Linear Profile Support Element and Lighting Module For Suspended Ceiling Systems

Abstract

A linear profile support element and ceiling grid lighting module for suspended ceiling systems is provided. The linear profile support element is configured to connect onto a T-bar within a ceiling grid system and has at least two lateral supporting portions to hold an optical device and ceiling panel in position with one or both offset from the ceiling grid plane. In embodiments having the ceiling panel on an upper lateral support portion, a recessed volume is created in the ceiling grid system which functions as an optical cavity for light from an optical device mounted at the lower lateral supporting portion. With a ceiling panel mounted on the lower lateral supporting portion, the panel is dropped with respect to the ceiling grid plane and the optical device can be aligned at an upper lateral supporting portion horizontally, for example to project light onto a surrounding ceiling panel and provide indirect lighting from the ceiling. Ceiling panels mounted on the lateral supporting portions can be either standard ceiling grid panels or panels alternatively configured for specific appearance or reflectance properties. Various embodiments are described that provide a range of useful mounting options for both the optical system and ceiling panel, including configurations with tilted ceiling panels. Multiple linear supporting elements can be used to create an enhanced three-dimensional appearance to the suspended ceiling system as well as interesting features such as fully or partially illuminated panels, cavities, coves or edges. Ceiling grid lighting module embodiments integrate the linear profile support element with an optical device for pre-configured light distribution and form factor that can be easily installed in a ceiling grid system.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.