member (20) is adapted to remain in its original shape and position.
10. A suspended ceiling (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 -9, wherein the yield point Rp0,2 of the fixing member (20) is more than 400 N/mm2, preferably more than 500 N/mm2.
1 1 . A suspended ceiling (1 ) according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the yield point Rp0,2 of said at least one profile (10) is 200-400 N/mm2, preferably 300 N/mm2.
12. A suspended ceiling (1 ) according to any one of claims 1-1 1 , wherein at least a portion of said at least one profile (10) is twistable 3-10°, preferably 5-7°, about a longitudinal axis of said at least one profile (10).
13. A suspended ceiling (1) according to any one of claims 1 -12, wherein an edge portion of the front surface (2a) of said at least one ceiling tile (2) is adapted to rest on the flange (12).
14. Method for dismounting a suspended ceiling (1 ), comprising
-providing a suspended ceiling (1) comprising
at least one ceiling tile (2) having a front surface (2a), a rear surface (2b) opposite the front surface (2a) and one or more edge surfaces (2c) extending between the front and rear surfaces (2a, 2b), at least two profiles (10 ,11 ) adapted to support said at least one ceiling tile (2), wherein at least one of said profiles (10) comprises a flange (12) and a web (13) having a bulb (14), and
a fixing member (20) adapted to fixedly engage with said at least one ceiling tile (2), wherein at least a fixing portion (21) of the fixing member (20) is adapted to be inserted into said at least one ceiling tile (2) via an edge surface (2c) of said at least one ceiling tile (2),
the fixing member (20) having a retaining portion (24) adapted for engagement with the bulb (14) from beneath relative the bulb (14),
-releasing the engagement between the retaining portion (24) of the fixing member (20) and the bulb (14) by applying a force or torque to said at least one profile (10) such that said at least one profile (10) is twisted such that at least a portion of said at least one profile (10) is angled about a longitudinal axis of said at least one profile (10) thereby moving the bulb (14) away from the retaining portion (24) of the fixing member (20).
15. Method according to claim 14, further comprising lifting said at least one ceiling tile (2) upwards at least at the fixing member side while applying said force or torque to said at least one profile (10).
16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the step of applying a force or torque to said at least one profile (10) comprises applying a force or torque to the flange (12) of said at least one profile (10).
PCT/EP2012/063404 2011-07-12 2012-07-09 A suspended ceiling and a method for dismounting a suspended ceiling WO2013007690A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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EP11173632.8 2011-07-12
EP20110173632 EP2546429B1 (en) 2011-07-12 2011-07-12 A suspended ceiling and a method for dismounting a suspended ceiling

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EP3879044A1 (en) * 2020-03-13 2021-09-15 Saint-Gobain Ecophon AB Ceiling tile and suspended ceiling system comprising such a ceiling tile

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EP2546429B1 (en) 2014-09-24
DK2546429T3 (en) 2014-12-15
EP2546429A1 (en) 2013-01-16

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