Tile element

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tile element (1) for an acoustic tile system. The tile element (1) has a first major surface (2) intended to face a room and an opposing second major surface (3), the tile element comprising: a first layer (4) comprising wood fibre material and forming the first major surface (2); a second layer (5) comprising compressible mineral fibre material and forming the second major surface (3); and a spacer (6) arranged on and projecting in a direction from a second surface (7) of the first layer (4), the second surface (7) being opposite said first major surface (2) of the tile element (1), the spacer (6) having an end surface (8) arranged at a distance from the second surface (7) of the first layer (4); wherein the first layer (4) and the spacer (6) defines a space (9) accommodating the second layer (5) such that the second layer (5) is superimposed on the first layer (4), and wherein the tile element (1) is bringable to a compressed state by compression of the second layer (5) in which the second major surface (3) of the tile element (1) is flush with the end surface (8) of the spacer (6).

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to tile elements for an acoustic tile system.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Acoustic tile elements are commonly used in in order to improve the acoustical environment of crowded spaces, such as offices, corridors and public buildings. However, since the tile elements are mounted on walls and / or suspended ceilings, they are arranged in a visible manner. The tile elements are therefore often combined with a layer of another material, providing a more aesthetically pleasing surface layer.

[0003] However, such hybrid tile elements are usually stacked during transportation and the layers of the sound absorbing material, which are often the more compressible material of the hybrid tile element, may cause the stack to become unstable. An unstable stack is at risk of falling over which may cause damages to the tile elements or its environment. Furthermore, it poses a hazard to the personnel handling the stack. Thus, a tile element with such combination of materials are cumbersome to store and transport.

[0004] Hence there is a need for an improved tile element.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is thus in view of the above a need for an improved acoustic tile element that is adaptable in dealing with the aforementioned problems.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a tile element for an acoustic tile system is provided, the tile element having a first major surface intended to face a room and an opposing second major surface, the tile element comprising: a first layer comprising wood fibre material and forming the first major surface; a second layer comprising compressible mineral fibre material and forming the second major surface; and a spacer arranged on and projecting in a direction from a second surface of the first layer, the second surface being opposite said first major surface of the tile element, the spacer having an end surface arranged at a distance from the second surface of the first layer; wherein the first layer and the spacer defines a space accommodating the second layer such that the second layer is superimposed on the first layer, and wherein the tile element is bringable to a compressed state by compression of the second layer in which the second major surface of the tile element is flush with the end surface of the spacer.

[0007] The configuration of the tile elements provides that two or more tile elements may be stacked in a safe manner. Since the second layer is compressible such that the second major surface of a first tile element is flush with the end surface of the spacer, the end surface of the spacer of the first tile element will abut the first major surface of a second tile element when the tiles are in a compressed state, thereby forming a load bearing structure. The load bearing structure provides stability to a stack and prevents it from being wobbly or falling over. In addition to being compressible, thus allowing a load bearing structure to form, the mineral fibre material of the second layer has good sound absorbing properties. Hereby, the tile unit according to the present invention, provides a balance between having satisfying acoustic properties when mounted on a wall or in a suspended ceiling and being stackable in a safe manner during storage and transportation.

[0008] The first layer of the tile element may comprise wood fibre material and a cementitious binder agent or a geopolymer binder agent. For example, wood fibre may be mixed with a binder agent suspended in a cementitious matrix.

[0009] The first layer forming the first major surface is intended to face a room. That is, when arranged in a tile system, the first layer of the tile element faces outwards towards the room, while the second layer forming the second major surface faces the opposite direction. Hereby, the more aesthetically pleasing wood fibre material is displayed, while the acoustically advantageous mineral fibre material may provide its properties without being shown. Thus suitable acoustic properties are provided, without affecting the design of the tile element.

[0010] The second layer may be attached to the first layer. For example, the second layer may be attached to the first layer by different types of fasteners such as adhesives, screws, etc.

[0011] The second layer may be formed in one unit. In other words, the second layer may be continuous in a plane of extension thereof. That is, a surface of the second layer, such as the second major surface of the tile unit, may be continuous. Further, the second layer may be continuous and have a uniform thickness, alternatively the second layer may be continuous without having a uniform thickness, such that thick portions of the second layer are connected to each other by thinner bridging portions, or vice versa.

[0012] The spacer may be arranged as a frame at least partially surrounding the space accommodating the second layer. For example the frame may surround the space such that it encloses the space accommodating the second layer, or the frame could be interrupted such that the frame only partially surrounds the space accommodating the second layer.

[0013] An edge portion of the end surface of the spacer may be beveled. The beveled edge portion may vary in degree and extent. For example the beveled edge portion may slope from the end surface of the spacer to the second surface of the first layer. Alternatively, the edge portion may be chamfered such that the edge portion is a transitional edge which connects the end surface of the spacer and a side surface thereof.

[0014] The spacer may be shaped so as to divide the space into at least two sub-spaces. For example, the spacer may extend over the second surface of the first layer in the shape of an X, a T, a H, an E, or a plus sign. Hence, the second layer may be divided in several parts, the parts being separated by the spacer. In other words, the second layer may be non-continuous in a plane of extension thereof. That is, a surface of the second layer, such as the second major surface of the tile unit, may be non-continuous. The spacer may be made of wood, such as solid wood, or any other suitable material that may provide stability to a stack of the tile elements. For example, the spacer may be made of the same material as the first layer. In such case, the spacer may be integrally formed with the first layer. Alternatively, the spacer and the first layer may be formed as separate units and then fastened together by any suitable fastening means.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a distribution unit is provided comprising at least two tile elements in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, and a securing arrangement, each tile element being in the compressed state, wherein the at least two tile elements are arranged in a stack, wherein the securing arrangement secures the stacked at least two tile elements in said compressed state, and wherein the first layers and the spacers of the at least two tile elements form a load bearing structure.

[0016] Any benefit or technical effect which has been discussed in relation to the first aspect of the present invention, or any variant thereof, may be applicable to the second aspect of the present invention, or any variant thereof, and will not be repeated to avoid undue repetition.

[0017] The securing arrangement may comprise a first end plate arranged on a first end of the stack, and a second end plate arranged on a second end of the stack. The securing arrangement may further comprise at least one of a frame structure, a strap, a shrink film or a wrapped film.

[0018] A lowermost tile element and an uppermost tile element may be arranged with their respective second major surface facing an adjacent tile element of the stack. In this arrangement the first major surfaces of the lowermost tile element and the upper most tile element may act as end plates. Thus the security arrangement may keep the stacked tiles in a compressed state without end-plates, resulting in less packaging waste.

[0019] Alternatively a lowermost tile element and an uppermost tile element may be arranged with their respective first major surface facing an adjacent tile element of the stack. In this arrangement, the first major surfaces are better protected during transportation and storage, which is beneficial for the aesthetic properties of each first major surface.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] For exemplifying purposes, the invention will be described in closer detail in the following with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof illustrated in the attached drawings, wherein: Fig. 1a is a perspective top view of the tile element according to the first aspect of the present invention; Fig. 1b is a perspective bottom view of the tile element in Fig. 1a; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tile element in Fig. 1a-b; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a first layer and a variant of a spacer of a tile element; Fig. 4a is a perspective view of a distribution unit according to a second aspect of the present invention; Fig. 4b is a cross-sectional view of the distribution unit in Fig. 4a when in an uncompressed state; Fig. 4c is a cross-sectional view of the distribution unit in Fig. 4a when in a compressed state; and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a packaged distribution unit with a wrap film. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

[0022] With reference to Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b, a perspective top view and a perspective bottom view of a tile element 1 according to the first aspect of the invention is shown. The tile element 1 has a first major surface 2 intended to face a room, and an opposing second major surface 3. The second major surface 3 will thus face in the opposite direction compared to the first major surface 2. Fig. 1a shows a perspective view of the second major surface 3, and Fig. 1b shows a perspective view of the first major surface 2.

[0023] The tile element 1 comprises a first layer 4 forming the first major surface 2. The first layer 4 comprises a wood fibre material. The tile element 1 further comprises a second layer 5 forming the second major surface 3. The second layer 5 comprises a compressible mineral fibre material.

[0024] It should be understood that the first layer 4 and the second layer 5 may comprise other materials as well, and that several different material compositions of the first layer 4 and the second layer 5 are possible. Further, the first layer 4 and the second layer 5 may be formed by a multiple layer structure. For example, the first layer 4 and the second layer 5 may be provided with a coating such as a paint, a water resistant coating, etc.

[0025] In Fig. 1a-1b it can be seen that the shape of the tile element 1, the first layer 4, and the second layer 5, is rectangular. However, it should be understood that the shape may vary in different embodiments. For example, one or both of the layers may be triangular, circular, or polygonal.

[0026] Fig. 2 shows a cross-section of the tile element 1. The tile element 1 comprises a spacer 6 arranged on a second surface 7 of the first layer 4. The second surface 7 is opposite to the first major surface 2 of the tile element 1. The spacer 6 projects in a direction from the second surface 7 of the first layer 4. The spacer 6 has an end surface 8 arranged at a distance from the second surface 7 of the first layer 4.

[0027] In Fig. 2 the spacer 6 is made of the same material as the first layer 4. However, the spacer may be made of a different material than the first layer 4. For example, the spacer may be made of solid wood, whereas the first layer 4 is made of a mixture of wood fibres and further components.

[0028] Further, in Fig. 2 the spacer is integrally formed with the first layer 4. However, the spacer 6 and the first layer 4 may also be formed as separate units and then fastened together by any suitable fastening means.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 2 an edge portion 10 of the end surface 8 of the spacer 6 is beveled. The beveled edge portion slope from the end surface 8 of the spacer 6 to the second surface 7 of the first layer 4. However, the beveled edge portion 10 may vary in degree and extent. For example, the edge portion 10 may be chamfered such that the edge portion 10 is a transitional edge which connects the end surface 8 of the spacer 6 and a side surface 11 thereof. Alternatively, the edge portion 10 is substantially a right angle, connecting the end surface 8 and the side surface 11 at a 90 degree angle, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0030] The first layer 4 and the spacer 6 defines a space 9 accommodating the second layer 5 such that the second layer 5 is superimposed on the first layer 4. The tile element 1 is bringable to a compressed state by compression of the second layer 5. Here the second layer 5 is compressible such that the second major surface 3 is flush with the end surface 8 of the spacer 6. In other words, the second layer 5 is compressible such that the second major surface 3 is at the same distance as the spacer 6, above the second surface 7 of the first layer 4.

[0031] In Fig. 2, it can be seen that the second layer 5 is thicker than the first layer 4. However, the first layer 4 and the second layer 5 may have any thickness as long as the tile element 1 is bringable to a compressed state by compression of the second layer 5 in which the second major surface 3 of the tile element 1 is flush with the end surface 8 of the spacer.

[0032] The second layer 5 may be attached to the first layer 4. For example, the second layer 5 may be attached to the first layer 4 by different types of fasteners such as adhesives, screws, etc. Alternately, the second layer 5 is placed on the first layer 4 without fasteners. Here, the second layer 5 may be held in place by being clamped by the spacer 6.

[0033] The second layer 5 may be formed in one unit, as can be seen in Fig. 1a. In other words, the second layer may be continuous in a plane of extension thereof. That is, a surface of the second layer 5, such as the second major surface 3 of the tile unit 1, may be continuous. Further, the second layer 5 may be continuous and have a uniform thickness. Alternatively the second layer may be continuous without having a uniform thickness, such that thick portions of the second layer 5 are connected to each other by thinner bridging portions, or vice versa.

[0034] The spacer 6 may be arranged as a frame at least partially surrounding the space 9 accommodating the second layer 6. For example the frame may surround the space 9 such that it encloses the space accommodating the second layer 5, as shown in Fig. 1a and Fig. 2. Alternatively the frame could be interrupted such that the frame only partially surrounds the space 9 accommodating the second layer.

[0035] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the first layer 4, with a variant of the spacer 6. The spacer 6 may be shaped so as to divide the space 9 into at least two sub-spaces. For example, the spacer may extend over the second surface of the first layer in the shape of an X, a T, a H, an E, or a plus sign. In Fig. 3 the spacer 6 is shaped as a plus-sign, thus dividing the space 9 into four sub-spaces 9. Hence, the second layer 5 may be divided in several parts, the parts being separated by the spacer 6. In other words, the second layer 5 may be non-continuous in a plane of extension thereof. That is, a surface of the second layer 5, such as the second major surface 3 of the tile unit, may be non-continuous.

[0036] Fig. 4a-4c show a distribution unit 12 according to a second aspect of the present invention. The distribution unit 12 comprises least two tile elements 1 in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 4a, eight tile elements 1 are arranged in a stack. Here, the tile elements 1 are in a non-compressed state. Fig. 4b shows a cross-section of the distribution unit 12 when the tile elements 1 are in a non-compressed state. Fig. 4c shows a cross-section of the distribution unit 12 when the tile elements 1 are in a compressed state. Here, the first layers 4 and the spacers 6 of the eight tile elements 1 form a load bearing structure.

[0037] The lowermost tile element 18 and the uppermost tile element 20 are arranged with their respective second major surface 3 facing an adjacent tile element of the stack, as shown in Fig. 4a-4c. In this arrangement the first major surfaces 2 of the lowermost tile element 18 and the upper most tile element 20 may act as end plates. In other words, the first major surfaces 2 of the lowermost tile element 18 and the uppermost tile element 20, may face outwards from the stack.

[0038] Alternatively, a lowermost tile element 18 and an uppermost tile element 20 may be arranged with their respective first major surface 2 facing an adjacent tile element of the stack. Thus, the respective second major surface 3 of the second layer 5 will face outwards from the stack.

[0039] The distribution unit 12 further comprises a securing arrangement 22. The securing arrangement 22 may comprise a first end plate arranged on a first end 14 of the stack, and a second end plate arranged on a second end 16 of the stack. External end plates are favorable when the lowermost tile element 18, and the uppermost tile element 20 are arranged with the respective second major surface 3 facing outwards. The external plates may, e.g., protect the second major surface 3 during transportation and storage. The external end plates may also serve as pressure distributors when the distribution unit 12 is compressed during packaging.

[0040] The securing arrangement 22 may further comprise at least one of a frame structure, a strap, a shrink film or a wrapped film. Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a distribution unit 12 with a securing arrangement in the form of a wrapped film.

Claims

1. A tile element (1) for an acoustic tile system, the tile element (1) having a first major surface (2) intended to face a room and an opposing second major surface (3), the tile element comprising: a first layer (4) comprising wood fibre material and forming the first major surface (2); a second layer (5) comprising compressible mineral fibre material and forming the second major surface (3); and a spacer (6) arranged on and projecting in a direction from a second surface (7) of the first layer (4), the second surface (7) being opposite said first major surface (2) of the tile element (1), the spacer (6) having an end surface (8) arranged at a distance from the second surface (7) of the first layer (4); wherein the first layer (4) and the spacer (6) defines a space (9) accommodating the second layer (5) such that the second layer (5) is superimposed on the first layer (4), and wherein the tile element (1) is bringable to a compressed state by compression of the second layer (5) in which the second major surface (3) of the tile element (1) is flush with the end surface (8) of the spacer (6).

2. The tile element (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the second layer (5) is attached to the first layer (4).

3. The tile element (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the spacer (6) is arranged as a frame at least partially surrounding the space (9) accommodating the second layer.

4. The tile element (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein an edge portion (10) of the end surface (8) of the spacer (6) is beveled.

5. The tile element (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the second layer (5) is formed in one unit.

6. The tile element (1) according to claim 1-4, wherein the spacer (6) is shaped so as to divide the space into at least two sub-spaces.

7. The tile element (1) according to claim 6, wherein the spacer (6) extends over the second surface (7) of the first layer (4) in the shape of an X, a T, a H, an E, or a plus sign.

8. The tile element (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the spacer (6) is made of wood, such as solid wood.

9. The tile element (1) according to claim 1-7, wherein the spacer (6) is made of the same material as the first layer (4).

10. The tile element (1) according to claim 9, wherein the spacer (6) is integrally formed with the first layer (4).

11. A distribution unit (12) comprising at least two tile elements (1) according to any one of claims 1-10 and a securing arrangement, each tile element (1) being in the compressed state, wherein the at least two tile elements (1) are arranged in a stack, wherein the securing arrangement secures the stacked at least two tile elements (1) in said compressed state, and wherein the first layers (4) and the spacers (6) of the at least two tile elements (1) form a load bearing structure.

12. A distribution unit (12) according to claim 11, wherein the securing arrangement (22) comprises a first end plate arranged on a first end (14) of the stack, and a second end plate arranged on a second end (16) of the stack.

13. A distribution unit (12) according to claim 11-12, wherein the securing arrangement (22) comprises at least one of a frame structure, a strap, a shrink film or a wrapped film.

14. A distribution unit (12) according to claim 11-13, wherein a lowermost tile element (18) and an uppermost tile element (20) are arranged with their respective second major surface (3) facing an adjacent tile element (1) of the stack.

15. A distribution unit (12) according to claim 11-13, wherein a lowermost tile element (18) and an uppermost tile element (20) are arranged with their respective first major surface (2) facing an adjacent tile element (1) of the stack.

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