Ceiling and Ceiling Suspension System

Abstract

A ceiling suspension system comprises a flexible panel, a first support structure and a plurality of elongate support members, wherein each elongate support member comprises a first end and a second end. The first end of each elongate support member is coupled to the first support structure and the second end of each elongate support member is coupled to the flexible panel. The coupling between the elongate support members and the flexible panel is arranged to force the flexible panel into a desired shape.

1 . A ceiling suspension system comprising a flexible panel, a first support structure and a plurality of elongate support members, wherein each elongate support member comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each elongate support member is coupled to the first support structure and the second end of each elongate support member is coupled to the flexible panel, and wherein the coupling between the elongate support members and the flexible panel is arranged to force the flexible panel into a desired shape, wherein the second ends of the elongate support members are attached to respective elongate mounting beams which extend across the panel. 
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate support member is coupled to a side member on the flexible panel. 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate support members are independently adjustable to vary the spacing between the panel and the support structure. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first support structure comprises an elongate support beam which, in use, extends generally parallel or perpendicular to the plane of the panel. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the first ends of elongate support members are slidably mounted to the support beam such that the position at which they connect to the beam can be adjusted. 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein opposite side edges of the panel extend into channel-section side members which are curved along their longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , any prcvious claim wherein the first support structure is a curved member. 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A method for installing a ceiling in a building using a system as claimed in any preceding claim, the method comprising:
 fixing the support structure to a ceiling member of the building;   coupling the first ends of the elongate support members to the support structure;   coupling the second ends of the elongate support members to the panel; and   adjusting the elongate support members to force the flexible panel into a desired shape.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein coupling the second ends of the elongate support members to the panel comprises coupling the second ends of the elongate support members to a side member of the flexible panel. 
     
     
         19 . A ceiling for a building comprising a ceiling member and a system as claimed in  claim 1 , the elongate support structure of the system being fitted to the ceiling member. 
     
     
         20 . A ceiling suspension system comprising a flexible panel assembly having a flexible panel and at least two elongate formations coupled to the panel and having a curved longitudinal profile of a desired shape, said formations being arranged to force the flexible panel into said desired shape, the system further comprising a plurality of elongate support members each comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each elongate support member is coupled to a support structure and the second end of each elongate support member is coupled to the flexible panel assembly, wherein the elongate formations comprise a channel section and opposite edges of the flexible panel extend into said channel sections. 
     
     
         21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein the panel assembly comprises a plurality of elongate mounting beams which extend between said elongate formations, the second ends of the elongate support members being attached to respective elongate mounting beams. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein at least one elongate support member is coupled to said elongate formation. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein the elongate support members are independently adjustable to vary the spacing between said flexible panel and said support structure. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein said support structure comprises an elongate support beam which, in use, extends generally parallel or perpendicular to the plane of the panel. 
     
     
         27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 26 , wherein the first ends of said elongate support members are slidably mounted to the support beam such that the position at which they connect to the beam can be adjusted. 
     
     
         29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 20  wherein said support structure is a curved member. 
     
     
         31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . (canceled) 
     
     
         34 . (canceled) 
     
     
         35 . A method for installing a ceiling in a building using a system as claimed in  claim 20 , the method comprising, in any order:
 fixing the support structure to a ceiling member of the building;   coupling the first ends of the elongate support members to the support structure;   coupling the second ends of the elongate support members to the panel; and   coupling at least one elongate formation to said flexible panel to force said flexible panel into a desired shape.   
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35  wherein coupling the second ends of the elongate support members to the panel comprises coupling the second ends of the elongate support members to an elongate formation. 
     
     
         37 . A ceiling for a building comprising a ceiling member and a system as claimed in  claim 20 , the elongate support structure of the system being fitted to said ceiling member.