ITUB20152776A1 - MULTIFUNCTIONAL BEAM FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A COUNTERFLOWING SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

MULTIFUNCTIONAL BEAM FOR CREATING A CO NTRO CEILING SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION

Field of application

The present invention is generally applicable in the field of interior furnishings and in particular relates to a multifunction beam for the construction of a false ceiling system, in particular for so-called "open spaces" offices.

State of the art

Systems are known for creating false ceilings in an environment, for example a so-called "open space" office. Such systems generally include a plurality of load-bearing beams connected to a ceiling to which a plurality of panels are coupled.

The load-bearing beams are multifunctional, ie capable of concealed housing a plurality of accessories such as for example alarms, lighting lights, electric cables, data cables, air conditioning pipes, partition walls or the like. In a per se known manner, these accessories can be removably inserted into the bearing beam, so as to allow a user to change the configuration of the environment as needed.

For aesthetic reasons, the accessories can be inserted into the beam in a fully integrated way.

Examples of such known false ceiling structures are known from documents IT1359046, US3327438, EP0627532, EP1905910, FR2625524 and US3685235.

From the European patent EP2313572 another example of a false ceiling structure with multifunction beam is also known.

This known solution can be improved in various aspects.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the drawbacks illustrated above by providing a multifunction beam for a highly functional and low-cost false ceiling system.

The object of the invention is to make a multifunction beam available for a highly effective false ceiling system.

The purpose of the invention is to provide a multifunction beam for a false ceiling system which allows the configuration of the environment in which it is mounted to be changed in a simple and fast way.

The purpose of the invention is to make a multifunction beam available for a false ceiling system which allows a large number of accessories to be mounted with minimum bulk.

The object of the invention is to provide a multifunction beam for a false ceiling system which allows to mount partition walls of any size in a fully integrated way.

The object of the invention is to provide a false ceiling system which allows the panels of the false ceiling to be mounted simply and quickly.

The object of the invention is to provide a false ceiling system which minimizes maintenance costs.

The purpose of the invention is to provide a false ceiling system with high aesthetic appeal.

These purposes, as well as others which will become clearer in the following, are achieved by a multifunction beam for a false ceiling system in accordance with what is described, illustrated and / or claimed herein.

The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more evident in the light of the detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a false ceiling system 1, illustrated by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying drawing tables in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of the false ceiling system 1;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the false ceiling system 1;

FIGS. 3a and 3b are schematic views of an example of embodiment of the beam 10 on which a first example of embodiment of the connection element 20 is mounted respectively during assembly and assembled;

FIG, 4 is a schematic view of an example of embodiment of the beam 10 on which an example of embodiment of the covering element 30 is mounted;

Figures 5a and 5b are schematic views of a further embodiment of the beam 10 on which a second embodiment of the connecting element 20 is mounted respectively during assembly and assembled;

FIGS. 6a and 6b are schematic views of a further embodiment of the beam 10 on which a further embodiment of the connecting element 20 is mounted respectively during assembly and mounted;

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of an example of embodiment of the false ceiling system 1.

Detailed description of some preferred examples of embodiment Referring to the aforementioned figures, a false ceiling system 1 is described that can be installed in an environment S, generally an open space, in correspondence with a ceiling

C.

Essentially, the system 1 may include a plurality of load-bearing beams 10 which can be connected in a per se known manner to the ceiling C, a plurality of panels P of the false ceiling and a plurality of elements 20 for the mutual connection of the panels P and of the load-bearing beams 10.

The beam 10 may comprise a pair of mutually facing side walls 11, 12 and an upper wall 13 intended to face the ceiling C.

Conveniently, the side walls 11, 12 and the upper wall 13 can cooperate with each other to define a compartment 14, open at the bottom to removably accommodate one or more accessories that perform one or more functions in the environment S, for example a covering element 30 it can be fixed in the compartment by means of snap fasteners 34 ', 34 "placed in correspondence with the external surface 361', 361" of transverse elements 36 ', 36 ", a lighting device 31, a system 32 to support one or more walls of partition or similar accessories.

The system 1 will be multifunctional, ie it will be able to house a plurality of accessories in a removable way to guarantee the user the possibility of changing the configuration of the environment S as needed.

For example, in the case of an open space environment S, the system 1 can provide a plurality of beams 10 which include service accessories, for example lights, fire alarms, cable ducts and the like. The beams 10 can be closed by covering elements 30.

In case of need, for example if it were necessary to divide the open space type environment S into a plurality of compartments, it will be sufficient to remove the covering element 30 from one or more of the beams 10 and insert the system 32 to support one or more more partition walls, which may for example be made of glass or plasterboard. The covering element 30 will remain on the other beams 10 in which the system 32 is not inserted, which may or may not be transparent to allow the light rays of the lighting device 31 to pass. data cables, telephone cables or similar.

Each of the side walls 11, 12 of the beam 10 may include a first edge HOO <1>, 1200 'facing the ceiling C and a second edge 1100 ", 1200" opposite it and facing downwards.

In a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, the side walls 11, 12 can be divided into respective upper portions 11 ', 12' and lower portions 11 ", 12" mutually facing each other, preferably substantially parallel to each other.

Each of the upper and lower portions 1Γ, 12 '; 11 ", 12" may present respective on internal peri ciencies 110 ', 120'; 110 ", 120" and external surfaces 111 ', 12 Γ; III ", 121", the external surfaces 111 "and 121" being intended to remain facing the panels P.

The distance d "between the lower portions 11", 12 "may be greater than the distance d 'between the upper portions 1Γ, 12', so that the compartment 14 remains divided into a narrow upper area 14 'and a lower enlarged area 14 ".

Advantageously, the ratio between the distances d ": d 'may be greater than or equal to 1.1: 1, preferably greater than or equal to 1.25: 1 and even more preferably greater than or equal to 1.4: 1.

Preferably, this ratio d ": d 'can be about 1.45: 1.

The distance d "between said lower portions 11", 12 "of said side walls 11, 12 may preferably be close to 100mm.

It is understood that the side walls 11, 12 can be divided into more than two portions, without prejudice to the presence of a restricted portion and an enlarged portion, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims.

Each of the enlarged areas 14 ', 14 "may have a respective first and second pair of male or female elements 15', 15" capable of snap-fitting respective accessories, for example the lighting device 31 and the covering element 30 as illustrated in FIG. 1. It is understood that the covering element 30 can be opaque or transparent to allow the light rays of the lighting device 31 to pass.

Thanks to the above configuration, the beam 10 will be able to conceal a plurality of accessories, in particular partition walls of any nature and width. On the other hand, the beams of the state of the art, for example that of the patent EP2313572, are too narrow to house in an integrated way all the types of walls available on the market. With this beam, for example, it is not possible to house plasterboard walls in an integrated way, the thickness of which is equal to the distance between the support wings of the panels.

Between the upper and lower portions 1Γ, 12 '; 11 ", 12", respective connection areas 16 ', 16 "can be interposed, preferably substantially parallel to the first ones, each comprising a lower surface 160', 160" inside the compartment 14 and an upper surface 161 ', 161 "outside it compartment 14 intended to remain facing the ceiling C to support the connecting element 20 of the panels P.

Outside the beam 10, seats 17 ', 17 "can be placed for the connecting elements 20 of the panels P. These seats can be placed in correspondence with the external surfaces 161', 161", as illustrated for example in FIGS. 5a and 5b, or at the outer surfaces 111 ", 121", as illustrated for example in FIGS. 3a and 3b.

Advantageously, the external surfaces 111 ', 12Γ of the upper portions 1Γ, 12' of the side walls 11, 12 may include respective longitudinal tracks 40 ', 40 "for one or more elements of mutual union of two or more beams 10, for example brackets not shown because they are known per se. By means of the tracks 40 ', 40 "it will therefore be possible to join beams 10 incident to each other, for example at 90 ° with respect to each other.

Each of the longitudinal tracks 40 ', 40 "can be defined by upper guides 4Γ, 41" and lower guides 42', 42 "facing each other.

In a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, illustrated for example in FIGS. 5a and 5b, each of the lower guides 42 ', 42 "may also include the seat 17', 17" for the connecting elements 20. Preferably, furthermore, each of the upper guides 4Γ, 41 "may include a respective shoulder 43 ' , 43 "capable of cooperating with a corresponding support element 50 ', 50" to define a seat 44', 44 "suitable for housing an acoustic insulation wall P1, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

More particularly, the upper wall 13 includes a pair of projections 5Γ, 51 "extending upwards with respective internal surfaces 52 ', 52" mutually cooperating to define a seat 53 for one or more connecting elements 54 of the beam 10 to the ceiling C, which may be of a per se known type, and respective external surfaces 50 ', 50 "defining the supporting elements for the acoustic insulation walls P1.

Each of the lower guides 42 ', 42 "may include a base element 420', 420" extending outwardly from the respective external surface 111 ', 12Γ with a first appendix 42Γ, 421 "extending upwards cooperating with the guide upper 4Γ, 41 "to prevent the mutual union element from slipping out and a second appendix 170 ', 170" extending downwards cooperating with the external surface 111', 12Γ to define the respective seat 17 ', 17 ".

On the other hand, each of the upper guides 4Γ, 41 "may include a base element 410 ', 410" extending outwards from the respective outer surface 111', 121 'with a first appendix 411', 411 "extending towards the bottom cooperating with the lower guide 42 ', 42 "to avoid the slipping of the mutual union element and a second appendix extending upwards defining the shoulder 43', 43".

The above configuration is particularly advantageous, since it allows to make the most of the external surface of the beam 10. In fact, in a relatively limited space, it is possible to house the wall PI, the bracket for mutual union of two or more beams and the connecting element 20.

Conveniently, the connecting element 20 may include a support structure 20 <1> with a first substantially flat portion 21 which includes a first end 22 connected or connectable to the panels P and a second substantially flat portion 23 defining a susceptible resting area to come into contact with the outer surface 161 ', 161 "of the connection areas 16', 16". Conveniently, the substantially flat portions 21, 23 can be substantially parallel to each other.

The support structure 20 'can then have a second end 24 opposite the first 21 defining a male element able to be inserted in the seats 17', 17 ", which define female elements.

The support structure 20 'may also have a third substantially flat portion 26 interposed between the first two substantially flat portions 22, 23 to connect them. Said substantially flat third portion 26, which may be substantially perpendicular to the first two, is intended in use to remain facing the surfaces 111 ", 121" of the side walls 11, 12 of the beam 10.

In a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, the beam 10 may externally include a further female element 18 ', 18 "adapted to mutually snap-engage with a corresponding male element 25 placed on the connection element 20, in particular in correspondence with the third flat portion 26.

It is understood that the male and female elements referred to above may also be inverted without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims. For example, the connecting element may include the female element and the beam the male element, which can be snap coupled together.

It is also understood that two upper and lower snap elements may be provided without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims.

It is also understood that the above elements may also be reversed in position, ie the male and female elements intended to snap-fit be placed above the others, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims.

In this way, it will be possible to connect the panels P and the beam 10 in a simple and rapid way, without the use of screws, bolts or similar fastening elements.

In fact, to make the connection it will be sufficient to first insert the male element 24 in the female seat 17 ', 17 "and then rotate the connection element 20 from top to bottom towards the beam 10, until the male element is brought 25 to snap into the female seat 18 ', 18 ".

However, it is understood that the above movement will depend on the configurations of the male and female elements. Any other movement can be foreseen without going out of the scope of protection of the attached claims.

Preferably, the female seat 18 ', 18 "can be obtained in a protrusion located in correspondence with the female seat 15" inside the compartment 14.

In a further embodiment, the beam 10, in particular, the connection areas 16 ', 16 "may externally include a further appendix 19Γ, 191", which may have a development substantially parallel to the portion 23 of the element connection 20, cooperating with the base element 420 ', 420 "to define the respective seat 17', 17".

The seat 17 ', 17 "may also comprise coupling means 17Γ, 171", for example a series of ribs or a toothed portion, so that the seat 17', 17 "defines an interlocking seat for the portion 24. In in particular, the base element 420 ', 420 "may have a lower portion 422', 422" facing the seat 17 ', 17 "comprising such hooking means 17 Γ, 171".

The portion 24 can be deformable so that it can be rotated around the end 192 ', 192 "of the appendix 19Γ, 191" to be inserted into the interlocking seat 17', 17 ". of the deformation of the end portion 24, the latter can interact with the lower portion 422 ', 422 "and therefore with the hooking means 17Γ, 171" so as to make an interlocking so as to make the connection between the beam 10 and connecting element 20.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the beam 10 may have a further appendix 193 ', 193 "defining a male element, which may have a substantially orthogonal development to the portion 23 of the connection element 20.

On the other hand, the portion 23 may have an appendage 231 ', 231 "cooperating with the portion 26 to define a seat 232', 232" defining a female element.

To make the connection, it will be sufficient to first insert the male element 193 ', 193 "in the female seat 232', 232" and then rotate the portion 24 towards the beam 10, until the portion 24 itself fits into the lower portion 422 ', 422 "in the interlocking seat 17', 17".

Thanks to these characteristics, once the connecting element 20 and the beam 10 have been connected, mutual vertical sliding in both directions can be avoided. In particular, in a first direction thanks to the mutual interaction of the portion 24 and the portion 422 ', 422 "and in a second direction opposite to the first thanks to the mutual interaction of the female seat 232', 232" and the male element 193 ', 193 ".

According to another aspect of the invention, the mutual interaction between the female seat 232 ', 232 "and the male element 193', 193" can prevent the mutual separation between the beam 10 and the connecting element 20.

Conveniently, as illustrated for example in FIGS. 1 and 5b, the connecting element 20 and the supporting beam 10 can be configured so that the panel P, once in the operative position, lies below the edges 1100 ", 1200", flush with the covering element 30.

In a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, for aesthetic reasons each accessory may include a covering portion, for example the substantially horizontal formation 33 of the covering element 30, configured so that once the system 1 is in use the bearing beams 10 are completely hidden from the view of a user present in the environment.

This creates a visual continuity for the user, with undoubted aesthetic appeal. This configuration is more advantageous than the systems of the state of the art, and in particular that of the patent EP2313572. In this case, in fact, the edges of the beam remain visible, which negatively affects the aesthetic appeal of the assembly.

Furthermore, the supporting beams 10 can be rough, unfinished and / or unpainted, while the accessories can be finished and / or painted.

This is another undoubted advantage of the present system with respect to those of the state of the art, and in particular of the patent EP2313572, which allows savings in terms of time, costs and maintenance. Only the accessories, which are visible, can be finished and / or painted, while the beam can remain raw as it is not visible.

To allow complete coverage of the beam 10, the maximum width L of the covering portion of the accessories, for example that of the substantially horizontal formation 33 of the covering element 30, may be greater than or equal to the maximum distance D "between the external surfaces 111 ", 121".

On the other hand, to cover the projection defining the seats 18 ', 18 ", the male element 25 may be provided, as for example illustrated in Figures 3b and 5b, or a lateral appendage 35 of the covering element 30.

In a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, illustrated for example in FIGS. 4 and 5b, the covering element 30 may include a pair of longitudinal tracks 37 ', 37 "for the insertion of one or more joining elements of two or more covering elements 30. Each longitudinal track 37', 37" it can be defined by respective upper guides 38 ', 38 "and lower guides 39', 39" facing each other.

Conveniently, the tracks 37 ', 37 "can be placed in correspondence with the internal surface 360', 360" of the transverse elements 36 ', 36 ".

Thanks to the above configuration, it will be possible to connect two or more covering elements 30 together in a simple and rapid way. Conveniently, the covering elements 30 joined together will be incident, for example placed at 90 ° with respect to each other.

This entails an undoubted advantage in terms of cost savings and installation.

Where possible, in fact, instead of joining the beams 10 together by means of the tracks 40 ', 40', it is advantageous to join the covering elements 30 by means of the tracks 37 ', 37 ".

This can be done where the presence of a bearing beam is not strictly necessary, for example along a corridor or where the beam is intended to be empty and covered only by the covering element 30.

Advantageously, in this case the latter can be held, for example at the ends, by two sections of beam of limited length. The covering element 30, therefore, may have a length L 'significantly greater than that L "of the beam 10 in which it is inserted.

In case of need, then, the two sections of the beam can be replaced by a load-bearing beam.

It is evident that the above entails a considerable saving in terms of costs, maintenance and installation times with respect to the state of the art, for example what is taught in patent US3327438.

To ensure substantial visual continuity for the user, the panels P and the substantially horizontal formation 33 of the covering element 30 can be configured so as to remain mutually flush and substantially contiguous.

In this way, the user will not at all perceive the absence of the bearing beam 10 where it is missing and / or the difference with the points where the bearing beam 10 is present.

It is understood that the covering element 30 may also include a single track without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims.

Each of the upper guides 38 ', 38 "and lower 39', 39" can be defined by respective upper projections 380 ', 380 "and lower 390', 390" extending from the internal surfaces SSO <1>, 360 "of the transverse elements 36 ', 36 ".

Conveniently, each of the projections 380 ', 380 "; 390', 390" may include a base element 3800 ', 3800 "; 3900', 3900" having a first appendix 3810 ', 3810 "; 3910 <1>, 3910" extending respectively downwards and upwards to cooperate respectively with the lower guide 39 ', 39 "and upper 38', 38" to prevent the slipping of the element for mutual union of two or more covering elements.

In light of the foregoing, it is evident that the apparatus 1 achieves all the intended purposes.

The invention is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are covered by the attached claims. All the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements, and the materials can be different according to the requirements, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention defined by the attached claims.

Claims (12)

CLAIMS 1. A multifunction beam for creating a false ceiling system that includes a plurality of panels (P) that can be installed in an environment (S) in correspondence with a ceiling (C), the beam being connectable to the latter (C) to removably accommodates at least one accessory {30, 31, 32) which performs one or more functions in the environment (S), the panels (P) and the beam being mutually removable in a removable way by means of at least one connecting element (20), the beam comprising a pair of mutually facing side walls {11, 12) and an upper wall (13) intended to face the ceiling (C) cooperating with each other to define a compartment (14) open at the bottom; in which said side walls (11, 12) include, respectively are divided into, respective upper (1Γ, 12 ') and lower (11 ", 12") portions facing each other, the distance (d ") between the lower portions {11 ", 12") being greater than the distance {d ') between the upper portions {1Γ, 12') so that said compartment (14) includes, respectively is divided into, an upper restricted area {14 ') having at least a first pair of male or female elements (15 ') capable of snap-fitting a first accessory (31) and a lower enlarged area (14 ") having at least a second pair of male or female elements (15") capable of accommodating snap a second accessory (30); in which between said upper (1Γ, 12 ') and lower (11 ", 12") portions of said side walls {11, 12) respective connection zones (16', 16 ") are interposed, each comprising a lower surface {160 ', 160 ") internal to said compartment (14) and an upper surface (16Γ, 161") external to said compartment (14) destined to remain facing the ceiling {C) to support the connecting element (20) of the panels (P). 2. Beam according to claim 1, wherein said upper (1Γ, 12 ') and lower (11 ", 12") portions of said side walls (11, 12) have respective surfaces (110', 120 '; 110 ", 120") inside said compartment (14) mutually facing each other and respective surfaces (11Γ, 12Γ; III ", 121") external to said compartment {14), the external surfaces (111 ", 121") of said lower portions (11 ", 12") of said side walls {11, 12) being designed to remain facing the panels (P) of the false ceiling. Beam according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting element {20) includes a support structure (20 ') with a first end (21) connected or connectable to the panels (P), a second end (24 ) opposite it and a support area (23) interposed between them, said external surface (16Γ, 161 ") of said connection area (16 ', 16") being capable of coming into contact with the support area (23 ) of the connecting element (20), the external surfaces (11Γ, 12Γ) of said upper portions (11 ', 12') of said side walls (11, 12) being designed to face the second end (24) of the connecting element (20). 4. Beam according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein one between each outer surface (111 ', 12Γ) of said upper portions (1Γ, 12') of the side walls (11, 12) and each outer surface (16Γ, 161 ") of said connection areas (16 ', 16") includes a seat (17', 17 ") for each connection element (20). 5. Beam according to claim 4, wherein the outer surfaces (11Γ, 12Γ) of said upper portions (1Γ, 12 ') of said side walls (11, 12) include respective longitudinal tracks (40', 40 ") for one or more elements of mutual union of two or more beams, each of said longitudinal tracks (40 ', 40 ") being defined by upper (4Γ, 41") and lower (42', 42 ") guides facing each other, each of the guides lower (42 ', 42 ") further including said seat (17', 17") for the second end (24) of each connecting element (20). 6. Beam according to claim 5, wherein each of said lower guides (42 ', 42 ") includes a base element (420', 420") extending outwardly from the outer surface (111 ', 12Γ) of the portion upper (1Γ, 12 ') of the respective side wall (11, 12), each base element (420', 420 ") including a first appendix (421 ', 421") extending upwards cooperating with the upper guide ( 4Γ, 41 ") to avoid the slipping of the mutual union element and a second appendix (170 ', 170") extending downwards cooperating with the outer surface (11Γ, 121') of the upper portion (1Γ, 12 ') of the respective side wall (11, 12) to define said seat (17 ', 17 ") for the second end (24) of each connecting element (20). 7. Beam according to claim 5 or 6, in which each of the upper guides (41 ', 41 ") further includes a respective shoulder (43', 43") capable of cooperating with a corresponding support element (50 ', 50 " ) to define a seat (44 ', 44 ") suitable for housing an acoustic insulation wall (PI). 8. Beam according to claim 6 and 7, wherein each of said upper guides (4Γ, 41 ") includes a base element (410 ', 410") extending outwardly from the outer surface (11Γ, 12Γ) of the portion top {11 ', 12') of the respective side wall {11, 12), each base element {410 ', 410 ") including a first appendix {41Γ, 411") extending downwards cooperating with the lower guide {42 ', 42 ") to avoid the slipping off of the mutual union element and a second appendix extending upwards defining said shoulder (43', 43"). 9. Beam according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio between the distance (d ") between said lower portions (11", 12 ") of said side walls (11, 12) and the distance (d ') between the upper portions (1Γ, 12 ') of the same is greater than or equal to 1.1: 1, preferably greater than or equal to 1.25: 1 and even more preferably greater than or equal to 1.4: 1, said distance {d ") between said lower portions (11", 12 ") of said side walls (11, 12) being preferably close to 100mm. 10. Beam according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which said upper (1Γ, 12 ') and lower (11 ", 12") portions of said side walls (11, 12) are substantially parallel to each other, said connection areas {16 ', 16 ") being substantially perpendicular to said upper (1Γ, 12') and lower (11", 12 ") portions of said side walls (11, 12). 11. Beam according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which said connection areas (16 ', 16 ") comprise a third appendix (19Γ, 191") intended to face said base element (420', 420 ") for defining said seat {17 ', 17 ") adapted to house said second end (24) of each connecting element {20), said seat {17', 17") including coupling means (17Γ, 171 ") intended to interact with said second end {24) to mutually interlock the latter. Beam according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which said connection areas (16 ', 16 ") comprise a fourth appendix (193', 193"), said support area (23) of the connection element (20 ) comprising a seat {232 ', 232 ") adapted to house said fourth appendix (193', 193") to mutually constrain said connecting element (20) and said beam (10).