Ceiling panels are added to homes and businesses as a way to add lighting to a room, for acoustic absorption, and for decorative purposes. Regardless of the specific reasoning for adding ceiling panels to an existing drywall ceiling or the like, it is desirable that the ceiling panels be installed and maintained in appropriate alignment so that they are aesthetically pleasing. People tend to find objects that are in alignment more aesthetically pleasing than objects that are misaligned which people often associate with sloppiness and disorganization. Using current ceiling panels and installation techniques, it is difficult to ensure that the ceiling panels are installed in perfect alignment, particularly for a homeowner conducting the installation without professional assistance. Furthermore, even if the ceiling panels are initially installed in perfect alignment, it is not uncommon for adjacent installed ceiling panels to become misaligned over time thereby destroying the symmetry and desired aesthetics. Specifically, very slight movement of the ceiling panels at the corners of the ceiling panels creates a messy and unprofessional aesthetic. A need exists for a ceiling system that ensures alignment during installation and that maintains alignment over time so that the professional appearance of the original installation remains.
The present invention may be directed, in one aspect, to a ceiling system having a plurality of ceiling panels each with an upper face, a lower face, and first, second, third, and fourth edges. The first and second edges may have a tongue and the third and fourth edges may have a groove so that the tongue and groove of adjacent ceiling panels can mate with one another during installation. The ceiling system may also include an alignment clip mounted at the location that four ceiling panels intersect. The alignment clips may include a rib section located between specific edges of each of the adjacent ceiling panels for maintaining of proper alignment among and between the ceiling panels.
In one aspect, the invention can be ceiling system comprising: a plurality of ceiling panels, each of the ceiling panels comprising: an upper face; a lower face opposite the upper face; a first edge, a second edge, a third edge opposite the first edge, and a fourth edge opposite the second edge; each of the first and second edges comprising a tongue; and each of the third and fourth edges comprising a groove; the ceiling panels mounted to a ceiling support substrate in an interlocked manner so that the tongues of the ceiling panels nest within the grooves of adjacent ones of the ceiling panels; and a plurality of alignment clips, each of the alignment clips mounted at an intersection of four of the ceiling panels and comprising a cruciform rib element comprising: (1) a first rib section located between the first edge of a first one of the four ceiling panels and the third edge of a second one of the four ceiling panels; (2) a second rib section located between the second edge of the second one of the four ceiling panels and the fourth edge of a third one of the four ceiling panels; (3) a third rib section located between the third edge of the third one of the four ceiling panels and the first edge of a fourth one of the four ceiling panels; and (4) a fourth rib section located between the fourth edge of the fourth one of the four ceiling panels and the second edge of the first one of the four ceiling panels.
In another aspect, the invention can be a ceiling system comprising: a plurality of ceiling panels, each of the ceiling panels comprising: an upper face; a lower face opposite the upper face; a first edge, a second edge, a third edge opposite the first edge, and a fourth edge opposite the second edge; each of the first and second edges comprising a tongue; and each of the third and fourth edges comprising a groove; and a plurality of alignment clips, each of the alignment clips comprising a cruciform rib element.
In yet another aspect, the invention can be a method of covering a ceiling support with a plurality of ceiling panels, each of the ceiling panels comprising an upper face, a lower face opposite the upper face, a first edge, a second edge, a third edge opposite the first edge, and a fourth edge opposite the second edge, each of the first and second edges comprising a tongue, and each of the third and fourth edges comprising a groove, the method comprising: a) mounting the ceiling panels to the ceiling support in an interlocked arrangement so that the tongues of the ceiling panels nest within the grooves of adjacent ones of the ceiling panels, the ceiling panels mounted so that the upper faces of the ceiling panels oppose a lower surface of the ceiling support; and b) during step a), positioning an alignment clip having a cruciform rib element at an intersection of four of the ceiling panels, the cruciform rib element of the alignment clip maintaining the four ceiling panels in orthogonal alignment with one another.
In a further aspect, the invention can be a ceiling panel comprising: an upper face; a lower face opposite the upper face; a first edge, a second edge, a third edge opposite the first edge, and a fourth edge opposite the second edge; each of the first, second, third and fourth edges comprising an upper edge portion adjacent the upper face, a lower edge portion adjacent the lower face, and a middle edge portion between the upper and lower edge portions; the middle edge portion of each of the first and second edges comprising a tongue; the middle edge portion of each of the third and fourth edges comprising a groove configured to receive the tongue; the upper edge portion of each of the third and fourth edges comprising a first flange having a lower flange surface that partially defines the groove, the first flange terminating in a distal surface and having a thickness (t) measured from the upper face of the ceiling panel to the lower flange surface of the first flange; the upper edge portion of each of the first and second edges comprising a first recess comprising a first recess wall surface and a first recess floor surface, the first recess wall surface partially defining the tongue, the first recess having a depth (D) measured from the upper face of the ceiling panel to the first recess floor surface, the first recess configured to receive the first flange; the lower edge portion of each of the third and fourth edges comprising a second flange having an upper flange surface that partially defines the groove, the second flange terminating in a distal surface; the lower edge portion of each of the first and second edges comprising a second recess comprising a second recess wall surface and a second recess floor surface, the second recess wall surface partially defining the tongue, the second recess configured to receive the second flange; and wherein D−t≥0.75 millimeters.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.
As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.
Referring to
In certain embodiments the ceiling panels 100 may be formed of mineral fiber, mineral wool, fiberboard, fiberglass, rock wool, stone wool, or the like. The ceiling panels 100 may also be metal. Furthermore, the ceiling panels 100 may include decorative lower faces that are exposed and visible within an interior space to enhance the aesthetic effect thereof. Thus, many permutations and variations of the ceiling panels 100 with regard to material, appearance, design, and the like are possible within the scope of the present application.
The ceiling panels 100 comprise an upper face 101, a lower face 102 opposite the upper face 101, a first edge 103, a second edge, 104, a third edge 105 opposite the first edge 103, and a fourth edge 106 opposite the second edge 104. The first edge 103 is adjacent the second edge 104, the second edge 104 is adjacent the third edge 105, the third edge 105 is adjacent the fourth edge 106, and the fourth edge 106 is adjacent the first edge 103. As described in more detail below, multiple of the ceiling panels 100 are mounted to a ceiling support so that the first edge 103 of one ceiling panel 100 interlocks or mates with the third edge 105 of another ceiling panel 100 and the second edge 104 of one ceiling panel 100 interlocks or mates with the fourth edge 106 of another ceiling panel 100. This interaction will be described in more detail below with reference to
Referring to
In the exemplified embodiment the first and second edges 103, 104 comprise a tongue 107a, 107b and the third and fourth edges 105, 106 comprise a groove 108a, 108b. Upon installation, a plurality of the ceiling panels 100 are mounted to a ceiling support in an interlocked arrangement so that the tongues 107a, 107b of the first and second edges 103, 104 of the ceiling panels 100 nest within the grooves 108a, 108b of the third and fourth edges 105, 106 of adjacent ones of the ceiling panels 100. More specifically, the tongue 107a of the first edge 103 of one ceiling panel 100 nests within the groove 108a of the third edge 105 of an adjacent ceiling panel 100 and the tongue 107b of the second edge 104 of one ceiling panel 100 nests within the groove 108b of the fourth edge 106 of an adjacent ceiling panel 100.
As noted above, in the exemplified embodiment the first and second edges 103, 104 have a similar structure and shape and the third and fourth edges 105, 16 have a similar structure and shape. Thus, the details of the first and second edges 103, 104 will be described together below and the details of the third and fourth edges 105, 106 will be described together below. For purposes of describing
The first and second edges 103, 104 each comprise a first edge portion 109a, 109b adjacent to the upper face 101 of the ceiling panel 100, a second edge portion 110a, 110b below the first edge portion 109a, 109b, and a third edge portion 111a, 111b adjacent to the lower face 102 of the ceiling panel 100. The second edge portion 110a of the first edge 103 is located between the first and third edge portions 109a, 111a of the first edge 103. The second edge portion 110b of the second edge 104 is located between the first and third edge portions 109b, 111b of the second edge 104. The first, second, and third edge portions 109a-b, 110a-b, 111a-b are merely portions or sections of the first and second edges 103, 104 that are separately described herein to facilitate proper understanding of the structure. The first, second, and third edge portions 109a, 110a, 111a collectively form the first edge 103 of the ceiling panel 100 and the first, second, and third edge portions 109b, 110b, 111b collectively form the second edge 104 of the ceiling panel 100.
The first edge portions 109a, 109b of the first and second edges 103, 104 comprise a first recess 112a, 112b comprising or defined by a first recess wall surface 113a, 113b and a first recess floor surface 114a, 114b. The second edge portions 110a, 110b of the first and second edges 103, 104 comprise the tongue 107a, 107b that terminates in a distal surface 129a, 129b. The third edge portions 111a, 111b of the first and second edges 103, 104 comprise a second recess 115a, 115b comprising or defined by a second recess wall surface 116a, 116b and a second recess floor surface 117a, 117b. In the exemplified embodiment the third edge portions 111a, 111b of the first and second edges 103, 104 also comprise a chamfered surface 118a, 118b that extends from the second recess wall surface 116a, 116b to the lower face 102 of the ceiling panel 100. However, as will be discussed in more detail below with specific reference to
Thus, the first and second edges 103, 104 comprise the following surfaces. The first recess wall surface 113a, 113b is a substantially vertical surface extending from the upper face 101 of the ceiling panel 100 to the first recess floor surface 114a, 114b. The first recess floor surface 114a, 114b is a substantially horizontal surface extending from the first recess wall surface 113a, 113b to the distal edge 129a, 129b of the tongue 107a, 107b. The distal surface 129a, 129b of the tongue 107a, 107b extends vertically from the first recess floor surface 114a, 114b to the second recess floor surface 117a, 117b. The second recess floor surface 117a, 117b extends horizontally from the distal surface 129a, 129b of the tongue 107a, 107b to the second recess wall surface 116a, 116b, which extends vertically to the chamfered surface 118a, 118b, which extends at an angle to the lower face 102 of the ceiling panel 100. In the exemplified embodiment, the chamfered surface 118a, 118b forms an oblique, and more specifically obtuse, angle with the lower face 102 of the ceiling panel 100. The above-mentioned surfaces collectively form the profiles of the first and second edges 103, 104 of the ceiling panel 100 in the exemplified embodiment. Of course, it should be appreciated that different edge profiles are possible within the scope of the present application as set forth herein below with particular reference to
The third and fourth edges 105, 106 each comprise a first edge portion 119a, 119b adjacent to the upper face 101 of the ceiling panel 100, a second edge portion 120a, 120b below the first edge portion 119a, 119b, and a third edge portion 121a, 121b adjacent to the lower face 102 of the ceiling panel 100. The second edge portion 120a of the third edge 105 is located between the first and third edge portions 119a, 121a of the third edge 105. The second edge portion 120b of the fourth edge 106 is located between the first and third edge portions 119b, 121b of the fourth edge 106. The first, second, and third edge portions 119a-b, 120a-b, 121a-b are portions or sections of the third and fourth edges 105, 106 that are separately described herein to facilitate proper understanding of the structure. The first, second, and third edge portions 119a, 120a, 121a collectively form the third edge 105 of the ceiling panel 100 and the first, second, and third edge portions 119b, 120b, 121b collectively form the fourth edge 105 of the ceiling panel 100.
The first edge portion 119a, 119b of the third and fourth edges 105, 106 comprise a first flange 122a, 122b that terminates in a distal surface 123a, 123b. The second edge portion 120a, 120b of the third and fourth edges 105, 106 comprise the groove 108a, 108b. The third edge portion 121a, 121b of the third and fourth edges 105, 106 comprise a second flange 124a, 124b that terminates in a distal surface 125a, 125b. The groove 108a of the third edge 108a is defined by a lower flange surface 126a of the first flange 122a, an upper flange surface 127a of the second flange 124a, and a groove wall surface 128a extending between the upper flange surface 127a of the second flange 124a and the lower flange surface 126a of the first flange 122a. Similarly, the groove 108b of the fourth edge 108b is defined by a lower flange surface 126b of the first flange 122b, an upper flange surface 127b of the second flange 124b, and a groove wall surface 128b extending between the upper flange surface 127b of the second flange 124b and the lower flange surface 126b of the first flange 122b. The grooves 108a, 108b are recessed into the second and fourth edges 104, 106 of the ceiling panel 100 and exist in the space between the first flanges 122a, 122b and the second flanges 124a, 124b.
In the exemplified embodiment the third edge portions 121a, 121b of the third and fourth edges 105, 106 also comprise a chamfered surface 130a, 130b that extends from the second distal surface 125a, 125b of the second flange 124a, 124b to the lower face 102 of the ceiling panel 100. In the exemplified embodiment, the chamfered surface 130a, 130b forms an oblique, and more specifically obtuse, angle with the lower face 102 of the ceiling panel 100. However, as will be discussed in more detail below with specific reference to
For each of the third and fourth edges 105, 106, the first flange 122a, 122b has a first length L1 measured from the groove wall surface 128a, 128b to the distal surface 123a, 123b of the first flange 122a, 122b and the second flange 124a, 124b has a second length L2 measured from the groove wall surface 128a, 128b to the distal surface 125a, 125b of the second flange 124a, 124b, the first length L1 being greater than the second length L2. This facilitates and better enables the interlocking of adjacent ceiling panels 100 to one another as described herein below with reference to
The third and fourth edges 105, 106 comprise the following surfaces. The distal surface 123a, 123b of the first flange 122a, 122b extends vertically from the upper face 101 of the ceiling panel to the lower flange surface 126a, 126b of the first flange 122a, 122b, which extends horizontally to the groove wall surface 128a, 128b, which extends vertically to the upper flange surface 127a, 127b of the second flange 124a, 124b, which extends horizontally to the distal surface 125a, 125b of the second flange 124a, 124b, which extends vertically to the chamfered surface 130a, 130b, which extends at an angle to the lower face 102 of the ceiling panel 100.
Referring to
Referring first to
Furthermore, in the interlocked nested arrangement illustrated in
The tongue 107a of the first edge 103 of the adjacent ceiling panel 100b nests within the groove 108a of the third edge 105 of the one ceiling panel 100a. However the distal surface 129a of the tongue 107a is spaced apart from the groove wall surface 128a of the groove 108a by a third gap 133a having a distance d3 measured between the groove wall surface 128a of the groove 108a of the one ceiling panel 100a and the distal surface 129a of the tongue 107a of the adjacent ceiling panel 100b. The distance d3 of the third gap 133a measures between 0.05 inches and 0.075 inches (1.27 mm and 1.91 mm), more specifically between 0.06 inches and 0.07 inches (1.52 mm and 1.78 mm), and still more specifically approximately 0.062 inches (1.57 mm). In the nested/interlocked arrangement illustrated in
Finally, the second flange 124a of the third edge 105 of the one ceiling panel 100a nests within the second recess 115a of the first edge 103 of the adjacent ceiling panel 100b so that the distal surface 125a of the second flange 124a abuts the second recess wall surface 116a of the second recess 115a. Thus, in the interlocked/nested arrangement, the distal surface 125a of the second flange 124a of the one ceiling panel 100a is in surface contact with the second recess wall surface 116a of the second recess 115a of the adjacent ceiling panel 100b. The only surfaces of the one ceiling panel 100a and the adjacent ceiling panel 100b that are in surface contact are the upper flange surface 127a of the one ceiling panel 100a and the second recess floor surface 117a of the adjacent ceiling panel 100b and the distal surface 125a of the second flange 124a of the one ceiling panel 100a and the second recess wall surface 116a of the second recess 115a of the adjacent ceiling panel 100b. All other surfaces that face one another or are adjacent are spaced apart as described herein above and illustrated in
The distal surface 125a of the second flange 124a of the one ceiling panel 100a and the second recess wall surface 116a of the second recess 115a of the adjacent ceiling panel 100b form a contact surface interface 150 (denoted in
As seen in
Referring to
Referring briefly to
When ceiling panels 100 are mounted to the ceiling support 199 in the manner described herein, the corners of four adjacent ceiling panels 100 meet at an intersection point 160. Over a period of time, the ceiling panels 100 may experience an undesirable phenomenon known as pinwheel misalignment wherein the ceiling panels 100 move/rotate relative to one another. Specifically, as a result of pinwheel misalignment that may occur during installation or over the course of time, the intersection point 160 of four ceiling panels 100 may become unsightly as the corners of the adjacent ceiling panels 100 become misaligned. Once installation is complete and the ceiling panels 100 are adhered to the ceiling support 199, this misalignment is very difficult to correct. Therefore, there is a desire to ensure that this misalignment does not occur in the first place.
Referring to
In the exemplified embodiment the base plate 201 is circular in shape, but the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the base plate 201 may take on other shapes including square, rectangular, or other polygonal shapes as desired and appropriate for a particular use. The cruciform rib 202 comprises a first rib section 203, a second rib section 204, a third rib section 205, and a fourth rib section 206. Other than the cruciform ribs 202, the space within the inner diameter of the base plate 201 is empty. State another way, each of the rib section 203-206 is circumferentially spaced apart from the adjacent rib sections 203-206 by a gap or empty space.
The base plate 201 comprises an upper surface 207 and a lower surface 208, and the cruciform rib 202 protrudes from the lower surface 208 of the base plate 201. Furthermore, the base plate 201 has an outer surface 211 and an inner surface 212. The inner surface 212 defines an empty space with the exception of the cruciform rib 202 that extends into the empty space. The outer surface 211 of the base plate 201 has a diameter of between 1.0 inches and 1.25 inches (25.4 mm and 31.75 mm), and more specifically approximately 1.125 inches (28.6 mm). The inner surface 212 of the base plate 201 has a diameter of between 0.75 inches and 1.0 inches (19.1 mm and 25.4 mm), and more specifically approximately 0.875 inches (22.2 mm).
The first rib section 203 is parallel to the third rib section 205, the second rib section 204 is parallel to the fourth rib section 206, and the first and third rib sections 203, 205 are perpendicular to each of the second and fourth rib sections 204, 206. More specifically, the first and third rib sections 203, 205 collectively span the entire outer diameter of the base plate 201 and thus conceptually form a single rib extending across the outer diameter of the base plate 201. Similarly, the second and fourth rib sections 204, 206 collectively span the entire outer diameter of the base plate 201 and thus conceptually form a single rib extending across the outer diameter of the base plate 201. Stated another way, the first and third rib sections 203, 205 are aligned along the same first axis A-A and the second and fourth rib sections 204, 206 are aligned along the same second axis B-B that intersects and is perpendicular to the first axis A-A. The cruciform rib element 202 comprises an intersection point 210 at which the first, second, third, and fourth rib sections 203, 204, 205, 206 intersect. The intersection point 210 is a center point of the base plate 201.
Each of the rib sections 203-206 has a width W of between 0.05 inches and 0.075 inches (1.27 mm and 1.9 mm), more specifically between 0.06 inches and 0.07 inches (1.5 mm and 1.8 mm), and still more specifically approximately 0.062 inches (1.57 mm). The measurement of the width W of the rib sections 203-206 is substantially the same as the measurement of the second gap 132 formed between the edges of adjacent panels because the rib sections 203-206 are positioned within the second gaps 132 during and after installation to maintain alignment as described herein below. Furthermore, each of the rib sections 203-206 has a height H measured from the lower surface 208 of the base plate 201 to a lower surface 213 of the rib sections 203-206. The height H of the rib sections 203-206 is between 0.125 inches and 0.175 inches (3.2 mm and 4.4 mm), more specifically between 0.14 inches and 0.16 inches (3.6 mm and 4.1 mm), and still more specifically approximately 0.15 inches (3.8 mm). The thickness of the base plate 201 measured between the upper and lower surfaces 207, 208 of the base plate 201 is approximately 0.04 inches (1 mm). The thickness of the alignment clip 200 measured between the lower surfaces 213 of the rib sections 203-206 to the upper surface 207 of the base plate 201 is approximately 0.19 inches (4.8 mm). Of course, all dimensions provided herein are for the exemplary embodiment only and are not intended to be limiting of the present invention in all embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that other dimensions are possible for the alignment clip 200 depending on the desired end use. Similarly, other dimensions are possible for the ceiling panels than that which are described herein above in some embodiments.
Referring briefly to
From this overhead view, the second gaps 132a between adjacent ceiling panels 100 are visible and it can be seen that the rib sections 203-206 of the alignment clips 200 are positioned within these second gaps 132a. In the exemplified embodiment, the second gaps 132a extend along the entirety of each adjacent edge of the adjacent ceiling panels in the ceiling system 300. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and these second gaps 132a may be located along the edges of the ceiling panels 100 near the intersecting corners of adjacent ceiling panels 100 only in some alternate embodiments. Specifically, in some embodiments the second gaps 132a may only be as elongated as the rib sections 203-206 to permit insertion of the rib sections 203-206 into the second gaps 132a. From a view taken below the ceiling system 100 and within the interior space within which the ceiling system 300 is installed (
From the view provided in
Referring collectively to
As set forth above, the first and second ceiling panels 100a-b are interlocked in such a manner that the first flange 122b of the third edge 105b of the second ceiling panel 100b nests within the first recess 112a of the first edge 103a of the first ceiling panel 100a. Furthermore, in this interlocked arrangement the second gap 132a is formed between the distal surface 123b of the first flange 122b of the third edge 105b of the second ceiling panel 100b and the first recess wall surface 113a of the first recess 112a of the first edge 103a of the first ceiling panel 100b. The second gap 132a extends to the upper surfaces 101a, 101b of the first and second ceiling panels 100a, 100b thereby forming a passageway for insertion of the first rib section 203 into the second gap 132a from the upper surfaces 101a, 101b of the first and second ceiling panels 100a, 100b.
Either after interlocking between the first and second ceiling panels 100a, 100b is complete or before, the alignment clip 200 is positioned into engagement with the second gap 132a. Specifically, the alignment clip 200 is positioned so that the base plate 201 abuts against the upper surfaces 101a, 101b of the first and second ceiling panels 100a, 100b and so that the first rib section 203 of the cruciform rib element 202 is located between the first edge 103a of the first ceiling panel 100a and the third edge 105b of the second ceiling panel 100b. More specifically, in the exemplified embodiment the lower surface 208 of the base plate 201 is in surface contact with the upper faces 101a, 101b of the first and second ceiling panels 100a, 100b and the first rib section 203 of the cruciform rib element 202 protrudes into the second gap 132a between the first recess wall surface 113a of the first recess 112a of the first edge 103a of the first ceiling panel 100a and the distal surface 123b of the first flange 122b of the third edge 105b of the second ceiling panel 100b. The measurements of the second gap 132a and the width W of the first rib section 203 described above facilitate and enable this positioning of the first rib section 203. Furthermore, as discussed above the first rib section 203 has a height H and the first recess 112a has a depth D such that the depth D of the first recess 112a is greater than the height H of the first rib section 203. Thus, the first rib section 203 does not extend to the first recess floor surface 114a. Rather, in the exemplified embodiment the first rib section 203 may be spaced from the first recess floor surface 114a by approximately 0.045 inches (1.14 mm). Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment the height H of the first rib section 203 is also less than the thickness t of the first flange 122a illustrated in
An identical interaction occurs between the adjacent edges of each ceiling panel as illustrated in
As illustrated in
Referring next to
As illustrated in
Finally, referring to
As illustrated in
Thus, referring collectively to
Although not illustrated in the drawings, it should be appreciated that in the exemplified embodiment, a portion of the base plate 201 of the alignment clip 200 will be located between the ceiling support and each of the first, second, third, and fourth ceiling panels 100a-d. Thus, when adhesive is used to mount the ceiling panels 100a-d, the thickness of the adhesive should be sufficient to ensure proper contact between the upper faces 101a-d of the ceiling panels 100a-d and the ceiling support 199. The base plate 201 having a thickness of only 1 mm, as noted above, minimizes the effect that the base plate 201 has on the thickness of the required adhesive or other fastener. Additionally, the adhesive can flow through the spaces between the rib sections 203-206 to provide an additional region of attachment so that the alignment clip 200 does not detract from the contact between the adhesive and the upper faces 101 of the ceiling panels 100. Furthermore, in embodiments that do not include the base plate 201 but rather only a stand-alone cruciform rib element 202, this is a non-issue as the entire alignment clip 200 in such embodiment is inserted within the gaps 132a and no part of the alignment clip 200 is positioned between the upper faces 101 of the ceiling panels 100 and the ceiling support 199.
Furthermore, it should also be appreciated that the alignment clips 200, due to their placement between the ceiling panels 100 and the ceiling support 199, remain positioned at this location even after installation. Thus, the alignment clips 200 are not simply used during installation and then removed after installation is complete. Rather, the alignment clips 200 remain in place for as long as the ceiling panels 100 remain mounted to the ceiling support 199, thereby ensuring that alignment is maintained for the lifecycle of the ceiling system 300.
To install the ceiling panels 100, the ceiling panels 100 are mounted to the ceiling support 199 in an interlocked arrangement as discussed above with the upper faces 101 of the ceiling panels 100 opposing the lower surface 196 of the ceiling support 199. Furthermore, during installation of the ceiling panels 100, the alignment clip 200 is positioned at every intersection 160 of four of the ceiling panels 100 (or at select intersections 160 as desired). The alignment clip 200, and more specifically the cruciform rib 202 thereof, maintains the four ceiling panels 100 in orthogonal alignment with one another.
Referring now to
The ceiling panels 400 are identical to the ceiling panels 100 except as described herein below. Specifically, the ceiling panels 400 comprise an upper face 401, a lower face 402, a first edge 403, a second edge 404, a third edge 405, and a fourth edge 406. The first and second edges 403, 404 are identical in structure and the third and fourth edges 405, 406 are identical in structure, and thus the numerals 403, 404 are pointing to the same edge and the numerals 405, 406 are pointing to the same edge.
The first and second edges 403, 404 comprise a first edge portion 409, a second edge portion 410, and a third edge portion 411. The first and second edge portions 409, 410 are identical to the same structure on the first and second edges 103, 104 of the first ceiling panel 100 described above. Specifically, the first edge portion 409 comprises a recess 412 defined by a recess wall surface 413 and a recess floor surface 414. The second edge portion 410 comprises a tongue 407. However, the third edge portion 411 of the first and second edges 403, 404 of the ceiling panels 400 are different than the same named feature of the ceiling panels 100 described above. Specifically, the third edge portion 411 of the first and second edges 403, 404 of the ceiling panels 400 comprises a single linear wall surface 415 that extends downwardly from the tongue 407 towards the lower face 402 of the ceiling panel 400 and forms an acute angle with the lower face 402 of the ceiling panel 400.
The third and fourth edges 404, 405 comprise a first edge portion 419, a second edge portion 420, and a third edge portion 421. Again, the first and second edge portions 419, 420 are identical to the same structure on the third and fourth edges 105, 106 of the first ceiling panel 100 described above. Specifically, the first edge portion 419 comprises a first flange 422 and the second edge portion 420 comprises a groove 408. However, the third edge portion 421 of the third and fourth edges 405, 406 of the ceiling panels 400 are different than the same named feature of the ceiling panels 100 described above. Specifically, the third edge portion 421 of the third and fourth edges 405, 406 of the ceiling panels 400 comprise a single linear wall surface 423 that extends downwardly from the groove 408 towards the lower face 402 of the ceiling panel 400 and forms an acute angle with the lower face 402 of the ceiling panel 400.
Referring to
Notwithstanding the above difference, in this embodiment a gap 432 is still created between the flange 419 of the third or fourth edge 405, 406 and the recess wall surface 413 of the recess 412 of the first or second edge 403, 404. Thus, the alignment clips 200 described above with reference to
Referring to
The ceiling panels 500 are similar to the ceiling panels 100 described above except the tongue and the groove are omitted. The ceiling panels 500 comprise an upper face 501, a lower face 502, a first edge 503, a second edge 504, a third edge 505, and a fourth edge 506. The first and second edges 503, 504 are identical and the third and fourth edges 505, 506 are identical, and thus only one edge is illustrated to represent the first and second edges 503, 504 and only one edge is used to represent the third and fourth edges 505, 506.
The first and second edges 503, 504 of the ceiling panels 500 comprise a first edge portion 509 and a second edge portion 510. The first edge portion 509 is adjacent to the upper face 501 of the ceiling panel 500 and the second edge portion 510 is adjacent to the lower face 502 of the ceiling panel 500. The first and second edges 503, 504 of the ceiling panels 500 do not also include a third edge portion as with the earlier described ceiling panels 100, 400. The first edge portion 509 of the first and second edges 503, 504 of the ceiling panel 500 comprises a recess 512 comprising a recess wall surface 513 and a recess floor surface 514. The second edge portion 510 of the first and second edges 503, 504 of the ceiling panel 500 comprises a flange 515. In the exemplified embodiment, the first and second edges 503, 504 of the ceiling panel 500 also comprise a chamfered surface 516 that extends from the flange 515 to the lower face 502 of the ceiling panel 500. However, this chamfered surface 516 may be omitted if desired.
The third and fourth edges 505, 506 of the ceiling panels 500 comprise a first edge portion 519 and a second edge portion 520. The first edge portion 519 is adjacent to the upper face 501 of the ceiling panel 500 and the second edge portion 520 is adjacent to the lower face 502 of the ceiling panel 500. The third and fourth edges 505, 506 of the ceiling panels 500 do not also include a third edge portion as with the earlier described ceiling panels 100, 400. The first edge portion 519 of the third and fourth edges 505, 506 of the ceiling panel 500 comprises a flange 522. The second edge portion 520 of the third and fourth edges 505, 506 of the ceiling panel 500 comprises a recess 523 defined by a recess floor surface 524 and a recess wall surface 525. In the exemplified embodiment, the third and fourth edges 505, 506 of the ceiling panel 500 also comprise a chamfered surface 526 that extends from the recess wall surface 525 to the lower face 502 of the ceiling panel 500. However, this chamfered surface 526 may be omitted if desired.
Referring to
Furthermore, also in this embodiment, a gap 532 is created between the flange 522 of the third or fourth edge 505, 506 and the recess wall surface 513 of the recess 512 of the first or second edge 503, 504. Thus, the alignment clips 200 described above with reference to
The invention described herein permits the alignment clips 200 described herein to be used to facilitate alignment of a plurality of ceiling panels 100, 400, 500 during installation and to assist in maintaining this alignment over the course of time. Furthermore, the alignment clips 200 are capable of being used with ceiling panels such as those described herein that have a tongue and groove type interactive interlocking structure. Specifically, the ceiling panels 100, 400, 500 and the alignment clips 200 are specifically designed to be capable of being used together in a ceiling system. Furthermore, as noted herein above in certain embodiments the alignment clips 200 may include the cruciform rib element 202 but not also the base plate 201. In such an alternative embodiment of the alignment clips 200, the cruciform rib element 202 of the alignment clips 200 can be entirely inserted within the gaps 132, 432, 532 to achieve the same results that are achieved with the alignment clips 200 described herein and illustrated in the drawings.
While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/010,495, filed Sep. 2, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/299,429, filed Mar. 12, 2019, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,781,590, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/844,086, filed Sep. 3, 2015, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,267,038. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 17010495 | Sep 2020 | US |
Child | 17829599 | US | |
Parent | 16299429 | Mar 2019 | US |
Child | 17010495 | US | |
Parent | 14844086 | Sep 2015 | US |
Child | 16299429 | US |