GB2254628A - Grid ceilings - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular grid ceiling system is constructed from parallel rows of C-shaped grid members (30, 31, 32; 30', 31', 32') having markings (33, 34, 35; 33', 34', 35') thereon and a plurality of unmarked grid members (36, 37, 38) extending at right angles thereto and being attached to said marked grid members in the region of said markings (33, 34, 35; 33', 34', 35'). The utilisation of such plurality of marked C-shaped grid members gives the impression of a plurality of junction boxes, without actually using any. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO CEILINGS The present invention concerns improvements in or relating to ceilings. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with suspended ceilings formed from a metal ceiling system.

In the case of the production of what one refers to as system metal ceiling systems, there are two current methods adopted. The first system produces linear grid ceilings and the second system produces modular grid ceilings.

In production of the linear grid ceilings referred to above, firstly a plurality of suspension rods and associated hangers are provided and a plurality of C-shaped metal trim-strips are installed parallel to the suspended rod and hanger. By such construction, a plurality of rows formed from the Cshaped metal trim-strips are provided across a selected area. Metal ceiling tiles or light fittings then rest between the trim-strips in known manner.

Whilst such linear grid ceilings find certain applications, an increasing number of ceilings systems require a modular grid ceiling system. Rather than a plurality of linear C-shaped metal trim-strips extending across an area, such area is broken up into a grid or modular type system. In the second type of ceiling system referred above, in place of the hanger arrangement utilised with the linear system, a junction box is utilised. This junction box is of generally square construction having upstanding edges. The Cshaped metal trim-strips are fixedly connected to the junction box. Utilising such construction, a stable modular suspension in both axes is obtained and the ceiling tiles and/or light fitting elements may be fitted between the trim-strips. When completed, such ceiling has a modular grid construction.

Whilst the modular grid ceiling system has proved popular, same is far more expensive due to the provision of a plurality of junction boxes and the time spent in constructing the ceiling with the C-shaped trim-strips having to be attached to their respective junction box at either end.

We have unexpectedly discovered an arrangement whereby C-shaped trim-strips utilised in the production of linear grid ceilings can be utilised in the construction of modular grid ceiling systems, without the use of junction boxes.

According to the present invention there is provided a C-shaped trim-strip for utilisation in the construction of a modular grid ceiling system, said strip having at least one marking, scoring, indentation or crimping or like marking on its normally underside, whereby such marking replicates the arrangement provided by a junction box.

When a plurality of such C-shaped trim-strips are utilised with such markings thereon, together with other unmarked C-shaped trim-strips, then the appearance of a modular or grid ceiling system is obtained.

By the use of such marking, the appearance of a modular ceiling is obtained utilising elements previously used for linear ceiling systems.

It can clearly be seen that various advantages are obtained utilising the arrangement of the present invention, in that manufacturing costs can be reduced since it is possible to utilise standard units whether producing linear or modular systems.

Moreover, the markings can be provided at selected positions along the length of the C-shaped trim-strips which enables easy installation of the ceiling to be effected since one can select the location of the grid system, all being achieved without the use of junction boxes.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of C-shaped trim-strips are provided in the manner of linear ceiling system referred to above; however, along the length of such C-shaped trim-strips a number of markings are provided therealong and transverse thereto. The location of such markings is to provide, when additional cross trim-strips are attached thereto, to provide a modular grid ceiling system corresponding to that obtained heretofor utilising junction boxes.

Any suitable form of marking can be utilised on the C-shaped trim-strips, so long as same, in the assembled state, resembles the ceiling system produced utilising junction-boxes.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the C-shaped trim-strip will have appropriate markings adjacent either end thereof; furthermore, it is also possible to provide a plurality of such markings intermediate the ends of a trim-strip, such additional markings again resembling the result achieved utilising a junction box. By such arrangement it is possible to utilise longer lengths of trim-strip, without having to produce trim-strips of a special length in order to provide the modular arrangement achieved utilising junction boxes.

The present invention will be further illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an underneath plan view of a portion of a linear ceiling system, such system being made up of a plurality of elongate trim-strips 10, 11 and 12 formed into a row.

Parallel thereto another row of trim-strips 10', 11' 12' are located. Ceiling tiles 13, 14 and 15 are located between said rows of trim-strips to form a linear type ceiling.

In Fig. 2, there is schematically illustrated an underneath plan view of the formation of a modular type ceiling arrangement produced from a plurality of C-shaped trim-strips and a plurality of junction boxes.

As illustrated, the junction boxes 24, 24', 25 and 25' are located as illustrated. A plurality of trim-strips 23, 23' and 23" and 21, 21', 21" are provided as indicated and attached to the respective junction box at its respective end. The modular ceiling appearance is achieved by location of further trim-strips 20, 20' and 22, 22'.

Fig. 3 illustrates an underneath plan view of a ceiling arrangement similar to that disclosed in Fig.

1 but obtaining a modular type construction similar to that disclosed in Fig. 2, but without the use of junction boxes.

In the arrangement of Fig. 3, a plurality of parallel rows of trim-strips are utilised. One row is obtained utilising strips 30, 31 and 32 and another parallel row utilising strips 30', 31 and 32'.

Markings, suitably in the form of indentations or crimping are produced on trim-strips 30, 31 and 32 at 33, 34 and 35 respectively and on strips 30', 31' and 32' at 33', 34' and 35', respectively.

The modular arrangement for the ceiling is produced by using further trim-strips 36, 37 and 38.

When located as illustrated, it can be seen that the modular ceiling system of Fig. 2 had been obtained in Fig. 3, but without the use of junction boxes.

Whilst the arrangement has been found particularly suitable with metal trim-strips, it is envisaged that same can also be utilised with other material strips and rib materials.

In view of the above, it is clear that the arrangement utilised in the present invention provides a modular ceiling system formed from a linear ceiling system but without the use of junction boxes. Such unexpected result means that manufacturing costs may be reduced and standard length trim-strips utilised.

Moreover, utilising the arrangement of the present invention, it is possible to provide indentations or other like markings at selected positions along the length of the trim-strips.

Claims (6)

1. A C-shaped trim-strip for utilisation in the construction of a modular grid ceiling system, said strip having at least one marking, scoring, indentation or crimping or like marking on its normally underside, whereby such marking replicates the arrangement provided by a junction box.

2. A C-shaped trim-strip as claimed in claim 1, in which the marking is provided at one or more selected positions along the length of the strip and transverse thereto.

3. A C-shaped trim-strip as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the markings is provided adjacent either end, adjacent both ends and/or intermediate the ends of the trim-strip.

4. A C-shaped trim-strip substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 3 of the accompanying drawings.

5. A modular grid ceiling system comprising a plurality of C-shaped trim-strips as claimed in any preceding claim, together with a plurality of unmarked Cshaped trim-strips, the C-shaped trim-strips having markings thereon being provided in the manner of a plurality of parallel rows and the unmarked C-shaped trim-strips extending at right angles thereto and being attached to the marked C-shaped trim-strips in the region of said markings, to provide a modular grid ceiling system.

6. A modular grid ceiling system, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 3 of the accompanying drawings.