METHODS AND TILE FOR USE IN A FALSE CEILING OR WALL AND A FALSE CEILING OR WALL

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a method of preparing an installation, to a method of installation of a false ceiling or wall, to a tile for use in such a false ceiling or wall and to a false ceiling or false wall.

The method of preparing an installation comprises: calculating (202) format, position and orientation for each individual tile in the suspended ceiling or wall, associating (202; 206) each individual tile with a unique tile identity, producing (300) the individual tiles according to the calculated format, providing (301) respective tile with the tile identity of respective tile, providing (302) a representation of the suspended ceiling or wall including an association of the position of respective tile with respective tile identity.

Claims

1. Method of preparing an installation of a false ceiling (C) or wall (W) comprising a plurality of ceiling or wall tiles, the tiles (1) being mineral fibre based tiles, each having a front major surface (2) being adapted to be visible, an opposing back major surface (3) and one or more edge surfaces (4) extending along the perimeter of the tile (1) and connecting the front and back major surfaces (2, 3), wherein the front and back major surfaces (2, 3) are parallel to each other, the method comprising: calculating (202) format, position and orientation for each individual tile (1) in the suspended ceiling (C) or wall (W), associating 202; 206) each individual tile (1) with a unique tile identity, producing (300) the individual tiles (1) according to the calculated format, providing (301) respective tile (1) with the tile identity of respective tile, providing (302) a representation of the false ceiling or wall including an association of the position of respective tile (1) with respective tile identity.

2. Method according to claim 1, further comprising providing (301) each tile with a tile identity or tile identities of neighbouring tile or tiles.

3. Method according to claim 1, further comprising providing (301) each tile with an identification of which of the edge surfaces or which part or parts of the edge surface is/are intended to be facing a certain neighbouring tile.

4. Method according to claim 1, further comprising providing a set of input data representing a framework (7) or a space defined by said framework or a surface that said ceiling (C) or wall (W) is intended to form, calculating based on said set of input data, format, position, and orientation, for each individual tile (1) in the false ceiling (C) or wall (W), providing a set of output data representing said ceiling (C) or wall (W) formed by said tiles (1) for visualization (101) of the intended ceiling (C) or wall (W).

5. Method according to claim 1, the method further comprising calculating for a plurality of the tiles (1) positions of at least one connection point (9) on respective tile (1), wherein a connection element (6) is adapted to be connected to respective tile (1) at respective connection point (9), wherein the connection element (6) is adapted to directly or indirectly connect said tile (1) to a neighbouring tile, and providing respective tile (1) with a marking (9) on its major back surface (3), the marking (9) indicating the position of said connection point (9).

6. Method according to claim 1, wherein the tiles (1) are adapted to be connected to and suspended to a framework (7) by a plurality of elongated suspension elements (5), the method further comprising calculating positions of connection points (8) on the tiles (1) or on connection elements (6) interconnecting tiles (1) at which connection points (8) the suspension elements (5) are adapted to be attached to the tiles (1) or to the connection elements (6) for suspension of the tiles (1), calculating (202), for each suspension element (5), an attachment position at which attachment position the suspension element (5) is adapted to be attached to the framework (7), the calculation being performed relative to a representation of the framework, the calculation (202) also including calculation of orientation and length of said suspension element (5), associating (202; 206) each individual suspension element (5) with a unique suspension element identity, providing a representation of the suspended ceiling (C) or wall (W) including an association of the attachment position of respective suspension element (5) with respective suspension element identity and including information concerning calculated orientation and length of respective suspension element (5) with respective suspension element identity.

7. Method according to claim 1, wherein calculating format, position and orientation for each individual tile in the false ceiling or wall includes calculating (202) a preliminary set of data concerning format, position and orientation for each individual tile, calculating (203), based upon said preliminary set of data, acoustical properties of a space in which said false ceiling or wall is adapted to be installed, based upon the calculated acoustical properties a) approve said preliminary set of data as the data to be used for further processing (206) in preparation for production of the tiles, or b) recalculate (202) a new set of preliminary data concerning format, position and orientation for each individual tile to be used for a new calculation (203) of acoustical properties of said space.

8. Method according to claim 1, wherein calculating format, position and orientation for each individual tile in the false ceiling or wall includes calculating (202) a preliminary set of data concerning format, position and orientation for each individual tile, calculating (204), based upon said preliminary set of data, heat transfer and/or air flow properties of a space in which said false ceiling or wall is adapted to be installed, based upon the calculated heat transfer and/or air flow properties a) approve said preliminary set of data as the data to be used for further processing (206) in preparation for production of the tiles, or b) recalculate (202) a new set of preliminary data concerning format, position and orientation for each individual tile to be used for a new calculation (204) of heat transfer and/or air flow properties of said space.

9. Method according to claim 1, wherein calculating format, position and orientation for each individual tile in the false ceiling or wall includes calculating (202) a preliminary set of data concerning format, position and orientation for each individual tile, calculating (205), based upon said preliminary set of data, light properties of a space in which said false ceiling or wall is adapted to be installed, based upon the calculated light properties a) approve said preliminary set of data as the data to be used for further processing (206) in preparation for production of the tiles, or b) recalculate (202) a new set of preliminary data concerning format, position and orientation for each individual tile to be used for a new calculation (205) of light properties of said space.

10. Method of installing a false ceiling (C) or wall (W) comprising a plurality of ceiling or wall tiles (1), the tiles (1) being mineral fibre based tiles, each having a front major surface (2) being adapted to be visible, an opposing back major surface (3) and one or more edge surfaces (4) extending along the perimeter of the tile and connecting the front and back major surfaces (2, 3), wherein the front and back major surfaces (2, 3) are parallel to each other, the method comprising providing (400, 401) a plurality of tiles (1), each with an individually calculated format and each being provided with a unique tile identity of respective tile, providing (402) a representation of the false ceiling or wall including an association of the position of respective tile with respective tile identity, identifying (500) the identity of a tile, determining (501) the intended position for the identified tile based on the representation of the false ceiling or wall including the association of the position of respective tile with respective tile identity, installing (502) the identified tile in its intended position by attaching it to a framework or by suspending it from a framework or in a grid system suspended from a framework.

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein each tile (1) is provided with a tile identity or tile identities of a neighbouring tile or tiles, the method further comprising orienting (501) the identified tile (1) based on the intended or actual position or positions of the neighbouring tile or tiles, and installing (502) the identified tile (1) in its intended position and orientation by attaching it to a framework or by suspending it from a framework (7) or in a grid system suspended from a framework.

12. Method according to claim 10, wherein each tile (1) is provided with an identification of which of the edge surfaces (4) or which part or parts of the edge surface is intended to be facing a certain neighbouring tile, the method further comprising orienting (501) the identified tile (1) based on the identification of which of the edge surfaces (4) or which part or parts of the edge surface is intended to be facing a certain neighbouring tile and on the intended or actual position or positions of the certain neighbouring tile or tiles, and installing (502) the identified tile (1) in its intended position and orientation by attaching it to a framework or by suspending it from a framework (7) or in a grid system suspended from a framework.

13. Tile for use in a false ceiling (C) or wall (W) comprising a plurality of tiles, the tile (1) being a mineral fibre based tile having a front major surface (2) being adapted to be visible, an opposing back major surface (3) and one or more edge surfaces (4) extending along the perimeter of the tile (1) and connecting the front and back major surfaces (2, 3), wherein the front and back major surfaces (2, 3) are parallel to each other, wherein the tile (1) is provided with a unique tile identity identifying said tile (1), and wherein the tile (1) is provided with a tile identity or tile identities of a tile or tiles intended to be positioned as a neighbouring tile or neighbouring tiles in said false ceiling (C) or wall (W).

14. Tile according to claim 13, wherein the tile (1) is provided with an identification of which of the edge surfaces (4) or which part or parts of the edge surface (4) is/are intended to be facing a certain neighbouring tile.

15. Tile according to claim 13, wherein the tile (1) is provided with a marking positioned on the back major surface (3) and in the vicinity of an edge surface (4), the marking being intended to be positioned in relation to a corresponding marking on a neighbouring tile.

16. Tile according to claim 13, wherein the tile (1) is provided with a marking (9) on its major back surface (3), the marking (9) indicating where a connection element (6) is adapted to be connected to the tile (1), wherein the connection element (6) is adapted to directly or indirectly connect said tile (1) to a neighbouring tile.

17. Tile according to claim 13, wherein the tile (1) is provided with a connection element (6) on the back major surface (3), the connection element (6) being intended to directly or indirectly connected said tile (1) to a neighbouring tile.

18. Tile according to claim 13, wherein the tile is provided with a marking (8) on its back major surface (3), the marking (8) indicating where a suspension element (5) is adapted to be connected to the tile (1), the suspension element (5) being intended to suspend said tile (1) relative to a framework (7).

19. Tile according to claim 13, wherein the tile (1) is provided with a connection element (6) on the back major surface (3), the connection element (6) being intended to directly or indirectly be connected to a suspension element (5), the suspension element (5) being intended to suspend said tile (1) relative to a framework (7).

20. False ceiling or false wall including a plurality of tiles according to claim 13, further comprising at least one connection element (6) interconnecting at least two tiles (1), wherein the connection element (6) defines a translational position of one of the tiles relative the other tile and/or an angular position of one of the tiles relative to the other tile.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0095] The invention will by way of example be described in more detail with reference to the appended schematic drawings, which shows a presently preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0096] FIG. 1 shows two tiles as viewed from their back major surface.

[0097] FIG. 2 shows an overview of a plurality of tiles adapted to be installed as an integrated wall and ceiling with a 3-dimensional shape.

[0098] FIG. 3 shows a 3-dimensionally shaped integrated wall and ceiling formed of the tiles shown in FIG. 2.

[0099] FIG. 4 shows a single triangular tile suspended by a suspension element.

[0100] FIG. 5 shows two triangular tiles connected to each other via a connection element and wherein a suspension element is attached to the connection element.

[0101] FIG. 6 shows a single rectangular tile suspended by a suspension element.

[0102] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a method of preparing an installation of a suspended ceiling or wall.

[0103] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a method of installing a suspended ceiling or wall.

[0104] FIG. 9 shows four rectangular tiles connected to each other two and two via a connection element and wherein a suspension element is attached to each of the four connection elements.

[0105] FIG. 10 schematically shows a false ceiling from above or a false wall from behind, wherein a plurality of triangular tiles are connected to profiles using connection elements, and wherein the profiles are arranged in a grid system.

[0106] FIG. 11 schematically shows a false ceiling as viewed from below or a false wall as viewed from in front of the wall, wherein a plurality of triangular tiles are attached to the structure or framework of the building using so-called direct fixing.

[0107] FIG. 12 shows an attachment element adapted to receive up to three rods.

[0108] FIG. 13 shows an attachment element of FIG. 12 attached to an elongate profile of a grid system.

[0109] FIG. 14 schematically shows a rod.

[0110] FIG. 15 shows a connection element which on one hand is adapted to receive up to two rods and on the other hand to be connected to one or more tiles.

[0111] FIG. 16 shows the connection element of FIG. 15 connected to two rods of the kind shown in FIG. 14.

[0112] FIG. 17 shows a connection element of FIG. 15 connected to a first rod of the kind shown in FIG. 14 and a second rod provided with a first end adapted to be attached to a first attachment element and a second end adapted to be attached to a second attachment element.

[0113] FIG. 18 shows a rod according to a another embodiment.

[0114] FIG. 19 shows a conical connection element which on one hand is adapted to be attached to up to three rods of the kind shown in FIG. 18 and on the other hand is adapted to be connected to one or more tiles.

[0115] FIG. 20 shows the conical connection element of FIG. 19 and also a further rod shaped connection element adapted to be inserted into the conical connection element.

[0116] FIG. 21 shows a wall paper which is adapted to the papered onto the framework of the building, such as a structural wall or a structural ceiling, and which is provided with indications concerning positions where different elements of the system are adapted to be attached to the framework of the building.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0117] FIG. 3 discloses a 3-dimensionally shaped suspended wall W, which at its top turns into and continues as a suspended ceiling C. The suspended wall/ceiling W/C is formed of a plurality of tiles 1. In the shown embodiment the tiles 1 are all triangular. The tiles 1 have uniquely calculated format, position and orientation.

[0118] The tiles are mineral fibre based tiles. They may e.g. be produced from stone wool or glass fibres. The tiles have a front major surface 2 being adapted to be visible (as is indicated by the arrow 2 from the stick man in FIG. 3). The tiles have a back major surface 3 opposite the front major surface 2. The tiles 1 also have an edge surface 4 extending along the perimeter of the tile and connecting the front 2 and back 3 major surfaces. The triangular tiles in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 each has three straight perimeter portions and three rounded corners connecting the three straight portions. The rectangular tiles in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9 each has four straight perimeter portions interconnected in relatively sharp corners. In the figures the edge surfaces 4 of the tiles are formed of a straight line extending in the normal direction of the front and back major surfaces. It may be noted that it is common to provide the edge surface with other shapes, such as providing the edge surface with grooves and steps extending along the perimeter or providing the edge surface in an angle relative to the normal direction. It may be noted that although it is most preferred, the front and back major surfaces need not be parallel to each other.

[0119] In order to make installation feasible, the preparation of the installation and the installation is performed in accordance with the preferred methods that will be described in the following. The method of preparing installation is schematically indicated in FIG. 7. The method of installing the ceiling or wall is schematically indicated in FIG. 8.

[0120] As indicated in FIG. 7, an architect or the like will provide input data 100 on a first computer C1. This input data may e.g. include a representation of the framework of an existing building or a building to be built, a representation of a space in which the suspended ceiling or wall is to be installed or a representation of the intended ceiling or wall. Depending upon the level of knowledge the architect possess in the field of designing suspended ceiling or walls, the input data may be anything from very vague to very well defined concerning the intended design of the ceiling/wall. In one embodiment this input data 100 will be exported from the first computer C1 as a set of input data and imported into a second computer C2, remote from the first computer C1, via a network interface, such as via internet. In another embodiment, the first computer C1 is communicating with the second computer C2 via an internet interface, such as a standard web browser, and the input data is piecewise communicated directly to the second computer C2 as it is inputted through the web browser. There need not be any actual distance between the computers; they may even be one and the same computer. However, the method allows the two computers to be remote and it is a preferred set-up that the two computers are remote. Such a set-up allows the architect or the like (providing the input data) and the manufacturer or the like (typically providing the computer running the calculation software) to be at different locations anywhere in the world.

[0121] In the second computer C2 a Parametric Design Software is provided 200. In this second computer C2 there is also provided some boundary conditions concerning what is technically feasible. This may e.g. include boundaries concerning minimum and maximum sizes of the tiles, minimum strength, maximum weight, etc. It may be noted that the second computer C2 may be a set of computers.

[0122] Based on the input data 100 and the boundary conditions 201, the parametric design software 200 will in step 202 calculate format, position and orientation, for each individual tile in the suspended ceiling or wall. This will result in a first set of output data which will be representing the ceiling/wall and which may be exported to the first computer C1 for visualization in the design software used by the architect. Alternatively or as a complement the output data may also serve as a preliminary set of data concerning format, position and orientation for each individual tile. This preliminary set of output data may be used in a further step 203 in which the acoustical properties are calculated. If the acoustical properties are at a desired level, the preliminary data used may be approved for further processing. This further processing may be preparation for manufacturing 206 or may include further calculations concerning e.g. heat transfer and air flow properties 204 or further calculations concerning light properties 205. If the heat transfer and/or the air flow and/or the light properties are at a desired level the preliminary data may be approved for further processing 206 in preparation for the manufacturing. If the acoustical properties or the heat transfer or the air flow of the light properties are not at a desired level, a request for recalculation of the format, position and orientation of the tiles is made. As input for this recalculation, the computer software may be programmed to provide guidance concerning design changes of the ceiling/wall that will have a positive influence on the acoustical properties, heat transfer, air flow and/or light properties. Alternatively, the user (architect) may use trial and error based on his level of knowledge. Alternatively, the manufacturer may provide input as a service or even take charge and provide a suggested design of the ceiling/wall, which design will use the architects design as a point of departure and will take acoustical properties, heat transfer, air flow properties and/or light properties into consideration. It may be noted that of course other technical properties may be considered.

[0123] In FIG. 7, a preferred order of steps is disclosed. It may however be noted that e.g. the calculation of acoustical properties and heat transfer and air flow and light properties may be performed in parallel or in the opposite order. It is also conceivable that the user may indicate which property is the important one and that the calculation of that property is performed first and need to be approved first.

[0124] Once the architect is satisfied with the design of the suspended ceiling/wall C/W and the calculated technical properties has been approved, the computer software in the second computer C2 may be set to finalise the calculation in preparation for manufacturing of the tiles. This data includes format (including shape and size) for each individual tile and an association of each individual tile with a unique tile identity. In the preferred embodiment it also includes information concerning the neighbouring tiles and preferably also the position and orientation of respective tile.

[0125] This information is used for the manufacturing 300 of the tiles. The tiles are also provided 301 with information concerning the tile identity. This may e.g. be performed by providing a marking on the back major surface as is shown in FIG. 1. The lower left tile is provided with the tile identity 50 positioned at the centre of the tile. The upper right tile is provided with the tile identity 49 at the centre of the tile. As is shown in FIG. 1, the tile nr 50 is provided with a marking 49 dose to the edge that is intended to be facing the tile nr 49. Likewise, the tile nr 49 is provided with a marking 50 close to the edge that is intended to be facing tile nr 50. It may be noted that tile nr 49 is intended to be positioned with tile nr 48 at its right edge and tile nr 47 at its upper edge and that tile nr 50 is intended to be positioned with tile nr 52 at its left edge and tile nr 51 at its lower edge.

[0126] In the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 1, the marking is also provided with a short line extending between the number indicating the identity of the neighbouring tile and the edge actually intended to be facing said neighbouring tile. The short lines of the neighbouring tiles are intended to be aligned when the two neighbouring tiles are positioned correctly in the direction transverse to said short line.

[0127] As a preparation before the installation of the suspended ceiling/wall C/W there will also be provided 302 a representation of the suspended ceiling or wall including an association of the position of respective tile with respective tile identity. A graphic variant of such a representation is e.g. shown in FIG. 2. For clarity reasons has only the tile identities nr 47-52 been included in the enlargement of the lower left corner of the representation in FIG. 2. The representation may also be in the form of a table e.g. including information concerning the identity of each tile, the intended position of each tile, the identity of the neighbouring tiles of each tile, the identity of the suspension element(s) intended for each tile, the identity of the connection element(s) intended for each tile. An example of such a table is shown below.

TABLE-US-00001 Connected to Connect Supported by neighbours by to Tile Suspension Connection Tile ID Position ID (s) element X element Y indicates data missing or illegible when filed

[0128] As a complement or as a separate representation, a representation in the form of guide lines or guide markings or a complete depiction of the false ceiling or wall may be projected onto the structure (such as a wall or the inside of a roof) of the building. The representation may e.g. be projected as a so-called augmented reality.

[0129] As is schematically shown in FIG. 3 (in respect of five tiles in the upper right corner of FIG. 3) and in more detail in FIG. 4, the tiles are suspended by suspension elements in the form of wires 5. In one embodiment the suspension elements 5 are connected to the centre of gravity of the tiles, such as in FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 6. In another embodiment (disclosed in FIG. 5 and FIG. 9) the tiles 1 are interconnected with connection elements 6 and are thereby held in correct place relative each other. These connection elements 6 are used as anchor points for the suspension elements 5. It is also conceivable to use a variant of these two embodiments; the tiles may be supported by suspension elements attached to the back major surface 3 of the tiles 1 and the tiles 1 may also by interconnected by connection elements 6 (however not serving as anchor points for any suspension elements 5). It is also conceivable to use combinations of these three variants. In such a variant some tiles (but not all) are interconnected with connection elements 6, some tiles are suspended directly in the centre of gravity, some tiles are supported directly in the back major surface 3, and some tiles are supported by the connection elements 6 acting as anchor points for the suspension elements 5. It may be noted in this context that the tiles 1 need not be suspended in the centre of gravity. Respective tile 1 may also be suspended by more than one suspension element 5 attached directly or indirectly to respective tile. The suspension elements 5 may e.g. be three in number and attached to the points indicated in FIG. 11 as the connection points 13.

[0130] In order to facilitate correct positioning of the suspension elements 5, the tile 1 may be provided with a marking 8 indicating the correct position of the suspension element 5. In FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 it is schematically indicated by a circle 8. Similarly the tiles 1 may also be provided with a marking 9 indicating the correct position of connection elements 6 interconnecting tiles. In FIG. 5 this marking 9 is schematically indicated by a U-shaped marking 9.

[0131] Alternatively, instead of attaching connection elements on site it is conceivable that connection elements are attached to the tiles in connection with the manufacturing of the tiles.

[0132] In FIG. 3, the framework of the building from which framework the suspended ceiling is adapted to be suspended is schematically indicated by the horizontal line 7. In FIG. 9, the framework is schematically indicated by the sloping plane indicated by reference numeral 7. The framework 7 may be a part of the structure of the building. Alternatively, the framework 7 may be formed of an intermediate framework 7 attached to or suspended to the framework or structure of the building. The intermediate framework 7 may be formed of a grid system of elongate profiles. Having a framework 7 in the form of an intermediate framework 7 offers a possibility to provide a reference for the ceiling or wall with greater accuracy than is usually the case when it comes to the tolerances for the framework or structure of the building as such.

[0133] As may be noted in both set-ups shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 9, the length of the suspension elements 5 will be different in order to accommodate the difference in distance between the connection point in the tile 1 or connection element 6 and the attachment point in the framework 7. It may also be noted that the suspension elements 5 need not extend directly from the tile 1 to the framework 7. A plurality of suspension elements 5 may e.g. extend from their respective connection points on one or more tiles 1 to a common intermediate junction where this intermediate junction being suspended in the framework 7.

[0134] In order to take this into account, the method also includes in step 202 (or as a separate step) the calculation of connection points on the tiles at which connection points the suspension elements 5 are adapted to be attached to the tiles or to connection elements 6 interconnecting tiles for suspension of the tiles 1, and calculating, for each suspension element 5, an attachment position at which attachment position the suspension element is adapted to be attached to the framework 7 of the building. The calculation also includes calculation of orientation and length of said suspension element 5. In the same manner as for the tiles, each individual suspension element is associated with a unique suspension element identity. There will also be a representation of the suspended ceiling including e.g. information concerning the suspension element identity and the calculated connection points, attachment points, orientation and length of respective suspension element. The attachment points may e.g. be indicated as X and Y coordinates relative a zero point as indicated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 9. The representation used for the suspension elements may e.g. be in the form of a table (see below) and a drawing of the building showing the location of the zero point and the direction of the X- and Y-axes (as indicated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 9).

TABLE-US-00002 Suspension Length Connect to Attachment Attachment element ID (vertical) Tile ID coordinate X coordinate Y indicates data missing or illegible when filed

[0135] The suspension elements 5 may as indicated above be formed of rods. Different components adapted to a system with the suspension elements formed of rods are shown in FIGS. 12-20. It may be noted that the suspended ceiling/wall C/W may be formed using only wires as suspension elements or using only rods as suspension elements or using a combination or wires and rods or using a combination with wires and/or rods and other kinds of suspension elements.

[0136] In FIG. 14 there is disclosed one embodiment of a suspension element 5 in the form of a rod 50. The rod 50 is uniquely defined using Parametric Design software or the like.

[0137] Each rod 50 has a mid-portion 50a with a uniquely calculated length 1 and end portions 50b and 50c with uniquely defined angles relative to the mid-portion 50a. The angles may e.g. be defined as a first angle α, wherein the mid-portion 50a and the end-portion 50b defines a first plane P1 in which the angle α resides. The other end-portion 50c, extends, relative to the mid-portion 50a, a first angle β in said plane P1 and a second angle γ in a second plane P2 orthogonal P2 to first plane P1. It may also be noted that the angle α may be divided into two angles if the angle α as such is not used to define the plane P1.

[0138] One of the end portions 50b, 50c of the rod 50 of FIG. 14 is adapted to be attached to the frame work and the other end 50c, 50b of the rod 50 is adapted to be attached to a tile directly or via a connection element (e.g. a connection element 70 of the kind shown in FIG. 15). The rods 50 may e.g. be manufactured from circular metal rods being bent in the desired angles.

[0139] In the preferred embodiment, the end portions 50b and 50c are identical for all rods 50 and the unique features of each rod 50 is the length of the mid-portion 50a and the angles between the mid-portion 50a and respective end-portion 50b and 50c.

[0140] In FIG. 12 there is shown an attachment element 60 which is adapted to receive a rod 50 as indicated by the dash-dot line. Two opposing tongues 61a, 61b are adapted to flex towards each other as indicated by the arrows at the bottom portion of the tongues 61a, 61b. This will allow a rod 50 to be inserted into two through-holes 62a, 62b in respective tongue 61a, 61b. When the installer releases the tongues 61a, 61b they flex away from each other again and thereby locks the rod 50 into place by interaction between the edges of the holes 62a, 62b and the envelope surface of the rod 50.

[0141] As indicated in FIG. 13, the attachment element 60 may be attached to a elongate profile of a grid system.

[0142] In FIG. 15 there is disclosed a connection element 70 adapted to be attached to two rods 50. Similarly as for the attachment element 60, the connection element 70 is adapted to receive a rod 50 as indicated by the dash-dot line. Two opposing tongues 71a, 71b are adapted to flex towards each other as indicated by the arrows at the bottom portion of the tongues 71a, 71b. This will allow a rod 50 to be inserted into two through-holes 72a, 72b in respective tongue 61a, 61b. When the installer releases the tongues 71a, 71b they flex away from each other again and thereby locks the rod 50 into place by interaction between the edges of the holes 72a, 72b and the envelope surface of the rod 50. The central portion 73 of the connection element 70 is provided with apertures 74 which are used to connect the connection element 70 directly or indirectly to the tiles of the ceiling or wall.

[0143] In FIG. 16 there are disclosed two rods 50′, 50″ attach from two opposite directions of the connection element 70. The rods 50′, 50″ are of the kind disclosed in relation to FIG. 14.

[0144] In FIG. 17 there is disclosed on rod 50 of the kind disclosed in relation to FIG. 14 and one variant 51 of this general kind of rod 50. The rod 51 may in one aspect be seen as two rods 50′, 50″ where the part 50′c, 50″c attached to the connection element 70 is common. It may also be seen as a rod 50 of FIG. 14 with a first end portion 51b, a central portion 51a and a second portion 51c (no longer an end portion) continued with a second central portion 51d and a second actual end portion 51e (corresponding to the first end portion). As with the rod of FIG. 14, the first portion 51b is angled relative to the central portion 51a an angle α and between the portion 51c and the central portion 51a there is a change in orientation defined as two angles β, γ in two orthogonal planes. The second central portion 51d continues in yet another direction defined as two angles β′, γ′ in two orthogonal planes and finally the end portion 51e continues in yet another direction defined as two angles α, δ in two orthogonal planes. In theory all these angles may be defined uniquely using a Parametric Design Software or the like. In practice it is conceivable that one or more of the angles are the same or mirrored each other. This may be due to manufacturing restraints and it may be suitable in order to facilitate correct positioning by the one installing the ceiling or wall. The orthogonal planes related to the different changes in direction, such as between the portions 51b, 51c and 51c, 51d may be the same or may be different depending upon the manufacturing process.

[0145] In FIG. 18 there is disclosed yet another embodiment of the rod 500. The rod 500 is provided with a central portion 500a and a first end portion 500b extending at an angle α relative to the central portion 500a. The end portion 500b is adapted to be installed into an attachment element 60 of the kind disclosed in FIGS. 12 and 13. At the other end the rod 500 is provided with a spherically shaped end 500c. In a preferred embodiment the spherical end 500c is symmetrical around a geometrical axis extending along the centre line of the extension of the central portion 500a. Thereby there is no need for any specific rotational orientation and the end portion 500b only need to be defined as a single angle α. The spherical end 500c may be manufactured as a separate entity 501 with a sleeve portion 502 (adapted to be attached to the end of the rod, a ball shaped portion 503 forming the spherical end 500c and a neck portion 504 with a diameter smaller than the ball shaped portion 503 and the sleeve portion 502. Three such separate entities are shown in FIG. 19. In a preferred embodiment all the rods 500 have identical first end portions 500a and identical spherical end portions 500c and the unique features of respective rod 500 is the length of the central portion 500a and the angle α between the central portion 500a and the first end portion 500b.

[0146] Rods 500 of the kind disclosed in FIG. 18 may e.g. be installed into a connection element 700 of the kind shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. The connection element 700 is basically formed of a top part 701 and a bottom part 702 between which the spherical ends 500c are clamped. The clamping force may e.g. be provided with a threaded screw 703 interacting with its head against the top part 701 and with its threads in a threaded hole in the bottom part 702. The top part 701 is provided with a plurality of keyhole shaped openings 704 allowing the neck portion 504 to enter into position with the ball shaped portion 503 on the inside or underside of the top part 701 and the central portion 500a of the rod 500 extending outwardly. The terminology top part 701 and bottom part 702 is related to an example where the connection element 700 is typically arranged in a ceiling. For other purposes the terminology first part 700a and second part 700b may be more appropriate.

[0147] The connection element 700 may be attached to the tiles directly or indirectly and thereby support the ceiling or wall.

[0148] In FIG. 20, basically corresponding to FIG. 19, the connection element 700 is adapted to also support a secondary connection element 800 which in turn is adapted to directly or indirectly support the tiles. The connection element 700 is provided with a groove 706 extending through the bottom part 700b and facing the upper part 701 such that a secondary connection element 800 inserted into said groove 706 may be damped and held in correct position when the top part 701 and the bottom part 702 are damped together. The clamping may be such that the secondary connection element 800 is fixed relative to the connection element 700. Alternatively, the clamping may be such that the secondary connection element 800 is fixed when it comes to translational movement along the general direction 706a of the groove 706 but can still be rotated about the general direction 706a as indicated by the arrow 706b. In the shown design this may be provided by designing the inside of the connection element 700 such that the bulb shape 800a of the connection element can be tilted upwardly inside the conical inside of the connection element 700. If the bulb shape 800a is clamped by between the upper part 700a and lower part 700b there will be no rotational movement between the connection element 700 and the secondary connection element 800.

[0149] When it is time to install the suspended ceiling/wall C/W at the building site S tiles that has been produced (step 300) and provided with identities (step 301) are provided (step 400 and 401). There is also provided (step 402) a representation of the ceiling including an association of the position and the tile identity.

[0150] The person installing the ceiling/wall C/W identifies the tile (step 500) and if applicable also a suspension element (step 600). Using the representation of the ceiling/wall C/W and information concerning neighbouring tiles provided on the actual tile, the person installing the ceiling/wall C/W determines the intended position and orientation (step 501) and if applicable also the intended position and orientation of the suspension element (step 601). Thereafter the person installing the ceiling/wall C/W will install the tile (step 502) and if applicable also the suspension element (step 602). The marking provided on the back major surface 3 as indicated in FIG. 1 may also be used to facilitate correct orientation and positioning of the tile being installed.

[0151] In FIG. 10 a plurality of differently shaped triangular tiles 1 are supported by a grid system. The grid system is formed of a plurality of main profiles 10a-e and a plurality of cross profiles 11a-j. The main profiles 10a-e are arranged equidistantly e.g. at a centre to centre distance of 600 mm, in parallel with each other. It may be noted that the main profiles 10a-e may be arranged equidistantly at a different centre to centre distance or that they may be arranged at different mutual distance between different profiles 10a-e. In this embodiment, suitable positions of the cross profiles 11a-j have been calculated using a Parametric Design Software or the like. The desired format and position of the tiles 1 and technical design criteria e.g. concerning areas on the tiles where it is necessary or suitable to provide support to the tiles has been used as input data. This may e.g. be expressed as a maximum distance between support points on the tile and/or as a maximum distance between an edge of the tile and the closest support point. Based on this, the Parametric Design Software may calculate suitable position of the cross profiles 11a-j such that a minimum number of cross profiles 11a-j is used to support the tiles 1. The cross profiles 11a-j may be placed between the main profiles 10a-e, thus forming a grid system with all the profiles in single plane. Alternatively, the cross profiles 11a-j may be connected beneath or in front of the main profiles 10a-e. In FIG. 10, the tiles 1 are attached to the grid system by connection elements 12 (for reasons of clarity has only the left-most connection elements been identified by a numeral). In this embodiment, the cross-profiles 11a-j are suitably associated with a unique identity and preferably also provided with this unique identity. Moreover, each one of the cross-profiles 11a-j is preferably associated with a unique identity and treated in a similar manner as the tiles in the representation of the false ceiling or wall. The main profiles 10a-e may be treated as unique items and may alternatively be treated more as a part of the structure or framework of the building.

[0152] In one alternative embodiment of the grid system of FIG. 10, the main profiles 10 and cross-profiles 11 are all arranged equidistantly (or at least according to a separately defined predetermined pattern) whereas format, position and orientation of the tiles and the positions of the attachment points where the connection elements connect the tiles to the profiles of the grid system is uniquely calculated according to a Parametric Design software or the like.

[0153] The representation of the ceiling or wall may e.g. include information about between which main profiles and at which position along the main profiles relative to a zero point each cross-profile is to be arranged. The representation may also include information concerning at which points on the cross-profiles the connection elements are designed to connect to the cross-profiles. Similarly as for the tiles, the cross-profiles (and main-profiles) may also be provided with markings indicating the positions at with the connection elements are designed to connect to the profiles. The cross-profiles may be provided with marking indicating the identity of each cross-profile. The cross-profiles may also be provided with marking indicating which end should be attached to which main profile. It may be noted that although the example of FIG. 10 only discloses triangular tiles 1 other shapes are also contemplated. The grid system in FIG. 10 is in turn suspended from or attached to the structure or framework of the building. This may be performed in any suitable manner and there exist a number of well-known conventional solutions to this and therefore it will not be discussed in detail. One common way to accomplish this is to suspend the main profiles from the structure of the building and the let the main profiles carry the load from the cross-profiles and the cross-profiles. In other systems also the cross-profiles are suspended to the structure of the building, sometimes more or less by default and other times only locally where necessary due to local additional weight or local difficulties to suspend the main profiles. Suspension of the grid system may also be complemented with direct suspension of tiles or direct suspension of comparatively heavy appliances such as lighting fixtures or the like.

[0154] In FIG. 11 a plurality of differently shaped triangular tiles 1 are attached directly to the structure or the framework of a building. The format, position, orientation, etc of each tile 1 has been calculated in accordance with the above discussed method of preparation of installation and the installation is preferably performed using the above described method of installation. Each tile 1 is attached directly to the structure or framework of the building at attachment points 13 (for reasons of clarity has only the left-most and upper-most attachment points been identified by a numeral). The attachment at the attachment points 13 may e.g. be performed using screws or by using an adhesive between the structure of the building and the tile 1.

[0155] Correct positioning of the different attachment points on the structural framework of the building, such as a ceiling or wall of the building, may be performed in a plurality of different ways. It is e.g. conceivable to use a laser guiding system indicating the position of the different attachment points with crossing lines of light or with dots of light on the wall or ceiling of the building. The representation of the framework and the ceiling and wall formed of tiles may be used to determine which point is which. In FIG. 21 a wallpaper 900 formed of three drops 900a-c side by side. The wallpaper 900 is in FIG. 21 provided with lines 901a-c extending across more than one drop, in FIG. 21 across all three drops 900a-c, whereby correct relative positioning in height is provided for. It may be noted that the lines 901a-c may be replaced with other kinds of markings, such as a short line close to the edge or an arrow or any other pattern that provide sufficient information for correct relative height positioning. The horizontal relative positioning of the different drops 900a-c may be accomplished by prescribing wallpapering edge-to-edge or by providing vertical lines or other markings indicating correct overlap of the different drops 900a-c.

[0156] One alternative is to print information concerning the position (and maybe also the identification) of the different attachment points on a wallpaper or the like. By first wallpapering the structural wall with this wallpaper, the different positions of the attachment points is distinctly defined.

[0157] The wallpapering may e.g. be used for cases where tiles are attached directly to the structural wall. In the example shown in FIG. 21 some of the attachment positions for three tiles A, B, C are indicated. For tiles A and B there are indicated three attachment positions A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3 each and for tile C there is indicated one attachment position C1 within the three drops 900a-c shown in FIG. 21.

[0158] Other approaches with templates (other than wallpaper) provided with information concerning positions (and maybe also identifications) of the different attachment points are also conceivable.

[0159] It may also be noted that the terms height, horizontal, vertical etc are related to the example of wallpapering a wall. If the wallpapering is used in any other direction, the discussion concerning height and vertical direction is in general terms to be referred to as along the length of the drops and the horizontal direction is in general terms related to directions across the length of the drops, i.e. along the width of the drops of wallpaper.

[0160] It is contemplated that there are numerous modifications of the embodiments described herein, which are still within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0161] Although the tiles have been disclosed in the figures as planar tiles, the invention is applicable also for non-planar tiles.

[0162] Although the tiles have been disclosed in the figures as tiles with perimeter formed of straight edges (and in some cases with rounded corners), the inventions is applicable also for tiles having other geometrical shapes, such as circles, ovals, ellipsoids, other polygons than the disclosed triangle and rectangle. The invention is also applicable for tiles having shapes being combinations of such shapes. The invention is in fact applicable for tiles having basically any free-form shape as long as the tile can be manufactured and the tile can present sufficient strength.

[0163] It may also be noted that the tiles may have complex shapes both when it comes to being non-planar and when it comes to the shape of the perimeter.

[0164] It may also be noted that in this disclosure, the shape of the edge between the front and back major surfaces has not been discussed. There exist today a great number of differently shaped edges for different purposes and such edges will continue to be developed for different purposes. The disclosed inventive concept does not impose and specific requirements concerning the design of the edge.