Patent ID: 12234642

There may be provided a plurality of elongate ceiling panels, such as the plurality of baffles10shown inFIG.1, suspended from a ceiling by means of carriers12.

As illustrated, each of the ceiling panels10is elongate in a direction X. Being baffles, the illustrated ceiling panels have a width in a direction Y less than in their height in a direction Z. As illustrated inFIG.1, an array of such panels10may be arranged in parallel with adjacent panels10arranged in the direction Y. Although the plurality of panels10would usually be arranged parallel with one another, it is possible for the array to be in a direction other than perpendicular to the elongate extent of the individual panels10.

The following description similarly relates to baffles10, but it will be appreciated that the same arrangements may be used with other ceiling panels having appropriate respective support portions.

A cross-section through alternative baffles10are illustrated inFIGS.2(a) and (b). In the arrangement ofFIG.2(a), the support portion20is provided as a component separate from the rest of the baffle10, whereas, in the arrangement ofFIG.2(b), the support portion20is provided as an integral part of the baffle10.

The support portion20forms part of the baffle10and provides means by which the baffle10may be supported. In use, and as illustrated, the support portion20is provided at an upper part of the baffle10.

The support portion20has an elongate extent in the same longitudinal direction as the longitudinal direction of the elongate extent of the baffle10. In the arrangement ofFIG.2(a), it includes an elongate support channel22that faces outwardly from the baffle10. A pair of opposing lips24,26form part of the elongate support channel22and define therebetween an elongate opening28into the elongate support channel22.

As illustrated, an underside of each of the opposing lips24,26is provided respectively with an inwardly facing surface24a,26a.

In the arrangement ofFIG.2(a), the support portion20may be constructed from any appropriate material. For example, the support portion20may be constructed from a plastics material or from aluminium. It is provided as a mounting profile and, as such, may have a substantially constant cross-section along its length. By inserting an appropriately sized and shaped mounting part into the mounting profile of the support portion20, it becomes possible to suspend the baffle10by means of the support portion20. In particular, a part of an appropriate mounting part may be mounted or received inside the elongate support channel22beneath the opposing lips24and26with a portion of the mounting part extending through the elongate opening28.

In the alternative arrangement ofFIG.2(b), the baffle10as a whole is constructed of a material allowing its support by the integral support portion20of the baffle10. With this arrangement, a mounting part may be received inside the baffle10itself beneath the opposing lips24and24.

A bracket clip60including two mounting brackets30for use with the support portion20ofFIG.2is illustrated inFIGS.3(a), (b) and (c). The bracket clip60may be formed from a blank or plate material, such as a metal plate, which is bent/folded at a middle portion to form/create a channel-shaped bracket clip (for example V or U shaped) with an edge/fold62between the two mounting brackets30. Both of the respective mounting brackets30may be substantially identical. As will be discussed below, the two mounting brackets30(the two legs of the clip60) may be squeezed together when inserted into a carrier12. The resilience of the bracket clip60and its channel-shape contribute to resisting rotation of the bracket clip60and its mounting brackets30inside the carrier12.

FIG.3(d)illustrates one of the mounting brackets30. In some arrangements individual mounting brackets30may be provided instead of bracket clips60.

The illustrated mounting bracket30includes a main body32, a holding part34and a portion36extending from the main body32to the holding part34herein referred to as a leg36.

The main body32is arranged to be suspended by a carrier12in any appropriate/known manner. Suspension of a bracket clip60will be described below. The holding part34is configured to be housed within the elongate support channel22or within the baffle10itself as described above with the leg36extending out of the support channel22through the elongate opening28.

In use and as illustrated, upper surfaces38of the holding part34on either side of the leg36engage with the inwardly facing surfaces24a,26aof the opposing lips24,26of the support portion20. In this way, the support portion20and the baffle10hang from the upper surfaces38, suspended by a leg36which extends through the elongate opening28.

In the illustrated arrangement, the inwardly facing surfaces24a,26aare planar and coplanar and, similarly, the upper surfaces38of the holding part34are planar and coplanar. However, other arrangements are also possible where the surfaces either side of the opening28and leg36are at different heights and/or may have curved profiles.

It will be appreciated that in use and as illustrated, with a baffle10suspended from a mounting bracket30, parts of the main body32of the mounting bracket30will face downwardly towards the support portion20.

In the illustrated arrangement, the main body32has, on either side of the leg36, lower surfaces40which face the upper surface42of the support portion20.

For the arrangement described below, the lower surfaces40are planar and coplanar with each other. However, arrangements may be contemplated where the lower surfaces40on either side of the leg36are at different respective heights. Similarly, they may be angled and/or have curved profiles. Arrangements may be contemplated where parts of the lower surfaces40distal from the leg36are closer to support portion20than parts proximate the leg36. For example, such arrangements might be used to guide the securing member50to be described below.

According to the arrangement described herein, the distance between the upper surfaces38of the holding part34and the lower surfaces40of the main body32is greater than the thickness of the opposing lips24,26. In this way, when the support portion20and its baffle10are suspended from the mounting bracket30, a space remains between the upper surfaces42of the support portion20and the lower surfaces40of the main body32of the mounting bracket30. Hence, the baffle10can be freely positioned and repositioned relative to the mounting bracket30and relative to the carrier from which the mounting bracket30is suspended.

It is proposed that this space be filled by means of a securing member50.

Examples of appropriate securing members50are illustrated inFIGS.4(a), (b) and (c).

FIG.5(a)illustrates an arrangement in which two mounting brackets30are provided together in parallel as part of a bracket clip60. This may be secured to the underside of a carrier12in any appropriate/known manner. For example, a carrier12may have a U-shaped profile with a downward facing opening. The bracket clip60may be inserted into the carrier12.

FIG.5(b)illustrates schematically a cross-section through an arrangement such as illustrated inFIG.5(a)with a bracket clip60similar to that described with reference toFIG.3(a)

As illustrated, the pointed or folded portion62of the bracket clip60is inserted and secured to the underside of the carrier12. In the illustrated arrangement, each mounting bracket30includes one or more protrusions64extending from the respective main body32and outwardly with respect to the bracket clip60. In the illustrated arrangement in which the bracket clip60is formed from a bent blank such as a metal sheet or plate, the protrusions64may be formed as cut-outs which are bent outwardly from the plane of the main body32.

As illustrated inFIG.5(b), the protrusions64and inwardly extending features14of the downward facing carrier12may be configured to interact with one another. As illustrated inFIG.5(b), a lower portion66of each protrusion64rests upon the respective inwardly extending feature14and, in particular, prevents the respective main body32and mounting bracket30moving past that feature14. In the fitted state illustrated inFIG.5(b), the two opposing main bodies32are each located adjacent a corresponding respective inwardly turned feature14of the carrier12and, with the combined width of the lower portion66of the two respective protrusions64being wider than the width defined between the two features14for the downwardly facing opening of the carrier12, the bracket clip60is prevented from passing out of the opening and is appropriately suspended from the carrier12. In some arrangements, the bracket clip60may be resilient so that the two respective mounting brackets30may be flexed or squeezed towards one another about the edge62of the bracket clip60. In this way, a user may squeeze the two mounting brackets30of a bracket clip60towards one another so that the outer dimensions between the two opposing protrusions64is less than the width of the downward facing opening in the carrier12defined between the inwardly facing features14. The edge62and the bracket clip60may thus be inserted into the inner space of the carrier12with the lower faces66of the protrusions14beyond the inwardly extending features14. By then relaxing (releasing the squeeze on) the opposing mounting brackets30, the respective main bodies32of the mounting brackets30are allowed to resiliently engage with and press outwardly on the two respective inwardly extending features14of the carrier12. The bracket clip60is thus secured in place.

FIGS.4(a) and (b)andFIGS.5(a) and (b)illustrate securing members50in which substantially the entire top surface is inclined relative to the base surface so that the securing member50takes the form of a locking wedge. As illustrated, the securing member50is slid longitudinally (along the longitudinal direction of the baffle10) between the upper surfaces42of the support portion20and the lower surfaces40of the two mounting brackets30. In particular, as illustrated, the securing member50engages with the lower surfaces40of the closest mounting bracket30(to the left as illustrated inFIG.5(b)). The securing member50, by being squeezed between the upper surface42of the support portion20and the lower surface40of the mounting bracket30, provides opposing forces downwards on the upper surface42and upwards on the lower surface40. In this way, the holding part34, in particular its upper surfaces38, is thus pressed against the inwardly facing surfaces24a,26aof the opening lips24,26. Thus, accordingly, the mounting bracket30(and the bracket clip60as a whole in the arrangement as illustrated) is secured frictionally along the elongate extent of the baffle10to prevent movement of the baffle in the longitudinal direction.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plate-shaped mounting bracket30is orientated so as to extend across the width of the support portion20and its baffle10. With this arrangement, the securing member50is provided so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the support portion20and its baffle10. Of course, it will be appreciated that the lower surfaces40of the mounting bracket30could be provided on either side of the leg36with a different orientation, for example orientated along the length of the support portion20and its baffle10. The securing member50should extend at least an angle with that orientation, preferably substantially perpendicular. Hence, it will be understood that, in some arrangements, the securing member50could extend substantially across the width of the support portion20.

In the described and illustrated arrangement with the plate-like mounting bracket30, the thickness/depth of the lower surfaces40is relatively small. With such an arrangement, the relative angle between the plane of those lower surfaces40and the securing member50is not of great technical significance. Nevertheless, in the arrangement illustrated inFIG.5(b), the mounting bracket30which is used to engage with the securing member50extends down from the carrier12at an angle substantially matching (in other words perpendicular to) the top surface52of the locking wedge50. In this way, the lower surfaces40are substantially parallel with the top surface52of the securing member50. In other arrangements, where the mounting bracket30has a larger thickness/depth, the lower surfaces40may be angled/shaped/profiled so as to match the top surface52of the locking wedge50appropriately.

An advantage of an arrangement in which the securing member50extends in the longitudinal direction of the support portion20is that the length of the securing member50(extending from its small height at a front end50ato its large height at a rear end50b) can be greater, in particular, it can be greater than the width of the baffle10while still being hidden from view from below. Also, the angle of the wedge shape may be smaller, allowing easier and more convenient use by an operator.

FIG.6andFIG.7illustrate respectively the securing member50in an unlocked position and a locked position.

As illustrated, the two mounting brackets30of a bracket clip60have been mounted to the support portion20.

With a mounting bracket30so arranged with its lower surfaces40facing the upper surface42of the support portion20, a space is formed allowing insertion of the front end50aof the securing member50between the lower surfaces40and the upper surface42of the support portion20. In particular, a base surface54of the securing member50is placed on and contacts the upper surface42of the support portion20.

An operator may then slide the securing member50longitudinally along the support portion20so that the securing member50is further inserted under the lower surfaces40and between the lower surfaces40and the upper surface42.

Noting that the support portion20and its baffle10are hanging from the mounting bracket30with the upper surfaces38of the holding part34engaging with the inwardly facing surfaces24a,26a, a gap will remain until the height of the securing member50between the lower surfaces40and the upper surface42matches the space between the lower surfaces40and the upper surface42. Thus, the rear end50bof the securing member50continues to be moved by the operator towards the mounting bracket30until, as illustrated inFIG.7, the space between the lower surfaces40and the upper surface42is filled by the height of the securing member50.

In the locked position illustrated inFIG.7, the top surface56of the securing member50engages with and presses upon the lower surfaces40of the mounting bracket30. It can also be considered that the securing member50is thus squeezed between the lower surfaces40of the mounting bracket30and the upper surface42of the support portion20. Also, the pressing by the top surface56of the securing member50upwardly on the lower surfaces40of the mounting bracket30causes the upper surfaces38of the holding part34to be pressed against the inwardly facing surfaces24a,26aof the opposing lips24,26of the support portion20.

In this way, the mounting bracket30is secured longitudinally with respect to the support portion20and its baffle10.

If, at some point in time, the operator wishes to readjust the position of the baffle10relative to the mounting bracket30, the rear end50bof the securing member50may be pulled away from the mounting bracket30so that the securing member50is withdrawn from under the lower surfaces40of the mounting bracket30and slid towards the unlocked position illustrated inFIG.6.

For the convenience of the operator, a handle may be formed at the rear end50bof the securing member50.

As best illustrated inFIGS.4(a) and (b), the securing member50may comprise two parallel wedge-shaped arms56defining a space58therebetween. Although it would be possible to provide a securing member for engaging only one of the lower surfaces40one respective side of the leg36and, optionally, to provide two such securing members for use either side of the leg36, in the illustrated arrangement, a single securing member50may be used simultaneously to press on both of the lower surfaces40of a single mounting bracket30.

In use when the securing member50is moved between the unlocked and locked positions, the two arms56of the securing member50extend on either side of the leg36of the mounting bracket30under the two lower surfaces40respectively. The space58between the arms56allows the leg36to extend through the securing member50and allows the securing member50to slide in the sliding direction of the securing member50relative to the leg36.

In the illustrated arrangement, the space58is open at the front end50a(having the smallest height) so that the securing member50may be inserted between the mounting bracket30and the support portion20after the mounting bracket30has been mounted to the support portion20. However, it would also be possible for the space58to be closed at the front end50aof the securing member50. Such an arrangement would merely require the leg36(and the holding part34) to be inserted through the space58prior to the mounting bracket30being mounted to the support portion20.

As will be apparent from the above, a securing member50formed as a locking wedge50is a wedge shaped component having a base surface54and a top surface56which extends from a front end50ato a rear end50bat an inclined angle with respect to the base surface.

Returning toFIG.4(c), it will be noted that, in some arrangements, the top surface56of the securing member50is substantially parallel with the base surface54. In this way, as illustrated inFIG.8, where a pair of mounting brackets30are provided, for example as part of a bracket clip60as discussed above, both lower surfaces40of the respective main bodies32interact with the top surface52of the securing member50. In this arrangement, the height of the securing member50, in particular between the base surface54and the top surface56is configured to match (or slightly exceed) the space between the lower surfaces40of the mounting brackets30and the upper surface32of the support portion20.

In an unlocked position, the securing member50(at least the substantially parallel top surface52) is not located under either of the lower surfaces of the mounting brackets30of the bracket clip60. In the corresponding locked position illustrated inFIGS.9(a) and (b), the respective lower surfaces40of both brackets30of the bracket clip60are held away from the upper surface42of the support portion20by any resilience in the securing member50. In this way, as described above, the position of the support portion20may be held frictionally with respect to mounting brackets30and bracket clip60.

In the illustrated arrangement ofFIG.4(c), the front end50aof each part of the locking wedge50may itself be tapered. It will be appreciated that this is useful and assists when inserting the securing member50between the lower surfaces40of the mounting brackets30and the upper surface42of the support portion20. In particular, the taper of the tapered end50aguides the securing member50between the lower surfaces40of the mounting brackets30and the upper surface42of the support portion20.

It is possible for the top surface52of the support member50to be smooth as illustrated inFIGS.4(a) and (b)and to rely merely on friction and the resilient properties of the support member50and/or the support portion20and/or the mounting bracket30.

Alternatively, the top surface52may be stepped in order to more securely lock the baffle in place. As illustrated schematically inFIG.10, the steps can be formed by a variety of features/shapes, such as notches, grooves, teeth etc. These features can provide better engagement, for example for securely holding the securing member in place.

FIG.4(c)illustrates a support member50having notches/teeth. The ridges in the top surface52of the securing member50help ensure that the securing member50remains in place and makes it more difficult for it to be removed. In addition, the lower surfaces40of the mounting brackets30of the bracket clip60engage with such ridges and prevent the two respective mounting brackets30from being squeezed together (pivoted about the folded portion62) and, hence, help resist against release of the bracket clip60from a carrier12as illustrated inFIG.5(b).

It will be noted that the arrangement ofFIG.6andFIG.7show a support portion20which does not extend to the end of the baffle10, but instead leaves a gap defining an insert opening14. Respective holding parts34of mounting brackets30may be inserted into the elongate support channel28of the support20. Similarly, where the support portion20is integral with the baffle, the holding parts34may be inserted through this gap to the space within the baffle10beneath the opposing lips24and26.

Alternatively, for the arrangement described above where two mounting brackets30are provided together as part of a bracket clip60and can be resiliently squeezed towards one another, it is possible to mount a bracket clip60to a support portion20by squeezing the two mounting brackets30towards one another to a state in which the combination of the thickness of the two mounting brackets30and the space between them is no more than the distance between the opposing lips24and26. In this state of the bracket clip60, it is possible to orientate the bracket clip60perpendicular to its intended in-use orientation and insert the two respective holding parts34through the elongate opening28, and then relax the squeezing of the two mounting brackets30and rotate the bracket clip60to its in-use orientation and position as described above.