Field of invention

The invention relates to a suspension system for an acoustic ceiling island platform and an acoustic ceiling island platform comprising the suspension system.

Background of the Invention

Acoustic ceiling islands are becoming more and more popular to provide with sound absorbing ceiling tiles a reduction in the noise level in a room, to shield off ventilation pipes or electrical cables, to emphasize something below the acoustic ceiling island like e.g. a desk or a reception, to create zones and space-in-space designs, etc. Some acoustic ceiling islands are provided by simply hanging a large acoustic ceiling tile made of for example mineral wool from the structural ceiling. Other acoustic ceiling islands comprise standard suspended ceiling elements (profiles such as main runners and cross tees and ceiling tiles) complemented with an outer frame to make a visually appearing outer periphery. However, in the known suspension system for a ceiling island comprising standard suspended ceiling elements it may be difficult to ensure that the included profiles are correctly interconnected which may prevent the system to be easy and fast to install. In addition, the known acoustic ceiling islands does not allow further elements to be suspended from the ceiling island.

Furthermore, commonly known fixed ceiling systems are often not suitable for easy installation as a ceiling island. Fixed ceiling systems are directly fixed to stable structures, typically walls, which provides an anchor that allows a considerable amount of force to be used when installing the fixed ceiling without interfering with the installation process. On the contrary, suspended ceiling islands will quickly begin to move or sway when forces are used during installation. Thus, twisting and turning of components will quickly result in an installation process where the components will move around in an uncontrolled manner. In particular, where a twisting motion also provides a locking engagement it is difficult to exactly position an element within a recess, which is the case for both suspended ceiling islands and fixed ceiling installations.

Fixed ceiling systems are for example disclosed in US 3,798,865 and US 7,886,406. Summary of the invention

Considering the prior art described above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a suspension system for a ceiling island that is easy and fast to install, and that ensures a correct connection angle between the various profiles of the system.

The object can be achieved by means of an apparatus according to claim 1 .

Thus, it is possible to provide a suspension system for a ceiling island that is easy and fast to install, since the wing(s) of the attachment clip is easily received in the first recess of carrier profiles while at the same time ensuring that the attachment clip is oriented correctly in relation to the first recess, so that main runners can be connected with carrier profiles at the correct angle. The engagement between the wing(s) and the first recess also ensures that the main runner is arranged at the correct height below the carrier profile.

Accordingly, it can be understood that by coupling the carrier profiles and the main runners together via the attachment clips (also referred to simply as “clip(s)” herein) the installation may be facilitated and the correct height may be ensured.

In one embodiment the carrier profiles comprises a plurality of suspension attachments for attaching the suspension system to a structural element, such as a ceiling. The suspension system can for example be attached to a ceiling using cables or wires, which can be flexible or stiff that are attached to anchor points in the ceiling and the suspension attachments on the carrier profiles.

Furthermore, the main runners comprises a plurality of tile support elements for carrying a ceiling tile when the suspension system is installed.

Thus, the installation of the suspension system and an acoustic ceiling island platform is further facilitated as the carrier profiles may be assembled into a stable frame layer, which can be installed using the suspension attachment.

The clips may then be installed in the recess and easily moved backed and forth therein while the wings function as a guide preventing rotation of the clip. For example, the clips may comprise a clip body which is arranged outside the recess, e.g. by having dimensions that prevents it from being arranged in the recess. The two wings extending from the clip body thus extend into the recess providing an engagement which prevent rotation of the clip in the recess but allows movement along the recess. As disclosed further herein, when the clip is in a desired position, movement along the recess can further be locked.

With the clip in the desired position, or close to, the main runners may easily be installed by using the attachment clips as will be discussed herein providing a tile layer where ceiling tiles may be supported by the main runner in the tile layer.

The installation process thus provides a two-layered construction, where each layer is installed in separate steps, i.e. a two-step installation. The frame layer provides a stable layer that function as a base frame in which the tile layer may be arranged via the clips. This facilitates the installation of the acoustic ceiling island platform as the tile layer may easily be adjusted by simply moving the clips instead of having to disassemble the whole construction including the frame layer.

A number of the plurality of the carrier profiles may form an outer frame of the frame layer which describes the extent and limit of the suspension system and the acoustic ceiling island platform. As will be understood the outer frame is not directly attached to a supporting structure, such as a wall or ceiling. Thus, the outer frame defines the boundary or perimeter of the acoustic ceiling island platform as a discrete object in a room..

Thus, in one embodiment the double layered structure comprises a frame layer and a tile layer. The frame layer comprises a frame where a plurality of carrier profiles form an outer frame, ie. outer carrier profiles, and a plurality of carrier profiles are arranged within the outer frame to stabilise the frame layer.

The clips are placed in the recesses of the carrier profiles of the frame layer and the main runners may subsequently be connected to the clips and thus forming the tile layer where the acoustic tiles may be carried by the main runners. Thus, the tile layer may be adjusted if necessary by moving one or more the clip(s) in the recess(es) without having to change or modify the carrier layer, without having to take the whole acoustic island structure apart.

Moreover, the two-layer construction and the easy adaptation thereof also facilitates the use of cable routing, ceiling lights, ceiling speakers and other peripheral devices to be installed in the acoustic ceiling island platform.

In an embodiment, the attachment clip comprises two parallel wings configured to engage the first recess. The width of the wing(s) of the attachment clip may in one embodiment substantially correspond to the width of the first recess of the carrier profile. Thereby it can be ensured that the attachment clip is always connected to the carrier profile at the correct angle, preferably a right angle.

In an embodiment, the wing(s) can be chamfered to simplify introduction of the wing(s) into the first recess. The chamfered wing(s) will correct the orientation of the attachment clip relative the first recess, so that the wing(s) can be inserted into the first recess even though the attachment clip is not correctly oriented in relation to the first recess. That will reduce time to assemble the suspension system.

In an embodiment, the attachment clip can comprise a flat body, and the one or two protruding wing(s) can be protruding perpendicularly to the flat body. Such an attachment clip can be stamped out of a thin metal plate and will be cost-effective to produce. The wing(s) can preferably be bent to the perpendicular position after the stamping process.

In an embodiment, the flat body can have a thickness of 0.4 to 3 mm, preferably of 0.6 to 2 mm, most preferably of 0.8 to 1 .2 mm. If made by metal, such as steel, such thicknesses can easily be stamped out. With a thickness of less than 1 .2 mm, the attachment clips will be very lightweight.

In an embodiment, the first recess can extend along the longitudinal direction of the carrier profile. When inserted into the recess of the carrier profile the wings of the clip extends transverse to the extent of the first recess and thus prevents the rotation of the clip and thereby also the main runner when this is attached to the wing. Additionally, this may also allow for moving the clip along the recess without the risk of rotation of the clip as the two wings will prevent such rotation since rotation of the wings will be limited by the sides of the recess.

As the one or more wings of the clip functions as guides in the first recess for orienting the clip correctly and/or allowing the wing to be guided to a desired position along the first recess of the carrier profile a fastening mechanism may further be provided to fasten the attachment clip in the desired position.

In one embodiment the fastening mechanism is adjustable between a retaining position and a fastening position. In the retaining position the fastening mechanism retains the clips so that the wings are arranged in the first recess and the clip may be moved back and forth within the first recess. In this manner the clip can be moved to the desired position while the wings will prevent the clip to rotate and maintaining the clip in the correct orientation. The clip may for example be moved while a main runner is attached thereto. As the clip is placed at the desired position the fastening mechanism is placed in a fastening position wherein the attachment clip is fastened in the desired position, i.e. the clip cannot be moved within the first recess.

In an embodiment, such a fastening mechanism may be provided as the first recess can be configured for holding a nut or a head of a bolt, so that the attachment clips can be fastened to the carrier profiles. The first recess can have a narrower opening and a wider inner cavity, so that the nut or the head of the bolt can be introduced into the first recess in a tilted orientation and held by the first recess in a straightened orientation. Alternatively, the nut or the head of the bolt can have an oblong or oval shape or be flattened on two opposite sides so that the nut or the head of the bolt can easily be introduced into the opening of the first recess and by rotating the nut or the head of the bolt 90°, the nut or the head of the bolt can be held or retained by the first recess. The nut and bolt can be moved along the first recess so that the attachment clip and the corresponding main runner will have the correct position relative the carrier profile. For example, in one embodiment, the nut and bolt may be loosely engaged, thereby providing a retaining position of the nut and bolt where the clip may be moved within the first recess. When the clip is arranged in the desired position the nut and bolt is tightened which places the fastening mechanism in the fastening position.

In an embodiment, the wing(s) can have hooks to lock the wings in the first recess, where the hooks can catch edges in the first recess, and the first recess can have a narrower opening and a wider inner cavity. Each wing can have two hooks, one upper, longer hook that is first introduced into the first recess, and one lower, shorter hook that is also introduced into the first recess, so that when the longer hook and the shorter hook are inside the first recess, the attachment clip can be connected to the carrier profile and held by the longer hook(s) and the shorter hook(s). The longer hook(s) and the shorter hook(s) can be an alternative or a supplement to the nut and bolt. The above is a further example of an embodiment where the clip is in a retaining position where the fastening mechanism, such as the nut and bolt, allows the clip to be moved within the first recess.

In an embodiment, the attachment clip can comprise a clip opening configured for receiving a shank of a bolt. The clip opening can be arranged so that a bolt can be introduced through the clip opening, and the clip opening can be arranged adjacent the first recess when the wing(s) is/are positioned in the first recess and the attachment clip can be fastened to the carrier profile by a bolt and a nut through the second opening, where the bolt or the nut is held by the first recess.

In an embodiment, the protruding wing(s) and the clip opening can be positioned along a straight line. The protruding wing(s) and the clip opening positioned along a straight line can engage with the first recess. A bolt through the clip opening can be connected with a nut, where the nut or a head of the bolt is retained by the first recess so that the attachment clip can be fastened to a carrier profile. The protruding wing(s) protruding into the first recess as the attachment clip is fastened to the carrier profile will orient the attachment clip correctly, so that the orientation and position of the main runners and the distances between neighbouring main runners are precise and well-defined, so that ceiling tiles to be held by the main runners can be inserted between the main runners without further manipulations of the main runners and/or the attachment clips. In an embodiment, at least some of the plurality of carrier profiles may have a second recess opposite and/or parallel to the first recess, so that attachment clips can be attached on two sides of the carrier profile for providing a suspension system for a larger ceiling island.

In an embodiment, the attachment clip may be made of plastic or metal, preferably steel or aluminium. Such materials are well-known and can be chosen based on costs and/or technical performance.

In an embodiment, each main runner at a lower edge may comprise flanges configured for carrying ceiling tiles. The ceiling tiles may rest on the flanges so that the flanges are visible or invisible when the ceiling tiles are installed.

In an embodiment, each main runner may comprise a bulb at its upper edge, and the attachment clip being configured with an opening to receive the bulb. This opening is defined by two jaws, and during installation the bulb of the main runner is slid into the opening. Alternatively, the bulb may be connected to the attachment clip with a snap-fit engagement.

The invention also relates to an acoustic ceiling island platform comprising the suspension system as presented above and ceiling tiles carried by the main runners. This ceiling island will be easy to install due to the smart suspension system.

In an embodiment, a plurality of the carrier profiles may form an outer frame profile of the acoustic ceiling island platform. The ceiling island will only cover part of the ceiling of the room, so that some of the carrier profiles may form an outer visible frame profile of the acoustic ceiling island platform.

In an embodiment, the carrier profiles forming the outer frame may have the first recesses at their inner faces and smooth outer faces. That the inner faces of the carrier profiles forming the outer frame may have the first recesses means that attachment clips can be fastened also to the carrier profiles forming the outer frame, and the main runners and the ceiling tiles can cover the whole ceiling island. The inner faces or the inner face of the carrier profile(s) forming the outer frame is/are the face(s) facing the interior of the ceiling island and the outer face(s) is/are the face(s) facing away from the ceiling island.

That the outer faces of the carrier profiles forming the outer frame are smooth means that the outer faces will give an appealing edge of the ceiling island. In addition, such outer faces will not collect dust and will be easy to clean and maintain. The smooth outer faces may be straight or curved.

In one embodiment the outer frame profiles of the frame layer has a height such that it overlaps the tile layer when the acoustic ceiling structure is assembled. Thus, the outer frame profiles provide structural support as previously discussed but also conceals the edges of the tile layer. This provides a visually pleasing boundary of the acoustic ceiling island.

For example, in one embodiment, the outer frame profiles comprises a frame body from which an upper flange and a lower flange extends at opposite ends. The upper and lower flanges preferably extend from the same side of the frame body thereby forming a smooth outer surface and an inner surface from which the upper and lower flange extend thereby defining a channel together with the inner surface.

One advantage of the channel is that it may receive the ends of the main runner.

During installation the main runner may be delivered in standard length and may be cut to size which may leave jagged ends. Thus, by having a channel the ends of the main runner are hidden, both visually but also such that the risk of cutting during handling and installation is reduced.

In one aspect disclosed herein a room installation is provided comprising a suspension system and/or an acoustic ceiling island platform as disclosed herein wherein a plurality of the carrier profiles forms an outer frame profile of the suspension system and/or the acoustic ceiling island, wherein the outer frame profile is smaller than the room providing a distance between the walls of the room and the outer frame profile. In one embodiment of the room installation the plurality of the carrier profiles are suspended from a ceiling of the room by a plurality of cables/wires via suspension attachment provided on the carrier profiles.

In another aspect disclosed herein is a method for installing an acoustic island platform as disclosed herein in a room comprising the steps of, a) assembling the plurality of carrier profile such that at least a number of the carrier profiles defines an outer frame of the acoustic island platform, b) arranging a plurality of attachment clips in the at least first recesses of the carrier profiles, c) connecting the plurality of main runners to the attachment clips, d) attaching the carrier profiles in a desired height to a ceiling of the room via a plurality of cables extending from the carrier profiles to the ceiling, e) arranging a plurality of ceiling tiles on the main runners.

Preferably the steps a), b), and c) are done in sequence and preferably before suspending the construction from the ceiling as described in step d). The step of arranging the tiles in the construction, i.e. step e) may be done before or after step d) or some tiles may be arranged on the main runners before and some after.

The main runners are typically manufactured in standard sizes, thus during installation a further step may comprise cutting the main runner to a custom length.

Even further, in another embodiment method for installing may comprise a step of rearranging the clips to correct for installation errors and/or aligning the installation.

As discussed herein the method for installation may comprise guiding the attachment clips in a recess of a carrier profile, e.g. when the attachment clip is in a retaining position as described herein. The attachment clip may in one step be guided to a desired position where it is then locked in place, e.g. by placing the attachment clip in a fastening position as described herein.

In one embodiment long cables are provided that are attached to the ceiling and extend to the floor, or within comfortable reach in a desired construction height. The carrier profiles, attachment clips and main runner are then assembled and attached to the cables. The construction may then be lifted to a desired height and the cables fixed. A number of cables may be diagonally attached to the frame, also referred to as bracing. This provides an installation where swaying of the acoustic island platform is reduced. Finally the ceiling tiles are placed on the main runners.

In a further embodiment the method further comprises a step f) arranging cable routing and the installation of ceiling light, speakers and/or other peripheral devices.

In yet a further aspect there is disclosed a suspension system for an acoustic ceiling island platform, wherein the system comprises, a plurality of carrier profiles each having at least a first recess, a plurality of main runners configured for being connected with the carrier profiles, and attachment means, such as attachment clip as disclosed herein, for connecting the main runners with the carrier profiles, wherein a number of carrier profiles forms outer frame profiles defining an outer boundary of the suspension system and where the height of the outer frame profiles are larger than the main runner such that they overlap the main runners when the suspension system is assembled.

This provides a suspension system, where the outer frame profiles provide structural support as previously discussed but also conceals the edges of the main runners. This provides a visually pleasing boundary of the acoustic ceiling island.

Description of the drawings

The invention will in the following be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 a schematic view of an acoustic ceiling island platform,

Fig. 2 a schematic view of a carrier profile in the form of an outer frame profile connected to a main runner by an attachment clip,

Fig. 3 a schematic perspective view of a carrier profile in the form of an outer frame profile connected to a main runner by an attachment clip, and

Fig. 4 a schematic view of a carrier profile having a first recess and a second recess connected to a main runner by an attachment clip.

Detailed description of the invention Fig. 1 shows an acoustic ceiling island platform 1 attached to a structural ceiling 2 by a suspension cable set 3. The acoustic ceiling island platform 1 comprises an outer frame profile 4 forming an outer, surrounding frame of the acoustic ceiling island platform 1 . Within the outer frame profile 4, carrier profiles 5 extend in a parallel manner to each other between opposite sides of the outer frame profile. In relation to the invention the term “carrier profile” also covers the outer frame profile 4 which is just to be considered a specialised shaped carrier profile of the system. Perpendicular carrier profiles 5a extend in a parallel manner to each other and perpendicular to the carrier profiles 5 and in the same level as the carrier profiles 5, wherein the perpendicular carrier profiles 5a stabilize the carrier profiles 5 by connecting the carrier profiles with a part of the outer frame profile 4 not otherwise connected to the carrier profiles 5 as shown in Fig. 1 .

Perpendicular to the carrier profiles 5, main runners 6 extend in a parallel manner to each other below the carrier profiles between opposite sides of the outer frame profile. Ceiling tiles 7 are carried by the main runners 6 for creating a smooth and soundabsorbing surface on the underside of the acoustic ceiling island platform 1 .

Fig. 2 shows a cross-section of the outer frame profile 4 with a smooth outer face 8 and an inner face 9 comprising a first recess 10. An attachment clip 12 is connected to the outer frame profile 4 by a nut 14 and a bolt 16, with a bolt head 18 inside the first recess and retained by the first recess. A wing 20 of the attachment clip 12 is protruding into the first recess. The wing 20 has two first chamfers 22 for making introduction of the wings into the first recess 10 easier.

A part of one of the main runners 6 is also shown, where the main runner is held by the attachment clip 12.

The outer frame profile 4 is in the shown embodiment provided with recesses 13 at the top and bottom edges. These recesses 13 have multiple purposes, such as suspending curtains or other elements from the bottom edge, suspending a cover textile around the curved outer side of the frame profile 4, etc. As can be seen the outer frame profile 4 is formed of a frame body 30 with the smooth outer surface 8 and an inner surface 31 . Upper and lower flange 32, 33 extend from the inner surface at the top and bottom edges of the frame body.

The inner surface 31 and the upper and lower flanges 32, 33 define a channel 34 extend along the outer frame profile in parallel to the recess 10. The channel is configured to receive an end 6’ of the main runner 6. As the main runner may be provided in standard lengths and cut to correct length during installation the channel 34 may conceal the jagged ends 6’ from being seen but also reduce the risk of cutting during handling and installation of the acoustic ceiling island platform.

The length of the frame body 30, is such that it covers the whole height of the inner construction, i.e. the carrier profiles 5, the main runners 6 and the ceiling tiles 7. Thus, when viewing the installed acoustic ceiling island the smooth outer surface of the outer frame profile 8 will provide a visually pleasing finish where the edges and parts of the inner construction are hidden.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a part of the outer frame profile 4 forming an outer frame of the ceiling island, the attachment clip 12, and an end of the main runner 6. The attachment clip 12 is attached to the outer frame profile by the nut 14 and the bolt 16, and the wings 20 positioned in the first recess 10 keep the orientation of the attachment clip 12.

A lower part of the attachment clip 12 has jaws 40 surrounding an oblong opening 42 for receiving a bulb 44 of the main runner 6. The jaws 40 have teeth 46 for retaining the bulb 44. In a preferred way of mounting the attachment clips 12 are first attached to the outer frame profile 4 (and to the carrier profiles 5) and then the bulb 44 is slid into the oblong openings 42 of the attachment clips 12 by a horizontal movement of the main runner 6. Alternatively, the bulb is pressed into the oblong openings 42 of the attachment clips 12 by a vertical movement of the main runner 6. The teeth 46 may have second chamfers 48 so that the bulb 44 can more easily be pressed into the oblong opening 42. Since the jaws 40 are long and thin (that the jaws are narrow helps, too), the teeth 46 can flex so that the bulb 44 can more easily be pressed into the oblong opening 42 passed the teeth if the attachment clip 12 and the main runner 6 are not perpendicular to each other but form an angle that is something like between 60° and 80°.As an alternative, the attachment clip 12 and the main runner 6 may be connected to each other before the attachment clip is connected to the outer frame profile 4 (or to the carrier profiles 5), so that the small attachment clip can be rotated in relation to the main runner 6 to the right angle, where the main runner can easily be inserted into the oblong opening 42.

In the shown embodiment, the attachment clip 12 is provided with a sideways extending arm 50 with an opening 52 at the end. The arm may be bent towards the upper part or the bulb 44 of the main runner 6 and secured to the main runner by a self-tapping screw (not shown) through the opening and into the main runner or the bulb. In that way, the main runner is secularly attached and cannot accidentally slide out of the connection with the attachment clip.

The attachment clip and the main runner can be attached to each other in other ways, e.g. by being screwed together.

Fig. 4 shows a cross-section of the carrier profile 5 in the form having a first recess 64 and a second recess 66 opposite and parallel to the first recess. The attachment clip 12 is the same as presented in Figs. 2 and 3 and attached to the first recess 64 of the carrier profile in the same way as the attachment clip 12 in Figs. 2 and 3 is attached to the first recess 10 of the outer frame profile 4. The attachment clip is attached to the bulb 44 of the main runner 6 in the same manner as in Figs 2 and 3.

Another attachment clip (not shown) can be attached to the second recess 66 in the same way as the attachment clip 12 is attached to the first recess 64. With one attachment clip connected to the first recess and another attachment clip connected to the second recess, ends of two main runners can be positioned in the continuation of each other where the ends of the two main runners will meet each other without any lateral displacement.

The ceiling island can be attached to a structural ceiling (not shown) by e.g. wires like a suspension cable set 68 attached by a second bolt 70 and a second nut 72, where a second head 74 of the second bolt is positioned and retained in a third recess 76 of the carrier profiles 5. Angle brackets 78 are connected, e.g. by bolts and nuts, to the first recess 10 of the outer frame profile 4 as well as to the first recess 64 and the second recess 66 of the carrier profile 5 for connecting the outer frame profile 4 and the carrier profile 5 to each other.