Acoustical panel unit and acoustical ceiling system

Abstract

An acoustical panel unit for a baffle ceiling system comprising: a first acoustical panel comprising a coated and / or laminated front surface and a rear surface; a second acoustical panel comprising a coated and / or laminated front surface and a rear surface; a suspension device for suspension of acoustical panel unit, comprising a top engagement member, a bottom engagement member, and a connection member extending between and connected to the top engagement member and the bottom engagement member; wherein the first acoustical panel and the second acoustical panel are arranged with the rear surfaces facing towards each other, wherein the top engagement member engages a top side portion of each the first acoustical panel and the second acoustical panel such that separation of the first and second acoustical panel is counteracted, wherein the bottom engagement member engages a bottom side portion of each the first acoustical panel and the second acoustical panel, wherein the connection member is arranged between the first and second acoustical panel, and wherein the suspension device is arranged to suspend the first and second acoustical panel via the connection member and the bottom engagement member.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an acoustical panel unit for an acoustical ceiling system, and an acoustical ceiling system.Background art

[0002] Baffle ceiling systems are used for acoustic treatments of rooms and often comprises a plurality of acoustic panels that are suspended vertically from the ceiling. Baffle ceiling systems are an efficient way to treat rooms in order to avoid noise and echo building up. Baffle ceiling systems comprises acoustic panels hanging from the ceiling and can be referred to as acoustical ceiling systems. Conventional acoustical ceiling systems are made up of conventional acoustical panels which have to be coated and / or laminated which can inhibit the efficiency of manufacturing of each acoustical panel unit.Summary of the invention

[0003] To achieve at least one of the above objects and also other objects that will be evident from the following description, an acoustical panel unit having the features defined in claim 1 is provided according to the present invention. Preferred embodiments will be evident from the dependent claims.

[0004] More specifically, there is provided according to a first aspect of the present invention an acoustical panel unit for a baffle ceiling system comprising: a first acoustical panel comprising a coated and / or laminated front surface and a rear surface; a second acoustical panel comprising a coated and / or laminated front surface and a rear surface; a suspension device for suspension of acoustical panel unit, comprising a top engagement member, a bottom engagement member, and a connection member extending between and connected to the top engagement member and the bottom engagement member; wherein the first acoustical panel and the second acoustical panel are arranged with the rear surfaces facing towards each other, wherein the top engagement member engages a top side portion of each the first acoustical panel and the second acoustical panel such that separation of the first and second acoustical panel is counteracted, wherein the bottom engagement member engages a bottom side portion of each the first acoustical panel and the second acoustical panel, wherein the connection member is arranged between the first and second acoustical panel, and wherein the suspension device is arranged to suspend the first and second acoustical panel via the connection member and the bottom engagement member.

[0005] The acoustic panel unit is preferably used as a panel unit in a baffle ceiling system. Conventionally, each major surface of the acoustical panel is coated and / or laminated which may cause problems during manufacturing since the panel must be allowed to dry after being coated / laminated on one side before it can be turned for coating / lamination of the other side. This conventional method increases the time for manufacturing a baffle ceiling panel unit.

[0006] In accordance with the present inventive concept, it has been realized that a baffle panel may be composed of two conventional acoustical panels arranged next to each other with the coated / laminated front surfaces of the acoustical panels facing away from each other. Thus, each panel may be manufactured in a conventional process in which only the front surface is coated / laminated thereby eliminating the need of turning the panel for coating / laminating the other side. Hence, manufacturing time may be reduced. Other advantages include facilitated manufacturing of a baffle ceiling panel unit.

[0007] The suspension device suspends the first and second acoustic panels to one another such that the acoustic panels are held together. Thus, preventing the acoustic panels from separating and falling down from an assembled state.

[0008] The connection member may be movably connected to the top engagement member and / or the bottom engagement member. In some examples, the connection member may be fixed to the top engagement member and / or the bottom engagement member.

[0009] In some examples the acoustical panel unit may comprise two suspension devices. Conventional acoustical panels may be large, and thus it may be beneficial to have at least two suspension devices for holding up the acoustic panel unit. The acoustical panel unit may comprise more than two suspension devices. It is held that a skilled person would arrange the acoustical panel board with a suitable number of suspension devices depending on the size of the acoustical panel unit to prevent the acoustical panels from separating.

[0010] In some examples, the bottom engagement member may comprise a protrusion protruding into the bottom side portion of the first acoustical panel and / or second acoustical panel. Hence, an improved grip of the engagement members into the acoustical panels may be achieved.

[0011] In some examples the bottom engagement member and / or the top engaging member may comprise a T profile. The T-profile may be beneficial since it may facilitate assembly of the acoustical panel unit. The T-profile may suspend the two acoustical panels without causing too much interaction with the acoustical panels since it may be formed such that no part penetrates into the edges of the acoustic panels.

[0012] In some examples the first acoustic panel and the second acoustic panel may be made from a compressed mineral fibre material. The compressed mineral fibre material may provide improved sound absorbing properties.

[0013] In some examples the connection member may be a wire or a rod. A wire may provide facilitated assembly of the acoustical panel unit. A rod may provide improved stability of the acoustical panel unit.

[0014] In some examples the connection member may extend beyond the top engagement member. Thus, the connection member may be used to connect the acoustical panel unit to a structural ceiling.

[0015] In some examples the connection member may extend beyond the bottom engagement member.

[0016] In some examples a further unit may be connected to the connection member extending beyond the bottom engagement member. The further unit may for example be a second acoustical panel, a lamp, a decorative unit, or any suitable further unit.

[0017] In some examples the suspension device further comprises a hook member. Such configuration may facilitate the assembly of the acoustic panel unit and provide a quick and easy assembly. The hook may be located at a top of the connection member to connect the acoustical panel unit to a structural ceiling or frame. The hook may be located at a bottom of the connection member to connect a further unit.

[0018] In some examples the top engagement member may comprise a connection member lock, such as a wire lock, for fixating the length of the part of the connection member extending between the top engagement member and the bottom engagement member. The connection member lock may improve the assembly. The wire lock may allow for the top and bottom engagement members to be arranged along the connection member at a suitable place before locking the length of the connection member. The connection member lock may in some examples be located at about the top engagement member, and / or the bottom engagement member.

[0019] In some examples the top engagement member and the bottom engagement member may be biased towards each other. When the top engagement member and the bottom engagement member are biased towards each other, the biasing force may hold the first and second acoustical panels together and thereby preventing them from separation.

[0020] In some examples the bottom engagement member and / or the top engagement member may comprise a flange grasping the first acoustic panel and the second acoustical panel. Such configuration may improve the grip of the suspension device.

[0021] According to a second aspect there is provided an acoustical ceiling system comprising: a plurality of vertically arranged acoustical panel units. The acoustical ceiling system is easy to assemble, and the manufacturing process is facilitated. The plurality of vertically arranged acoustical panel units are preferably acoustical panel units as described above.

[0022] Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a / an / the [element, device, component, means, step, etc]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.Brief description of the drawings

[0023] The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, where the same reference numerals will be used for similar elements, wherein: Fig. 1a shows an acoustical panel unit. Fig. 1b shows a cross sectional view of an acoustical panel unit. Fig. 2 shows a pair of suspension devices. Fig. 3a shows an acoustical panel unit having a bottom engagement member comprising a T profile. Fig. 3b shows an acoustical panel having a bottom engagement member comprising a protrusion. Fig. 3c shows an acoustical panel unit having a bottom engagement member comprising a flange. Description of embodiments

[0024] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently 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 for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person.

[0025] Turning to Figs. 1a and 1b, there are shown an acoustical panel unit 100 in an assembled state. The acoustical panel unit 100 comprises a first acoustical panel 101 and a second acoustical panel 102. The first and second acoustical panels 101; 102 each have a front surface that is laminated / coated. Each front surface is facing outwards from a the other one of the acoustical panels 101; 102. The first and second acoustical panels 101; 102 each have a rear surface. The rear surface of each acoustical panel is arranged to face the other one of the acoustical panels 101; 102. The acoustical panels are preferably made from a compressed mineral fibre material. Fibre materials have the property to absorb sound which is beneficial for acoustical panels. The compresses fibre material may be glass fibre.

[0026] The acoustical panel unit comprises a suspension device 104 for suspending the first acoustical panel 101 and the second acoustical panel 102. The suspension device 104 prevents the acoustical panels 101; 102 from separating from one another. Thereby also securing the acoustical panel 100 unit as a unit.

[0027] An example of a suspension device shown on its own is illustrated in Figure 2, to which reference now also is made. The suspension device 104 comprises a top engagement member 106 and a bottom engagement member 108. A connection member 110 extends between the top engagement member 106 and the bottom engagement member 108. The connection member 110 extends between the first acoustical panel 101 and the second acoustical panel 102. The top engagement member 106 is arranged to engage with a top side potion 112a; 112b of each one of the first and second acoustical panels 101; 102. Similarly, the bottom engagement member 108 is arranged to engage with a bottom side potion 114a; 114b of each one of the first and second acoustical panels 101; 102.

[0028] The top side portion 112a; 112b is an area or region associated with the top portion of the acoustical panel. Similarly, the bottom side portion 114a; 114b is a is an area or region associated with the bottom portion of the acoustical panel. Hence, it is not necessary that the top and bottom engagement members 106, 108 engages the respective top and bottom side of the acoustical panel. In an example where the bottom engagement member 108 engages the bottom side of the acoustical panel, the bottom engagement member 108 may provide additional sturdiness by carrying the acoustical panel.

[0029] The top engagement member 106 and the bottom engagement member 108 are arranged to counteract separation of the first and second acoustical panels 101; 102. The top engagement member 106 and the bottom engagement member 108 may be biased towards each other to achieve a desired suspension to avoid separation of the two acoustical panels. The connection member 110 extending between the top engagement member 106 and the bottom engagement member 108 may be a wire or a rod or any other suitable connection member.

[0030] The wire may provide flexibility when assembling the acoustical panel unit 100. In some examples, the connection member 110 may be movably connected to one or both of the top engagement member 106 and the bottom engagement member 108. Thereby allowing for facilitated adjustment of the engagement members along the connection member 110 for assembling the acoustical panel unit 100. Hence this may allow for easy adjustment of the length of the connection member 100, which may allow for the suspension device 104 so suit different sized acoustical panels. Using a wire as the connection member 110 may also reduce the weight of the acoustical panel unit.

[0031] A lock such as a connection member lock 118 may be used to control the length of the connection member 110. The connection member lock 118 may be part of the top engagement member 106. The connection member lock 118 may be a wire lock, if the connection member 110 is a wire or a cable. The connection member lock 118 may be any suitable lock that achieves the ability to lock and control the length of the connection member extending between the top engagement member 106 and the bottom engagement member 108.

[0032] The connection member 110 is not limited to the length between the top engagement member 106 and the bottom engagement member 108. It should be known that there are examples in which the connection member 110 extends beyond the top engagement member 106. The connection member 110 may thereby be used to connect and suspend the acoustical panel unit to the structural ceiling. As is evident from the figure, a hook 116 may be attached, or attachable to the connecting member 110 in an extension beyond the top engagement member 106. The placement of the hook 116 is preferably adjustable via a lock in connection to the hook 116.

[0033] The bottom engagement member 108 may be movable along the connecting member 110. As such, the connecting member 110 may have an extension beyond the bottom engagement member 108. The extension below the bottom engagement member 108 may be used to attach a further unit to the acoustical panel unit 100.

[0034] A bottom unit 130 may be located at the bottom end of the connecting member 110. The bottom unit 130 may prevent the bottom engagement member 108 from detaching from the connecting member 110. The bottom unit 130 may be fixed to the connecting member 110. I other examples, the bottom unit 130 may be attachable to the connecting member 110. In order to adjust the length of the connecting member 110 between the top engagement member 106 and the bottom engagement member 108 the bottom unit 130 may act as a bottom locking unit. The bottom unit 130 may comprise a further hook for example or a further unit connected to the bottom unit 130. The bottom unit 130 may be movable along the connecting member 110.

[0035] Turning to Fig. 3a-3c, some alternative embodiments of of the top engagement member and / or the bottom engagement member are shown. In figures, only the bottom part of the acoustical panel unit is shown, and thus only the engagement member 108 is visible. It is understood that the acoustical panel unit may comprise a top engagement member of the same type or of a different type as the bottom engagement member.

[0036] In Fig. 3a 1, the bottom engagement member 108 comprises a T-profile.

[0037] Fig. 3b shows the bottom engagement member 108 comprising two protrusions 122. Each protrusion 122 extends into a respective acoustical panel at a bottom side portion of the acoustical panel 101; 102. The protrusions may have a variety of shapes and sizes. The protrusions are sized to provide an improved grip of the acoustical panels. Either one of the top engagement member 106 or the bottom engagement member 108 may comprise the protrusions 122. In some examples, both the top engagement member 106 and the bottom engagement member 108 may comprise the protrusions 122.

[0038] Fig. 3c shows the bottom engagement member 108 comprising two flanges 120. The flanges may be provided on each side of the bottom engagement member 108 to enclose the acoustical panels 101; 102.

[0039] Any combination of the disclosed engagement members may be used for the acoustical panel unit. It should also be understood that any other suitable engagement member may be used within the acoustical panel.

[0040] The acoustical panel unit is adapted to be hung vertically from a structural ceiling. A ceiling system comprising a plurality of acoustical panel units 100 is advantageous in order to reduce noise inside a room. The laminated and or coated surfaces can be seen from below. However, the rear surfaces of the individual acoustical panels of each acoustical panel unit 100 are not visible from a room where the ceiling system is mounted.

[0041] The acoustical panel units 100 may be produced and manufactured in different sizes. The size may depend on the intended use of the acoustical panel unit 100, and the size of the room in which the acoustical panel 100 is intended to be installed. Hence, sometimes the acoustical panel units 100 are made in a size that requires more than one suspension device 104. To create balance of the acoustical panel unit 100, two suspension devices 104 may be beneficial. For larger acoustical panel units, more than two suspension devices 104 may be used.

[0042] When assembling the acoustical panel unit, the first acoustical panel 101 and the second acoustical panel 102 are arranged so that the rear surface of each respective panel is facing each other. The opposite surface of the acoustical panel is laminated or coated, and acts as a front side, the visible side upon assembly. The connecting member 110 of the suspension device 104 is placed between the acoustical panels 101, 102. The top engagement member 106 and the bottom engagement 108 member are engaged with or secured to the respective top and bottom side portion 112a, 112b; 114a, 114b. The acoustical panel unit 100 is arranged to be turned vertically and to be hung as part of an acoustical ceiling system. By vertically arranging or hanging a plurality of acoustical panel units 100, the acoustical ceiling system is obtained.

[0043] It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. Several modifications and variations are thus conceivable within the scope of the invention which thus is exclusively defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An acoustical panel unit (100) for a baffle ceiling system comprising: a first acoustical panel (101) comprising a coated and / or laminated front surface and a rear surface; a second acoustical panel (102) comprising a coated and / or laminated front surface and a rear surface; a suspension device (104) for suspension of the acoustical panel unit, comprising a top engagement member (106), a bottom engagement member (108), and a connection member (110) extending between and connected to the top engagement member and the bottom engagement member; wherein the first acoustical panel (101) and the second acoustical panel (102) are arranged with the rear surfaces facing towards each other, wherein the top engagement member (106) engages a top side portion (112a, 112b) of each the first acoustical panel (101) and the second acoustical panel (102) such that separation of the first and second acoustical panel is counteracted, wherein the bottom engagement member (108) engages a bottom side portion (114a, 114b) of each the first acoustical panel (101) and the second acoustical panel (102), wherein the connection member (110) is arranged between the first and second acoustical panel, and wherein the suspension device (104) is arranged to suspend the first and second acoustical panel via the connection member (110) and the bottom engagement member (108).

2. The acoustical panel unit (100) according to claim 1 comprising two suspension devices (104).

3. The acoustical panel unit (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom engagement member (108) comprises a protrusion protruding into the bottom side portion (114a, 114b) of the first acoustical panel (101) and / or second acoustical panel (102).

4. The acoustical panel unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom engagement member (108) and / or the top engaging member (106) comprises a T profile.

5. The acoustical panel unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first acoustic panel (101) and the second acoustic panel (102) are made from a compressed mineral fibre material.

6. The acoustical panel unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection member is a wire or a rod.

7. The acoustical panel unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection member (110) extends beyond the top engagement member (106).

8. The acoustical panel unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection member (110) extends beyond the bottom engagement member (108).

9. The acoustical panel unit (100) according to claim 8, wherein a further unit is connected to the connection member (110) extending beyond the bottom engagement member (108).

10. The acoustical panel unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suspension device (104) further comprises a hook member (116).

11. The acoustical panel unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top engagement member (106) comprises a connection member lock (118), such as a wire lock, for fixating the length of the part of the connection member (110) extending between the top engagement member (106) and the bottom engagement member (108).

12. The acoustical panel unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the top engagement member (106) and the bottom engagement member (108) are biased towards each other.

13. The acoustical panel unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the bottom engagement (108) member and / or the top engagement member (106) comprises a flange (120) grasping the first acoustic panel and the second acoustical panel.

14. An acoustical ceiling system comprising: a plurality of vertically arranged acoustical panel units (100) according to claim 1.

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