Clip

Abstract

There is provided a clip for interior ceiling tile installation, said clip comprising a stand for supporting the clip on an L shaped bracket; and a pair of parallel arms extending from the stand, wherein the arms define a slot for receiving a T-shaped bar therebetween, said T-shaped bar supporting one or more ceiling tiles.

Description

[0001] CLIP

[0002] The invention relates generally to a clip for interior tile installation, and in particular for a clip for fixing the position of a T-shaped bar relative to an L-shaped bracket.

[0003] Background

[0004] Many large buildings are fitted with panelled ceilings to form offices, waiting rooms, and other areas. As well as being quick to install, ceiling panels provide three primary benefits. Firstly, they hide pipework and other building facilities for aesthetic purposes whilst still allowing easy access to these services. Secondly, they provide acoustic insulation, which is particularly useful in offices. Thirdly, they reduce the volume of air which requires heating, thereby reducing the associated energy costs.

[0005] Panelled ceilings, also referred to as suspended ceilings, typically comprise a grid structure formed of T-Shaped beams (where the stem of the ‘T’ extends upwards towards the ceiling). The beams extend across the span of a given room, to create the suspended ceiling grid structure. Ceiling panels are then positioned onto, and supported by, the grid structure and sit flat on the base of the T-shaped beams. Tegular ceiling panels (also referred to as tiles) comprise a recess spanning their perimeter, i.e. they have a recessed edge or ‘rebate’. The recess enables the central, visible part of the tile to protrude below the grid structure. However, such Tegular panels are either more expensive, or require the installer to manually create the recess, and tidy up any cut edges. Traditionally the ceiling installer will cut the perimeter section of the ceiling tile and fit it to the perimeter edges of the ceiling. This application is time consuming for an installer, due to the need to manually cut a new edge to the ceiling tile with a 3-part application to form this rebate.

[0006] Additionally, when fitting the edge ceiling panels, the gaps within the grid are often non-regular, meaning they are non-square or have non-standard dimensions. To ensure the tegular ceiling tiles fit into the grid, an installer is required to cut the tiles and create a new rebate on the newly-formed edge. This is time consuming and requires high levels of precision to make sure the ceiling tile fits properly.

[0007] To avoid having to cut a new recess, installers lift one of the T-shaped beams relative to the others. Typically, a teg block is used to lift the T-shaped beam. A teg block is a plastic block with an adhesive upper surface (e.g., there is double-sided tape on the block). The teg block sits on the wall trim and raises the T-shaped beams such that the tiles can be cut to size without requiring a new recess.

[0008] However, there are numerous problems associated with teg blocks. It can be difficult to correctly apply double-sided adhesive tape, which means it is time consuming and produces waste. Further, if the teg blocks are not properly fitted, they can fall out of position meaning reinstallation is required. Teg blocks are typically made of a plastic material. Not only is this not environmentally friendly, the teg blocks have potential of being flammable and thus pose a fire risk. Teg blocks may also be installed as part of a suspended ceiling system that is marketed as offering fire protection, compromise the fire integrity of that suspended ceiling.

[0009] The present invention was devised with the foregoing in mind.

[0010] Summary of Invention

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a clip for interior ceiling tile installation, said clip comprising: a stand for supporting the clip on an L shaped bracket; and a pair of parallel arms extending from the stand, wherein the arms define a slot for receiving a T-shaped bar therebetween, said T-shaped bar supporting one or more ceiling tiles.

[0012] The clip provides the ability to raise a T-shaped bar relative to an L-shaped bracket easily and without the need to use adhesive. The clip also fits easily within the L- shaped section and aligns with the ceiling tiles easily upon installation. The L-shaped bracket may be referred to as the perimeter, or ceiling perimeter trim. The L-shaped bracket is configured to affix to a wall junction, and so support the ceiling along a perimeter. The T-shaped bar may be referred to as a beam, or grid component.

[0013] In some embodiments the slot may be configured to receive a vertical portion of the T-shaped bar, such that the ceiling tiles are supported on horizontal portions on opposing sides of the vertical portion. This allows the clip to easily be installed relative to the T-shaped bar to ensure an even and precise installation without having to align then clip. In an embodiment the pair of parallel arms may be cantilevered from the stand. This allows the clip to be rotated to allow for engagement with then T-shaped bar and further allows the clip to contact the L-shaped section only at the stand such that the force required to install the clip is minimised.

[0014] Typically the stand may comprise a flat portion configured to abut a vertical portion of the L-shaped bracket. The flat portion acts as an end stop to aid installation of the clip, whilst also provide a supporting surface for the clip to abut against the L-shaped section.

[0015] It can be appreciated that the parallel arms may extend perpendicularly to the flat portion. This essentially aligns the clip for easy installation of the T-shaped bar when the clip is pressed flush against the L-shaped section such that the flat portion abuts the L-shaped section.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment the stand typically comprises a leg configured to suspend the arms relative to a horizontal portion of the L-shaped bracket. The leg comprises an elongate section that protrudes away from the parallel arms and provides a contact point to the L-shaped bracket.

[0017] A gap between the arms and the stand may be provided and configured to receive a horizontal portion of the T-shaped bar. This can ensure a “tight fit” between the clip and the T-shaped bar and can aid in preventing the clip from separating from then T- shaped bar during installation.

[0018] The leg may comprise an elongate section that protrudes away from the parallel arms and provides a contact point to the L-shaped bracket.

[0019] In some embodiments the clip further comprises a body extending between the leg and the flat portion. The body acts to provide flexibility to the clip, whilst also providing the cantilever for the parallel arms. The body may be curved.

[0020] In an embodiment the stand may comprise a support that extends beneath the parallel arms and contacts a base of the L-shaped bracket; and an interdigit portion connecting said parallel arms and contacting a rear of the L-shaped bracket. Accordingly, the support and the slot receive the T-shaped bar. The interdigit and the support may be coupled by a joining portion from the top of the support to the bottom of the interdigit. In such an arrangement the bottom of the interdigit may be higher than the bottom of the support such that the clip is supported on the L-shaped bracket by the support on the base of the L-shaped bracket and the interdigit portion abutting the rear of the L-shaped bracket.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suspended ceiling system. The system comprises a plurality of tegular ceiling tiles, each tegular ceiling tile comprising a recessed edge; one or more T-shaped bars configured to support the tegular ceiling tiles, such that the recessed edge of a tegular ceiling tile sits on the T-shaped bar such that the body of the ceiling tile protrudes lower than the T-shaped bar; a plurality of clips as defined in any part of the first aspect, wherein each clip is configured to receive an end of the T-shaped bar; and an L-shaped bracket configured to affix to a fixed structure and support the plurality of clips, wherein the T-shaped bar is raised relative to the L-shaped bracket by the clips.

[0022] As discussed previously, the L-shaped bracket may be referred to as a ceiling perimeter trim and be configured to affix to a wall to provide support for the suspended ceiling system.

[0023] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a panelled ceiling, said method comprising the steps of; providing a clip according to any part of the first aspect; supporting a T-shaped bar between said parallel arms, wherein the T-shaped bar comprises a bar having a T-shaped crosssection and comprises a vertical portion intersecting and extending from a horizontal portion; mounting the clip within an L-shaped bracket such that the T-shaped bar is supported by the clip by the stand; and wherein the vertical portion is received within the slot such that the horizontal portion provides a base on either side of the vertical portion; and installing a ceiling tile on the base.

[0024] Brief description of drawings

[0025] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a clip according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 shows a side view of the clip of Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the clip of Figure 1 and a T-shaped bar; and Figure 4 shows a side view of the clip of Figure 3, installed with the T-shaped bar and an L-shaped section

[0028] Detailed description

[0029] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a clip 100. The clip 100 can be used for fixing the position of a T-shaped bar relative to an L-shaped bracket.

[0030] The clip 100 comprises a stand. The stand comprises a leg 130, a body 140, and a flat portion 120. The body 140 extends between the leg 130 and the flat portion 120.

[0031] The clip 100 comprises a pair or arms 110. The pair of arms 110 are parallel. The arms 110 define a slot 115. The pair of arms 110 are cantilevered from the stand. More specifically, the pair of arms 110 are cantilevered from the flat portion 120.

[0032] Figure 2 shows a side view of the clip 100. The clip comprises a gap 150 between the arms 110 and the stand.

[0033] The pair of arms 110 are perpendicular to the flat portion 120.

[0034] The body 140 is angled relative to a plane defined by the arms 110 (i.e., the horizontal in Figure 2) at an angle 0, which is between 0° and 30°. The body is curved such that the angle of the body relative to the plane defined by the arms 110 increases from 0° to 30°.

[0035] The leg 130 is angled relative to a plane defined by the flat portion 120 (i.e., the vertical in Figure 2) at an angle of 20°.

[0036] The clip comprises three connecting portions 105a-c. The connecting portions 105a- c curve through approximately 45°. The connection portions 105a-c provide flexibility and enable resilient, spring-like, relative movement between components of the clip 100. Connecting portion 105a connects the arms 110 to the flat portion 120. Connecting portion 105b connects the flat portion 120 to the body 140. Connecting portion 105c connects the body 140 to the leg 130.

[0037] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the clip 100 being fitted to a T-shaped bar 200.

[0038] The T-shaped bar 200 comprises a vertical portion 210 and a horizontal portion 220. The T-shaped bar 200 is oriented such that the vertical portion 210 is above the horizontal portion 220.

[0039] The clip 100 is oriented such that the arms 110 are above the horizontal portion 220 and the leg 130 and body 140 are below the horizontal portion 220. The clip 100 slides onto the T-shaped bar 200 such that the arms 110 are positioned either side of the vertical portion 210 (i.e., the vertical portion 210 passes into the slot 115). The horizontal portion 220 of the T-shaped bar 200 fits into the gap 150 and the vertical portion 210 extends up from the horizontal portion 220 through the slot 115.

[0040] To connect the clip 100 to the T-shaped bar 200, the arms 110 are partially rotated away from the stand, against the resistive force provided by connecting portion 105a, to enable the horizontal portion 220 to fit inside the gap 150.

[0041] Once the clip 100 is fitted to the T-shaped bar 200, the arms 110 are parallel with an upper surface of the horizontal portion 220 and abut said upper surface. A portion of the body 140 abuts a lower surface of the horizontal portion 220. The connecting portions 105a-c provide resistive forces biasing the components of the clip 100 toward their original orientation, causing the clip 100 to grip the horizontal portion 220.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a side view of the clip 100 connected to the T-shaped bar 200 and suspending the bar 200 relative to an L-shaped bracket 300.

[0043] The L-shaped bracket 300 comprises a vertical portion 310 and a horizontal portion 320. The clip 100 is pressed against the L-shaped bracket 300 such that the flat portion 120 is parallel with and abuts the vertical portion 310, and the leg 130 abuts the horizontal portion 320. The present invention allows for ceiling tiles to be safely secured to form a ceiling without the need to incut said tiles, making installation quicker and easier.

[0044] From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art of ceiling tile installation, and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein.

[0045] Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

[0046] Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and / or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

[0047] For the sake of completeness it is also stated that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims1. A clip for interior ceiling tile installation, said clip comprising: a stand for supporting the clip on an L shaped bracket; and a pair of parallel arms extending from the stand, wherein the arms define a slot for receiving a T-shaped bar therebetween, said T-shaped bar supporting one or more ceiling tiles.

2. The clip of claim 1 , wherein the slot is configured to receive a vertical portion of the T-shaped bar, such that the ceiling tiles are supported on horizontal portions on opposing sides of the vertical portion.

3. The clip of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pair of parallel arms are cantilevered from the stand.

4. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the stand comprises a flat portion configured to abut a vertical portion of the L-shaped bracket.

5. The clip of claim 4, wherein the parallel arms extend perpendicularly to the flat portion.

6. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the stand comprises a leg configured to suspend the arms relative to a horizontal portion of the L-shaped bracket.

7. The clip of claim 6, further comprising a gap between the arms and the stand configured to receive a horizontal portion of the T-shaped bar.

8. The clip of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the leg comprises an elongate section that protrudes away from the parallel arms and provides a contact point to the L- shaped bracket9. The clip of any preceding claim, comprising a body extending between the leg and the flat portion.

10. The clip of claim 9, wherein the body is curved.

11. The clip of claim 1 , wherein the stand comprises: a support that extends beneath the parallel arms and contacts a base of the L- shaped bracket; and an interdigit portion connecting said parallel arms and contacting a rear of the L-shaped bracket.

12. The clip of claim 11 , wherein the support and the slot receive the T-shaped bar.

13. The clip of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the interdigit and the support are coupled by a joining portion from the top of the support to the bottom of the interdigit.

14. The clip of claim 13, wherein the bottom of the interdigit is higher than the bottom of the support such that the clip is supported on the L-shaped bracket by the support on the base of the L-shaped bracket and the interdigit portion abutting the rear of the L-shaped bracket.

15. A suspended ceiling system, comprising: a plurality of tegular ceiling tiles, each tegular ceiling tile comprising a recessed edge; one or more T-shaped bars configured to support the tegular ceiling tiles, such that the recessed edge of a tegular ceiling tile sits on the T-shaped bar such that the body of the ceiling tile protrudes lower than the T-shaped bar; a plurality of clips as defined in any of claims 1 to 14, wherein each clip is configured to receive an end of the T-shaped bar; and an L-shaped bracket configured to affix to a fixed structure and support the plurality of clips, wherein the T-shaped bar is raised relative to the L-shaped bracket by the clips.

16. A method of installing a panelled ceiling, said method comprising the steps of; providing a clip according to any of claims 1 to 14; supporting a T-shaped bar between said parallel arms, wherein the T-shaped bar comprises a bar having a T-shaped cross-section and comprises a vertical portion intersecting and extending from a horizontal portion; mounting the clip within an L-shaped bracket such that the T-shaped bar is supported by the clip by the stand; and wherein the vertical portion is received within the slot such that the horizontal portion provides a base on either side of the vertical portion; andinstalling a ceiling tile on the base.

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