Patent Application
20220010554
The present disclosure relates generally to supporting elements for suspended ceiling systems; and more specifically, to an arrangement of supporting elements for use in suspended ceiling systems. Furthermore, the present disclosure also relates to suspended ceiling systems having “T”-bars, and ceiling panels supported by the “T”-bars. Moreover, the present disclosure also relates to methods for (of) mounting supporting elements on the “T”-bars for supporting ceiling panels and electronic devices provided therein.
Often, a given house or building has, for a given room, a structural ceiling from which is supported a suspended ceiling arrangement. Typically, the suspended ceiling arrangement, also referred to as being a “suspended ceiling system”, includes a plurality of tiles or panels hanging at about 30 to 50 centimeters approximately from the structural ceiling of the house or building. The suspended ceiling arrangement further includes a plurality of T-bars that are configured to hold the plurality of tiles in position. Specifically, an arrangement of the plurality of T-bars provides cells to accommodate the plurality of tiles therein. Additionally, a flush-finish of lower surfaces of the plurality of T-bars, and the plurality of tiles are such that they appear as a continuous mono-planar ceiling surface. However, an appearance of such a conventional suspended ceiling arrangement has a dull look and becomes unpleasant with passage of time and creates an unpleasant environment inside the given room of the house or building.
Conventionally, in order to enhance the appearance of the suspended ceiling arrangements, lights (such as LEDs, incandescent bulbs, fluorescent tube lights and the like) are arranged along with the suspended ceiling arrangements to provide a lustrous or a radiant look thereto. However, over a passage of time, the aforementioned technique also fails as the color (colour) of the plurality of tiles becomes dull and becomes inconsistent with the lights. Therefore, the dull appearance of suspended ceiling arrangement generates a need to retrofit or replace the entire suspended ceiling arrangement, that generates a lot of waste material that can be environmentally disadvantageous. Additionally, retrofitting or replacing the entire suspended ceiling arrangement is very much costlier and also entails an excessive use of natural resources.
Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists problems associated with maintaining a pleasant appearance, and useful technical functionality, of the known suspended ceiling arrangements.
The present disclosure seeks to provide a supporting element for a suspended ceiling system.
The present disclosure also seeks to provide a suspended ceiling system including a supporting element.
The present disclosure also seeks to provide a method for (of) installing a suspended ceiling system.
The present disclosure provides an at least partial solution to the aforementioned technical problem, or problems, associated with known art. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that at least partially overcomes the aforementioned technical problem or problems.
According to a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a supporting element for a suspended ceiling system, wherein the suspended ceiling system:
(i) includes hanging wires coupled to a structural ceiling;
(ii) includes “T”-bars supported by the hanging wires; and
(iii) includes a plurality of ceiling panels arranged in an array of cells defined by the “T”-bars,
wherein flat end-portions of the “T”-bars define a general ceiling plane for the plurality of ceiling panels,
wherein the supporting element, when in operation, supports a given ceiling panel of the plurality of ceiling panels in at least one of:
Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate, or at least partially address, the aforementioned problems in the prior art with maintaining a pleasant appearance of the suspended ceiling arrangements and provides a suspended ceiling system to improvise maintenance of an appearance of ceiling panels. Specifically, the present disclosure provides supporting elements mounted on the “T”-bars of the suspended ceiling arrangements to support the ceiling panels at different orientations. Additionally, the ceiling panels being arranged at different orientations provide a three-dimensional structure to the existing suspended ceiling arrangements.
Optionally, the supporting element are implemented, such that the supporting element comprises:
Optionally, the supporting element is implemented, such that the mounting portion includes an elongate U-shaped structure formed by:
Optionally, the supporting element is implemented, such that the supporting portion includes:
Optionally, the supporting element is implemented, such that the supporting portion includes:
Optionally, the supporting element is implemented, such that the supporting portion includes
Optionally, the supporting element is implemented, such that the supporting element further comprises an intermediate lateral supporting element integral with one of a linear supporting element, of the U-shaped pocket, away from the L-shaped structure, wherein the intermediate lateral supporting element is arranged perpendicular or inclined to the linear supporting element.
Optionally, the supporting element is implemented, such that supporting element further comprises an optical-device supporting element, wherein the optical-device supporting element is coupled to at least one of:
Optionally, the supporting element is implemented, such that the optical-device supporting element includes a linear or an arcuate configuration.
Optionally, the supporting element is implemented, such that the ceiling device comprises at least one of: the optical-device or a sensor.
Optionally, the supporting element is implemented, such that the optical-device comprises at least one of: a light source, a light guide, a diffuser, a reflector or a refractive lens.
Optionally, the supporting element is implemented, such that the further comprising a wireless-device operatively coupled to the light source and the sensor for controlling operation thereof.
Optionally, the supporting element is implemented, such that the light source comprises one of: a LED light, an incandescent light, a monochromatic light, a laser, and a combination thereof.
Optionally, the supporting element is implemented, such that the sensor comprises one of: a smoke detector, a proximity sensor, a light sensor, a motion sensor, and a combination thereof.
Optionally, the supporting element is implemented, such that the supporting element further comprises a power source, arranged between the mounting portion and the at least one supporting portion, for providing electrical power to the light source, the sensor and the wireless-device.
Optionally, an external surface of at least one linear supporting element and/or at least one of the plurality of lateral supporting elements comprises at least one of: a colored surface, a textured surface, and/or a reflective surface.
Optionally, the at least one linear supporting element is fabricated using a first type of material and at least one of the plurality of lateral supporting elements is fabricated using a second type of material.
More optionally, the first type of material and the second type of material comprises at least one of: aluminum, steel, metal, metal alloy, ceramic, composite, plastic.
According to a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a suspended ceiling system having hanging wires coupled to a structural ceiling, “T”-bars supported by the hanging wires and a plurality of ceiling panels arranged in an array of cells defined by the “T”-bars, wherein flat end-portions of the “T”-bars define a general ceiling plane for the plurality of ceiling panels,
wherein the suspended ceiling system further comprises:
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that each of the supporting elements comprises:
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that the mounting portion includes an elongate U-shaped structure formed by:
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that the supporting portion includes:
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that the supporting portion includes:
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that the supporting portion includes
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that the supporting portion further comprises an intermediate lateral supporting element integral with one of a linear supporting element, of the U-shaped pocket, away from the L-shaped structure, wherein the intermediate lateral supporting element is arranged perpendicular or inclined to the linear supporting element.
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that the supporting portion further comprises an optical-device supporting element, wherein the optical-device supporting element is coupled to at least one of:
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that the optical-device supporting element includes a linear or an arcuate configuration.
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that the ceiling devices comprises at least one of: the optical-device or a sensor.
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that the optical-device comprises at least one of: a light source, a light guide, a diffuser, a reflector or a refractive lens.
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that the suspended ceiling system further comprises a wireless-device operatively coupled to the light source and the sensor for controlling operation thereof.
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that the light source comprises at least one of: a LED light, an incandescent light, a monochromatic light, a laser, and a combination thereof.
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that the sensor comprises at least one of: a smoke detector, a proximity sensor, a light sensor, a motion sensor, and a combination thereof.
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that the suspended ceiling system further comprises a power source, arranged between the mounting portion and the at least one supporting portion, for providing electrical power to the light source, the sensor and the wireless-device.
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that the light source, when in operation, is arranged to emit light radiation in a distance between the given ceiling panel and the general ceiling plane.
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that the light source is directed towards a center of their respective cell when the given ceiling panel is mounted higher than the general ceiling plane or at the tilted angle relative to the general ceiling plane.
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that the light sources are directed outwardly away from a center of their respective cell when the given ceiling panel is mounted lower than the general ceiling plane or at the tilted angle relative to the general ceiling plane.
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that the tilted angle is in a range of 1° to 90° relative to the general ceiling plane.
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that the tilted angle is in a range of 1° to 30° relative to the general ceiling plane.
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that the suspended ceiling further comprises a reflective housing, to provide a reflective surface to the light source, mounted on a given supporting element.
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that a length of a given supporting element is equal to one of: a length of a given “T”-bar, half of the length of the given “T”-bar, one-third of the length of the given “T”-bar or a quarter of the length of the given “T”-bar.
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system is implemented, such that the supporting elements includes at least a pair of the supporting elements, mounted on either side of the given “T”-bar, when each of the pair of the supporting elements has a length equal to one of: half of the length of the given “T”-bar, one-third of the length of the given “T”-bar or a quarter of the length of the given “T”-bar.
In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for (of) installing a suspended ceiling system having hanging wires coupled to a structural ceiling, “T”-bars supported by the hanging wires, and a plurality of ceiling panels arranged on array of cells defined by the “T”-bars, wherein flat end-portions of the “T”-bars define a general ceiling plane for the plurality of ceiling panels, wherein the method includes:
Optionally, the method includes removing the plurality of ceiling panels prior to mounting the supporting elements onto the “T”-bars, mounting the supporting elements onto the “T”-bars, mounting the ceiling devices on the supporting elements, and mounting the plurality of removed ceiling panels onto the supporting elements.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.
In overview, embodiments of the present disclosure are concerned with an arrangement of supporting elements on a suspended ceiling system to support ceiling panels. Furthermore, the supporting elements are mounted on “T”-bars to support the ceiling panels at different planes with respect to a general ceiling plane defined by the “T”-bars arrangement. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for (of) installing the suspended ceiling system.
The suspended ceiling system 100 includes hanging wires 104 coupled to the structural ceiling 106. Throughout the present disclosure, the term “suspended ceiling system” refers to any ceiling consisting of a ceiling grid suspended or hung at a height below a structural ceiling of an architecture, such as a room of a house, or a building. It will be appreciated that the structural ceiling 106 is an overhead interior surface that covers, namely defines, an upper limit of a room. In an example, the structural ceiling 106 may be at a height of 2.5 meters from a floor (not shown) of the room. In such an example, the height below the structural ceiling 106 for holding the suspended ceiling system 100 may be 0.25 meters from the height of the structural ceiling 106, i.e. 2.25 meters from a floor of the room. Furthermore, the suspended ceiling system 100 is suspended or hung at the height using the hanging wires 104 that are securely fixed to the structural ceiling 106. Optionally, the hanging wires 104 can be hinged, hooked, tied, coupled, plastered securely or fixed to the structural ceiling 106. In an example embodiment, during installation, the hanging wires 104 are coupled to the structural ceiling 106 to support the suspended ceiling system 100 to be hung at the height therefrom. Furthermore, the suspended ceiling system 100 is supported by the hanging wires 104 at the height to provide a gap between the structural ceiling 106 and the suspended ceiling system 100. Beneficially, the gap provides a space for the ceiling device 118 to be arranged therebetween.
Optionally, the suspended ceiling system 100 includes a grid formation constructed using metallic bars. Furthermore, the grid formation includes pluralities of openings wherein removable panels (ceiling panels) are positioned. Furthermore, the grid formation is configured to accommodate various electronic and/or electrical devices for providing a plurality of services in the room. Examples of various electronic and electrical devices may include at least one of: lights, alarms, sensors, ventilation fans, heaters, humidifiers and the like. Optionally, the suspended ceiling system 100 can include a power system for supplying electric power to the various electrically and/or electronically operated ceiling devices.
The suspended ceiling system 100 includes “T”-bars 108 supported by the hanging wires. The “T”-bars 108 of the ceiling system 100 are hardware components such as an elongate rigid spine extending between terminal ends of the ceiling. Additionally, the “T”-bars 108 include an inverted T-shaped structure comprising a flat vertical portion integral to a flat end-portion (base portion). Furthermore, the “T”-bars 108 include either a fixed anchor or an adjustable anchor for attachment to an adjacent member, such as another “T”-bars or other holding for securely holding or suspending the T-bar 108. Optionally, the “T”-bars 108 are conjoined to the hanging wires, either by hooking, welding, gluing, and so forth. Moreover, the “T”-bars 108 include tracks or holes wherein the hanging wires can be coupled to and/or can be latched onto for supporting (i.e. holding or suspending) the suspended ceiling system 100 from the structural ceiling 106. Furthermore, the “T”-bars 108 of the suspended ceiling system 100 form a series of openings into which the ceiling panels can be arranged.
The suspended ceiling system 100 includes a plurality of ceiling panels 116A-C arranged in an array of cells defined by the “T”-bars 108. The series of openings formed by the “T”-bars 108 are in an array, i.e. the series of openings are formed in a grid of rows and columns. In an example, the grid may include 20 columns and 50 columns. In an another, the grid may include 10 columns and 100 columns. Furthermore, the array of cells is a parallelepiped lattice formed by the arrangement of “T”-bars 108. Moreover, the flat vertical portion of the “T”-bars 108 can form the boundary of the opening of the suspended ceiling system 100 wherein the ceiling panels (such as the ceiling panels 116A-C) is positioned. Furthermore, a structure of the array of cells may include ceiling panels having rectangular shapes, square shapes, rectangular shapes, rhombic shapes, and so forth.
Furthermore, the term “ceiling panels” as used herein relates to a lightweight structure, usually a shallow cuboidal structure, having a length, a breadth, and a height which are placed within the opening formed by the “T”-bars 108 for covering the ceilings 106. Furthermore, dimensions of the plurality of ceiling panels 116A-C are based on the parallelepiped lattice allowed by the arrangement of “T”-bars to accommodate therein. Optionally, the ceiling panels 116A-C are a plurality of substantially identical panels, each panel being substantially rectangular in form, when viewed from the room. Optionally, the ceiling panels 116A-C includes a portion, such as peripheral edges, wherein, in operation, the edges of the ceiling panels 116A-C rest on the flat end-portion of the T-bar. Optionally, the ceiling panels 116A-C may include a portion, such a central portion (away from the peripheral portion), which in operation may rest on the flat end-portion of the T-bar. Optionally, the ceiling panels 116A-C include at least one edge having one or more lengthwise protruding lips and/or one or more lengthwise grooves along the whole length of the edge. The protruding lips and/or one or more lengthwise grooves of the ceiling panels 116A-C enable the ceiling panels 116A-C to be securely held (namely supported) on the flat end-portion of the T-bar.
The flat end-portions of the “T”-bars 108 define a general ceiling plane for the plurality of ceiling panels. Specifically, the flat end-portions of the “T”-bars 108 define a general ceiling plane for the plurality of ceiling panels. The term “general ceiling plane” used herein refers to an imaginary plane, parallel to a floor or flooring surface of the given room, along which typically conventional ceiling panels are arranged. Furthermore, in the or along the general ceiling plane, the conventional ceiling panels are positioned or arranged mutually adjacent and parallel to each other. In the present disclosure, the flat end-portions of the “T”-bars 108 define the general ceiling plane. Furthermore, each of the flat end-portions of the “T”-bars 108 are planar and parallel to each other. Furthermore, each of the flat end-portions being in the same plane provides a planar structure at lower surfaces of the “T”-bars 108 arrangement. Moreover, the planar structure at lower surfaces of the “T”-bars 108 arrangement provides the general ceiling plane.
The supporting elements 102 are mounted in operation on the “T”-bars 108, wherein the supporting elements 102 support the plurality of ceiling panels 116A-C thereon along with the “T”-bars 108. The supporting elements 102 are a continuous solid structure including a shape that is configured to mount securely onto the “T”-bars 108 and hold the plurality of ceiling panels 116A-C. Furthermore, the supporting elements 102 are fabricated in a manner for differently positioning the ceiling panels 116A-C with respect to the general ceiling plane. Additionally, each of the supporting elements 102 is fabricated from various elements (shown as linear and lateral supporting elements 212 and 216 in
The supporting elements 102, when in operation, support the given ceiling panel of the plurality of ceiling panels 116A-C higher than the general ceiling plane 114. Specifically, the supporting elements 102 hold the edges of the given ceiling panel in a manner that the position of the given ceiling panel is raised relative to the general ceiling plane 114. Furthermore, the position of the at least one ceiling panel that is higher than the general ceiling plane 114 can be defined as a condition, wherein an axis of abscissas of the at least one ceiling panel is parallel to an axis of abscissas of the general ceiling plane 114 where measured in a plane cartesian coordinate system. Optionally, the given ceiling panel higher than the general ceiling plane 114 includes a height that is more than a height of the general ceiling plane 114. It will be appreciated that the heights of the given ceiling panel and the general ceiling plane 114 are measured from the floor of the given room. For example, the height of the given ceiling panel may be 2.25 meters from the floor. In such an example, the supporting elements 102 hold the given ceiling panel at a height of 2.30 meters from the floor of the room.
The supporting elements 102, when in operation, support the given ceiling panel of the plurality of ceiling panels 116A-C lower than the general ceiling plane 114. Specifically, the supporting elements 102 holds the edges of the given ceiling panel in a manner that the position of the given ceiling panel is lowered than the general ceiling plane 114. Furthermore, the position of the at least one ceiling panel that is lower than the general ceiling plane 114 can be defined as a condition wherein an axis of abscissas of the at least one ceiling panel is parallel to an axis of abscissas of the general ceiling plane 114 where measured in a plane cartesian coordinate system. Optionally, the given ceiling panel that is lower than the general ceiling plane 114 includes a height that is less than a height of the general ceiling plane 114. It will be appreciated that the heights of the given ceiling panel and the general ceiling plane 114 is measured from the floor of the room. For example, the height of the given ceiling panel may be 2.25 meters from the floor. In such an example, the supporting elements 102 hold, namely support, the given ceiling panel at a height of 2.20 meters from the floor of the room.
The supporting elements 102, when in operation, support the given ceiling panel of the plurality of ceiling panels 116A-C at a tilted angle relative the general ceiling plane 114. Optionally, the supporting elements 102 hold an edge of the given ceiling panel at a position that is higher than the general ceiling plane 114 and another edge of the given ceiling panel is at a position that is lower than the general ceiling plane 114. Optionally, the supporting elements 102 hold an edge of the given ceiling panel a position that is higher than the general ceiling plane 114 and another edge of the given ceiling panel is held on the general ceiling plane 114. More optionally, the supporting elements 102 hold an edge of the given ceiling panel at a position that is lower than the general ceiling plane 114 and another edge of the given ceiling panel is held on the general ceiling plane 114. In an example, wherein the supporting elements 102 hold the given ceiling panel at a tilted angle relative to the general ceiling plane 114, a height of at least one edge of the given ceiling panel will be more than a height of the general ceiling plane 114, and a height of at least one edge will be less than a height of the general ceiling plane 114. Moreover, the edge having the greater height from the general ceiling plane 114 is opposite to the edge having the lesser height from the general ceiling plane 114. For example, the height of the given ceiling panel may be 2.25 meters from the floor. In such example, the supporting elements 102 hold the given ceiling panel in a manner that an edge of the given ceiling panel is at a height of 2.30 meters, and the opposite edge is at a height of 2.20 meters from the floor of the room, respectively.
The suspended ceiling system 100 further comprises ceiling devices 118, that are configured (namely arranged when in operation) to be mounted on the supporting elements 102. The ceiling devices 118 potentially includes at least one of the optical-device or a sensor. According to an embodiment, the optical-device comprises at least one of: a light source, a light guide, a diffuser, a reflector or a refractive lens. It will be appreciated that the ceiling devices 118 may include any electrical and/or electronic devices that can be coupled to the supporting elements 102 for providing one or more services or functionalities. Examples of the electrically and/or electronically operated devices may be (but not limited to) the light sources, sensor arrangements, air conditioners, air purifiers, image projectors, anti-noise cancellation apparatus and the like. Additionally, the ceiling devices 118 can include a holding unit for securely mounting the electrical and/or electronic devices onto any surface. Furthermore, the ceiling devices 118 are mounted on the recess structure included in the supporting elements 102. Moreover, the ceiling devices 118 are securely held on the supporting elements 102. The ceiling devices 118 are securely held using various means or arrangements, such as screws, nuts, bolts, adhesives, rivets, tie-wraps and the like. Optionally, the ceiling devices 118 are securely held and slidably arranged on the recess structure included in the supporting elements 102. It will be appreciated that a sliding mechanism such as a slider, a roller and the like can be used for slidably arranging (for example, mounting) the electrical and/or electronic ceiling devices 118 on the recess structure included in the supporting elements 102.
The given ceiling panel, of the plurality of ceiling panels 116A-C, supported by the supporting element 102 is configured (namely arranged when in operation) to provide a three-dimensional appearance to the suspended ceiling system 100. The plurality of ceiling panels 116A-C and the ceiling devices 118 are optionally arranged in a manner that their respective positions are higher than the general ceiling plane, lower than the general ceiling plane, or at a tilted angle relative to the general ceiling plane; in such an example, the three-dimensional appearance to the suspended ceiling system 100 is achieved. The supporting elements 102 accommodate the plurality of ceiling panels and electrically and/or electronically operated ceiling devices in a manner that, when in operation, the suspended ceiling system 100 comprises a three-dimensional view when viewed from plurality of locations within the room. It will be appreciated that, the three-dimensional appearance of the suspended ceiling system 100 refers to a view, wherein the suspended ceiling system 100 appears to include protrusions and indentions in height, weight and length.
Optionally, the mounting portion 202 is detachably mounted on the given “T”-bar by accommodating a thickness of the flat vertical portion of the “T”-bar 204 between a recess of the elongate U-shaped structure 210. In an example, the mounting portion 202 may be coupled using a coupling means such as screws, nuts, bolts, adhesives, rivets, tie-wraps and the like. In another example, the mounting portion 202 may be coupled using a sliding mechanism such as a slider, a roller and the like. In such an example, the mounting portion 202 may slide over the flat vertical portion of the “T”-bar 204 and provide an ease of detaching thereof. Additionally, the mounting portion 202 includes a thickness, a length and a height (less than the flat vertical portion of the “T”-bar). Optionally, the material for manufacturing the mounting portion 202 may include metals, metal alloys, hardened polyvinyl materials, plastics materials, glass-filled plastics materials, ceramic materials and the like. Furthermore, the mounting portion 202 includes a plurality of flat mounting elements. The term “flat mounting element” used herein relates to solid structures molded to form the mounting portion 202 of the supporting element. Furthermore, the mounting portion 202 of the supporting element is integral and molded in a substantially U-shaped structure 210. It will be appreciated that the term “substantially U-shaped structure” herein relates to a shape resembling an alphabetical letter “U” and a structure having a vertical left elongate member, a vertical right elongate member, and a curved member (or alternatively, a horizontal member) adjoining as integral to the lower end of the vertical left elongate member and the vertical right elongate member. In an example, each of the flat mounting elements are mutually separate and may be coupled to the curved member by coupling means or arrangements, such as welding, adhesives, fasteners and the like.
Optionally, the supporting elements 200 comprise at least one supporting portion 206 that is integral with the mounting portion 202. The at least one supporting portion 206B refers to the portion of the supporting elements 200 that comprise various elements positioned linearly and laterally to form a recess structure for holding one or more objects. Optionally, the at least one supporting portion 202, when in operation, supports an edge of the given ceiling panel. The recess structure formed by the various elements positioned linearly and laterally in the supporting elements 200 supports the edge of the given ceiling panel. The recess structure is configured in a manner that the edge of the given ceiling panel securely fits into the recess structure of the at least one supporting portion 202.
Optionally, the at least one supporting portion 202, when in operation, supports a covering member (best shown in subsequent figure herein later). The term “covering member” used herein relates to a flat structure having one of a circular, an oval or a polygonal shape, when in operation covers a gap between a ceiling panel, such as the ceiling panels 116A-C of
Optionally, the at least one supporting portion 202, when in operation, supports the ceiling device (such as the ceiling device 118 of
Furthermore, the mounting portion 202 includes a plurality of flat mounting elements 208 that are integral to constitute a substantially elongate U-shaped structure 210. Alternatively, the mounting portion 202 includes an elongate U-shaped structure formed by a single continuous mounting element. For example, the mounting portion 202 may be continuous arcuate structure resembling conventional U-shape. The mounting portion 202 can be formed such that a gap between the plurality of flat mounting elements 208 is substantially equal (such as, to within a range of 90% to 95%) to a width of the “T”-bar 208. It will be appreciated that such a gap between the plurality of flat mounting elements 208 enables the “T”-bar 208 to be tightly held within the U-shaped structure 210.
Additionally, the supporting portion 206 includes at least one linear supporting element 212 extending from at least one end 214 of the elongate U-shaped structure 212, and a plurality of lateral supporting elements 216 extending from the at least one linear supporting element 212. Optionally, each of the plurality of lateral supporting elements 216 can be formed as an integral part of the at least one linear supporting element 212 on one side (or alternatively, on both sides) thereof. In such an arrangement, the plurality of lateral supporting elements 216 act as horizontal flanges extending from the at least one linear supporting element 212. Optionally, each of the plurality of lateral supporting elements 216 can be disposed on the at least one linear supporting element 212 at an angle within a range of 45° to 90° with respect to the at least one linear supporting element 212. It will be appreciated that such an arrangement of the at least one linear supporting element 212 at the angle enables an arrangement of the ceiling panels at different angles with respect to the general ceiling plane to be achieved.
Furthermore, the plurality of lateral supporting elements 216 form a gap therebetween for receiving a ceiling panel therebetween. Subsequently, upon arranging the ceiling panel between plurality of lateral supporting elements 216, the ceiling panel can be fixedly coupled to the plurality of lateral supporting elements 216, such as by using attachment means including but not limited to, screws, nuts, bolts, and so forth. It will be appreciated that arrangement of the ceiling panel between the plurality of lateral supporting elements 216 enables the ceiling panel to be maintained in a required position.
Optionally, the supporting portion includes at least one linear supporting element extending from the at least one end of the elongate U-shaped structure. The term “linear supporting element” relates to a planar solid structure extending from the at least one end of the elongate U-shaped structure, perpendicularly to the general ceiling plane of the suspended ceiling system. Furthermore, the at least one linear supporting element is integral to the elongate U-shaped structure and supported along with the mounting portion on the “T”-bars. In an example, the at least one linear supporting element is separate apart from the mounting portion and may be coupled by coupling means such as welding, adhesives, and the like. Optionally, the material for manufacturing the supporting portion may include metals, metal alloys, hardened polyvinyl materials, plastics materials, glass-filled polymeric materials, ceramic materials and the like.
Optionally, the supporting portion includes a plurality of lateral supporting elements extending from the at least one linear supporting element. The term “lateral supporting element” relates to a planar solid structure extending perpendicularly from the at least one linear supporting element. Optionally, the lateral supporting element can be arranged at an angle, namely a non-zero tilt angle, with respect to the at least one linear supporting element. Such lateral supporting elements enable to support the ceiling panel therebetween. For example, when a pair of lateral supporting elements are used to support a ceiling panel therebetween, a lateral supporting element of the pair of lateral supporting elements arranged under the ceiling panel supports a weight of the ceiling panel thereon. Furthermore, a lateral supporting element of the pair of lateral supporting elements arranged on top of the ceiling panel prevents pivoting of the ceiling panel about an end of the lateral supporting element arranged under the ceiling panel, thereby, enabling secure arrangement of the ceiling panel between the pair of lateral supporting elements. Furthermore, a gap between the pair of lateral supporting elements can be substantially equal to a thickness of the ceiling panel, such that the ceiling panel can be tightly received in between the pair of lateral supporting elements. Furthermore, the plurality of lateral supporting elements is integral to the at least one linear supporting element and supported along with the mounting portion on the “T”-bars. In an example, the plurality of lateral supporting elements is separate apart from the one linear supporting element and may be coupled by coupling means such as welding, adhesives, and the like.
Optionally, the ceiling device comprises at least one of: the optical-device or a sensor. More optionally, the optical-device comprises at least one of: a light source, a light guide, a diffuser, a reflector or a refractive lens. Yet more optionally, the light source comprises one of a LED light, an incandescent light, a monochromatic light, a laser, and a combination thereof. In an example, based on requirements and desired room lighting combinations, it is to achieve a target aesthetic look of a room of a house. In one example, if a room is meant to be a study room, an incandescent light and a monochromatic light may be used to improve a psychological soothing effect of the room. In another example, when the room is meant to be in a party or celebrations environment, multichromatic light may be used to create an interesting and appealing look thereto.
Optionally, the sensor comprises one or more of: a smoke-detector, a proximity sensor, a light sensor, a motion sensor, and a combination thereof. Optionally, the sensor comprises one of a smoke-detector, a proximity sensor, a light sensor, a motion sensor, and a combination thereof. In an example, there is provided a house with a multilevel security arrangement including multiple combinations of sensors placed along with the optical-devices implemented as light sources. In an example, smoke-detectors may be used to provide an alarm when a fire or burning happens in the house. In another example, proximity sensors and motion sensors are used to detect strangers or movements of objects. In yet another example, light sensors may be used to detect lighting conditions such as ambient light and control the light sources accordingly.
Optionally, the supporting element further comprises a wireless-device operatively coupled to the light source and the sensor. The wireless-device is configured to control operation of the light source and the sensor. For example, the wireless-device is communicatively coupled to an input-device (such as a remote control, or a smartphone comprising a software application installed thereon) that is used by a user to provide a user-input. The input-device is configured to transmit the user-input provided by the user as instructions to the wireless-device of the supporting element. Furthermore, the wireless-device is configured to control the operation of the light source and/or the sensor based on the instructions. In an example, the light source is implemented as a multichromatic LED light that can emit lights of different colors. Furthermore, the LED light emits light of blue color. In such an example, a user provides a user-input to change a color of light emitted by the LED light from the blue color to violet color. Consequently, the wireless-device is configured to control operation of the LED light by changing the color of the emitted light from blue color to violet color, such that the LED light emits light of violet color. In another example, the wireless-device is operatively coupled to a motion sensor. In such an example, a user can provide a user-input to commence operation of the motion sensor, such as, prior to leaving a room wherein the motion sensor is installed. Optionally, the wireless-device is operatively coupled to the optical-device, the sensor or the input-device using a wireless communication network. For example, the wireless communication network includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth® network, an infrared network, a Wi-Fi® network, a telecommunications network and so forth.
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Optionally, an external surface of at least one linear supporting element and/or at least one of the plurality of lateral supporting elements, of the supporting element 1602 and/or the supporting element 700, comprises at least one of a colored surface, a textured surface, and/or a reflective surface. For example, an external surface of the optical-device supporting element 1606 comprises a blue-colored surface and an external surface of the linear supporting element 1608 comprises an angularly-textured surface (such as, a surface that is configured to reflect light only when the light is incident thereon at specific angles. Optionally, such surface is configured to reflect the light such that the light is scattered at different angles therefrom). Furthermore, an external surface of the linear supporting element 710 comprises a reflective surface and an external surface of the lateral supporting element 712 comprises a green-colored surface. In such an example, when light (such as white light) is emitted on the suspended ceiling system 2300 (such as, due to emission of light from light sources 1610, 722 and/or any other external light sources), the light is reflected by the blue-colored surface of the light guide supporting element 1606 as blue light and the light is scattered by the angularly-textured surface of the linear supporting element 1608. Moreover, the incident light is reflected by the reflective surface of the linear supporting element 710 and the incident light is reflected as green light by the green-colored surface of the lateral supporting element 712. It will be appreciated that such reflection and scattering of the incident of light in different colors and along different paths, enables to provide an aesthetically appealing ambiance within a room wherein the suspended ceiling system 2300 is installed. Furthermore, such a reflection of the incident light that may be emitted from natural sources, reduces a requirement for providing artificial light within the room, thereby, allowing to reduce energy consumption (and consequently, cost thereof) for lighting purposes within the room. Optionally, the textured surface comprises at least one of: a light-diffusing surface, a specular surface, and/or angularly-textured surface.
Optionally, at least one linear supporting element of the supporting element 1602 and/or the supporting element 700 is fabricated using a first type of material and at least one of the plurality of lateral supporting elements of the supporting element 1602 and/or the supporting element 700 is fabricated using a second type of material. For example, the linear supporting element 1608 is fabricated using extruded aluminum and the optical-device supporting element 1606 is fabricated using recycled plastic. Furthermore, the linear supporting element 710 is fabricated using stainless steel and the lateral supporting element 716 is fabricated using carbon fiber. In such an example, fabricating the at least one linear supporting element and the plurality of lateral supporting elements using different elements, enables to provide different structural properties thereto, while controlling a manufacturing cost associated with fabricating the suspended ceiling system 2300. For example, fabricating the lateral supporting element 716 using carbon fiber enables to provide increased tensile strength thereto while reducing a mass thereof, thereby, allowing lateral supporting element 716 to support the ceiling panel 2306 thereon and reduce an overall mass of the suspended ceiling system 2300 and/or the supporting element 700. Furthermore, fabricating the optical-device supporting element 1606 using recycled plastic enables to provide increased safety associated with use of an electrically insulating material for housing an electrically and/or electronically operated devices therein. Alternatively, the optical-device supporting element 1606 is fabricated using steel, thereby allowing absorption of generated heat when the optical-device is implemented as electrically and/or electronically operated light sources 1610 and 2308. Consequently, fabricating the at least one linear supporting element and/or the plurality of lateral supporting elements using different materials, enables to not only provide different physical properties (such as, electrical insulation, heat absorption, sound absorption and so forth), but also different visual appearances thereto, thereby, further enabling to improve aesthetic appearance of the suspended ceiling system 2300. More optionally, the first type of material and the second type of material comprises one of: aluminum, steel, metal, metal alloy, ceramic, composite, plastic. For example, the first type of material is a metal such as copper, a metal alloy such as stainless steel or a ceramic such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and the second type of material is a composite such as carbon fiber or a plastic such as recycled polycarbonate or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Optionally, the first type of material is same as the second type of material. For example, the first type of material and the second type of material is stainless steel.
Optionally, the method includes removing the plurality of ceiling panels prior to mounting the supporting elements onto the “T”-bars, mounting the supporting elements onto the “T”-bars, mounting the ceiling devices on the supporting elements, and mounting the plurality of removed ceiling panels onto the supporting elements.
Embodiments of the present disclosure provides a supporting element for a suspended ceiling system. In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides a suspended ceiling system including the supporting element. The suspended ceiling system can be formed by supporting a plurality of ceiling panels on a plurality of supporting elements. Such supporting of the ceiling panels on the supporting elements enables convenient installation and replacement of the suspended ceiling system, such as, by arranging the supporting elements on “T”-bars and arranging the ceiling panels on the supporting elements. Furthermore, when one or more supporting elements of the plurality of supporting elements are determined to have a defect therein, the defective supporting element can be easily replaced without having to replace an entirety of the suspended ceiling system. Furthermore, the supporting elements can be easily and cost-effectively fabricated to have different properties (such as, orientations of linear and/or lateral supporting elements) relative to each other, thereby, enabling to provide different appearances and easy customizability to the suspended ceiling system. The supporting elements can be used to support the ceiling panels, as well as other components, such as ceiling devices including electrically and/or electronically operated devices such as sensors, optical-devices such as light sources and so forth. Such electrically and/or electronically operated ceiling devices and optical-devices can be used to provide additional functionality to the suspended ceiling system (such as, using a plurality of sensors, smoke detectors and so forth for increasing a safety in an enclosure wherein the suspended ceiling system is installed), and/or for improving an aesthetic appearance associated with the suspended ceiling system (such as, by using a plurality of light sources, multichromatic light sources and so forth) respectively. Furthermore, the present disclosure also provides a method for (of) installing a suspended ceiling system. Furthermore, the suspended ceiling system includes supporting element mounted on “T”-bars to support ceiling panels. Such supporting elements can be mounted on existing “T”-bars associated with conventional suspended ceiling systems, thereby, enabling easy, time-efficient and cost-efficient replacement of a conventional suspended ceiling system with a suspended ceiling system of the present disclosure. For example, when the conventional suspended ceiling system comprises troffer fixtures therein, supporting elements can be installed on the conventional suspended ceiling system, such in a 2×4, 2×2 or 1×4 configuration. For example, two supporting elements with an integrated light source can be installed on either side of the troffer fixture and two supporting elements can be installed on either end of the troffer fixture, with a ceiling panel arranged on one or more of the supporting elements. Alternatively, a covering element can be arranged on one or more of the supporting elements instead of the ceiling panels. Beneficially, the present disclosure provides a suspended ceiling system to improvise maintenance of the appearance of ceiling panels. Specifically, the supporting elements are mounted on the “T”-bars of the suspended ceiling arrangements to support the ceiling panels at different orientations such as in a plane parallel and above, below, and at a tilted to flat end portions of the “T”-bars. Additionally, the ceiling panels are arranged at different orientations to provide a three-dimensional appearance to the suspended ceiling system. It will be appreciated that such a suspended ceiling system having the three-dimensional appearance corresponds to an appealing appearance thereof. Furthermore, orientations of supporting elements and/or ceiling panels can be easily changed, thereby, enabling convenient customization of the suspended ceiling system.
Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.
The present application is a continuation of US non-provisional utility application Ser. No. 16/239,804 “Supporting Element for Suspended Ceiling Systems” filed Jan. 4, 2019.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16239804 | Jan 2019 | US |
| Child | 17484311 | US |
