[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a mounting bracket, it particularly relates to a mounting bracket configured to be mounted on a ceiling frame member.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Typically, mounting brackets in ceiling systems are used to engage a component with a rail which otherwise would be difficult to be directly coupled to the rail. One of the many applications of mounting brackets is to suspend acoustic panels from ceiling frame members in a ceiling system. Acoustic panels comprise compressed fiber material, such as glass or stone wool, and are arranged in a room or in similar space and may serve a variety of purposes. The panels are used for improving the acoustical characteristics of the room and may also be used for concealing wiring, piping, as well as devices related to heating, ventilation, and air condition. The panels may form part of a panel system and may constitute horizontally arranged ceiling tiles, vertically arranged baffle elements, wall mounted elements or free-standing screens. In addition to the foregoing applications, baffles also provide aesthetic appeal to a space.

[0004] A typical suspended ceiling arrangement comprises a plurality of rectangular ceiling tiles which are supported by a supporting structure which often is comprised of inverted T-profiles forming a grid. The supporting structure, in turn, is preferably mounted in a main ceiling of a room or an accommodation in which the suspended ceiling is to be installed. Further, baffles may be suspended from the ceiling frame members of the supporting structure. The baffles may be suspended from strategically determined locations to improve the acoustic comfort of the space. In order to suspend the baffles from ceiling frame members, mounting bracket assembly is used. The mounting bracket is used as a coupling member between the ceiling frame member and the baffle, wherein one portion of the mounting bracket assembly is coupled to the ceiling frame member and from the other portion of the mounting bracket assembly the baffle may be suspended via a wire.

[0005] The conventional mounting bracket assembly comprises two mounting brackets. Each of the brackets define a suspension portion configured to receive the wire for suspending the baffle. Further the brackets are coupled to the ceiling frame rail and slidably coupled to each other in a manner that the suspension portions of the brackets align with each other. Finally, a wire is engaged to the suspension portion of the bracket assembly and suspended. A baffle may be then coupled to the wire and suspended from the ceiling frame rail.

[0006] The conventional mounting bracket assembly has major drawbacks associated with it. The requirements from a mounting bracket assembly include reliable coupling to the acoustic panel and also offer simple and easy connection to the tiles. The conventional mounting bracket fall short as the brackets are coupled to each other without any locking means for holding the brackets tightly together. This may result in the brackets to slip and decouple which may further result in the failure of the mounting bracket assembly when the baffle is suspended from the mounting bracket assembly.

[0007] One such convention mounting bracket assembly is disclosed in US20210388614A1. The assembly comprises a pair of clips coupled to the acoustic baffle via manual bending of the clips. Further, a suspension wire is coupled to the assembly on one end and suspended from the rail.

[0008] In light of the foregoing, it is apparent that there is a need for an improved mounting bracket assembly for suspending baffles to overcome the foresaid disadvantages of the existing mounting bracket assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0009] In one embodiment, a mounting bracket configured to be mounted on a ceiling framing member is disclosed. The mounting bracket comprises a first portion having a front side and a back side, and a second portion. The first portion comprises a lanced portion, a cut-out portion defining a tab and a suspension portion. Further, the second portion extends from the first portion and is configured to receive at least a portion of a flange of the ceiling frame member.

[0010] In another embodiment, a mounting bracket assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises a pair of mounting brackets including a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket. Further, the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket are detachably coupled with each other via a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism.

[0011] In another embodiment, method of assembling the mounting bracket assembly to the ceiling frame member is disclosed. The method includes engaging the first mounting bracket to a first side of the flange of the ceiling frame member such that the second portion of the first mounting bracket receives at least a portion of the first flange of the ceiling frame member. Further, engaging the second mounting bracket to a second side of the flange of the ceiling frame member in a such that the second portion of the second mounting bracket receives at least another portion of the first flange of the ceiling frame member. Finally, coupling the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket with each other via the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism.

[0012] In another embodiment, a suspended ceiling system is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of ceiling frame members, a plurality of mounting brackets, a plurality of suspension wires and a baffle. The plurality of ceiling frame members is connected with each other to form a grid. Further, each of the plurality of mounting bracket assemblies is coupled to the ceiling frame members at predetermined location. Further, one end of each of the suspension wires is coupled to the mounting bracket assembly via the suspension portions and another end is coupled to the baffle. This configuration enables suspension of the baffle from the ceiling frame member via the mounting bracket assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The following briefly describes the accompanying drawings, illustrating the technical solution of the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, for assisting the understanding of a person skilled in the art to comprehend the invention. It would be apparent that the accompanying drawings in the following description merely show some embodiments of the present invention, and persons skilled in the art can derive other drawings from the accompanying drawings without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 1A illustrates a back side (106) view of a mounting bracket 100 configured to be mounted on a ceiling frame member, in accordance with an embodiment; [0015] FIG. IB illustrates a front side (108) view of a mounting bracket 100 configured to be mounted on a ceiling frame member, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a mounting bracket 200, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a mounting bracket assembly 300, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0018] FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate assembling of the mounting bracket assembly, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a suspended ceiling system 500, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a suspended ceiling system 600, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a mounting bracket 700, in accordance with another embodiment; and

[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a mounting bracket 800, in accordance with another embodiment.

[0023] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, it may be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural and logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. [0025] FIG. 1A illustrates a back side view of a mounting bracket 100 configured to be mounted on a ceiling frame member, in accordance with an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1 A, the mounting bracket 100 comprises a first portion 102 and a second portion 104. The first portion 102 has a front side 108 and a back side 106, wherein a lanced portion 110, a cut-out portion 112 defining a tab 124 and a suspension portion 114 may be defined on the first portion 102. Further, the second portion 104 may extend from the first portion 102 and may be configured to receive at least a portion of a flange of the ceiling frame member.

[0026] In an embodiment, the second portion 104 may be profiled in a manner that the second portion 104 may define a void region 122 to receive at least a portion of the flange of the ceiling frame member.

[0027] In an embodiment, the second portion 104 may further comprise a first region 116, a second region 118 and a third region 120. The first region 116 may extend substantially orthogonal from the first portion 102, the second region 118 may extend from the first region 116 and the third region 120 may extend from the second region 118. The first region 116, the second region 118 and the third region 120 may define a void region 122, wherein the void region 122 may receive a flange of the ceiling frame member. The dimensions of the first region 116, the second region 118 and the third region 120 are such that the mounting bracket 100 in a sliding action can be mounted on the ceiling frame member and the void region 122 houses the ceiling frame member.

[0028] Further, the cut-out portion 112 may be defined in a manner that the tab 124 extends in a lateral direction and terminates at a first edge 134.

[0029] FIG. IB illustrates a front side view of a mounting bracket 100 configured to be mounted on a ceiling frame member, in accordance with an embodiment. Referring to FIG. IB, the lanced portion 110 may further comprise a protruding region 128 raised from the back side 106 of the first portion 102. The raised protruding region 128 may define a slot 126 between the protruding region 128 and the back side 106 of the first portion 102.

[0030] Further, the longitudinal width of the tab 124 may be lesser than longitudinal width of the slot 126 defined between protruding region 128 and the back side 106 of the first portion 102.

[0031] In one embodiment, an aperture 132 may be defined on the tab 124. Further, a dimple 130 may be defined on the protruding region 128 of the lanced portion 110, wherein the dimple 130 may protrude in a direction towards the front side 108 of the first portion 102.

[0032] As shown in FIGs. 1 A and IB, the suspension portions 114 may be defined as a hole. [0033] In one embodiment, the distance between the aperture 132 and the dimple 130 may be 20 - 24 millimeters.

[0034] In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 100 may be made using spring steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, or any other suitable plastic material.

[0035] In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 100 may be made by sheet metal operations such as punching, lancing, bending or the like.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates a mounting bracket 200, in accordance with an alternative embodiment. In this exemplary alternate embodiment, the aperture 132 may be defined on the protruding region 128 of the lanced portion 110. Further, the dimple 130 may be defined on the tab 124, wherein the dimple 130 may protrude in a direction away from the front side 108 of the first portion 102.

[0037] In all embodiments of the present invention, the diameter of the dimple 130 whether present on the protruding region 128 or on the tab 124 is less than the diameter of the aperture 132 whether present on the protruding region 128 or on the tab 124. Although in all illustrated embodiments, the tab 124 and the protruding region 128 are rectangular shaped, in alternative embodiments of the present invention, the tab 124 and the protruding region 128 can be dimensioned in any other shapes and all such variations shall be considered to be within the scope of the present invention as long as these parts function and work as taught in the present invention.

[0038] In one embodiment, the lanced portion 110 defined on the first portion 102 may be a bridge lance.

[0039] In one embodiment, the lanced portion 110 defined on the first portion 102 may be a half bridge lance.

[0040] In one embodiment, the lanced portion 110 defined on the first portion 102 may be a louver.

[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates a mounting bracket assembly 300, in accordance with an embodiment. The assembly 300 may comprise a pair of mounting brackets detachably coupled with each other. The pair of mounting brackets may include a first mounting bracket 100a and a second mounting bracket 100b, wherein the first mounting bracket 100a and the second mounting bracket 100b may be detachably coupled with each other via a first locking mechanism 306 and a second locking mechanism 308.

[0042] The first mounting bracket 100a and the second mounting bracket 100b may be detachably coupled in a manner that the back side 106 of the first portion 102 of the first mounting bracket 100a abuts the back side 106 of the first portion 102 of the second mounting bracket 100b such that the void regions 122 of each of the pair of mounting brackets (100a, 100b) lie opposed to each other.

[0043] The dimple 130 of the first mounting bracket 100a interlocks with the aperture 132 of the second mounting bracket 100b to form the first locking mechanism 306 and the dimple 130 of the second mounting bracket 100b interlocks with the aperture 132 of the first mounting bracket 100a to form the second locking mechanism 308.

[0044] In an embodiment, the dimple 130 on the lanced portion 110 of the first mounting bracket 100a interlocks with the aperture 132 on the tab 124 of the second mounting bracket 100b to form the first locking mechanism 306. The dimple 130 on the lanced portion 110 of the second mounting bracket 100b interlocks with the aperture 132 on the tab 124 of the first mounting bracket 100a to form the second locking mechanism 308.

[0045] The suspension portion 114 of the first mounting bracket 100a and the suspension portion 114 of the second mounting bracket 100b align with each other. As practiced conventionally, any conventional suspension wire may be coupled to the mounting bracket assembly 300 via the suspension portions 114 of the coupled first mounting bracket 100a and the second mounting bracket 100b.

[0046] Upon coupling of the first mounting bracket 100a and the second mounting bracket 100b, the void regions of the first mounting bracket 100a and the second mounting bracket 100b define a space having width greater than the width of the flange of the ceiling frame member.

[0047] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the lanced portion 110 of the first mounting bracket 100a may be received within the cut-out portion 112 of the second mounting bracket 100b. Further, at least a portion of the lanced portion 110 of the second mounting bracket 100b may be received within the cut-out portion 112 of the first mounting bracket 100a.

[0048] In an embodiment, the tab 124 of the first mounting bracket 100a is received in the slot 126 of the second mounting bracket 100b and the tab 124 of the second mounting bracket 100b is received in the slot 126 of the first mounting bracket 100a.

[0049] In an embodiment, the first locking mechanism 306 and the second locking mechanism 308 may utilize a snap fit mechanism.

[0050] In an embodiment, a baffle or a ceiling plank may be suspended from a ceiling frame member via the mounting bracket assembly 300. [0051] The mounting bracket assembly 300 may not be limited to suspending only a baffle or a ceiling plank but also be used to suspend components such as lights, sign boards or the like from a ceiling frame member.

[0052] FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate assembling a mounting bracket assembly 300 on a ceiling frame member 400, in accordance with an embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the ceiling framing member 400 is an inverted T-profile of a conventional ceiling grid system. The method includes engaging the first mounting bracket 100a to a first side 402 of a flange of the ceiling frame member 400, wherein the second portion 104 of the first mounting bracket 100a receives at least a portion of the flange of the ceiling frame member 400. Further, the second mounting bracket 100b is engaged with a second side 404 of the flange by a sliding action, wherein the second portion 104 of the second mounting bracket 100b receives at least another portion of the flange of the ceiling frame member 400. Further, the first mounting bracket 100a and the second mounting bracket 100b are coupled with each other via the first locking mechanism 306 and the second locking mechanism 308.

[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates a suspended ceiling system 500, in accordance with an embodiment. The system 500 may comprise a plurality of ceiling frame members 400, a plurality of mounting bracket assemblies 300, a plurality of suspension wires 502 and a ceiling plank 504. The plurality of ceiling frame members 400 may be connected with each other to form a grid. Further, each of the plurality of mounting bracket assemblies 300 may be coupled to the ceiling frame members 400 at predetermined location. Further, each of the suspension wire 502 may be coupled to the mounting bracket assembly 300 via the suspension portions 114 and coupled to the ceiling plank 504 at the other end. This configuration enables suspension of the ceiling plank 504 from the ceiling frame member 400 via the mounting bracket assembly 300.

[0054] FIG. 6 illustrates a suspended ceiling system 600, in accordance with an embodiment. The system 600 may comprise a plurality of ceiling frame members 400, a plurality of mounting bracket assemblies 300, and a ceiling plank 504. The plurality of ceiling frame members 400 may be connected with each other to form a grid. Further, each of the plurality of mounting bracket assemblies 300 may be coupled to the ceiling frame members 400 at predetermined location. The ceiling plank 504 may comprise at least one hook 602, wherein the ceiling plank 504 may be coupled to the mounting bracket assembly 300 via the hook 602. The hook 602 may be received within the suspension portion 114 to engage the ceiling plank 504 directly with the mounting bracket assembly 300 without the need of suspension wire. This configuration enables suspension of the ceiling plank 504 from the ceiling frame member 400 via the mounting bracket assembly 300.

[0055] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a mounting bracket 700, in accordance with another embodiment. The mounting bracket 700 may comprise a suspension portion 702, wherein the suspension portion 702 may be defined as an opening configured to receive a loop of suspension wire. The loop may be engaged to the opening of one mounting bracket and further another mounting bracket may be slidably coupled to the mounting bracket so that the loop of the suspension wire is secured between the suspension portions 702 of the brackets.

[0056] Further, the mounting bracket 700 may comprise a slit 704 defined at a portion connecting the first region 102 and the second region 104.

[0057] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a mounting bracket 800, in accordance with another embodiment. The mounting bracket 800 may comprise a first portion 802 and a second portion 804 that are orthogonal to each other. The first portion 802 of the mounting bracket 800 may further comprise a suspension portion 806 for suspending the ceiling plank from the mounting bracket. A pair of mounting brackets may be engaged to a ceiling frame member and interlocked to form a mounting bracket assembly. Further, another pair of mounting brackets may be engaged to another ceiling frame member that is parallel to the earlier ceiling frame member and interlocked to form a mounting bracket assembly. A ceiling plank may be engaged to the mounting bracket assemblies and may be suspended between a pair of parallel ceiling frame members. Such a configuration is preferable in cases where the ceiling frame member comprises fixed hooks and is orthogonally suspended to the ceiling frame members.

[0058] One of the many advantages of the mounting bracket assembly is that the mounting brackets are detachably coupled with each other via at least two locking mechanisms. This configuration provides structural rigidity to the assembly and prevents the disassembling of the mounting bracket assembly when load such as baffle is suspended via the mounting bracket assembly.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

[0059] The mounting bracket and the mounting bracket assembly has industrial application in the field of suspended ceiling systems. The mounting bracket and the mounting bracket assembly may be used to suspend acoustic panels/baffles from a support structure of the ceiling systems. The disclosed mounting bracket and mounting bracket assembly offers easier and reliable coupling of acoustic panels to the ceiling frame members. Further, the mounting bracket assembly comprises of a pair of identical mounting brackets that are coupled together to form the assembly. This configuration avoids different tooling arrangement required for manufacturing the mounting brackets.

[0060] Having thus described the disclosure with particular reference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be obvious that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the embodiments described in the specification and the drawings shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present disclosure, various modifications that can be replaced at the time of the present application It should be understood that there may be equivalents and variations.

[0061] Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity may not be required, and that one or more further activities may be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed is not necessarily the order in which they are performed.

[0062] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.

[0063] The specification and illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The specification and illustrations are not intended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that use the structures or methods described herein. Certain features, that are for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in a sub combination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges includes each and every value within that range. Many other embodiments may be apparent to skilled artisans only after reading this specification. Other embodiments may be used and derived from the disclosure, such that a structural substitution, logical substitution, or another change may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. [0064] The description in combination with the figures is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein, is provided to assist in describing the teachings, and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings. However, other teachings can certainly be used in this application.

[0065] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0066] Also, the use of "a" or "an" is employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the disclosure. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meant otherwise. For example, when a single item is described herein, more than one item may be used in place of a single item. Similarly, where more than one item is described herein, a single item may be substituted for that more than one item.

[0067] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. To the extent that certain details regarding specific materials and processing acts are not described, such details may include conventional approaches, which may be found in reference books and other sources within the manufacturing arts.

[0068] While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof. MOUNTING BRACKET CONFIGURED TO BE MOUNTED ON A CEILING FRAMING

MEMBER

List of Elements

100: Mounting bracket

100a: First mounting bracket

100b: Second mounting bracket

102: First portion

104: Second portion

106: Back side

108 : Front side

110: Lanced portion

112: Cut-out portion

114: Suspension portion

116: First region

118: Second region

120: Third region

122: Void region

124: Tab

126: Slot

128: Protruding region

130: Dimple

132: Aperture

300: Mounting bracket assembly

306: First locking mechanism

308: Second locking mechanism

400: Ceiling frame member

402: First side of the flange

404: Second side of the flange

500: Suspended ceiling system

502: Suspension wire

504: Ceiling plank

600: Suspended ceiling system : Hook : Mounting bracket: Slit : Mounting bracket: First portion : Second portion: Suspension portion