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US-20260125901-A1 - INTERLOCKING PANEL

US20260125901A1US 20260125901 A1US20260125901 A1US 20260125901A1US-20260125901-A1

Abstract

An interlocking panel having a first edge and a second edge is provided. The first edge is provided with a plurality of tabs that protrude outward. The second edge is present on an opposite side of the first edge and is provided with a plurality of slots. The plurality of slots formed along the second edge are positioned such that they correspond to the position of the plurality of tabs and are adapted to receive a complementary plurality of tabs of another adjoining panel so that when the panels are to be assembled the tabs of the adjoining panel are guided into the corresponding complementary slots of the panel, the tabs passing through fit securely into the slots, creating a level joint and locking the panels into place, rendering a seamless visual appeal to the panel assembly.

Inventors

  • Varun Poddar
  • Kalkere Sannalingappa NAVEEN

Assignees

  • VOX INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SOLUTIONS PRIVATE LIMITED

Dates

Publication Date
20260507
Application Date
20240409
Priority Date
20230626

Claims (10)

  1. 1 . An interlocking panel, comprising: a first edge; plurality of tabs protruding from the first edge; a second edge, wherein the second edge is present on an opposite side of the first edge; and plurality of slots formed along the second edge, wherein the plurality of slots are positioned corresponding to the position of the plurality of tabs and are adapted to receive a complementary plurality of tabs of another adjoining panel when assembled to effect interlocking of panels to form a level joint.
  2. 2 . The interlocking panel as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of slots formed along the second edge are narrow openings, wherein the narrow openings facilitate the complementary plurality of tabs of another panel to pass through them when assembled.
  3. 3 . The interlocking panel as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of tabs protruding from the first edge are flat and have same thickness as the panel.
  4. 4 . The interlocking panel as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of tabs protruding from the first edge are uniformly spaced along the first edge.
  5. 5 . The interlocking panel as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of tabs protruding from the first edge have a grouping pattern comprising a repeating sequence of at least two groups of tabs.
  6. 6 . The interlocking panel as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the spacing between the tabs in each group is equal and the spacing between adjacent groups of tabs is greater than the distance between the tabs within each group.
  7. 7 . The interlocking panel as claimed in claim 1 , wherein end-profiles of the plurality of tabs protruding from the first edge have shape of trapezium, semi-circle or square.
  8. 8 . The interlocking panel as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the plurality of tabs protruding from the first edge have either same shaped end-profiles or form an alternating pattern of different shaped end-profiles.
  9. 9 . The interlocking panel as claimed in claim 1 , wherein width of the plurality of tabs protruding from the first edge is in the range of 10-80 mm and is either uniform or different.
  10. 10 . The interlocking panel as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the level joint formed between interlocked panels includes overlapping of at least some portion of one panel with another panel.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This U.S. patent application is a national phase entry of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/IN 2024/050367, filed Apr. 9, 2024, which claims priority to IN Patent Application No. 202341042845, filed Jun. 26, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD The present subject matter pertains, in general, to false ceiling panels used in modern architecture, and more specifically, to false ceiling panels that are equipped with an integrally formed coupling structures, enabling the interconnection of panels within the false ceiling. BACKGROUND In today's world, the aesthetics of the professional/personal space especially office, commercial complex, residential complex or theatres play a significant role in providing a visually pleasing experience for individuals. False ceilings are a popular design element utilized in modern architecture to enhance the overall appearance of the space. False ceilings are mostly secondary ceilings that are suspended below the main ceiling with the help of suspension cords or struts and are commonly used to conceal unsightly electrical wiring ducts, plumbing pipes, fire alarm ducts, structural elements, etc. In addition to this, false ceilings can also improve the acoustics of a space by reducing sound reverberation, enhance the lighting of the space by enabling the installation of recessed lighting fixtures, track lights, or other type of light fixtures. To obtain a lightweight ceiling, the ceilings are crafted from panels made from a variety of materials like POP (plaster of Paris), gypsum board, asbestos sheets, particle board, aluminium panel, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or wood etc. In a conventional false ceiling system, the metal or wood runners are arranged in a grid pattern and are spaced apart at regular intervals. The panels are inserted into the grid and secured in place using fasteners e.g., nails, screws, staples, etc. or clips. In false ceiling installations, T-trims play a crucial role as it acts as an accessory to connect and conceal joints between ceiling panels. Its primary purpose is to establish a stable framework by connecting the cross tees within the grid system of the false ceiling. In addition to this, it conceals joint lines between the ceiling panels, resulting in a unified surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components. FIG. 1 illustrates prior art assembly of panels, where two panels are connected using a T-trim. FIG. 2 illustrates an interlocking panel, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter. FIG. 3 illustrates another example of FIG. 2 in which tabs are protruding from the flat portion of the edge of the panel. FIG. 4 illustrates another example of FIGS. 2-3 in which tabs are protruding both from the flat portion and the grooved portion of the edge of the panel. FIG. 5 illustrates the manner in which plurality of tabs of panel as illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 are inserted through complementary slots of another adjoining panel. FIG. 6 illustrates another example of FIGS. 2-5 in which plurality of tabs of a panel are provided with trapezium shaped end profile. FIG. 7 illustrates another example of FIGS. 2-5 in which plurality of tabs of a panel are provided with semi-circle shaped end profile. FIG. 8 illustrates another example of FIGS. 2-7 in which plurality of tabs of a panel form an alternating pattern of different shaped end profiles. FIG. 9 illustrates another example of FIG. 7 in which plurality of tabs of are protruding both from the flat portion and grooved portion of the panel forming an alternating pattern of different shaped end profiles. FIG. 10 illustrates another example of FIGS. 2-9 in which plurality of tabs of a panel have varying width. FIG. 11 illustrates another example of FIGS. 2-10 in which plurality of tabs form a grouping pattern comprising a repeating sequence of at least two groups of tabs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION As mentioned previously, in the conventional approaches, when two ceiling panels are connected, a small gap or joint exists between them. T-trim is installed within this joint area, with its T shaped profile fitting over the edges of the panels. The horizontal part of the T-trim covers the joint, while the vertical stem extends down between the panels. The T-trim typically has flanges or lips on either side of the horizontal part of the trim, which grip onto the panels, holding them together. By effectively joining the panels and concealing the joint between them, the T-trim creates a cohesive surface, contributing to the overall appearance and functionality of the installation. However, it is important to consider the appe